2009-06-07 | Pacquiao vs Margarito | Pacquiao Fight Updates

Money may derail Floyd vs. Pacquiao

Posted on Saturday, June 13, 2009 No Comments
Labels: Pacquiao vs Mayweather

If Floyd Mayweather Jr. insists on getting the lion’s share of the money, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum may opt for Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico as the probable opponent of Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao.

"Mayweather is taking the position that unless he gets more money, there will never be a fight, that's absurd," Arum told the British press. "Manny is the most sought-after boxer on the planet. If Mayweather persists with this position, a fight will never happen."

Arum said Cotto, who also fights under the Top Rank banner like Pacquiao, appears to be a more viable
foe most especially if he wins against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at Madison Square Garden in New York.

"If Cotto beats Clottey that's just as big a fight," said Arum, noting that Cotto has a tremendous following
among the Hispanics, making a match-up with Pacquiao as sure box-office hit.

Pacquiao gets to size Cotto up close and personal as the Filipino will be in the Big Apple for the 84th annual Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) awards on the eve of the fight.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said he prefers the brash Mayweather for Pacquiao over the other names being mentioned since he doesn't only commands big money but is the easiest
to defeat compared with Shane Mosley and Cotto.

Roach said Mayweather is "fragile and over-rated" and Pacquiao will surely cut him to ribbons.

Mayweather, however, has a big test to overcome on July 18: Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
What if Marquez scores an upset?

"Then, we'll fight him (Marquez)?" said Roach, who plans to convince Pacquiao to wait until the third week of July before making a decision as to who to fight next.

Arum said he will be compelled to move the Oct. 17 fight to Nov. 14 if Pacquiao delays his decision to name his next opponent, something Roach is comfortable with, saying he doesn't mind waiting up to December as long as it is Mayweather.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao left for the US via Northwest Airlines Friday morning to grace the BWAA banquet at the Capitale. Pacquiao, wife Jinkee, Canadian adviser Mike Koncz and lawyer Franklin Gacal boarded the 8:10 a.m. flight to New York with a stopover in Tokyo.

Pacquiao had initially decided to skip the event but changed his mind on the urging of his advisers.

Pacquiao, who knocked out Ricky Hatton of England in his last fight on May 2, could be back in the country by Monday or Tuesday although the Los Angeles Dodgers have booked him to appear for a ceremonial pitch on Wednesday.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Will Floyd be the key to a third Pacquiao-Marquez bout?

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight

Here’s a thought. Floyd Mayweather Jr. will whup both Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao when he faces the universally recognized number one and two Pound-for-Pound fighters in the world. Floyd is after all the bigger guy against both men and just a couple of years ago fighting either of them would’ve absolutely drawn fevered scrutiny among fight fans. Well that was then, things have changed now and people’s logic has been bent somehow. For that you have to thank Manny Pacquiao.

I guess it is true when they say out of sight, out of mind because just a year after Floyd released a statement announcing his retirement from the sport of boxing, everyone seems to be clamoring for him to fight Manny Pacquiao and there’s people out there who actually think Marquez has a chance of beating him on July 18.

How did the sudden change happen? Well, I guess because Pacquiao beat both De la Hoya and Hatton in a more spectacular fashion than Floyd did, and since Marquez was the last boxer that gave the Pacman fits, all of a sudden got everyone thinking differently- but it is sound rationale? Oh how things can change in a year. You can say Pacquiao kept grinding while Floyd was sleeping.

But what if a lot of people are simply just missing the point? What if Floyd’s role is to simply bring both Pacquiao and Marquez’s ego back to earth and make them realize he is still truly the best boxer in the world- pound for pound? If that does indeed happen, then maybe Pacquiao and Marquez 3 would finally come to reality as both men would surely want a shot at redemption. And if they do end up losing to Mayweather Jr., why not take it out against each other? There is no love lost between the two of them anyway.

I didn’t intend to get too far ahead of myself, but in the event that things pan out the way I just hypothesized, all parties involved win- well almost everyone I guess. (Surely, “Sugar” Shane Mosley would like for things to go down differently) Everyone gets paid more and the fans get the fights they have been clamoring for.

Fight fans, what do you think? Do Pacquiao and Marquez really stand a chance against the bigger and slick “Pretty Boy Floyd”? Comment below and feel free to share your 2 cents.

http://www.examiner.com/

Cotto and Clottey make weight, too heavy for Pacquiao

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight

NEW YORK — One thing is all but certain after Saturday's welterweight matchup between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey, two of the top three in the 147-pound division.

The winner is unlikely to get a shot at Manny Pacquiao, the sport's hottest property, who is scheduled to pick up Fighter of the Year honors here late Friday from the Boxing Writers Association of America.

"Cotto said he won't fight below 147," says Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer and manager who'll be receiving Trainer of the Year honors. "There's only one fighter I'll fight at '47, and that's the easiest fight for Manny Pacquiao — Floyd Mayweather."

Despite not owning a major belt, Pacquiao is the junior welterweight champion (140) by virtue of his second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton in May. The Filipino, who was in commute from the Philippines and not available early Friday, has only had one fight at 147. That was an eight-round destruction of Oscar De La Hoya, which sent him into retirement, in December.

Mayweather returns to the ring after a 19-month layoff July 18 against lightweight champion (135) Juan Manuel Marquez on HBO Pay-Per-View. That bout is being billed as a welterweight fight, though it actually will be held at a catchweight of 143 or 144, according to Marquez's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions.

Friday's weigh-in went according to plan. Clottey (35-2, 20 KOs), a native Ghana who lives in the Bronx, weighed in at the welterweight limit of 147. Cotto (33-1, 27 KOs), fighting for the fourth time on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York, was a pound under.

The Caguas, Puerto Rico, native is 3-0 on these dates but hasn't had a stiff challenge since his 11th-round knockout loss to Antonio Margarito in July. Cotto rebounded with a win four mouths ago against Michael Jennings, but it's unclear how much, if at all, the beating he took from Margarito damaged him.

"I like Cotto, but it's a hard fight though," Roach says. "I really worry about Cotto being a little bit shot off the Margarito beating. Even though he's had one fight since then he didn't look good. It was against a mediocre opponent. He's fighting a real tough guy this time. I think the Margarito fight took something out of him."

Margarito was suspended for a year when it was revealed he tried to use an illegal, plaster-like substance in his handwraps prior to his bout with Shane Mosley in January. Margarito denied cheating against Cotto, but unlike Mosley, Cotto didn't sent a representative from his camp to supervise the wrapping of the Mexican's hands.

Mosley dominated from the start to knock out Margarito in the ninth. Because Cotto has a 2007 victory over Mosley, the true championship for the welterweight division is vacant.

"Clottey is a really good fighter. I lean towards Cotto, maybe because I like him," Roach says. "I don't have any interest in who wins. This fight had no bearing on my fighter."

Pacquiao wants to fight again in November of December, and he'll accept whatever is the best deal from Cotto and Mosley, provided they come down to meet at a catchweight, or Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs).

Even with a win, Clottey isn't on the radar. He came in at 170 pounds for a welterweight bout, after the 24-hour rehydration period following the weigh-in, in a win against Diego Corrales two years ago.

"Manny wants to fight megafights," Roach says.

Before Pacquiao's destruction of Hatton, who had been undefeated at 140 pounds and went 10 rounds with Mayweather in 2007 before being knocked out, a bout with Mayweather wasn't nearly as compelling.

Now, after Pacquiao knocked the Briton cold with a single left hand to the chin, it's the biggest fight that can be made this year.

Roach doesn't see why so much buzz about Mayweather. His fighter was far more impressive and dominant vs. common opponents.

