Source: espn.go.com
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Thursday 3 December 2009
Roach thumbs down March fight for Pacquiao - GMA News
GMANews.TV
Freddie Roach is definitely thrilled with a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. showdown.
But he’s definitely not hot on a possible March 13 face-off between two of boxing’s most popular fighters today.
Roach readily thumbed down the proposed March fight being dangled by Top Rank Promotions’ big boss Bob Arum following a series of negotiations he had with Golden Boy Promotions’ CEO Richard Schaefer, representing Mayweather.
"March 13 is too fast a turnaround," said Roach from Europe, where he is currently preparing reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion Amir Khan for his Dec. 5 title defense against Dmitriy Salita.
The unbeaten Mayweather had already agreed to the fight contract, which Arum hopes Pacquiao would also approve.
As of posting time, Arum has been waiting for Pacquiao for hours at the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati to discuss about the fight. The Filipino boxing icon was busy completing the final scenes of his action picture Wapakman to be shown on Dec. 25.
Other than Mayweather, who boasts of a 40-0 ring record, with 25 KOs, Roach is also concern about Pacquiao’s physical health, having gone 12 rounds of war with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto just four weeks ago for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.
Although the Filipino boxing pride scored a late stoppage against the 29-year old Cotto, Pacquiao emerged out of it bearing bruises on both eyes and an injured right ear.
"Manny has a broken (right) eardrum," Roach said. "So I’d like to have more time."
Arum agreed to book Pacquiao’s mega-bout with Mayweather on March 13 as the seven-time world champion is set to seek public office in the province of Saranggani in the May 10 national elections.
But Roach said the proximity of the fight and the date of election is too close for comfort that he’s not discounting distraction in training camp to come along the way.
GMANews.TV
For the three-time Trainer of the Year, it would be better if Arum and Schaefer, would be able to put off the fight at a later date, preferably shortly after the elections.
"I’d say he (Pacquiao) rest for a while, enjoy the holidays, run for elections, and Congressman Manny Pacquiao will kick Mayweather’s ass," said Roach.
Stressing the 32-year old Mayweather is a different kind of animal, Roach added Pacquaio should come in for the bout in his best possible shape.
"I hope the fight happens, yes, but I want us to be in the best possible shape," he said.
"We need time to get ready for that (fight). We have to come out with a real different style. It’s a whole different ballgame." – GMANews.TV
Freddie Roach is definitely thrilled with a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. showdown.
But he’s definitely not hot on a possible March 13 face-off between two of boxing’s most popular fighters today.
Roach readily thumbed down the proposed March fight being dangled by Top Rank Promotions’ big boss Bob Arum following a series of negotiations he had with Golden Boy Promotions’ CEO Richard Schaefer, representing Mayweather.
"March 13 is too fast a turnaround," said Roach from Europe, where he is currently preparing reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion Amir Khan for his Dec. 5 title defense against Dmitriy Salita.
The unbeaten Mayweather had already agreed to the fight contract, which Arum hopes Pacquiao would also approve.
As of posting time, Arum has been waiting for Pacquiao for hours at the New World Renaissance Hotel in Makati to discuss about the fight. The Filipino boxing icon was busy completing the final scenes of his action picture Wapakman to be shown on Dec. 25.
Other than Mayweather, who boasts of a 40-0 ring record, with 25 KOs, Roach is also concern about Pacquiao’s physical health, having gone 12 rounds of war with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto just four weeks ago for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.
Although the Filipino boxing pride scored a late stoppage against the 29-year old Cotto, Pacquiao emerged out of it bearing bruises on both eyes and an injured right ear.
"Manny has a broken (right) eardrum," Roach said. "So I’d like to have more time."
Arum agreed to book Pacquiao’s mega-bout with Mayweather on March 13 as the seven-time world champion is set to seek public office in the province of Saranggani in the May 10 national elections.
But Roach said the proximity of the fight and the date of election is too close for comfort that he’s not discounting distraction in training camp to come along the way.
GMANews.TV
For the three-time Trainer of the Year, it would be better if Arum and Schaefer, would be able to put off the fight at a later date, preferably shortly after the elections.
"I’d say he (Pacquiao) rest for a while, enjoy the holidays, run for elections, and Congressman Manny Pacquiao will kick Mayweather’s ass," said Roach.
Stressing the 32-year old Mayweather is a different kind of animal, Roach added Pacquaio should come in for the bout in his best possible shape.
"I hope the fight happens, yes, but I want us to be in the best possible shape," he said.
"We need time to get ready for that (fight). We have to come out with a real different style. It’s a whole different ballgame." – GMANews.TV
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Ricky Hatton's business plans pack a punch - Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
SOME measure of the potential customer base available to “brand” Ricky Hatton was the record breaking 55,000-strong crowd who turned up to see his fight against Juan Lazcano at the City Of Manchester stadium last year.
That’s an awful lot of beanie hats, boxer shorts and after-dinner speaking tickets just waiting to be sold.
But the Hyde hitman isn’t satisfied with the usual endorsements and t-shirt sales.
He’s well aware of his potential as a businessman as well as boxer and agreed to talk me through his heavy weight plans for Hatton Inc.
At the time of the interview, the fighter hadn’t made up his mind about whether he would return to the ring – responding to recent reports, he says that he won’t decide what to do until after Christmas.
But he is clear of his motives for building a business career, and those motives might provide some reassurance for the fans who were concerned about seeing him hit the deck during his ill-fated fight against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in May.
“I have made my mark in boxing and I have been very fortunate to gain a good following: due to my popularity I have started to make a business of it.
“Although I’ve not made my mind up about whether to continue fighting, after becoming a champion, the next thing to do would be to make a champion and to give them some of the success that I have enjoyed.”
The Hatton empire so far comprises Hatton Promotions, where he is billed as Richard Hatton, and has several British and Commonwealth champions fighting under his banner. Prospects include Hatton’s younger brother Matthew and Scott Quigg.
And what will be just as refreshing as a canvas drenching with a bucket of water will be the terms that Hatton promises to offer his fighters.
“The job they’ve done has made me sure that I can go into promoting and make a good job of it,” he says. “I’ve worked with lots of promoters over the years and I’ve learned a lot of good things and a lot bad.
“When people fight for titles, promoters have generally taken the majority of the money.
“I’m a firm believer that the fighters should make the most money. I want to make a bit of money from promoting, that’s why I've gone into it. But I’m happy making a little bit and letting the boxer have the majority.
“I’ve already made my money through boxing so I’m happy having a smaller piece of the pie. That’s what will set me apart from other promoters. I’m not just a promoter. I don’t just sign the cheques for them. I really do think the world of every single fighter I sign.”
Another muscular arm of the company is Hatton Health and Fitness - “the best boxing gym in the country” - which also provides the headquarters for Hatton Promotions.
