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Monday 23 November 2009
Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao camps carry confidence into fight negotiations
By David Mayo, The Grand Rapids Press
To coin an oxymoron, it has become exceedingly clear that the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao negotiations will be simply difficult.
The Mayweather camp huddled throughout the weekend, discussing all negotiating eventualities, from purse split to brand of gloves to be used in boxing’s most anticipated event in decades, so as to send Richard Schaefer into negotiations with Bob Arum fully cognizant of all requirements.
That education is necessary on multiple fronts.
One, Schaefer is CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, but has no formal contract with Mayweather and, for now, only has authority to act as promotional intermediary.
Two, if Mayweather and/or his advisers, Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon, actually engaged the talks personally, as Arum has said he would, the parties wouldn’t last in the same room for 10 minutes and the biggest bonanza in boxing history would go bust before they ever divvied dollars.
Once Schaefer receives marching orders, the world might discover fairly quickly whether the megafight can happen.
Whether it takes two hours, two days, two weeks or two months, Ellerbe said he is confident of all outcomes.
“The impending negotiations will be much tougher than the fight, if a deal can be struck,” he said.
Through bravado or belief, or some combination, the Mayweather side has responded to Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach’s teeming confidence with its own bluster.
Ellerbe said he and Roger Mayweather, who trains his nephew, discussed the Mayweather-Pacquiao matchup and concluded that it “probably will be one of Floyd’s easier fights.”
“They say styles make fights but guess what? Skills are what win fights,” Ellerbe said. “The fight is not a problem in the ring. Pacquiao is a good little fighter but Floyd is just on a whole other level. If we can make a deal, we’ll see. If he got outboxed by Erik Morales, if he got outboxed by Juan Manuel Marquez, how the hell is going to deal with Floyd Mayweather? He’s never, ever, been in the ring with anyone who has anywhere near the skills Floyd Mayweather has.”
Roach said, after Pacquiao’s resounding 12th-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto this month, that he already has devised the game plan for defeating the undefeated Mayweather.
That victory was met with critical praise from all corners and a massive outcry for Mayweather-Pacquiao to resolve pound-for-pound supremacy.
Ellerbe dismissed the level of post-fight hyperbole.
“People can put things in your mind and make you think you’re something you’re not,” Ellerbe said. “It was interesting to me, after the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, to hear journalists comparing Pacquiao to the likes of Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali. I want those same journalists to remember those words after the next fight, if a deal can be struck and this fight comes off.”
Ellerbe stressed that negotiations will not be framed based on financial results of the two recent pay-per-view fights, with Mayweather selling 1 million units and $52 million for his September win over Marquez, and Pacquiao selling 1.25 units and $70 million against Cotto.
Instead, he points to their common pay-per-view opponents -- Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton -- and the superior numbers Mayweather did against all three, by comparison to Pacquiao.
“When the American public speaks, the numbers are quantifiable and irrefutable,” Ellerbe said. “That’s evidenced by the the market speaking. America speaks, and America has spoken.
“Floyd has done better numbers, both domestically and internationally. Floyd and Hatton did the largest number ever in the history of the U.K. They did a little more than 1 million homes, and Pacquiao did a little more than 300,000 homes with the same guy. Clearly, Floyd is a bigger star than Pacquiao.
Ellerbe said he could “discount” any possibility of Mayweather fighting a January tuneup, and said the focus is on Pacquiao first, with Shane Mosley the backup plan if Pacquiao doesn’t materialize and Mosley beats Andre Berto in January.
“It’s really quite easy,” Ellerbe said.
That’s exactly what the world wants to hear.
We’ll see if it turns out that way.
E-mail David Mayo at dmayo@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/David_Mayo
Source: mlive.com
To coin an oxymoron, it has become exceedingly clear that the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao negotiations will be simply difficult.
The Mayweather camp huddled throughout the weekend, discussing all negotiating eventualities, from purse split to brand of gloves to be used in boxing’s most anticipated event in decades, so as to send Richard Schaefer into negotiations with Bob Arum fully cognizant of all requirements.
That education is necessary on multiple fronts.
One, Schaefer is CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, but has no formal contract with Mayweather and, for now, only has authority to act as promotional intermediary.
Two, if Mayweather and/or his advisers, Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon, actually engaged the talks personally, as Arum has said he would, the parties wouldn’t last in the same room for 10 minutes and the biggest bonanza in boxing history would go bust before they ever divvied dollars.
Once Schaefer receives marching orders, the world might discover fairly quickly whether the megafight can happen.
Whether it takes two hours, two days, two weeks or two months, Ellerbe said he is confident of all outcomes.
“The impending negotiations will be much tougher than the fight, if a deal can be struck,” he said.
Through bravado or belief, or some combination, the Mayweather side has responded to Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach’s teeming confidence with its own bluster.
Ellerbe said he and Roger Mayweather, who trains his nephew, discussed the Mayweather-Pacquiao matchup and concluded that it “probably will be one of Floyd’s easier fights.”
“They say styles make fights but guess what? Skills are what win fights,” Ellerbe said. “The fight is not a problem in the ring. Pacquiao is a good little fighter but Floyd is just on a whole other level. If we can make a deal, we’ll see. If he got outboxed by Erik Morales, if he got outboxed by Juan Manuel Marquez, how the hell is going to deal with Floyd Mayweather? He’s never, ever, been in the ring with anyone who has anywhere near the skills Floyd Mayweather has.”
Roach said, after Pacquiao’s resounding 12th-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto this month, that he already has devised the game plan for defeating the undefeated Mayweather.
That victory was met with critical praise from all corners and a massive outcry for Mayweather-Pacquiao to resolve pound-for-pound supremacy.
Ellerbe dismissed the level of post-fight hyperbole.
“People can put things in your mind and make you think you’re something you’re not,” Ellerbe said. “It was interesting to me, after the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, to hear journalists comparing Pacquiao to the likes of Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali. I want those same journalists to remember those words after the next fight, if a deal can be struck and this fight comes off.”
Ellerbe stressed that negotiations will not be framed based on financial results of the two recent pay-per-view fights, with Mayweather selling 1 million units and $52 million for his September win over Marquez, and Pacquiao selling 1.25 units and $70 million against Cotto.
Instead, he points to their common pay-per-view opponents -- Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton -- and the superior numbers Mayweather did against all three, by comparison to Pacquiao.
“When the American public speaks, the numbers are quantifiable and irrefutable,” Ellerbe said. “That’s evidenced by the the market speaking. America speaks, and America has spoken.
“Floyd has done better numbers, both domestically and internationally. Floyd and Hatton did the largest number ever in the history of the U.K. They did a little more than 1 million homes, and Pacquiao did a little more than 300,000 homes with the same guy. Clearly, Floyd is a bigger star than Pacquiao.
Ellerbe said he could “discount” any possibility of Mayweather fighting a January tuneup, and said the focus is on Pacquiao first, with Shane Mosley the backup plan if Pacquiao doesn’t materialize and Mosley beats Andre Berto in January.
“It’s really quite easy,” Ellerbe said.
That’s exactly what the world wants to hear.
