[Roach says Valero could be next for Pacquiao] Roach says Valero could be next for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines -- Boxing coach Freddie Roach said he would pick undefeated Edwin Valero as a possible opponent for his prized fighter Manny Pacquiao.

This is if things still don’t still work out with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I've been watching him a little bit. I know he's a big puncher. He's a southpaw and does pose some difficulties. He's better than just a guy who could punch but I think that's the best marketable fight out there for us," Roach told BoxingScene.com’s Rick Reeno.

The American trainer said arranging a fight with the Venezuelan boxer is more feasible instead of one with Mexican Antonio Margarito.

"He [Margarito] has no license. They said we could fight in Mexico but that's not going to happen… Valero is licensed in Texas. If we do Valero there, we could sell out the whole place. You don't have to close half of it down,” said Roach.

“The number one contender in my mind right now is Valero,” he stressed.

Roach also said he is also open to having another match between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao had 2 close fights with Marquez. The first bout in 2004 ended in a draw while the second fight 3 years later ended in a split decision in favor of the Filipino.

"Personally, that's the fight I want. Nacho [Beristain] is a good trainer and we're competitive, and I'd love for Manny to knock him [Marquez] out," Roach said.