De La Hoya turns to Roach
Oscar De La Hoya will be trained by Freddie Roach for his WBC light-middleweight super-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr after deciding not use his usual trainer – Floyd Mayweather Sr.
De La Hoya, 33, is usually trained by Mayweather’s estranged father but understandably decided to employ someone else for the May 5 showdown.
And revered cornerman Roach, trainer of pound-for-pound favourite Manny Pacquiao, has unsurprisingly been given the honour by De La Hoya.
“Freddie and I have known each other for many years, and I am very happy that at this point in my career he has accepted my offer to be my trainer,” said champion De La Hoya.
“I felt very humbled by the fact that many great trainers reached out and offered their services, but after sitting down with Freddie, I quickly realised that this is the man I want to have in my corner come May 5.
“Freddie’s accomplishments speak for themselves, and I look forward to working with him and getting in the best shape of my career to conquer yet another challenge.”
Roach, who will also be training Filipino Pacquiao for his April 28 super-featherweight showdown with Korean Injin Chi, said: “I’m happy to be working with Oscar for this fight, which for a trainer is not only a dream opportunity, but a great challenge and responsibility.
“I’m going to do everything in my power, and I know Oscar will as well, to ensure victory on May 5.”
De La Hoya is already building up to his training regime for the fight, which will officially get under way in Puerto Rico in March.
Roach has also trained Mike Tyson, James Toney, Virgil Hill and Ulsterman Wayne McCullough.
