By Anthony 'Duljoman' Andales, PhilBoxing.com
Teddy Atlas the ESPN’s Friday Night Fight host tells all about his anonymous, very reliable source that Team Pacquiao sent an email to Team Mayweather those “what if’s… Manny used PEDs, can we kept it secret?”. Lots of people questioned it, lots of people asked “how come the very respectable Teddy Atlas come up with that gossip, that very gay type of report?”
Do you think pambansang anino has Floyd’s email? Hehehehehe… I don’t think so. How about Buboy? Impossible!
Roach told me at the phone yesterday that he lost respect for Teddy Atlas. "I used to like him a lot but I tink he is a f@(<|#& a$$#@|*. He never gave credit to Manny, and what he’s preaching right now are all lies."
"Leonard, Hearns, Dela Hoya, Duran, Henry Armstrong are multiple champions in several different weight classes. Did we hear anything accusing them of steroids? No! they never did and they never will. So, I’m tired of this bs," Roach said.
I told Roach, what if they came back with “those were yesteryears, steroids don’t exist yet at that time”… Roach responds that "steroids were here long time ago, older than Sugar Ray, Hitman, Hands of Stone, etc… it’s just that he don’t like to acknowledged Manny."
By the way, steroids were already banned by the International Olympic Committee in 1967, Sugar Ray Leonard was barely 11 years old at that time.
Teddy Atlas told Boxingtalk G. Leon many people forget that James Lightsout Toney was tested positive when he fought John “the new Golden Boy recruit” Ruiz, and the trainer was Freddie Roach. Roach's retort: "I never said that James is clean. But in Manny’s case I’m saying that he is clean, never caught with something illegal as per any boxing commissioning body after every the fight. Then why should we follow Mayweather’s. Is he the commissioner now?"
Tell us Freddie then why is Mayweather making this fight so hard? "It’s very simple, HE IS SCARED! MANNY WILL PASTE HIS SHOULDERS IN HIS CHEEKS FOREVER."
Roach on Clottey
Ok… lets go to Joshua Clottey. If he didn’t fight easy in the last 2 rounds against Cotto, he might get the decision. Cotto barely won the fight.
Personally regardless of money, I prefer this fight against Mayweather. This is a very entertaining fight, fans will like this one. He is strong and a legitimate opponent for Manny. We’ll approach this fight more difficult than that of Hatton, Cotto and Dela Hoya. He is very hungry and this is a chance for him to be on top. So, we will not overlook Clottey.
Clottey’s 3 losses were a DQ loss from Carlos Baldomir, Unanimous Decision loss to Antonio Margartio and a Split Decision loss to Miguel Cotto. But he never been knockedout. But he was knocked down by a Cotto jab in the first round. That’s ok, Alfonso Gomes of Teddy Atlas’ ESPN contender (hosted by “multiple weight champion Sugar Ray Leonard”) show was knocked down by a Cotto Jab also.
Oh!BeerTime!
I’m calling Mr. Jerry Jones, if he can’t bring Manny and Money in the ring, why not invite the two on next month’s NBA All-Star… Manny on the Blue Team with Mark Wahlberg and Floyd on the Red Team with .50cent… Iverson said that don’t want to play on the All-star weekend if selected, why not? Fans still love him… especially in Philly… I happened to have my dinner at a Filipino restaurant and they showed PBA, I watched PBA since 5 years old, I like Vargas of Gilbeys Gin, Dante Gonzalgo, the late Rey Cuenco, Terry Saldana, the late Arnulfo Tuadles, Vic Sanchez, Brews Bros., and most of all Jaworski and I like the foul defense of Chito Loyzaga too… but man, this isn’t right, that new PBA is all fashion show, where is the rivalry? Where is the exchanging of faces, Steve Watson against Alvin Teng versus Patrimonio?... I hurriedly finished my bistik, pancit, homaiing kan on and afritada, to avoid looking on the big screen watching those players, whose hearts don’t belong to the hardwood… it looks to me they belonged to the beauty parlor… so this is my pound for pound in PBA… A 7’1” Paras, a 6’9” Patrimonio, a 6’7” Menesses, a 6’6” Caidic and a 6’6” Jaworski…NBA are Olajuwon, Malone, Bird, Jordan and Magic Johnson… Yohoo!!! Kumbatea!!! Pit Senyor sa Kutsero kini! Pit Senyor sa mga Tanod kini! Pit Senyor sa hambuguero kini! Pit Senyor sa buotan kini!
