By Anita Roman, KVBC
The deal hasn't been struck just yet but word is that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will meet Manny Pacquiao in the ring in March.
And it could happen right here in Las Vegas.
The match-up is so huge that several other cities have also put in bids to host the event. But city officials and fans want the fight to take place right here in town.
Victor Ortiz of Top Dogg Boxing hung up his professional boxing gloves to years ago. Today, although he trains the young up-and-coming fighters, he still makes time to keep a close eye on fan favorites.
We're talking about the potential mega-fight between two of the greats: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
"It would be a great fight for the boxing fans."
As momentum grows for a March 2010 match-up, cities like Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Dallas are throwing their hats in the ring to host the event, one that normally takes place in Las Vegas.
"Boxing belongs here in Vegas," Ortiz continues. "This is the boxing capitol of the world."
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority, the history of major prize fights in Las Vegas dates back to the 1930s. Even today, decades later, a match-up between two marquee fighters like Pacquiao and Mayweather would be extremely beneficial to the city.
Jeremy Handle, spokesperson for the LVCVA, says depdning upon the venue and the fighters involved, a bout such as this could draw anywhere from 9,000 to 18,000 people and $10 million to $15 million.
"The international recognition, the pay-per-view viewership, just everything that has Las Vegas on the title brings more recognition to the destination as well."
This is why Handle says it's so important for Mayweather and Pacquiao to fight here. And Ortiz agrees.
"This place will be sold out. If it doesn't get sold out I would be surprised no matter where they have it. But I think this is where the fight should be: here in Vegas."
Reports have surfaced on the Internet that certain cities have already been ruled out. However, a source connected to one of the fighters says every location is still being considered, including Florida, Atlanta, and even the country of Congo.
A decision could be reached by this weekend.
Source: kvbc.com
Friday, 11 December 2009
Fight execs ponder Dallas offer -- Manila Bulletin
By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
The Cowboys Stadium owned by Texas billionaire Jerry Jones remains in the running to host the coveted Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum revealed Friday.
“Dallas sent us (by email) an incredible offer,” said Top Rank chief Arum despite the last-minute decision to cancel a trip there to inspect the facilities of the 80,000-seat venue that is being dangled by Jones to host what could be the richest fight in the history of boxing.
Arum said Jones’s staff also had sent Golden Boy Promotions Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer a copy of the document.
Arum, Schaefer and HBO executive Ross Greenburg were scheduled to meet with Jones and visit the stadium located in the city of Arlington (20 miles from Dallas) on Wednesday but Schaefer called Arum at the last minute, telling the Top Rank big boss that he was no longer interested in going to Texas.
Apart from the Cowboys Stadium, also bidding to host the March 13, 2010 bout is the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which is the favorite to get the rights to hold the fight, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and even the Republic of the Congo, which is in Central Africa.
Still, Arum could not commit to Dallas as the site of what is being hyped as the battle of two pound-for-pound kings.
“We’ll know early next week (where the fight is going to take place) because we have to review everything,” said Arum, who has now instructed his stepson, Todd duBoef, to hold talks with Schaefer.
“I am not talking to Schaefer,” said Arum, who suspects that the right-hand man of Oscar De La Hoya, “has an agenda.”
A day after Schaefer announced that he was backing out of the Dallas trip, the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was also making a bid to acquire the Pacquiao-Mayweather match.
Source: mb.com.ph
The Cowboys Stadium owned by Texas billionaire Jerry Jones remains in the running to host the coveted Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum revealed Friday.
“Dallas sent us (by email) an incredible offer,” said Top Rank chief Arum despite the last-minute decision to cancel a trip there to inspect the facilities of the 80,000-seat venue that is being dangled by Jones to host what could be the richest fight in the history of boxing.
Arum said Jones’s staff also had sent Golden Boy Promotions Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer a copy of the document.
Arum, Schaefer and HBO executive Ross Greenburg were scheduled to meet with Jones and visit the stadium located in the city of Arlington (20 miles from Dallas) on Wednesday but Schaefer called Arum at the last minute, telling the Top Rank big boss that he was no longer interested in going to Texas.
