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
Mayweather vs Ortiz Online Live Streaming
Showing posts with label Pacquiao vs Cotto Latest Video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pacquiao vs Cotto Latest Video. Show all posts
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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
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
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
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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
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
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
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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
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
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
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Pacquiao dodges taxing problem
Normally, Manny Pacquiao would begin his training for a big fight in his native Philippines, then switch sites to Freddie Roach's gym in Hollywood, Calif., roughly two months out to complete his preparations.
However, Pacquiao has spent so much time in the United States the past few years, he risks being taxed as an American, even though he is a Filipino.
So Pacquiao will spend only four weeks in Los Angeles instead of the usual eight to prepare for his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden.
"There's a new tax law that says if an alien has a substantial presence in the United States, he's taxed like an American," said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. "That would be devastating to Pacquiao. So we have to limit the number of days Pacquiao is in the country so he doesn't get taxed."
Nevada Athletic Commission records indicate Pacquiao has earned $24 million in purses from his fights from 2007 to 2009, including a career-high $7.4 million for his fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2. That number does not include revenue from Pacquiao's pay-per-view cut or any endorsement deals, of which he has several.
According to Arum, the formula to determine residency is made up of one-sixth of the days spent in the U.S. in 2007, one-third of the days spent in 2008 and 100 percent of the days spent in 2009. Arum said the magic number is 183 days. Anything more than that, and Pacquiao would be taxed on his earnings like any American.
"To avoid that, Manny's going to spend most of his time training in the Philippines," Arum said. "Freddie will go to Manny, then they'll come to L.A. together four weeks out from the fight. He's spent about 140 days in the States, so the four weeks plus the time he's spending this week to promote the fight should get him under the number."
Pacquiao, at Yankee Stadium on Thursday to promote the Cotto fight, is in San Francisco today for a news conference following the Dodgers-Giants game at AT&T Park. He'll be in Los Angeles on Monday and San Diego on Tuesday, then will head back to the Philippines to begin training.
Arum said there were discussions about holding training camp in Canada, going to Vancouver, British Columbia, which is in the Pacific time zone and would have helped Pacquiao acclimate to Las Vegas time. However, Pacquiao decided to stay at home and train, figuring four weeks is enough time to adjust his body clock.
• TWO LOSSES -- The local fight scene recently lost two members, as longtime fight judge Bill Graham died Aug. 23 after a lengthy illness, and longtime timekeeper Mike LaCella died Aug. 25 following two heart attacks.
Graham was 93 years old, and LaCella was 75.
Graham, who began working fights when he was 68, still was judging as late as last year. Referee Joe Cortez, a close friend of Graham's, said Graham had been battling health issues for a long time. But Cortez said Graham had a good run as a judge.
"I think Bill Graham brought a lot of credibility because of his honesty and integrity," Cortez said. "He was a strong-willed individual who called them as he saw them."
LaCella, a timekeeper since 1981, suffered a stroke at his Las Vegas home last month. His wife, Betty, said he later had two heart attacks and never recovered.
• KO'ING CANCER -- Cortez, who will referee the WBA featherweight title rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez on Saturday at the MGM on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez welterweight fight, has been doing a lot of campaigning for testing for prostate cancer.
"It's a cause very close to my heart," aid Cortez, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and successfully beat it. "I've been doing a lot of TV and radio interviews, and I tell people that it's so simple and easy -- just a blood test -- and it can save your life."
Cortez said he is taking advantage of his celebrity as a world-class boxing referee to get the word out.
"It definitely helps," he said. "People know me from boxing, and it makes it easier to get people to listen."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
Source: http://www.lvrj.com/sports/59169232.html
However, Pacquiao has spent so much time in the United States the past few years, he risks being taxed as an American, even though he is a Filipino.
So Pacquiao will spend only four weeks in Los Angeles instead of the usual eight to prepare for his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden.
"There's a new tax law that says if an alien has a substantial presence in the United States, he's taxed like an American," said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. "That would be devastating to Pacquiao. So we have to limit the number of days Pacquiao is in the country so he doesn't get taxed."
Nevada Athletic Commission records indicate Pacquiao has earned $24 million in purses from his fights from 2007 to 2009, including a career-high $7.4 million for his fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2. That number does not include revenue from Pacquiao's pay-per-view cut or any endorsement deals, of which he has several.
According to Arum, the formula to determine residency is made up of one-sixth of the days spent in the U.S. in 2007, one-third of the days spent in 2008 and 100 percent of the days spent in 2009. Arum said the magic number is 183 days. Anything more than that, and Pacquiao would be taxed on his earnings like any American.
"To avoid that, Manny's going to spend most of his time training in the Philippines," Arum said. "Freddie will go to Manny, then they'll come to L.A. together four weeks out from the fight. He's spent about 140 days in the States, so the four weeks plus the time he's spending this week to promote the fight should get him under the number."
Pacquiao, at Yankee Stadium on Thursday to promote the Cotto fight, is in San Francisco today for a news conference following the Dodgers-Giants game at AT&T Park. He'll be in Los Angeles on Monday and San Diego on Tuesday, then will head back to the Philippines to begin training.