Source: philboxing.com
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Arum readies private jet for Pacquiao’s press tour -- Manila Bulletin
By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
Manny Pacquiao will be traveling in style when he goes on a two-day publicity tour of Dallas and New York next week to promote his March 13 battle with Joshua Clottey of Ghana at Cowboys Stadium.
“Manny will be flying on a private plane all the way (from Los Angeles to Dallas and to New York and back to Los Angeles),” said Top Rank chief Bob Arum as he eagerly awaits the arrival of the Filipino pound-for-pound king from Manila.
Pacquiao will grace the kickoff press conference at Cowboys Stadium on January 19 then head to New York for another media affair at the Madison Square Garden the next day. From the Big Apple, Pacquiao will return to Hollywood on the same day so he could show up at the Wild Card the following day for the first day of training camp under Freddie Roach.
Arum can’t wait to get things started although when the press tour makes a stop in Dallas, he will allow Texas billionaire Jerry Jones – owner of the Cowboys Stadium and the fabled National Football League team – to take the spotlight.
“Jerry Jones could be the greatest promoter in the world,” said Arum. “He is a crazy guy--crazy in the kind of way. The guys in Texas are very, very excited.”
Going up a notch, Arum said Jones might end up being a great promoter of boxing after the Pacquiao-Clottey clash.
“He is better than me and (Don) King,” said Arum, adding that the alluring Cowboys cheerleaders are also going to be in attendance to add glamour to the already-appealing event.
Immediately after signs pointed to a collapse in negotiations for the fancied showdown between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather a few weeks ago, Arum said Jones expressed his interest in bringing Pacquiao to his brand-new $1.2 billion facility in the city of Arlington, which is just outside Dallas.
Jones had attempted to land the botched Pacquiao-Mayweather tiff but the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was awarded the rights to host that fight.
Having a private plane on hand has become a tradition starting with Pacquiao’s landmark fight with Oscar De La Hoya.
After Pacquiao polished off the Golden Boy in Dec. 2008, Arum has arranged for the same VIP treatment for the world’s premier puncher against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto last year.
Flying on private jet is ultra-expensive but Arum believes Pacquiao deserves to be treated like a true VIP, being the representative of his sport.
Source: mb.com.ph
Manny Pacquiao will be traveling in style when he goes on a two-day publicity tour of Dallas and New York next week to promote his March 13 battle with Joshua Clottey of Ghana at Cowboys Stadium.
“Manny will be flying on a private plane all the way (from Los Angeles to Dallas and to New York and back to Los Angeles),” said Top Rank chief Bob Arum as he eagerly awaits the arrival of the Filipino pound-for-pound king from Manila.
Pacquiao will grace the kickoff press conference at Cowboys Stadium on January 19 then head to New York for another media affair at the Madison Square Garden the next day. From the Big Apple, Pacquiao will return to Hollywood on the same day so he could show up at the Wild Card the following day for the first day of training camp under Freddie Roach.
Arum can’t wait to get things started although when the press tour makes a stop in Dallas, he will allow Texas billionaire Jerry Jones – owner of the Cowboys Stadium and the fabled National Football League team – to take the spotlight.
“Jerry Jones could be the greatest promoter in the world,” said Arum. “He is a crazy guy--crazy in the kind of way. The guys in Texas are very, very excited.”
Going up a notch, Arum said Jones might end up being a great promoter of boxing after the Pacquiao-Clottey clash.
“He is better than me and (Don) King,” said Arum, adding that the alluring Cowboys cheerleaders are also going to be in attendance to add glamour to the already-appealing event.
Immediately after signs pointed to a collapse in negotiations for the fancied showdown between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather a few weeks ago, Arum said Jones expressed his interest in bringing Pacquiao to his brand-new $1.2 billion facility in the city of Arlington, which is just outside Dallas.
Jones had attempted to land the botched Pacquiao-Mayweather tiff but the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was awarded the rights to host that fight.
Having a private plane on hand has become a tradition starting with Pacquiao’s landmark fight with Oscar De La Hoya.
After Pacquiao polished off the Golden Boy in Dec. 2008, Arum has arranged for the same VIP treatment for the world’s premier puncher against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto last year.