Apart from the Cowboys Stadium, also bidding to host the March 13, 2010 bout is the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which is the favorite to get the rights to hold the fight, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and even the Republic of the Congo, which is in Central Africa.
Still, Arum could not commit to Dallas as the site of what is being hyped as the battle of two pound-for-pound kings.
“We’ll know early next week (where the fight is going to take place) because we have to review everything,” said Arum, who has now instructed his stepson, Todd duBoef, to hold talks with Schaefer.
“I am not talking to Schaefer,” said Arum, who suspects that the right-hand man of Oscar De La Hoya, “has an agenda.”
A day after Schaefer announced that he was backing out of the Dallas trip, the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was also making a bid to acquire the Pacquiao-Mayweather match.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Cowboys' Stadium, MGM Top Sites for Mayweather-Pacquiao -- FanHouse
By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
Along with the MGM Grand, The Dallas Cowboys' Stadium still is in the running to play host to the March 13, welterweight (147 pounds) megafight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Top Rank Promotions' CEO, Bob Arum, informed FanHouse a few moments ago.
"[Cowboys Stadium owner] Jerry Jones sent an offer to me and to [Golden Boy Promotions] Richard Schaefer in an e-mail," said Arum, who turned 78 on Tuesday, from his home in Las Vegas at about 10 p.m. West Coast time on Thursday night. "And so, it's now back on again between Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in Texas, and the MGM in Las Vegas."
The story was first reported by Philboxing's Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Arum said that he still is removed from the hands-on negotiations for the bout.
Arum has replaced himself with his son-in-law and Top Rank President, Todd duBoef, who is in charge of working for Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) with Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer, who is representing Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs).
Arum made that decision on Tuesday night, shortly after having being angered as he received a call from Schaefer abruptly canceling Wednesday's scheduled trip to Arlington, Texas, during which Schaefer, Arum and HBO Sports President, Ross Greenburg, were to fly to Arlington, Texas, and meet with Jones, touring the Cowboys' $1.2 million venue.
"I'm not in the negotiating, Todd is. He's better, because I was getting too emotional. So Todd has been on the phone with Schaefer, and they seem to be making some progress," said Arum.
"But I really have to compliment Jerry that he didn't get all ******-off, but he kept at it," said Arum. "Jerry Jones just kept at it, and he made a very, very good offer to us, and I really admire the man."
Eliminated as possible sites were the NFL's The New Orleans Saints' Superdome, the Atlanta Falcons' Georgia Dome, and two Las Vegas venues -- the Thomas & Mack Center, as well as a 30,000-seat outdoor stadium that is being constructed.
Arum said that a $20 million offer from The Staples' Center in Los Angeles "was never really considered" because, unlike Nevada and Texas, the ring earnings of Mayweather and Pacquiao would be heavily taxed in California.
Mayweather is a Las Vegas resident.
"That was essential from the get-go, and that's why the Staples' proposal was never even considered," said Arum. "Because of the California tax."
Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, said that he had considered calling Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, when he felt that the Staples' Center was being seriously considered as a venue.
"There's no need to do that at this point in time, now. I think that we've expressed what we needed to express, and, as you just said, Dallas is back in," said Koncz.
"I have to look out for Manny. And having to pay out an 11, or, 13 percent tax is not in any way beneficial to Manny," said Koncz. "We weren't going to fight in Los Angeles -- a state where we would get taxed, unless there was some mechanism in place where there wasn't going to be any way of affecting the net amount to Manny."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Along with the MGM Grand, The Dallas Cowboys' Stadium still is in the running to play host to the March 13, welterweight (147 pounds) megafight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Top Rank Promotions' CEO, Bob Arum, informed FanHouse a few moments ago.
"[Cowboys Stadium owner] Jerry Jones sent an offer to me and to [Golden Boy Promotions] Richard Schaefer in an e-mail," said Arum, who turned 78 on Tuesday, from his home in Las Vegas at about 10 p.m. West Coast time on Thursday night. "And so, it's now back on again between Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in Texas, and the MGM in Las Vegas."
