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Roach hints end is nigh for Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao wants to fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr after Joshua Clottey © Getty Images

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Freddie Roach has suggested Manny Pacquiao's clash with Joshua Clottey could be the Filipino's swansong if a deal cannot be struck with Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

Pacquiao, the recent conqueror of Ricky Hatton, has signed to fight Clottey on March 13 at Cowboys Stadium.

The Pacquiao and Mayweather Jnr camps have made positive noises about getting together in the ring, but they have failed to iron out the details of the fight. Legendary trainer Roach is still hopeful some common ground can be found, but suggests Pacquiao may turn his back on boxing if no deal is signed.

"If Mayweather doesn't come around after this fight and sign to fight us, this could be our last one," Roach told East Side Boxing's On The Ropes show.

Roach expects Clottey to be a durable opponent for Pacquiao. "We're going to have to break him down and it will be in the late, late rounds." Roach added. "I really don't have a number in mind, because I think we will get him somewhere along the way, but it's going to be a battle up until that point, though."

Mayweather Jnr is due to fight Shane Mosley on May 1 and Roach expects the former to retain his unbeaten record.

"Shane's been after that fight for a long time, but I do feel that Mayweather will win the fight," Roach said. "It's a very competitive fight, and it's great to see that fight happening and hopefully the winner of this fight will fight the winner of Pacquiao-Clottey. It would be a great match-up."

© ESPN EMEA Ltd

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