Pacquiao vs Mayweather Has Manny got “Money” on his mind?

It’s nearly been a week since boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather outclassed not to mention out-sized Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez in their showdown, and boxing circles around the world are continuing to buzz with excitement at the potential match-up between the two biggest names in prize fighting; Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Although it’s the biggest fight out there right now, I remain skeptical in the chances of it ever happening. To start with, both fighters will claim to be the bigger draw, therefore complicating the process of negotiating the guaranteed purse percentages that each man will take. This will be a significant obstacle for a hopeful 2010 fight, but the most significant obstacle that I wish to talk about, goes by the name of Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao’s scheduled bout with the Puerto Rican welterweight star could be the biggest deciding factor in the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight ever taking place. People seem to have neglected Cotto’s standing in boxing, presuming that Pacquiao will just steam roll him like he did to De La Hoya and Hatton, but this writer truly believes that Cotto will be Pacquiao’s greatest challenge to date. Cotto has consistently fought every killer on the block with only one man ever defeating him. Although there is room for speculation on whether or not Antonio Margarito used loaded gloves in his win over Cotto, the damage has been done and many boxing critics hold a view of Cotto as damaged goods. A view that may catch many off guard in November.

Cotto took apart Michael Jennings in his comeback fight before taking a huge test in Joshua Clottey; a guy that no one is in a rush to fight and no one ever looks good against. The victory over Clottey still posed many unanswered questions to some but for myself, I view it a different way. Cotto proved that he could not only defeat a rugged guy like Clottey, but he could go the distance with a relentless puncher. Pacquiao’s relentless punching mixed with his speed pose great threats to Cotto’s armor, but Cotto is certainly up for the challenge. He has proven in his fights with Judah and Mosley that he can handle speedy fighters with his ability to combine timed punches and the utilization of his jab to neutralize their speed. Cotto’s viscous body punching will also be a cause for concern in the Pacquiao camp, so limiting the room Cotto has to move and the time he has to think will be key. Pressure busts pipes and Manny’s constant pressure may cause Cotto to be on the back foot early but if Cotto makes it through the first few rounds, then Manny will be in for a long and painful night.

As legendary matchmaker Johnny Bos has suggested in his recent interview with Examiner.com’s Michael Marley, “If Miguel can be wary and careful for the first two rounds, then I think he will be in the fight all the way and can beat Pacquiao. Cotto is bigger and stronger if not quicker than. But he has to watch out for first or second round lightning by Manny.” There is a growing consensus in the hardcore boxing community that Manny will be in for a tough night against Cotto, so his ability to deal with the pressures and distractions of his celebrity lifestyle will be surely tested in the upcoming weeks.

If Manny has “Money” Mayweather on his mind, and all the potential revenue that a fight of that magnitude could produce, then he risks the chance of losing focus and possibly the fight against Cotto. Manny must remain focused on the job at hand and not be lured into the excitement of a Mayweather fight. Cotto is the real deal. Don’t think otherwise.

Source: http://www.boxingrepublic.com/2009/09/25/has-manny-got-money-on-his-mind/

Once Roach and Manny hook up the cockroaches scurry

It's funny because every time we lead up to a new Manny Pacquiao fight, it's the same thing over and over again. Freddie has to field questions as to why Manny has not contacted him. The rumors usually start to swirl and he ends up getting peppered with questions. Or he has to deal with a certain Pacquiao adviser picking out sparring partners for Manny without consenting with him first. These are just a few of the ongoing annoyances that Freddie Roach has to deal with each and every time we begin a Pacquiao training camp.

"Its all about the Benjamin's," formerly written by Puff Daddy, now P Diddy, properly describes what the underlying issue is here. People always want more of the pie, a bigger piece of the pie for their greedy little hands to grab, so that they can sink their corrupt little teeth into it. They will try anything and say anything to remove one part of the team in order to enjoy that bigger piece of the pie.

Whenever there is separation between Roach and Pacquiao the cockroaches scurry about from their dark little holes and commence operation "More Pie." As usual, once Manny and Freddie hook back up and talk face to face, the cockroaches scatter back behind the crevices in the wall, and wait patiently for their next opportunity.

With Christmas not too far down the road, maybe someone should think about buying both Freddie and Manny a can of Roach killer. They can both have a can of it each, and they can keep it close by so that the next time that they both have some distance between them, they can kill the nasty little cockroaches that want more of the pie.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-23590-Mississippi-Fight-Sports-Examiner~y2009m9d24-Once-Roach-and-Manny-hook-up-the-cockroaches-scurry

Pacquiao ready for heavier Cotto

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - Boxing coach Freddie Roach believes Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto would "do a Floyd Mayweather" and said he has prepared Manny Pacquiao for that.

"I'm prepared for that possibility," Roach said about Cotto, the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, going two pounds heavier than the required catch weight of 145 pounds when he fights Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 14.

Mayweather Jr. weighed 146 pounds, instead of the agreed catch weight of 144 pounds, when he pummeled Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday.

Roach said that in the contract they had with Cotto, the Puerto Rican would not be heavily penalized financially if he went beyond the catch weight.

Boxing analyst Frank Lotierzo, writing for sweetscience.com, said "emulating Mayweather" is the Puerto Rican's only realistic chance of beating Pacquiao.

Lotierzo said Pacquiao could easily handle fighting boxers above his normal weight.

"The truth is Pacquiao has handled the move up in weight much better than Marquez. In fact, Manny is one of the few fighters who's carried his big punch into the higher divisions he's fought," Lotierzo said.

Mayweather paid Marquez $600,000 for weighing two pounds over the catch weight.

"But that's no problem," Roach said. "I'm not worried."

"One or two pounds heavier, we are not worried. We have the best fighter here," he said.

Roach did not even remind reporters gathered at the Shape Up Boxing Gym at Cooyeesan Mall here that the last time Pacquiao fought, his opponent (Ricky Hatton) was also two pounds heavier than Pacquiao during their weigh-in last May.

Hatton weighed in at 140 pounds, the catch weight for the light-welterweight division, while Pacquiao weighed 138 pounds. Pacquiao demolished Hatton in only two rounds.

At this early stage, Pacquiao weighed in at 151 pounds. Roach said that the way Pacquiao is training now, it would be an easy time for him to get to the proper weight.

Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090923-226582/Pacquiao-ready-for-heavier-Cotto

Pacquiao in fiery start

BAGUIO CITY — Manny Pacquiao’s training moved a notch on Tuesday with the arrival of Freddie Roach, who could not help but heap praises on his prized pupil after doing nine hard rounds with the mitts.

“Manny looked today as if he is ready to fight on Saturday,” said an amused Roach.

“Manny’s already sharp and he did what I wanted him to do. He moved as if he’s already been training the past two months.

“The power and the speed is right there today. I am very impressed,” added Roach, whose next concern is how to slow his hardworking fighter after a fiery start.

“He wanted to make an impression on me and he certainly did.”

Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza and Wild Card enforcer Rob Peters arrived in Manila from a 15-hour direct flight at 3:45 a.m. from Los Angeles and after clearing customs and immigration an hour later, they were driven to the Philippines’ summer capital on board a van driven by Enrico Tan of Avis. Also on board the van for the six-hour journey was this reporter.

