Amir Khan backtracks from insensitive comments regarding Freddie Roach’s illness – Boxing News
British-Pakistani fighter Amir Khan is trying to cool down his former trainer Freddie Roach and the latter’s fans, who were appalled by the Briton’s insensitive remarks for the Hall of Famer trainer. In a press conference for his upcoming showdown against
Carlos Molina, Khan spoke of Roach’s illness, asserting that the three-time trainer of the year was unable to train him well.
“It's hard to see him older and getting worse. I wish him the best. Freddie, with the Parkinson's disease, he was struggling with instructions and couldn't move as well,” said Khan for Roach.
Roach immediately tracked Khan’s statements and expressed disappointment over it. According to Roach, his illness had nothing to do with training Khan, and if it was the matter then why was Khan, his father and his lawyer pestering him to fire Manny Pacquiao
and focus only on Khan.
“Hey guys I didn't say Freddie Roach is a bad trainer, he's one of the best out there,” tweeted Khan following Roach’s comments.
“I blame myself for the losses in my career. Not blaming Freddie Roach or anyone. I just needed a change,” said Khan.
For now, Khan is working with last year’s trainer of the year Virgil Hunter, who took fighter Andre Ward to the heights of success. Khan had earlier notified that Hunter’s training techniques are different from those of Roach. According to the former champion,
Roach emphasised on beating opponents, whereas Hunter is emphasising on perfecting his game.
Khan fired Roach last month following his knockout loss to American unbeaten fighter Danny Garcia. Khan was knocked out in the third round but he managed to get back to his game only to be put to the canvas in the fourth round again.
For now, the Briton is hopeful that Virgil Hunter will teach him what Roach could not. According to Khan, he learnt whatever he had to from Roach and now he needed a change and move on with his career, which is why he chose Virgil Hunter as his new trainer.
Khan has taken his comments back, saying that he never meant to establish that Roach was responsible for his losses.
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