Sharon Tolbert-Glover, a former nun who now resides in Minneapolis, recalled the night she argued with Muhammad Ali over race issues fifty years ago during a speaking event at Canisius College in Buffalo. USA TODAY Network
One of the longest and most successful partnerships in boxing came to an abrupt end Friday when Manny Pacquiao announced that he will have a new trainer in his corner to replace Freddie Roach when he fights on July 14.
Roach trained Pacquiao (39-4, 36 KOs) for 15 years, helping the Filipino become one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters and one of its biggest draws.
Pacquiao’s lone public reference to the switch came in the final line of a news release about his fight this summer for the welterweight title against champion Lucas Matthysse. "Pacquiao will be joined by his new promotions team along with trainers Restituto 'Buboy' Fernandez and Raides 'Nonoy' Neri."
Roach told Yahoo Sports that Pacquiao did not notify him of the move.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t hurt that he didn’t contact me personally about his decision,” Roach said in a statement.
Roach wished the best to Pacquiao, who is 39 years old and last fought July 2, 2017, when he lost a controversial unanimous decision to Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia.
“Manny and I had a great run for 15 years – longer than most marriages and certainly a rarity for boxing,” Roach said. “I wouldn’t trade any of it. Inside the boxing ring and the political ring, I wish Manny nothing but the best.”
