Guardian.co.uk
Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title for the third time this year when he faces the unbeaten American Kevin Johnson on 12 December in Switzerland.
Klitschko, 38, will fight Johnson at the PostFinance-Arena in Bern before Christmas after his successful defences against Juan Carlos Gomez and Chris Arreola in March and September respectively. READ MORE
Monday, 19 October 2009
Pacquiao abandons Baguio camp
By NICK GIONGCO, October 19, 2009, Manila Bulletin
Manny Pacquiao has uprooted his training camp in Baguio City for fear of being stranded there in the coming days owing to the fast-approaching storm that is expected to hit Northern Luzon either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Pacquiao, preparing for a Nov. 14 clash with Miguel Cotto, left Baguio City early Monday morning for Manila and was back in training mode right after noontime as he showed up at a gym in Mandaluyong owned and operated by ex-world champion Gerry Peñalosa. READ MORE
Manny Pacquiao has uprooted his training camp in Baguio City for fear of being stranded there in the coming days owing to the fast-approaching storm that is expected to hit Northern Luzon either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Pacquiao, preparing for a Nov. 14 clash with Miguel Cotto, left Baguio City early Monday morning for Manila and was back in training mode right after noontime as he showed up at a gym in Mandaluyong owned and operated by ex-world champion Gerry Peñalosa. READ MORE
Boxer Pacquiao Wants to Win in Seven Different Divisions
By Leo Reyes, Digital Journal
Popular Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao said he wants to be the first professional boxer in the world to win seven titles in seven different weight divisions.
He also wants to surpass Oscar de la Hoya's professional boxing record of winning six times in six different weight divisions. He shares the same winning record with de la Hoya, whom he referred to as his idol after winning their fight in Las Vegas last year. READ MORE
Popular Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao said he wants to be the first professional boxer in the world to win seven titles in seven different weight divisions.
He also wants to surpass Oscar de la Hoya's professional boxing record of winning six times in six different weight divisions. He shares the same winning record with de la Hoya, whom he referred to as his idol after winning their fight in Las Vegas last year. READ MORE
'King' Arthur out to conquer America
SportingLife.com
Arthur Abraham is hoping to conquer America after blasting Jermain Taylor to defeat in their Super Six opener in Berlin on Saturday night.
The unbeaten Germany-based Armenian produced a peach of a right hand to knock out Taylor with just six seconds remaining. READ MORE
Arthur Abraham is hoping to conquer America after blasting Jermain Taylor to defeat in their Super Six opener in Berlin on Saturday night.
The unbeaten Germany-based Armenian produced a peach of a right hand to knock out Taylor with just six seconds remaining. READ MORE
Pacquiao – Mayweather: Boxing experts overwhelmingly unanimous on who would win
Boxing News World
Manny Pacquiao basically obliterated David Diaz, Oscar de la Hoya, and Ricky Hatton.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. recently came back from brief hiatus and destroyed former pound-for-pound contender Juan Manuel Marquez.
Both are great boxers. Both are pound-for-pound crown claimant. Both deserve the throne.
But in the end, to quote movie Highlander’s famous words, “there can be only one”.
In a recent Floyd Mayweather interview, the flamboyant boxer has expressed his intention to fight Manny Pacquiao. Similarly, Manny himself had once told Bangkok Post that he likes to fight Floyd.
So, will they come to blows in the near future to settle the debate once and for all? I really hope so. I just have to wait and see.
Triggered by insatiable curiosity, I asked many highly regarded boxing experts on who would win if Manny and Floyd were to fight. Here’s what they had to say.
Vivek Wallace, Eastside Boxing, Examiner, 8-Count News
“People said that Floyd looked far better than Marquez because he was the bigger man. My response would be: if Floyd were the smaller man and the bigger man still couldn't hit him, what difference would it make? ZERO! Floyd's discipline and defense is what separates him from the rest of the pack. Corrales (RIP) was 16 lbs heavier than Floyd and in his prime when they met and Floyd walked him down like Jason Vorhees of Friday the 13th.”
“Pacquiao, like many other fighters has the ability to defeat Mayweather, but as we saw with Judah (who was a southpaw with arguably more talent than Floyd and clearly more speed), it was the ability to change strategies over 12 rounds that he couldn't keep up with. When Floyd started to change strategies his mental encyclopedia was far deeper, and when Judah ran out of plans, Floyd was able to reach one that he had no answer for, approximately 5 rounds or so into the fight. Same rules apply for Pacquiao. Pacquiao has the speed, the power, and the style, but his best shot would be a KO, because if Mayweather takes him deep, he'll eventually find a strategy that Pacquiao won't be able to dissect. Pacquiao can be hit, Mayweather aims to hit and not be hit. You have to ask yourself who has Pacquiao EVER faced and looked good against that was a defensive wizard? Marquez was the closest, and in two attempts, we still don't have a decisive victory. I wouldn't say Pacquiao can't win, but it would have to be by KO. If it goes the distance, there's no way Mayweather doesn't win this fight.”
