Boxing News World
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Pacman is the Fighter of the Year and Decade -- The Sweet Science
By David A. Avila, The Sweet Science
It’s been a decade since Manny Pacquiao thrust into the American boxing scene with his flashing fists and aggressive attacking style. In the last 10 years he’s proven to be as captivating as he is good.
Ever since showing up at the now famous Wild Card Boxing gym, the impish Pacquiao with his shock of black hair, bulging calves and coterie of friends has carved his way to greatness with a march that would make General Tecumseh Sherman proud.
“I love the way Manny fights,” said James “Lights Out” Toney who knows a thing or two about boxing. “He comes to fight.”
After winning his second world title against Lehlo Ledwaba under Freddie Roach’s supervision he immediately set upon the warrior grounds of Mexico and challenged each and every Aztec fighter beginning with Marco Antonio Barrera. Many people laughed at the Filipino’s verbal quest to beat all of the good Mexican fighters. I remember thinking it couldn’t be done.
Barrera never knew what hit him but Mexico and its multitude of boxing fans north of the border soon witnessed Pacquiao eventually plunder through Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Hector Velasquez, Juan Manuel Marquez and others. It was amazing.
This year the Pacquiao express continued to blaze with even more astonishment as he frightfully knocked out England’s Ricky Hatton and bludgeoned Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto.
Years from now boxing fans are going to remember this fighter as truly one of a kind. They’ll argue with younger generations how Pacquiao was absolutely one of the most exciting and riveting prizefighters of any generation.
Are there any other fighters to compete for Fighter of the Year?
Well there are the Klitschko brothers Wladimir and Vitali. Palm Springs Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley had an impressive year too as proved with his lopsided win last week over Lamont Peterson. Paul “The Punisher” Williams dominated Winky Wright and beat by a thin margin Sergio Martinez. England’s Carl Froch showed a lot of grit in two big fights. Oakland’s Andre Ward showed he had substance with a big win over Mikkel Kessler. Sugar Shane Mosley shocked the boxing world with his one and only fight against Antonio Margarito. Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero was impressive in his move up to a higher weight division and still winning. Celestino Caballero continues to scare the heck out of other junior featherweights. Japan’s Hozumi Hasegawa fleeced the bantamweights of most competition. Nonito Donaire continues to excel with his blend of speed and knockout power. And little Ivan Calderon is still undefeated after all of these years.
Let’s not forget Canada’s Lucian Bute, Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez and Armenia’s Arthur Abraham who all made their mark in 2009.
What about the best fighter of the decade?
Contemplating who made the biggest impact from 2000 to 2009 there is Floyd Mayweather Jr. who participated in the most watched fight ever when he faced Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya in the mega fight of mega fights. He also beat Hatton before retiring. He’s returned to the ring and now will probably face Pacman in a fight that should exceed the De La Hoya blockbuster.
Others having a great decade are Puerto Rico’s Calderon, Pomona’s Mosley, Panama’s Caballero and throw in Williams, the Klitschkos and Bernard Hopkins.
Fighter of the Year definitely goes to Pacquiao and Fighter of the Decade is undoubtedly his too.
Move over Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.
Fight of the Year
Several fights took place this year that riveted boxing fans and continue to be watched.
The first epic clash took place when Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz traded blows in Houston. It was Diaz’s punch output versus Marquez’s master counter punching. It ended with that picture perfect uppercut by Marquez that sent Diaz reeling and ultimately unconscious.
Next came Juan Manuel Lopez’s back and forth struggle against Rogers Mtagwa that saw the Puerto Rican finally meet someone who could stand and trade. The 12-round struggle left fans at Madison Square Garden and those watching on television breathless.
A little publicized fight between Ghana’s Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko and Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez took place next in a small arena at the Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas. Not since Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez fought had there been a mixture of boxing science and technical brawling seen on that Halloween night. From round one to round 12 the two used every trick in the book to try and gain an advantage. It was a blur of savagery seen on television but only a few thousand fans witnessed in person.
Last came Paul “The Punisher” Williams and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez in a fight that matched two of the most avoided fighters in the world. That night both could not avoid each others punches in one of the best middleweight fights in years. It’s a must see again and again type of fight.
This was very difficult to pick. All were pretty equal in my eyes but I think I have to go with the Williams-Martinez blood fest just because it was so darn equal in the end.
Fight of the Decade
Best fight of the decade has to go to the late Diego Corrales against Jose Luis Castillo in May 7, 2005. In their first meeting it was Corrales surviving what looked to be a sure lost after several knockdowns then he came roaring back with that indomitable spirit that he exhibited over and over. The come-from-behind 10th round knockout of Castillo (who would beat him in the rematch) proved to be the absolute best of what prizefighting is all about: never say die until the last blow is thrown. It’s hard to imagine boxing without Chico Corrales who died exactly two years to the day after his greatest triumph on May 7, 2007.
Knockout of the Year
Pacman’s one punch demolition of Hatton in round two that left the rugged Brit unavailable for comment, was both devastating and cathartic. It was the sweet science exemplified in a single blow.
Knockout of the decade
Anyone remember Antonio Tarver’s second round knockout of Roy Jones Jr. back in 2003? That was the punch that shook the boxing world. Jones had just reached the top of the boxing world with a victory over John Ruiz to win the WBA heavyweight title. At the
time, some were praising him as the best fighter in the history of boxing until Tarver landed that overhand left to send the RJ world tumbling down. It was an end of the Jones era.
That’s it for now. Check with us later for more of the best.