The “Hatton company” invested £2.5m to fit-out the Hyde health and fitness club, which has been opened five months now and has in the region of 900 members.
“I’d like it to expand into a chain one day,” Hatton adds. “A lot of people think it’s just a boxing gym, but it isn’t. It’s a proper health and fitness gym.”
Hatton also has his own clothing range now and has just completed a deal which will see a new casual range sold in David Whelan’s DW Sports stores.
“I was sponsored by certain different companies over the years and I just felt that with my popularity, it was something I could do myself.
“I would just have different tracksuits done and t-shirts done just for the immediate camp – the team – and I was inundated with requests from every man and his dog saying: ‘where can I get a tracksuit from?’, ‘where can I get a t-shirt from?’.
“I always wear them daft sun hats like a typical chav Mancunian and people would say: ‘Where can I get them hats Ricky?’.
“There were that many people asking me to do it that I brought my own range out – from boxing equipment, to training gear and then there’s a new casual range soon coming out which people can just wear to the pub.
“To be associated with somebody like David Whelan is really good, but he’s seen the quality of the gear.
“I had a bit of input into the design of the boxing gear but I wouldn’t say that I’m a fashion icon, so when it came to the design, I thought I’d get the experts in.”
He also has his own TV channel now – www.hattonboxing.tv – so that fans can go online and find out all about what Hatton has been up to.
Hatton has typically high ambitions for the channel too.
“I don’t want it just to be about Ricky Hatton or Hatton’s fighters,” he says. “I want it to be so that you can click on and find out about any boxer. It’s a channel for people who are interested in boxing.
“The good thing about it being on the internet is that you can watch the fights live and you can watch them anywhere in the world. Oscar De La Hoya and Eddie Chambers from Golden Boy regularly tune into my shows from Los Angeles.”
Eventually, he’d like to set up a pay TV service so that people can subscribe to big fights live on his channel.
“All the wheels are in motion for me to be the best promoter in the world,” Hatton says.
In many ways, brand Hatton looks like any other modern marketing company.
Not only does he have the reputation to attract new talent and then promote their fights, he’s in a position to produce and sell the merchandise and to screen scraps on his TV station.
Hatton is quick to emphasise that it’s a not one-man show - he’s got a crew of experienced deal-makers in his corner.
He name checks his chief executive and chairman Gareth Williams, his accountant is David Evans, his PR man Paul Speak, and, of course, his dad, Ray.
“I’ve got a great team behind me,” he explains.
“It’s not just Ricky Hatton. Over the years, because of the size of the fights, me and my personal team have had to sit down and negotiate with Sky and HBO and Golden Boy and Bob Arum and different promoters like that and they’ve done more than hold their own.
“We’re not exactly wet behind the ears. We’ve learned a lot as we’ve gone along.
“And even though the boxing is where my expertise will come into it, I’ve had a lot of fights, I’ve dealt with a lot of promoters.
“I know an awful lot about the game outside the ring – it’s had to be that way.
“I’m very excited because when the time comes that I do hang up my gloves, I’ll still be involved in the game: bringing on my friends and giving them as much happiness as I’ve gained.
“With me still keeping in boxing, and still having my fighters and my business interests, I’ll also be less likely to make one of those daft come-backs like boxers do.
“I don’t really want to go out like I went out against Manny Pacquiao, but I’m not such an idiot to make a comeback when I know I’m past it. When I do retire, it will be because I’ve seen better days and I’m past it. I don’t think I’m past it yet – I’m only 31. And I’ll make up my mind all in good time.”
As for the killer punch, how much does Ricky think Brand Hatton is worth?
Ducking and diving like a true champ, Ricky is reticent: “I don’t really want to discuss that. But if I didn’t think it could be very successful and make considerable money for me, I wouldn’t bother in the first place.
“But I’ve been very very fortunate with the success I’ve had in the ring and the way that my parents brought me up to keep my feet on the ground and not be one of these fighters who shoots his mouth off. That means I’ve been able to build the fanbase that I’ve got.
“Hopefully, Ricky Hatton fans will always be Ricky Hatton fans and they’ll follow me not only in the ring, but with the promoting as well.”
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
SOME measure of the potential customer base available to “brand” Ricky Hatton was the record breaking 55,000-strong crowd who turned up to see his fight against Juan Lazcano at the City Of Manchester stadium last year.
That’s an awful lot of beanie hats, boxer shorts and after-dinner speaking tickets just waiting to be sold.
But the Hyde hitman isn’t satisfied with the usual endorsements and t-shirt sales.
He’s well aware of his potential as a businessman as well as boxer and agreed to talk me through his heavy weight plans for Hatton Inc.
At the time of the interview, the fighter hadn’t made up his mind about whether he would return to the ring – responding to recent reports, he says that he won’t decide what to do until after Christmas.
But he is clear of his motives for building a business career, and those motives might provide some reassurance for the fans who were concerned about seeing him hit the deck during his ill-fated fight against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in May.
“I have made my mark in boxing and I have been very fortunate to gain a good following: due to my popularity I have started to make a business of it.
“Although I’ve not made my mind up about whether to continue fighting, after becoming a champion, the next thing to do would be to make a champion and to give them some of the success that I have enjoyed.”
The Hatton empire so far comprises Hatton Promotions, where he is billed as Richard Hatton, and has several British and Commonwealth champions fighting under his banner. Prospects include Hatton’s younger brother Matthew and Scott Quigg.
And what will be just as refreshing as a canvas drenching with a bucket of water will be the terms that Hatton promises to offer his fighters.
“The job they’ve done has made me sure that I can go into promoting and make a good job of it,” he says. “I’ve worked with lots of promoters over the years and I’ve learned a lot of good things and a lot bad.
“When people fight for titles, promoters have generally taken the majority of the money.
“I’m a firm believer that the fighters should make the most money. I want to make a bit of money from promoting, that’s why I've gone into it. But I’m happy making a little bit and letting the boxer have the majority.
“I’ve already made my money through boxing so I’m happy having a smaller piece of the pie. That’s what will set me apart from other promoters. I’m not just a promoter. I don’t just sign the cheques for them. I really do think the world of every single fighter I sign.”
Another muscular arm of the company is Hatton Health and Fitness - “the best boxing gym in the country” - which also provides the headquarters for Hatton Promotions.
The “Hatton company” invested £2.5m to fit-out the Hyde health and fitness club, which has been opened five months now and has in the region of 900 members.
“I’d like it to expand into a chain one day,” Hatton adds. “A lot of people think it’s just a boxing gym, but it isn’t. It’s a proper health and fitness gym.”
Hatton also has his own clothing range now and has just completed a deal which will see a new casual range sold in David Whelan’s DW Sports stores.
“I was sponsored by certain different companies over the years and I just felt that with my popularity, it was something I could do myself.
