Prior to the DLH fight i did not quite understand the fuss over Freddie Roach's abilities as a trainer. After the Hatton fight i finally understand. The man is a analytical and tactical genius. Despite being a boxer of limited physical ability his insight into the game can not be questioned. His best work, Manny Pacquaio keeps improving with every fight and it appears every weight. I believe Roach has a relationship with Manny which is unbreakable. RARELY do we see a fighter who 110% trusts his coach unconditionally. In fights where Manny has given up physical advantages Roach has mapped out a game plan which Manny sticks to brilliantly displaying his unconditional trust and belief in Roach. Against DLH it was the feint to the right followed by the potshot south paw left down the pipe followed by a duck to the right to neutralise the DLH left hook/jab. Even against Diaz, his combination punching and footwork was dream like. Tonight from the start the use of the MUCH improved right hook (NOT EVEN SETTING THEM UP ALSO) befuddled Ricky whilst he was attempting to circle to his left at an angle to get inside to throw his wide hooks caused his ultimate down fall. This was so apparent Ricky did not wish to throw left hooks after being tagged numerously. Hatton got so worried about the right hook he forgot the left hand.......and walked right into it. To Freddie Roach physically limited as a fighter but analytically and tactically astute as a trainer. P.S May sound like im a *******. I can assure you i am not.
