By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse
With each fighter's side in virtual agreement with all of the parameters, and the potential sites narrowed down to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Cowboys Stadium, a deal for the March 13 Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao megabout could "definitely be finalized this week," according to a source close to the negotiations.
Although Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has offered $25 million to host the bout, that number is expected to be surpassed by the MGM Grand, where both fighters and their respective promoters have routinely enjoyed success.
The 32-year-old Mayweather, a five-time champion being represented by Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, is 6-0 with two knockouts at the MGM.
The 30-year-old Pacquiao, a winner of seven crowns in as many weight divisions, is promoted by Top Rank's Bob Arum. Pacquiao is 3-1-1 at MGM.
Citing a source involved in the site talks, The Los Angeles Times spelled out a scenario in which the MGM Grand would generate $28 million in live-gate sales, offer 40,000 closed-circuit seats through MGM/Mirage properties, and charge $100 a head for a possible $4 million surplus -- a total worth of around $32 million.
"I really believe that it will be done by late Thursday," said the source. "It will definitely be finalized this week. I'm just not sure if it's going to be Dallas or the MGM."
Schaefer, Mayweather's manager Leonard Ellerbe, and Mayweather's camp members have agreed not to comment publicly during negotiations.
But Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's adviser, believes he knows where the fight will take place.
"I believe that it will end up at the MGM because both fighters want to fight in Las Vegas," said Koncz. "I think that both fighters have expressed their desire to fight in Las Vegas."
Pacquiao has even agreed to an Olympic-style, random drug test at the request of Mayweather's camp.
Floyd Mayweather Sr., the fighter's father, has insinuated that the Filipino star may have used steroids since he's maintained his punching power from 106 to nearly 147 pounds.
"They make a big deal out of Manny's having supernatural power. But Manny's just a freak of nature and he's very religious," said Koncz.
"I don't know if there's a connection [between Pacquiao's faith and his power], but there are, certainly, no illicit drugs there," said Koncz. "I know that for a fact. Maybe Manny does get it from the Lord."
Mayweather-Pacquiao will be contested at the welterweight (147) limit for the WBO title that Pacquiao earned from Cotto on Nov. 14.
Pacquiao is 11-0 with eight knockouts since a March 2008 loss to Erik Morales -- including consecutive KOs of David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.
A Las Vegas resident, Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) has decisioned Gregorio Vargas, Jose Luis Castillo, De La Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM, where he also has stopped Diego Corrales and Hatton.
Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) has stopped De La Hoya, Hatton and Cotto at MGM, drawn with Marquez, and lost to Morales.
"There has been no contract for us to review, but Manny and I are in constant communication with Arum, and everything is upbeat and there are no red flags," said Koncz of Pacquiao, who is all but ready to sign after being guaranteed $25 million by Arum.
"As far as I'm concerned, the deal is already done. The only issue is the venue. We've countered the offer and the majority of the things just have to be accepted by Arum," said Koncz.
"We're not in a panic mode. We're used to this for every fight. It's routine. We come to an agreement down the road, then the contract is sent to us for review," said Koncz.
"There's been no negative response back, so if there was a problem, Arum would have told me," said Koncz. "So as far as we're concerned, it's done."
Source: boxing.fanhouse.com
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Manny Pacquiao Endorses Trust Fund to Help Fight Child Poverty -- PRWeb
PRWEB
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) December 15, 2009 -- The company’s flagship product, a lotion called Elmore Oil, which is used for pain relief for people suffering from arthritis and muscular aches and pains, has been Australias fastest selling topical pain reliever over the last 3 years and is now available in 12 countries around the world, including the Philippines.
The Elmore Oil Company has always been heavily involved in the support of children in the community, with their pioneering program in Australia known as The Future Champions Program being hailed as a breakthrough for individual athletes struggling to make it to the elite level. The Future Champions Program provides financial assistance to young children who have the potential to excel, but are perhaps held back by a lack of finances.
And now the makers of the fastest selling topical pain reliever will team up with a man who is considered by some as the worlds greatest boxer, to help children who may not otherwise have a chance to make it in life.
It all started when the companies managing director, Mark Linford, made his first business trip to the Philippines in November 2007 and was struck by the number of young children on the streets of Manila, forced to beg for a living. “It’s a hard thing to witness”, says Mr. Linford, “and I knew from the first time I visited the country we needed to do something to help. It took a little over a year to get something in place but we now have a trust fund which provides financial help for the children of the Philippines.”
“Initially we set up a pilot program which is being trialed in Ozamiz City, in the southern region of Mindanao, before we launch it around the Philippines. The program is funded from proceeds from the sale of our Elmore Oil in the Philippines, with 10 pesos from the sale of every 50ml bottle going into the fund which is then distributed by the Ozamiz City treasury department to needy street kids to provide education programs.”
While it is still in the trial stage at the moment, it has been quite successful, with the personal endorsement of the Mayor of Ozamiz City, Reynaldo Parojinog. But now with the backing of the Philippines greatest sporting export, Manny Pacquiao,the fund is set to be promoted rapidly around the whole country, working with each of the country’s 14 major regions.
We recognized that within the Philippines Manny Pacquiao is more than just a sports star,” says Mr. Linford. “His image is on the side of buildings and taxi drivers want to talk about him wherever you go.
Having won a world championship in 7 different weight divisions he is one of the best fighters in the history of the sport so we are so honoured to have Manny on board to endorse the Elmore Oil Trust Fund for Street Children.”
Mr. Linford met with Pacquiao in Baguio City to sign off the deal in the Philippines in October, but Manny wanted to wait until after his fight with Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on November 14th before he would put pen to paper.
“It has taken some time to finalise this arrangement but we are pleased that Manny is now on the verge of signing on to make great changes for the benefit of his home country”, said Mr. Linford.
Source: prweb.com
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) December 15, 2009 -- The company’s flagship product, a lotion called Elmore Oil, which is used for pain relief for people suffering from arthritis and muscular aches and pains, has been Australias fastest selling topical pain reliever over the last 3 years and is now available in 12 countries around the world, including the Philippines.
The Elmore Oil Company has always been heavily involved in the support of children in the community, with their pioneering program in Australia known as The Future Champions Program being hailed as a breakthrough for individual athletes struggling to make it to the elite level. The Future Champions Program provides financial assistance to young children who have the potential to excel, but are perhaps held back by a lack of finances.