Arum said there were discussions about holding training camp in Canada, going to Vancouver, British Columbia, which is in the Pacific time zone and would have helped Pacquiao acclimate to Las Vegas time. However, Pacquiao decided to stay at home and train, figuring four weeks is enough time to adjust his body clock.
• TWO LOSSES -- The local fight scene recently lost two members, as longtime fight judge Bill Graham died Aug. 23 after a lengthy illness, and longtime timekeeper Mike LaCella died Aug. 25 following two heart attacks.
Graham was 93 years old, and LaCella was 75.
Graham, who began working fights when he was 68, still was judging as late as last year. Referee Joe Cortez, a close friend of Graham's, said Graham had been battling health issues for a long time. But Cortez said Graham had a good run as a judge.
"I think Bill Graham brought a lot of credibility because of his honesty and integrity," Cortez said. "He was a strong-willed individual who called them as he saw them."
LaCella, a timekeeper since 1981, suffered a stroke at his Las Vegas home last month. His wife, Betty, said he later had two heart attacks and never recovered.
• KO'ING CANCER -- Cortez, who will referee the WBA featherweight title rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez on Saturday at the MGM on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez welterweight fight, has been doing a lot of campaigning for testing for prostate cancer.
"It's a cause very close to my heart," aid Cortez, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and successfully beat it. "I've been doing a lot of TV and radio interviews, and I tell people that it's so simple and easy -- just a blood test -- and it can save your life."
Cortez said he is taking advantage of his celebrity as a world-class boxing referee to get the word out.
"It definitely helps," he said. "People know me from boxing, and it makes it easier to get people to listen."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@ reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
Source: http://www.lvrj.com/sports/59169232.html
Roach: Pacquiao too quick for Cotto
Freddie Roach insists Manny Pacquiao can cement his place as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter against Miguel Cotto on November 14.
The six-weight world champion, who knocked out Ricky Hatton to claim the IBO light-welterweight crown in May, will return to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a bout at 145lbs.
The winner is in line for a megafight against either Floyd Mayweather Jr of Juan Manuel Marquez and, though Pac Man acknowledges his natural deficiencies, he remains confident his ability will see him through.
"I can see that this fight is going to be a hard fight for me because Miguel Cotto is bigger than me and stronger than me," Pacquiao told Sky Sports News. "But of course I believe in my power and my speed."
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has studied the 28-year-old Puerto Rican - 34 (KO 27)-0-1 - closely over recent months and is sure his charge can come through.
"He (Cotto) knows that hand speed because he dealt with that when he fought Shane Mosley as well, but he has a little difficulty with the southpaw style," Roach said.
"But it's really not our hand speed that's going to win this fight, it's the foot speed. That's the key to this fight.
"After we exchange we can't stay in front of this guy and let him throw back at us."
The press conference to officially announce the bout was held at the new Yankee Stadium. And promoter Bob Arum is hoping that big fights themselves will soon return to major ballparks.
"We have a history of bringing big fights to the Yankee Stadium," said Arum, who put on Muhammad Ali's bout against Ken Norton on Sept. 28, 1976, a fight remembered more for the chaos caused by a police strike than anything else.
"It's something we'd like to do again."
Source: http://www.espnstar.com/other-sports/news/detail/item321549/Roach:-Pacquiao-too-quick-for-Cotto/
Manny yields limelight to Cotto
WITH MANNY PACQUIAO AGAIN REfraining from lighting up verbal fireworks, it was Miguel Cotto who generated a buzz in his hometown Puerto Rico by making a little promise in front of his compatriots.
“I will return as champion,” he was quoted by Internet reports as saying after a press conference in Caguas to promote his match against Pacquiao.
Cotto will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt against the Filipino pound-for-pound king on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Puerto Rico has been having great moments in sports the past weeks,” Cotto said. “I assure you the party will continue because after Nov. 14, I will return as champion.”
Puerto Rico’s latest triumph on the international stage was a silver-medal finish in the recent Fiba Americas, where it qualified for basketball’s World Championships in Turkey next year.
Pacquiao was greeted by an appreciative applause when he was introduced by Top Rank chief Bob Arum.
“I understand you support Cotto, but no matter who wins, we’re going to have a good fight,” said the Filipino icon.
This will be the fourth time Pacquiao will fight beyond his turf in the featherweight and super featherweight ranks.
In 2008, he took the WBC lightweight belt of David Diaz before stopping Oscar De La Hoya in eight rounds of a welterweight match. Early this year, he knocked Ricky Hatton out in two rounds of a light welterweight championship duel.
Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/professional/professional/view/20090914-225106/Manny-yields-limelight-to-Cotto
“I will return as champion,” he was quoted by Internet reports as saying after a press conference in Caguas to promote his match against Pacquiao.
Cotto will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt against the Filipino pound-for-pound king on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Puerto Rico has been having great moments in sports the past weeks,” Cotto said. “I assure you the party will continue because after Nov. 14, I will return as champion.”
Puerto Rico’s latest triumph on the international stage was a silver-medal finish in the recent Fiba Americas, where it qualified for basketball’s World Championships in Turkey next year.
Pacquiao was greeted by an appreciative applause when he was introduced by Top Rank chief Bob Arum.
“I understand you support Cotto, but no matter who wins, we’re going to have a good fight,” said the Filipino icon.
This will be the fourth time Pacquiao will fight beyond his turf in the featherweight and super featherweight ranks.
In 2008, he took the WBC lightweight belt of David Diaz before stopping Oscar De La Hoya in eight rounds of a welterweight match. Early this year, he knocked Ricky Hatton out in two rounds of a light welterweight championship duel.
Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/professional/professional/view/20090914-225106/Manny-yields-limelight-to-Cotto
MIGUEL COTTO: "AFTER NOVEMBER 14, I WILL RETURN AS CHAMPION"
The Pacquiao vs. Cotto promotional tour continued today as both fighters visited the Performing Arts Center in Miguel Cotto's hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Nearly 1500 fans, both Puerto Rican and Filipino, showed up to cheer both fighters, who once again showed mutual respect towards each other. "I understand that you support Cotto, but no matter who wins, we're going to have a good fight and do the best we can," Pacquiao commented, earning applause from the contingent of Pacquiao supporters in attendance.
Although most fans did show their respect and appreciation for Pacquiao, there was no mistaking that the vast majority of the support was for the hometown favorite. As Cotto took the podium, the crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers. "Puerto Rico has been having great moments in sports the past weeks...I assure you, the party will continue because after November 14, I will return as champion," the WBO welterweight champion confidently remarked.
Both fighters continue their five-city promotional tour tomorrow as they stop off at Giants stadium in San Francisco before heading to Los Angeles on Monday and then finishing up in San Diego.
Source: http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content5666.html
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Pacquiao-Cotto "Firepower": Official Media Stop After SF Giants-LA Dodgers Sunday, September 13th
Caguas, P.R. – A large crowd of Boxing fans showed up today at the Caguas “Centro de Bellas Artes” to get a glimpse of two of today’s most exciting fighters. The public was treated to a promotional reel of Miguel Cotto’s and Manny Pacquiao’s previous victories before the participants of “Fire Power” made their entrance rising from under the stage to the roar of the crowd.
Top Rank’s main man, Bob Arum, went on stage first and quickly reminded everyone of the reason for the gathering: the greatest fight of the year and possibly of the decade. To support his claim, Arum mentioned that not only was the WBO Welterweight title currently held by Cotto on the line but that the WBC had commissioned a special belt adorned with diamonds which is set to go home with the winner of the fight.
Arum introduced each of the speakers to address the public in the conference among which were Caguas’s Mayor, William Miranda MarÃn, the Secretary of Sports and Recreation of Puerto Rico, Henry Neumann, current WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Daniel Santos, WBO’s president Francisco Valcarcel, trainers Freddie Roach and José “Joe” Santiago and finally the fighters themselves.
Santos, who is set to defend against undefeated Yuri Foreman in the undercard of Cotto vs. Pacquiao, thanked the public for showing up and urged to watch the fights. He said he’s excited and ready to get in the ring again and added that his money is on Cotto by a knockout.
Top rated trainer Freddie Roach kept it very short at the podium and basically just thanked everyone for the treatment he had received. Cotto’s trainer, Joe Santiago was just as short but added at the end that he was confident of his fighter’s victory.
Before “The Pacman” took the stage, Arum spoke about the fighter’s origin in poverty and his first fight for the equivalent of twenty dollars. He told people about how he was self taught and how he had earned a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree. The accolades didn’t stop there and by the time he introduced the pound for pound king, the public was cheering for the foreigner.
Manny graciously accepted the ovation before explaining that he understands that Puerto Ricans will root for Cotto and Filipinos will do the same for him. With his usual smile he commented on Cotto’s abilities and promised the they would each do their best to make their people happy.
Again Arum would take the podium. This time he would speak of Puerto Rico’s history in boxing, mentioning names like (Wilfredo) Gómez, (Wilfred) BenÃtez and (Félix) Trinidad. He would go on to talk about Cotto’s Olympic background and his incursion into professionalism and how he knew from the beginning that Cotto was special. He would take a leap of faith in saying Cotto would eventually be one of the greats of all time but was straight on the mark when he said that he was a fighter and a man all Puerto Ricans can be proud of.
Cotto would take the stage last and keep it very short. After the crowd settled down, he thanked all in attendance and especially Pacquiao and his team. He did this in both English and Spanish and would then go on to guarantee a victory for Puerto Rico.
The event was characterized by both fighter’s brevity and respect when speaking. This quality is usual for both Cotto and Pacquiao who prefer making their statements come fight time.
I must note though, that when Arum was presenting Cotto, he made a reference to his loss to Antonio Margarito and mentioned there was “doubt” there. It may be the first time Mr. Arum has not openly defended the fighter regarding Margarito’s suspension following his loss to Shane Mosely.
Source: http://www.15rounds.com/firepower-press-conference-from-caguas-pr-091209/
First Round: “FIRE POWER” – Pacquiao vs Cotto at Yankee Stadium
Manny Pacquiao (L) at the dais accompanied by his trainer Freddie Roach, lawyer Jeng Gacal and adviser Michael Koncz during the presscon at Yankee Stadium yesterday. (Photo credit/ Dr. Allan Recto)
Manhattan, New York City (9-11-09) – At the impressive and majestic 1.5 billion dollar, state of the art NY Yankee Stadium, serving as venue, Top Rank announced the world welterweight championship fight of current pound per pound king Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, and Puerto Rico’s pride and three time world champion Miguel Cotto. Their mega fight titled “Firepower” will have the newly minted WBC Diamond championship belt as an exclusive award and Pacquiao will challenge for the WBO welterweight championship belt of Miguel Cotto, at 145 lbs.
It was the first round of a series of “Fire Power” Media Tour with schedule seen below.
This match-up has generated a lot of interest among boxing fans worldwide, that will take place on Saturday, November 14, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas to be shown, live on HBO Pay-Per-View and telecast in the Philippines thru Solar Sports in cooperation with GMA.
Team Pacquiao arrived in New York City at 1:30 pm, Sept. 9th, via John F Kennedy International Airport, aboard Cathay Pacific from Manila with stopover in Hong Kong. They were then taken to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. After a relaxing night playing Beatles’ songs in the grand piano at his classy hotel suite in Midtown Manhattan, Manny Pacquiao awoke at seven in the morning yesterday ready to start his day with a morning jog accompanied by his Team at Central Park, a National Historic Landmark in the heart of New York City, after doing stretching exercises. Pacquiao prepared well for a long day busy ahead, making every New York minute count.
Team Pacquiao (L-R Roger Fernandez, Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao, Michael Koncz; behind is ringside physician Dr. Allan Recto and publicist Winchell Campos) strolling in front of Loews Regency Hotel in New York City after jogging in Central Park. (Photo taken by Jovy Halog/ MP Promotions)
At around 11 a.m., Team Pacquiao was picked up by two elegant chauffeur driven SUVs at the lobby of the Loews Regency Hotel in Park Avenue, where Manny took a few moments to accept brief interviews from the media, among them the NY Times.
After a 30 minute drive from the hotel, Team Pacquiao joined by Coach Freddie Roach, Atty. Jeng Gacal, Mike Koncz, Roger Fernandez, Jovi Halog, Winchell Campos, this writer, Manila Bulletin’s Nick Giongco and Philippine Star’s Abac Cordero were ushered inside Yankee Stadium thru Gate 2 guided by security and coordinator Fred Sternburg.
In a room filled with baseball legends photographs hanging in its wall, Pacquiao talked about his baseball experiences, stating that he used to play during his elementary days in school. While simulating a pitch, he remarked, “I was a left hand pitcher. I had so much fun.”
Prior to the start of the event, this writer scouted the Yankee Stadium. It was indeed a spectacular place to visit. This boxing writer could imagine what it would have felt inside with a crowd of 52,325 in its maximum capacity. The turnout was amazing according to ace publicist Fred Sternburg, including the fans. Boxing fans were seated right in front of first base, some with Philippine flags and wearing Pacquiao T-shirts, but mostly filled with Puerto Ricans chanting – “Cotto, Cotto, Cotto!”
At the holding area, Miguel Cotto was sitting calmly, surrounded by Team members – his father Miguel Cotto, Sr., conditioning coach Phil Lander, his lawyer Gabriel Penagaricano, Jr. with their Top Rank coordinator, publicist Ricardo Jimenez.
This writer approached a dear friend in the crowd. “We are very excited in WBC because it is the first time ever that a true Diamond Belt is put as a trophy for the winner of this fight, “ commented Mauricio Sulaiman. The WBC Executive Secretary revealed to me. “We are very proud of both Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. It is going to be a great fight and we are honored to be involved in it.” After actually seeing and touching the WBC Diamond championship belt, this writer was convinced it was indeed a brand new, special, elite edition crown jewel.
Bob Arum opened the press conference tracing the historic events at the Yankee Stadium. He introduced both Teams and special guests attending the event who made brief remarks. World famous and three-time trainer of the year Coach Freddie Roach assured everyone, “I’m getting Manny ready to win the toughest fight of his life. Miguel is strong and I respect him. We have a lot of work to do, but come November 14, Manny Pacquiao will be ready.”
When it was Manny Pacquiao’s turn to speak, he addressed the crowd in Tagalog and English. “I will do my best to give everyone a good fight on November 14,” he declared. “Sa lahat ng mga kababayan ko – Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Lalaban ako hangang sa huling patak ng aking dugo para sa inyo.” (Translated – “To all my countrymen - Long live the Philippines. I will stand up to fight up to the last drop of my blood for all of you.”) He assured the Filipinos and his fans that he will again train very hard. He respects Miguel Cotto as a fighter and as a person. “He is a nice guy,” he added.
When Top Rank’s boss, Bob Arum, presented Pacquiao, he referred to him as the best fighter in the world who previously stopped different world champions like David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and most recently Britain’s superstar Ricky Hatton, to which Miguel Cotto reacted, “I am not De La Hoya nor Hatton, I am Miguel Angel Cotto,” he forcefully mentioned for which the Latino crowd cheered wildly. He guaranteed everybody, “I will do my best against Manny!”