The story was first reported by Philboxing's Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Arum said that he still is removed from the hands-on negotiations for the bout.
Arum has replaced himself with his son-in-law and Top Rank President, Todd duBoef, who is in charge of working for Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) with Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer, who is representing Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs).
Arum made that decision on Tuesday night, shortly after having being angered as he received a call from Schaefer abruptly canceling Wednesday's scheduled trip to Arlington, Texas, during which Schaefer, Arum and HBO Sports President, Ross Greenburg, were to fly to Arlington, Texas, and meet with Jones, touring the Cowboys' $1.2 million venue.
"I'm not in the negotiating, Todd is. He's better, because I was getting too emotional. So Todd has been on the phone with Schaefer, and they seem to be making some progress," said Arum.
"But I really have to compliment Jerry that he didn't get all ******-off, but he kept at it," said Arum. "Jerry Jones just kept at it, and he made a very, very good offer to us, and I really admire the man."
Eliminated as possible sites were the NFL's The New Orleans Saints' Superdome, the Atlanta Falcons' Georgia Dome, and two Las Vegas venues -- the Thomas & Mack Center, as well as a 30,000-seat outdoor stadium that is being constructed.
Arum said that a $20 million offer from The Staples' Center in Los Angeles "was never really considered" because, unlike Nevada and Texas, the ring earnings of Mayweather and Pacquiao would be heavily taxed in California.
Mayweather is a Las Vegas resident.
"That was essential from the get-go, and that's why the Staples' proposal was never even considered," said Arum. "Because of the California tax."
Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, said that he had considered calling Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe, when he felt that the Staples' Center was being seriously considered as a venue.
"There's no need to do that at this point in time, now. I think that we've expressed what we needed to express, and, as you just said, Dallas is back in," said Koncz.
"I have to look out for Manny. And having to pay out an 11, or, 13 percent tax is not in any way beneficial to Manny," said Koncz. "We weren't going to fight in Los Angeles -- a state where we would get taxed, unless there was some mechanism in place where there wasn't going to be any way of affecting the net amount to Manny."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
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Boxing's momentum stung by wave of suspect scoring -- USA Today
By Dave Skretta, AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK — Paul Malignaggi said all along that he'd never beat Juan Diaz in Texas if the fight went to the scorecards. It did, and he was right.
The Brooklyn-based light welterweight lost that bout in August, a back-and-forth brawl that left a huge crowd in Houston on its feet. But few believe it was as lopsided as the 118-110 scorecard turned in by Gale Van Hoy, with some accusing the judge of blatantly favoring the hometown fighter.
"Some people thought there was maybe more to it than just a bad decision. Only Gale Van Hoy will ever know that," said Malignaggi, who landed a rematch against Diaz this Saturday in Chicago.
"That one scorecard was what made the rematch possible, because it was so out of line."
The return of Floyd Mayweather Jr., the success of Manny Pacquiao, and the anticipation that the two will meet in March has been a boon to boxing. U.S. TV ratings are on the rise, consecutive HBO pay-per-views generated more than 1 million buys for the first time in years, and arenas are filling around the world to watch a sport long considered to be in decline.
Which makes the issue of suspect scoring all the more relevant.
"The worst thing is that the public will lose confidence in the sport by believing the very worst, that boxing is again fixed, as it was suspected in the late 1940s and '50s," promoter Gary Shaw said on Thursday. "That's the danger we're in right now."
Last weekend in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Paul Williams waged a stirring fight against light middleweight titleholder Sergio Martinez of Argentina. They stood toe-to-toe for 12 rounds, slugging away with the kind of unabashed fury that often turns casual fans into die-hards.
Julie Lederman scored the bout even, and Lynne Carter had it 115-113 for Williams. But ringside observers were puzzled by the scorecard that Pierre Benoist turned in; his 119-110 gave Williams a virtual sweep.
The head-scratching was even greater the previous week, when Canada's Joan Guzman and South Africa's Ali Funeka fought 12 rounds for the vacant IBF lightweight title in Quebec City.
Funeka appeared to dominate Guzman, landing heavy shots almost at will. The unbeaten Guzman was a bloody mess afterward, and appeared resigned to defeat when the bell sounded and Funeka's corner poured into the ring. Then announcer Michael Buffer read the scores: Joseph Pasquale had it 116-112 for Funeka, while judges Alan Davis and Benoit Roussel each had it a draw.
Boxing officials rarely discuss their score cards, and even critics acknowledge that the judging is subjective. Still, many think there is a problem.
"There is something radically wrong in boxing. I'm saying it, and I earn my living in it," said Shaw, who promotes Funeka and has called for an investigation into the two Canadian judges. "I think that we're in a very bad place in professional boxing right now."
Some promoters believe it's time for a federal commission to oversee judges, with the power to train, select and, if necessary, fine or suspend them. Shaw would rather judges be chosen like a trial jury, with promoters given the opportunity to veto candidates from a list supplied by state athletic commissions.
"That would be the most perfect way. Both camps would have a say, not in picking the official, but excluding officials," Shaw said. "Then if something goes wrong, what can I say? Because the commission will say, 'But Gary, you OK'd these judges."'
Williams promoter Dan Goossen thinks there should be a school that provides judges with uniform guidelines, so that one doesn't value defense while another only offense. He also thinks that judges should have to prove themselves at lower levels.
"With the fighters' futures and livelihood at stake, you want the most competent officials doing the fights," Goossen said. "The only way you can make sure it's consistent and fair and accurate is to have a system where the officials are held accountable."
Former champion Oscar De La Hoya has been between the ropes when questionable scorecards were read, giving him an appreciation for how much power those three judges seated ringside have.
Now as a promoter, De La Hoya is even more concerned that all the positive momentum generated by the sport will be sacrificed if the public loses confidence in the outcomes.
"It's a significant problem for any sport that has judges deciding who wins, whether it be gymnastics, swimming, diving," he said. "We're on such a roll with big events, people are not really discussing the topic and are not really paying attention to the so-called shady decisions.
"But still, we have to put a stop to it. We have to do something."
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: usatoday.com
NEW YORK — Paul Malignaggi said all along that he'd never beat Juan Diaz in Texas if the fight went to the scorecards. It did, and he was right.
The Brooklyn-based light welterweight lost that bout in August, a back-and-forth brawl that left a huge crowd in Houston on its feet. But few believe it was as lopsided as the 118-110 scorecard turned in by Gale Van Hoy, with some accusing the judge of blatantly favoring the hometown fighter.
"Some people thought there was maybe more to it than just a bad decision. Only Gale Van Hoy will ever know that," said Malignaggi, who landed a rematch against Diaz this Saturday in Chicago.
"That one scorecard was what made the rematch possible, because it was so out of line."
The return of Floyd Mayweather Jr., the success of Manny Pacquiao, and the anticipation that the two will meet in March has been a boon to boxing. U.S. TV ratings are on the rise, consecutive HBO pay-per-views generated more than 1 million buys for the first time in years, and arenas are filling around the world to watch a sport long considered to be in decline.
Which makes the issue of suspect scoring all the more relevant.
"The worst thing is that the public will lose confidence in the sport by believing the very worst, that boxing is again fixed, as it was suspected in the late 1940s and '50s," promoter Gary Shaw said on Thursday. "That's the danger we're in right now."
Last weekend in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Paul Williams waged a stirring fight against light middleweight titleholder Sergio Martinez of Argentina. They stood toe-to-toe for 12 rounds, slugging away with the kind of unabashed fury that often turns casual fans into die-hards.
Julie Lederman scored the bout even, and Lynne Carter had it 115-113 for Williams. But ringside observers were puzzled by the scorecard that Pierre Benoist turned in; his 119-110 gave Williams a virtual sweep.
The head-scratching was even greater the previous week, when Canada's Joan Guzman and South Africa's Ali Funeka fought 12 rounds for the vacant IBF lightweight title in Quebec City.