And now the makers of the fastest selling topical pain reliever will team up with a man who is considered by some as the worlds greatest boxer, to help children who may not otherwise have a chance to make it in life.
It all started when the companies managing director, Mark Linford, made his first business trip to the Philippines in November 2007 and was struck by the number of young children on the streets of Manila, forced to beg for a living. “It’s a hard thing to witness”, says Mr. Linford, “and I knew from the first time I visited the country we needed to do something to help. It took a little over a year to get something in place but we now have a trust fund which provides financial help for the children of the Philippines.”
“Initially we set up a pilot program which is being trialed in Ozamiz City, in the southern region of Mindanao, before we launch it around the Philippines. The program is funded from proceeds from the sale of our Elmore Oil in the Philippines, with 10 pesos from the sale of every 50ml bottle going into the fund which is then distributed by the Ozamiz City treasury department to needy street kids to provide education programs.”
While it is still in the trial stage at the moment, it has been quite successful, with the personal endorsement of the Mayor of Ozamiz City, Reynaldo Parojinog. But now with the backing of the Philippines greatest sporting export, Manny Pacquiao,the fund is set to be promoted rapidly around the whole country, working with each of the country’s 14 major regions.
We recognized that within the Philippines Manny Pacquiao is more than just a sports star,” says Mr. Linford. “His image is on the side of buildings and taxi drivers want to talk about him wherever you go.
Having won a world championship in 7 different weight divisions he is one of the best fighters in the history of the sport so we are so honoured to have Manny on board to endorse the Elmore Oil Trust Fund for Street Children.”
Mr. Linford met with Pacquiao in Baguio City to sign off the deal in the Philippines in October, but Manny wanted to wait until after his fight with Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on November 14th before he would put pen to paper.
“It has taken some time to finalise this arrangement but we are pleased that Manny is now on the verge of signing on to make great changes for the benefit of his home country”, said Mr. Linford.
Source: prweb.com
GenSan prepares for Pacman’s birthday bash -- Manila Bulletin
By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
General Santos City is buzzing with excitement once again as its most beloved son celebrates his 31st birthday on Wednesday with personalities from the world of politics, showbiz and sports gracing the evening affair that will be held at the KCC Convention Center.
As Manny Pacquiao turns another leaf, the city is rolling the red carpet for the nth time with the arrival of bigwigs from Manila and elsewhere but a notable absentee is Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, who had earlier expressed interest in taking the long flight to the country.
Owing to time constraints, Cotto is no longer arriving and he has sent word to Pacquiao assistant Joe Ramos via Team Cotto aide-de-camp Bryan Perez, that he wishes the Filipino fighter all the best in his special day.
“Maybe, some other time (Cotto will get to visit the Philippines),” said Perez. “Still, Miguel wishes Manny a happy birthday.”
Cotto has to travel nine hours by air from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to either Los Angeles or San Francisco, to catch a 16-hour flight to Manila, making it too hard on the popular Cotto and his companions.
Pacquiao and Cotto engaged in a bruising and bloody battle last month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and as soon as referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight, Cotto immediately went to Pacquiao’s corner and congratulated his conqueror.
Last year, there were several luminaries from boxing.
Attending last year’s celebrations were fighters David Diaz of the US, who Pacquiao had knocked out in June, and Edwin Valero of Venezuela, as well as Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach.
The guest of honor was President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was joined in the table by Pacquiao, Arum, Roach and Cabinet secretary and long-time Pacquiao supporter Lito Atienza.
Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, another avid admirer of Pacquiao, is flying to General Santos City on board his private plane.
From his home in Vigan, Singson’s plane will make a stopover in Manila to pick up other guests, then proceed to General Santos City.
Source: mb.com.ph
General Santos City is buzzing with excitement once again as its most beloved son celebrates his 31st birthday on Wednesday with personalities from the world of politics, showbiz and sports gracing the evening affair that will be held at the KCC Convention Center.
As Manny Pacquiao turns another leaf, the city is rolling the red carpet for the nth time with the arrival of bigwigs from Manila and elsewhere but a notable absentee is Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, who had earlier expressed interest in taking the long flight to the country.
Owing to time constraints, Cotto is no longer arriving and he has sent word to Pacquiao assistant Joe Ramos via Team Cotto aide-de-camp Bryan Perez, that he wishes the Filipino fighter all the best in his special day.
“Maybe, some other time (Cotto will get to visit the Philippines),” said Perez. “Still, Miguel wishes Manny a happy birthday.”
Cotto has to travel nine hours by air from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to either Los Angeles or San Francisco, to catch a 16-hour flight to Manila, making it too hard on the popular Cotto and his companions.
Pacquiao and Cotto engaged in a bruising and bloody battle last month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and as soon as referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight, Cotto immediately went to Pacquiao’s corner and congratulated his conqueror.
Last year, there were several luminaries from boxing.
Attending last year’s celebrations were fighters David Diaz of the US, who Pacquiao had knocked out in June, and Edwin Valero of Venezuela, as well as Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach.
The guest of honor was President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was joined in the table by Pacquiao, Arum, Roach and Cabinet secretary and long-time Pacquiao supporter Lito Atienza.
Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, another avid admirer of Pacquiao, is flying to General Santos City on board his private plane.
From his home in Vigan, Singson’s plane will make a stopover in Manila to pick up other guests, then proceed to General Santos City.
Source: mb.com.ph
Vegas wants to reap tourism benefits of Pacquiao-Mayweather bout -- Las Vegas Sun
By Richard N. Velotta, Las Vegas Sun
Three cities are believed to be in the running to host what many consider the Super Bowl of professional boxing, the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight on March 13.
Probably no one wants to host it more than Las Vegas, hungering for the millions of dollars the fight will generate for a city starved of its diet of tourists in a mood to have fun.
The fight may prove the most lucrative ever for Las Vegas in terms of filling rooms and restaurants with the big-spending followers of the sport, not to mention the wagering that comes with any high-profile sporting event.
Granted, such prize fights aren’t the town’s biggest moneymakers.
Pacquiao-Mayweather has the potential of topping $13 million in nongaming revenue generated for the city, experts say. By comparison, last year’s Las Vegas Bowl that pitted Arizona against BYU and which drew 42,350 people, 75 percent of whom were from out of town, generated $14.2 million for the city.