“I would just have different tracksuits done and t-shirts done just for the immediate camp – the team – and I was inundated with requests from every man and his dog saying: ‘where can I get a tracksuit from?’, ‘where can I get a t-shirt from?’.
“I always wear them daft sun hats like a typical chav Mancunian and people would say: ‘Where can I get them hats Ricky?’.
“There were that many people asking me to do it that I brought my own range out – from boxing equipment, to training gear and then there’s a new casual range soon coming out which people can just wear to the pub.
“To be associated with somebody like David Whelan is really good, but he’s seen the quality of the gear.
“I had a bit of input into the design of the boxing gear but I wouldn’t say that I’m a fashion icon, so when it came to the design, I thought I’d get the experts in.”
He also has his own TV channel now – www.hattonboxing.tv – so that fans can go online and find out all about what Hatton has been up to.
Hatton has typically high ambitions for the channel too.
“I don’t want it just to be about Ricky Hatton or Hatton’s fighters,” he says. “I want it to be so that you can click on and find out about any boxer. It’s a channel for people who are interested in boxing.
“The good thing about it being on the internet is that you can watch the fights live and you can watch them anywhere in the world. Oscar De La Hoya and Eddie Chambers from Golden Boy regularly tune into my shows from Los Angeles.”
Eventually, he’d like to set up a pay TV service so that people can subscribe to big fights live on his channel.
“All the wheels are in motion for me to be the best promoter in the world,” Hatton says.
In many ways, brand Hatton looks like any other modern marketing company.
Not only does he have the reputation to attract new talent and then promote their fights, he’s in a position to produce and sell the merchandise and to screen scraps on his TV station.
Hatton is quick to emphasise that it’s a not one-man show - he’s got a crew of experienced deal-makers in his corner.
He name checks his chief executive and chairman Gareth Williams, his accountant is David Evans, his PR man Paul Speak, and, of course, his dad, Ray.
“I’ve got a great team behind me,” he explains.
“It’s not just Ricky Hatton. Over the years, because of the size of the fights, me and my personal team have had to sit down and negotiate with Sky and HBO and Golden Boy and Bob Arum and different promoters like that and they’ve done more than hold their own.
“We’re not exactly wet behind the ears. We’ve learned a lot as we’ve gone along.
“And even though the boxing is where my expertise will come into it, I’ve had a lot of fights, I’ve dealt with a lot of promoters.
“I know an awful lot about the game outside the ring – it’s had to be that way.
“I’m very excited because when the time comes that I do hang up my gloves, I’ll still be involved in the game: bringing on my friends and giving them as much happiness as I’ve gained.
“With me still keeping in boxing, and still having my fighters and my business interests, I’ll also be less likely to make one of those daft come-backs like boxers do.
“I don’t really want to go out like I went out against Manny Pacquiao, but I’m not such an idiot to make a comeback when I know I’m past it. When I do retire, it will be because I’ve seen better days and I’m past it. I don’t think I’m past it yet – I’m only 31. And I’ll make up my mind all in good time.”
As for the killer punch, how much does Ricky think Brand Hatton is worth?
Ducking and diving like a true champ, Ricky is reticent: “I don’t really want to discuss that. But if I didn’t think it could be very successful and make considerable money for me, I wouldn’t bother in the first place.
“But I’ve been very very fortunate with the success I’ve had in the ring and the way that my parents brought me up to keep my feet on the ground and not be one of these fighters who shoots his mouth off. That means I’ve been able to build the fanbase that I’ve got.
“Hopefully, Ricky Hatton fans will always be Ricky Hatton fans and they’ll follow me not only in the ring, but with the promoting as well.”
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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Khan: I'll never fight Pacquiao - Manchester Evening News
By James Robson, Manchester Evening News
AMIR Khan insists he will never take on his idol, pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao.
But trainer Freddie Roach is convinced the WBA light-welterweight champion is the natural successor to Pacquiao's crown as the number one fighter on the planet.
Khan makes his first defence of the title he won in July when he takes on mandatory challenger, Dmitriy Salita, on Saturday. Part of his preparation included sparring with Pacquiao.
But, while the 22-year-old dreams of one day emulating the Filipino multiple world champion, he is adamant their rivalry will never go beyond the confines of Roach's Los Angeles Wild Card gym. Khan was at ringside to cheer his friend on in his stunning victory over Miguel Cotto last month and says he can never imagine going up against the 30-year-old for real.
"His performance against Cotto was amazing," said Khan. "It inspires you when you see a great champion do that.
"I trained with him for five weeks and to just pick anything up from him will help my career.
"But I can't see me fighting him. By the time I get up to that level he will have called it a day. I've too much respect to fight him."
Khan has come on in strides since asking super coach, Roach, to be his mentor.
Roach belief
The man who turned Pacquiao into the best fighter on the planet has already led Khan to the WBA belt in less than a year and believes this is just the start for the 2004 Olympic silver medalist.
First up is Salita at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena - but Roach has plans to conquer America - taking on the biggest names like Juan Manuel Marquez and Cotto.
And just as Pacquiao has won titles from flyweight up to welterweight, Roach believes Khan can also rule at multiple weights.
"He and Manny Pacquiao are very similar," said Roach. "They've both got power and speed and when you have both it can be devastating.
"I see him following Manny's path. They train together and when they spar it gets very competitive. The future is endless for him.
"He has the bodyform to move up the divisions for sure. 135lbs would be okay, but I like 140 even better. He will be a welterweight and maybe even a middleweight I'd say."
Such debates will have to be put on the backburner, with Khan first having to overcome the undefeated Salita.
"He's a good operator, he's skillful, has good movement and is quite quick," said Khan. "People forget how quick he is. He's undefeated and any undefeated fighter has done a great job.
"I have to be careful because he will work on my weak points. I took the fight that will bring the best out of me as well.
"He's got one of those styles that will make me look good and bring the best out of me."
Will Khan ever emulate Paquiao? Have your say.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
AMIR Khan insists he will never take on his idol, pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao.
But trainer Freddie Roach is convinced the WBA light-welterweight champion is the natural successor to Pacquiao's crown as the number one fighter on the planet.
Khan makes his first defence of the title he won in July when he takes on mandatory challenger, Dmitriy Salita, on Saturday. Part of his preparation included sparring with Pacquiao.
But, while the 22-year-old dreams of one day emulating the Filipino multiple world champion, he is adamant their rivalry will never go beyond the confines of Roach's Los Angeles Wild Card gym. Khan was at ringside to cheer his friend on in his stunning victory over Miguel Cotto last month and says he can never imagine going up against the 30-year-old for real.
"His performance against Cotto was amazing," said Khan. "It inspires you when you see a great champion do that.
"I trained with him for five weeks and to just pick anything up from him will help my career.
"But I can't see me fighting him. By the time I get up to that level he will have called it a day. I've too much respect to fight him."
Khan has come on in strides since asking super coach, Roach, to be his mentor.
Roach belief
The man who turned Pacquiao into the best fighter on the planet has already led Khan to the WBA belt in less than a year and believes this is just the start for the 2004 Olympic silver medalist.
First up is Salita at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena - but Roach has plans to conquer America - taking on the biggest names like Juan Manuel Marquez and Cotto.
And just as Pacquiao has won titles from flyweight up to welterweight, Roach believes Khan can also rule at multiple weights.
"He and Manny Pacquiao are very similar," said Roach. "They've both got power and speed and when you have both it can be devastating.
"I see him following Manny's path. They train together and when they spar it gets very competitive. The future is endless for him.
"He has the bodyform to move up the divisions for sure. 135lbs would be okay, but I like 140 even better. He will be a welterweight and maybe even a middleweight I'd say."
Such debates will have to be put on the backburner, with Khan first having to overcome the undefeated Salita.
"He's a good operator, he's skillful, has good movement and is quite quick," said Khan. "People forget how quick he is. He's undefeated and any undefeated fighter has done a great job.
"I have to be careful because he will work on my weak points. I took the fight that will bring the best out of me as well.
"He's got one of those styles that will make me look good and bring the best out of me."
Will Khan ever emulate Paquiao? Have your say.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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MGM angles to host possible Mayweather-Pacquiao fight - Las Vegas Review-Journal
By STEVE CARP, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
While Bob Arum talks to Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines about accepting a deal to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., the stage is being set for another battle, one to make sure the fight is in Las Vegas, be it March 13 or May 1.
The MGM Grand Garden, which was thought to be considered too small at 16,200 seats, now might be the favorite to host the fight because the hotel has the capacity to bring in another 15,000 through closed-circuit telecast seats in its convention center and ballrooms.
Arum has indicated he would like to see the fight in Las Vegas, where he and Mayweather live, and where his Top Rank promotional company is headquartered.
The MGM also has the power of its other properties -- including the $8.5 billion CityCenter, which will be fully operational by the time the fight is held -- to sell another 20,000 to 25,000 closed-circuit seats.
A proposed 30,000-seat temporary stadium on the old Frontier site on the Las Vegas Strip remains a possibility. Political consultant and former Nevada Athletic Commission chairman Sig Rogich said Wednesday that, while the project remains in its exploratory stage, the fight could take place on that site.
"We've had positive feedback from the promoters and the owners of the property," Rogich said, referring to the Elad Group. "But to get it done, it would take 60 to 90 days to build, so we'd have to make a decision in the next few weeks."
The Dallas Cowboys' 80,000 seat stadium and the 72,968-seat Louisiana Superdome remain in play. Executives from Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, which is representing Mayweather in negotiations, are expected to visit both facilities in the next two weeks.
Still, as Rogich points out, neither city has the infrastructure to match Las Vegas.
"They don't have 150,000 hotel rooms," he said. "And they don't have Las Vegas' tradition for hosting championship fights."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
Source: lvrj.com
While Bob Arum talks to Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines about accepting a deal to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., the stage is being set for another battle, one to make sure the fight is in Las Vegas, be it March 13 or May 1.
The MGM Grand Garden, which was thought to be considered too small at 16,200 seats, now might be the favorite to host the fight because the hotel has the capacity to bring in another 15,000 through closed-circuit telecast seats in its convention center and ballrooms.
Arum has indicated he would like to see the fight in Las Vegas, where he and Mayweather live, and where his Top Rank promotional company is headquartered.
The MGM also has the power of its other properties -- including the $8.5 billion CityCenter, which will be fully operational by the time the fight is held -- to sell another 20,000 to 25,000 closed-circuit seats.
A proposed 30,000-seat temporary stadium on the old Frontier site on the Las Vegas Strip remains a possibility. Political consultant and former Nevada Athletic Commission chairman Sig Rogich said Wednesday that, while the project remains in its exploratory stage, the fight could take place on that site.
"We've had positive feedback from the promoters and the owners of the property," Rogich said, referring to the Elad Group. "But to get it done, it would take 60 to 90 days to build, so we'd have to make a decision in the next few weeks."
The Dallas Cowboys' 80,000 seat stadium and the 72,968-seat Louisiana Superdome remain in play. Executives from Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, which is representing Mayweather in negotiations, are expected to visit both facilities in the next two weeks.
Still, as Rogich points out, neither city has the infrastructure to match Las Vegas.
"They don't have 150,000 hotel rooms," he said. "And they don't have Las Vegas' tradition for hosting championship fights."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.
Source: lvrj.com
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Green fails to make waves in America - Brisbane Times
By PHIL LUTTON, Brisbane Times
Danny Green may be the toast of Australian sport but in America, the home of big-time, bigger-money boxing, his obliteration of Roy Jones Jnr has done little to send his star rocketing to the top of the pops.
Most major American websites were slow to digest the news, or barely interested at all, with big-hitters like ESPN and Sports Illustrated mostly burying the story, instead focusing on the possible March match-up between pound-for-pound kingpins Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao, for which negotiations are underway.
Most stories and blogs, however, interpreted the result in terms of the implications for the proposed superfight between Jones and Bernard Hopkins, which had been scheduled for March as long as Jones Jr dispatched Green and "The Executioner" defeats Enrique Ornelas, which he did this afternoon with ease.
So intently was Hopkins following the Green-Jones fight that he put the loss down to geography, of sorts - "You know what happens when you go over to Europe, that's why I would never go there."
That fight appears to be all but off the books now, given the manner in which Jones Jr succumbed to a flurry of blows from Green in Sydney last night, with Golden Boy Promotions saying the loss voids any deal.
Some US analysts were critical of Jones taking on a dangerous power puncher like Green, which has now put what would have been his last shot at a a career-ending jackpot bout in severe doubt, although Jones has already started the excuses, telling the Los Angeles Times through his publicist he didn't think the bout should have been stopped.
"No way they should've stopped the fight, [I] had [myself] all back together and ready to go," Jones' publicist, Mercedes Ganon, was quoted as saying.
But few were predicting Hopkins, 46, would now take on Green, who remains an anomaly to the American boxing media and isn't a huge drawcard on any pay television deals in the States.
Dan Rafael, on ESPN, hardly mentioned Green in his wrap-up but did flag the possibility of Green fighting light heavyweight star Chad Dawson, who has been seeking a bout with Hopkins.
On the Bleacher Report, Nick Tylwalk urged Jones Jr to hang up the gloves once and for all after Green put the exclamation point on what has been a steady career decline.
"In his prime, Jones' athleticism and speed allowed him to do things other boxers simply couldn't. Once those physical advantages started to fade, he became mortal in a hurry, a fighter who was still dangerous but no longer someone who had opponents beaten mentally before they even stepped into the ring," Tylwalk wrote.