Flying on private jet is ultra-expensive but Arum believes Pacquiao deserves to be treated like a true VIP, being the representative of his sport.
Source: mb.com.ph
DAVID HAYE TOLD TO KEEP MUM -- Daily Star
By Steve Lillis, Daily Star
MUM’S the word for David Haye after getting it in the ear from his shamefaced parent.
WBA heavyweight champion Haye’s reputation for trashing opponents has the same notoriety as his knockout ring performances.
But the Bermondsey boaster’s mum Jane wants her son to zip the lip and KO the insults. Haye, 29, is currently in Senegal supporting various charity projects.
He said: “My mum hates it. I get reprimanded every other night. I get calls from her and she says, ‘How dare you say this about this guy, he’s a human being. How would you like it if he said that about you?’
“I said, ‘Mum, this is boxing. He’s going to try to knock me out in a few weeks’.
“She knows it’s my personality, but she’s not impressed by it one bit. She brought me up to be a lot more respectful and she feels it might reflect badly on her."
“Slowly but surely I became a trash-talker though.” Haye, who has home advantage in April when he faces mandatory contender John Ruiz, puts his motor-mouth style down to former featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed.
He added: “I was a massive fan of Naseem when I was in my teens. He could do no wrong in my eyes. He was very funny. You’d hear an interview from him and you’d always have a real laugh. And that’s great. If it ruffles people’s feathers and gets their blood boiling, and if people hate me because of it, I say mission accomplished.”
Source: dailystar.co.uk
MUM’S the word for David Haye after getting it in the ear from his shamefaced parent.
WBA heavyweight champion Haye’s reputation for trashing opponents has the same notoriety as his knockout ring performances.
But the Bermondsey boaster’s mum Jane wants her son to zip the lip and KO the insults. Haye, 29, is currently in Senegal supporting various charity projects.
He said: “My mum hates it. I get reprimanded every other night. I get calls from her and she says, ‘How dare you say this about this guy, he’s a human being. How would you like it if he said that about you?’
“I said, ‘Mum, this is boxing. He’s going to try to knock me out in a few weeks’.
“She knows it’s my personality, but she’s not impressed by it one bit. She brought me up to be a lot more respectful and she feels it might reflect badly on her."
“Slowly but surely I became a trash-talker though.” Haye, who has home advantage in April when he faces mandatory contender John Ruiz, puts his motor-mouth style down to former featherweight champion Prince Naseem Hamed.
He added: “I was a massive fan of Naseem when I was in my teens. He could do no wrong in my eyes. He was very funny. You’d hear an interview from him and you’d always have a real laugh. And that’s great. If it ruffles people’s feathers and gets their blood boiling, and if people hate me because of it, I say mission accomplished.”
Source: dailystar.co.uk
Malignaggi Explains Why He Should Fight Mayweather -- The Sweet Science
By Michael Woods, The Sweet Science
Just one problem if Floyd Mayweather fights Paulie Malignaggi. Who the heck are the fans going to root for?
Two guys who typically wear the villain hat, facing off...What are viewers who aren't in the Floyd circle of love or Paulie's Brooklyn crew gonna do? Flip a coin?
TSS chatted with the New York based junior welterweight, who like all of us is waiting to hear what's next for Floyd after the Manny-Money megafight went off the tracks. Mouthy Malignaggi made a strong case for why he, and not Matthew Hatton, or Nate Campbell, or Ivan Calderon (LOL) should get to glove up with Mayweather.
"I'm not sure what's going on with a Mayweather fight, I'm hearing a lot of rumors," Paulie said Tuesday afternoon. "I know my name is in the mix."
His name isn't in the mix to face Manny Pacquiao, he said, which flies in the face of those who maintained that his stance that Pacquiao might well have been using PEDs was merely a ploy to land a Pacquiao scrap. You'll recall that Malignaggi talked to TSS on Dec. 31 and put forth some of his opinions on why he thought Manny's rise might not be purely man-made (http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/7579/paul-malignaggi-explains-why-thinks-manny-used-peds/).
"I think that story ended my chances of fighting Manny. My name was in the mix. I think Team Pacquiao is scared what I might say, that I might shine more light on them. If as some say I'm not in Manny's caliber, my name wouldn't have come up. I think it was about the fear of me opening my mouth.