Last year’s National Finals Rodeo — a 10-day event — brought $49.8 million to the city, and the 280,000 people who celebrated New Year’s Eve here contributed $189 million to the local economy plus what they left behind at the tables.
Still, Las Vegas has benefited from the economic punch that comes with being the Boxing Capital of the World.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has tracked the economic effect of most of the major boxing matches in Las Vegas. Although there’s no established formula for predicting how much nongaming revenue would be generated for the community by Pacquiao-Mayweather, the total could be among the highest ever.
Coming up with a hard prediction is difficult because of the many variables that determine how robust the fight-centered spending would be. Among the factors considered by LVCVA analysts are the size of the venue hosting the fight, the appeal of the boxers involved, how well their supporters travel and the economic climate at the time of the fight.
The run-up of the hype and the media coverage preceding the match also figure into the equation.
In this case, fans of the sport have long awaited a battle between the Filipino Pacquiao, considered by Ring magazine to be the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, and Mayweather, who is ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound and is undefeated in 40 matches.
Both fighters have legions of loyal fans; Mayweather is considered one of the top Americans in the sport, while Pacquiao is a national hero in his native country.
The three cities most often mentioned hosting the fight are Las Vegas, Dallas (on the strength of the new, 100,000-seat, giant-screen Cowboys Stadium) and New Orleans, with its 80,000-plus seat Superdome. Yankee Stadium in New York and the Staples Center in Los Angeles were considered and dismissed because of the high tax rates in New York and California.
The Los Angeles Times has reported that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has offered a $25 million guarantee to host the fight, citing a source close to the negotiations, exceeding the $20 million guarantee that Staples Center offered fight promoters this week.
Promoter Bob Arum has said he expects to make a decision by next week, and Rossi Ralenkotter, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, says the town can make a strong argument for bringing the fight here.
“We’ve hosted some of the biggest boxing matches in history and we have an international reputation,” he said. “Las Vegas works well for the promoters because it has such an electric, 24-hour atmosphere.”
The major fights in the past five years in Las Vegas have been sponsored or hosted by the Thomas & Mack Center, MGM Grand Garden Arena or the Mandalay Bay arena. They’ve usually drawn more than 8,000 fans to the gate and generated more than $6 million for the community.
One of the biggest fights by estimated nongaming economic impact in the past five years was the Nov. 18, 2006, match between Pacquiao and Erik Morales — the third meeting between them. That fight, staged at the Thomas & Mack Center, drew 18,276 to the arena and generated an estimated $12.9 million for Las Vegas.
Mayweather has been in two matches at the MGM Grand, each drawing about 16,700 fans and each bringing in more than $12.5 million in revenue to town along with gambling — his May 5, 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya and his Dec. 8, 2007 bout against Ricky Hatton.
All three of those fights occurred before the economy tanked and involved boxers with legions of followers willing to travel to support their man.
One of the sport’s most notorious Las Vegas fights drew 16,331 fans to MGM Grand, but the economic impact to Las Vegas was only calculated at $9 million. On June 28, 1997, heavyweights Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battled in “The Sound and the Fury,” as the bout was promoted. In that fight, Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear, touching off a near riot that spilled into the casino.
For the upcoming fight, negotiations between fight promoter Bob Arum and the potential venues have been close to the vest, but typically a company like MGM Mirage will present a package that guarantees hotel rooms, food and beverage, special side events and other incentives in addition to a financial commitment.
Las Vegas and Dallas both have airports with hundreds of flights from cities across the country and both airports are easy drives to the arenas.
The biggest downside for Las Vegas is the size of the house — five times as many tickets could be sold at Cowboys Stadium than at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. But promoters also have to ask whether Dallas could serve up the same sideshow atmosphere and provide enough hotel rooms for fight attendees. And, of course, there’s no gambling — legal wagering anyway — in Texas.
Mayweather trains in Las Vegas and has a home here. Some say that could result in a “home-field advantage” for him, even though both boxers have staged their past five bouts here.
The decision is likely to come down to whether Arum wants to rely on a proven host with a solid reputation for big events or a newcomer with lots of upside but no track record on an event of this magnitude.
Source: lasvegassun.com
Three cities are believed to be in the running to host what many consider the Super Bowl of professional boxing, the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight on March 13.
Probably no one wants to host it more than Las Vegas, hungering for the millions of dollars the fight will generate for a city starved of its diet of tourists in a mood to have fun.
The fight may prove the most lucrative ever for Las Vegas in terms of filling rooms and restaurants with the big-spending followers of the sport, not to mention the wagering that comes with any high-profile sporting event.
Granted, such prize fights aren’t the town’s biggest moneymakers.
Pacquiao-Mayweather has the potential of topping $13 million in nongaming revenue generated for the city, experts say. By comparison, last year’s Las Vegas Bowl that pitted Arizona against BYU and which drew 42,350 people, 75 percent of whom were from out of town, generated $14.2 million for the city.
Last year’s National Finals Rodeo — a 10-day event — brought $49.8 million to the city, and the 280,000 people who celebrated New Year’s Eve here contributed $189 million to the local economy plus what they left behind at the tables.
Still, Las Vegas has benefited from the economic punch that comes with being the Boxing Capital of the World.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has tracked the economic effect of most of the major boxing matches in Las Vegas. Although there’s no established formula for predicting how much nongaming revenue would be generated for the community by Pacquiao-Mayweather, the total could be among the highest ever.
Coming up with a hard prediction is difficult because of the many variables that determine how robust the fight-centered spending would be. Among the factors considered by LVCVA analysts are the size of the venue hosting the fight, the appeal of the boxers involved, how well their supporters travel and the economic climate at the time of the fight.
The run-up of the hype and the media coverage preceding the match also figure into the equation.
In this case, fans of the sport have long awaited a battle between the Filipino Pacquiao, considered by Ring magazine to be the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, and Mayweather, who is ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound and is undefeated in 40 matches.
Both fighters have legions of loyal fans; Mayweather is considered one of the top Americans in the sport, while Pacquiao is a national hero in his native country.
The three cities most often mentioned hosting the fight are Las Vegas, Dallas (on the strength of the new, 100,000-seat, giant-screen Cowboys Stadium) and New Orleans, with its 80,000-plus seat Superdome. Yankee Stadium in New York and the Staples Center in Los Angeles were considered and dismissed because of the high tax rates in New York and California.