(Vivek Wallace is a huge boxing fan born and raised in Miami, Florida. An avid student of the game, Vivek spends a countless amount of hours in the still of the night breaking down fight footage which thoroughly accounts for his ability to lay out visual words from an unseen perspective. Vivek has done past work in the world of boxing for various new sources, to include the Moffat County Newspaper, Most Valuable Network, the Examiner, 8 Count News, and most recently Eastside Boxing. Vivek is also in the midst of a 3 year run covering the NBA's Miami Heat. Aside from sports journalism, Vivek is a former U.S. Marine, and a Father of two; son, Vivek II (3), and daughter, Shrijani Shanti (6mos)).
Jake Donovan, Boxing Scene
The thing with Floyd that drives me nuts is that there are so few in/around his weight class I would pick to beat him, yet for whatever reason he opts to avoid the biggest challenges. Right now, I'd have to pick Floyd, whose advantages far outweigh anything a smaller Pacquiao can for the moment bring to the table.
(Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com and an award-winning member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.)
Chris Parry, Vancouver Sun
“Mayweather wins because he's boxing perfection, but it'll be a frustrating as hell bout with a lot of attack by Manny and a lot of 'you can't catch me' by Floyd. KOs take a holiday.”
Charles White, Eastside Boxing
“Floyd would win in my humble opinion because of the size difference and defensive skills of Mayweather. Manny is an excellent fighter, one of the best, but I can't see him doing anything to upset Floyd. I was at the Marquez vs. Mayweather fight, practically sitting ringside, and I must say that fight would be similar to PBF vs. Pacman in that the bigger man would prevail. However, a fight between Pac and Floyd would be much more exciting than Mayweather-Marquez. Fireworks the whole time it lasts!”
Paul H. Burbridge, Eastside Boxing
“This is the biggest fight that can be made and could be the biggest financial bonanza in history. It’s truly a dream matchup and is what boxing fans live to see. It would be a blockbuster attraction! On one hand you have Manny Pacquiao, the ultimate warrior who is in a constant state of stepping up and on the other hand you have perhaps an unequaled virtuoso who can adapt to any style.”
“This one isn’t as tough to pick the winner because I think the talent level and tactics of Floyd Mayweather Jr are simply too much not only for Manny Pacquiao but also for Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley. If this fight takes place I think Manny will be competitive in the first 4 rounds while Floyd studies him and then I think Mayweather’s ability to make an opponent miss along with his precision punching will take over. I just don’t think Manny can hurt Floyd because I doubt he’ll be able to land too many clean shots. But, even if he does in my opinion it won’t be enough to trouble Mayweather. There is nothing in Floyd's past that could lead you to come to any other conclusion other than he has a world class chin. Mayweather has ALL the advantages going in to this fight starting with his height, reach, speed, superior boxing pedigree, adaptability and undefeated mind set.”
“All things I just can’t see Manny overcoming realistically.”
“I’d pick PBF by unanimous decision but I also wouldn’t be surprised if Floyd actually got the late round KO because Manny as the aggressor may be caught lunging in or over committing himself to his best punch, the straight left hand.”
“It’s perfect for Floyd’s lead right and combined with the speed of his delivery could spell doom for Pacquiao.”
“Floyd by unanimous decision!”
Chris Robinson, Examiner (Miami Boxing Examiner), Fight Beat
“I like Mayweather in this one. I don't care for Mayweather's personality but he is perhaps the most complete fighter in the game and I think he would adapt to Pacquiao after some tense early rounds.”
Frank Gonzalez Jr., Eastside Boxing, Doghouse Boxing
“If Floyd fights Manny (which appears inevitable, the way HBO and most of the boxing media has been drooling and promoting this "event" since Floyd's return), I think Floyd will win by decision. Manny is an offensive fighter, Floyd is a master defensive fighter with speed to match Pacman and an equally convincing counterpunching ability.”
“But after his shutout win over J.M. Marquez, Floyd needs to fight top guys his own size and bigger. We've seen how good Floyd is against smaller men. Now, isn't it high time we see Floyd take on some "bigger" challengers? I want to see Floyd fight Mosley, Margarito and especially Williams! Floyd had Marquez move up ten pounds to fight him, let’s see if Floyd can do the same. If Floyd doesn't want to fight the top guys at Welter, then let him fight the winner of Pavlik vs. Williams. If Floyd is indeed the best fighter in boxing, he should prove it against legitimate sized competition and silence his critics once and for all.”
