Pacman named witness in Roach assault case

By NEIL RAY RAMOS
January 7, 2010, 4:10pm
Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao (AP photo)
Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao (AP photo)

When it rains, it pours---and it looks like another typhoon is heading boxer Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao’s way.

With the prized pugilist still reeling from a variety of woes—including having to fend off rumors of infidelity and insinuations of substance abuse—the boxer’s equally controversial trainer Freddie Roach is now also in trouble.

Ironically, this one stemmed from the inside of the boxer’s once tight-knit camp.

Roach is being sued by a member of the boxer’s entourage who claims that the trainer-coach assaulted him a few years back.

In his affidavit, Gregorio ‘Sheriff’ Asuncion, a close friend of Pacquiao, alleged that Roach “punched him from behind,” during a misunderstanding that occurred at the latter’s Wild Card Gym in October 2008.

The suit’s allegations include assault, battery, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, negligence, premises liability, and loss of consortium.

Roach had denied Asuncion’s claim. He maintained in his deposition that he merely placed his hands “softly” on the plaintiff’s shoulders, calling it a “friendly gesture.”

And where does the Pacman come in?

According to a recent report uploaded on “tmz.com,” Pacquiao was named as a witness in the nasty legal war.

The entertainment website reported that the boxer is right in the middle of the official “joint witness list” -- meaning he could be called on to testify by the warring camps.

As the case heats up, fans are worried how this will affect the boxer’s future fights.

“I am worried that this might distract him from training well for future fights,” lamented one.

“What’s happening? Why are these things happening? Is this a curse or something? Is this the start of the end?” asked a seemingly baffled blogger.

“Sumpa ni Jinkee!” cried another.

“Ano ka ba? Sumpa ni Mommy D! LOL.”

“Mayweather is now surely laughing his pants off.”

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Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao (AP photo)22.72 KB

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