The Los Angeles Times has reported that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has offered a $25 million guarantee to host the fight, citing a source close to the negotiations, exceeding the $20 million guarantee that Staples Center offered fight promoters this week.
Promoter Bob Arum has said he expects to make a decision by next week, and Rossi Ralenkotter, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, says the town can make a strong argument for bringing the fight here.
“We’ve hosted some of the biggest boxing matches in history and we have an international reputation,” he said. “Las Vegas works well for the promoters because it has such an electric, 24-hour atmosphere.”
The major fights in the past five years in Las Vegas have been sponsored or hosted by the Thomas & Mack Center, MGM Grand Garden Arena or the Mandalay Bay arena. They’ve usually drawn more than 8,000 fans to the gate and generated more than $6 million for the community.
One of the biggest fights by estimated nongaming economic impact in the past five years was the Nov. 18, 2006, match between Pacquiao and Erik Morales — the third meeting between them. That fight, staged at the Thomas & Mack Center, drew 18,276 to the arena and generated an estimated $12.9 million for Las Vegas.
Mayweather has been in two matches at the MGM Grand, each drawing about 16,700 fans and each bringing in more than $12.5 million in revenue to town along with gambling — his May 5, 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya and his Dec. 8, 2007 bout against Ricky Hatton.
All three of those fights occurred before the economy tanked and involved boxers with legions of followers willing to travel to support their man.
One of the sport’s most notorious Las Vegas fights drew 16,331 fans to MGM Grand, but the economic impact to Las Vegas was only calculated at $9 million. On June 28, 1997, heavyweights Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield battled in “The Sound and the Fury,” as the bout was promoted. In that fight, Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear, touching off a near riot that spilled into the casino.
For the upcoming fight, negotiations between fight promoter Bob Arum and the potential venues have been close to the vest, but typically a company like MGM Mirage will present a package that guarantees hotel rooms, food and beverage, special side events and other incentives in addition to a financial commitment.
Las Vegas and Dallas both have airports with hundreds of flights from cities across the country and both airports are easy drives to the arenas.
The biggest downside for Las Vegas is the size of the house — five times as many tickets could be sold at Cowboys Stadium than at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. But promoters also have to ask whether Dallas could serve up the same sideshow atmosphere and provide enough hotel rooms for fight attendees. And, of course, there’s no gambling — legal wagering anyway — in Texas.
Mayweather trains in Las Vegas and has a home here. Some say that could result in a “home-field advantage” for him, even though both boxers have staged their past five bouts here.
The decision is likely to come down to whether Arum wants to rely on a proven host with a solid reputation for big events or a newcomer with lots of upside but no track record on an event of this magnitude.
Source: lasvegassun.com
Manny Pacquiao Hits Even Odds -- Gambling911.com
By Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
Originally the underdog, Manny Pacquiao is now listed at even odds in his bout against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., just serving as further indication as to how competitive a fight this is expected to be. These were the current odds found at SBG Global as of Tuesday December 15, 2009.
Mayweather, Jr. remained a -130 favorite. Even odds means that Manny Pacquiao would pay out $100 on every $100 bet whereas Mayweather, Jr. would require a risk of $130 to win $100 (with the initial $130 paid back only if Mayweather were to win).
Previously, Pacquiao would have paid out $130 for every $100 bet.
"We very much anticipate Manny Pacquiao's odds slashed even further in the coming weeks," said Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com. "It is strongly suggested that anyone who wants to bet on Pacquiao does so now and locks in the even odds."
You will find the "Bet Now, Click Here" button on the SBG Global website.
The two acclaimed fighters have agreed in principle to split $50m (£30.3m) up front in a fight scheduled for 13 March at an American venue yet to be decided.
The Pacquiao - Mayweather fight was already generating a massive betting frenzy prior to any official announcement. When all is said and done, this fight is expected to become one of the most wagered on events of 2010.
SBG Global is giving away huge FREE CASH BONUSES when you join today with your credit card (includes 20% Buddy Referral for Friends and Family, up to 60% reload bonuses on new money you add to your online sports betting account, Over $1,000,000 in FREE Weekly and Monthly Contests)
Source: gambling911.com
Originally the underdog, Manny Pacquiao is now listed at even odds in his bout against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., just serving as further indication as to how competitive a fight this is expected to be. These were the current odds found at SBG Global as of Tuesday December 15, 2009.
Mayweather, Jr. remained a -130 favorite. Even odds means that Manny Pacquiao would pay out $100 on every $100 bet whereas Mayweather, Jr. would require a risk of $130 to win $100 (with the initial $130 paid back only if Mayweather were to win).
Previously, Pacquiao would have paid out $130 for every $100 bet.
"We very much anticipate Manny Pacquiao's odds slashed even further in the coming weeks," said Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com. "It is strongly suggested that anyone who wants to bet on Pacquiao does so now and locks in the even odds."
You will find the "Bet Now, Click Here" button on the SBG Global website.
The two acclaimed fighters have agreed in principle to split $50m (£30.3m) up front in a fight scheduled for 13 March at an American venue yet to be decided.
The Pacquiao - Mayweather fight was already generating a massive betting frenzy prior to any official announcement. When all is said and done, this fight is expected to become one of the most wagered on events of 2010.
SBG Global is giving away huge FREE CASH BONUSES when you join today with your credit card (includes 20% Buddy Referral for Friends and Family, up to 60% reload bonuses on new money you add to your online sports betting account, Over $1,000,000 in FREE Weekly and Monthly Contests)
Source: gambling911.com
Pacquiao-Mayweather spells a new dawn for boxing -- The National
By Will Batchelor, The National
I have not been this excited in mid-December since 1987, when the prospect of a Sony Walkman from Father Christmas flushed my cheeks.
Nowadays – thanks to some hard-living and the need to climb stairs at least twice a day – my cheeks are permanently red, whether I am excited or not.
So you will just have to take my word for it: I am really excited about the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.
I know you believe me, because you are excited too.
Like me, you know it is a once-in-a-generation thing for two such magnificent fighters to hit their prime at the same time.
Like me, you cannot honestly predict who would win – Pac Man’s devastating precision or Pretty Boy’s silky defence.
Like me, you cannot resist the potential personality clash between the quiet nobility of Manny Pacquiao and the brash swagger of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
One man raised in poverty who plans to use his boxing fame to enter politics and make a difference.
The other a brat from a sporting dynasty, whose alternative nickname of Money signals his cruder ambitions.