"As for Nate Campbell fighting Floyd l I think Richard Schaefer is just putting that out because Nate is with Golden Boy. That said I can't say he doesn't deserve it. But it's all up in the air. I'm waiting," he said.
"I think I'm the best junior welterweight, over Tim Bradley or Amir Khan. Bradley is no joke. Hey I'm not saying I'm the best pound for pounder in the world, I'm saying I'm the best junior welterweight. Put me in with anybody and they have their hands full. 2008 is my problem. I had a trainer that didn't know what he was doing with me. I wasted a lot years. It took me a long time to get the right team together. It's no coincidence that I went straight down and came straight back up. 2008 shouldn't exist. I can make the case that I'm the best junior welter in the world, power or no power."
Pro Pacman fans come on this board and hammer Malignaggi for his bravado. They slam him for his lack of pop--he has just five KOs in 27 wins--and the fighter is tired of hearing and reading that slam.
"My game has nothing to do with power, and power had nothing to do with any of my fights, except for the Cotto fight. Lack of power is never the issue, that's not why I have lost. The media and fans are all into power, the media should all get a hobby. These guys are so moronic, all they can come up with is 2008." Onward and upward, the Twitter Hitter said. I will have only good performances from here on out. If I can fight twelve rounds and I can control things, it isn't about power."
Of the names being thrown in the mix for Floyd's next bout, Malignaggi's mouth would do the most in the marketing department. Course, Floyd doesn't really need any help in that arena, but the hype-o-rama counting down to Mayweather-Malignaggi would be something, wouldn't it?
"Anyway, whether I get it or not is up to Team Mayweather. But I'm the most marketable of the guys mentioned. Could he pick Matthew Hatton over me? I don't know how. He hasn't held a title. That should eliminate him. He's so low on the ladder."
If he does get Floyd, Malignaggi says his speed, which Zab Judah and Oscar De La Hoya used to good effect before Floyd made adjustments, would make it hard for Mayweather.
"Floyd is the best fighter in the world because he's the smartest fighter in the world," Malignaggi said. "It's about the adjustments he makes. It's not that he's impenetrable, flawless. He's just the most complete fighter I've ever seen. The trick with him is to maintain your speed and consistency. "
The book on Floyd has been that a pressure rumbler like Jose Luis Castillo is his Kryptonite, but Malignaggi says Floyd's grown so much since he met Castillo, in 2002, that a rumbler wouldn't be his worst nightmare.
"I'd keep Floyd on his back foot, not getting off so much. I'm a speed guy, I don't get reckless. I do little bursts and then leave you there. I know how to fight Floyd, make him do things he doesn't want to do.
The media backlash could get pretty intense if Mayweather goes from entertaining a clash with top pound for pounder Pacquiao, to a clash with a guy who's the second best boxer in his own family, Matt Hatt. Malignaggi recognizes this, and bolsters his case why he should get the plum assignment.
"I'm 29. I'm in my prime. And I'm not gonna be like, 'I'm happy to do this,' and be like Hatton, all respectful and nice. I won't be run of the mill 'I respect my opponent,' 'I'm in shape,' all that corny stuff on the podium."
The New Yorker sees he and Mayweather in the same boat, often hammered my media and fans because they aren't cookie-cutter sportsmen, humble hitters revered for their Everyday Joe personas.
"I'm in the same boat as Floyd, though he is definitely the best in the world. I know he's accomplished more. But guys like us, whatever we accomplish, it's never enough, people still s--- on us. It's based on envy and jealousy from the media and fans. If you ask me about boxing, I'll tell you I'm good. I'm gonna give it to you the way I see it. Most guys would be the same way if they were in my shoes, or Floyd's. People hate us, people do tune in to see us lose. They say, 'I'm not watching his next fight,' and they do. A million people watched him against Juan Manuel Marquez. My fights on HBO always are among the highest rated. No matter people say, they can all s--- my ----. They will tune in to watch Paulie Malignaggi fight."
Can the public handle a villain vs. villain scrap?
"It makes for an interesting situation," Malignaggi said. "People do want a guy to root for. But if we do fight, people will not be sure what we're gonna say or do. And we both do know how to fight."
Of any of the rumored foes for Mayweather I've heard, Malignaggi makes as much or more sense to me than any of them. Maybe 140 is a little light for Floyd at this time, though, so would that put Paulie out of the running?
