Freddie Roach wasn't going to let a fight - even one involving Manny Pacquiao - stand in the way of his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Roach will work Pacquiao's corner Saturday night against Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, then fly across the country for the ceremony Sunday afternoon in Canastota, New York. To make it there in time, he has chartered a private jet at a cost of $26,000.
''I rented a plane,'' Roach said. ''But I'm not too happy about it.''
Roach will be joined on the plane by several family members and ring announcer Michael Buffer, who is also being inducted. Buffer also will work the Pacquiao-Bradley contest at the MGM Grand hotel.
Roach said the plane can take off as late as 2 a.m. for the flight to Syracuse, leaving him some time if something goes wrong in the fight.
''This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal,'' Roach said.
Roach fought as a lightweight for eight years before retiring in 1986 with a 40-13 record. He never got a title fight, but fought the likes of Bobby Chacon, Greg Haugen and Hector Camacho.
He is being inducted in the boxing hall for his work as a trainer, most notably for the 11 years he has been in Pacquiao's corner.
Also inducted Sunday are Thomas Hearns, Mark ''Too Sharp'' Johnson, broadcaster Al Bernstein and writer Michael Katz.
