![\"Freddie\"](\"http:\/\/ringsidereport.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/Freddie.jpg\")
<\/a>By Jesse \u201cNew School\u201d Wright<\/strong><\/p>\nUnlike any other competitive sport, the moment a fighter steps through the ropes becomes the most definitive moment of his career. One loss can be the ungraceful plunge from a lifetime climb up a ladder that vulnerably supports a fighter\u2019s pride. In loss, it is understandable that the constant positive reaffirmation built up over time by a proud fighter will simply not allow for the justification of a loss. Behind every great fighter, there is one hell of a comeback story.<\/p>\n
Jean Pascal, 30-3-1 17KO\u2019s redeveloped himself by moving on to a new trainer in Freddie Roach for a January 30th rematch against the ruthless Russian Sergey \u201cKrusher\u201d Kovalev, 28-0-1 25 KO\u2019s after suffering an 8th round knockout in their last battle. Pascal states \u201cThis is all about continuing to improve myself with a new trainer, new technique and new approach. This will allow me to demonstrate a new Jean Pascal in the ring on January 30th.\u201d <\/p>\n
As a seven time Trainer of The Year recipient, Roach has the legendary credential which grants him permission to speak his opinion. He usually does. In regards to making adjustments, Roach states \u201cWe don\u2019t want him to fall into his old style and lay on the ropes. Jean Pascal doesn\u2019t work with Roy Jones, JR. anymore because Pascal is better than Jones, JR.\u201d Just as he does working up close and personal on the mitts tweaking every specific detail, Freddie leaves it all out there verbally as well.
\nWith his outspoken demeanor, Roach takes a calculated approach to building a psychological edge in his corner\u2019s favor. Pascal seems adamant that he is fully reaping the benefits.<\/p>\n
In describing Roach, Pascal states \u201cHe has the Eye of the Tiger. He sees things that other people can\u2019t see. With his experience, he just polishes it for me.\u201d Roach\u2019s training experience involves the achievement of over 20 championships. Still, it is hard to say if Jean Pascal truly believes that Roach will give him an edge, or if bringing Roach into the picture is just a new way to give his fans hope. The plot draws a parallel to Miguel Cotto\u2019s comeback which also pivoted on instating Roach as trainer.<\/p>\n
In Freddie Roach, Miguel Cotto sought career resurrection and praised him for being the savior of the Puerto Rican\u2019s career. In the case of Cotto, we saw a career that many considered to be Hall of Fame worthy well before joining forces with the legendary trainer. In his early thirties and relatively old for the sport considering his history of violent encounters, Cotto seemed to be at the end of the line with consecutive losses to Floyd Mayweather, JR. and Austin Trout respectively. After enlisting Roach, Cotto pulled off a late career push that was either an incredible career resurgence, or a well choreographed play featuring the perfect supporting cast of opponents.<\/p>\n
Cotto looked better than ever in the three fights with Roach in his corner, but the moment of truth came against Canelo Alvarez. The entire career resurgence was based around rebuilding his tarnished brand up to this super fight. What transpired was Cotto fighting a style that was entirely out of his comfort zone. Instead of relying on aggressive inside fighting, Cotto utilized lateral movement to capitalize on Canelo\u2019s slow foot movement. Roach formulated what might have been the best game plan possible. He did everything he could to exploit the opponents weaknesses. At the end of the day, there was no avoiding the larger, younger opponent\u2019s power advantage.<\/p>\n
What will make the January 30th showdown between Kovalev and Pascal so compelling is the opportunity to see how much Roach can actually improve a fighter. With all other factors identical to the first fight, the only difference will be Roach. Whether or not he can get Pascal to surpass the benchmark of the previous fight will be the real story. Kovalev is not sold on the fact that the addition of Roach is any more of an upgrade than it is merely a gimmick. When asked about his thoughts on the change, Kovalev responds stating \u201cWhat he says and what he will do in the ring is two different things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through sheer will and unpredictability, Pascal was actually able to string together consecutive successful rounds in the first clash. For the rest of the fight, Kovalev was like a murderer in glove who took a sense of pleasure in beating him mercilessly until the referee intervened. Most of Kovalev\u2019s victims are never the same fighter after his concussive finishes of them. Kovalev reminded Pascal of this with a threatening undertone stating \u201cI didn\u2019t do my job last time, I should have stopped his career.\u201d To Pascal\u2019s credit, he is boldly stepping back in to the flames for another dance with the devil. None of Kovalev\u2019s other opponents were willing to pursue a rematch nor worthy of being granted one.<\/p>\n
Roach will no doubt have his hands full trying to find a way to beat a guy who was sincerely distraught over not ending his fighter\u2019s career the first go around. The real storyline, of course, is if Roach can validate his reputation by giving Pascal a better shot than last time. Whether Roach is the cause or just a symbol of change is yet to be seen. By taking on a fighter for a rematch of a fight he lost by knockout, Roach has put himself in the eye of the storm. Just like Pascal, you have to respect him for taking on the challenge.<\/p>\n
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