Ronan Keenan, The Sweet Science
“Mayweather's footwork should enable him to out-score Pacquiao.”
Vikram Birring, Doghouse Boxing
“This is a very tough question. But truly, I believe a dedicated Manny Pacquiao could defeat Floyd Mayweather. Watch the fourth round of DeMarcus Corley's bout against Mayweather. He was rocked by an overhand right and hit by a few more massive punches in the round. If Pacquiao lands something similar, Floyd will say good night. However, if he doesn't finish him off, Floyd adjusts in the ring very well, and will figure him out.”
Ken Hissner, Doghouse Boxing, Fighters of Faith
“(About) Floyd, I do not care to predict because he avoids certain fighters the way Hopkins has and is.”
Doveed Linder, Boxing Talk
“I favor Mayweather's skills over Pacquiao's punch output and enthusiasm. Pacquiao has only looked polished in his last couple of fights, where Mayweather has been doing all the right things his entire career. And in a competitive fight, I could see Pacquiao getting a little wild and making some mistakes that Mayweather could take advantage of. Mayweather by UD.”
Tony Nobbs, Eastside Boxing, The Fist
“Floyd has been troubled by southpaws. Corley had him holding on, Judah took a few rounds early and if Manny catches him, he could go. But the way Floyd dominated JMM ( even though Marquez was moving up two divisions ) in his first fight back for 2 years, tells me Mayweather has too much in his kit of tricks and will outbox Manny through the 12 rounds, being extra careful early.”
“FLOYD WIN POINTS 12 MANNY”
Darren Nichols, Boxing Talk
“Manny by decision. I know many will point to Floyd's schooling over JMM, but Marquez did not fight his fight, he fought Floyd's fight. Manny only knows how to fight one way, and it’s the way that Floyd has trouble with.”
David Tyler, Doghouse Boxing
“Floyd wins by decision because Pacquiao is too small to fight the defensive minded Mayweather. His style will be tough for Manny to handle because the flow of the fight will be controlled by Mayweahter.”
Michel Joseph, Boxing Talk
“If Floyd fights Manny, Floyd wins. I love Pacquaio, but Floyd is the naturally bigger fighter, the better defensive fighter, a fighter who is Pacquaio's physical equal in every category, and who - God this hurts to type - for as dumb as he sounds popping off about himself in the third person outside the ring, is Einstein's equivalent inside of it. Floyd wins a UD, in a fight that is much more competitive than his sparring session with Marquez was.”
Zachary Levin, Fight Beat
“I can't answer this until I see how Manny does with Cotto. Cotto will be the first prime elite welterweight he's ever fault, and the fight will reveal much about what Manny is capable of at this weight class.”
(Zachary Levin is the Editorial Advisor at FightBeat.com. He has written boxing pieces for Boxing Digest, CyberBoxingZone, BoxingTalk, MaxBoxing, and The Sweet Science. You can find samples of his writing (on boxing and many other subjects) at ZacharyLevin.com and/or ZacharyLevin.net.)
Michael Rosenthal, Ring Magazine
“I think Mayweather beats Pacquiao. Pacquiao would give Mayweather more trouble than Marquez gave him because of his quickness. However, Mayweather's natural size advantage, defensive abilities and superior quickness will frustrate Pacquiao. Mayweather by late KO or decision.”
(Michael Rosenthal is an associate editor of The Ring magazine and also covers boxing for Yahoo Sports. He used to write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.)
Frank Lotierzo, The Sweet Science
“Mayweather will beat Pacquiao mainly because he has the perfect style to do beat him.”
(Frank Lotierzo has been considered by some boxing insiders to be one of the sport’s best fight analysts. His work has appeared in Fight Game, Boxing-Illustrated, and Uppercut magazine. Prior to his career as a writer, Mr. Lotierzo hosted Toe-To-Toe on ESPN Radio and trained at Joe Frazier's Gym in Philadelphia under the tutelage of the legendary George Benton. Between 1977-82, he had over 50 fights as an amateur and pro in the middleweight division.)
Don Stewart, Reading Eagle, Ring Magazine
“If Floyd were to fight Manny right now, I think my prediction would depend on the contracted weight. If the fight is at 147, I think Floyd would just have too much speed, size and savvy for Manny. It wouldn't be as one-sided as the Marquez fight, but it wouldn't be close. If they go to a compromise weight, say 142, I'd give Manny a shot. Still, I just think Floyd has too much of an advantage fighting these smaller guys. Floyd needs to fight guys his own size, and I believe Shane Mosley, who is fast and has had success at 154, has the best shot at taking him right now at welterweight.”
Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News, The Sweet Science
“Floyd over Manny.”
(A native of New Orleans, Fernandez has been at the Philadelphia Daily News for the last 24 1/2 years, and covers boxing and Penn State football for the paper. His late father, Bernard "Jack" Fernandez Sr., was briefly a pro welterweight who fought twice on Archie Moore undercards in 1944. Fernandez’ stature among his peers is considerable. He served as president (five terms) of the Boxing Writers Association of America (succeeded recently by longtime BWAA vice president Jack Hirsch). The winner of 1998 BWAA Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005, and was the first media person selected.)
Tom Donelson, Black Athlete Sports Network
“Floyd should win (against Manny).”
Geoff Poundes, Ringside Report
“Floyd's defensive mastery would trump the speed and versatility of Pacquiao's offensive abilities. I don't see Manny being big enough to make an impact, and Floyd will win by decision.”
Lyle Fitzsimmons, The Sports Network
“I think Mayweather is the best fighter in the world. And I believe he'd force Pacquiao to make the fight, then do what he does against most fighters who come toward him, which is pick them apart. Manny is too raw and I see Floyd dominating. Mayweather UD 12.”
(Lyle Fitzsimmons is an award-winning 20-year sports journalist, a full voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, Contributing Boxing Editor of The Sports Network, and a frequent contributor to Stone Cold Sports on the MVN Network (stonecoldsports.com) and several sports radio talk shows throughout the U.S.)
Yero Moody, Eastside Boxing
“I have no doubt in my mind that Floyd will fight Manny. There is way too much money to be made on both sides for that fight not to happen. Also, the detractors won't be able to say Manny is too small because he would have beaten Cotto who is bigger than Mayweather! When they fight, I see a landslide victory for Floyd. He is technically superior to Manny in every category. Furthermore, Manny's aggressive style is tailor made for Floyd's counter punching. Manny leaves himself wide open far too often, and against Mayweather who is supremely accurate, that's suicide. Mayweather by UD or even TKO.”
Adam Pollack, Cyber Boxing Zone, Author of ‘John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion’, ‘In the Ring With James J. Corbett’, and ‘In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons’
“…Floyd is so damn fast that he can probably outbox Manny at 147 using his cautious, safety-first style, especially if the fight is only 12 rounds. But I would be rooting for Manny because I like fighters who come to fight and take your head off and knock you out, and entertain, rather than engage in boring, minimalist, safety-first, cautious boxing.”
(Adam Pollack is a prolific boxing historian and author. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa City, IA. He is a staff writer for Cyberboxingzone.com, chair of USA Boxing's Rules and Regulations Committtee, chair of USA Boxing's Judicial Committee and a member of its Women's Task Force. He is also a boxing coach for the ICOR (Iowa City/Coralville) Boxing Club and attorney living in Iowa City, Iowa.
To date, Adam has published four books, John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion, In the Ring With James J. Corbett, In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons, and his latest publication, In the Ring With James J. Jeffries.)
David Greisman, Boxing Scene
“I'd pick Mayweather over Pacquiao, though it'd be closer than Mayweather-Marquez due to Pacquiao's movement and speed. A fight I'd like to see, of course. I'm tired of people saying one fighter shouldn't fight another fighter because he'd beat him. Isn't that why they fight the fights? How many people would've predicted Salgado beating Jorge Linares?”
Ramon Aranda, 411mania
“Floyd takes it. Listen, Manny's aggression, his southpaw stance and his speed would allow him to get in on Mayweather but love him or hate him, he just doesn't get hit. He's quicker than Pacquiao and is a defensive master. I say Mayweather wins via decision.”
David Mayo, Grand Rapids Press, The Sweet Science
“Mayweather by decision: I like Mayweather over Pacquiao simply because of his counterpunching advantage. Pacquiao's combination punching could keep the fight close but whenever he took the lead, Mayweather could work off anything he tried and deter him over the course of the fight. I think Pacquiao's people know that, too.”
(David Mayo has covered boxing for two decades at The Grand Rapids Press, where he is the lead sports columnist. He has covered every major U.S. sporting event, but his affinity for boxing keeps him closely identified with the sport. Mayo also works as a regular correspondent for The Ring magazine and its sister publications. He has been Michigan's journalistic leader in the difficult effort to pass boxing reform in that state. The native of Kirby, Ark. is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, and is listed in Who's Who in America.)
Rich Bergeron, Fight Beat
“…Manny and Floyd may never fight because of the infighting going on promotionally, but I believe Manny can beat Floyd in his current capacity as the faster puncher with a much better power to speed ratio than Floyd has.”