"It'd probably be at 147 which isn't a problem because I've been at 140 for almost eight years so it's a good excuse to see how I feel at 147," Malignaggi said.
140, 147, whatever, you know the kid's mouth will still function, whatever the weight. Bottom line--the countdown to the bout would feature all-star trashtalk, and the bout would be a purists' delight.
I'm game. Paulie is. Next move is Mayweathers'...
Source: thesweetscience.com
Just one problem if Floyd Mayweather fights Paulie Malignaggi. Who the heck are the fans going to root for?
Two guys who typically wear the villain hat, facing off...What are viewers who aren't in the Floyd circle of love or Paulie's Brooklyn crew gonna do? Flip a coin?
TSS chatted with the New York based junior welterweight, who like all of us is waiting to hear what's next for Floyd after the Manny-Money megafight went off the tracks. Mouthy Malignaggi made a strong case for why he, and not Matthew Hatton, or Nate Campbell, or Ivan Calderon (LOL) should get to glove up with Mayweather.
"I'm not sure what's going on with a Mayweather fight, I'm hearing a lot of rumors," Paulie said Tuesday afternoon. "I know my name is in the mix."
His name isn't in the mix to face Manny Pacquiao, he said, which flies in the face of those who maintained that his stance that Pacquiao might well have been using PEDs was merely a ploy to land a Pacquiao scrap. You'll recall that Malignaggi talked to TSS on Dec. 31 and put forth some of his opinions on why he thought Manny's rise might not be purely man-made (http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/7579/paul-malignaggi-explains-why-thinks-manny-used-peds/).
"I think that story ended my chances of fighting Manny. My name was in the mix. I think Team Pacquiao is scared what I might say, that I might shine more light on them. If as some say I'm not in Manny's caliber, my name wouldn't have come up. I think it was about the fear of me opening my mouth.
"As for Nate Campbell fighting Floyd l I think Richard Schaefer is just putting that out because Nate is with Golden Boy. That said I can't say he doesn't deserve it. But it's all up in the air. I'm waiting," he said.
"I think I'm the best junior welterweight, over Tim Bradley or Amir Khan. Bradley is no joke. Hey I'm not saying I'm the best pound for pounder in the world, I'm saying I'm the best junior welterweight. Put me in with anybody and they have their hands full. 2008 is my problem. I had a trainer that didn't know what he was doing with me. I wasted a lot years. It took me a long time to get the right team together. It's no coincidence that I went straight down and came straight back up. 2008 shouldn't exist. I can make the case that I'm the best junior welter in the world, power or no power."
Pro Pacman fans come on this board and hammer Malignaggi for his bravado. They slam him for his lack of pop--he has just five KOs in 27 wins--and the fighter is tired of hearing and reading that slam.
"My game has nothing to do with power, and power had nothing to do with any of my fights, except for the Cotto fight. Lack of power is never the issue, that's not why I have lost. The media and fans are all into power, the media should all get a hobby. These guys are so moronic, all they can come up with is 2008." Onward and upward, the Twitter Hitter said. I will have only good performances from here on out. If I can fight twelve rounds and I can control things, it isn't about power."
Of the names being thrown in the mix for Floyd's next bout, Malignaggi's mouth would do the most in the marketing department. Course, Floyd doesn't really need any help in that arena, but the hype-o-rama counting down to Mayweather-Malignaggi would be something, wouldn't it?
"Anyway, whether I get it or not is up to Team Mayweather. But I'm the most marketable of the guys mentioned. Could he pick Matthew Hatton over me? I don't know how. He hasn't held a title. That should eliminate him. He's so low on the ladder."
If he does get Floyd, Malignaggi says his speed, which Zab Judah and Oscar De La Hoya used to good effect before Floyd made adjustments, would make it hard for Mayweather.
"Floyd is the best fighter in the world because he's the smartest fighter in the world," Malignaggi said. "It's about the adjustments he makes. It's not that he's impenetrable, flawless. He's just the most complete fighter I've ever seen. The trick with him is to maintain your speed and consistency. "
The book on Floyd has been that a pressure rumbler like Jose Luis Castillo is his Kryptonite, but Malignaggi says Floyd's grown so much since he met Castillo, in 2002, that a rumbler wouldn't be his worst nightmare.
"I'd keep Floyd on his back foot, not getting off so much. I'm a speed guy, I don't get reckless. I do little bursts and then leave you there. I know how to fight Floyd, make him do things he doesn't want to do.
