Roach says Pacquiao should have a rematch with Horn then retire

MANILA - Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach said on Saturday that he wanted to see Manny Pacquiao call it a day after the Filipino eight-division champ gets a rematch with Australian Jeff Horn.

Pacquiao, 38, lost his WBO world welterweight title to Horn last July in a highly controversial unanimous decision in Australia. There were discussions for a rematch for the last quarter of 2017, but negotiations fell through.

"I hope that he goes forward with that fight (Horn rematch) and after it he retires from boxing," Roach told ESPN. "It is a fight that is supposed to take place next year, and the date could not be set due to Manny's work regarding his duties within politics in his position as senator."

Roach says retirement was something he has talked about with Pacquiao as of late, citing how he can’t bear the thought of seeing his prized pupil retire without a world title around his waist.

"I have talked a lot about this lately with Manny about this having these dueling jobs as a boxer and as a legislator of his country, and both demand a lot of responsibility, dedication and also a lot of time," said Roach. "I could not conceive seeing Pacquiao in a secondary position other than as a world champion." — DVM, GMA News