There you have it. Floyd beats Manny 23 votes to 2.
(My gratitude to all boxing experts who shared their opinion - Marshall N. B., marx7204@lycos.com)
***
Manny Pacquiao basically obliterated David Diaz, Oscar de la Hoya, and Ricky Hatton.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. recently came back from brief hiatus and destroyed former pound-for-pound contender Juan Manuel Marquez.
Both are great boxers. Both are pound-for-pound crown claimant. Both deserve the throne.
But in the end, to quote movie Highlander’s famous words, “there can be only one”.
In a recent Floyd Mayweather interview, the flamboyant boxer has expressed his intention to fight Manny Pacquiao. Similarly, Manny himself had once told Bangkok Post that he likes to fight Floyd.
So, will they come to blows in the near future to settle the debate once and for all? I really hope so. I just have to wait and see.
Triggered by insatiable curiosity, I asked many highly regarded boxing experts on who would win if Manny and Floyd were to fight. Here’s what they had to say.
Vivek Wallace, Eastside Boxing, Examiner, 8-Count News
“People said that Floyd looked far better than Marquez because he was the bigger man. My response would be: if Floyd were the smaller man and the bigger man still couldn't hit him, what difference would it make? ZERO! Floyd's discipline and defense is what separates him from the rest of the pack. Corrales (RIP) was 16 lbs heavier than Floyd and in his prime when they met and Floyd walked him down like Jason Vorhees of Friday the 13th.”
“Pacquiao, like many other fighters has the ability to defeat Mayweather, but as we saw with Judah (who was a southpaw with arguably more talent than Floyd and clearly more speed), it was the ability to change strategies over 12 rounds that he couldn't keep up with. When Floyd started to change strategies his mental encyclopedia was far deeper, and when Judah ran out of plans, Floyd was able to reach one that he had no answer for, approximately 5 rounds or so into the fight. Same rules apply for Pacquiao. Pacquiao has the speed, the power, and the style, but his best shot would be a KO, because if Mayweather takes him deep, he'll eventually find a strategy that Pacquiao won't be able to dissect. Pacquiao can be hit, Mayweather aims to hit and not be hit. You have to ask yourself who has Pacquiao EVER faced and looked good against that was a defensive wizard? Marquez was the closest, and in two attempts, we still don't have a decisive victory. I wouldn't say Pacquiao can't win, but it would have to be by KO. If it goes the distance, there's no way Mayweather doesn't win this fight.”
(Vivek Wallace is a huge boxing fan born and raised in Miami, Florida. An avid student of the game, Vivek spends a countless amount of hours in the still of the night breaking down fight footage which thoroughly accounts for his ability to lay out visual words from an unseen perspective. Vivek has done past work in the world of boxing for various new sources, to include the Moffat County Newspaper, Most Valuable Network, the Examiner, 8 Count News, and most recently Eastside Boxing. Vivek is also in the midst of a 3 year run covering the NBA's Miami Heat. Aside from sports journalism, Vivek is a former U.S. Marine, and a Father of two; son, Vivek II (3), and daughter, Shrijani Shanti (6mos)).
Jake Donovan, Boxing Scene
The thing with Floyd that drives me nuts is that there are so few in/around his weight class I would pick to beat him, yet for whatever reason he opts to avoid the biggest challenges. Right now, I'd have to pick Floyd, whose advantages far outweigh anything a smaller Pacquiao can for the moment bring to the table.
(Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com and an award-winning member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.)
Chris Parry, Vancouver Sun
“Mayweather wins because he's boxing perfection, but it'll be a frustrating as hell bout with a lot of attack by Manny and a lot of 'you can't catch me' by Floyd. KOs take a holiday.”
Charles White, Eastside Boxing
“Floyd would win in my humble opinion because of the size difference and defensive skills of Mayweather. Manny is an excellent fighter, one of the best, but I can't see him doing anything to upset Floyd. I was at the Marquez vs. Mayweather fight, practically sitting ringside, and I must say that fight would be similar to PBF vs. Pacman in that the bigger man would prevail. However, a fight between Pac and Floyd would be much more exciting than Mayweather-Marquez. Fireworks the whole time it lasts!”
Paul H. Burbridge, Eastside Boxing
“This is the biggest fight that can be made and could be the biggest financial bonanza in history. It’s truly a dream matchup and is what boxing fans live to see. It would be a blockbuster attraction! On one hand you have Manny Pacquiao, the ultimate warrior who is in a constant state of stepping up and on the other hand you have perhaps an unequaled virtuoso who can adapt to any style.”