Like me, you know this could be the fight to restore professional boxing’s credibility – or at least start the process of rehabilitation – after years of division, decline and a heavyweight scene dominated by plodding Neanderthals.
The fight, which looks likely to take place in March, is guaranteed to be special.
However, if the promoters want to make it extra special they should think outside the box when it comes to the venue. The box, in this case, meaning the USA.
Ask any number of casual boxing fans about the most important fights ever and the majority will fire back two automatic responses: The Thrilla in Manila, and the Rumble in the Jungle.
In reality, there have been far more important fights than those two, nearly all of them on American soil.
Jack Johnson versus Jim Jeffries (Reno, Nevada, 1910), for example, struck a blow for racial equality. Joe Louis against Max Schmeling (New York, 1936 and 1938) represented the clash between democracy and fascism.
Both were more important than George Foreman-Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa or Ali-Joe Frazier in Manila.
So why do the latter pair enjoy legendary status?
The colour television images of Ali’s exploits help, as does the fact they happened within living memory for millions. Plus, we all like a catchy rhyme.
But what also made them so special was their exotic location. Oppressive heat, dubious characters providing the cash, wild and delirious locals: this was nothing like Las Vegas.
OK, maybe it was a bit like old Vegas, but these bouts had an other-worldly flavour which lingers to this day.
Pacquiao-Mayweather spells a new dawn for boxing, so they should look East.
Mumbai, Beijing, Hong Kong or Bangkok could all put on a great show.
Yes, the USA TV audience provide the biggest purse but surely the emerging powers of the East could come close. And surely Americans would still pay to watch it anyway.
Choosing between the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the New Orleans Superdome or the new Dallas Cowboys stadium – the three current favourites – is like choosing between different versions of apple crumble and vanilla ice cream. All nice and safe, but a little bit dull.
After all, who wants crumble and vanilla... when you can have a rumble and a thrilla?
Former footballers will get the top jobs – you can bank on it
The BBC have announced that Tony Adams, a former footballer, is to become editor of their flagship radio show the Today programme.
The show is famous for expertly trapping oily politicians in webs of their own deceit, so Adams is the perfect man for the job – providing he is allowed to trap the politicians by elbowing them, jumping on them, pulling their shirt or tricking them into stepping one yard in front of him before frantically waving at the linesman.
To be fair, he will only be “guest editing” one show over the festive break, when there are no politicians around to harangue.
Instead, Adams has an interview with Joey Barton, the wayward footballer who has a proven track record for being a big hit over Christmas. He will also be chatting to Alan Davies, an unfunny comedian and Arsenal fan who presumably ensures the “Highbury library” atmosphere at Emirates Stadium is maintained, by telling his jokes throughout the match.
Seriously, Adams is a decent man with a lively mind, and this will work well as a one-off gimmick. However, it is symptomatic of a wider problem: what do we do with our ex-footballers? They can’t all work as commentators or pundits, and the traditional post-football career options of running a pub or selling insurance are now considered too lowly. The only answer is to follow the BBC’s example and give them all the top jobs, irrespective of qualifications.
I would like to see other major organisations follow suit and start handing out the plum roles. Let’s not rest until Graham Le Saux is head of Microsoft, Robbie Fowler bosses General Motors and Paul Gascoigne is appointed chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Well, he couldn’t do any worse than the last one.
Will Batchelor is a writer, broadcaster and self-confessed cynical sports fan
sports@thenational.ae
Source: thenational.ae
I have not been this excited in mid-December since 1987, when the prospect of a Sony Walkman from Father Christmas flushed my cheeks.
Nowadays – thanks to some hard-living and the need to climb stairs at least twice a day – my cheeks are permanently red, whether I am excited or not.
So you will just have to take my word for it: I am really excited about the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.
I know you believe me, because you are excited too.
Like me, you know it is a once-in-a-generation thing for two such magnificent fighters to hit their prime at the same time.
Like me, you cannot honestly predict who would win – Pac Man’s devastating precision or Pretty Boy’s silky defence.
Like me, you cannot resist the potential personality clash between the quiet nobility of Manny Pacquiao and the brash swagger of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
One man raised in poverty who plans to use his boxing fame to enter politics and make a difference.
The other a brat from a sporting dynasty, whose alternative nickname of Money signals his cruder ambitions.
Like me, you know this could be the fight to restore professional boxing’s credibility – or at least start the process of rehabilitation – after years of division, decline and a heavyweight scene dominated by plodding Neanderthals.
The fight, which looks likely to take place in March, is guaranteed to be special.
However, if the promoters want to make it extra special they should think outside the box when it comes to the venue. The box, in this case, meaning the USA.
Ask any number of casual boxing fans about the most important fights ever and the majority will fire back two automatic responses: The Thrilla in Manila, and the Rumble in the Jungle.
In reality, there have been far more important fights than those two, nearly all of them on American soil.
Jack Johnson versus Jim Jeffries (Reno, Nevada, 1910), for example, struck a blow for racial equality. Joe Louis against Max Schmeling (New York, 1936 and 1938) represented the clash between democracy and fascism.
Both were more important than George Foreman-Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa or Ali-Joe Frazier in Manila.
So why do the latter pair enjoy legendary status?
The colour television images of Ali’s exploits help, as does the fact they happened within living memory for millions. Plus, we all like a catchy rhyme.
But what also made them so special was their exotic location. Oppressive heat, dubious characters providing the cash, wild and delirious locals: this was nothing like Las Vegas.
OK, maybe it was a bit like old Vegas, but these bouts had an other-worldly flavour which lingers to this day.
Pacquiao-Mayweather spells a new dawn for boxing, so they should look East.
Mumbai, Beijing, Hong Kong or Bangkok could all put on a great show.
Yes, the USA TV audience provide the biggest purse but surely the emerging powers of the East could come close. And surely Americans would still pay to watch it anyway.
Choosing between the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the New Orleans Superdome or the new Dallas Cowboys stadium – the three current favourites – is like choosing between different versions of apple crumble and vanilla ice cream. All nice and safe, but a little bit dull.
After all, who wants crumble and vanilla... when you can have a rumble and a thrilla?
Former footballers will get the top jobs – you can bank on it
The BBC have announced that Tony Adams, a former footballer, is to become editor of their flagship radio show the Today programme.