"He struggled with Oscar," he says. "Ricky Hatton was ahead after six rounds. Where's the greatness? I dont see it."

http://www.usatoday.com/

Exclusive: Manny Pacquiao's 2008 BWAA Fighter of the Year award acceptance speech

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Labels: Pacquiao Speech

Manny Pacquiao received his award for the BWAA's 2008 Fighter of the Year in New York just moments ago. The BWAA awards is considered as the most prestigious in boxing, and the biggest names of the sport all came out in full force. None however was bigger tonight than the 2008 Fighter of the Year Manny Pacquiao.

I have transcribed Manny's award acceptance speech for those who failed to see the ceremony and not lucky enough to be among the few invited at the dinner. Here's Manny Pacquiao's acceptance speech.

“Pleasant evening to all the guests, my fellow awardees and the esteemed members of the Boxing Writers Association of America. I would like to congratulate the Boxing Writers Association of America for it's 84th annual awards night. Your long existence only proves that there no association more prestigious than the Boxing Writers Association of America. (applause)

You have passed the test of time. It is my great honor and privilege to be chosen as the 2008 Fighter of the Year. It is for this reason that I chose to travel half across the globe to personally receive this award tonight. (cheers and applause)

Choosing me as the fighter of the year in 2006 was the highest accolade in my boxing career. Giving it to me for the second time leaves me with no words to express the joy and how grateful I feel. It would surely pain me not to come accept this prestigious award personally. I want to let you know that it is a privilege to personally receive this award and thank everybody for their trust and confidence you have given me. Deep in my heart I know how the BWAA has supported me in my boxing career. The members have been kind and wonderful to me in the write-ups.

Who I am, not only in America but the whole world is something I owe to you my friends. And for that, I will be forever grateful. (cheers and applause) For honoring me with this prestigious award, I promise the Boxing Writers Association of America that the boxing fans will see a more exciting Manny Pacquiao, every round, every minute, every second I fight on the top of the ring…

I also hope that this award will serve as an example and an inspiration for the young fighters to believe in themselves and keep on dreaming big. Always remember, your dreams will always be inside you. No one can take it away.

Having this award now is really larger than life; having to follow the footprints of the legendary fighters. But I didn’t do it all by myself. I had the help and support of many people. I’d like to take this rare opportunity to thank all of them, especially to our God. Without God I am not here. For all the blessing he gave me, Thank you.

And to my wife and kids: Jinkee, Michael, Jimwell, Princess and Queen Elizabeth and to my family who supported me- advice, encouragement and comfort over the course of this endeavor having more than I can express.

Mr. Bob Arum, my promoter Bob, Thanks for believing in me.

To my trainer Freddie Roach, Congratulations coach for being the trainer of the year. You deserve it!

To the members of Team Pacquiao, it has been a wonderful year for all of us.

To the Filipino nation who continue to inspire me to do my best. To all the boxing fans, to my fellow nominees who are equally great and excellent in their own way. And to all the people and institutions that I forgot to mention who in one way or another contributed a lot to making everything possible for me. Thank you! This is for you!!!"

(Applause)

Check back shortly as I will post more about the awards dinner, my thoughts on some of the things that went down and also transripts of interviews with Freddie Roach and other details about the prestigious awards ceremony.

http://www.examiner.com/

Pacquiao Receives the 'Oscar’ Award of Boxing

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Labels: Pacquiao Award

Filipino boxing hero and a hero of Asia, Manny Pacquiao, received what amounted to the coveted “Oscar Award” of boxing as “Fighter of the Year” for 2008 from the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America at star-studded dinner in New York Friday (Saturday morning Manila Time.)

It was Pacquiao’s second “Fighter of the Year” award having first won the accolade in 2006. The awards dinner which was carried “Live” by Gofightlive.tv was monitored in Manila by www.insidesports.ph and Viva Sports.

Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach won his third “Trainer of the Year” award and paid tribute to Pacquiao for much of his success.

Pacquiao received a standing ovation when he went on stage to receive the award from BWAA president Jack Hirsch who hinted that with Pacquiao’s spectacular 2nd round knockout of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton last May 2 may put him in contention for a third award for 2009.

In his remarks delivered in near-flawless English and interrupted by resounding applause on occasions, Pacquiao said he flew all the way to New York because he realized the value and prestige of the “Fighter of the Year” award. Pacquiao acknowledged Top Rank promoter Bob Arum for his faith in him, his remarkable trainer Freddie Roach and his wife Jinkee and their children and family for all their support and the support of his countrymen.

Pacquiao reiterated a constant theme that nothing would have been possible without the help of God.

In an interview prior to receiving his award Roach said “it gets better every time and Manny Pacquiao really is the best student in the world and we have a good relationship so I am very honored be around a guy like him and a workhorse like Manny Pacquiao.”

Roach said he wants “two more big fights and then retire. With (Floyd) Mayweather Jr coming up and of course (Miguel) Cotto and (Shane) Mosley and we’ll fight the winner of that down the line” even as he spoke about he himself retiring in the Philippines.

Roach said he saw “no problem whatsoever” in fighting Cotto or Mosley but added “right now I think Mayweather is the better fight for Manny and that’s the fight I want.”

He said Mayweather “is not as strong as Cotto or Shane (Mosley). He is not a big puncher . He’s been off for a long time now. He struggled with (Ricky) Hatton and was behind after six rounds . We destroyed Hatton . He struggled with Oscar De La Hoya and Manny destroyed Oscar so who’s the better fighter?”

Roach said Pacquiao’s “work ethic is amazing and I’m real happy he walked through my door one day.”

BWAA president Jack Hirsch said a lot of luck was involved in pulling off such a great event and commended “the people in the boxing community, the way they rallied together and tonight showed boxing at its absolute finest. Its given a bad image a lot of the time but the people who knock it should be here tonight.”

Hirsch said “this is the academy awards for the sport and everyone wants to be a part of the academy awards. Winning a BWAA award is the greatest award you can win in boxing and take the turnout – Genaro Hernandez from Los Angeles, Manny Pacquiao from the Philippines, Israel Vasquez from Mexico, Joe Calzaghe from Wales, they are coming from all over.”

http://philboxing.com/

Cotto keeps focus on Clottey as Pacquiao comes calling

Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009 No Comments
Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Cotto

NEW YORK (AFP) — Manny Pacquiao will be sitting at ringside to watch Miguel Cotto defend his welterweight crown Saturday against Ghana's Joshua Clottey, the Filipino superstar sizing up his potential next opponent.

Puerto Rican star Cotto, 33-1 with 27 knockouts, will face Clottey, 35-2 with 20 knockouts, on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican Day parade in New York - a date that has become a fight tradition for Cotto at Madison Square Garden.

Pacquiao is considered boxing's pound-for-pound champion after knocking out Britain's Ricky Hatton in the second round last month at Las Vegas.

"It was very good and a very strong moment for Pacquiao in that fight," Cotto said.

While fight fans hunger for a Pacquiao showdown against unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who ends his retirement next month against Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez, it might be Cotto who climbs into the ring with "Pac-man" next.

"I can?t tell you about anything the rest of the year or next year because I'm preparing for Clottey," Cotto said. "The only person I have on my mind right now is Joshua Clottey."

Pacquiao and Cotto each have Bob Arum as promoter while Mayweather has often worked with Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, which can offer veteran US fighter Shane Mosley as a possible next opponent if Pacquiao-Mayweather does not materialize quickly.

Clottey is a major obstacle in Cotto's path, however.

Cotto suffered his first loss last July to Mexico's Antonio Margarito but bounced back to win the lightly regarded World Boxing Organization crown, the one he risks Saturday, from Britain's Michael Jennings in February.

