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“You Don’t Tell Me, I Tell You”: Legendary Trainer Reveals Real Reason He Refused to Train Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

Published 01/20/2024, 2:34 AM EST

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Over the years, legendary trainer Kenny Adams has trained 26 world-champion boxers in the sport. With Kenny’s guidance, several boxers including Diego Corrales, Kennedy McKinney, Vince Phillips, and Mike McCallum improved their skills significantly in the ring. As a result, given Adams’ reputation, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao approached the coach too.

However, despite the resume of the two stars, Adams refused to train them. In a recent interview, he has now revealed the real reason he declined the offers to train Floyd and Manny. Well, here is what the strict disciplinarian said.

Kenny Adams sheds light on “the problem” with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

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Recently, FightHype interviewed trainer Kenny Adams. On being asked why he refused to train ‘TBE’, the 83-year-old explained that with Mayweather, it was difficult for him to be in complete charge of Floyd’s training. While Adams wanted to guide Mayweather using his methods, Mayweather wanted Adams to proceed as per the instructions of ‘TBE’. As a result, Adams had to decline the offer. “I had the opportunity to work with Floyd, you know,” Adams said.

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But, I did not because it’s my way or the highway. Floyd had to understand that. You don’t tell me, I tell you. And so, we got along behind that. We just understood it wasn’t going to be just like he wanted it,” added the 83-year-old. At this, the journalist immediately asked Kenny why he also refused to train Manny Pacquiao. Replying to which Adams claimed Pacquiao wanted the trainer to stay in the Philippines.

Well, the problem there was he wanted me to come over there. I’m not doing that. I’m not going to come to your home and you be in a position to know how to sneak and hide. That’s what the problem was there,” Adams explained. Before concluding, Kenny also revealed why he did not yield to Manny and Floyd’s demands.

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Adams emphasizes discipline in a boxer

As per Adams, a boxer must be disciplined. So, the boxer must obey the orders of the coach. Likewise, Adams did not want to give Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao an edge. “My way or the highway. it had to be that because he’s got to be disciplined. And that’s the key for discipline. He can’t be in charge. No, if he be in charge, what do he need me for?” said Kenny.

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In addition, Adams mentioned Pat Nappi and Pappy Gault, figures who taught him the importance of the coach being in charge of the fighter’s training. With that said, do you think Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao ever lacked discipline? Also, would it have been beneficial had the duo worked with Kenny Adams? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Samrat Sardar

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Arijit Saha