We know you have a fantastic relationship with Freddie Roach. How much has he meant to you personally & professionally?
"Freddie Roach has meant everything to my professional boxing career and to me personally. I cannot overstate my feelings for him.
"Freddie Roach has meant everything to my professional boxing career and to me personally. I cannot overstate my feelings for him.
"We bonded the first time we
ever worked together and that was at Wild Card Boxing Club in 2001. My
then-manager brought me to Wild Card looking for someone to hit the
mitts with me and Freddie volunteered. After the first round I went
back to my corner and said, "I just found my new trainer," and Freddie
went back to his corner and said, "I just found my new fighter."
We've been a team ever since.
"Our first fight together was
when we got a late call to challenge IBF junior featherweight champion
Lehlo Ledwaba. We had only worked together four or five weeks and we
won our first world title together when I knocked Ledwaba out. If
that's not a sign I don't know what is. It was providence.
"My English was not very good
back then but we had no problem understanding each other. Our success
as a professional team can be read on my resume, but it's our
relationship outside the ring which has meant so much more to me.
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"At various times Freddie has
been a father and a brother to me. When I needed advice or assistance
he always came through for me, either personally or by setting me up
with the right people. He has been such a big influence on me and he
has had a great impact on my life and my career. He gave me the
foundation to become the person I am today and if not for Freddie
perhaps I would not be able to accomplish the things I have. I am
successful and independent because of the years of guidance Freddie has
given to me.
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