Why is Freddie Roach Such a Great Trainer?
When it comes to boxing trainers, there’s little question about who is at the top of the sport. Freddie Roach has collected every accolade possible in the last few years, including being named “Trainer of the Year” by the Boxing Writers Association of America four times (including this past year). The list of current fighters who train out of his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood include Manny Pacquaio, Amir Khan, Felix Strum and Vanes Martrisoyan.
The fact that Roach has fighters lining up to work with him is the greatest indication about the regard he is held in within the sport. One of the big reasons that Roach is so frequently sought out is his ability to help fighters reach the next level in their careers. He most famously did that with Pacquiao, helping to turn him from a popular brawler to one of the most dynamic and skilled overall boxers in recent history.
It’s more than just Pacquaio who Roach has helped to turn their career around. Amir Khan began working with Roach after he was shockingly knocked out by Breidis Prescott in the first round in 2008. Since then, Roach has helped Khan improve his defence while polishing elements of his game. It was all on display in his American debut in May when he dominated former champion Paulie Malignaggi. Roach’s magic was on display in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s fight in June against John Duddy. Chavez Jr. showed previously unseen displays of confidence and toughness in beating a game and difficult Duddy in his first fight under Roach’s tutelage, putting himself in line for a world title shot.
A big reason that Roach is so successful is that he stresses the physical fitness and stamina of his fighters. Even though his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood is a throwback to the gritty gyms of earlier generations, he still employs some advanced techniques to make sure that his fighters are in the best shape possible. Perhaps the secret weapon of Roach’s operation is the Wild Card Gym strength and training coach Alex Ariza, who has developed a programme that includes advanced use of plyometric workouts in order to help them be strong in the later rounds of fights.
Roach is also willing to put his neck on the line and make himself the centre of attention in order to keep the heat off of his fighters ahead of a big event. Some critics have said that Roach has a need to be in the spotlight, which is why he frequently makes disparaging comments about his fighter’s opponents ahead of a big fight. However, people close to Roach say that he actually uses the media as a tactical weapon. He knows how to get under the skin of his fighter’s opponents while taking the pressure off his own charges by making the pre-fight hype about the opponent.
But at the end of the day, the main reason that Roach is such a great trainer is the incredible bond he is able to forge with his fighters. He is a former boxer himself, although he never rose to the level of stardom as many of his charges. However, that hasn’t fazed his fighters – Roach was a contender because of grit and determination rather than talent. His fighters know that he has worked hard his entire life and give him the respect he needs.
Roach’s life is in his training – he even lives upstairs of the Wild Card Gym, and many of his fighters have spent time living with him while training for big fights. Beyond the excellent strategic help that he provides fighters, Roach’s greatest asset is his ability to connect with fighters and motivate them to reach their full potential.
Tags: