Mayweather/Marquez vs. Pacquiao/Cotto Could Be the Fight of 2009

Though it’s been an interesting year in boxing to this point, by far the most important fight of the year – Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton – was a mismatch, consequential only because of the stunning way in which Pacquiao won, a savage knockout that created a crossover buzz around the mighty Filipino and solidified his stature as an international superstar.

As far as the Fight of the Year in 2009 goes right now, my choice is the Juan Manuel Marquez/Juan Diaz lightweight title fight from back in February. That was a thrilling contest, no doubt, with the smaller Marquez dominated early before solving (and cutting) Diaz in the middle rounds and ultimately earning a hard-fought stoppage in the ninth.

Still, compared to the heroic FOY’s of recent vintage – the Israel Vazquez/Rafael Marquez fights, Pavlik/Taylor I, Corrales/Castillo I – Marquez/Diaz seems just a little thin in both content and narrative to be remembered as the definitive fight of 2009.

Of course, there are two gigantic fights looming on the fall schedule, each with narrative out the proverbial wazoo. The oddsmakers will tell you that neither of these bouts will prove FOY material once they hit the ring, and though I’m not entirely sold on that opinion, I at least can see where it’s coming from. In any case, recent news has me thinking that the real of fight of 2009 will not be any one bout taken on its own, but rather a bout that features bout-on-bout, the epic contest that is shaping up to be Mayweather/Marquez vs. Pacquiao/Cotto.

In a telephone press conference yesterday to announce the Mayweather/Marquez undercard (a pretty damn good undercard as well), the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Richard Schaefer, fired the first official shot of this upcoming battle when he said that “This is certainly, without a doubt, going to be the biggest pay-per-view event of the year.” He was adamant that Mayweather/Marquez would outsell the Pacquiao/Cotto fight and even went so far as to suggest that it had the potential to outsell the 2007 De La Hoya/Mayweather fight, which right now, at 2.4 million PPV buys, is the most lucrative fight in the history of boxing.

Strong words, indeed. Across the internet yesterday, Schaefer’s comments were met with widespread derision by boxing fans along the lines of the old “dude, are you high?” variety. On the whole, the buzz generated among boxing heads by Pacquiao/Cotto, scheduled for November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, has dwarfed that generated by Mayweather/Marquez, scheduled for September 19 in the same arena. Even though Floyd has been away from the ring for almost two years, most people feel like his fight with Marquez is a mismatch merely because of the size differential involved. The bout is being contested at a catch-weight of 144 pounds, and while Mayweather has fought comfortably as a welterweight (and once as a junior middleweight), Marquez has only fought above 130 pounds twice, and he looked small in his fight with Juan Diaz as a lightweight. Though no one in the boxing community disrespects Marquez’s renowned skills, the idea that he can jump two weight classes to beat a fighter as resourceful and disciplined as Mayweather seems like the longest of long shots. Throw in the fact that Marquez has never been a big box-office draw, and that both men are devoted counter-punchers, and you have the potential for not only a mismatch, but a tactical one that is less than exhilarating and that fails to capture the imagination of the public.

Compare that to Pacquiao/Cotto. Pacquiao is a heavy favorite in that fight, but not in nearly the same way that Mayweather is over Marquez, not among boxing pundits anyway. Despite his destruction of Oscar De La Hoya last December, many questions remain about Pacquiao’s ability to fight as a welterweight (or near-welterweight – he’ll face Cotto at a 145-pound limit), especially against a big welterweight like Cotto in the prime of his career and possessing proven speed and very heavy hands. Add to that drama the fact that Cotto is a much bigger star than Marquez, along with the furor that still surrounds Pacquiao following his destruction of Hatton, and you have a fight that on paper promises to be an infinitely bigger draw than Mayweather/Marquez.

For myself, however, I see at least the possibility for an upset in this contest. The question for me is not about the drawing power of Pacquiao/Cotto. That fight will do big numbers, without a doubt. For me the question is about Mayweather/Marquez, and its potential between now and fight night to make up the differential in anticipation that currently exists between the two events.

The main avenue for that will be a familiar one, I think: HBO’s 24/7 series. Mayweather/Marquez 24/7 premieres on August 29, and it may be the most important edition of the lot thus far, because to my mind it has the most riding on it in terms of how it can influence the relative success or failure of a fight. Mayweather has been the breakout star of the 24/7 franchise since it debuted in the spring of 2007, and one could argue that 24/7 made him the star he is today (and vice versa, actually). Floyd is unquestionably great television, as are his curmudgeonly and villainous father, Floyd Sr., and his uncle/trainer, Roger. These three have made for the most compelling 24/7 material by far, and to push the Mayweather/Marquez promotion out of the doldrums in which it currently dwells into the pay-per-view ether, they’re going to have to bring their A-games to this latest incarnation of the series.

Of course, they’ve already suffered a setback on that front – Roger’s recent, grisly run-in with the law. This incident, in which he was found by police choking a woman-boxer who he formerly had trained, is far too ugly to be cast in anything but the darkest light, and it makes Roger Mayweather, who once came off on 24-7 as lovable but dangerous, seem merely dangerous, hideously so, utterly criminal and otherwise unredeemed.

I sense, however, that both Floyd’s braintrust and HBO will be able to find a way to keep the Roger story from completely overshadowing the task at hand. And I see that potentially happening in one very definitive way. If Floyd really wants to take a sure path towards making this fight enormous, and if he wants to immediately supersede any other news that surrounds him or his camp or the fight as it is posited right now, he has it in his power to do so.

All he has to do, with his inimitable gusto, is insult the honor of Mexican boxers, Mexican people, and Mexico itself. Then, oh man … then all hell would break loose.

This to me is the x-factor in the Pacquiao/Cotto vs. Mayweather/Marquez war at the box office, the puncher’s chance, the one reason why, if you gave me the opportunity right now at even money, I still wouldn’t bet on Pac/Cotto doing better PPV numbers than Floyd/Marquez. No one in boxing today (and no one since Duran, I would argue) is so gifted and compelling a villain as Floyd Mayweather. I’ve written at length on this topic before. Floyd wears the black hat with effortless and contagious spirit, and he has built his current fame on the fact that people love to hate him, and watch his fights in droves in the hope of seeing him catch a beating, just as they did in the early 60’s with a Louisville loudmouth named Cassius Clay.

Highlighted by the fact that Mexico City, as the site of Marquez’s training camp, will play a starring role in this upcoming 24/7, if Floyd goes out of his way to insult Mexico and Mexicans on the show, it will do for the fight what Marquez himself probably can’t – bring the Mexican fight-fan masses into the pay-per-view equation in a big way. Marquez has never quite connected with the Mexican fight community in the way of his iconic peers, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. But if suddenly he were fighting for the honor of his country against a trash-talking dissmaster on the order of Floyd, well, Marquez would be transformed into a national icon in a heartbeat.

And even beyond the way it would mobilize the Mexican public, should Floyd choose to hate on Mexico in the lead-up to this fight, it would immediately cast the bout as a classic contest of good versus evil on the grandest scale. As for the effects of that on the American scene, I don’t know if you’ve taken a look at a Hollywood blockbuster lately, but cartoonish struggles between the forces of light and the forces of darkness tend to rake in beaucoup bucks at the box office these days. And the more cartoonish, the better. Americans like their good guys good, and their bad guys baaaaaaaaaaad, and our man Floyd can really deliver on that front. How much badder could he get than aiming some gutter-mouthed low-blows at a noble, hard-working, dignified Mexican like Marquez?

I admit that such a strategy would be a bold move for Mayweather, but on the other hand, what does he have to lose? Based on the PR work he’s done to this point in his career, he’s already going to be the bad guy in this fight, and if he wins it, he’s likely going to be the even badder guy in his next fight, which most would expect to be Manny Pacquiao (should he get past Cotto). Pac Man has the good guy market cornered at the moment and for the foreseeable future. At this point, let’s face it – a Pacquiao/Mayweather fight is pretty much Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader territory as far as the public consciousness goes.

That’s why I would not be at all surprised to see Floyd, who always has been bold as bold can be, say “damn the torpedoes” and go for the Mexican jugular in the upcoming 24/7 series, thereby transforming what so far has been a ho-hum promotion into a barnburner. In this emerging battle between Pacquiao/Cotto and Mayweather/Marquez, it would indeed be a very dirty tactic on Floyd’s end, and yet on the other hand, it may be his only shot at scoring a knockout in a fight where right now his opponent seems to hold all the advantages.

Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/30530/mayweathermarquez_vs._pacquiaocotto_could_be_the_fight_of_2009

Like Jordan, there will never be another Pacquiao but being Kobe or LeBron isn’t so bad

Enough!

I’ve heard this “next Manny Pacquiao” label once too many times already.

No.

Nonito Donaire Jr. will or can never replicate Manny Pacquiao’s achievements. I don’t care whether Bernabe Concepcion ends up being a champ in 10 divisions or whether AJ Banal or Mark Melligen blossom into superstar world champions in the future- none of them will ever be the “next Pacquiao”. Stealing one from the Brits, allow me to sing “There’s only one Manny Pacquiao!!!”

It’s about time we outgrew our search for Pacman’s predecessor- we will never find him.

As far as I’m concerned, “the next Pacquiao” was Bobby, and that’s because he’s younger than Manny.

It’s time for Pinoy boxing fans to mature and move forward from our Pacquiao infatuation. Pacquiao probably has 2-3 fights left, and by no means I’m saying Pinoy fans should start abandoning their idol, what I’m trying to say however is that Filipino boxing is no one-trick pony. It’s time to fully appreciate the rest Pinoy boxing has to offer instead of comparing every decent boxer that is enjoying some form of success to Pacquiao.

As absurd as it may sound to some die-hard Pacquiao fans, let me remind one and all that Pacquiao is a product of Philippine boxing; Philippine boxing isn't a product of Manny Pacquiao.

Pinoy Power 2 was a monumental step in the right direction.

Just like how Michael Jordan helped propel the NBA and the sport of basketball in general to what it is today, Pacquiao’s contributions to Philippine boxing can never ever be matched. Even Jordan had the likes of Julius Erving and Jerry West before him similar to how Pacquiao has the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. Pacquiao took Philippine boxing to a whole new level, but in able for it to keep growing and continue the success it is enjoying at the moment while Pacquiao is still on top of the Boxing food chain, fans need to start appreciating our other fighters for who they are.

Like how there will never be another Michael Jordan, there will also never be another Manny Pacquiao. What I can guarantee you however is that because of the inspiration Pacquiao has given his nation, I am certain, just as how MJ inspired a generation of Kobes, LeBrons, Carmelos and Dwyane Wades, Philippine boxing will continue to produce world class boxing talents.

Pacquiao’s inevitable retirement from the sport will definitely be devastating to Pinoy boxing fans, but with the likes of Donaire, Brian Viloria, Banal, Melligen and a lot of other future boxing Kobes and LeBrons who have yet to be given their breaks to this date, (and I tell you they are out there somewhere, perhaps selling stolen cigarettes in Manila or planting rice in some field in the Visayas just waiting to be discovered) and as certain as the Philippines remain a third-world country filled with dreamers trying to find a way out of poverty, Pinoy boxing is here to stay.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10947-Indianapolis-Fight-Sports-Examiner~y2009m8d19-Like-Jordan-there-will-never-be-another-Pacquio-but-being-Kobe-or-LeBron-isnt-so-bad

Manny Pacquiao: The True Cash King of Boxing

In just two days, tickets for the anticipated welterweight championship battle between the current pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao and the Boricua Bomber Miguel Angel Cotto, billed as Fire Power, almost sold out; this is not so surprising because Cotto and Pacquiao are two of the best pugilists of the sports today.

Now there is another welterweight fight brewing prior to the Pacquiao-Cotto clash: the Number One/Numero Uno, which features the former pound for pound king Floyd "Money" Mayweather against the current WBA/WBO Lightweight champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez. This scrimmage was originally scheduled on July 18, but it was almost scrapped due to Mayweather's unforeseen rib injury suffered during training. Despite the brief delay, the bout will now push through and it is now scheduled to air on HBO pay-per-view on Sep. 19, in conjunction with the independence day of Mexico. Still... the ticket sales are meager and slow.

Meanwhile the Fire Power match-up of Cotto and Pacquiao does not rely on undercards to sell. It is already perceived and recognized as an important and momentous saga in the history of boxing by most sports pundits even without the supporting bouts. This vintage skirmish is no doubt a best-seller: a novel so engaging that sports fans and HBO subscribers will never miss it even if it costs a fortune.

Floyd Mayweather constantly claims that he is the money-maker: the cash king of the Sweet Science, but figures and results do not lie--both facets point to the real cash king, the true money-maker, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. With his historic battle against Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao aims to solidify his legacy even further by capturing his seventh title in seven different divisions; a feat that has not been achieved by any pugilist: not the great Muhammad Ali, not the flashy Sugar Ray Leonard, not the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson, and definitely not the overhyped Money Mayweather.

So who is the certified cash King of boxing? It's none other than the pound for pound best and the new Golden Boy Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-26572.html

Pacquiao leads Pinoys’ appreciation of Donaire

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao led the way in congratulating Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. for giving pride and honor to the country by beating an inflated Rafael Concepcion and winning the WBA interim superflyweight title.

“Ako’y proud doon sa iyong naging tagumpay. Hanga ako sa doon sa last fight mo," Pacquiao personally told Donaire, whom many consider as his heir apparent, when they met at the GMA Network Studios.

Donaire was equally thankful to Pacquiao, saying the reigning pound-for-pound king served as a model and inspiration.

“Noong bago pa ako, nakita ko yung hardwork mo, sabi ko sa sarili ko kailangan ganyan ko ako. Without your guidance, kung hindi kita nakita noon, walang Nonito Donaire," the 26-year-old Donaire told his idol.

Currently rehearsing for his stint in the upcoming reality singing contest Celebrity Duets, Donaire even obliged to give Pacquiao a sampling of his vocal skills, rendering his own version of “Because of You."

Donaire, along with his wife Rachel, arrived from Las Vegas early Tuesday and went straight to GMA Network, where he received a warm welcome from executives led by GMA Network chairman, president and CEO Felipe L. Gozon. After a courtesy call on officials, a rehearsal for Celebrity Duets, and a press conference, Donaire paid Pacquiao a visit at the GMA Network Studios, where the "Pacman" was taping for his sitcom.

On Wednesday, Donaire was feted by Manila via a victory motorcade around the capital.

Holding aloft his WBA belt and wearing a Philippine-themed jacket, Donaire toured the various districts of Manila and got tremendous reception from appreciative Manileñoes, some of whom flashed the “Laban" sign and showered the champ with yellow and white confetti in reference to his dedication of the fight to the late former President Corazon Aquino.

A similar parade is being prepared by Quezon City for Donaire as part of its 70th founding anniversary celebrations.

Likewise, a meeting with the Aquino family is being set, according to GMA News' John Consulta. Donaire plans to present the yellow robe and trunks (with the name Aquino printed at the back) which he used during his duel with Concepcion in tribute to Mrs. Aquino. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/170171/Pacquiao-leads-Pinoys-appreciation-of-Donaire

Goldfather Steward: Pacquiao is not God or Superman

There are those wingnuts out there who believe that Miguel Cotto against Manny Pacquiao is a donkey against a thoroughbred racehorse.

Mark them down: uneducated fools from uneducated schools, I guess.

No less an authority than Kronk Gym Goldfather Manny Steward told me Tuesday too much is made out of Megamanny’s last two bouts, against opponents who offered too little.

At the same time, Steward said (and I concur) that too much is made out of the Boricua Bomber’s crunching TKO loss to Antonio Margarito and his troubles while surviving a nasty cut to outpoint Joshua Clottey.

In fact, Steward said, if he had been calling the shots in the Cotto camp, the popular Puerto Rican fighter would still be unbeaten and would have dodged the difficult Clottey.

“If I was Miguel’s manager, I would have steered clear of Margarito like everyone else was. And I would have never put him in with Clottey. I’d have never had Miguel fight either of those two guys.”

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d18-Goldfather-Steward-Pacquiao-great-but-not-God-or-Superman

News PACQUIAO-COTTO TICKETS SCORCHING HOT! 'Firepower' Almost Sold Out on Opening Day

After a monstrous opening sale, less than 1,000 tickets remain at the 16,200-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena for Top Rank’s ‘FirePower’ Pay Per View featuring Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto. All of the 9,000 seats at $150, $350 and $500 are completely sold out. The available seats are at the $1,000 and $750 price categories. Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank, was elated with the huge response. “We are looking forward to making Pacquiao vs Cotto as one of the greatest box office and Pay Per View successes of all-time,” he said. Pacquiao vs. Cotto is scheduled November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao vs. Cotto ‘FirePower’ will be available on HBO Pay Per View. (PR)

Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-26558.html

Why Manny Pacquiao Will Defeat Floyd Mayweather JR.

I recently enjoyed a long deserved vacation at a cottage resort in north eastern Ontario where the Trent River and Rice Lake converge. It’s a place where I spent the lion’s share of the weekends and summers of my childhood up through and into my early teens. It’s a place steeped in personal history and having the chance to bring my loved ones up to enjoy that scenic beauty and peacefulness, as well as to have some fun, really brought matters full circle for me in a very tangible way. I’d get up early each morning and bask in the sunlight sitting comfortably on the dock with a steaming cup of coffee, just taking it all in and focusing on nothing in particular. I’d left the stress and worries of my profession behind. Boxing and my duties here at RSR were on hold. It was about having a week of fun, sun, relaxation and good times.

Strangely enough, something that had been occurring to me for several months now kept creeping into my thoughts during those quiet early morning moments. I initially ignored it but by the week’s end I had for the most part finally put it all together, or rather, I allowed myself to acknowledge the feeling I’d had for months, after allowing my thoughts to coalesce. I was no longer actively posting or digesting the thinking of others or the generally accepted consensus. I was using my past experience with this sport and applying it to my opinions and personal convictions. And thus, here we are.

Much has been written over the past year or so about Floyd Mayweather JR. and his sudden, almost inexplicable retirement. For the most part everybody never really bought into it. Personally I felt he was playing games or at the very least, indulging in sheer ego. I could not accept that a fighter with all of his considerable attributes, at the crescendo of his notoriety would simply up and walk away in the face of such lucrative opportunity, with so many options and open-ended scenarios at play. I simply did not understand Floyd’s decision, did not accept his reasoning, and did not believe it would last. During that period Manny Pacquiao moved-up in weight, made history, displaced our sport’s chief money maker with a surprisingly one-sided victory and in the process, reinvigorated interest in the subjective wheel spin known as the mythical pound for pound rankings. Not surprisingly, the drum beat began in earnest for an eventual Mayweather JR. return to face the streaking Pacquiao, a fighter that had seemingly taken his place atop those mythical rankings. For me, the real question was when “Money” would make the announcement on his rumored intention to return. On the very date that Manny Pacquiao emphatically underlined his pound for pound credentials, over the course of further enhancing his ever inflating bankability and legacy with a destructive hammering of England’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, “Money” Mayweather announced his intention to return to the sport with the curious, if admirable choice of Juan Manuel Marquez as his initial comeback opponent.

Consider the subtleties of Marquez as Mayweather’s first comeback foe. The current WBA/WBO Lightweight Champion is a three-division champion, currently riding a hot streak of notable success and known to be one of the most skilled technical fighters in the game today. He also has faced Manny Pacquiao on two occasions; a highly debatable draw back in 2004 in a bout that saw him climb off of the canvas three times in its opening stanza and a very close split decision loss in the rematch in early 2008. Consider that if Marquez had on not suffered a knockdown in the rematch he may very well have taken the win and gone on to become today’s recognized PFP king. A mere point or two away from the shoe being on the other foot, as it were. So when you look at it from the perspective of sheer pedigree, Marquez is one hell of a big pill to swallow after what will amount to twenty-one months of inactivity. The choice is as admirable as it is lofty. I tip my hat to Floyd for his self-belief and willingness to engage such a potentially dangerous and skilled foe. The big question is this, if Floyd gets past Marquez, which to me is not a given considering the current variables at play, does this prepare him for Manny Pacquiao? My feeling is no.

The common train of thought I am coming across on the Ringside Report message boards is that Floyd will miraculously reappear just as he was in 2007 when he makes his return this September, skills, sharpness and reflexes fully intact. The generally accepted notion is that any rust he has accumulated will peel off over the opening rounds as he becomes acquainted with Marquez and his style. The common thinking is that “Money” really isn’t all that rusty to begin with given that he has stayed well within his typical fight weight and continued training all during his hiatus. The common thinking is that Floyd will reappear ready to hand the aggressive warrior that is Manny Pacquiao a Zen Lesson in ring tactics, negating all of his fury and momentum with his God-given athleticism, in-built radar, instilled ring instincts and practiced slight of hand. But to be utterly truthful, I have to wonder if in reality this will actually be the case.

All along one unavoidable aspect of this whole Floyd playing matador to Pacquiao’s bull has bothered me. All along Floyd’s chances haven’t completely sat well with me despite my original stance that somehow “Money” will be on par with the active Filipino, should they meet, and over the course of getting away from it all on my vacation and just being still in the peace of those sunny mornings, undisturbed by the thoughts and valued views of other hardcore fans, it all came together.

I have been known to look back at the past in order to get a feel for the future when it comes to the sport of boxing. I cannot help but remember how sharp “Sugar” Ray Leonard looked in September 1981 when he stood up to the very best Thomas Hearns served-up and turned the tables on “The Hitman” in their momentous welterweight unification showdown. It took everything he had in order to come out on top. After that just a few months later he made it look effortless dispatching the highly-rated welterweight contender Bruce Finch. He had the look of a supremely confident and special professional fighter at the top of his game. Two short years later after his sudden retirement, Leonard returned to face rugged journeyman Kevin Howard in what many dismissed as a mere tune-up in which “The Sugar Man” would shake some rust and send the hard-boiled upstart packing sometime about the middle point of the match. Instead, Leonard was pressured and made to fight tentatively, suffering a shocking knockdown along the way before managing to string together enough hurtful shots to convince referee Dick Flaherty to intervene. The episode was an eye-opener. Not just to Leonard himself, but to fans and experts that figured staying in shape was enough to eclipse the ravages of a layoff as it pertains to timing, sharpness and perhaps most of all, being used to getting hit and the trickle effect it can have on one’s confidence and ability to perform at that special level. As great and as special as “Sugar” Ray Leonard had been just two years before, it had little bearing upon his return mere days away from his twenty-eighth birthday – and it didn’t matter that his foe was levels beneath anything approaching notable on the pound per pound scale.