We’ll see if it turns out that way.
E-mail David Mayo at dmayo@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/David_Mayo
Source: mlive.com
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CL Debate: Barcelona v Inter - Get Ready For The Manny Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather Of Football
Goal.com
Pacquiao vs Mayweather Jr promises to be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, and Carlo Garganese explains how the clashes of style, status and character make their bout comparable to the huge Barcelona vs Inter clash in the Champions League on Tuesday night…
In the maroon and blue corner we have Barcelona – reigning European champions, reigning Spanish champions, reigning Spanish cup champions, reigning European Super Cup champions, soon-to-be world champions, and the No.1 pound-for-pound club team in the world.
In the black and blue corner we have Internazionale – four times reigning Italian champions, current Italian championship leaders, and No.1 pound-for-pound club team in Italy.
Also in the maroon and blue corner we have Manny Pacquiao – reigning WBO Welterweight World champion, IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion, a winner of world titles in seven different weight divisions, and the current No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Also in the black and blue corner we have Floyd Mayweather Jr – former WBC Welterweight champion, a winner of world titles in five different weight classes, undefeated 40-and-0, and former No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
For those of you who love your boxing, 2010 promises to be a special year as welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr appear almost certain to get into the ring for the most eagerly awaited fight of a generation. Even though nothing is yet set in stone, and any bout will probably not take place for at least five or six months, the build-up and anticipation has already begun with boxers, pundits, experts, and fans all debating who will win.
Clash Of Styles
What makes the prospect of this super-fight so fascinating is that it represents an emphatic clash of styles and personalities. The attacking, well-liked, humble, and entertaining Pacquiao against the defensive, unpopular, brash and efficient Mayweather. In many ways Pacquiao-Mayweather shares some uncanny similarities with the big Champions League tie between Barcelona and Inter on Tuesday night at Camp Nou.
Barcelona champion attacking, jaw-dropping football in which style is usually more important than substance. Their tiki-taka, pass-and-move game, with one-twos, one-touches, is beautiful on the eye. The Blaugrana have fun, they play with a smile on their faces, and take the game to the opposition while showing no fear. Pacquiao’s boxing philosophy is very similar. The Filipino attacks his prey, makes all the offensive running, and employs an easy-on-the-eye approach with dazzling 8-10 combos showing frightening hand and foot speed as he dances around the ring like Lionel Messi jives around the football pitch.
Inter, on the other hand, are best known for their tentative approach, studying their opponents weaknesses before focusing on their own strengths. It is up to their foe to make the spectacle, and you will often see the Nerazzurri launch counter-attacks. It is rare for Inter to string a succession of fluent passes together as they promote a results-first mentality. This has often seen the Beneamata labelled as ‘boring’.
Which is a similar tag that has been pinned on Mayweather. The American may be a showman outside the ring, but inside it he is only worried about the result. The Pretty Boy’s main strength is his sometimes impenetrable defence, as exemplified by his shoulder roll tactics. He invites his adversary forward before hitting back with infrequent but scarily accurate counter-punches. Such is Mayweather’s patience and defensive nature that many of his fights often tend to be dull and ugly affairs, and you will not see him open up too often with combinations. But what you do get with Mayweather is efficiency.
Size
The physical difference between the two parties is also noticeable. Barcelona contain a large number of pint-sized players such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Pedro and Messi, while their game is based on skill and technique. Inter have less guile about them, and prefer to push their weight around, a trait that many people believe is a reason they have often struggled in Europe. In terms of size, Mayweather has a big advantage, standing at 5ft 8in to Pacquiao’s 5ft 6½ in, with a reach advantage of 72in to 67in. With Pacman naturally much smaller, some experts say this could prove decisive. Yet it didn’t hinder the Filipino in recent fights as he moved up the weights to crush bigger men like Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. Similarly, the Barcelona trio of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi are tipped by many to finish in the Top 3 of this year’s Ballon d’Or, despite all being under 5ft 7in.
Support
In terms of support and fanbase, there are again many similarities. Barcelona play for Catalonia but they have the support of most neutrals due to the beautiful football they play. Pacquiao fights for the Philippines, but his exciting style means he also boasts the support of boxing fans all around the world.
With regards to Inter, some would joke that they don’t play for Italy because they only have three Italians in their first team squad, while they only really have the support of their own fans and are not at all popular in wider circles. Mayweather is often accused of fighting for himself, and he is disliked even in the United States.
Personality & Popularity
Character and personality is also interesting. Pacquiao is a very humble person, who refuses to indulge in pre-and-post fight trash talking. It would be fair to say that Barcelona don’t have too many enemies within the game, and their current coach Pep Guardiola was universally praised for his conduct following the Champions League final win over Manchester United.
Inter are not so P.R friendly. Super confident/arrogant Jose Mourinho has made himself an enemy to almost every Calcio figure since arriving in Italy last year, while the regular snipes of president Massimo Moratti towards Juventus and Milan, and regarding Calciopoli, has won him few friends over the last few seasons too. Mayweather has become infamous for his arrogance, earning himself the nickname Money Mayweather due to his boastfully lavish, materialistic lifestyle where he shows off his riches by counting his money and throwing it into the camera.
Reputation
Finally, we move onto status and reputation. This is where things get spicy. Barcelona are renowned as the best team in the world following their treble-winning antics of last season. Pacquiao is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. These successes are purely down to their own achievements. The Mexicutioner has never dodged an opponent – as proven by the list of illustrious fighters he has faced such as Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and, of course, Miguel Cotto who he destroyed in such devastating fashion 10 days ago.
As for Inter, many people argue that their recent Italian dominance which has seen them win four Scudetti in succession has been more down to a power shift after the Calciopoli scandal that removed and weakened much of the opposition. In the case of Mayweather, the American’s perfect unbeaten record also clouds over reality.
The 32-year-old has been incredibly selective throughout his career, only choosing opponents who were either small (Juan Marquez), old (Oscar De La Hoya, Marquez) or over-rated and over-sold (Ricky Hatton, Arturo Gatti). This has led him to being referred by some as ‘Fraud’ Mayweather. Despite being a Welterweight for so long, Floyd has continuously dodged top-quality fighters such as Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and Cotto.
When Barcelona welcome Inter to the Camp Nou, the whole world will be watching and everything will be at stake. Should the Spaniards fail to win, they will run the real risk of failing to qualify for the knockout round. Meanwhile, should the Italians lose they will have to win a tricky final game at home to Rubin Kazan to guarantee progression.
Pacquiao is the best boxer in the world, while Barcelona are the best football team in the world. But a defeat for Pacquiao will see him lose that status to Mayweather, while a defeat for Barcelona will see them lose their tag and sit on the verge of CL elimination.
In the words of the legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer: “Let’s get ready to rumble.”
What are your views on this topic? Is Barcelona-Inter like Pacquiao-Mayweather? Who do you think will win both these clashes? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…
Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
Source: goal.com
Pacquiao vs Mayweather Jr promises to be one of the biggest fights in boxing history, and Carlo Garganese explains how the clashes of style, status and character make their bout comparable to the huge Barcelona vs Inter clash in the Champions League on Tuesday night…
In the maroon and blue corner we have Barcelona – reigning European champions, reigning Spanish champions, reigning Spanish cup champions, reigning European Super Cup champions, soon-to-be world champions, and the No.1 pound-for-pound club team in the world.