Source: thesweetscience.com
It’s been a decade since Manny Pacquiao thrust into the American boxing scene with his flashing fists and aggressive attacking style. In the last 10 years he’s proven to be as captivating as he is good.
Ever since showing up at the now famous Wild Card Boxing gym, the impish Pacquiao with his shock of black hair, bulging calves and coterie of friends has carved his way to greatness with a march that would make General Tecumseh Sherman proud.
“I love the way Manny fights,” said James “Lights Out” Toney who knows a thing or two about boxing. “He comes to fight.”
After winning his second world title against Lehlo Ledwaba under Freddie Roach’s supervision he immediately set upon the warrior grounds of Mexico and challenged each and every Aztec fighter beginning with Marco Antonio Barrera. Many people laughed at the Filipino’s verbal quest to beat all of the good Mexican fighters. I remember thinking it couldn’t be done.
Barrera never knew what hit him but Mexico and its multitude of boxing fans north of the border soon witnessed Pacquiao eventually plunder through Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Hector Velasquez, Juan Manuel Marquez and others. It was amazing.
This year the Pacquiao express continued to blaze with even more astonishment as he frightfully knocked out England’s Ricky Hatton and bludgeoned Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto.
Years from now boxing fans are going to remember this fighter as truly one of a kind. They’ll argue with younger generations how Pacquiao was absolutely one of the most exciting and riveting prizefighters of any generation.
Are there any other fighters to compete for Fighter of the Year?
Well there are the Klitschko brothers Wladimir and Vitali. Palm Springs Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley had an impressive year too as proved with his lopsided win last week over Lamont Peterson. Paul “The Punisher” Williams dominated Winky Wright and beat by a thin margin Sergio Martinez. England’s Carl Froch showed a lot of grit in two big fights. Oakland’s Andre Ward showed he had substance with a big win over Mikkel Kessler. Sugar Shane Mosley shocked the boxing world with his one and only fight against Antonio Margarito. Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero was impressive in his move up to a higher weight division and still winning. Celestino Caballero continues to scare the heck out of other junior featherweights. Japan’s Hozumi Hasegawa fleeced the bantamweights of most competition. Nonito Donaire continues to excel with his blend of speed and knockout power. And little Ivan Calderon is still undefeated after all of these years.
Let’s not forget Canada’s Lucian Bute, Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez and Armenia’s Arthur Abraham who all made their mark in 2009.
What about the best fighter of the decade?
Contemplating who made the biggest impact from 2000 to 2009 there is Floyd Mayweather Jr. who participated in the most watched fight ever when he faced Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya in the mega fight of mega fights. He also beat Hatton before retiring. He’s returned to the ring and now will probably face Pacman in a fight that should exceed the De La Hoya blockbuster.
Others having a great decade are Puerto Rico’s Calderon, Pomona’s Mosley, Panama’s Caballero and throw in Williams, the Klitschkos and Bernard Hopkins.
Fighter of the Year definitely goes to Pacquiao and Fighter of the Decade is undoubtedly his too.
Move over Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.
Fight of the Year
Several fights took place this year that riveted boxing fans and continue to be watched.
The first epic clash took place when Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz traded blows in Houston. It was Diaz’s punch output versus Marquez’s master counter punching. It ended with that picture perfect uppercut by Marquez that sent Diaz reeling and ultimately unconscious.
Next came Juan Manuel Lopez’s back and forth struggle against Rogers Mtagwa that saw the Puerto Rican finally meet someone who could stand and trade. The 12-round struggle left fans at Madison Square Garden and those watching on television breathless.
A little publicized fight between Ghana’s Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko and Colombia’s Yonnhy Perez took place next in a small arena at the Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas. Not since Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez fought had there been a mixture of boxing science and technical brawling seen on that Halloween night. From round one to round 12 the two used every trick in the book to try and gain an advantage. It was a blur of savagery seen on television but only a few thousand fans witnessed in person.
Last came Paul “The Punisher” Williams and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez in a fight that matched two of the most avoided fighters in the world. That night both could not avoid each others punches in one of the best middleweight fights in years. It’s a must see again and again type of fight.
This was very difficult to pick. All were pretty equal in my eyes but I think I have to go with the Williams-Martinez blood fest just because it was so darn equal in the end.
Fight of the Decade
Best fight of the decade has to go to the late Diego Corrales against Jose Luis Castillo in May 7, 2005. In their first meeting it was Corrales surviving what looked to be a sure lost after several knockdowns then he came roaring back with that indomitable spirit that he exhibited over and over. The come-from-behind 10th round knockout of Castillo (who would beat him in the rematch) proved to be the absolute best of what prizefighting is all about: never say die until the last blow is thrown. It’s hard to imagine boxing without Chico Corrales who died exactly two years to the day after his greatest triumph on May 7, 2007.
Knockout of the Year
Pacman’s one punch demolition of Hatton in round two that left the rugged Brit unavailable for comment, was both devastating and cathartic. It was the sweet science exemplified in a single blow.
Knockout of the decade
Anyone remember Antonio Tarver’s second round knockout of Roy Jones Jr. back in 2003? That was the punch that shook the boxing world. Jones had just reached the top of the boxing world with a victory over John Ruiz to win the WBA heavyweight title. At the
time, some were praising him as the best fighter in the history of boxing until Tarver landed that overhand left to send the RJ world tumbling down. It was an end of the Jones era.
That’s it for now. Check with us later for more of the best.
Source: thesweetscience.com
Q & A with Tom Zbikowski -- The Baltimore Sun
The Baltimore Sun
Each Wednesday we'll bring you a Q & A with a Ravens player to help you learn a little more about the team. Today's guest is safety Tom Zbikowski, who has intercepted a pass in each of his past two games - which also happen to be the first two starts of his two-year pro career. Zbikowski, who has boxed as an amateur and professional, talked about replacing five-time Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed, studying film in the NFL and remaking Notre Dame.
Question: Has there been an enormous amount of pressure on you to fill in for Ed Reed?
Answer: No, not really. I just came in and just played. They drafted me for a reason and had confidence for me to go in there. I've always had confidence in myself and have never doubted myself or thought that I can't play - no matter what level I'm at.
Q: Has backing up Reed, Dawan Landry and former Raven Jim Leonhard been frustrating for you, a four-year starter at Notre Dame?
A: You always want to be on the field, but I've got two of the best safeties in the league in front of me. So I'm going to pay my dues and learn from them and gain the trust from the coaches so that they can have the confidence in me for me to go in there and perform.
Q: What's the biggest adjustment you had to make from the college ranks to the professional level?
A: Film study. In college, I never watched film. I never really understood offenses. I just kind of went out and played. Now, the more you understand, the better you'll be able to play and the easier it will be to make plays.
Q: How much film study have you done since joining the Ravens?
A: Well, I didn't really do any in college. I'd do it with my coaches and then that was about it. I tried on my own, but I didn't know what I was looking for or what I was doing. I was immature. I didn't want to study. But I should have. I probably could have been a lot better as a player. But you learn from it. I'm still here, and I've still got a chance to learn from my mistakes.
Q: You recorded your first career interception against the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers on Dec. 7. How exciting was that?
A: It felt good. All my family was right in that section right where it happened. It was a good feeling for them. They've been coming to games since last year, but their son was only playing special teams. For them to drive all the way from Chicago just to see me get special teams play and then to find out that I'm starting and then get an interception, I felt good that they were happy that they could come and see me make a play.
Q: The Packers and Detroit Lions sought to challenge you with some deep throws. Did you take that as a challenge?
A: I knew they were going to test me. I'm filling in for one of the best safeties, and these were my first career starts. That's what teams do. Ed and everyone else made sure to tell me that depth is my friend.
Q: Do you think former [Notre Dame] head coach Charlie Weis unfairly absorbed much of the blame for the program's recent downturn?
A: The head coach is always going to get the blame, and at that school, if you're not winning, you're going to get fired. He knows that more than anyone else. Is it unfair? It probably is, but that's how coaches are treated.
Q: What do you want to see new head coach Brian Kelly do with the Fighting Irish?
A: I think there needs to be an emphasis on education, but I think the school can do that with the way it helps athletes. So get the athletes, get the players. Some people don't understand that I was never a good student. But the professors and teaching assistants, if you're not an [expletive] and you show that you're nice and that you're interested, they'll help you as much as they possibly can. You might not get an A and you might not get a B, but you're not going to fail. They're going to help you out, they're going to give you extra work, and they're going to do everything they can to help you.
It's one of the best academic staffs in the country, and it almost seems like they're not taking advantage of it by only taking the kids with the grades on paper. What about the kids who may not have the grades in school but are willing to work at it?
Q: Is there an athlete, entertainer or actor you would pay money out of your pocket to see?
A: I'd pay for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight [on March 13]. I'd like to see those guys live.
Q: Do you agree that Manny Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter?
A: Not of all time, but right now, probably. We'll see when he fights Mayweather. You've got a classical boxer against a dude that's going to be bringing it and willing to fight. It's one of those things where styles make the fight, and we're going to see which style is best.
Copyright © 2009, The Baltimore Sun
Source: baltimoresun.com
Each Wednesday we'll bring you a Q & A with a Ravens player to help you learn a little more about the team. Today's guest is safety Tom Zbikowski, who has intercepted a pass in each of his past two games - which also happen to be the first two starts of his two-year pro career. Zbikowski, who has boxed as an amateur and professional, talked about replacing five-time Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed, studying film in the NFL and remaking Notre Dame.
Question: Has there been an enormous amount of pressure on you to fill in for Ed Reed?
Answer: No, not really. I just came in and just played. They drafted me for a reason and had confidence for me to go in there. I've always had confidence in myself and have never doubted myself or thought that I can't play - no matter what level I'm at.
Q: Has backing up Reed, Dawan Landry and former Raven Jim Leonhard been frustrating for you, a four-year starter at Notre Dame?
A: You always want to be on the field, but I've got two of the best safeties in the league in front of me. So I'm going to pay my dues and learn from them and gain the trust from the coaches so that they can have the confidence in me for me to go in there and perform.
Q: What's the biggest adjustment you had to make from the college ranks to the professional level?
A: Film study. In college, I never watched film. I never really understood offenses. I just kind of went out and played. Now, the more you understand, the better you'll be able to play and the easier it will be to make plays.
Q: How much film study have you done since joining the Ravens?
A: Well, I didn't really do any in college. I'd do it with my coaches and then that was about it. I tried on my own, but I didn't know what I was looking for or what I was doing. I was immature. I didn't want to study. But I should have. I probably could have been a lot better as a player. But you learn from it. I'm still here, and I've still got a chance to learn from my mistakes.
Q: You recorded your first career interception against the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers on Dec. 7. How exciting was that?
A: It felt good. All my family was right in that section right where it happened. It was a good feeling for them. They've been coming to games since last year, but their son was only playing special teams. For them to drive all the way from Chicago just to see me get special teams play and then to find out that I'm starting and then get an interception, I felt good that they were happy that they could come and see me make a play.
Q: The Packers and Detroit Lions sought to challenge you with some deep throws. Did you take that as a challenge?
A: I knew they were going to test me. I'm filling in for one of the best safeties, and these were my first career starts. That's what teams do. Ed and everyone else made sure to tell me that depth is my friend.
Q: Do you think former [Notre Dame] head coach Charlie Weis unfairly absorbed much of the blame for the program's recent downturn?
A: The head coach is always going to get the blame, and at that school, if you're not winning, you're going to get fired. He knows that more than anyone else. Is it unfair? It probably is, but that's how coaches are treated.
Q: What do you want to see new head coach Brian Kelly do with the Fighting Irish?
A: I think there needs to be an emphasis on education, but I think the school can do that with the way it helps athletes. So get the athletes, get the players. Some people don't understand that I was never a good student. But the professors and teaching assistants, if you're not an [expletive] and you show that you're nice and that you're interested, they'll help you as much as they possibly can. You might not get an A and you might not get a B, but you're not going to fail. They're going to help you out, they're going to give you extra work, and they're going to do everything they can to help you.
It's one of the best academic staffs in the country, and it almost seems like they're not taking advantage of it by only taking the kids with the grades on paper. What about the kids who may not have the grades in school but are willing to work at it?
Q: Is there an athlete, entertainer or actor you would pay money out of your pocket to see?
A: I'd pay for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight [on March 13]. I'd like to see those guys live.
Q: Do you agree that Manny Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter?
A: Not of all time, but right now, probably. We'll see when he fights Mayweather. You've got a classical boxer against a dude that's going to be bringing it and willing to fight. It's one of those things where styles make the fight, and we're going to see which style is best.
Copyright © 2009, The Baltimore Sun
Source: baltimoresun.com
Megafight Crumbling: Floyd Mayweather JR Threatens Pull Out of Manny Pacquiao Showdown -- RingsideReport.com
By Geno McGahee, Ringside Report
In boxing, absolutely nothing is certain. Fights are signed, sealed, and then never get delivered. In the biggest fight in the past ten years, certain obstacles have to be overcome. Egos are colliding, arguments about money and billing arise, and both believe that they have a bigger stake in the matter and should be given preferential treatment.
According to a source very close to the situation, Floyd Mayweather, JR., has threatened to pull out of the March showdown with Manny Pacquiao over a weight issue. Apparently the weight of the meeting has been established, but the wiggle room that Floyd allegedly wants is being contested by Team Pacquiao. In his bout with Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd came in heavy and paid for it financially, but others contend that Marquez paid for it in the ring, losing badly. Pacquiao does not want to face a fighter a division or so heavier than he is and has rightfully protested.
With the Manny Pacquiao bout in limbo, other options have been mentioned but these appear to be negotiation tactics. Reportedly, Mayweather’s camp has suggested that an in between bout would take place in March against a much lesser foe, perhaps a Yuri Foreman or Matthew Hatton and after that, should Pacquiao not accept the terms, a bout with the winner of the Shane Mosley – Andre Berto fight could be in the wings.
Although other options have been mentioned, expect this fight to stay on course and occur. There is far too much money involved and they have agreed on the most important specifics…the cash divide. Now we are in the bickering stage of the negotiations and expect more and more little things blown out of proportion and turned into big deals.
Manny Pacquiao has cleaned up boxing, removing Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Miguel Cotto from the big picture. There is no other fight for Floyd at this time and there is not many more options for Pacquiao either.
Pacquiao, should the fight with Floyd fall through, could fight Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah, the winner of Berto-Mosley, or move up again and challenge a guy like Yuri Foreman, a light hitter that gets hit too much…a perfect opponent for Manny should he attempt to go up in weight again, but NOBODY wants to see any of these alternatives. The boxing fans want this fight and when they want something this badly, the promoters will jump through all necessary hoops to make it possible.
When Muhammad Ali and George Foreman seemed like an impossible match up to make, Don King found a way. He lied, manipulated, and stroked the egos of both men, made them both feel like they were getting preferential treatment, when it was an equal deal. That is the mentality that should and will go into this promotion as both men are dealt with and both egos are soothed.
Floyd Mayweather, JR’s reported behavior may also have to due with nerves as he goes into the biggest challenge of his career and frustration may also be a factor. For years, nobody could share the spotlight with Floyd as he stood atop the pound for pound list. He would go into fights with popular fighters, but nobody realistically saw a chance that he would lose.
With Manny entering the picture, we have a real force that adjusts to every situation and finds a way to win, knocking out men that are talented and durable, and sending a statement to Floyd…one that he has received.
The day that Pacquiao took on and destroyed Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather held a press conference announcing his return to boxing and his upcoming contest with Marquez. Part of it was positioning himself in line to take on Pacquiao, but part of it was also anger that people could actually think that the Filipino destroyer could actually defeat him.
Once this latest obstacle is ironed out and both parties are appeased, we will see this bout take place and we should see a modern day Pernell Whitaker – Julio Cesar Chavez sort of bout with the same amount of “experts” splitting down the middle. The fan bases of both men will fill the arena and they may not be able to find a place large enough to fit all of the fans that desperately want to see this bout.
This is why this fight is going to take place…despite the latest news of Floyd pulling out. Boxing is about dollars and sense and Floyd has always treated the sport like a business. He realized that he would get comparable money to take on Carlos Baldomir vice Antonio Margarito. The public didn’t have faith in Margarito at that time and accepted Baldomir just the same. There will be a huge backlash from the public if Floyd takes on anyone other than Pacquiao at this time, and when you look at the persona that he has created for himself, regardless of what the facts may be, the people will believe that he is ducking this challenge.