Using “Sugar” Ray as my “look back point” relative to Floyd Mayweather JR., I cannot help but think that returning at age thirty-two, “Money” may in fact be deluding himself into believing what many on those message boards are chanting. Assuming he somehow gets by the game and complicated Marquez, a multi-division champion as hungry and composed a fighter as there is in the game today, Floyd is almost certainly not going to eclipse anything Manny has done with common opponents. His close win over Oscar De La Hoya was good, but it revealed a sluggish variant of the Mayweather I had become accustomed to watching previous to that shave. The stoppage of Ricky Hatton was emphatic, no doubt, but it came after being roughed-up some in the early going. Though Floyd is one to coast in the early going for the sake of sizing up a foe, I believe he had Hatton “sized” long before the first bell. If anything, I attribute those early rounds to perhaps something else. If anything, Floyd had to work to win both of those matches, something not really in the script at all over 2005 and 2006. In short, the pressure presented by both Oscar and Hatton seemed to trouble “Money” a tad more than expected by both himself and fans. Once he acclimated himself with those foes and the pace, he eventually dialed-in the right formula for victory, but the interesting thing here is when Pacquiao faced the aforementioned, he either turned it up an entire gear and mercilessly worked them into a defensive posture or outright obliterated his foe and ended matters right there and then.

This isn’t 2003 or even 2005 where Floyd was competing at a more natural weight, actively facing aggressive styles more in line with his natural underpinnings, nor is he anywhere as active or used to being hit in combat as he was back then. It’s late 2009 and he’s fighting in one of the deepest, most dangerous divisions in boxing – off of an extended period of inactivity. Ring rust and age will have dulled his timing just enough, and possibly even more, so that he is off of his previous best game – that being four years ago. I wasn’t awed by Floyd in 2007. He looked like he needed more work, more activity – and less lip work about being so far ahead of the pack he was “bored”. Should the bout with Pacquiao ever get made, I expect that the seek and destroy pressure from the Filipino Phenom will be too much for Floyd, who will slip and slide away from some of the fury, but be caught with enough of it so that over rounds - rounds he will be losing, he will absorb a lathering like he has never known before in his career. I cannot get away from the notion that Pacquiao will pressure and pound Mayweather until a later point in the bout where the referee will wave matters off, providing Floyd’s chin and body are up to the task to begin with.

Documented hand problems, an ongoing rib injury and an extended period away from the sport spell negative momentum in this writer’s book. Should “Money” edge “Dinamita” in September as is widely expected, I foresee a lot of wheel spin and another six to eight month period of inactivity before any big bout is made with Manny Pacquiao, a fighter currently riding a tidal wave of positive momentum. Adding to all of this, I fail to see how Juan Manuel Marquez will prepare Mayweather for the fire and aggression Manny Pacquiao will certainly bring to the equation. Marquez is a measured counter-puncher; a practitioner of boxing technique whereas Pacquiao is all about pressuring his foe into a set-up for the sake of dropping a pinpoint hammer on matters – round after torrid round.

Before any of this happens, both Floyd and Manny need to get past Juan Manuel Marquez and Miguel Angel Cotto, respectively. I’m not so sure about the former doing all that well at this point given boxing history. I’m more than reasonably certain that the latter will power past today’s fraction of Cotto in a bout I consider to be nothing more than Bob Arum’s idea of consolidation, given his interests in both men. Given all of the variables I can no longer ignore what appears to be the sunset with Floyd’s chances against today’s variant of Manny Pacquiao. It’s the right fight at the wrong time for “Money”.

Source: http://www.ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=2149

Manny Pacquiao is OK with Jinkee’s endorsements

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao approves of his wife Jinkee's product endorsements such as for the Belo Medical Group.

“Okay lang ‘yong paggawa-gawa ng commercial (ni Jinkee)….,” he said in “Showbiz News Ngayon” on Aug. 17.

And although Manny hinted in the interview that he doesn’t want Jinkee to enter showbiz full time, she has found a rah-rah girl in his mother, Dionisia Pacquiao.

“Kay Mama naman, okay lang sa kanya...,” said the boxing champ.

On Jinkee being a possessive wife, Pacman said, “Natural lang ‘yon sa mag-asawa. Okay lang naman ang pagsasama namin.”

Pacman is confident that Jinkee will not get jealous of Rufa Mae Quinto, his leading lady in the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Wapakman,” because the two ladies are, in his words, “magkaibigan.”

Reacting to reports that Jinkee is willing to meet up with Ara Mina in order to end rumors of a dalliance between her and Manny, the boxing champ said, “Wala namang problema eh.”

Manny was linked to Ara while they were doing “Anak ng Kumander.” Rumor has it that Pacman even bought a house and lot in Quezon City as well as a brand new car for Ara.

Ara, in an exclusive interview with Yes! Magazine, disproved the allegation by showing the document of bank loans she made to finance the house.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/216526/manny-pacquiao-ok-with-jinkee-s-endorsements

Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao are bigger than the WBO

All of the drama surrounding the WBO's intervention into the Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao contract negotiation was pathetic and pure madness. I appreciate that many of you want to see Manny try for a record seventh world title. I do too, but the title issue, which I understand has been resolved, was an afterthought. Money and catch weight drove this thing initially--period.

The World Boxing Organization wanted it to be a title shot because it technically is a fight that will occur within the welterweight limit and the entity stands to make a good chunk of change. Fine. What if the two fighters had contracted to meet at 141 instead of 145? The WBO template still exists since it is above the junior welterweight limit. Mandatory title fight? The better question may be what if Cotto weighs-in at 147 instead of 145? Most certainly such would breach the Pacquiao contract; however, he would absolutely be in compliance with WBO rules regarding maximum weight for welterweights.

The reality is that the World Boxing Organization turned on its champion and the most blatant example is making Manny Pacquiao the number one challenger in order to force Miguel's hand. The WBC doesn't have Manny ranked at welterweight. There is no Pacquiao listed at 147lbs on the IBF ratings board. How about the WBA? Negative. The Ring? Nope. The WBO didn't even have Manny on its radar screen at welterweight until this month. I could be wrong, but I believe the WBO did the same thing when David Haye-Wladimir Klitschko was still an option.

The Cotto-Pacquiao bout in November is going to be an all time classic and it was going to be that way whether or not the WBO played a role. The fact that the title is on the line now though means that it may have historical significance. It is highly unlikely that Manny will defend the title if he is able to secure it, well at least not at the full 147lb weight limit and certainly not against whoever the number one challenger may be (Joshua Clottey is currently ranked number 2). My guess is that if Floyd Mayweather, Jr. can get past Juan Manuel Marquez next month, he will come out of nowhere to be the WBO's number 1 welterweight contender (Mayweather is not currently ranked by the WBO).

Manny Pacquiao beat Oscar De La Hoya into retirement and has most likely done the same to Ricky Hatton. He won't accomplish that against Miguel Cotto. Win, lose, or draw and Miguel will still be a force within the welterweight division. He doesn't need a title to justify anything, let alone the WBO title. Neither does Manny. Both men are bigger than any championship strap.

