Roach Plays Hard, Works Harder in Mexico

The world’s greatest boxing trainer, Freddie Roach, has found a new home in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico where he has been for the past two weeks preparing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for his next fight.

“I have found this to be a very great experience. I did not know what to expect but it has been great. The people are very nice and, to my surprise, they know who I am. I thought the only other place I was known outside of the U.S. was the Philippines,” said Roach, smiling.

Roach is training Chavez Jr. for the January 29 fight against BILLY LYELL, which will take place in the Banorte Soccer Stadium.

“People come up to me and ask me to take care of Julio and get him ready to fight for a championship,”said Roach. “They ask for my autograph and take pictures with me. This people are very hospitable.” 

Roach loves the food and has made some trips to nearby beaches in Mazatlan and Tata.

He said: “I just love their seafood, and I have even begun to eat their hot salsa. I also like the Mexican Banda music that is so popular here; it has a very unique sound with all the instruments they play with.”

But Roach has also worked hard with Chavez Jr. during his stay and was more than happy with the facilities.

“We everything we need here, and Julio is working very hard. He will be ready for the fight and for Billy Lyell,” added Roach.

Roach will return to the United States on Sunday, Jan. 30 and will be back at the Wild Card in Hollywood, California on Monday Jan. 31.