In the black and blue corner we have Internazionale – four times reigning Italian champions, current Italian championship leaders, and No.1 pound-for-pound club team in Italy.
Also in the maroon and blue corner we have Manny Pacquiao – reigning WBO Welterweight World champion, IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion, a winner of world titles in seven different weight divisions, and the current No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
Also in the black and blue corner we have Floyd Mayweather Jr – former WBC Welterweight champion, a winner of world titles in five different weight classes, undefeated 40-and-0, and former No.1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.
For those of you who love your boxing, 2010 promises to be a special year as welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr appear almost certain to get into the ring for the most eagerly awaited fight of a generation. Even though nothing is yet set in stone, and any bout will probably not take place for at least five or six months, the build-up and anticipation has already begun with boxers, pundits, experts, and fans all debating who will win.
Clash Of Styles
What makes the prospect of this super-fight so fascinating is that it represents an emphatic clash of styles and personalities. The attacking, well-liked, humble, and entertaining Pacquiao against the defensive, unpopular, brash and efficient Mayweather. In many ways Pacquiao-Mayweather shares some uncanny similarities with the big Champions League tie between Barcelona and Inter on Tuesday night at Camp Nou.
Barcelona champion attacking, jaw-dropping football in which style is usually more important than substance. Their tiki-taka, pass-and-move game, with one-twos, one-touches, is beautiful on the eye. The Blaugrana have fun, they play with a smile on their faces, and take the game to the opposition while showing no fear. Pacquiao’s boxing philosophy is very similar. The Filipino attacks his prey, makes all the offensive running, and employs an easy-on-the-eye approach with dazzling 8-10 combos showing frightening hand and foot speed as he dances around the ring like Lionel Messi jives around the football pitch.
Inter, on the other hand, are best known for their tentative approach, studying their opponents weaknesses before focusing on their own strengths. It is up to their foe to make the spectacle, and you will often see the Nerazzurri launch counter-attacks. It is rare for Inter to string a succession of fluent passes together as they promote a results-first mentality. This has often seen the Beneamata labelled as ‘boring’.
Which is a similar tag that has been pinned on Mayweather. The American may be a showman outside the ring, but inside it he is only worried about the result. The Pretty Boy’s main strength is his sometimes impenetrable defence, as exemplified by his shoulder roll tactics. He invites his adversary forward before hitting back with infrequent but scarily accurate counter-punches. Such is Mayweather’s patience and defensive nature that many of his fights often tend to be dull and ugly affairs, and you will not see him open up too often with combinations. But what you do get with Mayweather is efficiency.
Size
The physical difference between the two parties is also noticeable. Barcelona contain a large number of pint-sized players such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, Pedro and Messi, while their game is based on skill and technique. Inter have less guile about them, and prefer to push their weight around, a trait that many people believe is a reason they have often struggled in Europe. In terms of size, Mayweather has a big advantage, standing at 5ft 8in to Pacquiao’s 5ft 6½ in, with a reach advantage of 72in to 67in. With Pacman naturally much smaller, some experts say this could prove decisive. Yet it didn’t hinder the Filipino in recent fights as he moved up the weights to crush bigger men like Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. Similarly, the Barcelona trio of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi are tipped by many to finish in the Top 3 of this year’s Ballon d’Or, despite all being under 5ft 7in.
Support
In terms of support and fanbase, there are again many similarities. Barcelona play for Catalonia but they have the support of most neutrals due to the beautiful football they play. Pacquiao fights for the Philippines, but his exciting style means he also boasts the support of boxing fans all around the world.
With regards to Inter, some would joke that they don’t play for Italy because they only have three Italians in their first team squad, while they only really have the support of their own fans and are not at all popular in wider circles. Mayweather is often accused of fighting for himself, and he is disliked even in the United States.
Personality & Popularity
Character and personality is also interesting. Pacquiao is a very humble person, who refuses to indulge in pre-and-post fight trash talking. It would be fair to say that Barcelona don’t have too many enemies within the game, and their current coach Pep Guardiola was universally praised for his conduct following the Champions League final win over Manchester United.
Inter are not so P.R friendly. Super confident/arrogant Jose Mourinho has made himself an enemy to almost every Calcio figure since arriving in Italy last year, while the regular snipes of president Massimo Moratti towards Juventus and Milan, and regarding Calciopoli, has won him few friends over the last few seasons too. Mayweather has become infamous for his arrogance, earning himself the nickname Money Mayweather due to his boastfully lavish, materialistic lifestyle where he shows off his riches by counting his money and throwing it into the camera.
Reputation
Finally, we move onto status and reputation. This is where things get spicy. Barcelona are renowned as the best team in the world following their treble-winning antics of last season. Pacquiao is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. These successes are purely down to their own achievements. The Mexicutioner has never dodged an opponent – as proven by the list of illustrious fighters he has faced such as Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and, of course, Miguel Cotto who he destroyed in such devastating fashion 10 days ago.
As for Inter, many people argue that their recent Italian dominance which has seen them win four Scudetti in succession has been more down to a power shift after the Calciopoli scandal that removed and weakened much of the opposition. In the case of Mayweather, the American’s perfect unbeaten record also clouds over reality.
The 32-year-old has been incredibly selective throughout his career, only choosing opponents who were either small (Juan Marquez), old (Oscar De La Hoya, Marquez) or over-rated and over-sold (Ricky Hatton, Arturo Gatti). This has led him to being referred by some as ‘Fraud’ Mayweather. Despite being a Welterweight for so long, Floyd has continuously dodged top-quality fighters such as Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and Cotto.
When Barcelona welcome Inter to the Camp Nou, the whole world will be watching and everything will be at stake. Should the Spaniards fail to win, they will run the real risk of failing to qualify for the knockout round. Meanwhile, should the Italians lose they will have to win a tricky final game at home to Rubin Kazan to guarantee progression.
Pacquiao is the best boxer in the world, while Barcelona are the best football team in the world. But a defeat for Pacquiao will see him lose that status to Mayweather, while a defeat for Barcelona will see them lose their tag and sit on the verge of CL elimination.
In the words of the legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer: “Let’s get ready to rumble.”
What are your views on this topic? Is Barcelona-Inter like Pacquiao-Mayweather? Who do you think will win both these clashes? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…
Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
Source: goal.com
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Roach backs Khan to conquer weights
Irish Times
Freddie Roach says Amir Khan can do a Manny Pacquiao by moving up boxing's weight divisions. Pacquiao has won world titles in seven different divisions in an astonishing rise to the top of the P4P tree.
And while Khan may not be able to quite match that level of brilliance, trainer Roach says he has what it takes to star at more than one weight.
Amir currently holds the WBA light-welterweight title after beginning his professional career at lightweight.
And Roach said: "He has the body frame to move up for sure. 135 was okay, but 140 I like him better at. As he fills out and matures a little bit he'll definitely end up as a welterweight and maybe end up as a middleweight one day, I would say."