Notable Predictions:
This writer was able to speak with Boxing historian Bert Sugar. He considered Pacquiao as the best Left Handed fighter in the world and the greatest Asian fighter of all times who is gunning for his 7th world title. If he wins this fight, Bert Sugar predicted cheerfully, “It puts him down in boxing history as one of the all time greatest fighter in my list. I see this fight to end by stoppage, by Pacquiao, of course!,” Bert Sugar disclosed. He thinks that the longer the fight goes, the better it will be for Pacquiao who to him is a fighter that defies explanation, winning his major world title as flyweight.
He considers the welterweight division loaded with the best talents and currently the best division stating all the best of the best are there mentioning - Floyd Mayweather, Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey and even Antonio Margarito, aside from the two protagonists.
What makes this fight exciting to him is that two of the best are fighting in the best division. He remembers and considers the fight of Haggler-Hearns the best fight he has ever been LIVE in person. “The first 8 minute was total war,” he told this writer and expressed amusement.
Joshua Clottey who fought Cotto in June 13, 2009 but lost by split decision commented to this writer about the upcoming fight of Cotto-Pacquiao, “This is going to be a tough fight. I think this is going to be a 50-50, an even match. Cotto’s defense when he fought me was not that good but I don’t know what it will be when he fights Manny who is a southpaw and very smart.” He finally stated his opinion of the outcome, “To me in a decision, Pacquiao is gonna win but in a knockout, Cotto is going to win!”
Paulie Malignaggi declared to this writer, “I lean towards Miguel Cotto because he is naturally the stronger and bigger man. I fought Miguel and although he is not that fast, he could time you. He could hit you in between combinations. When asked which punch hurt him the most, he answered, “His biggest punch comes from his left hand. His jabs are hard too.”
Finally, when this writer had a chance conversation with Bob Arum, he calmly said, “It’s going to be a great fight, an all action fight, very, very competitive. At this point in time, I don’t know who’s going to win the fight. When asked how the fight would end, Bob Arum confessed, “I think there’s going to be a knockout, but by whom, I don’t know!”
otes: After the first round of their “Fire Power” Media Tour in Yankee Stadium, Manny Pacquiao and company proceeded to the HBO Studios for more interviews and photo shoots, around 3: 30 pm. It was a thrill to witness when HBO commentator Max Kellerman made Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao sit down facing each other while he conducted his interview. That was very interesting and should be seen in the HBO 24/7 series. The next stop was ESPN sports for some pictorials and again a brief interview at 7:30 pm. Before retiring to the hotel, Pacquiao was treated at the Nike Store in SoHo, receiving many gifts from NIKE including shoes, bags and shirts. It was fashion night in the jam-packed store however Team Pacquiao was taken to the VIP room. Fans who recognized Pacquiao were ecstatic to see him and they cheered excitedly. Team Pacquiao returned exhausted but pleased at their luxury hotel around 10:15 pm.
"FIRE POWER" MEDIA TOUR
Sept. 10 - Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Sept. 12 - Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Sept. 13 - AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
Giants vs. Dodgers
Sept. 14 - Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, California
Sept. 15 - PETCO Park, San Diego, California *
Padres vs. Diamondbacks
*(Pacquiao Only)
Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-27262.html
Pacquiao-Cotto "Firepower": Official Media Stop After SF Giants-LA Dodgers Sunday, September 13th
SAN FRANCISCO -- As MLB's NL "Wild Card" race heats up, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto will present their battle plans after the baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and division leader Los Angeles Dodgers this Sept. 13th, Sunday.
Pound-for-Pound King Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, Philippines and three-time world champion Miguel Cotto, Puerto Rico will meet the sports fans atop the Giants dugout serving verbal aperitif/appetizer for their upcoming WBO welterweight championship bout.
Top Rank, in association with MGM Grand and Tecate, presents "FirePower" on Saturday, November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be available live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
AT&T Park's offering is free and open to the public.
Just bring your FHN2 voucher to the stadium following the Giants vs. Dodgers game on Sunday, September 13th, for entrance to the special seating section.
Filipino Heritage Night II ticketholders will get the opportunity for special lower box seating.
Please line up along the Port Walk next to the Lefty O'Doul Gate for entrance following the game.
For tickets, information and directions visit SFGiants.com
Note: Special thanks to Giants front office aces Ms. Kasey Colvin and Mr. Jim Moorehead for their help. This from the tireless staff at Philboxing.com.
Top photo: Pacquiao, during the last promo tour in San Francisco with the Hatton fight. Photo by Emmanuel Rivera.
Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-27259.html
Pacman P1 billion richer after Cotto bout
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Manny Pacquiao could be a billion pesos richer by the time he steps out of the ring with Miguel Cotto in November.
His promoter, the legendary Bob Arum of Top Rank, said Friday morning that while Pacquiao’s guaranteed purse in the upcoming fight is $13 million, his total take, once everything comes in, could reach $20 million.
“He could get as much as $20 million for this fight,” the ageless promoter said Friday afternoon at the New York Times main office where Pacquiao had a 45-minute roundtable discussion with members of the NY Times sports staff.