“I am looking forward to working with Manny again,” said Roach, who will be here to spend four, five or even six weeks and help Pacquiao prepare for his November 14 showdown with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

“It didn’t take long for Pacquiao and Roach to reconnect as they went through the motions of the punch mitt session just like the olden days when all the master needed was make eye contact and his pupil would respond with a blazing combination.

Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz said that in the succeeding days, Pacquiao’s training will be closed for viewing and it will only be on Thursday next week that members of the media will be allowed to watch the proceedings with the arrival of Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.

Koncz said former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson will fetch Arum at the airport in Manila then will fly him on board his private plane for the media day scheduled that day, the only time that Pacquiao will let writers, photographer and broadcasters to see him train.

Pacquiao intends to train here until mid-October then move to the Wild Card in Hollywood for the final push but Roach said he won’t be surprised if his fighter opts to spend five or even six weeks here before heading to the US.

Roach, meanwhile, revealed that two sparring partners – Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon – are flying in from the US this Sunday.

“If we spend more than four weeks here, I will ask one more guy to come over,” said Roach.

Roach said Pacquiao will kick off his sparring session on Tuesday or Thursday next week – depending on Manny’s condition – and not on the physical shape of the sparmates.

“They (sparring partners) get paid,” said Roach.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/221813/pacquiao-fiery-start

Floyd Mayweather Sr: Manny Pacquiao Ain't Got Skills Like My Son

After watching his son dominate Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday night, Floyd Mayweather Sr said he came away more convinced than ever that the boxing match everyone wants to see -- Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Manny Pacquiao -- would be a mismatch.

"I want him to fight Pacquiao," Floyd Sr. said of his son. "He don't have no skills -- he ain't got skills like my son."

Floyd Sr. added, "He's not in Floyd's league -- that's so plain to see that Ray Charles can see it," although it wasn't clear whether Floyd Sr. was referring to Pacquiao or Marquez in that comment.

There's no question that Floyd Jr. thoroughly dominated Marquez while Pacquiao fought him essentially even for 24 rounds. So in that respect, the Mayweather camp has reason to crow. On the other hand, Pacquiao thoroughly dominated both Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, beating them both far more convincingly than Mayweather did. So the debate about who's better, Mayweather or Pacquiao, didn't end on Saturday night.

And that's really why boxing needs the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight to happen: Everyone agrees that these are the two best boxers in the world. We need to see it settled in the ring.

Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/09/22/floyd-mayweather-sr-manny-pacquiao-aint-got-skills-like-my-son/

Bet on it: Manny Pacquiao will be next to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr.

With his engaging smile and handsome face, Oscar De La Hoya exudes the aura of a gifted salesman, a top producer.

It has served him well as he has built his company, Golden Boy Promotions, into a major force in the boxing business since its inception eight years ago.

This was a tough sell, though.

De La Hoya was trying to convince an assemblage of irascible boxing types late Saturday night at the MGM Grand that Shane Mosley, rather than Manny Pacquiao, would make a better opponent for Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Mayweather’s next fight.

De La Hoya knew he was pushing for Mosley only because Mosley is a member in good standing of the Golden Boy stable. The crowd knew it. De La Hoya knew the crowd knew it, and the crowd knew De La Hoya knew the crowd knew it.

The poker table was filled with professionals and everyone saw the bluff developing.

Nevertheless, De La Hoya gave it a shot.

“Mosley has a strong case, let me tell you,” De La Hoya said, clearly struggling for words to back up his assertion, repeating the same phrase but stressing a different syllable each time. “Mosley has a strong case. Mosley has a very strong case.”

He sounded like one of those concert emcees at Shea Stadium in 1965 given the thankless task of hyping the appearance of Sounds Incorporated when the crowd was obviously wired up to see the Beatles.

De La Hoya’s pitch was greeted by a confused silence and then a couple of catcalls, until someone politely suggested that Pacquiao would present a more desirable match.

After all, during Mayweather’s hiatus of nearly two years from boxing, Pacquiao claimed the consensus if mythical title of best active boxer in the world at any weight.

Mayweather regained the distinction with a brilliant performance in his 12-round dismantling, a near shutout, of Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday at the Grand Garden Arena.

Prediction: Team Golden Boy’s lobbying notwithstanding, Mayweather-Pacquiao will be made. Negotiations will be hard and marked by all manner of posturing and name-calling. The proposed fight will be supposedly “on,” then “off again,” then “back on,” and this cycle will repeat two or three times. We’ve seen this show before. The promoters will inform us repeatedly that the lucrative fight “transcends boxing,” whatever that means. But it will be made.

Mayweather, despite intense questioning — he accurately pointed out that he was being asked the same thing over and over again in various ways — did not address his next fight. About the Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight scheduled for Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand, Mayweather said only that he hopes the best man wins.

His father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., cast his vote for a fight with Pacquiao over Mosley, though he thinks his son would win either fight handily.

“Mosley just wants a big payday, and Floyd shouldn’t give him one,” Mayweather Sr. said. “I want him to fight Pacquiao. Floyd can definitely whoop Mosley. Pacquiao? He’s probably even easier. He’s not in Floyd’s league.”

Although their relationship has been contentious in the past, father and son embraced in the ring just before Little Floyd went to work on Marquez (50-5-1).

“I gave him some good words of wisdom in there,” said Mayweather Sr., evoking the memory of Michael Jackson by sporting a showy military-style jacket on fight night. “I wanted him to protect himself, to keep his hands up, to win. I just wanted to give him some fatherly advice.”

Much has been made, with good reason, of Mayweather’s lopsided advantage in the punch statistics and on the official scorecards, where he won 120-107, 119-108 and 118-109. (I found it in my heart to award Marquez one round and had it 119-108.)

Just as impressive were the nuances in Mayweather’s execution, the way he controlled the ring and took Marquez out of his game — a difficult assignment Mayweather made look effortless. In his first fight since December 2007, Mayweather enhanced his reputation as a thinking fan’s fighter, someone best appreciated by those who enjoy the finer points of the sport: defense, the art of elusion, tactical maneuvering.

Loyal to the end, Marquez’s supporters filled the arena with cheers on every attempt by their man to put together a flurry of punches. More often than not, though, Mayweather picked off shot after shot thrown by Marquez, like the Japanese monster Grogan swatting down a fighter jet on the old SCTV sketch. The defining image of the fight might be a frowning Marquez fan posing for a photo in the lobby afterward, looking downcast but defiantly holding up a Mexican flag with Marquez’s name spelled out on it in silver lettering.

“He was trying to go to the body, but when I am in the ring I can see every shot that is coming,” Mayweather (40-0) said.

Mayweather went off as a minus 350 betting favorite (risk $3.50 to net $1) at the MGM on Saturday after a late line move toward the underdog. In betting odds updated Sunday at all Lucky’s sports books in Nevada, Mayweather is listed as a minus 170 favorite against Pacquiao and as a minus 300 favorite against Mosley.

Mayweather Sr. saw at least a little room for improvement in his son’s dominant showing Saturday and expects him to be sharper in his next fight — a sobering assessment for either Pacquiao or Mosley.