The show is famous for expertly trapping oily politicians in webs of their own deceit, so Adams is the perfect man for the job – providing he is allowed to trap the politicians by elbowing them, jumping on them, pulling their shirt or tricking them into stepping one yard in front of him before frantically waving at the linesman.
To be fair, he will only be “guest editing” one show over the festive break, when there are no politicians around to harangue.
Instead, Adams has an interview with Joey Barton, the wayward footballer who has a proven track record for being a big hit over Christmas. He will also be chatting to Alan Davies, an unfunny comedian and Arsenal fan who presumably ensures the “Highbury library” atmosphere at Emirates Stadium is maintained, by telling his jokes throughout the match.
Seriously, Adams is a decent man with a lively mind, and this will work well as a one-off gimmick. However, it is symptomatic of a wider problem: what do we do with our ex-footballers? They can’t all work as commentators or pundits, and the traditional post-football career options of running a pub or selling insurance are now considered too lowly. The only answer is to follow the BBC’s example and give them all the top jobs, irrespective of qualifications.
I would like to see other major organisations follow suit and start handing out the plum roles. Let’s not rest until Graham Le Saux is head of Microsoft, Robbie Fowler bosses General Motors and Paul Gascoigne is appointed chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Well, he couldn’t do any worse than the last one.
Will Batchelor is a writer, broadcaster and self-confessed cynical sports fan
sports@thenational.ae
Source: thenational.ae
UFC Won’t Counter Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Bout -- 5thRound.com
By Tim Ngo, 5thRound.com
Boxing’s biggest fight in years will go unopposed by the UFC as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will battle it out to officially crown the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The bout is scheduled to take place on March 13th, the same month that the UFC is expected to hold an event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
“Hell no, I ain’t going near that frickin’ thing man,” White said about the boxing match.
An admitted boxing fan, White seemed to respect the bout and say how excited he was about it.
“I wanna go to that fight myself,” White explained. “So no, we won’t be trying to counter-program Pacquiao-Mayweather.”
It’s probably a smart move for the UFC to concede March 13th to boxing, as any event they could put together would get dwarfed by the pay-per-view buys for boxing’s mega-fight.
Source: 5thround.com
Boxing’s biggest fight in years will go unopposed by the UFC as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will battle it out to officially crown the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The bout is scheduled to take place on March 13th, the same month that the UFC is expected to hold an event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
“Hell no, I ain’t going near that frickin’ thing man,” White said about the boxing match.
An admitted boxing fan, White seemed to respect the bout and say how excited he was about it.
“I wanna go to that fight myself,” White explained. “So no, we won’t be trying to counter-program Pacquiao-Mayweather.”
It’s probably a smart move for the UFC to concede March 13th to boxing, as any event they could put together would get dwarfed by the pay-per-view buys for boxing’s mega-fight.
Source: 5thround.com
Ariza suspended for swinging at Raptors player -- The Associated Press
By CHRIS DUNCAN (AP)
HOUSTON — Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza was suspended for one game by the NBA after he was ejected from a game in Toronto for throwing a forearm at Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan.
The league suspended Ariza on Monday and he'll sit out Tuesday's game against Detroit.
The 6-foot-8 Ariza is Houston's second-leading scorer, averaging 17 points. He's started the Rockets' first 23 games and leads the team in minutes (38.7 per game).
He went 0-for-9 from the field and scored only one point before he was ejected in the third quarter of Sunday's game for swinging his arm at DeRozan's head following a steal.
"It was a heat of the moment thing," Ariza said. "I lost my cool for a second. I got my penalty and whatever I have to do, I'm just trying to move past it and move forward. I look forward to watching my team play tomorrow and then playing against Denver (on Wednesday)."
Houston coach Rick Adelman said he hasn't decided who will replace Ariza in the lineup, but he doesn't consider Tracy McGrady an option. McGrady has yet to play this season as he works his way back from offseason microfracture surgery on his left knee.
"That's something I haven't thought about," Adelman said. "Tracy's situation is what it's been."
The Rockets acquired Ariza in the offseason after Ron Artest bolted for the Los Angeles Lakers. His averages in scoring, assists (3.4) and rebounds (5.3) so far this year would all be career highs.
Ariza's absence on Tuesday could mean more minutes for rookies Chase Budinger and Jermaine Taylor, who've contributed in a reserve role this season.
"We'll just talk about it and see what we're going to do," Adelman said. "Just like having a guy injured for a game, guys have to step up, guys have to be ready to play."
The Rockets were joking about Ariza's ejection on Monday.
"We were calling him Manny Pacquiao and 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya," forward Shane Battier said. "You do something like that, you're open for ridicule by the other guys on your team."
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Source: Google News
***
HOUSTON — Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza was suspended for one game by the NBA after he was ejected from a game in Toronto for throwing a forearm at Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan.
The league suspended Ariza on Monday and he'll sit out Tuesday's game against Detroit.
The 6-foot-8 Ariza is Houston's second-leading scorer, averaging 17 points. He's started the Rockets' first 23 games and leads the team in minutes (38.7 per game).
He went 0-for-9 from the field and scored only one point before he was ejected in the third quarter of Sunday's game for swinging his arm at DeRozan's head following a steal.
"It was a heat of the moment thing," Ariza said. "I lost my cool for a second. I got my penalty and whatever I have to do, I'm just trying to move past it and move forward. I look forward to watching my team play tomorrow and then playing against Denver (on Wednesday)."
Houston coach Rick Adelman said he hasn't decided who will replace Ariza in the lineup, but he doesn't consider Tracy McGrady an option. McGrady has yet to play this season as he works his way back from offseason microfracture surgery on his left knee.
"That's something I haven't thought about," Adelman said. "Tracy's situation is what it's been."
The Rockets acquired Ariza in the offseason after Ron Artest bolted for the Los Angeles Lakers. His averages in scoring, assists (3.4) and rebounds (5.3) so far this year would all be career highs.
Ariza's absence on Tuesday could mean more minutes for rookies Chase Budinger and Jermaine Taylor, who've contributed in a reserve role this season.
"We'll just talk about it and see what we're going to do," Adelman said. "Just like having a guy injured for a game, guys have to step up, guys have to be ready to play."
The Rockets were joking about Ariza's ejection on Monday.
"We were calling him Manny Pacquiao and 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya," forward Shane Battier said. "You do something like that, you're open for ridicule by the other guys on your team."
