Roach’s Experience With Pacquiao-Barrera Bouts Will Help Khan Win

Freddie Roach was in the corner of the ring when Barrera got beaten twice by Pacquiao. Roach’s familiarity with the fighting style of Barrera will certainly be an advantage for Amir Khan as he step into the Manchester Arena this coming Saturday.

Six years ago, Roach felt that it might too soon for the 24 year old Pacquiao to fight Barrera. Today, Roach does not feel the same way with the young Olympic silver medallist . “It's the perfect time — 22-year-old kid against a 35-year-old veteran. We respect Barrera and there's a lot we have to look out from him. Barrera can set-up guys with his experience but we've really prepared for that.” said the popular trainer in a Fox Sports website article. Speed was a key ingredient in Pacquiao’s first victory against Barrera and a tight defense in his second unanimous decision win. There is no doubt that Roach will use these factors this weekend. Khan has shown that he can match Pacquiao’s speed in his sparring session with him. Freddie and his assistant trainer , former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer , has been working with Khan’s defensive strategy and footwork. Roach mentioned that Barrera’s best fights were at the 122 and 126 pound division and believes that Khan is too big and strong for Barrera at the 135 pound category. Amir has also a longer reach and height than the Baby faced Assassin. Roach will certainly find a way to use these physical advantages to ensure victory for his young prospect.