“Rust means a lot,” Mayweather Sr. said. “I don’t care what anybody says. You ain’t fought in two years and you fight again, it’s going to feel different. If Floyd had never took time off, he would have stopped him. He would have been in fighting shape, no rust.

“He wasn’t rusty like completely gone. But he didn’t let his hands go. If he did, you would have seen a different ending to the fight. You would have seen a stoppage.”

Source: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/21/bet-it-pacquiao-will-be-next-ght-mayweather/

Ony Man-ny on planet who can lick Mayweather is Pacquiao

Five Searing Questions After Mayweather Blanks Midget Marquez:

1. Was this fight fixed?

ANSWER: Yes, but not in the sense of Juan Manuel going in the tank. It was fixed at the start, at the mismatch’s conception. No fighter in the world, including Manny Pacquiao, could be expected to quick jump from 135 pounds to fight and be a serious competitor against a foe with Mayweather’s multiplicity of skills. Juan Ma was a willing stooge, no disrespect to his great career and status, because he took down $3 million. You could never spend that much money in Urtinetown.

2. Is Mayweather beatable?

ANSWER: Yes, but not by someone who is going to box him. Anyone, including Huggy Bear Shane Mosley, who tries to outbox the master will finish second. Pacman can defeat Mayweather because he hits hard and because he is much more nimble than Marquez. If Manny can take Mayweather out of his game, yes he can beat him.

3. Will Floyd-Manny happen or will it get lost in the swamp of boxing politricks?

ANSWER: Yes, and I’m betting it gets put together in December because, no matter how Arum hates Mayweather or anyone else hates anyone else, their common characteristic is they all love money uber alles. If needed, HBO can give the bout a swift kick in the wallet. Mayweather will let Mosley go to fight Andre Berto. I can’t see Floyd taking Mosley, which I’m sure he considers a tougher fight for less money, than he’d make for what he considers an easier fight against Megamanny. See you at ringside for Floyd-Manny on March 15.

4. Does Mayweather really detest and despise de la Hoya or is it an act?

ANSWER: Mayweather doesn’t climb mountains. His mantra is the most money for the least risky bout. Perhaps Mayweather is an example of when keeping it real goes wrong but he views Oscar as 99 44/100 phony. At the end of the day, though, Floyd keeps putting large sums of money into Oscar’s corportate pocket. When is Mayweather Promotions going to take off the training wheels? I wish, I wish I could find someone to hate me like that, lol.

5. If Cotto upsets Pacman, will Mayweather fight him?

ANSWER: Affrimative because Mayweather views the predictable Cotto as an easier foe than the darting in and out Pacquiao. And L’il Floyd views Cotto as someone who would not present the problems Mosley would give him. In Mosley’s mind, and he could be right, he is the antidote to Mayweather, he is the unafraid Holyfield to Mayweather’s Tyson. Only reason Floyd avoids Cotto, if Cotto upsets Pacman, is to spite his former Uncle Bob Arum.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d20-Ony-Manny-on-planet-who-can-lick-Mayweather-is-Pacquiao

With Mayweather-Marquez in the rearview, the Cotto-Pacquiao countdown begins

Last night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather made his return to the ring against respected veteran Juan Manuel Marquez. Despite not having fought for a whopping 21 months, Mayweather looked sharp throughout the contest and went on to capture a wide unanimous decision against the ever hopeful Mexico City fighter. Scores of 120-107, 119-108, and 118-109 were all read in favor of the Grand Rapids native as ‘Money’ Mayweather was simply too big and skilled for the former champion.
Highlights of the fight were few and far between and outside of a second round knockdown of Marquez, courtesy of a Mayweather left hook, the action itself wasn’t worthy of prolonged mention. Despite the great build up to the fight, it was a rather ho-hum affair and many even suggested that Mayweather was carrying Marquez to make things interesting. With the win Mayweather moves to 40-0 with 25 knockouts and just like the rest of the world he will surely turn his attention to one date in particular: November 14th.


On this day the boxing world will sink it’s teeth into one of the year’s most anticipated clashes as proud Puerto Rican WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto defends his belt against the whirlwind attack of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao. Despite the fight being nearly two months away there’s little doubt that this contest will be the talk of the town until the first bell rings.


Pacquiao has been in the headlines recently for a bit of negative press regarded some alleged rumors from Floyd Mayweather Sr. that the Filipino fighter was guilty of taking illegal substances to enhance his performances. People on the inside have also said that perhaps Pacquiao is looking past Cotto, considering the Puerto Rican to be damaged goods following his brutal knockout loss to Antonio Margarito over a year ago. Freddie Roach denies all of this and just a few days ago the trainer was to set flight for the Philippines to start camp with his fighter, eventually returning to the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles near mid-October.


Cotto himself was said to have started light training at the Abner “Pin” Cotto Boxing Gym in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico before recently relocating to Tampa, Florida for the final phase of his camp. The two division champion is coming off of a split decision victory over rugged Joshua Clottey in June. The bout was full of wild momentum shifts and for much of the fight Cotto had to fight through a nasty cut by way of accidental head butt that lead to blood streaming down his face. It was a win that may not have answered whether Cotto is still in his prime form but it did shed light into the fighting heart of the Caguas native.


When analyzing a Pacquiao-Cotto fight, the possibilities are both endless and intriguing. Both men have an offensive attack that is sound, proficient, and at times explosive. In the past Cotto has had trouble with southpaws, as both DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley and Zab Judah had him buzzed early in their fights, and if he is caught early against Pacquiao he could be in trouble.


Pacquiao himself will be dealing with most likely the strongest fighter physically that he has encountered. Possessing a wicked body attack and a champion’s poise, Cotto very well could present some trying moments to Pacquiao if he is able to get through the early rounds and get into his comfort zone. Hatton attempted to physically manhandle Pacquiao and he was subsequently bulldozed, but Cotto possesses far more skill than the Manchester fighter and he will go about his business with much more tact and patience.


Still almost two months away, the fight will surely pick up steam and the always interesting pre fight debate will surely be plentiful from both sides. In the coming weeks the Examiner will be touching base with a wide range of people in the sport in an effort towards gathering a conscious pulse on what the boxing nation is feeling about Cotto-Pacquiao. Without question this is one of the biggest fights of the year and the countdown has officially begun…

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-22973-Miami-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d20-With-MayweatherMarquez-in-the-rearview-the-CottoPacquiao-countdown-begins?cid=examiner-email

Real danger signs for Manny Pacquiao from Floyd Mayweather

Something happened in Las Vegas this weekend. It was a wake-up call for the rest of the boxing world watching. One man above all others. Manny Pacquiao.

I liked the words he coughed up to Filipino journalists who watch Manny’s every move at home. I love the detail of what time he does what with whom and where. He is an athlete, a curiosity, an enigma, an unfolding world story of rags to riches, from poverty to politician.

He is a modern morality tale of the age. And, having met the man, as humble and simple as you prayed he would be when you shook hands and spoke.

But I fear for his bubble againt Mayweather. It may just burst.

Now don’t get me wrong. Manny has made huge improvements as a boxer, as well as a fighter. In the sense that I believe he would outstrip Juan Manuel Marquez if they met again.

There are reasons to justifiably lift him to that iconic pound for pound mantle, yet we were watching greatness in Floyd Mayweather’s performance against Juan Manuel Marquez.

I read some funny things washed up in the waves after the fight in Las Vegas. One writer claimed Mayweather was ‘the devil’. Hang on a minute… the devil would have scorched Marquez, who looked fine afterwards.

No, it was Mayweather the physical magician, with a bag of defensive tricks, a man with gloves and a rolling rotator cuff like a great cape he can disappear behind.

From the waist down, his posture, legs wide and flexed at the knee for power, mid-section/centre of gravity pushed down by wonderful posture, yet light on his toes, which makes him more like a martial artist of olde in a dance.

No, this was not the devil. More crouching tiger, hidden dragon.

Physically, in action, Mayweather is already approaching greatness. Outside the ring may be another matter. What he will never have, which Pacquiao has, is humility and honesty which touches people, which inspires them to follow and be followers.

Mayweather is a decent enough man up close, pretty smooth with the media, but his edges are brassy, his boasts of expensive attire and the like just ‘chavvy’ .

I can understand Freddie’s Roach’s considered opinion put out on Sunday. “Congratulations Floyd. You just beat the best lightweight in the world.” There was a gulf in size. But so too in class. It was as staggering as it was wide.

I fear that Pacquiao may appear similar against Mayweather, when and if they meet. It is hard to see how anyone will beat the American, at this weight, in this form, at this time, with the great style he has developed.

Source: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/garethadavies/100001824/real-danger-signs-for-manny-pacquiao-from-floyd-mayweather/

Manny Pacquiao perfectly poised to defeat Miguel Cotto

Finally what we wanted to hear from Manny Pacquiao, and a sign he is getting mentally tuned for Miguel Cotto.Pacquiao has admitted that Cotto, who he faces in Las Vegas on November 14 for the WBO welterweight title, is “resilient, smart” and he believes he will have to go 12 rounds.
That’s spot on. “This will be my toughest test as a professional boxer,” said Pacquiao. “I know he is an excellent, smart fighter and a great world champion. We also know that he is good in body punching and that he’s strong so we have to study that, how to counter it and fight that in the ring. We also need to use our own advantage over Cotto. Everybody knows that I am faster than Cotto so how can I use that speed in the fight? I will do my best in this fight to capture my seventh title belt.”
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, who predicted Ricky Hatton would be beaten inside three rounds, and expected Oscar De La Hoya to be well beaten, is anticipating that this fight will go the championship distance. They are saying all the right things as they enter a gruelling training camp.
“It’s going to be a much more tactical fight than people think because he (Cotto) is a very smart fighter,” Roach said. “It’s who can implement their game plan and use it to the fullest advantage.I think this is going to be a 12-round fight, no knockout. This guy (Cotto) is very resilient. If a knockout comes, it comes but if you go out there looking for a knockout, you might get caught yourself. We have to be very tactical.” The best possible noises to date from Team Pacquiao. If he fights smart, the Filipino’s speed will be the telling factor.

Source: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/garethadavies/100001791/manny-pacquiao-perfectly-poised-to-defeat-miguel-cotto/

Manny Pacquiao team fumbles on Floyd Mayweather Sr. rants

If leather lunged Keith Jackson was “announcing” the Papa Mayweather charges about Manny Pacquiao is on steroids and maybe HGH furor, he would be talking about Pacman the way he used to about running back Herschel Walker.

“That Megamanny…well, he’s just a horse and a half,” the ABC Sports gamecaller would intone. “Look at him go! Whoa, Nelly!”

As for the ongoing flap about Mayweather’s mouthings, KJ would compare it to a Georgia Tech home game going right down to the wire.

“It’s a barnburner!” KJ would shout.

In his latest tirade, Poppa M went into a brand new bag, alleging that the Pinoy Idol may have used a cocktail combo of HGH and steroids.

Well, here’s what this former ABC Sports producer says about the whole mess:

“Fumble, Team Pacquiao! I do believe the Mayweathers have recovered the ball.”

I know some of you more overt Pacjewelhuggers will say, there goes AWG, Average White Gorilla, nitpicking the Pacman team once again. There goes Marley the faultfinder and player of the blame game.

That would be so wrong but you emotionally stunted people will go there. Please stay there and do not pollute the comment section which is so well maintained by Bernie Vee, Arcadia, #1floydfan and a few other stalwarts. (Bernie Vee says he may watch "Darna" on GMA and opt out of the Marquez-Mayweather dance. Perhaps BV enjoys the great costume, I don't know.)

Where did the Whacky Packy crew err? So delighted you asked.

Like this:

1. One denial. Pacman himself should have been the only one to deny this unless conditioning guru Alex Ariza was prepared to do so. Too many comments from the peanut gallery are muddying the waters. Ariza, ostensibly an expert, should be able to demolish Floyd Senior’s rants.

2. Botched PR technique. Freddie Sternburg competently reps Top Rank in terms of Manny PR but who is Pacman’s own spokesperson? Is there such a person?

3. Ignore. The key word, after one blanket denial from MP and/or Ariza, should’ve been to ignore windbag Mayweather. Instead, this has been given the kind of attention the Pope would get if he suddenly announced he was becoming a Baptist.

4. Fact sheet. Pacquiao was tested for banned drugs by the Nevada commission after he fought Hatton May 2 whereas in retirement L’il Floyd has had no such tests in his 21 month hiatus. So who can say he’s surely clean, at least clean as of that May 2 date? Manny can.

5. Trash talk as opposed to libel. There’s a big difference. Any layman knows that so all this chatter about sueing Papa M is needless noise.

The best response on this so far has been Coach Freddie Roach’s jock reply.

“Look at the scoreboard!” Coach Roach yelled, referring to how he and Megamanny trampled Floyd Sr. and Hatton on May 2.

Btw, if you bet that fight to go over six minutes, you lost.

Finally, Pacman inflating himself with drugs, at the end of the day, is just more grist for the publicity mill.

Over in Naptown, the always alert Prof. Guillermo labels Mayweather's rants as boxing hype but considers the speaker a gutter rat sort of individual.

Coming: March 2010, Megamanny against L’il Floyd.

As KJ would say, “Now that’s one horse against another. That’s going to be a barn, barn, barnburner!

“Whoa, Nelly!”

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d17-Manny-Pacquiao-team-fumbles-on-Floyd-Mayweather-Sr-rants

Back in RP, Pacquiao primes up for training

Boxing star Manny Pacquiao returned to the country early Thursday and will start priming up for a two-month training for his Nov. 14 title fight with World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao and his small entourage that toured New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego for almost a week to promote the Cotto bout arrived at 5 a.m. via Philippine Airlines flight 103.

He is expected to wrap up all the remaining commitments he left behind while doing the five-city press tour and by next week, serious training starts at the City of Pines.

With barely two months left before he tangles with the 28-year-old Puerto Rican, Pacquiao vows to fully concentrate on his training.

“I am going to train hard to show the people who Manny Pacquiao really is. I will train hard and give my fans what they want to see," the Pacman said.

Conditioning coach Alex Ariza, who has prepared Pacquiao in his last three fights, arrives in the country on Sunday. Two days after, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach follows.