If Manny wins in November, my hope is that he will raise the belt and then hand it to the WBO president, Francisco Valcarcel. If Miguel wins, then my hope is that he gives it to Bob Arum for picking up the sanctioning fees required by the WBO. The belt will make a touching parting gift between Cotto and Arum. Cotto can then go get his old WBA belt back from Shane Mosley.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-8370-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d17-Miguel-Cotto-and-Manny-Pacquiao-are-bigger-than-the-WBO

Senator wants Pacquiao as gov't peace negotiator

MANILA - Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. on Monday urged the Philippine government to tap Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao as a peace negotiator in the wake of the recent conflict in Basilan.

Pimentel said Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels look up to Pacquiao and would listen to his suggestions to bring peace to Mindanao. Malacañang recently appointed the Filipino boxing icon as presidential envoy for peace and understanding

"He is the only one who can do this with immediate effect, immediate impact," he told ABS-CBN News. He said the boxing hero would not be in any danger.

Sen. Francis Escudero, meanwhile, said he sees nothing wrong with the proposal especially if it helps the peace process. He added that it is still up to Pacquiao if he will accept the offer.

Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, however, said he doubts that Pacquiao could make a significant impact in the talks. "What does Manny Pacquiao have that can surpass the efforts of the government?" he told reporters.

He said he will also file a resolution "to express the sense of the Senate that there must be suspension of resumption of peace talks until there's a re-examination of policy by the government."

Biazon questioned the government's policy of coordinating with the MILF everytime it has a military operation in Mindanao. He said the same information was used by some MILF rebels to track down and fight government troops in MILF-controlled areas.

He said he also received reports from soldiers who complained of not getting intel funds, air support, armor and artillery during the fight against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan last August 12.

Escudero, meanwhile, urged the MILF leadership to turn against rogue elements of the group in Basilan.

Twenty-three soldiers and 20 Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed when the military overran an Abu Sayyaf training camp in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan last Wednesday.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the military suffered heavy casualties after MILF fighters from a nearby town ambushed a group of soldiers who were retrieving their wounded.

"Even if they call themselves MILF, they have different chiefs, different groups...What the MILF should do is admit that they have no control over these groups because it just destroys their name. [These fighters] are MILF for convenience but Abu Sayyaf in disguise," he said.

President Arroyo has ordered the complete annihilation of the Abu Sayyaf after the killings of 23 soldiers in Basilan. "The war against terror must be pursued. The annihilation of the Abu Sayyaf must be done," Teodoro quoted Arroyo as saying.

Mrs. Arroyo warned that MILF fighers who joined in the slaughter of the soldiers would be hunted down despite a ceasefire with the rebel group.

Teodoro warned that the government also knew which MILF groups had aided the Abu Sayyaf in the fighting and warned that the government would go after them.

"There are cases we have already filed against them and we have filed protests" with the international group monitoring the government's ceasefire with the MILF, Teodoro told reporters.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/17/09/senator-wants-pacquiao-govt-peace-negotiator

Pacquiao dismayed with Abe’s disqualification

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao expressed dismay with the sorry outcome of compatriot Bernabe “Abe" Concepcion’s first attempt at the world title.

The 21-year-old Concepcion kissed his bid for the WBO feather crown goodbye after he was disqualified for throwing a pair of punches at champion Steven Luevano after the bell had sounded to end the seventh round.

But for Pacquiao, the decision of referee Jay Nady and ring officials to slap Concepcion with an outright DQ was too harsh.

“Dapat pinagbigyan muna ng pagkakataon ng referee, ng judges si Concepcion na warning muna. Dapat di nila agad dinisisyunan na disqualified," Pacquiao said in an interview with GMA News.

Pacquiao is a known supporter of the youthful Concepcion, who was supposed to fight Luevano in the undercard of his "Battle of East and West" showdown with Ricky Hatton last May.

But injury forced Luevano out of that card and eventually, he and Concepcion got to battle it out in the "Pinoy Power 2" card headlined by Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. on Sunday (Saturday night in Las Vegas).

Failing to hear the bell, Concepcion unleashed a one-two punch at the end of the seventh that squarely caught a defenseless Luevano. The champ fell flat on his back and could not immediately stand up as his corner led by Robert Garcia attended to him and applied icepack.

For two boxing analysts, however, Luevano exaggerated his predicament to make a strong case for the Filipino challenger’s disqualification.

“I think it’s too much, he’s (Luevano) merely acting. Icepack, oh come on!" said Ronnie Nathanielz.

Ed Tolentino echoed this observation. “Ang isang boksingero pag tinamaan at nakakita ng oportunidad na ma-disqualify yung kalaban, magre-resort sila to a mala-FAMAS best acting (performance). Kunwari array, kunwari nagtutulog-tulugan to get the easy way out."

Concepcion’s trainer, Freddie Roach, initially argued with Nady over the late punches but eventually concurred with the ruling.

“Bernabe was excited. He hurt the guy and hit him late. The disqualification was justified. It wasn’t intentional but it (DQ) was a good call," he said after the bout.

Concepcion explained that he did not hear the bell when he threw those late shots.

“Mainit yung laban, yung sigaw ng crowd mas nangibabaw po sa bell kaya hindi ko narinig yung bell. Yung referee wala din po doon kaya na-release ko yung suntok ko," he said.

But the fighter from Bingangonan, Rizal would have a chance to get back at Luevano by December as Top Rank Promotions head Bob Arum quickly announced a rematch after the fight’s controversial ending. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/170012/Pacquiao-dismayed-with-Abes-disqualification

Roach Training Pacquiao Not To Get Hit?!!

Last week Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, was quoted in a website/newspaper based in Manila discussing his fighter's upcoming bout with Miguel Cotto. Roach said he was concentrating on how well Cotto did neutralizing Mosley's speed when they fought. This in itself is crazy, being that Cotto lessened Mosley's effectiveness by moving away and fighting as the counter-puncher, thus forcing Mosley to fight as the attacker. That wasn’t Mosley fighting at his best since he often times goes right hand crazy when forced to fight as the aggressor, looking for the sensational knockout and usually doesn't try to set anything up in the process. Saying Cotto nullified Mosley's hand speed is a myth.

Roach also said, "Of course Cotto’s power is a major concern for me but I really think that we will have no problems, I’m training Manny not to get hit.” So much for picking a winner. If Cotto can't hit Pacquiao, there's no shot for him to win. Then again Roach knows he'll never have to worry about training Manny not to get hit because of the style contrast between his fighter and Cotto it's not the least bit plausible.

Freddie Roach can say anything he wants in trying to build up and hype his fighters. The sad part is many fans and writers buy some of the nonsense and cookbook logic spewed by certain trainers and fighters. Most likely this is because it fits their perfect world as to how they want to see or believe various things in which their favorite fighter/trainer can be perceived as being unbeatable or the best.

After Roach's remarks got out I was contacted by a Sports Radio talk show host from 950 ESPN radio in Philly. The host has had me on in the past to discuss boxing and asked about Roach's comments, being that Pacquiao-Cotto had been mentioned during a recent show. Addressing what Roach said was simple. There's nothing to it and the thought that Roach or any other trainer could teach any fighter not to get hit is ridiculous. Freddie was just throwing something out there being fully aware that somebody might buy it and create a little pre-mature banter about the fight. Trainers often try to sell themselves in a subtle way when talking to the media, despite professing they never do that and how it's always just about the fighter. The reality is most trainers don't think much of the media's boxing acumen, and thrive on the belief that most aren't confident enough in what they know to really challenge and push them on something that doesn't sound quite right, fearing that challenging the trainer could lead to him making them look foolish.

