Roach knows a thing or two about great fighters. He's worked with some of the best in the sport, including Manny Pacquiao, who won world titles in several weight classes under his guidance. Roach runs the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, where he mixes old-school methods with a focus on speed, power, and smart boxing.
When asked about his top fighter, Roach didn't hesitate. He said:
"I think Muhammad Ali is. We had the best experience ever when he walked in my door one day and stayed six hours. He just entertained the s**t out of us. He's a great guy and a good boxer. He put things together well, so I like him."
Ali's impact on Roach goes beyond that gym visit. Many see Ali as one of the best boxers ever. He was more than just a fighter, though. Ali stood up for civil rights, spoke out against the Vietnam War, and fought racial injustice.
Roach and Ali share another connection - they both have Parkinson's Disease. Ali lived with it for years, and Roach faces the same challenge now. In a talk with The Ring Magazine, Roach said:
"I hope I have as full a life as he did. Because I know one day I might die the same way he did. We'll see. But like him, I'm going to live my life to the fullest … Like him, I'll fight it to the end."
Roach's admiration for Ali shows how the boxing legend's impact reaches far beyond the ring. From his memorable fights like 'The Rumble in the Jungle' with George Foreman to his larger-than-life personality, Ali left a mark on boxing that still influences trainers and fighters today.
As Roach continues to work with top boxers at his Wild Card Boxing Gym, Ali's spirit seems to live on in his approach to the sport and life itself.