Khan is preparing for the first defence of that light-welterweight title against Dimitry Salita in Newcastle on December 5. And he says he's feeling better than ever.
"I'm improving every fight, getting better an better. We learned a lot from the Kotelnik fight," said Khan. "We've improved it so we're going to go into this fight not making the same mistakes we made in the Kotelnik fight.
"Every fight we go into, we're getting better and better. Freddie's a great trainer and he's always working on what I should do right and what I shouldn't do in a fight. Everything we do in the gym is done for a reason. I feel I'm a better fighter than when I fought Kotelnik.
"I'm looking forward to this - I think Salita has a similar style to Kotelnik - he's a good boxer. And that could help me in this fight."
Roach meanwhile believes if styles do indeed make fights, then the Geordie fans are in for a treat next month.
"It's gonna be a great fight. Salita is undefeated, he's hungry for a title shot. he's going to be at his best I'm sure," he said.
"Amir is training great, he's in great shape. We had a great training camp with great sparring partners. We're definitely ready for whatever he brings. I think Amir is going to shine in this one.
"I wouldn't miss this one - Amir is an action fighter and Salita comes to fight. It's going to be all-action as long as it lasts."
Source: irishtimes.com
Freddie Roach says Amir Khan can do a Manny Pacquiao by moving up boxing's weight divisions. Pacquiao has won world titles in seven different divisions in an astonishing rise to the top of the P4P tree.
And while Khan may not be able to quite match that level of brilliance, trainer Roach says he has what it takes to star at more than one weight.
Amir currently holds the WBA light-welterweight title after beginning his professional career at lightweight.
And Roach said: "He has the body frame to move up for sure. 135 was okay, but 140 I like him better at. As he fills out and matures a little bit he'll definitely end up as a welterweight and maybe end up as a middleweight one day, I would say."
Khan is preparing for the first defence of that light-welterweight title against Dimitry Salita in Newcastle on December 5. And he says he's feeling better than ever.
"I'm improving every fight, getting better an better. We learned a lot from the Kotelnik fight," said Khan. "We've improved it so we're going to go into this fight not making the same mistakes we made in the Kotelnik fight.
"Every fight we go into, we're getting better and better. Freddie's a great trainer and he's always working on what I should do right and what I shouldn't do in a fight. Everything we do in the gym is done for a reason. I feel I'm a better fighter than when I fought Kotelnik.
"I'm looking forward to this - I think Salita has a similar style to Kotelnik - he's a good boxer. And that could help me in this fight."
Roach meanwhile believes if styles do indeed make fights, then the Geordie fans are in for a treat next month.
"It's gonna be a great fight. Salita is undefeated, he's hungry for a title shot. he's going to be at his best I'm sure," he said.
"Amir is training great, he's in great shape. We had a great training camp with great sparring partners. We're definitely ready for whatever he brings. I think Amir is going to shine in this one.
"I wouldn't miss this one - Amir is an action fighter and Salita comes to fight. It's going to be all-action as long as it lasts."
Source: irishtimes.com
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Ricky Hatton must let it go and give life outside the ring a fighting chance
By Kevin Garside, telegraph.co.uk
Filipino fighter Z Gorres lies in a Las Vegas hospital in a stable condition. He is one of the lucky ones. The boxer was floored three times last week before leaving the ring in a coma. His career is over. We can only hope that he gets his life back.
Gorres fell in the same ring that claimed Ricky Hatton, first against Floyd Mayweather two years ago and more worryingly against Manny Pacquiao in May.
Those who sat anxiously at ringside as medics rushed to Hatton's aid will be stunned to learn that the Hitman is planning to return. Hatton's lights were out before his head hit the canvas.
Pandemonium broke out. The Pacquiao camp went berserk. The memory stills the noise. All I can see looking back is a motionless Hatton, lying as flat as an ironing board and his mother and girlfriend Jennifer in bits on the ring apron. The scene played out in silence despite the percussive din.
And he wants to come back. It is not about the money, he said. It's about going out on his terms, about climbing the ropes with his hands held high at the sound of the final bell. Sorry Ricky, that is not how it works.
Time decides for us all how things end. A win over Juan Manuel Marquez would not erase the impressions left by Pretty Boy Floyd and the Pac Man.
Let's not think about the consequences of a defeat.
Let it go, Ricky. It's over. Hatton must let it go to give life a fighting chance.
Winner
Kauto Star: It’s the year of the horse. Out for the first time since March the Gold Cup winner was the right side of the fag paper at Haydock to claim his 12th Grade One success in the Betfair. Sea The Stars is gone. Kauto runs for ever.
Loser
Thierry Henry. First the hand, then the faux sympathy for the fallen Irish, then the call for a replay following the Fifa edict ruling it out. No World Cup is worth a reputation. Winning it would not salvage Henry’s.
The last word..
On the prospect of Michael Schumacher’s return to F1, Bernie Ecclestone said: “I don’t see any reason why he should. I would be very doubtful it would happen.” No man lays a false trail like Bernie. Put your money on Schumi driving for Mercedes in 2010.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Filipino fighter Z Gorres lies in a Las Vegas hospital in a stable condition. He is one of the lucky ones. The boxer was floored three times last week before leaving the ring in a coma. His career is over. We can only hope that he gets his life back.
Gorres fell in the same ring that claimed Ricky Hatton, first against Floyd Mayweather two years ago and more worryingly against Manny Pacquiao in May.
Those who sat anxiously at ringside as medics rushed to Hatton's aid will be stunned to learn that the Hitman is planning to return. Hatton's lights were out before his head hit the canvas.
Pandemonium broke out. The Pacquiao camp went berserk. The memory stills the noise. All I can see looking back is a motionless Hatton, lying as flat as an ironing board and his mother and girlfriend Jennifer in bits on the ring apron. The scene played out in silence despite the percussive din.
And he wants to come back. It is not about the money, he said. It's about going out on his terms, about climbing the ropes with his hands held high at the sound of the final bell. Sorry Ricky, that is not how it works.
Time decides for us all how things end. A win over Juan Manuel Marquez would not erase the impressions left by Pretty Boy Floyd and the Pac Man.
Let's not think about the consequences of a defeat.
Let it go, Ricky. It's over. Hatton must let it go to give life a fighting chance.
Winner
Kauto Star: It’s the year of the horse. Out for the first time since March the Gold Cup winner was the right side of the fag paper at Haydock to claim his 12th Grade One success in the Betfair. Sea The Stars is gone. Kauto runs for ever.
Loser
Thierry Henry. First the hand, then the faux sympathy for the fallen Irish, then the call for a replay following the Fifa edict ruling it out. No World Cup is worth a reputation. Winning it would not salvage Henry’s.
The last word..
On the prospect of Michael Schumacher’s return to F1, Bernie Ecclestone said: “I don’t see any reason why he should. I would be very doubtful it would happen.” No man lays a false trail like Bernie. Put your money on Schumi driving for Mercedes in 2010.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
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Big Apple Boxing Thoughts 11.23.09: Manny Is a Beast But What of Cotto?