The Baguio City training is expected to last for about a month, before Team Pacquiao flies to the U.S. by mid-October to wind up the camp at the famed Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum also said that Pacquiao has to be in the U.S. on Oct. 17 for a special, one-day promotional event for the bout dubbed “Firepower."

Pacquiao, considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today, highlighted his five-day city tour abroad by making the ceremonial pitch during the game between San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, which organizers dubbed as “Filipino Heritage Night" at the PETCO Park in San Diego.

The event marked the third time Pacquiao did the ceremonial pitch in a Major League game.

Just last April before his fight with former world junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, the 30-year-old native of General Santos City also made the first pitch during the match between division rivals San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres.

In 2005, he also threw out the first pitch in the Los Angeles Angels Anaheim-Oakland A’s game at the Angels Stadium.

Next fight: March 2010

As this developed, Arum bared that after the Cotto fight, Pacquiao is expected to fight next in March 2010.

Arum wouldn’t name yet who Pacquiao will be taking on in his first bout for the new year, although everything depends on the outcome of his showdown with Cotto and the result of the Floyd Mayweather Jr-Juan Manuel Marquez meeting this weekend.

The Top Rank big boss said Pacquiao is amenable to a middle of March fight, after which, he’ll start concentrating on his bid for a congressional seat in the province of Saranggani during the May national elections. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/172520/back-in-rp-pacquiao-primes-up-for-training

Pacquiao denies doping, mulls filing raps vs. accuser

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has belied claims that he is using illegal supplements, including the banned substance steroids, to gain an unfair advantage in fights.

The accusation was made by flamboyant trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., who worked the corner of Ricky Hatton for the bout with Pacquiao last May. Mayweather, in an interview with the Grand Rapids Press, said he believes the Filipino is taking illegal supplements.

“I believe he’s (Pacquiao) on some type of supplements. I’m convinced about a lot of (boxers),” the brash trainer said. “That’s what they’re (Pacquiao camp) doing right now. Everybody should be checked a little bit more thoroughly. Sometimes people know what’s going on but they ain’t saying anything.

Mayweather’s claims may have stemmed from the fact that he witnessed first hand how Pacquiao demolished Hatton easily during their fight — where the current pound-for-pound king’s speed was simply too much for the British slugger to handle.

But against his son Floyd Jr., the older Mayweather said Pacquiao will lose if ever they meet in the ring — steroids or none.

“I don’t think he can beat Lil’ Floyd with steroids in him or not,” he said. “He don’t have that kind of talent. He don’t have that kind of skill, whatever he has in him.”

Pacquiao, for his part, insisted he always fights cleanly, even stressing that he doesn’t know anything about steroids.

“I don’t even know how it looks and what color it is,” Pacquiao said in a TV interview shortly after arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport this morning (Sept. 17).

The IBO junior welterweight champion added that he has already instructed his lawyer, Jeng Gacal, to study any possible legal action they can take against Mayweather.

“We’re thinking of suing him (Mayweather) for what he said,” he added.

Pacquiao is back in the Philippines after wrapping up a back-breaking press tour that took him and upcoming opponent Miguel Cotto to five cities — New York, Caguas in Puerto Rico, and San Francisco, Beverly Hills and San Diego in California.

He, along with trainer Freddie Roach, will head to Baguio City tonight to kick-off his eight-week training camp.

Pacquiao and Cotto will slug it out on Nov. 14 (Nov. 15 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=506062&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Security tightened for Pacquiao practice in Baguio gym

Police tightened security at a gymnasium in Baguio City where Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao will train in preparation for his bout with Miguel Cotto this November.

Radio dzRH reported that city police have secured the gym at Teachers' Camp so that Pacquiao will not be distracted by people who want to watch him train.

Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. appealed to city residents to cooperate with the security measures so Pacquiao can concentrate on his training.

Pacquiao is due to face Cotto on November 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

His last ring victory was on May 3, when he knocked out Ricky Hatton.

Cotto, a native of Puerto Rico, is the present World Boxing Organization welterweight champion.

Earlier Pacquaio assured his supporters that he would be 100-percent prepared for his November fight, amid concerns that he is not taking his training seriously. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/172480/security-tightened-for-pacquiao-practice-in-baguio-gym

My Rebuttal to Pacland: My Honest feelings about Manny Pacquiao

When I woke up Wednesday morning and came to my computer I must confess I was a little shocked in more ways than one. The night prior I had penned a piece titled Jeff Mayweather: 'Others have accused Pacquiao of cheating but there is a bigger problem' (www.examiner.com/x-22973-Miami-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d16-Jeff-Mayweather-Other-have-accused-Pacquiao-of-cheating-but-theres-a-bigger-problem) The article was a quick follow up to the well known Floyd Mayweather Sr. accusations against Manny Pacquiao, claiming his belief that the Filipino sensation was taking some kind of illegal supplements.


I followed up Floyd Sr.’s thoughts by talking to Jeff Mayweather to get a feel for his thoughts on the subject. Jeff went on to state that while he wasn’t in a position to accuse Pacquiao of anything, that he did feel there was a nationwide problem of fighters taking illegal substances to gain an edge. When typing up the piece I made sure not to accuse Pacquiao or any other fighter of illegal wrongdoing, and only give the thoughts that Jeff had to say on the subject.


Regardless of my intentions I have seemed to set off a fire with the article as several people, many of whom I assume are Pacquiao supporters, have put me under the bus, telling me that I will be ‘skinned alive’ for my biased approach, while also warning me that I am now a ‘targeted writer’ who will get ‘f***** up’ if I ever enter Asia or California. I could go on for a while about the type of messages that were expressed but I think you get the scope of it.


First things first, let me state a few things. I never once have accused Manny Pacquiao of any wrongdoing throughout his entire career. If you look back over my history of writing and over the years, I haven’t had much negativity towards Pacquiao at all. Below are some statements that I have made over Manny Pacquiao throughout his career, some of which have been through prior articles released to www.BraggingRightsCorner.com and www.8CountNews.com, while others have been my interaction via email, etc. The first snippet I have, which is the earliest journalist piece I remember having on Pac is from sometime in 2006 shortly after his rematch victory over Erik Morales. Here’s what I had to say…


“When his career is over I believe one of Manny Pacquiao’s defining rounds will be the sixth stanza in his rematch against Erik Morales. When Pacquiao lost to Morales the first time he was labeled by some as somewhat of a ‘one trick pony’ with much power and not as much ability to adapt. Nearly halfway through his rematch with the Tijuana great, Pacquiao appeared to be heading towards a loss but found something deep inside himself to turn the tide of the fight in the sixth round. This round will forever stand out to me as Pacquiao turned up the pressure and took control of the fight by bludgeoning Morales with power shots from all angles. He would carry the same momentum over the course of the fight, ultimately stopping Morales in the tenth. The win revitalized Pacquiao’s career but more importantly showed his true worth as a fighter.”


Towards the end of 2008 I was asked by someone for my thoughts on who was the fighter of the year. While not one to get caught up in accolades or pound for pound ratings, I had to give the nod to the Filipino native. This is what I stated…


“I think Manny Pacquiao is the 2008 Fighter of the Year. In March he pulled out a razor thin victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in a fight that was full of wild momentum shifts. Four months later he moved up to the Lightweight division and dominated gritty titlist David Diaz to snag the WBC belt. And to cap it off he shocked the boxing public with a stirring upset victory over legendary Oscar De La Hoya. All three wins were memorable and the Diaz and De La Hoya triumphs were clear and impressive. Pacquiao gets my vote.”