"With that in mind, maybe it was inevitable that his career would end like this; that he'd need to be beaten up one more time before he realised it was over. Green may have just done Jones a favour, keeping him from a similar fate at the hands of long-time rival Hopkins."
The sentiment was echoed by blog commenters, who suggested Jones Jr go back to raising chickens or continue his occasional work as a ringside analyst instead of tarnishing his glittering legacy.
"Roy needs to give it up. Was a great fighter but clearly is past his prime. Needs to go away and either do TV or find another way to amuse himself. Continuing to fight and ruin his legacy is just sad ...", wrote Jason Kendall on USA Today.
At least Green is being mentioned in dispatches by the boxing match-makers. His longtime domestic rival, Anthony Mundine, only appears in the wash-up as backgrounder to Danny Green's crowning moment.
Source: brisbanetimes.com.au
Danny Green may be the toast of Australian sport but in America, the home of big-time, bigger-money boxing, his obliteration of Roy Jones Jnr has done little to send his star rocketing to the top of the pops.
Most major American websites were slow to digest the news, or barely interested at all, with big-hitters like ESPN and Sports Illustrated mostly burying the story, instead focusing on the possible March match-up between pound-for-pound kingpins Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao, for which negotiations are underway.
Most stories and blogs, however, interpreted the result in terms of the implications for the proposed superfight between Jones and Bernard Hopkins, which had been scheduled for March as long as Jones Jr dispatched Green and "The Executioner" defeats Enrique Ornelas, which he did this afternoon with ease.
So intently was Hopkins following the Green-Jones fight that he put the loss down to geography, of sorts - "You know what happens when you go over to Europe, that's why I would never go there."
That fight appears to be all but off the books now, given the manner in which Jones Jr succumbed to a flurry of blows from Green in Sydney last night, with Golden Boy Promotions saying the loss voids any deal.
Some US analysts were critical of Jones taking on a dangerous power puncher like Green, which has now put what would have been his last shot at a a career-ending jackpot bout in severe doubt, although Jones has already started the excuses, telling the Los Angeles Times through his publicist he didn't think the bout should have been stopped.
"No way they should've stopped the fight, [I] had [myself] all back together and ready to go," Jones' publicist, Mercedes Ganon, was quoted as saying.
But few were predicting Hopkins, 46, would now take on Green, who remains an anomaly to the American boxing media and isn't a huge drawcard on any pay television deals in the States.
Dan Rafael, on ESPN, hardly mentioned Green in his wrap-up but did flag the possibility of Green fighting light heavyweight star Chad Dawson, who has been seeking a bout with Hopkins.
On the Bleacher Report, Nick Tylwalk urged Jones Jr to hang up the gloves once and for all after Green put the exclamation point on what has been a steady career decline.
"In his prime, Jones' athleticism and speed allowed him to do things other boxers simply couldn't. Once those physical advantages started to fade, he became mortal in a hurry, a fighter who was still dangerous but no longer someone who had opponents beaten mentally before they even stepped into the ring," Tylwalk wrote.
"With that in mind, maybe it was inevitable that his career would end like this; that he'd need to be beaten up one more time before he realised it was over. Green may have just done Jones a favour, keeping him from a similar fate at the hands of long-time rival Hopkins."
The sentiment was echoed by blog commenters, who suggested Jones Jr go back to raising chickens or continue his occasional work as a ringside analyst instead of tarnishing his glittering legacy.
"Roy needs to give it up. Was a great fighter but clearly is past his prime. Needs to go away and either do TV or find another way to amuse himself. Continuing to fight and ruin his legacy is just sad ...", wrote Jason Kendall on USA Today.
At least Green is being mentioned in dispatches by the boxing match-makers. His longtime domestic rival, Anthony Mundine, only appears in the wash-up as backgrounder to Danny Green's crowning moment.
Source: brisbanetimes.com.au
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Hopkins decisions Ornelas
Boxing News World
45-year old former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (now 50-5-1, 32 KOs) proved he has plenty of punches left when he comfortably beat tough Enrique Ornelas (29-6, 19 KOs) via unanimous decision (118-110, 120-109, 119-109) at the Liacouras Center in his hometown of Philadelphia just seconds ago.
45-year old former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins (now 50-5-1, 32 KOs) proved he has plenty of punches left when he comfortably beat tough Enrique Ornelas (29-6, 19 KOs) via unanimous decision (118-110, 120-109, 119-109) at the Liacouras Center in his hometown of Philadelphia just seconds ago.
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What now for Hopkins? Maybe Dawson - ESPN.com
By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com
PHILADELPHIA -- Chad Dawson, the young light heavyweight star, has been calling out Bernard Hopkins for ages, but Hopkins didn't have a lot of interest in fighting him. And who could blame him, with a potential big-money rematch against Roy Jones Jr. on the table for early 2010?
However, that was until Jones got knocked out by Danny Green in the first round Wednesday in Australia, hopefully bringing Jones' great career to a close once and for all.
Hopkins will attend to his business Wednesday night against Enrique Ornelas, but there won't be a fight with Jones now.
So, assuming Hopkins defeats the rugged journeyman, who then shall he fight? He'd like to fight heavyweight titlist David Haye eventually, but that bout is a long way off, if not merely a pipe dream. Haye is saddled with a mandatory defense against John Ruiz in the spring and then probably a rematch with Nikolai Valuev. A fight with Hopkins is probably not feasible until at least late 2010.
So if Hopkins wants to fight on, and not sit and wait -- and he turns 45 in January, so time is running out -- maybe he'll fight Dawson, who is the opponent HBO would like to match him with. Maybe Hopkins will renew talks to fight cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek, who is now dabbling at heavyweight and expected to face former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada on Feb. 6.
Kathy Duva of Main Events, Adamek's promoter, reminded me Wednesday that for a fight with Hopkins, Adamek would certainly fight at cruiserweight and defend his championship.
If you ask Dawson (29-0, 17 KOs) and his promoter, Gary Shaw, they don't believe Hopkins will face Dawson.
"He's on the run, like the one-armed man in 'The Fugitive.' Eventually the law catches up with him," Dawson said. "Well, I'm the sheriff of the light heavyweight division and I'm putting a stop to Hopkins' con. First he said he'd fight the winner of my [2008] fight with Glen Johnson. I won and Hopkins hid. Second, he said he'd fight the winner of my [Nov. 7] rematch with Johnson. I won and this time Hopkins chose to fight some guy named Enrique Ornelas, who has lost to almost every decent middleweight he's ever fought. And on top of that, the fight isn't worthy of being broadcast on HBO, Showtime or even ESPN2. Desperate people do desperate things. Hopkins knows that if he fights me, he's looking at a loss.