By Jonathan Yaghoubi, 411mania.com
Manny Pacquiao has proven for the last year and a half that the more you doubt him, the better he continues to get. Pacquiao delivered the best boxing performance of the year and quite possibly of his career as he totally outclassed and punished Miguel Cotto with a 12th round TKO.
The win gave Manny a staggering 7th world title in his seventh different weight class!! With that accomplishment, we can now start to talk about him being at the top of the list of the greatest pound for pound fighters of all time. He has done something that no other fighter in the history of the sport has done. We are talking about a fighter who started his career at 106 pounds and won his first championship at 112 pounds. He has gone up the scales like no other boxer in the history of the sport.
He has done it all from Flyweight to Junior featherweight to Featherweight to Junior lightweight to Lightweight to Junior welterweight, and now welterweight. This is something we will never see again in our lifetime and puts him right up there with the Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali as one of the best boxers of all time.
While many boxers like Juan Manuel Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya have failed miserably moving up in weight class, Pacquiao has made it as easy as saying the ABC's. We can't be shocked anymore on how he performs in these fights. He totally destroyed a bigger Oscar De La Hoya and forced him into retirement. This past May, he went to 140 pounds to face Ricky Hatton, a guy that has about much power as anyone at 140 pounds. No problem for Pacquiao as he would knock Hatton down two times in the first round and knock Hatton out cold in a second round TKO. There is still no way people could doubt Manny, can they? Well many people, including some in our 411 family, thought Cotto would be too big and powerful for Manny to handle. I thought it could happen but I sobered up and knew that this was going to be Manny's night once again. This past Saturday night, Pacquiao punishment of Cotto looked like a lion devouring a zebra in those nature videos. It was quite disturbing.
Everyone expected this could be an all time classic and early on it looked like it might head that way. Cotto came out as the aggressor in that first round and constantly beat Manny to the punch. He threw his left jab successfully and looked like his size and power would be too much for Manny.
Rounds two through four were give and take but it would be Manny to be the one to come on top as he dropped Cotto in round three with a right hand that Cotto never saw. However, Cotto never appeared hurt and finished the round strong. He would continue with a very strong fourth round landing some good left hooks. He was well on his way on winning that round. But Cotto and many ringside observers would be shocked once again of the supreme talent of Pacquiao. Manny ate Cotto's punches and spit it right back in his face. Cotto, a fearsome left hooker, landed his shots. But Pacquiao never went anywhere.
At the end of the round, the fight would change for good. Pacquiao landed a powerful left hand and Cotto went down and was still very hurt when he got to his feet. Fortunately for Cotto, the round was about to end and he was able to collect himself during the rest period. But the rest period was not enough for Cotto as he endured a beating that made the Antonio Margarito fight a walk in the park. He was bleeding all over his face and was dripping it all over the ring as he tried to back up from Manny's pressure. Referee Kenny Bayless had seen enough and put a stop to the fight at 55 seconds of the 12th round.
It does not take a brain surgeon to know where Manny goes from here. A potential mega fight with the self proclaimed pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather, looms on the horizon. It is a fight that will generate some serious buzz that boxing has not seen in a very long time. Forget for a moment on who people who think is going to win this fight. The potential matchup is so big that the MGM Grand might not be a large enough location to contain the buzz and electricity this fight will create when it does happen. Arum has talked about having the fight at the Dallas Cowboys new 100,000 seat stadium which would be a pretty awesome sight to look at. For those WWF/E fans out there, this could be like Wrestlemania 3 when Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant squared off in the biggest title match ever at the Pontiac Silverdome, former home of the Detroit Lions. It will break Pay Per View records and wherever the fight takes place that will be the place to be.
There are people who feel that Mayweather will not take the fight because he won't get the money he feels he deserved. Floyd has to understand that he will be stepping into the ring with a superstar just as big as him and a national hero in his home country of the Philippines. Mayweather is certainly no national hero in the United States. Many fans detest Mayweather's antics and is looked at as a bully who is scared to take a fight that he might have any chance to lose. This is one of those fights but I find it hard to believe that Floyd will walk away from such a potential big money fight. It will certainly be the most money he will ever earn in one night and it will give more chances to entertain and promote his "Money" gimmick. Whatever it takes to get it done but get it done!
And What of Cotto?
Where does Miguel Cotto go from here? There is only one thing for Cotto to do. He MUST avenge his first loss of his career and take a rematch against Antonio Margarito. It's the only fight that makes any kind sense for Cotto. It is very obvious that Miguel Angel Cotto has still not recovered from that night and looks like he lost a piece of his fighting soul that night.
He didn't look like the great Cotto when he fought Clottey and certainly looked nothing like himself against Pacquiao. In every interview Cotto does, he tries his best to dismiss the Margarito fiasco and whether or not he had plaster in his gloves that July night. He says he is over it but you can just tell that it is still eating him up inside. Look no further doing the PPV telecast when members of Cotto's team went to Manny Pacquiao's locker room before the fight. They looked like zombies in observing if Manny was doing anything illegal to his hands.. Not once did they take their eyes of Pacquiao's hands and made sure that no more illegal stuff would never happen to Cotto again. They are just about a year and half too late. It was reported that not one member of Cotto's team was in Margarito's dressing room that night when he was wrapping his gloves up. Also add in the pictures that HBO were able to provide of Antonio Margarito's hands after the fight. They showed Maragrito's entire hand was wrapped except the pinkie finger. The finger looked to be very red and only further proves that there was indeed some type of substance in Margarito's gloves. This is something that won't die.
Cotto must slay this controversy once and for all. Bob Arum needs to put together an Antonio Margarito-Miguel Cotto rematch in June at Madison Square Garden during the Puerto Rican parade weekend. While it may not be fair to put Margarito in hostile territory, he must work his way back up after being caught red handed before his fight with Mosley. We talk about how big a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be but how big you think a rematch of Cotto-Margarito in MSG would be. There are plenty of Puerto Ricans that would be on hand for that one but there are just as many Mexicans and the atmosphere would be more like a soccer match than anything else.
Source: 411mania.com
Manny Pacquiao has proven for the last year and a half that the more you doubt him, the better he continues to get. Pacquiao delivered the best boxing performance of the year and quite possibly of his career as he totally outclassed and punished Miguel Cotto with a 12th round TKO.
The win gave Manny a staggering 7th world title in his seventh different weight class!! With that accomplishment, we can now start to talk about him being at the top of the list of the greatest pound for pound fighters of all time. He has done something that no other fighter in the history of the sport has done. We are talking about a fighter who started his career at 106 pounds and won his first championship at 112 pounds. He has gone up the scales like no other boxer in the history of the sport.
He has done it all from Flyweight to Junior featherweight to Featherweight to Junior lightweight to Lightweight to Junior welterweight, and now welterweight. This is something we will never see again in our lifetime and puts him right up there with the Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali as one of the best boxers of all time.
