Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, was involved in a physical altercation with
Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, was involved in a physical altercation with the entourage of opponent Brandon Rios on Wednesday, days before their fight.
Roach approached Rios’ trainer, Robert Garcia, in the gym both camps are sharing at The Venetian casino on Macau’s Cotai Strip, saying they had gone past their scheduled training time and should leave.
Video of the incident shows a heated argument before Roach was kicked in the upper body by Alex Ariza, a member of the Rios camp who formerly worked alongside Roach in Pacquiao’s corner.
Roach demanded on-site security call the police and initially wanted to press assault charges against Ariza. But Bob Arum, chief executive of Top Rank, which promotes both fighters, talked him out of it, for fear it could derail this weekend’s bout for the vacant WBO welterweight title.
Pacquiao indirectly addressed the issue during a promotional media appearance later Wednesday.
“Let everything finish in the ring,” Pacquiao said.
OMG What a little punk! Hope Pacquiao demolishes Rios tomorrow!
Source AP