Freddie Roach is all over the news once again because of Manny Pacquiao’s return to action against Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for the WBA title. However, Roach’s life and his story will always thrill boxing fans for all the right reasons. The legendary coach is considered one of the greatest trainers in the sport. But it hasn’t always been a fairy tale ride for the 61-year-old.

The veteran trainer faced difficult odds throughout in his life. But he beat them all to register his name in the history books. From his in-ring to outer-ring activities, Roach has touched success in several forms.

Most people only know him as Manny Pacquiao’s coach, here are five things you probably didn’t know about Freddie Roach.

Life of Freddie Roach

Professional boxer: Roach became a professional boxer at the age of 18, but couldn’t ever become a prizefighter. Boasting off a 39 (15 KOs)- 13, Roach lost all three of his biggest fights against Hector Camacho, Greg Haugen, and Bobby Chacon. But in his career as a coach, he trained many to become what he couldn’t.

Telemarketer:- After retiring from boxing, Roach ran out of money. He even took a job as a telemarketer to make ends meet. But couldn’t keep himself away from the action for much longer. He quit the job later and chose to become a trainer, which would eventually prove to be a smart decision.

Abusive Father: Growing up in Massachusetts, Roach had a tough childhood. His father was a former fighter who planted the seeds of boxing in Roach and all his brothers. Interestingly, Freddie Roach and his father had both won the New England featherweight title before ‘The Choir’ laced up gloves professionally.

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Parkinson’s disease: Freddie Roach contracted some harsh injuries in his career and suffers from Parkinson’s disease. It often causes slurred speech and even troubles his movement and walking. Such injuries are quite common in the sport of boxing, and Roach has had to pay the price.

The Best: Roach as a trainer is an all-tie elite and has honed many legends on the ride. Apart from Manny Pacquiao, he has trained UFC elite GSP, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Mike Tyson, and the list goes on. Meanwhile, Roach is now in an active camp with ‘PacMan’.

Read More | “It’s Okay”- Manny Pacquiao Claims to Have Sized Up Yordenis Ugas

Where is Manny Pacquiao training?

After two years of lay-off, Manny Pacquiao is back to working with Freddie Roach for his next fight. The two are honing themselves at Wild Card Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada. Behind-the-scenes, Roach might be the biggest person on Manny Pacquiao’s camp. He understands the Filipino legend to his core. Hence the pair looks favorable to unleash another historic moment on the fight night.

Watch This Story: 5 Eye-Opening Facts About Manny Pacquiao