If Roach was attempting to do anything it was to possibly plant the seed in Cotto's mind that if Miguel fights Pacquiao in the same manner he fought Mosley, it'll bother and trouble Manny like it did Shane. And if by chance Cotto or his corner's brain-trust bought into that, Cotto would not only be throwing away his only asset which he brings to the ring, his supposed advantage in physical strength and punching power, he'd lose practically every round if he didn't get stopped. If Cotto fights as the counter-puncher Roach (not that it's even feasible that he could) won't have to train Pacquiao any differently.

That said, Cotto was forced to move away from Mosley, Margarito and Clottey because he had no choice due to them being physically stronger than him. The reason he had better success doing that versus Mosley is because Shane looks exclusively for the one punch knockout when he's forced to lead instead of looking to impose himself more physically. Margarito and Clottey were much more in their element bringing the fight to Cotto.

Cotto can't wait on the smaller and quicker Pacquiao. If he doesn't impose his one known advantage, his strength/power, he has no way to win. It's imperative that Cotto's left hook is a big part of the fight or Miguel won't beat Pacquiao. There's no way around it, Cotto can't put any hurt on Pacquiao throwing his left hook or right hand as he's moving away or while he's planted with his back against the ropes. He either has to bring the fight to Pacquiao and bang him low with it so he hits something or land it during an exchange.

There's only one way Cotto can fight Pacquiao if he's to win. That is he has to employ constant pressure from the opening bell and move forward and force the fight. Sort of in the manner he fought Carlo Quintana and Zab Judah when he totally wore and broke them down. Granted, Judah doesn't have the toughness and guts like Pacquiao, but he showed up at Madison Square Garden that night to win, though he eventually wilted under Cotto's pressure. If Cotto doesn't have to think about being outmuscled, he'll fight without trepidation and continue to push the fight.

When all is said and done Pacquiao-Cotto comes down to a few things that'll determine the outcome of the fight, and it doesn't take a real sophisticated boxing observer to deduce them. Does Manny punch hard enough to hurt Cotto and impede him from coming after him? And will Cotto's face bust up and swell to the point where his vision becomes more impaired as the fight progresses, something that has happened in two of Miguel's last three bouts. Pacquiao is not going to outbox Cotto for twelve rounds if he's not strong enough to hold his own. If Manny can't get his attention and can't cut him up, he is going to be worked over pretty good in the fight.

Lastly, if Cotto's big left hook doesn't hurt Pacquiao enough to the point where he has to hold and break off the exchanges, and Manny isn't forced to fight from bell-to-bell and can pick his spots, Cotto won't go the distance.

Source: http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/7101/roach-training-pacquiao-not-get-hit/

Two title belts up for Manny

LAS VEGAS – When Manny Pacquiao takes on Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here on Nov. 14, there will be two titles on the line and if the Filipino icon wins, he’ll cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever in the history of the sport.

Cotto has agreed to defend his WBO welterweight title after Top Rank chairman Bob Arum convinced him to. The other crown at stake is the newly created WBC Diamond Belt, the first time the governing body is awarding the prize.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said yesterday the WBC belt is studded with 400 diamonds and the winner will pay $40,000 to own it.

“The WBC approved in its last convention in China to put up a Diamond Belt to recognize a championship-caliber fight at a catchweight limit,” said Koncz. “Don Jose (Sulaiman) phoned me offering the Belt to the winner of Manny’s fight against Cotto. He told me it was a big honor for the WBC to be involved with Manny and there wouldn’t be a sanction fee to pay.”

Koncz said he will scout possible training sites in Mexico before leaving for Manila on Thursday with fighter Bernabe Concepcion to meet with Pacquiao. He plans to visit Cancun and Puerta Vallarta.

“Manny’s instructions are to find a training site where there are hills for him to run up and down,” said Koncz. “That struck out the Bahamas as an option because it has no hills. I’m not sure about Cancun and that’s why I’m leaving tomorrow to meet with the Yucatan Governor and survey the place. At least, I know there are hills in Puerta Vallarta so that’s a real option.”

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said he hopes to kick off a media tour with Pacquiao and Cotto at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Sept. 10. That will lead to a Puerto Rican tour then a stop in San Francisco where a press conference is scheduled after the Giants-Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game before 50,000 fans, another press meeting in Los Angeles and finally a visit to Mexico where the travelling party will be received by the President.

Arum said right after the whirlwind tour, he expects Pacquiao to start training, possibly somewhere in Mexico. If Pacquiao plans to return to Manila, Arum said he will try to talk him out of it.

Cotto has already started training but Koncz said he’s not worried about Pacquiao.

“I know Manny wants to finish his obligations in shooting commercials and filming his TV shows and movies by the end of the month,” said Koncz. “Once Manny gets serious in training, you’ll see his determination and commitment. He’s a different man in training.”

Koncz said he expects Cotto to be more competitive than Oscar de la Hoya or Ricky Hatton.

“This could go 12 rounds,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it lasts the distance. Cotto’s a guy who can give Manny trouble. He’s big, he’s a great body puncher. He’s a fighter like Manny. What will happen after the fight? It all depends on the outcome. If it’s close, we could do a rematch. Maybe, this could even end up in a trilogy like Erik Morales. Cotto’s known as a bleeder but while he is affected when he gets cut, he doesn’t quit.”

Koncz said even as Pacquiao continues to attend to his various non-sports commitments before flying to the US, he is keeping in shape.

“He’s been jogging and playing a lot of basketball as part of his preparations,” said Koncz. “He’s cross training. I think he should be ready to fly within the first week of September.”

As for future opponents, Koncz said Sugar Shane Mosley isn’t a pay-per-view attraction and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has unreasonable money demands.

“I don’t know if Mosley will draw although in the end, it’s really Manny whom the fans want to see,” said Koncz. “As for Mayweather, unless he realizes it’s Manny who’s the attraction, not him, we won’t even talk to him.”

Koncz said his only boss is Pacquiao and sometimes, he is misunderstood because of his loyalty to the Filipino icon. For instance, Concepcion failed to attend the press conference for his fight against Steven Luevano here and Koncz was unfairly blamed for it.

“Manny didn’t want me to go to Las Vegas because I still had things to do in Los Angeles,” said Koncz. “But I reasoned to Manny that I had to be with Bernabe just as his managers were with him throughout his early years. He allowed me to go in the end as Bernabe wouldn’t go to Las Vegas without me. That meant arriving a day after the press conference.”

Koncz was also chastised for throwing in the towel in the sixth round to save Juanito Rubillar from further punishment in his WBA lightflyweight title fight against Giovanni Segura in Mexico last July.

“What fans don’t know is I spoke to Juanito in between rounds and asked him if he was okay, if he could continue the fight despite a bad beating,” said Koncz. “He didn’t answer me. I asked him during at least two timeouts. His trainer (Erbito Salavarria) wanted him to go on but I felt it was enough punishment.”

Although Rubillar took the fight on two days notice, he bankrolled close to P1 Million as a late substitute for Sonny Boy Jaro who now faces Segura in Mexico for the WBA title next month.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=496780&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Two title belts up for Manny

The arrival of a conditioning coach and a nutritionist signal the start of Miguel Cotto’s full-blast training for his November 14 clash with Manny Pacquiao.

The past two weeks, Cotto has been showing up in a local gym in Puerto Rico every other day for light workouts under the supervision of chief trainer Joe Santiago, something that his team believes will help them prepare for the toughest training camp the 28-year-old Cotto will head into in the coming weeks.

