Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao: 'Floyd Mayweather did not want this fight. He was forced into it,' says Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach
'I just don't know why Floyd has gone quiet for this fight. His speech is very subdued'
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Your support makes all the difference.Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has questioned whether Floyd Mayweather will "show up" on Saturday night for their $300m super-fight, and says that the unbeaten American has been forced into the fight by his TV paymasters.
The build up to the richest fight in history has been notable for the lack of trash talking from Mayweather and Roach, Pacquiao's master trainer, views that as a symptom of his uncertainty.
Roach believes the 38-year-old's television paymasters Showtime, who have outlaid a minimum of £130million for a six-fight contract, ordered the clash the boxing world has craved for the last five years.
"I really am wondering if he's going to turn up on the night," Roach said during the pair's final press conference before the Las Vegas bout last night.
"I don't think any fighter is afraid, but I don't think he wanted this fight. He was forced into a fight he didn't want to take.
"I just don't know why Floyd has gone quiet for this fight. His speech is very subdued.
"I think Floyd was forced into this fight and it's not a fight he wants. He always gets to pick and choose his opponents, but he wasn't able to pick and choose this one because Showtime wanted this fight."
"I don't think he wants this fight. Sometimes we do things we have to do to please companies and to make money. He was forced into a fight he didn't want."
Mayweather, 38, is an 11-time, five-weight world champion, while the Filipino Pacquiao, 36, has won versions of the world title at a record eight different weights.
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The fight will be broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office for UK viewers. The fight will cost £19.95 to purchase on Box Office, and will cost an additional £2 booking fee for those who book on the day.
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