In late April of this year I was contacted by Brad Cooney, owner and editor of www.8CountNews.com, for my thoughts on the highly anticipated Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton battle in Las Vegas. This was my prediction for the bout…


“I think Manny Pacquiao's speed and youth, being in the prime of his career will make the difference over Hatton. I like Pacquiao by late TKO, in the tenth.”


In April of 2008 I spent a few months with then Lightweight Champion Nate Campbell and his family. Campbell was fresh off of an upset victory over Juan Diaz in which he seized the IBF, WBA, and WBO Lightweights belts and was soaking in the spotlight that comes with being a newly crowned champion. At the time Campbell made it well known to anyone who would listen that he desperately was seeking a bout with Pacquiao and told others ‘he can’t beat me’.


Being around Campbell daily and listening to his verbal desires, it would have been easy for me look at Pacquiao as the enemy, but I never got caught up in it. When Campbell asked me what I thought of the Marquez-Pacquiao rematch I told him simply ‘It was a close fight. I think either guy would be a good fight for you’.

Wanting to get an opinion from someone in my position I contacted Indianapolis Fights Sports Examiner Dennis Guillermo (http://www.examiner.com/x-10947-Indianapolis-Fight-Sports-Examiner ) to get his thoughts on my article. Dennis, who is well known for his continued work in relation to Pacquiao and his connection to Nonito Donaire, offered up his personal opinion.

"I feel that your work is unbiased and positive," he stated. "I liked the article on Jeff Mayweather because of the way the piece was conducted. I wouldn't worry too much about all of the comments your receive, that just means your work is all the more unique."


After reading my interview with Jeff people have gone on to say that I am just a peasant boy to the Mayweathers and that I would do anything to generate hits and income for my ‘Examiner’ page. Fair enough but if that’s the case then I really don’t know why I have been stating recently over the past few years how Floyd Mayweather’s demeanor is ‘played out’ and that his braggadocios style isn’t something I am too keen on.


If Lil’ Floyd himself was to have been accused of taking illegal supplements I would have no problem following up on that situation as well. Anyone who takes a look at my previous Mayweather/Marquez related pieces for the Examiner can get the hint that I am much more appreciative of a humble warrior like Juan Manuel Marquez as opposed to someone like Floyd Mayweather Jr.


If there is one thing that I will concede it’s that I still have much room to grow as a journalist, despite doing this for many years. I try to go about my role as a writer with integrity and unbiased thought and I have told anyone who would listen that I would have no problem contacting someone from Pacquiao’s team to get their thoughts on the incident if the situation would have presented itself.


The thing I’ve noticed about Pacquiao’s faithful is that they are beyond passionate when it comes to their man and it serves as somewhat of a double edged sword at times. While it’s great to see them defending Manny, their reactions have often been a bit over the top. But to each his or her own, I say. All I do with my role as a writer is to get as many varying viewpoints as possible from people in the industry. If death threats and accusations are going to come my way, so be it.


In closing I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that Manny Pacquiao is my favorite fighter and I haven’t really gotten caught up in his craze like other people have because I am a fan of the sport first, and not fighters in particular. I also am not going to sit back and give any apologies for anything I have wrote about the man because I personally have never accused him of anything or badmouthed him myself. What I can do is give him the proper respect he has earned over his career, which is more than enough to warrant the mantel as the best fighter on the plant. At the end of the day Manny Pacquiao will have much said about him, some of it good and some of it bad, but my gut feeling here is that the allegations against him serve as just a small note in his illustrious career. What he is able to accomplish against Miguel Cotto and beyond is of much more importance.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-22973-Miami-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d16-My-Rebuttal-to-Pacland-My-Honest-feelings-about-Manny-Pacquiao?cid=examiner-email

GOLDEN BOY AND FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR LOST A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO MANNY PACQUIAO

The Pacquiao-Cotto Firepower five city promotional tour adeptly choreographed so close to September 19 by the marketing gurus of Top Rank were a huge success. It was not only received warmly by fans from New York, to Puerto Rico, to San Francisco, to Los Angeles and San Diego but also effectively diverted the attention from Golden Boy’s Numero Uno-Number One fight this Saturday. Top Rank’s Bob Arum, the promoter, is clearly making a statement.

The palpable giddy anticipation and overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from sports fans and the media greatly contrast the tepid reactions that the Floyd Jr. and Juan Ma’s 'Numero Uno-Number One' bout has been receiving from all sectors of the boxing world.

Li'l Floyd’s delusional rants and Juan Ma’s choice of vitamin filled beverage flaunted in HBO’s Award Winning 24/7 series do not seem to energize even the most passionate boxing aficionado. Just a mere few days before the fight, ticket sales remain meager at best.

If the Juan Manuel Marquez-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight is a patient, it is on life support and barely hanging for dear life.

But could this dying patient have been given an infusion of a life saving “medicine”?

Yes and it was free! A golden opportunity was handed to Golden Boy Promotions in a silver platter by no less than basketball superstar Shaq, a celebrity who transcends sports.

Although Shaq VS is by no means the surprise television ratings winner of the year, it is on free Network TV most likely watched by a good number of sports and boxing fans. Golden Boy could have easily made a deal with the Shaq VS producers and use the show as an excellent tool to promote Number One – Numero Uno.

Golden Boy should have demanded from Shaq that in exchange for his appearance, there would be subtle but maximum exposure for this Saturday’s fight. Instead, it was Manny Pacquiao who was given a prime time network national TV exposure when Shaq called himself Manny Shaquiao for last week’s Shaq vs. Oscar De La Hoya episode, an episode that turned out an entertaining “fight” between Shaq and Oscar de la Hoya.

With Shaq’s unabashed recognition of Manny Pacquiao, Lil’ Floyd ego must have been badly crushed and greener with envy than Kermit the Frog and the Incredible Hulk.

There are still a couple of days left. Golden Boy Promotions urgently must find the cure to save this looming box office and PPV disaster.

Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-27412.html

V8: Mayweather, Pacquiao, Roach, Mayweather Snr., and more

Mayweather Sr. Says Pacquiao Has The 'Juice'

According to reports, Floyd Mayweather Snr. recently spoke of what he calls a "possibility" that Manny Pacquiao is taking steroids. The comment was made to David Mayo of the Grand Rapids Press. Mayweather's inclination comes as a result of noticing a trend of the Filipino fighter "twitching" more now than he ever has. Those looking to play devils advocate here have also pointed back to the fact that another prominent Freddie Roach fighter recently was caught using steroids - (James 'Lights Out' Toney). Roach is convinced that the only thing his charge is guilty of taking is "rice", and Pacquiao's statement on the issue is that it is a non-issue, for the simple fact that he "doesn't even know what that stuff is". Mayweather Snr. went on to say that he "thinks EVERY fighter should be tested more thoroughly", and that he "truly believes that Roach and company are pushing Pacquiao too much" in this pursuit for history and greatness. A loss to Cotto and that portion of his statement may be realized as a truth, but despite the muscular frame and the fact that Pacquiao has carried power up in weight like few others have been able to, I think we can all lay that type of speculation to rest. There is no greater impact to a fighter than a question of his credibility. Pacquiao and Roach have been very honorable and credible sources to this point. I'm not quite sure that I see this pursuit of happiness changing that.

