‘On Freddie Roach’ gives a glimpse of boxing trainer

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Boxing trainer Freddie Roach is the subject of a new reality series from director Peter Berg (‘Friday Night Lights’) that will debut Friday on HBO; titled, ‘On Freddie Roach,’ it’s a six-part series co-produced by HBO boxing commentator Jim Lampley.

The series delves not only into Roach’s standing as the world’s top boxing trainer, but into his struggle with boxing-related Parkinson’s symptoms. Roach had 53 pro fights as a lightweight before retiring in 1986, though he ignored the advice of his legendary trainer, Eddie Futch, to retire and was pounded in his last six fights.

‘It’s hard to watch,’ Roach said of the series. ‘I truly let people into my life: good, bad, happy, lucky, sad. It’s a bit overwhelming. I always wanted to be famous, but be careful what you wish for.’

At a screening of Friday’s premiere episode in New York, Roach said he was struck ‘that I shake so much,’ because of Parkinson’s.

‘I still don’t think of it that much,’ he said. ‘I used to get mad when [people] would stare. I don’t get mad anymore, because so many people have approached me and wanted to help, to recommend a doctor or get me one of those ‘magic cures.’

‘This will show how difficult [Parkinson’s] is, but it still doesn’t affect what I do. I’m still working … I wrap hands better than anyone, work the mitts. You can overcome anything with hard work and desire, and that’s what I wanted to show.’

You can watch a clip from the show in the video above.

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--Lance Pugmire