Floyd has made himself the villain and there are those that desperately want to see him lose for his continual disrespect of his opponents and selective matchmaking at times. No other fighter is as threatening as Pacquiao and no fighter is more popular at this time. This fight has to happen and it will. So don’t panic yet people. This issue should be resolved rather quickly. Stay tuned to RSR for the continued breaking news of the building of this super fight.
Source: ringsidereport.com
In boxing, absolutely nothing is certain. Fights are signed, sealed, and then never get delivered. In the biggest fight in the past ten years, certain obstacles have to be overcome. Egos are colliding, arguments about money and billing arise, and both believe that they have a bigger stake in the matter and should be given preferential treatment.
According to a source very close to the situation, Floyd Mayweather, JR., has threatened to pull out of the March showdown with Manny Pacquiao over a weight issue. Apparently the weight of the meeting has been established, but the wiggle room that Floyd allegedly wants is being contested by Team Pacquiao. In his bout with Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd came in heavy and paid for it financially, but others contend that Marquez paid for it in the ring, losing badly. Pacquiao does not want to face a fighter a division or so heavier than he is and has rightfully protested.
With the Manny Pacquiao bout in limbo, other options have been mentioned but these appear to be negotiation tactics. Reportedly, Mayweather’s camp has suggested that an in between bout would take place in March against a much lesser foe, perhaps a Yuri Foreman or Matthew Hatton and after that, should Pacquiao not accept the terms, a bout with the winner of the Shane Mosley – Andre Berto fight could be in the wings.
Although other options have been mentioned, expect this fight to stay on course and occur. There is far too much money involved and they have agreed on the most important specifics…the cash divide. Now we are in the bickering stage of the negotiations and expect more and more little things blown out of proportion and turned into big deals.
Manny Pacquiao has cleaned up boxing, removing Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Miguel Cotto from the big picture. There is no other fight for Floyd at this time and there is not many more options for Pacquiao either.
Pacquiao, should the fight with Floyd fall through, could fight Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah, the winner of Berto-Mosley, or move up again and challenge a guy like Yuri Foreman, a light hitter that gets hit too much…a perfect opponent for Manny should he attempt to go up in weight again, but NOBODY wants to see any of these alternatives. The boxing fans want this fight and when they want something this badly, the promoters will jump through all necessary hoops to make it possible.
When Muhammad Ali and George Foreman seemed like an impossible match up to make, Don King found a way. He lied, manipulated, and stroked the egos of both men, made them both feel like they were getting preferential treatment, when it was an equal deal. That is the mentality that should and will go into this promotion as both men are dealt with and both egos are soothed.
Floyd Mayweather, JR’s reported behavior may also have to due with nerves as he goes into the biggest challenge of his career and frustration may also be a factor. For years, nobody could share the spotlight with Floyd as he stood atop the pound for pound list. He would go into fights with popular fighters, but nobody realistically saw a chance that he would lose.
With Manny entering the picture, we have a real force that adjusts to every situation and finds a way to win, knocking out men that are talented and durable, and sending a statement to Floyd…one that he has received.
The day that Pacquiao took on and destroyed Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather held a press conference announcing his return to boxing and his upcoming contest with Marquez. Part of it was positioning himself in line to take on Pacquiao, but part of it was also anger that people could actually think that the Filipino destroyer could actually defeat him.
Once this latest obstacle is ironed out and both parties are appeased, we will see this bout take place and we should see a modern day Pernell Whitaker – Julio Cesar Chavez sort of bout with the same amount of “experts” splitting down the middle. The fan bases of both men will fill the arena and they may not be able to find a place large enough to fit all of the fans that desperately want to see this bout.
This is why this fight is going to take place…despite the latest news of Floyd pulling out. Boxing is about dollars and sense and Floyd has always treated the sport like a business. He realized that he would get comparable money to take on Carlos Baldomir vice Antonio Margarito. The public didn’t have faith in Margarito at that time and accepted Baldomir just the same. There will be a huge backlash from the public if Floyd takes on anyone other than Pacquiao at this time, and when you look at the persona that he has created for himself, regardless of what the facts may be, the people will believe that he is ducking this challenge.
Floyd has made himself the villain and there are those that desperately want to see him lose for his continual disrespect of his opponents and selective matchmaking at times. No other fighter is as threatening as Pacquiao and no fighter is more popular at this time. This fight has to happen and it will. So don’t panic yet people. This issue should be resolved rather quickly. Stay tuned to RSR for the continued breaking news of the building of this super fight.
Source: ringsidereport.com
World's Greatest Boxer Results Are In: Who's Number One? -- The Sweet Science
The Sweet Science
WORLD'S GREATEST EVER BOXER ANNOUNCED
Sugar Ray Robinson is the Greatest Boxer the World has ever seen, according to fight fans worldwide. Muhammad Ali was voted as the Greatest Ever Heavyweight of all time, just beating Mike Tyson. Manny Pacquiao gathered the second highest number of votes in winning the Featherweight category, polling more than 50% of the vote.
"The selection of Ray Robinson as the Greatest Ever Boxer shows that fans of all ages understand the legend he created. In the individual weight categories the winners represented several eras. Robinson carried the banner of the 40's and 50's with his wins at middleweight and welterweight, and then the fans went up through the years with Roberto Duran, Muhammad Ali, Wilfredo Gomez, Ricardo Lopez, Roy Jones Jr and Manny Pacquiao as their selections," said Al Bernstein, a member of the nominations jury.