"Bernard, it's time for you to pack it in and get out of my division. If you're not willing to fight the best light heavyweight, move along and quit wasting everyone's time. Your deep well of excuses, along with your credibility, has dried up. You weighed 175 pounds for [Wednesday's] fight, Roy Jones was knocked out in 122 seconds today and HBO has a March date available. No more excuses. Get onboard with HBO's original plan for us to fight each other, or as you told ESPN.com, go run 'a marathon to super-greatness' away from me."
Shaw told me that HBO is holding an April date for Dawson's next fight, but, like his fighter, he doubts Hopkins will fight him.
"I don't think Hopkins will ever fight Chad," he said. "I don't think he has any intention. I don't believe he wants to fight him. I think he realizes how big and how fast Chad is and [that] a safer fight is Adamek, who is much slower."
Dawson, by the way, handed Adamek his only loss in a light heavyweight title bout in 2007, and it wasn't even very competitive.
So what then for Dawson?
Shaw said one possibility is the winner of the light heavyweight title rematch between Canadians Jean Pascal and Adrian Diaconu, who meet Dec. 11. (Shameless plug: It's available live on ESPN360.com.)
"What about Green? He weighed 179 and starched Roy Jones," Shaw said. "He might come down to 175 or Chad goes up to 179, and we could go down under and it would be a huge fight."
Source: sports.espn.go.com
PHILADELPHIA -- Chad Dawson, the young light heavyweight star, has been calling out Bernard Hopkins for ages, but Hopkins didn't have a lot of interest in fighting him. And who could blame him, with a potential big-money rematch against Roy Jones Jr. on the table for early 2010?
However, that was until Jones got knocked out by Danny Green in the first round Wednesday in Australia, hopefully bringing Jones' great career to a close once and for all.
Hopkins will attend to his business Wednesday night against Enrique Ornelas, but there won't be a fight with Jones now.
So, assuming Hopkins defeats the rugged journeyman, who then shall he fight? He'd like to fight heavyweight titlist David Haye eventually, but that bout is a long way off, if not merely a pipe dream. Haye is saddled with a mandatory defense against John Ruiz in the spring and then probably a rematch with Nikolai Valuev. A fight with Hopkins is probably not feasible until at least late 2010.
So if Hopkins wants to fight on, and not sit and wait -- and he turns 45 in January, so time is running out -- maybe he'll fight Dawson, who is the opponent HBO would like to match him with. Maybe Hopkins will renew talks to fight cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek, who is now dabbling at heavyweight and expected to face former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada on Feb. 6.
Kathy Duva of Main Events, Adamek's promoter, reminded me Wednesday that for a fight with Hopkins, Adamek would certainly fight at cruiserweight and defend his championship.
If you ask Dawson (29-0, 17 KOs) and his promoter, Gary Shaw, they don't believe Hopkins will face Dawson.
"He's on the run, like the one-armed man in 'The Fugitive.' Eventually the law catches up with him," Dawson said. "Well, I'm the sheriff of the light heavyweight division and I'm putting a stop to Hopkins' con. First he said he'd fight the winner of my [2008] fight with Glen Johnson. I won and Hopkins hid. Second, he said he'd fight the winner of my [Nov. 7] rematch with Johnson. I won and this time Hopkins chose to fight some guy named Enrique Ornelas, who has lost to almost every decent middleweight he's ever fought. And on top of that, the fight isn't worthy of being broadcast on HBO, Showtime or even ESPN2. Desperate people do desperate things. Hopkins knows that if he fights me, he's looking at a loss.
"Bernard, it's time for you to pack it in and get out of my division. If you're not willing to fight the best light heavyweight, move along and quit wasting everyone's time. Your deep well of excuses, along with your credibility, has dried up. You weighed 175 pounds for [Wednesday's] fight, Roy Jones was knocked out in 122 seconds today and HBO has a March date available. No more excuses. Get onboard with HBO's original plan for us to fight each other, or as you told ESPN.com, go run 'a marathon to super-greatness' away from me."
Shaw told me that HBO is holding an April date for Dawson's next fight, but, like his fighter, he doubts Hopkins will fight him.
"I don't think Hopkins will ever fight Chad," he said. "I don't think he has any intention. I don't believe he wants to fight him. I think he realizes how big and how fast Chad is and [that] a safer fight is Adamek, who is much slower."
Dawson, by the way, handed Adamek his only loss in a light heavyweight title bout in 2007, and it wasn't even very competitive.
So what then for Dawson?
Shaw said one possibility is the winner of the light heavyweight title rematch between Canadians Jean Pascal and Adrian Diaconu, who meet Dec. 11. (Shameless plug: It's available live on ESPN360.com.)
"What about Green? He weighed 179 and starched Roy Jones," Shaw said. "He might come down to 175 or Chad goes up to 179, and we could go down under and it would be a huge fight."
Source: sports.espn.go.com
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Roy Jones' upset loss voids contract with Hopkins - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
It was supposed to be a tune-up for an anticipated rematch, but Roy Jones Jr.'s visit to Australia to fight Danny Green on Wednesday ended up as something else entirely: a stunning knockout loss.
Amid questions that Jones' storied career may be finished came word that his pending agreement to fight Bernard Hopkins in March is finished.
"The loss negates that contract, yes," said Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Hopkins' promoter, Golden Boy Promotions.
The Jones fight will air tonight on Versus as a doubleheader with Hopkins' supposed tune-up against Enrique Ornelas. It will be Hopkins' first bout since his sensational upset of Kelly Pavlik in October 2008.
Jones beat Hopkins by unanimous decision in 1993, and much trash talking has ensued between the now elder statesmen.
Schaefer said he'll still consider Jones as a possible future opponent for Hopkins -- given the name recognition, that has merit -- but given the one-sided outcome Wednesday he said he'll also consider heavyweight champion David Haye, super-middleweight champion Lucian Bute and cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek.
"I want Bernard to take care of business tonight and see if Jones is still a viable candidate or not," said Schaefer, who somewhat allowed Jones an alibi for the loss.
"I don't know what happened to him in that fight. He got hit by a punch toward the back of the head, maybe a rabbit punch, or, since they were in Australia, maybe we should be calling it a kangaroo punch. But that shot took him out of the fight, the fight was pretty much over right then."
Jones' publicist, Mercedes Ganon, e-mailed to say Jones told her, "No way they should've stopped the fight, [I] had [myself] all back together and ready to go."
-- Lance Pugmire
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
It was supposed to be a tune-up for an anticipated rematch, but Roy Jones Jr.'s visit to Australia to fight Danny Green on Wednesday ended up as something else entirely: a stunning knockout loss.
Amid questions that Jones' storied career may be finished came word that his pending agreement to fight Bernard Hopkins in March is finished.
"The loss negates that contract, yes," said Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Hopkins' promoter, Golden Boy Promotions.
