Roach is a roach. That’s what he got from MAB die-hard.

Trainer Freddie Roach is playing his game right and he is sapping the life out of many desperate believers of Marco Antonio Barrera. His advice for Barrera to face Manny’s brother, Bobby Pacquiao, sparked some hot-headed Mexicans especially when Roach said that Bobby can knock out Barrera.

Well, Freddie Roach may be a roach, but he’s a thinking animal not like others and his taking his risks calculatedly.

The champ is challenging the contender. What an honor for our boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.

The question is “Why is Barrera challenging Pacman?” Here are some answers.

One, Barrera played his cards wrong when he kept refusing Pacquiao’s challenge for a rematch. When Pacman’s prominence has reached colossal proportions that his own eminence seems to be overshadowed, he now wants a share of Pacman’s glory.

Two, there is no one else with the caliber of Pacquiao. When he fights someone other than Manny, he knows it’s going to be a flop. While it is true he is a champion, he knows that his greatness is not complete until he beats the one who caused him so much humiliation.

Three, Barrera knows that he is in the twilight of his illustrious career. He wants to exit with a bang, professionally and financially. If he fights Pacman now, whatever the result is, he will get some respect for himself. If he beats Pacman, he will be more revered. If he loses, he will say that he lost the crown to his appropriate successor, plus the big money that he will get.

The next question is, “Will Pacman take the challenge?” Initial reports say no. I think Barrera is learning a lesson outside the boxing ring right now.