Roach KOs traffic by riding the MRT

Freddie Roach

Celebrated boxing trainer Freddie Roach has discovered a new passion in his latest visit to the country.

And it concerns riding the MRT.

Roach did it late Thursday night along with four other companions, no thanks to the monstrous traffic jam caused by the demolition job held in Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa along EDSA.

The 50-year old Roach left for home late Thursday at the Elorde gym in Roosevelt Ave after his most famous ward Manny Pacquiao reported for training way behind schedule.

As he and four others, including conditioning coach Alex Ariza, sparring partners Michael Medina and Glen Tapia and Pacquiao adviser Joe Ramos were on their way back to the New World Hotel in Makati, the group found themselves stuck in the middle of the rush hour traffic.

Told by the driver that it may take them at least two hours to reach their destination, the group decided to get out of the service vehicle and walk to the nearest MRT station.

Roach couldn't remember what station they boarded, but he calculated the train had 11 stops before they reached their destination.

Going by his count, the group could have ridden at the North EDSA station all the way to Ayala.

Asked if his presence inside the train didn’t cause a commotion, Roach answered no.

“Actually, only two people took pictures with me," said Roach, implying the passengers may not be aware that the popular trainer is actually here in Manila.

Roach complained that “it’s kinda hot inside’, the train being fully-packed.

“But I did enjoy the ride," he said smiling, recalling that the last time he rode a train was during his teen years in Boston, Massachusetts.

And asked if he would try to do it again, Roach immediately replied, `why not?’ - RCJ