Freddie Roach Found The Next Manny Pacquiao

Hall of Famer boxing coach Freddie Roach may have found his next Manny Pacquiao.

Roach and Pacquiao have a lasting relationship in boxing. Almost all throughout Pacquiao’s prime, Roach has managed to ensure that the Filipino legend always performed at his best. Now that Pacquiao is already in his 40’s, the age category which boxing regards as the “twilight years,” Roach could safely say that it is about time to look for the next Pacquiao.

It did not take long for the veteran trainer to find a fighter who has the potential to become the next Pacquiao. Roach apparently found the resemblance in Gor Yeritsyan, an undefeated, hard-hitting Armenian welterweight boxer.

Yeritsyan arrived to America two months ago and walked straight into Wild Card looking to find his luck in the U.S. after running through the competition in Russia.

The 24-year-old Yeritsyan met Roach as the trainer was preparing Pacquiao for the Keith Thurman fight. Shortly after the eight-division title holder returned to Philippines following his victory, Roach discovered that he had another fighter who resembled Pacquiao.

In an exclusive interview with Boxing Scene, Roach described Yeritsyan as an “all-around” fighter who also carries power in both hands just like Pacquiao.

“He just showed up to the gym one day. Gor is a very good boxer and all-around fighter with power in both hands who throws good combinations. He reminds me of a young Manny Pacquaio. He’s been working hard since the first day I met him. I like that in fighters,” Roach revealed.

Roach also commended Yeritsyan’s work ethics which he also compared to Pacquiao’s.

“He’s getting better and better every day. He doesn’t take breaks. He doesn’t stop. Work. Work. Work, just like Pacquaio,” Roach noted.

Yeritsyan, on his part, was honored to be compared to a boxing icon by arguably the most credible person for the job. He also revealed that as early as now, Roach has been trying to mold him as the next pound-for-pound king by correcting even the minor mistakes.

“That is the ultimate compliment. We understand each other well, and we respect each other. So far everything is going great. He corrects minor mistakes before it could become a bad habit. I feel I’ve improved already,” Yeritsyan said.

With all the titles “Pacman” has won with Roach, nobody can question Roach’s judgment regarding the matter. But until then, Pacquiao still has a legacy to maintain and to this day, no one has been able to put an end to his stellar career.