The media backlash could get pretty intense if Mayweather goes from entertaining a clash with top pound for pounder Pacquiao, to a clash with a guy who's the second best boxer in his own family, Matt Hatt. Malignaggi recognizes this, and bolsters his case why he should get the plum assignment.
"I'm 29. I'm in my prime. And I'm not gonna be like, 'I'm happy to do this,' and be like Hatton, all respectful and nice. I won't be run of the mill 'I respect my opponent,' 'I'm in shape,' all that corny stuff on the podium."
The New Yorker sees he and Mayweather in the same boat, often hammered my media and fans because they aren't cookie-cutter sportsmen, humble hitters revered for their Everyday Joe personas.
"I'm in the same boat as Floyd, though he is definitely the best in the world. I know he's accomplished more. But guys like us, whatever we accomplish, it's never enough, people still s--- on us. It's based on envy and jealousy from the media and fans. If you ask me about boxing, I'll tell you I'm good. I'm gonna give it to you the way I see it. Most guys would be the same way if they were in my shoes, or Floyd's. People hate us, people do tune in to see us lose. They say, 'I'm not watching his next fight,' and they do. A million people watched him against Juan Manuel Marquez. My fights on HBO always are among the highest rated. No matter people say, they can all s--- my ----. They will tune in to watch Paulie Malignaggi fight."
Can the public handle a villain vs. villain scrap?
"It makes for an interesting situation," Malignaggi said. "People do want a guy to root for. But if we do fight, people will not be sure what we're gonna say or do. And we both do know how to fight."
Of any of the rumored foes for Mayweather I've heard, Malignaggi makes as much or more sense to me than any of them. Maybe 140 is a little light for Floyd at this time, though, so would that put Paulie out of the running?
"It'd probably be at 147 which isn't a problem because I've been at 140 for almost eight years so it's a good excuse to see how I feel at 147," Malignaggi said.
140, 147, whatever, you know the kid's mouth will still function, whatever the weight. Bottom line--the countdown to the bout would feature all-star trashtalk, and the bout would be a purists' delight.
I'm game. Paulie is. Next move is Mayweathers'...
Source: thesweetscience.com
The Spit Bucket: Who should Floyd Mayweather fight? -- Grand Rapids Press
By Mike Samuels, Grand Rapids Press
Manny Pacquiao will meet hard-nosed welterweight contender Joshua Clottey on March 13 at Dallas stadium, much to the liking of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who was removed from venue negotiations last month in the Pacquiao-Mayweather clash for a number of reasons.
What, then, for Floyd Mayweather?
Sources from around the boxing world are buzzing with names of such fighters as Kermit Cintron, Nate Campbell, Paulie Malignaggi and Timothy Bradley. This list of fighters doesn’t exactly strike the casual boxing fan as “must-see-TV,” but to be fair, no fighter in the sport would get the type of reaction boxing needs unless it were Manny Pacquaio.
And the same can be said for Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey.
Mayweather needs to get in the ring soon, having only fought once in the last two years, but a fight on March 13 – the exact same day Pacquaio is set to face Clottey – has the potential to do damaging results to the sport as a whole. The last thing boxing needs is two different pay-per-view shows rivaling each other on the same night, especially in today’s economy where the average blue collar American is struggling to bring home a paycheck.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer shared some of the exact same sentiments on the issue with ESPN.com senior boxing columnist Dan Rafael this past week.
"It is unusual, but what can I do," Schaefer said. "It wasn't Floyd who walked away from the Pacquiao fight. There is nothing I can really say about it. I've had the date [March 13] for a long time. Initially it was for the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones fight [which won't come off because Jones was knocked out in a Dec. 2 interim bout]. You know what? It is what it is. I'm not getting excited about it anymore. I am sitting outside having a cigar and [expletive]. It is what it is.
"It's not good. It’s not good for Pacquiao to go on that date, which we had for a long time. We had that date, end of story. So it's not good. How can it be good? It's not good for boxing. It's not good for boxing that Pacquiao and Mayweather are not fighting each other. I worked really hard to make that happen and it's not. And I am not belittling Pacquiao's fight with Clottey. It's OK. Hey, we have a piece of [the promotional contract of] Pacquiao. But is it ideal? No it's not. Is it the end of boxing? Is the world collapsing? No it is not. We all have to look to March 14. March 13 will pass and on March 14 boxing will still be there and there will be exciting fights, and nothing will change that."