"It was good coming off my first loss," Cotto said. "After that fight I felt pretty good to be ready for this fight now. This fight is important.

"No matter what Joshua brings to the ring, I will be fine. If he wants to move, I am ready for him. If he wants to face me in the middle of the ring, I am ready for that, too.

"I don't know what's going to happen. The only thing I know is I am going to be the winner."

Clottey knows the crowd will be with Cotto.

"When I come to the ring I'm a very deaf guy. I see people but I don't hear what they're talking about," Clottey said. "I don't know how tough he's going to be, but anybody who chooses me to be the winner, they will win, because that's what I'm going to do. I will win the fight."

Clottey won the International Boxing Federation welterweight crown by beating US veteran Zab Judah last August but was stripped of the title in April for refusing to fight South African mandatory challenger Isaac Hlatshwayo in favor of Cotto.

Now Clottey figures if he defeats Cotto, he will have a place in the conversation about whom Pacquiao fights next.

"Cotto is going to fight Pacquiao if he wins - that?s what I?ve been hearing," Clottey said. "Cotto is going to get his. Even if he wins it is not going to be easy at all. He?s not going to be able to fight somebody else."

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Mayweather and Marquez Invite Respective Presidents to their July 18 Number One/Numero Uno Bout

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LAS VEGAS (June 11, 2009) - Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez hope to unite the stately leaders the United States of America and Mexico by inviting their respective Presidents Barack Obama and Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa to their Saturday, July 18 Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," mega-fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. The bout will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

"It would be amazing to have President Obama ringside for my fight," said Mayweather. "With all of these patriotic holidays coming up, and the fact that I met him when he was campaigning to become President, I wanted to extend an invitation to the fight as my congratulations for his knock-out victory."

"President Calderon is a true statesman for our country and it would be an honor for me to have him come to the fight," said Marquez. "Mayweather is the biggest challenge of my career and having my president there to witness my victory that night would be bigger than the victory itself."

In addition to the Presidents, Mayweather has also invited Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the Senate Majority Leader and a long-standing supporter and fan of the sweet science, to the fight. Reid also hosted Mayweather on Capitol Hill after the fighter's triumph over Oscar de la Hoya in May 2007.

Mayweather vs. Marquez -"Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round welterweight bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Mayweather vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now. Ticket sales at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300 are limited to a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

HBO's Emmy®-Award-winning all-access reality series "24/7" returns to HBO® with an all new edition as "Mayweather/Marquez 24/7" premieres Saturday, June 27 at 9:30 p.m. The four-episode series will chronicle the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their July 18 pay-per-view showdown.

PhilBoxing.com

Mayweather demands absurd - Arum

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Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao will never happen unless 'Money' drops his pay demands, according to promoter Bob Arum.

Pacquiao agreed to split the proceeds from his last fight with Ricky Hatton 50-50, but his camp are insistent they will not do so again.

Mayweather for his part, insists that it is him who should be paid more if he meets Pacquiao.

Pacman's promoter Arum - who had an acrimonious falling out with Mayweather when the Grand Rapids fighter left Top Rank - insists that unless he moves from this stance a fight will never happen.

"Mayweather is taking the position that unless he gets more money, there will never be a fight - that's absurd," Arum said on Setanta Sports News.

"Manny is the most sought-after boxer on the planet.

"If Mayweather persists with this position, a fight will never happen."

A more realistic fight in the short-term would seem to be Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto, should he beat Joshua Clottey live on Setanta Sports 2 at 2am on Sunday morning (BST).

Arum, who also promotes Cotto, believes this fight would have as much appeal.

"If Cotto beats Clottey that's just as big a fight," Arum added.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Arum on Floyd's demand: Keep dreaming

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Mosley

The Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. match up will never happen unless "Pretty Boy Floyd” gives up his pay demands, according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

"If Mayweather persists with this position, a fight will never happen," Arum said on a report by Setanta Sports News.

The former top pound-for-pound fighter earlier said that he will not accept a 50-50 share of revenue for a match with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao already had a similar share during his fight with Ricky Hatton. His camp insists that it will not happen again.

"Mayweather is taking the position that unless he gets more money, there will never be a fight - that's absurd," Arum said. "Manny is the most sought-after boxer on the planet."

Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king, also beat Mayweather's erstwhile foes Hatton and Oscar de la Hoya. Unlike Mayweather, the Filipino boxer defeated the two boxers in sensational fashion.

Last May, Pacquiao toppled Hatton with a devastating left hook to the jaw in the second round. Several months earlier, he battered De la Hoya to a technical knockout defeat within eight rounds.

This is in contrast with Mayweather's performance against the two fighters. It took Mayweather 10 rounds to knock out Hatton in July 2007. In his fight against De la Hoya several months earlier, he was only able to eke out a split decision.

For Arum, a fight between Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto is more doable in the near future.

Cotto, another Top Rank fighter, will be facing Joshua Clottey in New York on June 13.

Arum believes a Pacquiao-Cotto match would have as much appeal as a Mayweather fight.

"If Cotto beats Clottey that's just as big a fight," Arum said.

http://abs-cbnnews.com/

Trainers' reputations should be treated with caution – but Freddie Roach is the real deal

Posted on Thursday, June 11, 2009 No Comments
Labels: Freddie Roach

American trainers are often overrated but the man in Manny Pacquiao's corner deservedly takes the prize.

The Americans have the best trainers in boxing. That has long been the mantra. And it is easy to get carried away with the myth. As lovely a man as he is, if there is a luckier trainer in boxing since the war than Angelo Dundee, I'd like to meet him and maybe he could tell me who's going to win the next Grand National. Would you know Angelo's name if it wasn't for Muhammad Ali? Maybe not.

He brought out an entertaining autobiography this year, ghost-written by Bert Sugar, and in there is a lot of wisdom and some great anecdotes. But there was nothing in the book to reveal why Dundee is regarded alongside acknowledged greats such as Ray Arcel, Jack Blackburn and Eddie Futch.

It was sad to see him on the edge of the ring with Oscar De La Hoya, battling for corner space with another superstar trainer, the Mexican Nacho Berenstein, the night Manny Pacquiao dismantled what was left of the Golden Boy last December. DLH, who changes trainers like underpants, loaded up with legends and couldn't pull the trigger.

Anyway, I don't go along with the sweeping judgment about trainers, wherever they come from, because I've met as many overrated Americans as I've met underrated trainers from elsewhere. Buddy McGirt, for instance, still hasn't done it, despite his reputation, while not many outside Britain will know how smart Jimmy Tibbs is in the corner.

If Dundee, McGirt or Emanuel Steward knew more about the arts than, say, Bobby Neill or that old warhorse Mickey Duff, I'd be very much surprised. Imparting the knowledge is another thing but a good rule of thumb is don't believe every whisper your hear.

For what it's worth, my favourite British trainer is Brendan Ingle, the Brian Clough of boxing, whose best work often is done away from the glare of publicity in his little Wincobank academy, with all manner of toerags and dreamers. He has also turned his boys, John and Dominic, into first-class cornermen. It never surprises me when Brendan calls to say he's got another world champion on the way. He is more than a trainer; he is a delight – and nobody's fool.

His latest young prince is an 18-year-old featherweight called Steve "Super Bad" Barnes, who is on the undercard in Wigan on Friday night when John Murray and Scott Lawton contest the British lightweight title. It is on ITV4; check it out to see if Brendan is right about Barnes, of whom he says, "He's something else … a bit special. He won four national titles as an amateur. He can do it all – he can box orthodox, southpaw and switch from one to the other, but he likes to get in there and have a fight as well. Unlike a lot of our boxers, he's not a talker and he's not brash. I think he'll finish up in the pro game having won everything out there. He really is that good."