Floyd Mayweather jr.: Mo' Money, Mo' Problems?

Fighter Floyd Mayweather returns to the ring this Saturday for the first time in 2 years. Speculation has run rampant about the reasons behind his return. Unconfirmed stories from various sources have began to surface about everything from him owing the IRS, to his having a vehicle repossessed. Critics have had a blast taking shots at the former P4P king without stopping to think two things. (1.) It makes no sense to blast Mayweather about returning ONLY because he's having money problems, for the simple fact that if he were to lose to Marquez, those same people WOULD NOT turn around and say that he lost because "he was only fighting for money and not motivated"; they're gonna say that his money issues are just another excuse. So which one is it? Taking shots at a guy you don't like just potentially takes away from what would be a solid effort from his opponent - Juan Manuel Marquez? (2.) The last time I checked, a man who finds his ability to support his family compromised who actually decides to get off of his 'duff' and go to work is something I thought we commended people for. Isn't it a bit funny how a person can be criticized for having money problems, and criticized even more for trying to go back to work and legally solve them? Face it, ladies and gents, yes, we hate practically everything Mayweather says when he grabs a microphone most times, but to find humor in him trying to feed his family (if that is the reason for his return) is a laughing matter in and of itself. We should all go look in the mirror and get in a good laugh, too, because if we feel that way, perhaps the real joke is on us! As journalist, it's best to be mindful of the fact that we all have bills to pay - just like these guys who sacrifice their lives in the ring; Which is why I refrain from tearing any fighters down. I wouldn't be writing now if I didn't have a family to feed. Does that mean someone is out there preparing an article about me too? (Think about it)

Pacquiao: "If We Fought Today, I Would Lose"

Manny Pacquiao has always been known as a very honest and humble man. That sentiment can only be realized more and more when listening to the unapologeticly honest statement rendered from the fighting Filipino a few days ago when he boldly said with integrity, "if we (he and Cotto) fought today, I would lose". A growing concern among many is that Pacquiao's outside distractions - shooting of a movie, commercials, and other activities - have put the Filipino behind the 8-ball in his quest to defeat Cotto. This was evidenced in what many spectators referred to as a very "round faced" Pacquiao who recently appeared at various press tour stops around the world to promote the fight. With approximately 8 weeks left to train for the fight, perhaps it's a great thing the fight "isn't today". The quest for Pacquiao to return to form gives him a mere 50 more (days) plus to do so. In the end, I think we can all be confident that he will, like he always has.

Mayweather jr. Ready To Reclaim P4P Status?

Saturday night marks the return of 'Prettyboy' Floyd Mayweather. It's been two long years, and a lot has changed since his unexpected departure. One of those things was a crowning of a new P4P king - Manny Pacquiao. In an era where belts mean less and less, it seems the only title worth pursuing is the mythical P4P title. Trouble is, until they actually fight and settle the score, it's hard to believe that the consensus will change from favoring Pacquiao in the matter to a notion favoring Mayweather. I guess we'll never know until the two actually square off and decide once and for all. Whether they get that opportunity to do so starts Saturday night in Las Vegas when Mayweather attempts to defeat a man that Pacquiao has struggled mightily with. And one way or the other, that possibility will end on the evening of November 14th, when Pacquiao faces his biggest challenge yet (literally) in Miguel Cotto. It will either end with Pacquiao solidifying his position in such a fight with Mayweather, or it will end as a result of him losing that fight to Miguel Cotto. In approximately 8 weeks we'll all find out.

MMA According to Bob Arum: From Skinned-Head To Skinheads?!?!

Bob Arum recently went on a tirade which outlined his deepest thoughts about the sport of MMA. Listening to the harsh sentiments of Bob, there's little question in the minds of some that something more personal is brewing within. While some may find a way to justify the things he said, certainly that choice of words wasn't what one would expect from someone of his caliber. Not only did he say MMA was "a bunch of skinhead white guys", but he also went out on a limb and said competitors in the sport are like "homosexuals rolling around on the floor". Some pretty strong words for a man who many greatly respect. Truth is, MMA fighters train as hard, or harder than boxers, so I don't find much validity there. But what I will do is concede the point to him that the fundamental skill of boxing is one that better suits my personal taste. With the sport of MMA being fairly new and still somewhat undeveloped, (in comparison to boxing), it'll be intriguing to see how the future of the sport unfolds. Either way it goes, I think we can all rest assured that contrary to Arum's beliefs, I'm sure it will contain more than 'skin heads', and I'm definitely sure we WON'T be seeing any homosexual divisions pop up.

Manny Pacquiao - A 'Superhero'

Pacquiao recently finished recording what will be known in the Philippines as "Wapakman", which is a superhero film where he flies and characterizes himself in a way like that of spider-man. Two decades ago, the fighting Filipino was merely selling donuts and cigarettes on street corners trying to help his Mother make ends meet. Fast forward a few years, and with a lot of hardwork and dedication, his estimated earning has put him on par with some of the top athletes in the world. As of now, we have no idea what his future will look like inside the ring, but considering his accomplishments to date, win, lose, or draw, he'll always be a superhero. Which is pretty 'fly' in and of itself. (Pun intended).

Don't Ask Freddie (Roach), He Simply "Doesn't Care"....(But Should He?)

Trainer to Manny Pacquiao was recently quoted as saying that he "simply doesn't care" who will win the Mayweather/Marquez fights because "they're both counterpunchers and will put you to sleep". If the past is any indication, that could bode true, but let Roger Mayweather tell it, fight fans shouldn't be surprised to see his nephew Floyd Jr. come out and "bumrush" Marquez, setting a vicious tone from the very start. Many have taken note of the fact Mayweather has gone down in weight from 147lbs to 144lbs, but has gotten bigger in size, as evidenced by the bulging biceps displayed on HBO's 24/7. Half of Mayweather's career, fight fans have criticized him for not being aggressive enough. It would be awfully interesting if this two year hiatus helped refresh his hands enough to make him comfy enough to convert to being a slugger. He was already one of the most talented guys in the sport. I can't imagine an rough edge as well. If he and Pacquiao do square off that would make quite a spectacle. I know with business lying ahead, Roach's attention is elsewhere, and if I were him, I probably wouldn't care yet, but oh yeah....I'd care...and I'd definitely be looking to see if this new 'change' takes effect. The rest of us definitely will.

James Toney - Slim, Trim, With A Future That's.....Dim?

Famed middleweight turned heavyweight James Toney recently returned back to the ring for the first in a while after a very tumultuous recent history in the sport which has seen him balloon in weight, get busted for steroids usage, and fail to make a splash all while doing it. Few can argue that Toney is arguably one of the best fighters of recent times in the sport, and has actually won fights on poor conditioning, based purely on ring intellect. How he stacks amongst today's heavyweights remains to be seen, but weighing in at a slim and trim 217lbs, which is the lowest we've seen him at in YEARS has to be something to consider, as a 90% James Toney can still be effective enough to face and soundly defeat much of today's competition. It'll be interesting to see what he does, but somehow, I get the feeling that I'll be one of the only ones watching.

