Last Updated: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:20
Former trainer Freddie Roach believes a "mental issue" could cost Oscar De La Hoya victory against Manny Pacquiao on December 8.
Roach was in 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya's corner for his split-decision defeat by Floyd Mayweather Jr back in 2007, but will be on the other side of the ring supporting Filipino superstar Pacquiao when the two square off in 'The Dream Match' in Las Vegas.
The legendary trainer has been forced to deny jibes he was to blame for De La Hoya's loss at the hands of ring king Mayweather and is confident Pacquiao can take advantage of a specific weakness.
He said: "It's 100 percent mental. He trains very hard, he runs good, he has great work ethic. It's a mental issue, what I don't know."
He added: "'ve had sports pyschologists call me up and offer to help Oscar with that problem and I told Oscar and he just laughed at me. There might be something to it."