Freddie Roach has meant everything to my professional boxing career and to me personally. I cannot overstate my feelings for him.
We bonded the first time we ever worked together and that was at Wild Card Boxing Club in 2001. My then-manager brought me to Wild Card looking for someone to hit the mitts with me and Freddie volunteered. After the first round I went back to my corner and said, "I just found my new trainer," and Freddie went back to his corner and said, "I just found my new fighter." We've been a team ever since.
Our first fight together was when we got a late call to challenge IBF junior featherweight champion Lehlo Ledwaba. We had only worked together four or five weeks and we won our first world title together when I knocked Ledwaba out. If that's not a sign I don't know what is. It was providence.
My English was not very good back then but we had no problem understanding each other. Our success as a professional team can be read on my resume, but it's our relationship outside the ring which has meant so much more to me
At various times Freddie has been a father and a brother to me. When I needed advice or assistance he always came through for me, either personally or by setting me up with the right people. He has been such a big influence on me and he has had a great impact on my life and my career. He gave me the foundation to become the person I am today and if not for Freddie perhaps I would not be able to accomplish the things I have. I am successful and independent because of the years of guidance Freddie has given to me.
As a trainer Freddie inspires me to be the best I can be inside the gym and inside the ring. He is a wonderful teacher. The way he lives his life and faces his affliction inspires me personally and spiritually.
Freddie Roach has been good for my soul. He has been a blessing. I never want to let Master Freddie down and I will always pray for him.
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