Legendary trainer Freddie Roach sends warning to Josh Taylor ahead of world-title bout

Legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach is not buying into the hype surrounding Josh Taylor.
Josh Taylor will be backed by a loyal supportJosh Taylor will be backed by a loyal support
Josh Taylor will be backed by a loyal support

That’s not to say he doesn’t rate the Prestonpans fighter and current WBC Silver champion, the American just believes the 28-year-old has too many chinks in his armour that will see undefeated Ivan Baranchyk retain his IBF world super lightweight title at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro tomorrow night.

After parting company with former coach Pedro Diaz little more than seven weeks ago, Belarusian Baranchyk, who resides in the US, sent out an SOS to the world-renowned Roach to take him under his wing in his bid to secure a spot in the final of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) this weekend.

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Roach, now 59, who was instrumental in steering Filipino Manny Pacquiao – Taylor’s idol – to numerous world titles across eight weight divisions, accepted the Eastern European’s offer and has arrived in Scotland fully expecting his man to inflict the first defeat of Taylor’s professional career.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 14: Ivan Baranchyk of Russia with legendary trainer Freddie Roach of USA during a Media Work out ahead of the Muhammad Ali Trophy Semi-Finals - World Boxing Super Series Fight Night at MTK Global Scotland on May 14, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 14: Ivan Baranchyk of Russia with legendary trainer Freddie Roach of USA during a Media Work out ahead of the Muhammad Ali Trophy Semi-Finals - World Boxing Super Series Fight Night at MTK Global Scotland on May 14, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 14: Ivan Baranchyk of Russia with legendary trainer Freddie Roach of USA during a Media Work out ahead of the Muhammad Ali Trophy Semi-Finals - World Boxing Super Series Fight Night at MTK Global Scotland on May 14, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“I think Josh has habits that he falls into all the time. You make a move, he makes the same kind of move back there every time and if we can open him up, I think he’s vulnerable to my guy,” Roach explained. “I don’t think he’s one of the best yet. He does the same thing over and over when he’s counter punching and so forth. He has a lot of bad habits we can take advantage of I feel, and we’ll show you tomorrow night.

“It’s going to be a very exciting fight and when the crowd’s on our side, what happens then? They can’t get in the ring and help him. I think the crowd’s going to be on our side by the end of the night. Scotland has great fans and they appreciate great boxing. I think I have the better fighter on the inside and they’ll be on our side by the end of the night.

“The Scottish fans will appreciate Ivan’s style. He’s a very game fighter, he likes to bang and I know the Scottish people love people who love to fight, and he loves to fight.”

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It’s not the first time Roach has set foot on these shores. He was in Steve Collins’ corner when the Irishman retained his WBO world super middleweight title against Craig Cummings at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall in July 1997. However, he’s excited to see what the Hydro serves up tomorrow night.

Roach said: “This building (Hydro) right over from my hotel is enormous. It looks a really nice stadium and looks like a really nice place to fight in and be enjoyed by a lot of people I hope. I’ve had haggis in the past, the last time I was here with Steve Collins but it’s not my favourite dish. It’s edible...

“Since I arrived I’ve had a walk around the streets. Everybody asks ‘Freddie Roach what are you doing here?’ How come they don’t know there’s a fight? Come on, give me a break! But they’re very nice. They just want a picture so there’s no harm in it.”

Baranchyk, meanwhile, remains unfazed by the challenge that awaits him in Glasgow. He believes he holds the aces that will see him go on to contest the WBSS final for boxing’s most sought-after prize, the Muhammad Ali Trophy, against American Regis Prograis, also undefeated, later this year.

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“I am very confident of winning,” said Baranchyk. “I am going to beat Taylor by beating him again and again and then beating him some more.

“I know that Taylor is a talented fighter and that the fight is in his backyard, but I am looking forward to putting on a spectacular performance and defending my title. The boxing fans in Glasgow can expect me to beat up their hero!”

“Who can beat me? I will do what I need to do to get that trophy. But, for now, all of my attention is on defeating Taylor.”