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Source: Google News
***
Roach vs. Mayweather: Fighting Words -- Examiner.com
By Samuel Rossi, Examiner.com
Although Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have managed to exercised some modicum of civility in hyping their March 13 date thus far, it appears that the fighters' cornermen are all-too-ready to rumble outside of the ring. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Pacquiao guru and all-around zen-master of the fistic arts, Freddie Roach declared that if the two trainers were to meet outside of the ring today, he would handily drop Uncle Roger.
Roach conceded that Roger Mayweather was a better fighter than himself during their days in the ring and would have probably been able to handle "The Choir Boy" in his heyday. However, Roach has taken exception to comments Mayweather has made about his mentor, Eddie Futch. Pacquiao's trainer believes Mayweather disrespected the memory of the late-trainer by "saying Eddie Futch wasn't sh*t and stuff." Roach went on to say that, "If [Roger Mayweather] gets disrespectful about me he's gonna have a fight on his hands."
It appears that years of fighting off Parkinson's Disease has done little to tame Roach's fighting spirit. And though Roger has remained silent since Roach's statement hit the press, expect the always vocal and colorful Mayweather clansman to offer an attention-getting retort of his own.
The war of words that is sure to ensue over the coming months is likely not to go far beyond a heated verbal sparring match. However, Roach's volley of trash-talk adds another intriguing dynamic to the much-anticipated bout. In addition, Roach serves as another prime example in reinforcing the old adage that "you can take the dog outta the fight, but you can never take the fight outta the dog."
I guess the same can easily be said for Roger Mayweather. After all, who can forget Roger's eagerness to enter the ring in his nephew's defense following a flagrant low-blow during the tenth round Zab Judah fight?
Vegas should hurry to set some odds for the potential "Trainer vs. Trainer Showdown" that may happen on March 13.
(sam.rossi.1@gmail.com)
Source: examiner.com
Although Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have managed to exercised some modicum of civility in hyping their March 13 date thus far, it appears that the fighters' cornermen are all-too-ready to rumble outside of the ring. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Pacquiao guru and all-around zen-master of the fistic arts, Freddie Roach declared that if the two trainers were to meet outside of the ring today, he would handily drop Uncle Roger.
Roach conceded that Roger Mayweather was a better fighter than himself during their days in the ring and would have probably been able to handle "The Choir Boy" in his heyday. However, Roach has taken exception to comments Mayweather has made about his mentor, Eddie Futch. Pacquiao's trainer believes Mayweather disrespected the memory of the late-trainer by "saying Eddie Futch wasn't sh*t and stuff." Roach went on to say that, "If [Roger Mayweather] gets disrespectful about me he's gonna have a fight on his hands."
It appears that years of fighting off Parkinson's Disease has done little to tame Roach's fighting spirit. And though Roger has remained silent since Roach's statement hit the press, expect the always vocal and colorful Mayweather clansman to offer an attention-getting retort of his own.
The war of words that is sure to ensue over the coming months is likely not to go far beyond a heated verbal sparring match. However, Roach's volley of trash-talk adds another intriguing dynamic to the much-anticipated bout. In addition, Roach serves as another prime example in reinforcing the old adage that "you can take the dog outta the fight, but you can never take the fight outta the dog."
I guess the same can easily be said for Roger Mayweather. After all, who can forget Roger's eagerness to enter the ring in his nephew's defense following a flagrant low-blow during the tenth round Zab Judah fight?
Vegas should hurry to set some odds for the potential "Trainer vs. Trainer Showdown" that may happen on March 13.
(sam.rossi.1@gmail.com)
Source: examiner.com
Pacquiao Steroid Claims By Mayweather Sr. Just Subterfuge -- The Sweet Science
By Frank Lotierzo, The Sweet Science
Ever since current WBO welterweight title holder Manny Pacquiao blitzed Ricky Hatton--who was trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. for the fight--in two rounds back in May of this year, Floyd Mayweather Sr. has contested that Pacquiao has been taking HGH and performance enhancing drugs. In fact Floyd Sr. has stirred the pot so much with his allegations of Pacquiao taking PED's that Manny will be tested Olympic style in the weeks leading before his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March of 2010.
Last month Floyd Mayweather Sr. told Sports Illustrated that after seeing Pacquiao take Miguel Cotto's Sunday left hook unflinchingly during their fight, he believes Manny was aided by some illegal substances and worried about his son Floyd Jr. fighting him while he was under the influence of them. Which is laughable. Even more laughable than Mayweather Sr's accusations is the fact that he doesn't even believe what he's put out there.
Actually, Floyd Sr. would love for Pacquiao to be on some type of steroid or HGH when he meets his son in three months. And the reason for that is he's fully aware that there's no drug or supplement available to anyone which helps a fighter take a better punch than he would if his system were free of them. Such a drug or steroid that transforms a fighter into a puncher via a bottle or needle doesn't exist, at least not in 2009. And if you've ever been around fighters who have experimented with them looking for an edge, you'd know they did nothing for them but mess up their body chemistry.
Some fans and writers even believe to this day that Aaron Pryor had something in the little black bottle that Panama Lewis concocted for his first fight with Alexis Arguello, and that enabled "The Hawk" to take a massive right to the chin from Arguello in the 13th round that must have been heard around the world when it landed. Then after drinking whatever was in the black bottle Pryor was able to come roaring back to stop Arguello in the 14th round. Maybe in a Rocky movie but not in the real world.
I hate to ruin the myth for those who believe Pryor won the fight with a little help, but Pryor had nothing aiding him during his first fight with Alexis Arguello that helped him come out on top. And if he did he brought it with him for the rematch which turned out to be a repeat of the first fight - only it lasted four less rounds 10 months later.
Oh, and Lewis decided to only use it for that fight and the magic energy potion is locked away forever along with the horse-hair that was removed from Luis Resto's gloves right before he fought Billy Collins Jr. at Madison Square Garden in 1983. What's more is if Manny Pacquiao is really ingesting some form of performance enhancing drugs or supplements (which I don't believe he is) and it really has improved his chin and durability along with increasing his punching power, shame on the Mayweather camp for not knowing about it and getting it for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to take before fighting Pacquiao so the fight can be contested on more even terms.
