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When heavyweight Brian Minto (33-2, 21 KO’s) steps into the ring on August 14th against Ivanhoe, North Carolina’s Donnell Holmes (31-0-2, 27 KO’s), he’ll have a new coach in his corner: 2008 Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach.
“I just called him and told him my deal and my record and asked if you mind if I come out and train? He said I’d love to have you”, said Minto recently, adding “We hit it off with a good relationship. Freddie is a great trainer but other than that he’s a good person.”
Roach currently trains pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and WBA junior welterweight titleholder Amir Khan.
Roach said about training Minto, “We’re trying to work on his angles a little bit more instead of standing in front of people and trading with them and just improving his all around game.”
Roach has previously worked with noteworthy heavyweights including current champ Wladimir Klitschko, former champ Mike Tyson, and former title challenger James Toney. He’s also worked with world champions in lower weight classes such as Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins.
While working with Roach, Minto has regularly been sparring with top cruiserweight Ola Afolobi, which he hopes will pay off August 14th.
“He’s like James Toney times ten, he’s so slick”, said Minto of Afolobi, “I know Donnell doesn’t have that slickness at all. He’s a pretty basic guy.”
However, Holmes doesn’t seem too concerned with Minto’s new trainer. “That doesn’t really mean anything to me”, said Holmes, “I don’t worry about who’s outside the ring, just who’s in the ring.”