While many boxers like Juan Manuel Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya have failed miserably moving up in weight class, Pacquiao has made it as easy as saying the ABC's. We can't be shocked anymore on how he performs in these fights. He totally destroyed a bigger Oscar De La Hoya and forced him into retirement. This past May, he went to 140 pounds to face Ricky Hatton, a guy that has about much power as anyone at 140 pounds. No problem for Pacquiao as he would knock Hatton down two times in the first round and knock Hatton out cold in a second round TKO. There is still no way people could doubt Manny, can they? Well many people, including some in our 411 family, thought Cotto would be too big and powerful for Manny to handle. I thought it could happen but I sobered up and knew that this was going to be Manny's night once again. This past Saturday night, Pacquiao punishment of Cotto looked like a lion devouring a zebra in those nature videos. It was quite disturbing.
Everyone expected this could be an all time classic and early on it looked like it might head that way. Cotto came out as the aggressor in that first round and constantly beat Manny to the punch. He threw his left jab successfully and looked like his size and power would be too much for Manny.
Rounds two through four were give and take but it would be Manny to be the one to come on top as he dropped Cotto in round three with a right hand that Cotto never saw. However, Cotto never appeared hurt and finished the round strong. He would continue with a very strong fourth round landing some good left hooks. He was well on his way on winning that round. But Cotto and many ringside observers would be shocked once again of the supreme talent of Pacquiao. Manny ate Cotto's punches and spit it right back in his face. Cotto, a fearsome left hooker, landed his shots. But Pacquiao never went anywhere.
At the end of the round, the fight would change for good. Pacquiao landed a powerful left hand and Cotto went down and was still very hurt when he got to his feet. Fortunately for Cotto, the round was about to end and he was able to collect himself during the rest period. But the rest period was not enough for Cotto as he endured a beating that made the Antonio Margarito fight a walk in the park. He was bleeding all over his face and was dripping it all over the ring as he tried to back up from Manny's pressure. Referee Kenny Bayless had seen enough and put a stop to the fight at 55 seconds of the 12th round.
It does not take a brain surgeon to know where Manny goes from here. A potential mega fight with the self proclaimed pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather, looms on the horizon. It is a fight that will generate some serious buzz that boxing has not seen in a very long time. Forget for a moment on who people who think is going to win this fight. The potential matchup is so big that the MGM Grand might not be a large enough location to contain the buzz and electricity this fight will create when it does happen. Arum has talked about having the fight at the Dallas Cowboys new 100,000 seat stadium which would be a pretty awesome sight to look at. For those WWF/E fans out there, this could be like Wrestlemania 3 when Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant squared off in the biggest title match ever at the Pontiac Silverdome, former home of the Detroit Lions. It will break Pay Per View records and wherever the fight takes place that will be the place to be.
There are people who feel that Mayweather will not take the fight because he won't get the money he feels he deserved. Floyd has to understand that he will be stepping into the ring with a superstar just as big as him and a national hero in his home country of the Philippines. Mayweather is certainly no national hero in the United States. Many fans detest Mayweather's antics and is looked at as a bully who is scared to take a fight that he might have any chance to lose. This is one of those fights but I find it hard to believe that Floyd will walk away from such a potential big money fight. It will certainly be the most money he will ever earn in one night and it will give more chances to entertain and promote his "Money" gimmick. Whatever it takes to get it done but get it done!
And What of Cotto?
Where does Miguel Cotto go from here? There is only one thing for Cotto to do. He MUST avenge his first loss of his career and take a rematch against Antonio Margarito. It's the only fight that makes any kind sense for Cotto. It is very obvious that Miguel Angel Cotto has still not recovered from that night and looks like he lost a piece of his fighting soul that night.
He didn't look like the great Cotto when he fought Clottey and certainly looked nothing like himself against Pacquiao. In every interview Cotto does, he tries his best to dismiss the Margarito fiasco and whether or not he had plaster in his gloves that July night. He says he is over it but you can just tell that it is still eating him up inside. Look no further doing the PPV telecast when members of Cotto's team went to Manny Pacquiao's locker room before the fight. They looked like zombies in observing if Manny was doing anything illegal to his hands.. Not once did they take their eyes of Pacquiao's hands and made sure that no more illegal stuff would never happen to Cotto again. They are just about a year and half too late. It was reported that not one member of Cotto's team was in Margarito's dressing room that night when he was wrapping his gloves up. Also add in the pictures that HBO were able to provide of Antonio Margarito's hands after the fight. They showed Maragrito's entire hand was wrapped except the pinkie finger. The finger looked to be very red and only further proves that there was indeed some type of substance in Margarito's gloves. This is something that won't die.
Cotto must slay this controversy once and for all. Bob Arum needs to put together an Antonio Margarito-Miguel Cotto rematch in June at Madison Square Garden during the Puerto Rican parade weekend. While it may not be fair to put Margarito in hostile territory, he must work his way back up after being caught red handed before his fight with Mosley. We talk about how big a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be but how big you think a rematch of Cotto-Margarito in MSG would be. There are plenty of Puerto Ricans that would be on hand for that one but there are just as many Mexicans and the atmosphere would be more like a soccer match than anything else.
Source: 411mania.com
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Porter Heads West to Pac-Land and Beyond
By Steve Kim, SecondsOut
When you ask trainer Freddie Roach who gave Manny Pacquiao his best work in sparring leading up to their showdown with Miguel Cotto, his answer came quickly: Shawn Porter. Porter, a jr. middleweight from Akron, Ohio, gets back into action this Saturday night at the Fitzgerald’s Casino and Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi versus Jerome Ellis.
From their travels to the Philippines back to the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, Porter relished the experience.
"It was great, every bit of it, I learned a lot," said the 10-0 Porter, who has registered eight knockouts."And it’s something that I’ll always cherish. I learned a lot about what it takes to become a champion. I basically watched the making of a champion. The fight was amazing, too."
Last weekend Pacquiao put forth a scintillating effort in stopping the Puerto Rican star in the 12th and final frame.
"You could see how he dominated in this fight," said Porter, who hails from the hometown of one LeBron James. "To spar with a guy like that and have to watch out for all that speed, quickness and off-balance shots from different angles, he had me on my toes the whole training camp." Porter expected Pacquiao to perform the way he did." I did, every bit of it and it was kind of funny watching Cotto. It was like I did everything that Cotto tried to do in the fight and I think that really helped Manny. You saw total domination in this fight. Training with him, I knew when he was on the ropes he knew what he was going to do, covering up and then we he started to move and unleash his hands. I knew what was going to happen, every time."
Experiences like this, were precisely the reason why Porter and his father, Terry, moved out west. They had migrated to other locales, such as Las Vegas, but they found consistent, quality, gym work, hard to come by.
"It’s everything we want, everything we need," said the elder Porter, who looks more like his older brother than pops."This is exactly where we need to be. This is THE center of boxing as far as preparation for a fight. If you’re not at the Wild Card, you’re two, three, steps behind. I don’t care who you are."
The Porter’s were eager to get the call to work with Pacquiao, who began his training camp in Baguio City in the Philippines. The roll call of sparring partners included Urbano Antillon, Ray Beltran and Jose Luis Castillo.