Funeka appeared to dominate Guzman, landing heavy shots almost at will. The unbeaten Guzman was a bloody mess afterward, and appeared resigned to defeat when the bell sounded and Funeka's corner poured into the ring. Then announcer Michael Buffer read the scores: Joseph Pasquale had it 116-112 for Funeka, while judges Alan Davis and Benoit Roussel each had it a draw.
Boxing officials rarely discuss their score cards, and even critics acknowledge that the judging is subjective. Still, many think there is a problem.
"There is something radically wrong in boxing. I'm saying it, and I earn my living in it," said Shaw, who promotes Funeka and has called for an investigation into the two Canadian judges. "I think that we're in a very bad place in professional boxing right now."
Some promoters believe it's time for a federal commission to oversee judges, with the power to train, select and, if necessary, fine or suspend them. Shaw would rather judges be chosen like a trial jury, with promoters given the opportunity to veto candidates from a list supplied by state athletic commissions.
"That would be the most perfect way. Both camps would have a say, not in picking the official, but excluding officials," Shaw said. "Then if something goes wrong, what can I say? Because the commission will say, 'But Gary, you OK'd these judges."'
Williams promoter Dan Goossen thinks there should be a school that provides judges with uniform guidelines, so that one doesn't value defense while another only offense. He also thinks that judges should have to prove themselves at lower levels.
"With the fighters' futures and livelihood at stake, you want the most competent officials doing the fights," Goossen said. "The only way you can make sure it's consistent and fair and accurate is to have a system where the officials are held accountable."
Former champion Oscar De La Hoya has been between the ropes when questionable scorecards were read, giving him an appreciation for how much power those three judges seated ringside have.
Now as a promoter, De La Hoya is even more concerned that all the positive momentum generated by the sport will be sacrificed if the public loses confidence in the outcomes.
"It's a significant problem for any sport that has judges deciding who wins, whether it be gymnastics, swimming, diving," he said. "We're on such a roll with big events, people are not really discussing the topic and are not really paying attention to the so-called shady decisions.
"But still, we have to put a stop to it. We have to do something."
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: usatoday.com
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Dana White talks Mayweather-Pacquiao, says Brock Lesnar still very sick -- Las Vegas Sun
By Brett Okamoto, Las Vegas Sun
MEMPHIS — There was much to talk about when UFC president Dana White met with media members on Thursday following the pre-fight press conference to UFC 107.
White is known for sitting down with the media and shooting straight answers to any questions they may have leading up to a pay-per-view-event.
The Las Vegas Sun provides a look into these conversations with the package Fireside Chats, which includes video and text breakdown of the main topics covered by White. While this version probably features a little stronger language than the ones of the 1930s with Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is Dana White, so that’s to be expected.
Brock Lesnar is still very sick
The UFC heavyweight champion is still recovering from an intestinal problem that required him having surgery earlier this year. Lesnar may still require major surgery to fully take care of the problem.
According to White, Lesnar actually collapsed during a family vacation to Canada before having surgery. Doctors have also informed White that Lesnar was fighting at about 60 percent for the entire last year.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Lesnar will be able to return to the sport at all due to the health concerns, although White says the heavyweight is optimistic he’ll fight again.
“He talks about both (getting well and fighting),” White said. “He believes he’s going to come back. He’s confident and positive. He’s in a much better place than he was when he was in the hospital.”
Mayweather, Pacquiao super-fight will be good for business
White believes that the huge amount of pay-per-view buys expected for the future boxing fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will be good for all combat sports.
He also says he can’t wait to watch the fight himself.
“I think it’s going to be great for the business,” White said. “In these hard economic times, (the UFC) and boxing are proving that combat sports have never been bigger than they are right now. That’s going to be a great fight and I’m excited for that fight.”
Rampage is back, despite unpleasantries
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson was supposed to fight this weekend in Memphis, but bailed on the card to pursue an acting role in the new ‘A-Team’ movie.
After White was very critical of that decision, Jackson announced his retirement from the UFC.
Since then, Jackson has gone back on that decision and is expected to still fight his heated rival Rashad Evans sometime next year. Although White says his relationship with Jackson is still a bit on the rocks.