Cotto said Los Angeles-based Phil Landman, a South African native, is due in Puerto Rico on August 22. Two days later, Landman will be running alongside Cotto in the morning and attend the afternoon workout as well as they try to come up with a battle plan for Pacquiao.

Their main concern about Pacquiao is the Filipino’s blinding speed and this is the reason why Cotto is even thinking of tapping the services of a Lilliputian fighter Ivan Calderon, also of Puerto Rico, to help him get use to the Filipino’s lightning-quick reflexes.

Calderon is a mere 108-pounder but his quickness, Team Cotto, says, will enable Cotto to experience what would it be like to be on the same ring with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, remains in the thick of his showbiz commitments, filming a movie that is due for release during the December film festival.

But chief trainer Freddie Roach has already done his homework, having signed up four sparring partners, including young junior-welterweight prospect Raymond Serrano and lightweight Urbano Antillon.

Pacquiao is not going to begin training until he gets back to the Philippines from a four-city press tour that kicks off on September 10 in New York. From the Big Apple, Pacquiao will travel to Puerto Rico, then to San Francisco, and finally to Los Angeles.

Pacquiao plans to train for one or two weeks in Baguio before camping out possibly in Mexico.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/216177/cottos-training-goes-full-blast

Arum using windmill puncher Valero as straw man for Pacquaio

Bob Arum, self serving promoter, has a new “straw man” for Manny Pacquiao.

Arum has tipped his hand that he will push, or at least make it looks like he’s pushing unbeaten and untested free swinger Edwin Valero, in as Pacman’s first opponent in 2010.

Arum told The Philippine Star that “Valero is a real candidate.”

Interesting choice of words considering that it is Megamanny who will be running for office next year.

Arum also listed Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley as possible Pacquiao foes for the new year.

Arum is urging the Nevada commission to take another look at the brain injury Valero suffered in a motorcycle accident years ago in Venezuela,

If, and this is pending, the commission decides to review Valero’s medical records and to differentiate between a Joe Mesi (brain bleed related to boxing) and a non boxing caused brain injury, then Arum can use Valero as his next in house foil for MP.

I think Pacquiao would open up a huge favorite over Valero, maybe something as large as 5-1. Valero throws torrential punches but he might not land a single one against the defensively improved Pacman.

Of course, this is all tea leaf reading as Manny has a formidable foe in Miguel Cotto on Nov 14 in Las Vegas.

Arum will likely put a newly licensed (he’s currently only licensed in Texas) Valero on that show against some stumbling tomato can to puff him up for Pacquiao.

If Pacquiao never fought Valero would it bother you?

Not me as I see Valero’s chances being slim and none and, as the old saw goes, none is way out of town.

Mayweather is the history fight. Mayweather is the legacy fight. Mayweather is the money fight for Manny assuming PB does not slip and trip against tiny Juan Ma on Sept. 19.

Arum could care less about history or about legacy but the third factor is why Mayweather will fight Manny before Valero ever does,

Valero is Arum’s straw man, nothing more.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d15-Arum-using-windmill-puncher-Valero-as-straw-man-for-Pacquaio

More RP champs to emerge - Arum

LAS VEGAS – Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said yesterday he’s building a strong Filipino army of fighters that will shake up the boxing world and even when Manny Pacquiao finally decides to retire – and that isn’t in the near futur2e – there will be more than enough warriors to carry the flag.

“They used to say I had a Mexican army because a lot of the best Mexican fighters were with Top Rank,” said Arum. “Now, I’m building a strong Philippine army. We’ve got Manny, of course. Then there’s Bernabe (Concepcion) and Mark (Melligen). We’re just about to sign up another talented fighter Z Gorres. Rodel (Mayol) is fighting (Ivan) Calderon in a rematch for the world title next month. Philippine boxing is doing great and when Manny finally retires, it’s my job to make sure we’ve got enough Filipinos out there ready to pick up where he’ll leave off.”

Arum said arranging Pacquiao’s fight against Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Nov. 14 was an easy assignment.

“Fighting for the world title was never really an issue as we thought it wouldn’t do anything to increase pay-per-view sales,” said Arum. “But because of the outcry in the press, I talked to Cotto and explained that while defending the WBO welterweight title wouldn’t mean much in pay-per-view sales, there would be negativity and that could affect sales.”

Arum said Cotto didn’t think twice about staking his crown.

“It’s not about the sanction fee because whatever is the amount (rumored to be $300,000), we at Top Rank would take care of it, not the fighters,” said Arum.

As for the fight itself, Arum said it could be the most difficult in Pacquiao’s career.

“I think this is going to be a tougher fight than either (Oscar) de la Hoya or (Ricky) Hatton,” said Arum. “Cotto is a real welterweight. To win, Manny has to be at his best. Cotto’s tough, he can take a punch, he pressures you. He won’t go down easily. He showed it in fighting guys like (Antonio) Margarito and (Sugar Shane) Mosley. He’s fought some of the best guys out there. Manny’s got to be very well prepared to beat Cotto. He’ll have his hands full.”

Arum said what makes the fight extra special is it will cement Pacquaio’s legacy if he wins.

“Manny’s going for his seventh world title in as many divisions and he’ll be the first to do it in boxing history,” said Arum.

Arum said because of tax laws, Pacquiao will train outside of US territory, possibly in the Bahamas, Vancouver or somewhere in Mexico.

“I’ve talked to (Pacquiao’s adviser) Mike Koncz about,” said Arum. “Mike is going to Mexico in a few days to check out Cancun. Manny is looking for a place to train where it’s hilly. As far as I know, he’s not training in the Philippines. Once he comes for our press tour, that will lead to the start of his hard training.”

Arum said because Pacquiao has stayed in the US for long periods this year, if he trains in Los Angeles for two months, he will be taxed like a citizen and subject to a huge assessment.

“That’s why we’re keeping Manny away from the US during his training and he’ll come in just a few weeks before the fight,” said Arum.

Arum hesitated to speculate on whom Pacquiao would fight next after Cotto but rattled off the usual names, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valero.

“I think Valero’s a candidate,” said Arum. “We’re trying to get him in the undercard of Manny’s fight against Cotto and his showing will give us an idea if he’s ready for Manny.”

Arum is in Las Vegas to promote the Nonito Donaire-Rafael Concepcion card at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino here this morning (Manila time).

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=496444&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Top 7 remaining fights of 2009 and decade

There are currently many rising stars in boxing.

Cris Arreola. Paul Williams. Amir Khan. Timothy Bradley. Edwin Valero. Juan Manuel Lopez. Nonito Donaire.

Despite an elevating status, however, the challenges can only get stiffer and harder. As a fighter rises to the cream of the crop, his opponent becomes more skilled, experienced, and battle tested.

When Napoleon Bonaparte was campaigning in Egypt, he extolled and motivated his troops: "From the heights of these pyramids, forty centuries look down on us." When a fighter is starting out, judges judge his bouts. As he begins to reach the top, it is history that takes over and who begins to judge him.

In Greek mythology, a warrior-god would be successful in his pursuits and conquests, in his climb to the mountain of glory. However, any slight of physical weakness or moral turpitude led to his tragic defeat at the hands of elite opponents at the pinnacle of their own prowess. Perfection was the goal - all-about and around. Inside and outside. The late great trainer Cus d'Amato viewed that the fighter with more character (in moral terms) typically won the battle inside the ring.