Fellow jury member Ron Borges said: "Well, now that the votes have been counted boxing fans have something new to argue about. Manny Pacquiao greater than Muhammad Ali? There's a generational battle for the ages. Yet one constant remains. For 60 years now one name has been listed above the rest - Sugar Ray Robinson - and so it remains today, after the finally tally of The Greatest Ever's worldwide balloting. Glad to see you can count on something is this world.''
Fans worldwide have been voting for their Greatest Ever fighters in the eight traditional weight categories of Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight. The nominated fighters were selected by a jury of boxing analysts - Al Bernstein, Tom Hauser, Ron Borges, Jean-Philippe Lustyk and Colin Hart. Over 500,000 votes have been cast since June at www.greatestever.com.
Sugar Ray Robinson was the only fighter nominated in two categories - welterweight and middleweight - and he won them both. In terms of total votes cast, Manny Pacquaio came second with Muhammed Ali coming third. Listed below are the top three fighters in the global vote.
Winners
World's Greatest Ever Boxer - overall
1.Sugar Ray Robinson 2. Manny Pacquiao 3. Muhammad Ali
World's Greatest Ever Heavyweight
1. Muhammad Ali 48% 2. Mike Tyson 16% 3. Rocky Marciano 11%
World's Greatest Ever Light heavyweight
1. Roy Jones Jnr 37% 2. Archie Moore 17% 3. Joe Calzaghe 14%
World's Greatest Ever Middleweight
1. Sugar Ray Robinson 47% 2.Marvin Hagler 24% 3. Bernard Hopkins 12%
World's Greatest Ever Welterweight
1. Sugar Ray Robinson 39% 2. Sugar Ray Leonard 36% 3. Oscar de la Hoya 10%
World's Greatest Ever Lightweight
1. Roberto Duran 33% 2. Henry Armstrong 22% 3. Floyd Mayweather 14%
World's Greatest Ever Featherweight
1. Manny Pacquaio 56% 2. Willie Pep 15% 3. Salvador Sanchez 8%
World's Greatest Ever Bantamweight
1. Wilfredo Gomez 32% 2. Ruben Olivaresv 12% 3. Carlos Zarate 10%
World's Greatest Ever Flyweight
1. Ricardo Lopez 27% 2. Jimmy Wilde 20% 3. Michael Carbajal 12%
Source: thesweetscience.com
WORLD'S GREATEST EVER BOXER ANNOUNCED
Sugar Ray Robinson is the Greatest Boxer the World has ever seen, according to fight fans worldwide. Muhammad Ali was voted as the Greatest Ever Heavyweight of all time, just beating Mike Tyson. Manny Pacquiao gathered the second highest number of votes in winning the Featherweight category, polling more than 50% of the vote.
"The selection of Ray Robinson as the Greatest Ever Boxer shows that fans of all ages understand the legend he created. In the individual weight categories the winners represented several eras. Robinson carried the banner of the 40's and 50's with his wins at middleweight and welterweight, and then the fans went up through the years with Roberto Duran, Muhammad Ali, Wilfredo Gomez, Ricardo Lopez, Roy Jones Jr and Manny Pacquiao as their selections," said Al Bernstein, a member of the nominations jury.
Fellow jury member Ron Borges said: "Well, now that the votes have been counted boxing fans have something new to argue about. Manny Pacquiao greater than Muhammad Ali? There's a generational battle for the ages. Yet one constant remains. For 60 years now one name has been listed above the rest - Sugar Ray Robinson - and so it remains today, after the finally tally of The Greatest Ever's worldwide balloting. Glad to see you can count on something is this world.''
Fans worldwide have been voting for their Greatest Ever fighters in the eight traditional weight categories of Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight. The nominated fighters were selected by a jury of boxing analysts - Al Bernstein, Tom Hauser, Ron Borges, Jean-Philippe Lustyk and Colin Hart. Over 500,000 votes have been cast since June at www.greatestever.com.
Sugar Ray Robinson was the only fighter nominated in two categories - welterweight and middleweight - and he won them both. In terms of total votes cast, Manny Pacquaio came second with Muhammed Ali coming third. Listed below are the top three fighters in the global vote.
Winners
World's Greatest Ever Boxer - overall
1.Sugar Ray Robinson 2. Manny Pacquiao 3. Muhammad Ali
World's Greatest Ever Heavyweight
1. Muhammad Ali 48% 2. Mike Tyson 16% 3. Rocky Marciano 11%
World's Greatest Ever Light heavyweight
1. Roy Jones Jnr 37% 2. Archie Moore 17% 3. Joe Calzaghe 14%
World's Greatest Ever Middleweight
1. Sugar Ray Robinson 47% 2.Marvin Hagler 24% 3. Bernard Hopkins 12%
World's Greatest Ever Welterweight
1. Sugar Ray Robinson 39% 2. Sugar Ray Leonard 36% 3. Oscar de la Hoya 10%
World's Greatest Ever Lightweight
1. Roberto Duran 33% 2. Henry Armstrong 22% 3. Floyd Mayweather 14%
World's Greatest Ever Featherweight
1. Manny Pacquaio 56% 2. Willie Pep 15% 3. Salvador Sanchez 8%
World's Greatest Ever Bantamweight
1. Wilfredo Gomez 32% 2. Ruben Olivaresv 12% 3. Carlos Zarate 10%
World's Greatest Ever Flyweight
1. Ricardo Lopez 27% 2. Jimmy Wilde 20% 3. Michael Carbajal 12%
Source: thesweetscience.com
Pacquiao was number one again in 2009 -- Bangkok Post
By Julian Turner, Bangkok Post
It is impossible to take a look back at the last year on the international boxing scene without concentrating heavily on the major achievements of Manny Pacquiao.