The Jones fight will air tonight on Versus as a doubleheader with Hopkins' supposed tune-up against Enrique Ornelas. It will be Hopkins' first bout since his sensational upset of Kelly Pavlik in October 2008.
Jones beat Hopkins by unanimous decision in 1993, and much trash talking has ensued between the now elder statesmen.
Schaefer said he'll still consider Jones as a possible future opponent for Hopkins -- given the name recognition, that has merit -- but given the one-sided outcome Wednesday he said he'll also consider heavyweight champion David Haye, super-middleweight champion Lucian Bute and cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek.
"I want Bernard to take care of business tonight and see if Jones is still a viable candidate or not," said Schaefer, who somewhat allowed Jones an alibi for the loss.
"I don't know what happened to him in that fight. He got hit by a punch toward the back of the head, maybe a rabbit punch, or, since they were in Australia, maybe we should be calling it a kangaroo punch. But that shot took him out of the fight, the fight was pretty much over right then."
Jones' publicist, Mercedes Ganon, e-mailed to say Jones told her, "No way they should've stopped the fight, [I] had [myself] all back together and ready to go."
-- Lance Pugmire
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
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The Weekly Debate: Has the Hitman had his last fight, or should the Brit come back? - Sky Sports
Sky Sports
Speculation has been mounting that Ricky Hatton is poised to announce his comeback with a possible June date at Wembley Stadium against Juan Manuel Marquez.
Sky Sports viewers have enjoyed the many highs and lows of the Hitman's career, so who is better-placed to judge whether he should remain in retirement or go out in a blaze of glory.
To help you decide, Rob Lancaster puts the case forward for a Hitman comeback, while Adam Norman argues that's Hatton's legacy can only be tarnished further by a return to the ring.
Hatton should return
In case you've forgotten already, there's only one Ricky Hatton - a whirling dervish of a fighter who rose to the top in the light-welterweight division.
His sharp wit and love of a pint (or two) meant the Mancunian quickly became a popular figure, a fact backed up by the sheer number of his supporters who travelled out to Las Vegas to support him against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
In the end, though, the loud backing of his fellow Brits wasn't enough for him to come out on top in the two biggest fights of his otherwise unblemished career.
The stunning second-round loss to Pac Man clearly still rankles with Hatton, otherwise he would long ago have announced his retirement.
Now the rumours are getting stronger and stronger that he should return and, although many may feel it is the wrong option, if the hunger (perhaps an inappropriate choice of words in relation to the Hitman) is still there then why not carry on?
It is easy to forget that in 47 fights as a professional the 31-year-old has lost just twice - and to two modern day legends of the sport no less. He dominated the light-welterweight division for years and would still be the biggest draw at 140lbs.
Perhaps Hatton feels he deserves at least one more outing for nothing more than to thank his loyal fans - a chance to make sure the lasting memory he leaves the sport with is not one of him staring at the ceiling of the MGM Grand.
My argument does come with a disclaimer, though. While I'd like to see Ricky return I'm wary of possible opponents. While a win could be the perfect send-off before he concentrates fully on his role as a promoter, a third loss in five outings would tarnish his legacy, something that has happened to some of the greatest who ever laced up a set of gloves.
Juan Manuel Marquez is, perhaps, a little too risky. So too would be a bout with compatriot Amir Khan, a man nearly 10 years his junior.
But there are other names out there - reigning WBC light-welterweight champion Timothy Bradley perhaps, or maybe the experienced Cuban Joel Casamayor. And what about the Hitman for The Hitter? Junior Witter has always wanted a crack at Hatton and right now the two could prove to be a perfect match.
Hitman should revel in retirement
There seems to be only one reason why Ricky Hatton would want to fight again - ego.
Hatton said after his punishing beating at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jnr that he 'didn't want to go out like that', and he duly returned with a stage-managed points victory against the over-matched Juan Lazcano.
Not that the Hitman had things all his own way that night at the City Of Manchester Stadium in front of 55,000 adoring fans.
Hatton, who has never looked as good as when beating an ageing Kostya Tszyu to win his first world title in 2005, looked decidedly shaky in the later rounds against Lazcano, who had fought only once in 18 months prior to the fight.
Ricky then ditched old friend and trainer Billy Graham to team up with Floyd Mayweather Snr, and Hatton appeared to be back on track against Paulie Malignaggi, apparently firing the Mancunian into the big time once more with Mayweather Jnr enjoying his so-called 'retirement'.
But the victory against Malignaggi, who for all his technical abilities couldn't fight his way out of a cloth sack, was merely papering over the cracks that had appeared in his triumph over teak-tough welterweight Juan Collazo two years before, and made into yawning gaps by 'Money' Mayweather.
Manny Pacquiao, a blown-up featherweight, lay in wait, and a 12-round war was anticipated between the brawler and the stylist.
But while Mayweathwer gave the Brit a drawn-out beating, the Filipino great wasted little time and energy in knocking a shambolic Hatton cold inside six minutes.
After 47 hard fights, most of which saw Hatton wear more than his fair share of leather, the announcement of imminent retirement was keenly awaited by ardent fight fans, with the best days of the marauding, courageous warrior firmly in the past.
But the news never came, and still we wait. Hatton just can't let it go. The painful memory of that embarrassing KO still too fresh in the memory, he wants to right a wrong seemingly at whatever the cost.
Ricky, for the fans, for yourself, let it go.
Source: skysports.com
Speculation has been mounting that Ricky Hatton is poised to announce his comeback with a possible June date at Wembley Stadium against Juan Manuel Marquez.
Sky Sports viewers have enjoyed the many highs and lows of the Hitman's career, so who is better-placed to judge whether he should remain in retirement or go out in a blaze of glory.
To help you decide, Rob Lancaster puts the case forward for a Hitman comeback, while Adam Norman argues that's Hatton's legacy can only be tarnished further by a return to the ring.
Hatton should return
In case you've forgotten already, there's only one Ricky Hatton - a whirling dervish of a fighter who rose to the top in the light-welterweight division.
His sharp wit and love of a pint (or two) meant the Mancunian quickly became a popular figure, a fact backed up by the sheer number of his supporters who travelled out to Las Vegas to support him against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
In the end, though, the loud backing of his fellow Brits wasn't enough for him to come out on top in the two biggest fights of his otherwise unblemished career.
The stunning second-round loss to Pac Man clearly still rankles with Hatton, otherwise he would long ago have announced his retirement.
Now the rumours are getting stronger and stronger that he should return and, although many may feel it is the wrong option, if the hunger (perhaps an inappropriate choice of words in relation to the Hitman) is still there then why not carry on?
It is easy to forget that in 47 fights as a professional the 31-year-old has lost just twice - and to two modern day legends of the sport no less. He dominated the light-welterweight division for years and would still be the biggest draw at 140lbs.