Here's the deal---pay no attention to what Floyd Mayweather Sr. has been spewing about Manny Pacquiao taking performance enhancing supplements and drugs. It's nothing more than subterfuge and a way for Floyd Sr. to inject himself into the biggest fight of the last 10 years. Remember, if such a supplement existed that helped fighters raise their pain resistance and increase their power every trainer in boxing would know about it, not just Panama Lewis and perhaps Freddie Roach.
Manny Pacquiao takes a great punch because he is a phenomenal athlete and physical specimen. Manny can really punch with both hands and take it to the head and body because he was blessed with those physical and mental gifts at birth. If he beats Floyd Mayweather when they meet next year, it'll be for no other reason than he's a greater fighter. And if he loses to him it won't be because he couldn't get over on the Nevada Commission this time and couldn't take supplements or other performance enhancing drugs. It'll be because Floyd Mayweather was the greater fighter.
For the record, Pacquiao has already tested clean 10 times without any trace of PED's found in his system by the Nevada Athletic Commission. But everyone knows that hasn't kept Mayweather Sr. from continuing to insist that he's using them. The unfortunate part of the accusations that he's tossed at Pacquiao is some fans and writers will begin to buy into them if they haven't already.
If Mayweather Sr. even had a clue as to what a steroid user looked like, he'd see Pacquiao doesn't even look like he uses steroids or HGH. He's still a small guy with huge legs (as opposed to the huge guy/tiny legs model of juice usage.) Pacquiao is now 30 years old and has filled out and matured physically later in life than most fighters in the lower weight divisions. The weight and size he's put on has come as a result of that and via a natural process.
Lastly, if there was some magic drug or supplement available that really worked and gave a fighter more punch resistance and/or added power I wouldn't put it past Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather along with any other world class fighter taking them, because all fighters are always looking for an edge to get one up on their peers.
The trouble is it can't be gained through a bottle, needle or HGH regardless of what Floyd Mayweather Sr. implies.
Frank Lotierzo can be contacted at GlovedFist@Gmail.com
Source: thesweetscience.com
Ever since current WBO welterweight title holder Manny Pacquiao blitzed Ricky Hatton--who was trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. for the fight--in two rounds back in May of this year, Floyd Mayweather Sr. has contested that Pacquiao has been taking HGH and performance enhancing drugs. In fact Floyd Sr. has stirred the pot so much with his allegations of Pacquiao taking PED's that Manny will be tested Olympic style in the weeks leading before his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March of 2010.
Last month Floyd Mayweather Sr. told Sports Illustrated that after seeing Pacquiao take Miguel Cotto's Sunday left hook unflinchingly during their fight, he believes Manny was aided by some illegal substances and worried about his son Floyd Jr. fighting him while he was under the influence of them. Which is laughable. Even more laughable than Mayweather Sr's accusations is the fact that he doesn't even believe what he's put out there.
Actually, Floyd Sr. would love for Pacquiao to be on some type of steroid or HGH when he meets his son in three months. And the reason for that is he's fully aware that there's no drug or supplement available to anyone which helps a fighter take a better punch than he would if his system were free of them. Such a drug or steroid that transforms a fighter into a puncher via a bottle or needle doesn't exist, at least not in 2009. And if you've ever been around fighters who have experimented with them looking for an edge, you'd know they did nothing for them but mess up their body chemistry.
Some fans and writers even believe to this day that Aaron Pryor had something in the little black bottle that Panama Lewis concocted for his first fight with Alexis Arguello, and that enabled "The Hawk" to take a massive right to the chin from Arguello in the 13th round that must have been heard around the world when it landed. Then after drinking whatever was in the black bottle Pryor was able to come roaring back to stop Arguello in the 14th round. Maybe in a Rocky movie but not in the real world.
I hate to ruin the myth for those who believe Pryor won the fight with a little help, but Pryor had nothing aiding him during his first fight with Alexis Arguello that helped him come out on top. And if he did he brought it with him for the rematch which turned out to be a repeat of the first fight - only it lasted four less rounds 10 months later.
Oh, and Lewis decided to only use it for that fight and the magic energy potion is locked away forever along with the horse-hair that was removed from Luis Resto's gloves right before he fought Billy Collins Jr. at Madison Square Garden in 1983. What's more is if Manny Pacquiao is really ingesting some form of performance enhancing drugs or supplements (which I don't believe he is) and it really has improved his chin and durability along with increasing his punching power, shame on the Mayweather camp for not knowing about it and getting it for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to take before fighting Pacquiao so the fight can be contested on more even terms.
Here's the deal---pay no attention to what Floyd Mayweather Sr. has been spewing about Manny Pacquiao taking performance enhancing supplements and drugs. It's nothing more than subterfuge and a way for Floyd Sr. to inject himself into the biggest fight of the last 10 years. Remember, if such a supplement existed that helped fighters raise their pain resistance and increase their power every trainer in boxing would know about it, not just Panama Lewis and perhaps Freddie Roach.
Manny Pacquiao takes a great punch because he is a phenomenal athlete and physical specimen. Manny can really punch with both hands and take it to the head and body because he was blessed with those physical and mental gifts at birth. If he beats Floyd Mayweather when they meet next year, it'll be for no other reason than he's a greater fighter. And if he loses to him it won't be because he couldn't get over on the Nevada Commission this time and couldn't take supplements or other performance enhancing drugs. It'll be because Floyd Mayweather was the greater fighter.
For the record, Pacquiao has already tested clean 10 times without any trace of PED's found in his system by the Nevada Athletic Commission. But everyone knows that hasn't kept Mayweather Sr. from continuing to insist that he's using them. The unfortunate part of the accusations that he's tossed at Pacquiao is some fans and writers will begin to buy into them if they haven't already.
If Mayweather Sr. even had a clue as to what a steroid user looked like, he'd see Pacquiao doesn't even look like he uses steroids or HGH. He's still a small guy with huge legs (as opposed to the huge guy/tiny legs model of juice usage.) Pacquiao is now 30 years old and has filled out and matured physically later in life than most fighters in the lower weight divisions. The weight and size he's put on has come as a result of that and via a natural process.
Lastly, if there was some magic drug or supplement available that really worked and gave a fighter more punch resistance and/or added power I wouldn't put it past Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather along with any other world class fighter taking them, because all fighters are always looking for an edge to get one up on their peers.
The trouble is it can't be gained through a bottle, needle or HGH regardless of what Floyd Mayweather Sr. implies.
Frank Lotierzo can be contacted at GlovedFist@Gmail.com
Source: thesweetscience.com
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