“This one isn’t as tough to pick the winner because I think the talent level and tactics of Floyd Mayweather Jr are simply too much not only for Manny Pacquiao but also for Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley. If this fight takes place I think Manny will be competitive in the first 4 rounds while Floyd studies him and then I think Mayweather’s ability to make an opponent miss along with his precision punching will take over. I just don’t think Manny can hurt Floyd because I doubt he’ll be able to land too many clean shots. But, even if he does in my opinion it won’t be enough to trouble Mayweather. There is nothing in Floyd's past that could lead you to come to any other conclusion other than he has a world class chin. Mayweather has ALL the advantages going in to this fight starting with his height, reach, speed, superior boxing pedigree, adaptability and undefeated mind set.”
“All things I just can’t see Manny overcoming realistically.”
“I’d pick PBF by unanimous decision but I also wouldn’t be surprised if Floyd actually got the late round KO because Manny as the aggressor may be caught lunging in or over committing himself to his best punch, the straight left hand.”
“It’s perfect for Floyd’s lead right and combined with the speed of his delivery could spell doom for Pacquiao.”
“Floyd by unanimous decision!”
Chris Robinson, Examiner (Miami Boxing Examiner), Fight Beat
“I like Mayweather in this one. I don't care for Mayweather's personality but he is perhaps the most complete fighter in the game and I think he would adapt to Pacquiao after some tense early rounds.”
Frank Gonzalez Jr., Eastside Boxing, Doghouse Boxing
“If Floyd fights Manny (which appears inevitable, the way HBO and most of the boxing media has been drooling and promoting this "event" since Floyd's return), I think Floyd will win by decision. Manny is an offensive fighter, Floyd is a master defensive fighter with speed to match Pacman and an equally convincing counterpunching ability.”
“But after his shutout win over J.M. Marquez, Floyd needs to fight top guys his own size and bigger. We've seen how good Floyd is against smaller men. Now, isn't it high time we see Floyd take on some "bigger" challengers? I want to see Floyd fight Mosley, Margarito and especially Williams! Floyd had Marquez move up ten pounds to fight him, let’s see if Floyd can do the same. If Floyd doesn't want to fight the top guys at Welter, then let him fight the winner of Pavlik vs. Williams. If Floyd is indeed the best fighter in boxing, he should prove it against legitimate sized competition and silence his critics once and for all.”
Ronan Keenan, The Sweet Science
“Mayweather's footwork should enable him to out-score Pacquiao.”
Vikram Birring, Doghouse Boxing
“This is a very tough question. But truly, I believe a dedicated Manny Pacquiao could defeat Floyd Mayweather. Watch the fourth round of DeMarcus Corley's bout against Mayweather. He was rocked by an overhand right and hit by a few more massive punches in the round. If Pacquiao lands something similar, Floyd will say good night. However, if he doesn't finish him off, Floyd adjusts in the ring very well, and will figure him out.”
Ken Hissner, Doghouse Boxing, Fighters of Faith
“(About) Floyd, I do not care to predict because he avoids certain fighters the way Hopkins has and is.”
Doveed Linder, Boxing Talk
“I favor Mayweather's skills over Pacquiao's punch output and enthusiasm. Pacquiao has only looked polished in his last couple of fights, where Mayweather has been doing all the right things his entire career. And in a competitive fight, I could see Pacquiao getting a little wild and making some mistakes that Mayweather could take advantage of. Mayweather by UD.”
Tony Nobbs, Eastside Boxing, The Fist
“Floyd has been troubled by southpaws. Corley had him holding on, Judah took a few rounds early and if Manny catches him, he could go. But the way Floyd dominated JMM ( even though Marquez was moving up two divisions ) in his first fight back for 2 years, tells me Mayweather has too much in his kit of tricks and will outbox Manny through the 12 rounds, being extra careful early.”
“FLOYD WIN POINTS 12 MANNY”
Darren Nichols, Boxing Talk
“Manny by decision. I know many will point to Floyd's schooling over JMM, but Marquez did not fight his fight, he fought Floyd's fight. Manny only knows how to fight one way, and it’s the way that Floyd has trouble with.”
David Tyler, Doghouse Boxing
“Floyd wins by decision because Pacquiao is too small to fight the defensive minded Mayweather. His style will be tough for Manny to handle because the flow of the fight will be controlled by Mayweahter.”
Michel Joseph, Boxing Talk
“If Floyd fights Manny, Floyd wins. I love Pacquaio, but Floyd is the naturally bigger fighter, the better defensive fighter, a fighter who is Pacquaio's physical equal in every category, and who - God this hurts to type - for as dumb as he sounds popping off about himself in the third person outside the ring, is Einstein's equivalent inside of it. Floyd wins a UD, in a fight that is much more competitive than his sparring session with Marquez was.”