And Schaefer is right. Boxing will still be alive and kicking after Mayweather and Pacquiao fight against anyone but each other. It’s irritating, however, that boxing will continue to be on life-support when both Mayweather and Pacquiao had the chance to change the game heading into the new decade. Evidently 40 million dollars and legendary status is not enough for two of the sport’s most talented and most stubborn fighters.
Boy, I miss these guys.
All things aside, it’s a good idea to break-down the list of potential opponents for Floyd Mayweather to give the casual fan an idea of what to expect when the Grand Rapids native steps back in to the ring this March. So let’s run down the choices and you can decide for yourself who would be the best fit:
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (27-3, 5 KO’s) – The Magic Man is coming off an impressive unanimous decision victory over Juan Diaz in December, however that fight took place at the junior welterweight limit of 140lbs (Malignaggi weighed in at 138 ¾ lbs) and there’s no way a fight with Mayweather comes off at anything under the welterweight limit of 147 lbs. So basically Malignaggi would need to move up in weight to face Mayweather. Sure, Paulie is a quick guy but let’s be honest: he’s suffered from hand injuries almost his entire career, leaving him with a pathetic 5 knockouts in 27 victories, with the last one coming in 2003 against Kevin Watts. Kevin who? Exactly. Malignaggi runs his mouth better than most, so the promotion for the fight would be fun while it lasted. Eventually, though, the two would square off and Mayweather would win this fight in easy fashion against yet another fighter not fit for his weight class.
KERMIT CINTRON (32-2, 28 KO’s) – Cintron would be the biggest puncher Mayweather has ever faced in his professional career, by far. Not only can Cintron punch (80 percent knockout percentage), but he’s also fought as both a welterweight and junior middleweight. Cintron isn’t invisible – see his bouts with Antonio Margartio who some dispute now because of illegal hand-wrapping allegations, and Sergio Martinez, who despite winning a decision, many felt he was knocked out by a punch and not a head butt. Regardless, Mayweather signing to fight Cintron would prove he isn’t afraid to fight the bigger man and a true, legit welterweight contender. This fight would do a lot to silence the critics who constantly point out Mayweather’s inability to fight someone his own size.
NATE CAMPBELL (33-5, 25 KO’s, 1 Draw) – The Galaxy Warrior is coming off a no-contest against Timothy Bradley and a questionable decision win against Ali Funeka, in which he weighed 137.5 pounds, more than 2 pounds over the lightweight limit. Look, Nate Campbell has gotten the best of his abilities for never fighting professionally until he was almost 28 years old. But a March 13 fight with Mayweather would have him just turning 38-years-old and moving up to welterweight to face one of the sport's best. This fight just cannot happen. Campbell has no business even being discussed as a possible opponent and if it does somehow get done, the cries for Floyd-cotting will once again be heard.
TIMOTHY BRADLEY (25-0, 11 KO’s) – The chances of the recognized junior welterweight champion stepping in to the ring with Floyd Mayweather are unlikely with Bradley having ties to Showtime. The fight itself wouldn’t be a bad choice – Bradley is a natural pressure fighter with quick feet and a good skill base – but the issue of weight would create some controversy. Once again another possible opponent for Mayweather would be asked to leave their natural weight class. Once in awhile this can be accepted, but when it becomes a theme for every fight you’re in, that’s when questions begin to be raised. There’s no question Bradley would accept the fight. He’s just built that way and he’s hungry for the biggest payday of his career.
FINAL FLURRIES
Various outlets have reported Floyd Mayweather’s next opponent to be Matthew Hatton, younger brother of Ricky Hatton, to take place in the United Kingdom. Schedules and opponents change in boxing on a daily basis but don’t expect this to turn out on the end of truth. There’s no way possible Matthew Hatton can be justified as an opponent for Floyd Mayweather. I don’t care if they fight in front of the Pope. It’s not happening ...
Boxingtalk's Greg Leon reports Antonio Margarito will make his return to the ring after being suspended for illegal hand-wraps after his bout with Shane Mosley last January, on the undercard of Pacquiao-Clottey. Everyone deserves a second chance, but how do you get one for illegally assaulting a man inside the ring? ...
