Trainer Freddie Roach accepts that Manny Pacquiao will have two alternatives after facing Jeff Horn on Saturday: seek a second bout against Floyd Mayweather or contemplate retirement.
Pacquiao’s future will be defined by the outcome of the bout. The 11-time world champion Filipino exposes his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt against the 29-year-old Australian Horn.
According to Roach “Pac-Man” is in a situation where he must win and impress because he is looking for a rematch with Mayweather.
The fight against Horn will take place at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia where a crowd of 50,000 spectators are expected to witness the “Battle of Brisbane”.
Roach has been coaching Pacquiao for years, and believes that his 38-year-old pupil can still give him some victories. However, If Pacquiao has difficulties in this fight his career could end, Roach warned.
Roach was specifically asked what would happen if Horn (16-0-1, 11 KO’s) pulls an upset over Pacquiao and Roach said that in that case he could even recommend Pacquiao to retire.
Roach expects the best of “Manny” in this fight and hopes he will get a dominant victory against the Australian. If that happens, Roach said they can then think of bigger and better things.
Pacquiao said that if presented with an opportunity to face Mayweather again he would accept it, but first he has to focus on the fight against Horn because he does not want to underestimate his opponent thinking about what may come next.
In 2015, Pacquiao lost his fight to Mayweather. He then beat Tim Bradley and Jessie Vargas by decision, and now wants a new opportunity against “Money”.
Horn turned pro in 2013, a year after reaching the quarter-finals at the London Olympics. He already faced 10 fighters considered among the top 15 of his category during 17 professional bouts, but none of them were anywhere near Pacquiao’s level.