Zachary Levin, Fight Beat
“I can't answer this until I see how Manny does with Cotto. Cotto will be the first prime elite welterweight he's ever fault, and the fight will reveal much about what Manny is capable of at this weight class.”
(Zachary Levin is the Editorial Advisor at FightBeat.com. He has written boxing pieces for Boxing Digest, CyberBoxingZone, BoxingTalk, MaxBoxing, and The Sweet Science. You can find samples of his writing (on boxing and many other subjects) at ZacharyLevin.com and/or ZacharyLevin.net.)
Michael Rosenthal, Ring Magazine
“I think Mayweather beats Pacquiao. Pacquiao would give Mayweather more trouble than Marquez gave him because of his quickness. However, Mayweather's natural size advantage, defensive abilities and superior quickness will frustrate Pacquiao. Mayweather by late KO or decision.”
(Michael Rosenthal is an associate editor of The Ring magazine and also covers boxing for Yahoo Sports. He used to write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.)
Frank Lotierzo, The Sweet Science
“Mayweather will beat Pacquiao mainly because he has the perfect style to do beat him.”
(Frank Lotierzo has been considered by some boxing insiders to be one of the sport’s best fight analysts. His work has appeared in Fight Game, Boxing-Illustrated, and Uppercut magazine. Prior to his career as a writer, Mr. Lotierzo hosted Toe-To-Toe on ESPN Radio and trained at Joe Frazier's Gym in Philadelphia under the tutelage of the legendary George Benton. Between 1977-82, he had over 50 fights as an amateur and pro in the middleweight division.)
Don Stewart, Reading Eagle, Ring Magazine
“If Floyd were to fight Manny right now, I think my prediction would depend on the contracted weight. If the fight is at 147, I think Floyd would just have too much speed, size and savvy for Manny. It wouldn't be as one-sided as the Marquez fight, but it wouldn't be close. If they go to a compromise weight, say 142, I'd give Manny a shot. Still, I just think Floyd has too much of an advantage fighting these smaller guys. Floyd needs to fight guys his own size, and I believe Shane Mosley, who is fast and has had success at 154, has the best shot at taking him right now at welterweight.”
Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News, The Sweet Science
“Floyd over Manny.”
(A native of New Orleans, Fernandez has been at the Philadelphia Daily News for the last 24 1/2 years, and covers boxing and Penn State football for the paper. His late father, Bernard "Jack" Fernandez Sr., was briefly a pro welterweight who fought twice on Archie Moore undercards in 1944. Fernandez’ stature among his peers is considerable. He served as president (five terms) of the Boxing Writers Association of America (succeeded recently by longtime BWAA vice president Jack Hirsch). The winner of 1998 BWAA Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005, and was the first media person selected.)
Tom Donelson, Black Athlete Sports Network
“Floyd should win (against Manny).”
Geoff Poundes, Ringside Report
“Floyd's defensive mastery would trump the speed and versatility of Pacquiao's offensive abilities. I don't see Manny being big enough to make an impact, and Floyd will win by decision.”
Lyle Fitzsimmons, The Sports Network
“I think Mayweather is the best fighter in the world. And I believe he'd force Pacquiao to make the fight, then do what he does against most fighters who come toward him, which is pick them apart. Manny is too raw and I see Floyd dominating. Mayweather UD 12.”
(Lyle Fitzsimmons is an award-winning 20-year sports journalist, a full voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, Contributing Boxing Editor of The Sports Network, and a frequent contributor to Stone Cold Sports on the MVN Network (stonecoldsports.com) and several sports radio talk shows throughout the U.S.)
Yero Moody, Eastside Boxing
“I have no doubt in my mind that Floyd will fight Manny. There is way too much money to be made on both sides for that fight not to happen. Also, the detractors won't be able to say Manny is too small because he would have beaten Cotto who is bigger than Mayweather! When they fight, I see a landslide victory for Floyd. He is technically superior to Manny in every category. Furthermore, Manny's aggressive style is tailor made for Floyd's counter punching. Manny leaves himself wide open far too often, and against Mayweather who is supremely accurate, that's suicide. Mayweather by UD or even TKO.”
Adam Pollack, Cyber Boxing Zone, Author of ‘John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion’, ‘In the Ring With James J. Corbett’, and ‘In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons’
“…Floyd is so damn fast that he can probably outbox Manny at 147 using his cautious, safety-first style, especially if the fight is only 12 rounds. But I would be rooting for Manny because I like fighters who come to fight and take your head off and knock you out, and entertain, rather than engage in boring, minimalist, safety-first, cautious boxing.”