Source: http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1920/2009-09-16.html

Video: Floyd Mayweather Sr. accuses Manny Pacquiao of taking steroids, supplements

LAS VEGAS -- Manny Pacquiao may have claimed boxing's mythical pound-for-pound throne with wins over Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton while Grand Rapids' Floyd Mayweather Jr. was in retirement, but Floyd Mayweather Sr. says it wasn't without help.

"I believe he's on some type of supplements. I'm convinced about a lot of (boxers)," Mayweather Sr. said. "That's what they're doing right now. Everybody should be checked a little bit more thoroughly. Sometimes people know what's going on but they ain't saying nothing."

Pacquiao's next fight is Nov. 14 against Miguel Cotto. Mayweather Jr. (39-0) returns to the ring Saturday against Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM Grand.

A Mayweather-Pacquaio showdown could be on the horizon for 2010.

"I don't think he can beat Lil' Floyd with steroids in him or not," Mayweather Sr. said. "He don't have that kind of talent. He don't have that kind of skill, whatever he has in him.

"I think they're pushing Pacquiao a little too much, even if he's got 'roids in his body. The steroids aren't going to make him no faster. It's going make him relentless and hit strong, but that's it. It ain't going to put no knowledge in your head."

Source: http://www.mlive.com/mayweather/index.ssf/2009/09/video_floyd_mayweather_sr_accu.html#more

Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto hold event at AT&T Park (slideshow)

SAN FRANCISCO---Following the San Francisco Giants-Los Angeles Dodgers game on Sunday afternoon, boxers Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao took part in a news conference atop the Giants dugout.

The event was free to the public and uniquely allowed fans to ask the fighters questions beside members of the media. Both fighters graciously interacted with the crowd and signed autographs for fans.

Despite the rain, fans filled two sections of AT&T Park to get a glimpse of the fighters promote their world welterweight championship fight. The turnout was of no surprise—especially after witnessing the record-breaking attendance when Pacquiao threw out the first pitch before the April 21st Giants-Padres game.

"It's going to be a good fight between Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao," Pac-man told the crowd of three thousand. "everybody come to Las Vegas and watch the fight."

When both fighters were asked what their post-fight plans were, Cotto said he was focused on the fight and hasn't made plans for anything. Pacquiao, however, gave it some thought.

"To all the fans, I'd like you to know that, after the fight, I have a concert in Mandalay Bay," answered Pacquiao, who is also a recording artist in the Philippines.

Members of his entourage were amused by his announcement. They mentioned Pacquiao held a "concert" before with a live band and an eight-song setlist.

Watch the two fighters battle in "FIRE POWER: COTTO vs. PACQUIAO" on Saturday, November 14, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-1057-SF-Baseball-Examiner~y2009m9d14-Manny-Pacquiao-and-Miguel-Cotto-hold-event-at-ATT-Park

Mayweather-Marquez Has Arrived... Mega-fight or Mega Mismatch?

All boxing fans can breathe a sigh of relief for two reasons.

One... Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler disposed of their overmatched opponents this past Saturday officially setting up the Super-Six Super middleweight tournament in the Fall.

Two... boxing fans finally have some premium content to watch this coming Saturday night when HBO Pay-Per-View pieces together an interesting fight card that should answer various questions.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. squares off against Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez in a fight which few if any give "Dinamita" a chance at the upset victory. The "Pretty Boy" currently sits as a 5-1 favorite over the former featherweight champion and rightfully so (Listen to the fight fans pics on the battle.). There is nothing on paper, off paper, or even inside the microthreads of paper that point to Juan Manuel possessing anything within his arsenal to derail Mayweather's comeback trail.

Having only recently moved up to the lightweight division, Marquez makes yet another move up to "virtually" the welterweight division. While arch rival, Manny Pacquiao has seemingly been able to make the quick transition up to the heavier weight classes without any noticeable detriment to his fighting ability, based on their body types there's no doubt that the "Pacman" carries the added weight in a much more effective manner. While the Filipino superstar carries much of his strength in his lower torso and legs, Marquez has appeared to have added much of his weight up top leading me to believe that an "artificial bulk" has taken place.

The first tip-off that Manny would be able to effectively compete at the higher weight classes was when he weighed in on HBO's unofficial scale at 144 pounds in his trilogy bout with Erik Morales back in 2005. It was a statement that said... "I'm no longer that 108, 112 pounder you guys remember me as. Don't be fooled into thinking you're truly bigger than me."

While Marquez was considered a full-sized featherweight fighter in years past, his body-type could have allowed for him to continue comfortably competing in or around the 130 pound division until he decided to retire. Unfortunately on Saturday night, he'll be in much deeper waters with the best pound-for-pound pure boxer alive.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not only one of the most physically gifted fighters the sport has witnessed in recent times, he's also perhaps the most technically proficient boxer of the modern era. The way in which he can deliver short, accurate punches all the while being as cognizant of any return fire is indeed a strange rarity to witness. The Las Vegas based boxer can literally throw every punch in the book... jabs, double-jabs, triple-jabs to the body and to the head, left uppercuts, lead right hands, leaping left hooks... the list goes on and on. Many fighters are adept at preparing and looking for the basics of boxing but unfortunately for them Floyd Mayweather Jr. is truly an upper echelon practioner of the sweet science.

If a prime, monstrous lightweight like Jose Luis Castillo couldn't find a way to beat a smaller Mayweather... there's no I way I can envision a much smaller, less rugged Marquez getting the job done. He'll fight his ass off without a doubt but that's about all we can expect from the smaller warrior.

While Zab "Super" Judah is no longer participating on this Saturday's fight card, the Vicente Escobedo-Michael Katsidis/Rocky Juarez-Chris John rematch provide plenty of intrigue leading up to the main course.

Escobedo-Katsidis marks another extremely stern test for the Woodland native being that the Australian whirlwind regularly tests the inner strength and fortitude of his opponents. Either Escobedo is going to sink to the bottom of the ocean or find a way to swim with the dolphins in just a few short days. The odds aren't out on the fight yet according to 5dimes.com but I'd be willing to venture that the opening money line would start off relatively even.

The Rocky Juarez-Chris John rematch is not exactly the most anticipated rematch of all-time but it could easily be considered a very solid opening bout card for this Saturday. The first battle between the 126 pound gladiators provided a great stylistic match-up with Juarez consistently pressing the action forward as John would pick and choose his spots to box or punch. Many spectators felt as though John had done enough within the earlier rounds to solidify a decision victory but as is usual in Texas... controversy surrounded the majority draw decision. I expect another solid performance by both men but ultimately see John as being the sharper of the two leading to a decision victory for the Indonesian fighter.

Boxing is finally here my fellow fight fiends.

Sure the main event might not exactly be a fight that we've been clamoring for in any way, shape, or form. At this point it doesn't matter since "bammer" is ultimately better than nothing in hand.

I expect this fight card to deliver as much as it can... a strong B- rating.

Source: http://theboxingtruth.com/article.php?id=1017