The sports editor, Tom Jolly, and a couple others, including writers Greg Bishop and Naila Cuento Myers, who said her mother is a Filipina from Laguna, faced Pacquiao and they dwelled on his plans on and off the ring, including politics.
Pacquiao was asked how he got started in boxing, and the Filipino icon said he found the sport as the only way he could save his family, so poor they had nothing to share on the table, out of poverty.
“I remember that in my first fight as a professional, and I was 16 years old (a victory over Edmund Enting Ignacio on Jan. 22, 1995 in Mindoro Oriental), that I was paid a thousand pesos (roughly $20),” said Pacquiao.
Somehow, it gave the New York Times a hint of how interesting the life and story of this boxer is. And then Arum had to state that for the fight against Cotto, Pacquiao could get as much as $20 million.
Pacquiao earned close to $15 million each in his last two fights against Oscar dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton, and there’s just no other way but up for the one widely considered as the face of boxing today.
While the sports editor sat beside trainer Freddie Roach, and Pacquiao two seats away, got the ball rolling, it was Bishop (who covers the New York Jets for the mother of all newspapers) who did the jotting.
Pacquiao was asked about his political plans, and he said there’s no turning back in his second bid (after a failed attempt in 2007) for a congressional seat in his homeprovince in Saranggani, Mindanao.
“I want to help the people, the poor people who are suffering. And I’ve learned that it’s not easy (running for public office). Like in boxing, you have to prepare,” Pacquiao said in English.
“There’s some similarization (sic) in promoting a fight and running for office,” Jolly, who has 75 members of the New York Times sports section under his watch, said, “but do you plan to keep on fighting even if you win in the elections?”
“Yeah,” Pacquiao answered, and Arum cut in, saying, “That’s part of the deal.”
Pacquiao said he was gunning for a seventh world title in different weight classes, but said that’s as far as he can go. He was asked how many more fights is he looking at, and he said, “I don’t know. It’s up to him (Arum).”
Roach tried to recall how he hooked up with Pacquiao, and said it was in 2001 when he “walked into my gym looking for a trainer, and one month after we won the world title against (Lehlo) Ledwaba.”
“Guys like him come once in a lifetime. He’s the Muhammad Ali type. And I think we will never see another Manny Pacquiao at least in our lifetime,” said Roach.
Otherwise, what’s Pacquiao doing in the main office of the New York Times on a very busy day?
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=504796&publicationSubCategoryId=69
Cotto- Pacquiao it's just getting started fight fan
I have a good feeling that this is just the tip of something big. With both fighters clad in Yankee pinstripes and beautiful New York as the back drop, the press conference kick-off sent waves of potent reminders that the November 14th clash will be a highlighted date in both men’s careers. Heck, some might even go as far as to underline it. Even as Floyd Mayweather Jr’s September 19th match-up with Juan Manuel Marquez looms just around the corner, we still cannot over-salivate for the Top Rank card dubbed “Firepower”.
While UFC’s main man, Dana White, battles all members of the “Number One/Numero Uno” card (from Mayweather to De la Hoya to Marquez), Bob Arum and his event stars are seemingly staying away from all the drama and bad blood. Although their own fight date is occupied by the UFC’s other big showdown, UFC 105: Penn vs. Sanchez, Arum and co aren’t paying too much attention to the rival presentation. Besides, I do believe that Pac-Cotto would do some serious damage if White is really looking to question boxing’s best card of the year. Even while dueling with Mayweather-Marquez, the UFC needs to know that they are also going head to head with the large and loyal Mexican fanbase on one of the worst weekends possible; Mexican Independence day is September 16th, and Marquez is undoubtedly the best Mexican fighter today.
Miguel Cotto made it clear that he wasn’t taking anything lightly in preparation for his upcoming showdown with the number one fighter in the world. He also made it known that he isn’t the one-dimensional fighter that Ricky Hatton was, and he sure isn’t the aging Golden Boy either.
While gauging and respecting the power factor that the Pacman name accompanies, Cotto states, “I am not De la Hoya or Hatton… the punch he hit Hatton with would’ve dropped Mike Tyson.”
And then prideful Puerto Rican went on to reiterate the fact that he is a smarter man inside the squared circle as well.
“He won’t find me that easily. My mind is my best weapon.”
Amidst the early Cotto training camp, Manny Pacquiao wraps up his tv sitcoms and commercials, while nonchalantly discussing his political future in the 2010 year. In reply to Pacquiao’s statement that he “can do both”, Roach vehemently shot back a quick, “No he can’t.”
This is just one, or three, of the many sidetracks that could potentially derail the Pac-man express. Not only has there been louder than normal whispers about the turbulence within Pacquiao’s camp, the idea that his self-proclaimed best friend and trainer didn’t hear from him while going through bereavement for his brother is not good. Or in other words, my best friend wouldn’t do that to me.