“I had a very unpleasant 45-minute phone call with Rampage before the TUF finale (on Dec. 5),” White said. “We started fighting on texts that day. He sent me a really bad text so I sent him a really bad text back. He wrote back, ‘Call me, I can’t spell good enough to fight on texts.”
Kimbo Slice impressive, Houston Alexander out of the UFC
White made sure to go on record that he has been impressed with Kimbo Slice ever since the street brawler agreed to compete on “The Ultimate Fighter”.
He was not impressed, however, with Houston Alexander, who basically refused to fight Slice during their catchweight bout at the TUF 10 Finale.
“I was going to get up and leave, that’s how disappointed I was in that fight,” White said. “Kimbo did prove me wrong. As disgusted as I was with Alexander’s performance, Kimbo beat a real guy.”
At this point it’s still unclear whether Slice will compete in the heavyweight or light heavyweight division.
Against White’s wishes, Chuck Liddell will fight again
White has continually said that he wished his longtime friend Chuck Liddell would hang up his gloves for good from the UFC.
Liddell, who hasn’t fought since April, continued to express his desire to get back in the octagon and will receive that chance as he’s been named to coach against Tito Ortiz in the eleventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter”.
Liddell has lost four of his last five fights in the UFC, and White says he hopes that the fighter will be satisfied after the Ortiz fight.
“I wanted him to retire, we went back and forth on that for a long time,” White said. “That’s my plan, he’ll do that one fight and win, lose or draw, he’ll retire. We’ll see what happens when it happens.”
Don’t look for Dan Henderson to ever return to the UFC
The announcement this week of Dan Henderson signing with Strikeforce didn’t come as a surprise to White, and added that Henderson would likely finish his fighting career away from the UFC.
The two have had a friendly relationship in the past, although it seems that has changed given the recent circumstances.
“Me and Dan Henderson were cool, we were,” White said. “Dan probably won’t be back in the UFC. He knows where we stand. I talked to him on the phone and I told him exactly how it is.”
Being friends is no excuse not to compete
There have been instances lately of fighters saying they won’t get in the octagon with each other because of friendships.
Most notably, UFC champions Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida have said they’ll never do it, as well as welterweight contenders Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch.
According to White, friendships shouldn’t stand in the way of these fighters trying to become the best in the world.
“It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in the world,” White said. “
It’s like Shaq not wanting to compete against his friends. It’s a sport; you’re out there to compete and see who the best is. Not, ‘You’re my friend and I don’t like you if we fight.’ Give me a break.”
Still planning on base jumping off Mandalay Bay
It’s now been five months since White promised to base jump off Mandalay Bay after UFC 100’s success in pay-per-view buys.
Although the resort has yet to agree to allow White to jump from the roof, the UFC president says that he’s began training for the jump and still plans on staying true to his word.
“I’ve actually been working on it, I’m going to do it,” White said. “They don’t want me to do it but I’ve been training with one of the best base jumpers in the United States. You guys keep pushing me, that’s what I get for opening my big mouth.”
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
MEMPHIS — There was much to talk about when UFC president Dana White met with media members on Thursday following the pre-fight press conference to UFC 107.
White is known for sitting down with the media and shooting straight answers to any questions they may have leading up to a pay-per-view-event.
The Las Vegas Sun provides a look into these conversations with the package Fireside Chats, which includes video and text breakdown of the main topics covered by White. While this version probably features a little stronger language than the ones of the 1930s with Franklin D. Roosevelt, it is Dana White, so that’s to be expected.
Brock Lesnar is still very sick
The UFC heavyweight champion is still recovering from an intestinal problem that required him having surgery earlier this year. Lesnar may still require major surgery to fully take care of the problem.
According to White, Lesnar actually collapsed during a family vacation to Canada before having surgery. Doctors have also informed White that Lesnar was fighting at about 60 percent for the entire last year.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Lesnar will be able to return to the sport at all due to the health concerns, although White says the heavyweight is optimistic he’ll fight again.