We will see. He goes over four threes against a virtually unpronounceable Latvian novice, Jevgenijs Kirillovs.

But there can be no doubt that another very nice man, Freddie Roach, is not only the No1 in the world at the moment but one of the best boxing has had in the past 20 years. He learned at the foot of the master, Futch, and he has a string of world champions on his CV that is the most eloquent testimony to his talent.

Roach pretty much kept his cool under the eccentric attacks of Floyd Mayweather Sr before Ricky Hatton folded against Pacquiao. He showed a lot of class, too, when the Pacman won, resisting the temptation to rub it in. On Friday night in New York, Roach picks up the 2008 Boxing Writers of America Association award for trainer of the year. There will not be a dissenting voice in the room.

The following day he will pack his statue alongside his training bits and pieces and fly to London to put the finishing touches to Amir Khan's preparation for his world light-welterweight title fight against Andriy Kotelnik at the 02 Arena in Greenwich on 27 June. The work he has done on Khan's defence and ring smarts, without curbing his attacking instincts, has been impressive. If Khan makes it, he will owe much to Roach.

It is a measure of Roach's standing in the sport that fighters on the rise, and their managers, are flocking to his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles. The latest to knock on the door – and to be welcomed warmly by a man who also knows the value of talent in financial terms – are the Cuban defectors Guillermo Rigondeaux and Yudel Johnson.

I watched a tape of Rigondeaux's pro debut, a three-round work-out against the Arkansas novice Juan Noriega at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach last month – and the 27-year-old from Santiago de Cuba, who won two Olympic gold medals at bantamweight, looked one hell of a fighter already, one weight up. Johnson, a light-welter silver medallist in Athens, is now a heavy-handed light-middle and not in the same class, but still good.

Roach, not one to get carried away, enthused over Rigondeaux after their first work-out. "When we worked the mitts together, it was like when I worked with Manny for the first time," he said. "He is very clever. He's very elusive and he punches with both hands. He caught me on the tip of the nose with a right hook by accident. I could feel the power and he didn't even catch me that good. We have some things to work on, but he's a talented kid."

Working out with Rigondeaux and Pacquiao in Los Angeles will be the making of Khan. As I say, don't believe everything you read about American trainers. But believe Roach. Rigondeaux is the next big thing in boxing.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/

Filipino icon and boxer Manny Pacquiao to throw out first pitch on June 17

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The Los Angeles Dodgers will welcome the world's leading boxer Manny Pacquiao on June 17 when the Filipino icon will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the 7:10 p.m. game against Oakland. Pacquiao most recently accomplished a two-round defeat of Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao's visit to Dodger Stadium is the first outreach event to the Filipino community and will launch sales for the Dodgers' upcoming Filipino Heritage Night on August 18. On select nights throughout the season, the Dodgers will honor fans from all over the world and the Los Angeles community in special sections that will celebrate culture through food and a commemorative limited edition "Dodgertown, Philippines" t-shirt. Group tickets are $35 and individual seats are $45. Filipino Heritage Night will be held on August 18 when the Dodgers play against St. Louis at 7:10 p.m. Full details can be found at www.dodgers.com/sitinmytown.

Group tickets for Pacquiao's first pitch night can be purchased at www.dodgers.com/philippines or by calling 323-223-1433. The boxer maintains a residence in Los Angeles and $1 of every ticket sold using the promo code PACMAN will benefit the Manny Pacquiao Foundation created by the boxer to give back to the underprivileged men, women, and children of his native Philippines.

Right-handed pitcher Bobby Chouinard is the only MLB player born in the Philippines. The reliever was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round of the 1990 MLB amateur draft and made his Major League debut with the Oakland Athletics on May 26, 1996. While Chouinard is the only player born in the Philippines, three other players of Filipino heritage have played in the Major Leagues: Bobby Balcena (1956 Cincinnati Reds), Benny Agbayani (1998-2001 New York Mets, 2002 Colorado Rockies, 2002 Boston Red Sox), and Chris Aguila (2004-2006 Florida Marlins, 2008 New York Mets). Two other Pacific Islanders have played in the Major Leagues: John Hatting from Guam (2006 Toronto Blue Jays) and Tom Mastny from Indonesia (2006-2008 Cleveland Indians).

The Dodgers will provide Free Parking in the general lots at Dodger Stadium for the three-game series June 16-18 versus the Oakland Athletics. Gates open at 5:10 p.m. and game times are 7:10 p.m. Fans will be able to enter all Dodger Stadium gates, where the $15 parking fee will be waived for entrance into the general lots.

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/

The Mythical Breakdown: Pacquiao vs. Recent Lightweight Monsters

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The Boxing Truth is home to some of the most knowledgeable fight fans across the world and a fellow simply known as Jay "The Expert" shows why. Here is his breakdown of Manny Pacquiao vs. some of the top 135 pounders of recent times. How exactly would the "Pacman" fare against the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker, or even a prime Oscar De la Hoya at lightweight?

Here is "The Expert's" breakdown:

For recent times I will not go any further back than 1990. The leading Champs outside of Chavez and Whitaker would be Mosley, De La Hoya, and Mayweather. Those would be the biggest Match-ups one could make.

Chavez: The only lightweight of my lifetime that could beat Chavez at his best and that was Roberto Duran. Having said that I don't think that Manny's style or stance would throw Chavez off.....just make a great fight. Chavez at lightweight had movement, ring prowess, an unbelievable chin, and and deceptive speed. He would either put you against the ropes and punish you like he did Rosario, or he would move and punish you with power shots like he did to Ramirez. Pacquiao has big speed and power for a lightweight, but not enough to offset Chavez.

Whitaker: Unlike most people I think that Whitaker was protected by the Duva management and marketed well. His competition was more celebrated than accomplished at lightweight. The biggest names: Mayweather, Ramirez, Nelson, and Paez were men rising in weight. He never fought anyone with a perfect blend of speed and power. Plus I never saw the tremendous speed that every one referred to in the hands and feet. Great upper body movement, but not near as fast as his stable mate Meldrick Taylor. Whitaker for being so illusive did get hit...Mayweather knocked him down. Chavez did not have a hard time finding him before the blatant low blows in the sixth round turned the tide. I think that Whitaker would have gone in arrogant as always and it would have been like a lightweight version of the Hurtado fight. The difference is that Whitakers power or lack there of never shows up. When things didn't go his way Whitaker got dirty like against Jacobs and Hurtado so I could see a DQ on Whitakers part seeing that he lost with the same class that he won with.

Mosley: Too big. Too fast. Too Strong. His hand and foot speed was real and could work the body. His KO percentage did not go down once he stepped up to world class opposition unlike most Duva fighters. Even though Pacquiao is a fast southpaw, I think that Mosley's body shots would catch up in the later rounds. Pacquiao has shown a great chin since he moved up in weight and his legs seem pretty strong. I think that Manny goes the distance based off heart and determination, but clearly the loser.

De La Hoya: Oscar has never faired well with southpaws. Bredel went too many rounds with him, so did Camacho, and Whitaker made him look so bad that some people were fooled into thinking that Whitaker deserved to win (he didn't). Oscar also did not throw allot of combos at lightweight which would give fast-handed boxer punchers like Pacquiao a good chance to build up a lead. Oscar's legs were not as steady due to the fact that he was already too big for these weights by the time he turned pro. I see Manny using his in and out movement and fast hands to offset Oscar's jab and stop him late.

Mayweather: At lightweight Mayweather was not that impressive. He only looked exceptional in the N'dou fight. I thought Mayweather lost the first Castillo fight, but he gave away the first four rounds. Had he not he would have won a split decision. And had he not quit fighting after the 8th round in the rematch, he would have won a unanimous decision in the second fight. I think Pacquiao's jab, speed, and power would have kept Mayweather on his heels and unable to leap in with his power shots. The middle rounds would have turned into a give and take where I think that Pacquiao who has shown more power at 135 and 140 would get the better of it.

