NEW YORK (AP) — Trainer Freddie Roach believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be preparing for a long-awaited showdown with Manny Pacquiao by returning to the ring in September.
Roach, trainer of the Filipino sensation, told The Associated Press in a phone interview on Wednesday that he thinks Mayweather has agreed to fight young welterweight titleholder Victor Ortiz because it would help get him ready for a fight against Pacquiao.
Ortiz and Pacquiao are both fast, high-volume punchers, and they’re also left-handers.
The undefeated Mayweather, who will be ending a 16-month layoff, has rarely fought left-handed opponents. The few he has, such as Zab Judah, have given him some trouble.
Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez in November.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.