Trainers for Pacquiao, Hatton get into it at Times luncheon

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

When I saw the invitation list for The Times’ Monday luncheon for boxers Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton as they publicize their May 2 fight in Las Vegas, I worried that rival trainers Freddie Roach (Pacquiao) and Floyd Mayweather Sr. (Hatton) would be too close to each other.

Anywhere in the same building is too close.

Sure enough, somewhere in the line of questioning, Mayweather Sr. and Roach renewed their fierce rivalry and the back-and-forth lasted a good 10 minutes. Some of it was captured below on video as the pair exchanged ongoing verbal barbs.

When Mayweather said he would’ve defeated Roach had they ever fought in the 1980s, Roach said, ‘You smash me? Please.’

‘I was a damn good fighter,’ Mayweather said.

Roach knew exactly how to follow, asking, ‘Who was better, you or [Mayweather’s brother], Roger?’

Mayweather was replaced as his son’s trainer by his brother, Roger, and the pair have spent extended periods not speaking to each other.

‘You’re just upset you can’t talk like I can talk,’ Mayweather said.

Roach, who had previously made fun of Mayweather’s speech pattern, responded, ‘True. You’re a great talker and a great poet.’

Times sports columnist Bill Dwyre will have more on Pacquiao-Hatton later tonight on latimes.com/sports.

-- Lance Pugmire