I think that Manny goes 3-2 against the recent top lightweights.

http://theboxingtruth.com/

Pacquiao Advisors Say ‘No’ To Sugar Shane

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Mosley

Boxing is a funny sport. We have great athletes who will fight anybody. But there is always a middle area. Where business is done, and what have you. This morning I came across a report from the Manilla Standard Today, by the respected and excellent sportswriter Ronnie Nathanielsz, that Manny Pacquiao’s advisors nixed the idea of fighting Sugar Shane Mosley. Wow, what a let down. It was like that time that beauiful girl gave me her phone number, then 2 days later when I called her it turned out to be the wrong number.

It seems that Top Rank and Manny Pacquiao’s advisor deemed Shane to be too big a risk and not worthy. In fact according to this report, Shane Mosley is not even in the top 8 opponents. What? A future 1st ballot Hall Famer. One of the top 10 fighters of the last 20 years. And he is not even in the top 8 for opponents. My question to Top Rank and to Pacquiao advisors is, besides Floyd Mayweather Jr, who is going to give you most money, best chance for legacy, and an opportunity to win 7 titles in 7 divisions? It sure as heck isn’t Edwin Valero.

If this report is true, I will feel bad for fight fans, Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley. We all know Manny Pacquiao would fight anybody anywhere. Heck I bet if he had it his way, he would go ahead and fight Paul Williams. But unfortunatley I have a feeling his people think Sugar Shane is little too dangerous. And yes while Shane is dangerous, he is also worth the risk. He will bring you 8 figures guaranteed. He will bring you history. And he will bring you a good fight. I bet you could even get him at 143 pounds. I don’t know if Cotto would meet them there.

http://www.boxing24.com/

A Pussycat Doll Wants to Sing for Pacquiao

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Nicole Scherzinger, the Filipino-Russian-Hawaiian star of The Pussycat Dolls, told ABS-CBN television in the Philippines yesterday that she is a huge Manny Pacquiao fan and that she would like to sing the Filipino national anthem before his next fight. The Pussycat Dolls are currently in the Philippines on tour and are set to perform in Manila tomorrow night.

The question of the Philippines’ national anthem (titled “Lupang Hinirang") and Pacquiao has been a touchy one since Pac Man’s fight with Ricky Hatton last month. Filipino pop star Martin Nievera sang the anthem before that fight, and his rendition brought severe criticism in the Philippines from the nation’s National Historical Institute.

What Nievera did with the anthem is the type of thing that has become customary here in the States: He played around with the pacing and phrasing of the song to better show off his vocal chops, and in doing so turned it into more of a crooner’s ballad than the martial romp that it was written to be.

Because we Americans have for years now suffered the abuse of “The Star Spangled Banner" as the proving ground for every young diva’s tireless melisma, it’s hard to imagine that people anywhere in the world could get worked up about such an offense. At this point, as soon as I see some sheeny-haired, stiletto-heeled diva stepping up to the mic before a fight or a game or whatever, I just take it for granted that I’m about to hear a version of our national anthem that is indistinguishable from whatever song this particular Mariah Carey ripoff has on the charts now about how she doesn’t need a man, or how she really needs a man, or how, you know, she loves to get freaked in the back of a Lexus.

Unfortunately for Martin Nievera, they still have standards for such things in the Philippines. To them, dinkering with the Natty A is serious business. Criminal business, even. There was actually talk of Nievera being prosecuted for his Pac-Hatton rendition (and if that goes down, I immediately bring a motion to have Mariah Carey put in the stockade for life). NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampa sternly reprimanded Nievera in a public statement that said, “Despite repeated reminders, some artists continue to make adjustments to the anthem, which is not an ordinary piece of music open to free interpretation."

In other words, Miss Nicole Pussycat Scherzinger Doll, I hope you know what you are getting yourself into, because it appears that you are stepping into a viper pit these days when you volunteer to sing the ole “Lupang Hinirang" before a Pacquiao fight. You better get that tempo right, and you better leave your melisma (and your finger-wagging ... oh the bloody finger-wagging) at home, or else ... off with your head.

http://www.sportingnews.com

Antonio Margarito targets September return, Mosley, Pacquiao (and Jose Canseco?)

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Margarito

It’s either that Antonio Margarito is absolutely telling the truth or he’s an absolute guiltless liar. I am one who would hold judgment on a fellow man, but if you base it on statistics, athletes who have been accused and proven guilty of cheating have a knack at lying too. (ehem, Mark McGuire ehem it’s another hit Barry Bonds) Who knows though? Margarito may very well be telling the truth.

Seemingly without pause or being bothered by his conscience, Margarito insists of his innocence regarding the hand-wrapping incident that has put a hold on the former welterweight champion’s boxing career. In an article that first appeared on ESTO, Margarito was quoted saying he expects to return to ring action as early as September.

"I have not stopped training because this month I will get my license given back to me by The California Athletic Commission," Margarito said. "My lawyers are working on that now. I will reappear in September. In the coming week my company will let me know who will be my rival. I would like a ten round fight and then next fight for a world title."

Margarito has washed his once “Plaster of Paris” loaded hands of any guilt and claimed to have no knowledge of whatever substance his trainer Javier Capetillo applied on his fists while wrapping it. Capetillo is also serving a suspension from the incident.

Surely it’s such a convenient excuse to “blame the help”, but some parties have been more willing to believe Margarito’s stance. Back in April, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was interviewed by my peers at FightHype on a video posted on YouTube (click here to see the video) and said that Margarito pleaded with him and promised him that he had nothing to do with the hand-wrapping incident, Roach in response said that he would like to believe Margarito and that Margarito was almost in tears when he spoke to him and that he would consider training the “Tijuana Tornado”. Roach even remarked that he would help Margarito get his license back from the California Athletic Commission "I believe him, I would like to help him" and added “with my reputation maybe they’ll be lenient.” With that said however, Roach also said “I don’t trust anybody in boxing”. If Margarito indeed was aware of the incident, like me and a lot of people think, Roach said "he should be banned for life."

When asked who he would like to fight in his return, Margarito added,

"I do not have a preference, but I want revenge against Mosley," Margarito continued. "I could also fight [Miguel] Cotto (again) or Manny Pacquiao because Mexico would love a Mexican to defeat the Filipino, and that will be Antonio Margarito."

Lost in all the controversy though is the fact that “Sugar” Shane Mosley simply annihilated Margarito when they squared off in the ring last January. Realistically, with the hand-wrapping controversy still surrounding him and the pummeling he received from Mosley, a high-profile Margarito is a tough sell right now.

There is one fight out there for Margarito that can sell and since I’ll be the first to say anything about it, I would gladly volunteer my services to promote the fight. Since he is coming off a loss in his last fight as well and has been accused and proven of cheating too, Margarito should fight Jose Canseco. I can see the slogan now; “Margarito vs Canseco: Cheater Takes All”. How about that fight fans?

http://www.examiner.com/

World's most dangerous, Randall Bailey, not stalking Pacquiao

Posted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 No Comments

Diogenes walked the streets of ancient Greece carrying his lamp. He strolled in search of an honest man.

My own search has been to discover a fighter in the 140 to 147 pound area who is not pounding the table demanding a fight with the world’s most feared boxer in that weight category, Manny Pacquiao. My search has ended.

I’m not Bill Kurtis. I haven’t discovered the Internet but I have located the world’s most dangerous fighter between junior welterweight and welterweight.