‘09’ isn’t just the number on Pacquiao and Cotto’s Yankee jerseys, it is also the year in which boxing is taking competition to another level. We’ve all been waiting for the best to fight the best and I get the feeling that we will see the year end as promising as ever. I also believe that with the bigger cards, the dollar signs will speak for themselves so I’m sure that not too many people, including Mayweather and Arum, are going to stand in the way of that.
The Pac-man shares his thoughts on a potential match-up with fellow p4p contender Money Mayweather.
“We’re going to wait to see who wins… It’s possible. If that fight happens, it will be a big, big fight.”
But Freddie Roach may want something else entirely—a third meeting with Marquez—which we would also be extremely interested in as well.
“I want one more shot. I want Manny to beat him so they will stop whining about the other fights and just shut up.”
Roach might want a third meeting with Marquez to seal the deal once and for all but if ‘money’ issues were non-existent, would there be different rumblings? The great trainer states that he believes if Mayweather wins, his ego will go to an all-time high which will make breaking a financial deal almost impossible. And the opposition’s corner might not be his only concern.
While addressing the possibility of facing Mayweather, Roach attests that, “Mayweather will want a lot of money... but Manny will not fight for less than Mayweather, he is pretty stubborn too.”
Yankee Stadium is just the beginning, with 1000 fans tuning in on a school day, I wonder how the environment will be when the tour gets to Puerto Rico. It’s as if Arum and company are laying the ground work for something big in the Big Apple. And remember, the last time a championship fight took place in the Bronx was in 1976 when Muhammad Ali decisioned Ken Norton, and the promoter then was, you guessed it, Bob Arum.
Next stop: Puerto Rico, then onto San Francisco, Los Angeles, and then San Diego.
Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
September 19th, 2009.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto
November 14th, 2009.
Source: http://www.diamondboxing.com/newsstory.php?list=9548
Friday, September 11, 2009
MANNY PACQUIAO: "THE SIZE IS NOT A BIG DIFFERENCE"
After meeting face-to-face for the first time and having an opportunity to size himself up, pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao does not think that Miguel Cotto will have any size advantage when the two fighters meet on November 14. "I think that the size is not a big difference. He's just a little bit bigger than me," he stated as he spoke to the media in attendance during yesterday's press conference at Yankee Stadium.
Just last year, Pacquiao fought at super featherweight (130 pounds) and lightweight (135 pounds) before closing out the year by defeating Oscar De La Hoya at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. He then started this year off with a bang by destroying Ricky Hatton at jr. welterweight (140 pounds). Next he takes on WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, who spent the majority of his career as a jr. welterweight before moving up to welterweight himself nearly three years ago. Both fighters are set to face each other at a catch-weight of 145 pounds, but as the two stood next to each other, one could hardly notice any difference in size.
"It doesn't matter, the size. What we need to do is train hard and see who is the best in the ring. Miguel Cotto is also a good fighter and he's a champion. I'm just a challenger here for his belt, WBO, so I need to work hard for this fight in training," Pacquiao added, unfazed with any talk about a size advantage. Looking at both fighters, Pacquiao may be correct in his assessment as Cotto did not appear to be that much bigger. Of course, that being said, if there's not that big of a difference in size between the two, what's the point of fighting at a catch-weight to begin with?
Source: http://fighthype.com/pages/content5661.html
Interview with World Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach
Freddie Roach is one of the greatest trainers in the history of boxing. On top of that, he is also one of its biggest personalities and one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. Roach, despite physical ailments, keeps plugging away. He is facing another grueling training camp as star pupil and best pound for pound fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao prepares for a big challenge in the form of Miguel Cotto. On a personal note, every time I speak with Freddie I feel inspired and motivated. No matter his circumstance, Freddie is always the same. Please visit ProBoxing-fans.com for more information on each of the boxing matches Freddie discusses.
SD- How are things going Freddie?
FR- Good. Big schedule coming up with a lot of traveling. It’s what I like though.
SD- What are your thoughts on the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Juan Manuel Marquez match up?
FR- Really, who cares. I think it is going to be a boring fight. It’s a matchup of two counter punchers by nature. Marquez is going to have to take the lead. Marquez is more effective normally in the counter punching mode. I do think it is going to go all 12 rounds with a decision. I don’t see any action.
SD- I don’t know if you are watching HBO’s 24/7, I’ll assume you haven’t. Marquez is drinking his own urine. Have you ever heard of that in training?
FR- It’s a waste system and the body gets rid of it. How can that be good for you. I don’t care how much fucking pee he drinks he is not going to win.
SD- Everyone is clamoring for a Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. matchup. But first things first, you have your work cut out for you with a very formidable foe in Miguel Cotto. What challenges does Miguel present for Manny?
FR- Well you know his size and strength are a problem. He is very big. He nullified Shane Mosley’s speed. He is a very intelligent fighter. Anyone that says this is an easy fight is a fool. This is the hardest fight of our life. I believe that 100%. I don’t think we can win by knock out this time. I think we will win via a decision. This guy is a game, tough guy. He has already been in camp for three weeks. If he wins this fight everything bad that has happened in his career goes away. This is the fight of his life. Anyone that expects anything different would be a fool.
SD- Cotto is known for his tough chin. Do you think this is the best chin Manny has faced?
FR- Yes, 100% yes.