The father says,"I was very excited about it, but for such a long time, this has been work for me and for him. I’ve put that into his mind, that this is your job, you got to work everyday, you work hard and you prepare for the next day. So I don’t think it was ever a point in time that he was like in awe of the situation. He was looking forward to it everyday. It was great."
The Wild Card Boxing Club- where sparring from flyweight to heavyweight comes in abundance- has met their expectations.
" Actually," said Shawn, who’s just 22-years old," it’s more than I expected. I didn’t expect to walk into a gym as busy as this. I never have a problem getting sparring. It’s beautiful weather, I run on any day, at any time. I did a nine o’clock run last night. So there are things you can do out there, I can’t do back home."
The Porter’s may have found their boxing home.
"Yeah, this is definitely gonna be a home away from home," said Porter." Through the amateurs it was always Colorado Springs because the training center, but now since moving into the pro’s, me and my dad feel like this is where we need to be."
According to the father, Los Angeles might become their home, period.
" We’re trying re-locate here," he says."Unfortunately, because of all the travel that we’ve had and being so busy every time we come, we haven’t had a chance to look. We started to try, take a couple of drives, before you know it, we gotta get back to the gym or something to that effect. We’re going to go back to Akron, just for a few days( after the fight) to let Shawn rejuvenate his batteries and just relax a little bit over the holidays and we expect to come right back to L.A. Hopefully, at that time we can look for somewhere to re-locate. We have been offered a fight in Cleveland in February on ESPN and so we will come here and prepare for that."
Porter, who may eventually move down to welterweight, is a blend of speed, quickness and power, who had a decorated amateur career. It was in the unpaid ranks where he caught the eye of Prize Fight Promotions.
"Russ, spotted him in the Nationals out in Colorado back in, I think, 2007, when he beat Danny Jacobs. He had Jacobs down and beat him," said Brian Young of Prize Fight, who runs this company with his brother, Russ." But Shawn is a quiet, humble kid, he’s not a trash-talker, he’s a class act. He’s just a real pleasure to work with."
Prize Fight is best known for developing Lamont and Anthony Peterson, but with Porter, Young, believes that they have the best prospect they have ever inked.
"I tell you what, I think in all our years of promoting, I don’t think we’ve ever had a better fighter in our stable than Shawn Porter," he states without hesitation."Certainly not one with as promising a career. We’re blessed to have Shanwn, Fernando Guerrero and Dominic Wade, and all our young up and coming fighters."
Prize Fight will have the same road map that they once had with the Peterson brothers, which was to keep them as active and as exposed as possible. Since turning professional last October, Porter already has 10 fights under his belt. According to Young, there is a strong possibility of him headlining a ShoBox telecast in December. They believe they have a fighter that can be moved quickly." Shawn, had 300 amateur fights, he’s a world class athlete. Shawn, I think will be fighting for a world title within the next three years," Young states."He’s just that good, quite honestly, and he’s moving down to welterweight."
When asked to gauge his progress thus far, Porter, himself says,"I’ve learned a lot, still working on a lot of things but I think overall I’m getting used to the professional game. I’m getting used to watching out for the head butts and how to get out of clinches, all that kind of stuff. I’ve learned a lot over the past few months."
The father says that most of the pieces are now in place to make a run.
"I am the head trainer, Freddie( Roach), has agreed to assist me. Obviously, he has more than enough of what it takes to be the head trainer, but he’s very, very busy. He’s all over the place. I also hold the management situation and Prize Fight does our promotions. We’re always open to anyone who has an interest in Shawn as a person and as a boxer to increase the things he’s doing from a management standpoint, to take some of that pressure off of me. Also, someone who is well-connected and has good relationships. That’s something I’m very interested in," said Porter, who added," I just haven’t met that right person, yet. I’ve started discussing some things with someone and I’m feeling very comfortable with them but we just have to take tings one day at a time."
Finding that someone might be easier than locating an affordable place to stay out here in Southern California. They don’t have to be told that the rent in Los Angeles is higher than it is in Akron. But they believe it’s money well spent.
" Everything is a little bit higher(here)," said the father, laughing." But you have to pay for this. Anything you want, you gotta pay for it. So we want this."
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
I’m sure it’s just a coincidence( because I’d never, ever by cynical) but the HBO replay of Pacquiao-Cotto and Showtime’s ’Super Six’ bout between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward from Oakland, California, both begin at 10 p.m Eastern time on Saturday night. If you have Tivo or DVR, this isn’t a problem.
My question is, which do you view first, a fight you already know the result to( where there is a scintillating performance that you can’t wait to see, again) or an eagerly anticipated fight that is taking place live?
Or, what if you don’t have either Tivo or DVR, which one do you choose?
Of course, if you wait, both will be re-broadcast later on.
PPV #’s
It was announced today by HBO PPV that ’Firepower’ did 1.25 million pay-per-view buys. I think 1.5 million would have been considered a grand slam, so I guess this is like a two-and-a-half run home run. Now, the question is, does this help or hurt the leverage as it relates to Pacquiao/Top Rank when it comes to negotiating a fight with Floyd Mayweather?
One side will state that there event did more than the other( that would be Pacquiao), while the other faction will argue that they did more with a lesser dance partner. Both arguments are probably correct.
Will this negotiation be bogged down by percentage points and ego?
FRIDAY FLURRIES
Porter’s fight on Saturday night can be viewed on www.PrizeFightTV.com.....Based on what took place with Froch-Dirrell, I don’t blame Kessler’s reps for being concerned about who the assigned judges are in Oakland. But instead of bringing someone in from Sweden, shouldn’t a guy from Switzerland be more appropriate? Y’know, the whole neutrality thing?.....Pau Gasol makes a huge difference for the Lakers doesn’t he?.....Say what you will about Oprah and her show, but her decision to end her talk show, truly is the end of an era....This is the first time since 1999 that two separate pay-per-view shows did over a million buys. And the most important thing is that it was done with four different boxers, involved....This weeks edition of ’the Main Event’ features Golden Boy Promotions, CEO, Richard Schaefer....Any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at k9kim@yahoo.com....Twitter.com/stevemaxboxing....
Source: secondsout.com
When you ask trainer Freddie Roach who gave Manny Pacquiao his best work in sparring leading up to their showdown with Miguel Cotto, his answer came quickly: Shawn Porter. Porter, a jr. middleweight from Akron, Ohio, gets back into action this Saturday night at the Fitzgerald’s Casino and Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi versus Jerome Ellis.
From their travels to the Philippines back to the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, Porter relished the experience.
"It was great, every bit of it, I learned a lot," said the 10-0 Porter, who has registered eight knockouts."And it’s something that I’ll always cherish. I learned a lot about what it takes to become a champion. I basically watched the making of a champion. The fight was amazing, too."
Last weekend Pacquiao put forth a scintillating effort in stopping the Puerto Rican star in the 12th and final frame.