His name is Randall Bailey, he hits a lot harder than Pinoy Idol Pacman with a single punch, and he has a connection to the Philippines and some insight into what has fueled Manny’s phenomenal drive and success.

So how come, Mr. Bailey? How come you’re not screaming, ranting and raving about getting a get rich quick bout against Pacman?

“Nah, I don’t need all that,” the easy-going Miami-based former world champion and now Number 1 contender told me. “I don’t need to have the IRS come looking for me.

“Look, I would love to fight Manny Pacquiao and who wouldn’t? But I’m not one of the big, big names out there. I don’t bring the money like that. I’ve got to get mine on my own,” Bailey said.

Bailey, 34, has had a Hard Knock Life in boxing. He’s had his ups and downs and, along the way, he has stitched together a quite stunning record of 39-6 with 35 knockouts.

Since getting stopped by Miguel Cotto in 2004, Bailey has gone on a run of 11 victories in 12 bouts. His last bout, a four round KO over Frankie Figueroa, was nothing short of sensational.

They don’t refer to the Floridian as the “KO King” for nothing.

Bailey, now handled by promoter Lou DiBella, is a mandatory challenger for IBF champion Juan “Last Tango” Urango. The muscular southpaw is no slouch but it would no surprise if Bailey flatten him because he can flatten anybody.

Banger Bailey doesn’t see Pacquiao as superhuman or invincible. He does, however, respect his temperament and the love affair that Pacman has with his devoted fans.

Bailey, who has visited Davao and Manila, has seen Pacmania up close and personal.

“Manny is humble, it’s no act,” Bailey said. “I think that goes a long way with the people. That plays a big part in a person’s mind. Manny is not some athlete who puts pressure on himself.

“Manny doesn’t walk around acting like some big gashole. He doesn’t think that people should be bowing to him.”

Bailey said he even felt “some love” when he visited the Philippines.

“Oh, yeah,” Bailey said. “I was walking in Manila and people are shouting, ‘Hey, Randall Bailey.’ They are great boxing fans. They knew who I was. I truly enjoyed being over. I had a lot of fun.”

As for me, I’ve put the lamp back in the barn.

I’m Michael Marley and I’ve just found a top junior welterweight—the most dangerous one on the planet—and he is not begging for a fight against Pacquiao.

Take that, Diogenes. I don’t know what a Grecian earns but I know I am grossly underpaid.

It doesn’t take a bright lamp to figure that out.

http://www.examiner.com/

‘Pacquiao, Mosley to give Mayweather trouble’

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Mayweather, Pacquiao vs Mosley

The return of Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. to the ring is just over a month away, when he is set to tackle Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez on July 18 in the “Number One/Numero Uno” main event.

The megafight is expected to be a sellout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as well as on pay-per-view cable television.

But for Floyd Mayweather, Sr., the bout is just a “tune-up fight” for his son, he told John Martinez of IronBoxing.com.

“The Marquez fight is going to be nothing more than what you have seen before,” he added.

He even said that “It should be on regular HBO instead of PPV. There is a bad economy out there and we all know what is going to happen already.”

Floyd Sr. also told Martinez that he favors the possibility of his son fighting “Sugar” Shane Mosley and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

“Now the Mosley or Pacquiao fight is a totally different story,” he commented. “Those fights are definitely PPV events.”

“Both fighters would give my son trouble. But in the end, Lil’ Floyd wins.”

He said that a Mayweather-Mosley match-up would be a “very good fight.”

“Shane fights all comers and gives it his all. This fight would go all 12 rounds with a lot of action in it,” he said.

He even volunteered to “become chief trainer for the Mosley fight” should it materialize.

For the meantime, the focus is on Mayweather’s comeback fight against Marquez.

Floyd Sr. even gave his prediction for the July 18 fight. “Well then if you can remember the Gatti fight, you’ve already seen the Marquez fight in advance. It is going to be the same thing all over again.”

Mayweather defeated Arturo Gatti in 2005 via technical knockout in the sixth round. The victory made “Pretty Boy Floyd” the WBC super lightweight champion.

Floyd Sr. continued, “Marquez is a Mexican. He doesn’t want to look bad. He is going to come forward and make the fight.”

Despite this strategy, he said that Marquez will still not be able to get the better of Mayweather.

“Mexicans always come to fight. But when he does, he is going to get clipped. He isn’t going to counterpunch. Trust me,” he remarked.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

Marquez or Mayweather Jr. is Pacquiao’s only option

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Labels: Pacquiao vs Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao only has one option to settle his pending issues with either Juan Manuel Marquez or Floyd Mayweather Jr. and that is to face each of them separately inside the ring.

Marquez has been aching for a rematch after losing by split decision against Pacquiao last year while Mayweather Jr. wants to reclaim his former pound-for-pound title that the Filipino boxing icon currently holds.

Mayweather Jr. came out of retirement to fight Marquez on July 18 and Pacquiao would closely watch the outcome of the match with the intention of facing the winner in his last bout before entering the political ring.

A host of big name fighters are also after Pacquiao.

With the likes of Sugar Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Edwin Valero, Michael Katsidis, and recently the controversial Antonio Margarito want a piece of the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) welterweight champion.

But Pacquiao can’t and won’t fight all of them since he has already made it known that he is only good for one final bout.

He plans to retire afterwards to seek a congressional post in Saranggani, his wife’s home province, in the 2010 national elections.

Pacquiao is eyeing to return to the ring in October or November with his two-round demolition of Briton Ricky Hatton still fresh on the minds of boxing fans.

Before making his choice for his final fight, Pacquiao is said to be waiting for the results of the Cotto-Joshua Clottey match on June 13 and the Mayweather Jr. and Marquez bout on July 18 before making his choice for his final fight.

And if ever Mayweather gets past Marquez, a possible fight with Pacquiao might not push through because of money matters.

Mayweather has made it known that Pacquiao won’t get a 50-50 purse split adding that it is him who brings in the money to his blockbuster fights.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather bout would keep the cash registers ringing for both fighters and their promoters where fight fans, not only in Las Vegas, would scramble for tickets. The fight, if it happens, would rake in huge pay-per-view buys around the globe.

Pacquiao’s camp, particularly promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach, previously stated that the Filipino ring icon deserves the lion’s share (60-40) in his next fights, being boxing’s top draw.

But Mayweather downplayed Pacquiao’s claim to a bigger pie saying that he had bigger PPV buys against two common rivals, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, where he raked in a combined 3.43 (million) PPV buys.

GMANews.TV

Mosley's challenge to Pacquiao betraying boxing's promotional flaws

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Labels: Pacquiao vs Mosley

Other Modus Operandi on Agency and Representation

In the NFL, an agent can represent multiple players and approach multiple NFL teams in attempts to secure the best contract and playing options for each client, based on that client's criteria or instructions for the agent. The NFL Player's Association and the league office requires prospective agents to first pass a certification test to ensure that qualified agents are knowledgeable and capable in a multi-million dollar business and also a line of work that can pose serious health risks.

Thus, "Bob the Agent" might represent "John the Kicker" and "Jim the Wide Receiver," where John wants the most money, but Jim wants to go to a playoff team. Because the NFL has 32 teams (and will likely expand to incorporate other cities into the fold), these players (and others that "Bob the Agent" represents) - if they meet performance standards - should have multiple options, and these options should not conflict with those of the other players that "Bob the Agent" represents.

Crisp, clean, typically no conflict of interest in this regard.

But, oh . . . not boxing.

In boxing, the big time promoters (i.e., Golden Boy Promotions, Top Rank, etc.) are the most visible and the most positioned within the close-circle industry. Either you're inside, or you're outside.

Commanding the high fees as premium for the uncommon access, these promoters will represent many of the popular fighters, and typically from each weight division.