SD- When do you start camp?
FR- The press tour starts tomorrow (September 10th), camp starts on the 20th.
SD- You had Michael Moore with you in the last camp. Is he still with you?
FR- Michael Moore is no longer here. It just didn’t work out.
SD- How is your health?
FR- I’m doing OK. My brother passed away last week. It’s been a little difficult but I’m doing fine.
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SD- I’m interested in your opinion of UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva?
FR- He is a talented guy. I worked with him a couple of times. He told me he was pretty good at MMA but sucked at boxing. He was very humble. He is one of those guys in the gym that only gives 30-40% because he knows what he is capable of. He boxed a couple of times in my gym. He didn’t hurt anyone and no one hurt him of course. When I saw the way he fought Forrest Griffin, the way he measured him; his boxing skills are a lot better than people give him credit for. I don’t know if he could beat Roy Jones or not but I tell you he would give him a run. He is a great fighter, he knows distance and he is very intelligent.
SD- In the world of MMA, Silva’s hand speed and head movement are incredible. How do you think they measure up to the elite boxers?
FR- He is right there with the top guys. When he comes over and boxes with the top guys he does very well. He is really fluid. There are a couple of things he needs to work on. He likes to lay on the ropes a little bit and gets up a little too high. He reminds me of James Toney when he is on the ropes. We were working on that. He is easy to work with and has a great work ethic. He is a great fighter all around.
SD- Boxing is far from dead as some big fights are on the way. What are your thoughts on the Heavyweight Title fight between Chris Arreola vs. Vitali Klitschko?
FR- I favor Klitschko but Arreola has a chance because he is tough. Arreola has no quit in him and he will make it tough but I think Klitschko has too much size for him. Vitali Klitschko knows how to use his size and stays out of trouble. I think Vitali will out box him but it should be a pretty exciting fight.
SD- Arreola is a bull. He can take a punch.
FR- Yeah, he is a very tough guy. This is a big step up for him. I would have like to see him step up more gradually. He is going from fighting a C fighter to an A fighter, it might be too much for him. I wish him the best though. He comes to my gym and watches Pacquiao workout.
SD- Getting the cart ahead of the horse, what are your thoughts on the dream matchup of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao providing both win their next bouts?
FR- Obviously they both have to win their fights for that to happen, which I think they both will. I don’t believe Floyd will ever fight Manny Pacquiao. They tried to negotiate with him and he won’t even negotiate. If Edwin Valero remains undefeated we will probably go that route. We are not going to sit around and wait on anyone. There is no way we are taking a 50/50 split with Floyd. We are the draw, not him. Manny is the top pound for pound fighter in the world. Floyd has an ego that is huge and wants all the money but Manny has one too. I don’t think negotiations will ever happen. It is a fight the whole world wants and I want to see it myself but Mayweather is not realistic when he is negotiating.
SD- I think if they matched up it would be the biggest pay-per-view in the history of boxing. Would you agree with that?
FR- 100%, it would blow everything away. Everywhere I go other countries you name it that is all they talk about; when are you going to fight Mayweather?
SD- Thanks Freddie and good luck.
FR- Thank you very much.
Source: http://www.profighting-fans.com/articles/freddie-roach-interview_091009.html
Manny Pacquiao 'to use every drop of blood' in Miguel Cotto fight
The two men launched the media tour for their super-fight at the Yankees Stadium in New York. Pacquiao will return to training with Freddie Roach after a four-month lay off in which, latterly, he has been accused of disinterest in the ring.
Come the time to step into the gym, his head will be shorn of hair, his diet will be strict, his training regime rigid. This exceptional athlete may have many burgeoning interests outside the ring, businesses, an acting career and a potentially life-changing political career, and yet there seems to be little change in the man with a record of 49-3-2 (37 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines.
He remains an icon in his own country, having won six world titles in as many different weight divisions ranging from 112 to 140 pounds. He looked in good shape yesterday.
His performance in 2008 was described as historic, and “Henry Armstrongesque,” when he triumphed by winning world titles at 130 and 135 pounds with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz, respectively, and knocking out and retiring Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds to finish the triple-header.
This year, he picked up where he left off - winning another world title in a new weight division - dealing defending junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton a one-punch second-round knockout on May 2. It was the first time Hatton had ever lost at 140lbs.
Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, who has only ever lost one fight – to Antonio Margarito who was found to have illegal hand wraps in their contest - has sold more tickets to Madison Square Garden in this millennium than any other fighter.
Cotto reminded all those listening yesterday: “I’m not De La Hoya; I’m not Hatton. I’m Miguel Cotto. Everybody knows what I am capable of doing, and I will train my hardest to give you the best possible fight on the night.”
Cotto has also held a world title every year since 2004. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defended it six times before vacating it to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long.
He won his second welterweight title in February this year, knocking out Britain’s Michael Jennings in the fifth round at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO welterweight champion. Notable scalps on Cotto’s belt include former world champions Sugar Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Paulie Malignaggi, and Demarcus Corley.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/6175107/Manny-Pacquiao-to-use-every-drop-of-blood-in-Miguel-Cotto-fight.html
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