(Adam Pollack is a prolific boxing historian and author. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa City, IA. He is a staff writer for Cyberboxingzone.com, chair of USA Boxing's Rules and Regulations Committtee, chair of USA Boxing's Judicial Committee and a member of its Women's Task Force. He is also a boxing coach for the ICOR (Iowa City/Coralville) Boxing Club and attorney living in Iowa City, Iowa.
To date, Adam has published four books, John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion, In the Ring With James J. Corbett, In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons, and his latest publication, In the Ring With James J. Jeffries.)
David Greisman, Boxing Scene
“I'd pick Mayweather over Pacquiao, though it'd be closer than Mayweather-Marquez due to Pacquiao's movement and speed. A fight I'd like to see, of course. I'm tired of people saying one fighter shouldn't fight another fighter because he'd beat him. Isn't that why they fight the fights? How many people would've predicted Salgado beating Jorge Linares?”
Ramon Aranda, 411mania
“Floyd takes it. Listen, Manny's aggression, his southpaw stance and his speed would allow him to get in on Mayweather but love him or hate him, he just doesn't get hit. He's quicker than Pacquiao and is a defensive master. I say Mayweather wins via decision.”
David Mayo, Grand Rapids Press, The Sweet Science
“Mayweather by decision: I like Mayweather over Pacquiao simply because of his counterpunching advantage. Pacquiao's combination punching could keep the fight close but whenever he took the lead, Mayweather could work off anything he tried and deter him over the course of the fight. I think Pacquiao's people know that, too.”
(David Mayo has covered boxing for two decades at The Grand Rapids Press, where he is the lead sports columnist. He has covered every major U.S. sporting event, but his affinity for boxing keeps him closely identified with the sport. Mayo also works as a regular correspondent for The Ring magazine and its sister publications. He has been Michigan's journalistic leader in the difficult effort to pass boxing reform in that state. The native of Kirby, Ark. is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, and is listed in Who's Who in America.)
Rich Bergeron, Fight Beat
“…Manny and Floyd may never fight because of the infighting going on promotionally, but I believe Manny can beat Floyd in his current capacity as the faster puncher with a much better power to speed ratio than Floyd has.”
There you have it. Floyd beats Manny 23 votes to 2.
(My gratitude to all boxing experts who shared their opinion - Marshall N. B., marx7204@lycos.com)
***
Will All Of These Distractions Be The Down Fall Of Manny Pacquiao?
BleacherReport.com
In numerous interviews on ESPN, Bernard Hopkins has stated that he feels Manny Pacquiao is the current number one pound for pound fighter in the world; and he's also stated that the only way Manny will lose, is if he makes himself lose. READ MORE
In numerous interviews on ESPN, Bernard Hopkins has stated that he feels Manny Pacquiao is the current number one pound for pound fighter in the world; and he's also stated that the only way Manny will lose, is if he makes himself lose. READ MORE
The only way Pacquiao can win is if Cotto has an off night
by Lou”Cinder” Block, Now Boxing
After watching a few of Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao’s previous fights and studying their moves and styles, I spent time sizing them up and I just can’t see the little Filipino beating on the bigger stockier Puerto Rican welterweight champion. Imagine a big brother beating up on his little brother cause he stole something, well that is how the November 14, Pacquiao vs. Cotto fight will look like. Miguel will be the big brother to Manny’s little brother. There is a saying in boxing that goes “A good big man beats a good little man” , this saying holds true unless the bigger man was weight drained and past his prime (Oscar De La Hoya), shot (Hatton) or is having some mental and personal problems prior to the fight which can mess with his performance come fight night. READ MORE
After watching a few of Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao’s previous fights and studying their moves and styles, I spent time sizing them up and I just can’t see the little Filipino beating on the bigger stockier Puerto Rican welterweight champion. Imagine a big brother beating up on his little brother cause he stole something, well that is how the November 14, Pacquiao vs. Cotto fight will look like. Miguel will be the big brother to Manny’s little brother. There is a saying in boxing that goes “A good big man beats a good little man” , this saying holds true unless the bigger man was weight drained and past his prime (Oscar De La Hoya), shot (Hatton) or is having some mental and personal problems prior to the fight which can mess with his performance come fight night. READ MORE
Manny Pacquiao’s rise to stardom started with a South African
Times Live
When Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring against Miguel Cotto in what could be the biggest fight of the year on November 14, few may recall that his rise to stardom started eight years ago against a South African fighter. READ MORE
When Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring against Miguel Cotto in what could be the biggest fight of the year on November 14, few may recall that his rise to stardom started eight years ago against a South African fighter. READ MORE
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