Systemic Promotional Flaw

Therein lies boxing's systemic promotional flaw, as multiple fighters from each weight division are represented by a single promotional agent. Make no mistake about it - the boxer is the client. The promoter is the representative or the agent. The boxer is (technically) the boss.

http://www.examiner.com/

Pacquiao, Money and Fame all on the Line for Cotto

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Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Cotto

This weekend, WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto defends his title against challenger Joshua Clottey. The outcome of this fight will determine the immediate future of the welterweight and jr. welterweight divisions. A win for Cotto would surley mean a clash with Manny Pacquiao in October that would net him his biggest purse to date and an opportunity to become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. A loss, on the other hand, would mean it's back to the drawing board while the other players in the division scramble to take his place as Pacquiao next opponent. While the future of his career and the sport's most glamorous division hinges on this one fight, Miguel Cotto seems unfazed with the pressure.

"All I am thinking about is Clottey right now. That's the fight at hand and I cannot get side-tracked thinking about other fights or fighters. I know the (Pacquiao) fight is out there and is something that might be possible, but for now all I can think about is June 13 at the Garden," stated Cotto during a recent conversation with the media. While it's a typical response that most fighters give any time future opponents are brought up, you can tell that it's an answer that Cotto truly means as he remains focused on the difficult task at hand this Saturday. For a fighter who had to carve out his own niche in the shadow of Felix "Tito" Trinidad, who was perhaps one of the most beloved Puerto Rican boxers of all time, Cotto is accustomed to fighting with this kind of pressure.

It wasn't too long ago when promoter Bob Arum made the decision to make Miguel Cotto a staple at Madison Square Garden during the weekend of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, one of the biggest Puerto Rican celebrations in this country. Although some naysayer had their doubts, a dominant win over Paulie Maliganaggi, a scintillating stoppage of Zab Judah and a thrilling victory over Shane Mosley cemented his position as one of the best fighters in the division and helped bolster his ability to pack Madison Square Garden with his loyal fans. His lone loss to Antonio Margarito has done little to hurt his status as a star or his confidence as a champion and come June 13th, he'll be ready to perform again in front of a sellout crowd. As has become customary during the week prior to his fights, Cotto has already visited the heart of the Bronx to participate in public workouts and autograph sessions for fans, all the while staying focused on his opponent.

Although he won't admit it, Cotto knows the real prize that awaits him if he leaves the ring victorious on Saturday night. "He (Pacquiao) is one of the greatest boxers," Cotto readily admits. It's a fact that he's fully aware of and it's the reason why he'll be willing to meet Pacquiao at a catchweight for the chance to earn his biggest payday. But before he can look forward to that bout as he celebrates on his float, he must first make sure that Clottey doesn't spoil the plans. As he's done in the past on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Cotto will have to put on another sensational performance against an opponent that some feel has an excellent chance of beating the 3 to 1 odds and pulling off the upset. "I hear all the talk, but I keep my focus on this fight; on Joshua Clottey," Cotto reiterated. Assuming that he truly is focused on the task at hand, which is likely given his past performances during this time of year, fans should expect another thriling performance from the Puerto Rican superstar that should guarantee him a winning ticket in the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes. Of course, a loss won't mean the end of the world as rematches with Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito will still be options, but neither of them will be as big or as lucrative as a clash with the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. No, he may not admit it, but Miguel Cotto is definitely aware of it.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Cotto: Pacquiao one of the greatest

Posted on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 No Comments
Labels: Pacquiao

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is at it again.

The undefeated American fighter (39-0, 25 KOs) downplayed the greatness of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, saying that he also beat Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton before they were “over the hill.”

“They forget that when I fought de la Hoya, I was in my 30s and he was in his 30s, but when I beat him—they say he was over the hill,” Mayweather told Mark Vester of BoxingScene.com.

He continued, “But all of a sudden, when Pacquiao fights him, they say ‘Oh man, we can't believe what just happened.’ Ya'll just said he was over the hill, which one is it?”

“Pretty Boy Floyd” also talked about Ricky Hatton whom he defeated in 2007 by TKO in Round 10. “The Hitman” was beaten by Pacquiao recently via KO in the second round.

“I beat Ricky Hatton two years ago when he was an undefeated fighter and I dominated. He was finished after that. He was already finished before the fight with Manny Pacquiao,” said Floyd.

“But Pacquiao beats him and you say he's the best,” he complained.

“He didn't listen to my father in the corner. If he did, it would have been a different fight,” he noted. His father, Floyd Mayweather, Sr., trained Hatton for the “Battle of East and West.”

The former No.1 pound-for-pound boxer even said that critics who praise Pacquiao should be more familiar with boxing.

“You have to learn about the sport of boxing. People forget that Erik Morales boxed the sh*t out of Manny Pacquiao,” he said.

Floyd, meantime, expounded on his victories over the Hitman and Golden Boy.

“The gloves that de la Hoya gave me were pillows. They had a chance to fight with 8-ounce gloves and they had a chance to fight at 147,” he said of the de la Hoya-Pacquiao “Dream Match.”

“For me, he said he was absolutely not coming down to 147 and he said that he didn’t want me to wear 8-ounce gloves,” he shared of what de la Hoya told him.

“And then on the other hand, I face Hatton and they say I'm too big for Hatton but then they say Hatton is too big for Pacquiao, but they want to see me and Pacquiao fight,” he added.

“Then Pacquiao and Marquez fight twice, but when I beat him [Marquez] they are going to say I'm too big for him.”

Mayweather is set to return to the ring on July 18 to fight Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We can't overlook this guy, Marquez. He earned the right to fight Floyd Mayweather. They had him in the background for so many years, just like me. Somebody has to give him that chance,” he noted.

http://abs-cbnnews.com

Will Pacquiao really face Mosley?

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Labels: Pacquiao vs Mosley

Rampant rumors recently suggest the possibility of an October 17 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley, but will the bout really happen? Odds are, probably not. The rumored match-up is theoretically slated to take place at an unknown catch weight somewhere between 140 and 147 pounds. According to reports, Pacquiao has agreed to fight Mosley and all that is left is working out the details of the contract. Even still, I believe the odds of this fight coming to fruition are very slim, mainly because of the looming interest in a proposed mega bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Junior.

Two things jump to mind as a result of these recent reports. First, Shane Mosley really wants this fight. In fact, he seems almost “desperate” to make this happen . Not only as he agreed to meet Pacquiao at an unidentified catch weight, but he has also eagerly conceded a 60-40 purse split favoring Pacquiao and has insisted that Pacquiao get an immediate rematch clause in the event of a Sugar Shane victory. Such concessions lead me to the other thing that jumps to mind—since Mosley is doing everything in his power to try and lure Pacquiao into the ring, he must be extremely confident that he can beat him .. Why else would he be willing to give up so much? Such a victory would almost certainly ensure a later date with Floyd, so with or without a Pacquiao rematch, Mosley is seemingly counting that, in the long run, a win over Pacquiao will be more lucrative for both bank account and legacy.

While Mosley's motivation is clear, Team Pacquiao's motivation is still unknown. There are several possibilities. On one hand, they might be genuinely interested in fighting Mosley, and perhaps this really is the prelude to a negotiations process that will give the fans a real treat in October. On the other hand, this might just be a way for Team Pacquiao to gain leverage for future negotiations with Mayeather, or perhaps even Juan Manuel Marquez. Another option still might be that they are simply hedging their bets so they can make the most lucrative deal possible in the aftermath of the July contest between Mayweather and Marquez. Whatever the underlying motive really is, at the very least, I suspect nothing will be set in stone until after Mayweather and Marquez do battle.

