Roach wants Pacquiao out of boxing by early next year

Thursday, 11 March 2010 04:34 PM Jay Salazar

Freddie Roach wants his prized ward, seven-division champion Manny Pacquiao, out of the ring for good by early next year, after two more fights at the most.

In an interview with Michael Leahy of The Washington Post, Roach, who thinks of Pacquiao as a son, said he has assumed the responsibility of making sure the fighter leaves the sport at the top of his game and in good shape. "Two fights left," Roach said. "That's what I hope. Just two. I'm the one who has to make sure he gets out of it okay."

The world-famous trainer, also a former boxer, does not want Pacquiao to end up like him -- retiring penniless with 39 wins (with 15 knockouts), 13 losses, and one no contest. Roach also suffers from Parkinson's disease, a degenerative condition that he blames on the wear and tear of his boxing career. Many studies have suggested that there could be a link between the sport and Parkinson's disease.

In boxing, the head is hit by blows coming at high speed and with great force. The trauma may lead to shear movement between different brain tissues, which in turn can result in microhemorrhages, or multiple small bleeds. The microhemorrhages could be a factor that increases one's risk of getting Parkinson's disease, but there is no clear, conclusive scientific evidence at present.

"With everything else Manny has earned, that should be enough for him," Roach said. "I want him healthy, wealthy and happy. I don't ever want him having to take all the medication I have to take."

Roach takes several pills to control the disease, which causes him to shake and stutter on occasion.

"I might retire, too," he added. "I've been doing this a long time."

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