Some years it is difficult to pick one fighter who stood out above the rest but Pacquiao, again, has to be regarded as the main man in boxing.
I also thought the Filipino was the best of 2008 with wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya but he surpassed his own high standards in 2009 with a brutal two-round destruction of Ricky Hatton at light-welterweight before busting up Miguel Cotto at 145lb last month.
The Hatton knockout has to be the KO of the year after the Englishman had his lights switched off with a perfect left hook, while the victory over Cotto saw Pacquiao push the physical boundaries even further by dominating the naturally stronger Puerto Rican.
Cotto soaked up tremendous punishment before the referee belatedly stopped the fight in the 12th round to mean Pacquiao added another chapter to a story that seems to be going way beyond the realms of possibility.
Although we last saw Pacman and Cotto engaged in a feral battle, they may come together again tomorrow at Pacquiao's birthday party in General Santos City in the Philippines.
Manny invited Cotto to attend the bash, and Diaz and Marquez have attended in previous years, which is another facet of the world's most exciting boxer that is so fascinating.
Pacquiao has become a major crossover star thanks to his easy-going nature and that was evident when he came to Bangkok in May as part of a promotional event organised by San Miguel beer.
He charmed fans and journalists and seemed a long way from the cold-eyed destroyer that has made him such a big hit all over the world. Who knows, he may become the fighter of 2010 if he beats Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The second best fighter of 2009 is much more debatable, but my pick will be WBC bantamweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa if he gets through Friday's defence against Alvaro Perez in Kobe, Japan.
Hasegawa has defended his title against two tough opponents this year and has taken less than two rounds to dispose of both of them.
Vusi Malinga lasted 157 seconds in March and Nestor Rocha only managed 148 seconds in July.
It's hard to rate Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley above him when all three have only fought once this year.
A case could be made for Vitali Klitschko after three decent wins but I feel he has benefited from being in an extremely weak heavyweight division.
My favourite fight of the year was Juan Manuel Marquez's ninth round stoppage win over Juan Diaz in Feburary. The lightweight clash was fast and skilful throughout with a great finish.
Marquez landed two stinging hard rights to Diaz's face in a three-punch combination that sent the American falling face forward to the canvas with 35 seconds remaining in the ninth round.
Diaz rose but, seconds later, Marquez followed with a right uppercut to the chin that left Diaz flat on his back as referee Rafael Ramos waved an end.
Bernard Dunne's war with Ricardo Cordoba also deserves a mention.
From that, we should try and work out which was the worst fight of 2009 and my pick has to be David Haye's mind-numbing majority points victory over WBA heavyweight champion Nicolay Valuev in November.
Haye announced himself as the saviour of a dire heavyweight division but instead plunged it to new depths with a fight almost completely devoid of action. Perhaps he will live up to the hype next year because it can't get any worse than that.
Shock of the year was Juan Carlos Salgado starching Jorge Linares inside a round in October. Unbeaten WBA super-feather champ Linares was simply blown away. Roy Jones Jr suffering the same fate against Danny Green at the start of this month comes a close second.
A review of the Thai scene will follow once the full programme of fights has been completed.
Julian Turner is the Bangkok Post's Deputy Sports Editor.
Email: juliant@bangkokpost.co.th
Source: bangkokpost.com
It is impossible to take a look back at the last year on the international boxing scene without concentrating heavily on the major achievements of Manny Pacquiao.
Some years it is difficult to pick one fighter who stood out above the rest but Pacquiao, again, has to be regarded as the main man in boxing.
I also thought the Filipino was the best of 2008 with wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya but he surpassed his own high standards in 2009 with a brutal two-round destruction of Ricky Hatton at light-welterweight before busting up Miguel Cotto at 145lb last month.
The Hatton knockout has to be the KO of the year after the Englishman had his lights switched off with a perfect left hook, while the victory over Cotto saw Pacquiao push the physical boundaries even further by dominating the naturally stronger Puerto Rican.
Cotto soaked up tremendous punishment before the referee belatedly stopped the fight in the 12th round to mean Pacquiao added another chapter to a story that seems to be going way beyond the realms of possibility.
Although we last saw Pacman and Cotto engaged in a feral battle, they may come together again tomorrow at Pacquiao's birthday party in General Santos City in the Philippines.
Manny invited Cotto to attend the bash, and Diaz and Marquez have attended in previous years, which is another facet of the world's most exciting boxer that is so fascinating.
Pacquiao has become a major crossover star thanks to his easy-going nature and that was evident when he came to Bangkok in May as part of a promotional event organised by San Miguel beer.
He charmed fans and journalists and seemed a long way from the cold-eyed destroyer that has made him such a big hit all over the world. Who knows, he may become the fighter of 2010 if he beats Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The second best fighter of 2009 is much more debatable, but my pick will be WBC bantamweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa if he gets through Friday's defence against Alvaro Perez in Kobe, Japan.
Hasegawa has defended his title against two tough opponents this year and has taken less than two rounds to dispose of both of them.
Vusi Malinga lasted 157 seconds in March and Nestor Rocha only managed 148 seconds in July.
It's hard to rate Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley above him when all three have only fought once this year.
A case could be made for Vitali Klitschko after three decent wins but I feel he has benefited from being in an extremely weak heavyweight division.
My favourite fight of the year was Juan Manuel Marquez's ninth round stoppage win over Juan Diaz in Feburary. The lightweight clash was fast and skilful throughout with a great finish.
Marquez landed two stinging hard rights to Diaz's face in a three-punch combination that sent the American falling face forward to the canvas with 35 seconds remaining in the ninth round.