The one wild card in all of this is Manny Pacquiao. He himself has stated that he is willing to fight Mosley. Since Manny has always seemed to be a man of the highest honor and integrity, it is conceivable that he really intends to fight Mosley next, but even if this is true, it is entirely plausible that Freddy Roach might be able to convince him otherwise. After all, unlike Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, Roach knows that Mosley is a major threat to Manny. Roach is very perceptive when it comes to making match-ups that are favorable to his pride and joy fighter. He knew that Oscar was past it and unable to pull the trigger and he knew that Manny would have a field day with Hatton's defensive deficiencies.

Sugar Shane Mosley poses an entirely different type of opponent and Roach is fully aware of this. That is why Roach has refused to allow Manny to face Mosley at 147 pounds like he did Oscar. He is smart enough to realize the threat posed by Mosley, ergo, his insistence on Mosley coming down below 147. That Mosley is even willing to openly concede a 60-40 purse split and an immediate rematch clause for Manny probably makes Roach even more weary of allowing Pacquiao to square off against him . Unlike his last three opponents, Shane is still a very fast fighter, and he also posses a great deal of power and accuracy in his right hand—a punch that Manny has proven susceptible to in the past. Even still, Manny is a very special fighter and he would certainly have a good chance to beat Mosley, even if Shane does present several obstacles that were lacking in Pacquiao's last few opponents.

At the end of the day, I still think the prospects of a Manny-Floyd showdown will probably win the day, much to the dismay of Mosley. The number of casual fans who are already actively talking about the potential of this fight is truly amazing. I have never heard so many casual fans speak so enthusiastically about any fight, let alone a fight that has not even been signed yet. This indicates a strong probability that Mayweather-Pacquiao would generate more money than Mosley-Pacquiao, which probably means more money for Pac-Man. For Roach, the bottom line might become a matter of how Mayweather looks when he returns to the ring. At that point, Roach has to decide whether he believes Manny has a better chance against Floyd, the technically superior fighter, or against Mosley, the aging fighter with superior size and strength.

Personally, I would much prefer seeing Mosley and Pacquiao do battle. These two warriors have each represented something admirable amongst modern day fighters, and that is a constant desire to continuously prove himself against the best opposition available. In light of that, Mosley-Pacquiao is the fight with the best potential for excitement, so even though I have my doubts that this will happen, I have made my preference known. Will Pacquiao really fight Sugar Shane Mosley? Only time will tell.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/

Pacquiao ‘greatest southpaw ever’

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Labels: Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Proven wrong by Manny Pacquiao's two-round demolition of Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas, boxing historian Bert Sugar added a new entry to the Filipino ring icon’s lengthening list of honors.

The 73-year-old Sugar, who picked the Briton to win, tagged Pacquiao as “the greatest lefthanded fighter of all time” in a recent chat with ESPN.

Sugar, former editor in chief of The Ring who has written over 80 fight books, had earlier labeled Pacquiao “the greatest Asian fighter of all time” after his eighth-round stoppage of Oscar De La Hoya last December.

That time, Sugar, inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in 2005, had the odds even for the fight.

In giving Pacquiao his vote as the best southpaw ever, Sugar put the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter above such lefties as three-time light heavyweight champion Marvin Johnson, former middleweight king Marvin “Marvelous” Hagler and former three-division titlist Pernell Whitaker.

Pacquiao is also the only fighter in history to jump divisions in his last four fights (130 lb against Juan Manuel Marquez, 135 against David Diaz, 147 against De La Hoya and 140 against Hatton) and win them all.

With that feat, Pacquiao surpassed all-time great Henry Armstrong’s accomplishment of ruling the featherweight, welterweight and light welterweight divisions in succession in the same year.

http://inquirer.net

Vic Darchinyan wants to fight Manny Pacquiao

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Labels: Pacquiao vs Darchinyan

Add Vic Darchinyan to the list of Manny Pacquiao suitors.

Undisputed super-flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan has his eyes set on a Filipino champion. No, his name is not Nonito Donaire Jr. Instead, Darchinyan has stated his desire to step in the ring with greatest Filipino boxer that ever lived, Manny Pacquiao.
Unlike other boxers however who have called Pacquiao out and chose to disrespect him, Darchinyan has nobler intentions in why he want to meet the Pound-forPound king in the ring. In a report published by my fellow writer Stoker Macintosh of Bleacher Report wrote:

In an ESPN interview recently, he (Darchinyan) stated that his intentions are to keep moving up the ladder until he meets Manny Pacquiao.

Showing uncommon respect, Darchinyan stated that his reasoning for wanting to fight Pacman is not that he thinks he can beat him, but that it has more to do with the greatness of the Filipino superstar.

“he (Pacquiao) is the best, and I want to fight the best!"

Darchinyan is moving up to the bantamweight division to face IBF bantamweight champ Joseph Agbeko from Ghana in Florida on July 11. “The Raging Bull” who fell to “The Filipino Flash” in 2007 for the lone loss of his career via- knockout of the year fashion, has been on a warpath lately with victories over the best competition the lower weight classes has to offer. His victims compose of Dmitri Kirilov, Christian Mijares and Jorge Arce. Any boxing expert would tell you that right there is a nice trio to be under your resume.

"Maybe I will stay for a year at bantamweight and unify the titles, but eventually I want to move up and to win more world championships at different weights," Darchinyan said. "I want to go down in the history of boxing."

"People are talking trash because I am moving up to bantamweight saying that my power isn't going to be enough, but that's why I want to be in the US and be more focused on my training and show the world my power is more than enough for bantamweight," Darchinyan said.

If Darchinyan seriously wants to face Pacquiao however, his power better be there way beyond the bantamweight division. Almost taking out a page from Pacquiao’s book, Darchinyan is now training to diversify his fighting arsenal.

"Everyone knows I've got a lot of power in my left, now during my sparring I'm more focused on my right, which is very powerful now too; also, my sparring partners are saying that I am punching much harder now with my right." stated Darchinyan.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

Shane Mosley Plans To Sit and Wait For Pacquiao

Posted on Monday, June 8, 2009 No Comments
Labels: Pacquiao Next Fight, Pacquiao vs Mosley

Several days after his failed press release campaign to lure Manny Pacquiao into a fight, WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley continues to beat the drums for a showdown with the Filipino champ. Rather than go for the fighters who are willing to fight him right now, like WBC champion Andre Berto and once-beaten Paul Williams, Mosley will continue to wait for Pacquiao to make a decision on his October 17 opponent. Most expect Pacquiao to wait until the aftermath of Mayweather-Marquez on July 18 before he makes a decision.

I'm waiting on the Pacquiao fight. Hopefully Bob Arum will let me fight Pacquiao. I want to fight the Pac-Man. Pacquiao, then Mayweather and then whoever - I don't care who it is, Mosley said to TMZ.

A few days ago, BoxingScene.com's Robert Morales spoke with Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, who said there have been no negotiations for a Pacquiao fight. He doesn't expect any for a few weeks. Mosley may become an old man by waiting around for Pacquiao to say yes. There are already numerous issues, like the agreed upon catch-weight. It seems Pacquiao will ask Mosley to get down to 142-143 and Mosley is trying to get down to 144, if he can, at best.

The fact is Bob told me that Manny Pacquiao is going to wait to see what's going to happen, certainly, with the Cotto fight because Cotto is another possibility," Schaefer said. And maybe he is even going to wait to see what is going to happen with Mayweather and Marquez. Obviously, everybody is interested in fighting Pacquiao. Pacquiao might say, `Mosley is a great fight, that is the fight I want.' Even though Bob would really like to negotiate, there is really nothing to negotiate at this time. What he needs to do is sit down with his fighter.

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/

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