“He talks about both (getting well and fighting),” White said. “He believes he’s going to come back. He’s confident and positive. He’s in a much better place than he was when he was in the hospital.”
Mayweather, Pacquiao super-fight will be good for business
White believes that the huge amount of pay-per-view buys expected for the future boxing fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will be good for all combat sports.
He also says he can’t wait to watch the fight himself.
“I think it’s going to be great for the business,” White said. “In these hard economic times, (the UFC) and boxing are proving that combat sports have never been bigger than they are right now. That’s going to be a great fight and I’m excited for that fight.”
Rampage is back, despite unpleasantries
Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson was supposed to fight this weekend in Memphis, but bailed on the card to pursue an acting role in the new ‘A-Team’ movie.
After White was very critical of that decision, Jackson announced his retirement from the UFC.
Since then, Jackson has gone back on that decision and is expected to still fight his heated rival Rashad Evans sometime next year. Although White says his relationship with Jackson is still a bit on the rocks.
“I had a very unpleasant 45-minute phone call with Rampage before the TUF finale (on Dec. 5),” White said. “We started fighting on texts that day. He sent me a really bad text so I sent him a really bad text back. He wrote back, ‘Call me, I can’t spell good enough to fight on texts.”
Kimbo Slice impressive, Houston Alexander out of the UFC
White made sure to go on record that he has been impressed with Kimbo Slice ever since the street brawler agreed to compete on “The Ultimate Fighter”.
He was not impressed, however, with Houston Alexander, who basically refused to fight Slice during their catchweight bout at the TUF 10 Finale.
“I was going to get up and leave, that’s how disappointed I was in that fight,” White said. “Kimbo did prove me wrong. As disgusted as I was with Alexander’s performance, Kimbo beat a real guy.”
At this point it’s still unclear whether Slice will compete in the heavyweight or light heavyweight division.
Against White’s wishes, Chuck Liddell will fight again
White has continually said that he wished his longtime friend Chuck Liddell would hang up his gloves for good from the UFC.
Liddell, who hasn’t fought since April, continued to express his desire to get back in the octagon and will receive that chance as he’s been named to coach against Tito Ortiz in the eleventh season of “The Ultimate Fighter”.
Liddell has lost four of his last five fights in the UFC, and White says he hopes that the fighter will be satisfied after the Ortiz fight.
“I wanted him to retire, we went back and forth on that for a long time,” White said. “That’s my plan, he’ll do that one fight and win, lose or draw, he’ll retire. We’ll see what happens when it happens.”
Don’t look for Dan Henderson to ever return to the UFC
The announcement this week of Dan Henderson signing with Strikeforce didn’t come as a surprise to White, and added that Henderson would likely finish his fighting career away from the UFC.
The two have had a friendly relationship in the past, although it seems that has changed given the recent circumstances.
“Me and Dan Henderson were cool, we were,” White said. “Dan probably won’t be back in the UFC. He knows where we stand. I talked to him on the phone and I told him exactly how it is.”
Being friends is no excuse not to compete
There have been instances lately of fighters saying they won’t get in the octagon with each other because of friendships.
Most notably, UFC champions Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida have said they’ll never do it, as well as welterweight contenders Josh Koscheck and Jon Fitch.
According to White, friendships shouldn’t stand in the way of these fighters trying to become the best in the world.
“It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in the world,” White said. “
It’s like Shaq not wanting to compete against his friends. It’s a sport; you’re out there to compete and see who the best is. Not, ‘You’re my friend and I don’t like you if we fight.’ Give me a break.”
Still planning on base jumping off Mandalay Bay
It’s now been five months since White promised to base jump off Mandalay Bay after UFC 100’s success in pay-per-view buys.
Although the resort has yet to agree to allow White to jump from the roof, the UFC president says that he’s began training for the jump and still plans on staying true to his word.
“I’ve actually been working on it, I’m going to do it,” White said. “They don’t want me to do it but I’ve been training with one of the best base jumpers in the United States. You guys keep pushing me, that’s what I get for opening my big mouth.”