Diaz rose but, seconds later, Marquez followed with a right uppercut to the chin that left Diaz flat on his back as referee Rafael Ramos waved an end.
Bernard Dunne's war with Ricardo Cordoba also deserves a mention.
From that, we should try and work out which was the worst fight of 2009 and my pick has to be David Haye's mind-numbing majority points victory over WBA heavyweight champion Nicolay Valuev in November.
Haye announced himself as the saviour of a dire heavyweight division but instead plunged it to new depths with a fight almost completely devoid of action. Perhaps he will live up to the hype next year because it can't get any worse than that.
Shock of the year was Juan Carlos Salgado starching Jorge Linares inside a round in October. Unbeaten WBA super-feather champ Linares was simply blown away. Roy Jones Jr suffering the same fate against Danny Green at the start of this month comes a close second.
A review of the Thai scene will follow once the full programme of fights has been completed.
Julian Turner is the Bangkok Post's Deputy Sports Editor.
Email: juliant@bangkokpost.co.th
Source: bangkokpost.com
'Pac-Man' Pacquiao Gives Filipinos Reason To Cheer -- NPR.org
By Frank Deford, NPR.org
It may only be games, but nothing in culture can galvanize a nation the way a world championship can. And it just so happens, in the months ahead there will be nearly a surfeit of sports nationalism.
It's only weeks now before the Winter Olympics and then, come June, the soccer World Cup, which is by far the most passionate international competition of all.
Yet in 2010, there is one little athlete who can mean more to his country — and to his sport — than all the skaters and skiers and soccer teams in the world.
The man is a boxer, Manny Pacquiao; his country, the Philippines. And what he signifies to his people everywhere is perhaps unmatched in sports history.
Lennox Lewis, the thoughtful former heavyweight champion, has even said that Pacquiao's "grip" on his country "is similar to Nelson Mandela's influence in South Africa."
The Philippines, of course, is an impoverished island nation, which has led to a diaspora of its people. In fact, Filipinos make up one of the largest groups of immigrants in the United States — and they've shown well what they can do with the main chance. Filipinos here are better educated and wealthier than the American population at large.
But Pacquiao is so special to all ethnic Filipinos, rich or poor, in the islands or abroad, because his country has never before produced any champion that it could hold high before the world. No Filipino has ever won a single Olympic gold medal.
Pacquiao is so beloved that when he ran for Congress in the Philippines a couple of years ago, he was soundly beaten largely because, as the adored national icon, his fans voted against him to keep him out of office so he wouldn't dilute his attention to the ring.
He's an extraordinary boxer, the first ever to hold seven world titles, for he began fighting at a tiny 106 pounds and now, incredibly, holds the welterweight crown at 147.
Already, there are those experts debating whether he is the greatest fighter ever — better than Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali — better at his craft than anyone who ever has laced on a pair of gloves. And at a time when boxing has descended so in popularity, Pacquiao has come to mean almost as much to his sport as to his country-people.
He's as exciting in the ring as he is talented. When Pacquiao fights the undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the dream bout that appears to be set — probably on March 13 — it will almost surely produce the largest gate in the history of the sport.
Should he win over Mayweather, himself previously acclaimed the best pound-for-pound fighter, Pacquiao's place in the boxing pantheon will be sealed. But already, he has taken this brutal sport and distilled from its blood and guts the pretty pride that Filipinos never shared before.
Source: npr.org
It may only be games, but nothing in culture can galvanize a nation the way a world championship can. And it just so happens, in the months ahead there will be nearly a surfeit of sports nationalism.
It's only weeks now before the Winter Olympics and then, come June, the soccer World Cup, which is by far the most passionate international competition of all.
Yet in 2010, there is one little athlete who can mean more to his country — and to his sport — than all the skaters and skiers and soccer teams in the world.
The man is a boxer, Manny Pacquiao; his country, the Philippines. And what he signifies to his people everywhere is perhaps unmatched in sports history.
Lennox Lewis, the thoughtful former heavyweight champion, has even said that Pacquiao's "grip" on his country "is similar to Nelson Mandela's influence in South Africa."
The Philippines, of course, is an impoverished island nation, which has led to a diaspora of its people. In fact, Filipinos make up one of the largest groups of immigrants in the United States — and they've shown well what they can do with the main chance. Filipinos here are better educated and wealthier than the American population at large.
But Pacquiao is so special to all ethnic Filipinos, rich or poor, in the islands or abroad, because his country has never before produced any champion that it could hold high before the world. No Filipino has ever won a single Olympic gold medal.
Pacquiao is so beloved that when he ran for Congress in the Philippines a couple of years ago, he was soundly beaten largely because, as the adored national icon, his fans voted against him to keep him out of office so he wouldn't dilute his attention to the ring.
He's an extraordinary boxer, the first ever to hold seven world titles, for he began fighting at a tiny 106 pounds and now, incredibly, holds the welterweight crown at 147.
Already, there are those experts debating whether he is the greatest fighter ever — better than Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali — better at his craft than anyone who ever has laced on a pair of gloves. And at a time when boxing has descended so in popularity, Pacquiao has come to mean almost as much to his sport as to his country-people.
He's as exciting in the ring as he is talented. When Pacquiao fights the undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the dream bout that appears to be set — probably on March 13 — it will almost surely produce the largest gate in the history of the sport.
Should he win over Mayweather, himself previously acclaimed the best pound-for-pound fighter, Pacquiao's place in the boxing pantheon will be sealed. But already, he has taken this brutal sport and distilled from its blood and guts the pretty pride that Filipinos never shared before.
Source: npr.org
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