Perhaps Hatton feels he deserves at least one more outing for nothing more than to thank his loyal fans - a chance to make sure the lasting memory he leaves the sport with is not one of him staring at the ceiling of the MGM Grand.
My argument does come with a disclaimer, though. While I'd like to see Ricky return I'm wary of possible opponents. While a win could be the perfect send-off before he concentrates fully on his role as a promoter, a third loss in five outings would tarnish his legacy, something that has happened to some of the greatest who ever laced up a set of gloves.
Juan Manuel Marquez is, perhaps, a little too risky. So too would be a bout with compatriot Amir Khan, a man nearly 10 years his junior.
But there are other names out there - reigning WBC light-welterweight champion Timothy Bradley perhaps, or maybe the experienced Cuban Joel Casamayor. And what about the Hitman for The Hitter? Junior Witter has always wanted a crack at Hatton and right now the two could prove to be a perfect match.
Hitman should revel in retirement
There seems to be only one reason why Ricky Hatton would want to fight again - ego.
Hatton said after his punishing beating at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jnr that he 'didn't want to go out like that', and he duly returned with a stage-managed points victory against the over-matched Juan Lazcano.
Not that the Hitman had things all his own way that night at the City Of Manchester Stadium in front of 55,000 adoring fans.
Hatton, who has never looked as good as when beating an ageing Kostya Tszyu to win his first world title in 2005, looked decidedly shaky in the later rounds against Lazcano, who had fought only once in 18 months prior to the fight.
Ricky then ditched old friend and trainer Billy Graham to team up with Floyd Mayweather Snr, and Hatton appeared to be back on track against Paulie Malignaggi, apparently firing the Mancunian into the big time once more with Mayweather Jnr enjoying his so-called 'retirement'.
But the victory against Malignaggi, who for all his technical abilities couldn't fight his way out of a cloth sack, was merely papering over the cracks that had appeared in his triumph over teak-tough welterweight Juan Collazo two years before, and made into yawning gaps by 'Money' Mayweather.
Manny Pacquiao, a blown-up featherweight, lay in wait, and a 12-round war was anticipated between the brawler and the stylist.
But while Mayweathwer gave the Brit a drawn-out beating, the Filipino great wasted little time and energy in knocking a shambolic Hatton cold inside six minutes.
After 47 hard fights, most of which saw Hatton wear more than his fair share of leather, the announcement of imminent retirement was keenly awaited by ardent fight fans, with the best days of the marauding, courageous warrior firmly in the past.
But the news never came, and still we wait. Hatton just can't let it go. The painful memory of that embarrassing KO still too fresh in the memory, he wants to right a wrong seemingly at whatever the cost.
Ricky, for the fans, for yourself, let it go.
Source: skysports.com
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Mayweather tiff on hold; Arum due - The Philippine Star
By Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - There’s only one fight Manny Pacquiao is looking at right now, and that’s the one in the political arena.
So, unless Bob Arum offers him the moon, Pacquiao is no longer inclined to fight in March or May as earlier expected.
Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, yesterday told The STAR that the reigning pound-for-pound champion has come to a decision the other night that his next fight will come after the May 10 elections.
“As of last night, Manny said he doesn’t want to fight in April or even May. There will be no fight. Maybe it will come after the elections,” said Gacal.
Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in his home province of Sarangani where he will face a political heavyweight in his bid for public office.
The most exciting boxer in the planet today feels that he needs all the time he has to campaign, and has decided to put his boxing career on hold.
“Ayaw niya muna lumaban (He doesn’t want to fight yet),” said Gacal, who said Arum, scheduled to fly in today, will also meet with the boxer regarding their plans.
But the Top Rank president, according to Gacal, will be here for another reason outside of Pacquiao’s next fight. Reports said it has something to do with another deal with giant TV network ABS-CBN.
It looks like the Lopez-owned network has struck another deal with Pacquiao regarding his next fights. GMA-7 and Solar Sports have been the boxer’s network partners for his most recent fights.
Arum has met with Richard Schaefer regarding the big fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. And while there’s a “gag order” on the negotiations, Arum said the initial meeting was “very good.”
Even if Pacquiao decides to fight after the elections, the negotiations should continue, because the fight, if and when it happens, should be the biggest of this generation.
The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight can easily generate more than a $100 million in revenue, and if it takes place, the FIlipino icon can earn more than $30 million.
“Everything will depend on the developments after the elections. But again, as of last night, the March 13 and May 1 dates for Pacquiao’s next fight are out,” said Gacal.
When he sits down with Pacquiao, Arum will also discuss the boxer’s future in politics. Initially, Arum had hoped that Pacquiao would run unopposed.
But his rival for the congressional seat, one who comes for a deeply-rooted political family, did not budge and has also filed his certificate of candidacy like Pacquiao.
Source: philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - There’s only one fight Manny Pacquiao is looking at right now, and that’s the one in the political arena.
So, unless Bob Arum offers him the moon, Pacquiao is no longer inclined to fight in March or May as earlier expected.
Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, yesterday told The STAR that the reigning pound-for-pound champion has come to a decision the other night that his next fight will come after the May 10 elections.
“As of last night, Manny said he doesn’t want to fight in April or even May. There will be no fight. Maybe it will come after the elections,” said Gacal.
Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in his home province of Sarangani where he will face a political heavyweight in his bid for public office.
The most exciting boxer in the planet today feels that he needs all the time he has to campaign, and has decided to put his boxing career on hold.
“Ayaw niya muna lumaban (He doesn’t want to fight yet),” said Gacal, who said Arum, scheduled to fly in today, will also meet with the boxer regarding their plans.
But the Top Rank president, according to Gacal, will be here for another reason outside of Pacquiao’s next fight. Reports said it has something to do with another deal with giant TV network ABS-CBN.
It looks like the Lopez-owned network has struck another deal with Pacquiao regarding his next fights. GMA-7 and Solar Sports have been the boxer’s network partners for his most recent fights.
Arum has met with Richard Schaefer regarding the big fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. And while there’s a “gag order” on the negotiations, Arum said the initial meeting was “very good.”
Even if Pacquiao decides to fight after the elections, the negotiations should continue, because the fight, if and when it happens, should be the biggest of this generation.
The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight can easily generate more than a $100 million in revenue, and if it takes place, the FIlipino icon can earn more than $30 million.
“Everything will depend on the developments after the elections. But again, as of last night, the March 13 and May 1 dates for Pacquiao’s next fight are out,” said Gacal.
When he sits down with Pacquiao, Arum will also discuss the boxer’s future in politics. Initially, Arum had hoped that Pacquiao would run unopposed.
But his rival for the congressional seat, one who comes for a deeply-rooted political family, did not budge and has also filed his certificate of candidacy like Pacquiao.
Source: philstar.com
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