Manny Pacquiao Is The New Muhammad Ali, Freddie Roach Says

Freddie Roach hailed Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao as the next Muhammad Ali.

During the 2000s and early 2010s, Roach and Pacquiao won an array of title fights together. In fact, even to this day, no other duo in boxing drew more success and notoriety than Roach and Pacquiao. To put it into context, the eight-division title holder boasts a total of 27-5-2 record during his time with Roach. And in the process, Pacquiao became one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Roach, who has trained 27 World champions, recently revealed on social media that he built the world-famous Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles in the hopes of stumbling upon the next Ali. Apparently, the Hall of Fame coach already found his next Ali in Pacquiao.

“I’ve always said I built my gym just in case the next Muhammad Ali walked through the door—Manny Pacquiao is my Muhammad Ali,” Roach wrote on his Twitter account.

Roach’s claim could spark debates in boxing. However, just like Ali, Pacquiao decisively cemented his name as one of the greatests to ever step inside the ring. And after working together for a long period of time, not to mention the list of world titles they have compiled together, it’s totally understandable for Roach to hail Pacquiao as the new GOAT in boxing.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao reportedly has taken a step closer to making the Conor McGregor fight come to fruition. The boxing legend has signed a new deal with Paradigm Sports Management, the same management that represents the UFC star.

According to a release from the firm on Tuesday, the same company that represents a list of high profile MMA stars is expected to work with Pacquiao’s current team. The said team includes Pacquaio’s business manager Arnold Vegafria, associate Ping Nepomuceno and his attorney Brando Viernesto. The firm also announced that they will be in “full service” on the mission to "maximize Pacquiao’s historic career."

Following the new merger, many assume that the possibility of Pacquiao vs. McGregor coming together for a boxing showdown becomes a bit clearer.

McGregor, who has welcomed the idea of a fight with Pacquiao, revealed that he was close to signing a deal with the Filipino legend a few years ago. Pacquiao and his team on the other hand, has once stated that if the UFC star really wants a fight, all he has to do is reach out to the right people.