"You could see how he dominated in this fight," said Porter, who hails from the hometown of one LeBron James. "To spar with a guy like that and have to watch out for all that speed, quickness and off-balance shots from different angles, he had me on my toes the whole training camp." Porter expected Pacquiao to perform the way he did." I did, every bit of it and it was kind of funny watching Cotto. It was like I did everything that Cotto tried to do in the fight and I think that really helped Manny. You saw total domination in this fight. Training with him, I knew when he was on the ropes he knew what he was going to do, covering up and then we he started to move and unleash his hands. I knew what was going to happen, every time."
Experiences like this, were precisely the reason why Porter and his father, Terry, moved out west. They had migrated to other locales, such as Las Vegas, but they found consistent, quality, gym work, hard to come by.
"It’s everything we want, everything we need," said the elder Porter, who looks more like his older brother than pops."This is exactly where we need to be. This is THE center of boxing as far as preparation for a fight. If you’re not at the Wild Card, you’re two, three, steps behind. I don’t care who you are."
The Porter’s were eager to get the call to work with Pacquiao, who began his training camp in Baguio City in the Philippines. The roll call of sparring partners included Urbano Antillon, Ray Beltran and Jose Luis Castillo.
The father says,"I was very excited about it, but for such a long time, this has been work for me and for him. I’ve put that into his mind, that this is your job, you got to work everyday, you work hard and you prepare for the next day. So I don’t think it was ever a point in time that he was like in awe of the situation. He was looking forward to it everyday. It was great."
The Wild Card Boxing Club- where sparring from flyweight to heavyweight comes in abundance- has met their expectations.
" Actually," said Shawn, who’s just 22-years old," it’s more than I expected. I didn’t expect to walk into a gym as busy as this. I never have a problem getting sparring. It’s beautiful weather, I run on any day, at any time. I did a nine o’clock run last night. So there are things you can do out there, I can’t do back home."
The Porter’s may have found their boxing home.
"Yeah, this is definitely gonna be a home away from home," said Porter." Through the amateurs it was always Colorado Springs because the training center, but now since moving into the pro’s, me and my dad feel like this is where we need to be."
According to the father, Los Angeles might become their home, period.
" We’re trying re-locate here," he says."Unfortunately, because of all the travel that we’ve had and being so busy every time we come, we haven’t had a chance to look. We started to try, take a couple of drives, before you know it, we gotta get back to the gym or something to that effect. We’re going to go back to Akron, just for a few days( after the fight) to let Shawn rejuvenate his batteries and just relax a little bit over the holidays and we expect to come right back to L.A. Hopefully, at that time we can look for somewhere to re-locate. We have been offered a fight in Cleveland in February on ESPN and so we will come here and prepare for that."
Porter, who may eventually move down to welterweight, is a blend of speed, quickness and power, who had a decorated amateur career. It was in the unpaid ranks where he caught the eye of Prize Fight Promotions.
"Russ, spotted him in the Nationals out in Colorado back in, I think, 2007, when he beat Danny Jacobs. He had Jacobs down and beat him," said Brian Young of Prize Fight, who runs this company with his brother, Russ." But Shawn is a quiet, humble kid, he’s not a trash-talker, he’s a class act. He’s just a real pleasure to work with."
Prize Fight is best known for developing Lamont and Anthony Peterson, but with Porter, Young, believes that they have the best prospect they have ever inked.
"I tell you what, I think in all our years of promoting, I don’t think we’ve ever had a better fighter in our stable than Shawn Porter," he states without hesitation."Certainly not one with as promising a career. We’re blessed to have Shanwn, Fernando Guerrero and Dominic Wade, and all our young up and coming fighters."
Prize Fight will have the same road map that they once had with the Peterson brothers, which was to keep them as active and as exposed as possible. Since turning professional last October, Porter already has 10 fights under his belt. According to Young, there is a strong possibility of him headlining a ShoBox telecast in December. They believe they have a fighter that can be moved quickly." Shawn, had 300 amateur fights, he’s a world class athlete. Shawn, I think will be fighting for a world title within the next three years," Young states."He’s just that good, quite honestly, and he’s moving down to welterweight."
When asked to gauge his progress thus far, Porter, himself says,"I’ve learned a lot, still working on a lot of things but I think overall I’m getting used to the professional game. I’m getting used to watching out for the head butts and how to get out of clinches, all that kind of stuff. I’ve learned a lot over the past few months."
The father says that most of the pieces are now in place to make a run.
"I am the head trainer, Freddie( Roach), has agreed to assist me. Obviously, he has more than enough of what it takes to be the head trainer, but he’s very, very busy. He’s all over the place. I also hold the management situation and Prize Fight does our promotions. We’re always open to anyone who has an interest in Shawn as a person and as a boxer to increase the things he’s doing from a management standpoint, to take some of that pressure off of me. Also, someone who is well-connected and has good relationships. That’s something I’m very interested in," said Porter, who added," I just haven’t met that right person, yet. I’ve started discussing some things with someone and I’m feeling very comfortable with them but we just have to take tings one day at a time."
Finding that someone might be easier than locating an affordable place to stay out here in Southern California. They don’t have to be told that the rent in Los Angeles is higher than it is in Akron. But they believe it’s money well spent.
" Everything is a little bit higher(here)," said the father, laughing." But you have to pay for this. Anything you want, you gotta pay for it. So we want this."
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
I’m sure it’s just a coincidence( because I’d never, ever by cynical) but the HBO replay of Pacquiao-Cotto and Showtime’s ’Super Six’ bout between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward from Oakland, California, both begin at 10 p.m Eastern time on Saturday night. If you have Tivo or DVR, this isn’t a problem.
My question is, which do you view first, a fight you already know the result to( where there is a scintillating performance that you can’t wait to see, again) or an eagerly anticipated fight that is taking place live?
Or, what if you don’t have either Tivo or DVR, which one do you choose?
Of course, if you wait, both will be re-broadcast later on.
PPV #’s
It was announced today by HBO PPV that ’Firepower’ did 1.25 million pay-per-view buys. I think 1.5 million would have been considered a grand slam, so I guess this is like a two-and-a-half run home run. Now, the question is, does this help or hurt the leverage as it relates to Pacquiao/Top Rank when it comes to negotiating a fight with Floyd Mayweather?
One side will state that there event did more than the other( that would be Pacquiao), while the other faction will argue that they did more with a lesser dance partner. Both arguments are probably correct.
Will this negotiation be bogged down by percentage points and ego?
FRIDAY FLURRIES
Porter’s fight on Saturday night can be viewed on www.PrizeFightTV.com.....Based on what took place with Froch-Dirrell, I don’t blame Kessler’s reps for being concerned about who the assigned judges are in Oakland. But instead of bringing someone in from Sweden, shouldn’t a guy from Switzerland be more appropriate? Y’know, the whole neutrality thing?.....Pau Gasol makes a huge difference for the Lakers doesn’t he?.....Say what you will about Oprah and her show, but her decision to end her talk show, truly is the end of an era....This is the first time since 1999 that two separate pay-per-view shows did over a million buys. And the most important thing is that it was done with four different boxers, involved....This weeks edition of ’the Main Event’ features Golden Boy Promotions, CEO, Richard Schaefer....Any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at k9kim@yahoo.com....Twitter.com/stevemaxboxing....
Source: secondsout.com
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