The sport is the ultimate display of Darwinian competitiveness and obsessiveness. It's media coverage also retains an entertainment aspect that measures excitability and marketability as measures for earning power.

There are five months left until the calendar transforms into 2010. We explore the top remaining fights of 2009 - the top remaining fights of the decade.

Top 7 Fights of Fall 2009:

# 7 Chris John (42 wins, 0 loss, 2 draws) vs. Rocky Juarez (28 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw)

"The Dragon" vs. "Rocky"

Competitiveness Grade: A+

Excitement Grade: B+

Popularity Grade: C+

P4P Landscape: Possibly top 15 pound for pound ranking with Chris John convincing victory

The rematch takes place on the undercard of Mayweather vs. Marquez on September 19. Their February bout ended in a controversial draw at the Toyota Center in Houston. I was at ringside, and had John winning 7 rounds to 5. This is a must-win fight for Rocky Juarez if he is to keep himself on the radar. It should be another competitive fight between the two.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-4514-Houston-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d15-Top-5-megafights-for-2009

Belts are playoffs, P4P PPV equals real championship

NBA, MLB, and NFL Playoffs

In Major League Baseball, you have eight playoff teams each fighting to play in the World Series, and to ultimately be the sole, recognized world championship team in baseball.

In the NBA, eight teams from each conference play each other trying to get into the championship game. The top seeded teams initially play the weakest playoff teams. Eventually, the most deserving teams vie for championship glory.

In boxing, you have a systemic flaw. Lunacy. Self-interest. Frustrations.

It's a business / sport where fans shell out cash from their hard-earned paychecks.

Despite frustrations.

2nd Systemic Flaw of Boxing

With the NBA, Major League Baseball, and the NFL, teams cannot be eliminated out of the playoffs because "they are too dangerous" or are "too good." The San San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts cannot conspire to keep the New England Patriots out of the Super Bowl - even though they have a strong winning record - because the Patriots are just "way too good of an opponent." Or the NBA's L.A. Lakers and Dallas Mavericks cannot conspire to keep the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the NBA championship game because these teams might lose to Lebron James' team (and instead opt to play the Philadelphia 76ers). With its credible playoff format, the NBA is Faaan-tastic!

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-4514-Houston-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d13-Belts-are-playoffs-P4P-PPV-equals-real-championship

YOU won Pacquiao's battle, Manny must win war

Go ahead and give yourself a round of applause. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back.

Now that Manny Pacquiao has signed off on a contract which provides that he and Miguel Cotto can weigh up to 145 pounds with Cotto’s WBO welterweight title on the line Nov. 14, it’s important to realize who made this happen and who didn’t.

Pacquaio didn’t make it happen. He was seemingly nonchalant about it and seemingly oblivious to his chance to make history by winning a world title in a seventh weight division.

Low marks to Pacman for his dizzy spell but high marks to the Pinoy Idol for hearing the deafening roar of the Pacquiao Worldwide Army (PWA).

Lawyer Franklin “The Jackal” Gacal didn’t make it happen. Neither did the double agent Michael Koncz, who swears allegiance to Pacman but whose real fealty is to promoter Bob Arum. These two were just swept along with the tide of current events and acted as though they are completely tone deaf to the Pacquiao fan base’s feverish desire for Pacquiao-Cotto to be for a recognized world title strap.

Arum didn’t make it happen, either, but like Megamanny he heard the roar of the crowd, the screaming of the paying customers who fork over the money at the live gate and for the fight telecast.

The difference between the Alphonse and Gaston act of Gacal and Koncz and Arum is, as I noted before, milked the raging controversy for everything it was worth. And it was worth plenty as it created a tsunami of preflight publicity before the MGM Grand tickets went on sale.

Drowned abjectly if not completely in the wake of this Cotto-Pacquiao tsunami has been the wobbling Sept. 19 Juan Manuel Marquez-Floyd Mayweather Jr. PPV bout.

The entire brouhaha was an udder delight for Milkman Bob who finally reached past the mothballs in his pocket to come up with the small change fee (about $340,000) required to get the fight fully sanctioned by Paco Valcarcel and the WBO.

I will take a small bow here myself but only a small one.

I used Examiner.com and Boxingconfidential as a conduit for the various elements of PWA to mobilize and mobilize you did, attacking having a non title bout between Miguel and Manny, from the land, the sea and the air.

Don’t think Arum didn’t pay attention to the 18,000 emails you bombed me with or the phone calls and emails that relentlessly poured into Top Rank’s as Vegas headquarters.

In Pacquiao’s hour of historic need, his adherents stood tall.

I wonder sometimes how deeply Pacquiao appreciates your love and support. Or does he now take it for granted?

No other fighter has such loyal backers.

You’ve done your job and done it admirably.

You delivered his historic chance on a silver platter.

Now the pressure is on Manny.

He needs to clock into training camp and then clock Cotto.

It would be appropriate for Pacman to dedicate his soldiers, the grunts of the PWA.

Any good general would do that.

His troops deserve no less.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d13-YOU-won-Pacquiaos-battle-Manny-must-win-war

Diamond belt for Pacman-Cotto?

MANILA, Philippines - A diamond-studded championship belt from the WBC might be the final answer to the question on whether or not Miguel Cotto would stake his WBO welterweight crown against Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.

While the fight contract has reportedly been signed by both fighters, it wasn’t really specified if the Puerto Rican’s 147-lb title will be on the line. Cotto had previously said he won’t stake his crown at a catchweight of 145.

Now comes the WBC which is offering the Diamond Belt, and it seems that Bob Arum, who has both Pacquiao and Cotto in his Top Rank stable, is buying the idea that should leave the WBO without a chair when the music stops.

The Diamond Belt reportedly costs $50,000 to make, and is studded with 400 diamonds. Based on an online diamond price guide, one can purchase diamonds with a carat weight of 0.15 to 0.25 for a minumum of $125 each.

Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, told The STAR two days ago that they’re seriously looking at the Diamond Belt, which is designed to give elite fighters fighting at a catchweight a title which the organizations wouldn’t sanction.

Koncz clarified that the WBC, under president Jose Sulaiman, did not come up with the Diamond Belt just for Pacquiao.

“My understanding is that it was the result of a resolution during the last WBC convention six or seven months back. So you can’t say that the WBC is putting up this title for Manny,” said Koncz.

“It’s for elite fighters to fight at. And I was told there’s close to 400 diamonds in the belt. Cotto is 147 and Manny is 140. If they want to meet in the middle and the sanctioning bodies can’t do it... that’s the purpose of this belt,” he added.

Koncz said the WBC may offer the Diamond Belt to other elite fighters fighting in a catchweight of any other division.

Cotto said he was not staking his WBO crown because he doesn’t consider 145 lb as a division, and that he can’t seem to let go of his $150,000 as sanction fee to the WBO. Pacquiao said he was willing to pay his.

Bob Marley of The Examiner yesterday wrote an article saying Sulaiman “has undercut the sanctioning fee price” for both Cotto and Pacquiao as long as they fight for the Diamond Belt.

And all that’s needed now is for someone to pay for the cost of the belt at $50,000.

“Insiders say Arum is still angry at (WBO president Paco) Valcarcel for how the WBO leader’s constant Puerto Rican golf course buddy, Oscar de la Hoya, wound up playing with Cotto recently,” Marley wrote.

In turn, the article also said, Sulaiman is a strong ally of Cotto lawyer Gabriel Penagaricano Jr., an official of the WBC and whose father has a long history of being affiliated with the WBC.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=495922&publicationSubCategoryId=69