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
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Advisor: Manny Pacquiao would "prefer not" to fight at Staples Center -- Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The U.S. business advisor for Manny Pacquiao said the Filipino boxing star would "prefer not" to have his verbally agreed-upon megafight versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. at Staples Center.
The business advisor, Michael Koncz, said he and a Pacquiao accountant have estimated that the boxer would owe a California tax bill they estimate at $3.5 million to $5 million.
Koncz said without assurances that Pacquiao's tax bill would be paid with a larger total purse, "Manny doesn't want to fight in California," when the alternatives are no state taxes if the scheduled March 13 bout were fought in Nevada or Texas.
On Wednesday, Dan Beckerman, the chief financial officer for Staples' owner AEG, told The Times that his corporation would guarantee a record $20 million to stage the fight at the 20,000-seat venue. AEG is a part-owner of Golden Boy Promotions, which Mayweather has retained to negotiate the Pacquiao fight deal.
Tuesday night, Golden Boy Chief Executive Richard Schaefer canceled a tour of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium with Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum and the head of HBO Sports, Ross Greenburg. Arum reportedly is so upset by that cancellation that he has directed his son-in-law Todd duBoef, who is president of his promotion company Top Rank, to negotiate for now.
Koncz said he was "troubled" by the AEG-Golden Boy connection and how it has possibly influenced the site deal negotiation. He called Schaefer's cancellation "unprofessional."
Koncz said he was strongly considering calling Mayweather's manager to discuss the concerns of taking on a state tax bill in California.
"The promoters work for the fighter, not the other way around," Koncz said. "Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are driving this interest in the fight and it's time for the fighters to exert their muscles, and make it clear what they want."
Koncz said he was struggling to understand how the Staples offer could beat the site money available in either Las Vegas or Dallas. He said the parties have already discussed a ticket price range between $500 and $2,500 for ringside seats for the bout, which would make it the most lucrative gate in Nevada history.
Beckerman acknowledged Wednesday that the tax bill was a concern. He did not immediately return a call today to address how Staples or promoters would allay the concerns of Pacquiao and Mayweather.
-- Lance Pugmire
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
The U.S. business advisor for Manny Pacquiao said the Filipino boxing star would "prefer not" to have his verbally agreed-upon megafight versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. at Staples Center.
The business advisor, Michael Koncz, said he and a Pacquiao accountant have estimated that the boxer would owe a California tax bill they estimate at $3.5 million to $5 million.
Koncz said without assurances that Pacquiao's tax bill would be paid with a larger total purse, "Manny doesn't want to fight in California," when the alternatives are no state taxes if the scheduled March 13 bout were fought in Nevada or Texas.
On Wednesday, Dan Beckerman, the chief financial officer for Staples' owner AEG, told The Times that his corporation would guarantee a record $20 million to stage the fight at the 20,000-seat venue. AEG is a part-owner of Golden Boy Promotions, which Mayweather has retained to negotiate the Pacquiao fight deal.
Tuesday night, Golden Boy Chief Executive Richard Schaefer canceled a tour of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium with Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum and the head of HBO Sports, Ross Greenburg. Arum reportedly is so upset by that cancellation that he has directed his son-in-law Todd duBoef, who is president of his promotion company Top Rank, to negotiate for now.
Koncz said he was "troubled" by the AEG-Golden Boy connection and how it has possibly influenced the site deal negotiation. He called Schaefer's cancellation "unprofessional."
Koncz said he was strongly considering calling Mayweather's manager to discuss the concerns of taking on a state tax bill in California.
"The promoters work for the fighter, not the other way around," Koncz said. "Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather are driving this interest in the fight and it's time for the fighters to exert their muscles, and make it clear what they want."
Koncz said he was struggling to understand how the Staples offer could beat the site money available in either Las Vegas or Dallas. He said the parties have already discussed a ticket price range between $500 and $2,500 for ringside seats for the bout, which would make it the most lucrative gate in Nevada history.
Beckerman acknowledged Wednesday that the tax bill was a concern. He did not immediately return a call today to address how Staples or promoters would allay the concerns of Pacquiao and Mayweather.
-- Lance Pugmire
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
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