We are a couple weeks away from Shane Mosley and Andre Berto squaring off and honestly I cannot wait for this event. All we’ve heard for the last 2 months – and it’s felt like 2 years – is questions, speculations, accusations and some reason as to why Pacquiao and Mayweather were unable to come to terms for a super fight. Most people don’t care anymore, all fans want to see is a good action fight and Mosley-Berto is sure to deliver. It is widely speculated that should Mosley defeat Berto he would be in line for a spring date with Floyd Mayweather ...
Ring TV’s William Dettloff wrote an inspiring look at “Smokin” Joe Frazier this week. I highly recommend it. It’s a raw piece on a very raw man without the everyday fluff and huff.
Source: blog.mlive.com
Manny Pacquiao will meet hard-nosed welterweight contender Joshua Clottey on March 13 at Dallas stadium, much to the liking of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who was removed from venue negotiations last month in the Pacquiao-Mayweather clash for a number of reasons.
What, then, for Floyd Mayweather?
Sources from around the boxing world are buzzing with names of such fighters as Kermit Cintron, Nate Campbell, Paulie Malignaggi and Timothy Bradley. This list of fighters doesn’t exactly strike the casual boxing fan as “must-see-TV,” but to be fair, no fighter in the sport would get the type of reaction boxing needs unless it were Manny Pacquaio.
And the same can be said for Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey.
Mayweather needs to get in the ring soon, having only fought once in the last two years, but a fight on March 13 – the exact same day Pacquaio is set to face Clottey – has the potential to do damaging results to the sport as a whole. The last thing boxing needs is two different pay-per-view shows rivaling each other on the same night, especially in today’s economy where the average blue collar American is struggling to bring home a paycheck.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer shared some of the exact same sentiments on the issue with ESPN.com senior boxing columnist Dan Rafael this past week.
"It is unusual, but what can I do," Schaefer said. "It wasn't Floyd who walked away from the Pacquiao fight. There is nothing I can really say about it. I've had the date [March 13] for a long time. Initially it was for the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones fight [which won't come off because Jones was knocked out in a Dec. 2 interim bout]. You know what? It is what it is. I'm not getting excited about it anymore. I am sitting outside having a cigar and [expletive]. It is what it is.
"It's not good. It’s not good for Pacquiao to go on that date, which we had for a long time. We had that date, end of story. So it's not good. How can it be good? It's not good for boxing. It's not good for boxing that Pacquiao and Mayweather are not fighting each other. I worked really hard to make that happen and it's not. And I am not belittling Pacquiao's fight with Clottey. It's OK. Hey, we have a piece of [the promotional contract of] Pacquiao. But is it ideal? No it's not. Is it the end of boxing? Is the world collapsing? No it is not. We all have to look to March 14. March 13 will pass and on March 14 boxing will still be there and there will be exciting fights, and nothing will change that."
And Schaefer is right. Boxing will still be alive and kicking after Mayweather and Pacquiao fight against anyone but each other. It’s irritating, however, that boxing will continue to be on life-support when both Mayweather and Pacquiao had the chance to change the game heading into the new decade. Evidently 40 million dollars and legendary status is not enough for two of the sport’s most talented and most stubborn fighters.
Boy, I miss these guys.
All things aside, it’s a good idea to break-down the list of potential opponents for Floyd Mayweather to give the casual fan an idea of what to expect when the Grand Rapids native steps back in to the ring this March. So let’s run down the choices and you can decide for yourself who would be the best fit:
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (27-3, 5 KO’s) – The Magic Man is coming off an impressive unanimous decision victory over Juan Diaz in December, however that fight took place at the junior welterweight limit of 140lbs (Malignaggi weighed in at 138 ¾ lbs) and there’s no way a fight with Mayweather comes off at anything under the welterweight limit of 147 lbs. So basically Malignaggi would need to move up in weight to face Mayweather. Sure, Paulie is a quick guy but let’s be honest: he’s suffered from hand injuries almost his entire career, leaving him with a pathetic 5 knockouts in 27 victories, with the last one coming in 2003 against Kevin Watts. Kevin who? Exactly. Malignaggi runs his mouth better than most, so the promotion for the fight would be fun while it lasted. Eventually, though, the two would square off and Mayweather would win this fight in easy fashion against yet another fighter not fit for his weight class.
KERMIT CINTRON (32-2, 28 KO’s) – Cintron would be the biggest puncher Mayweather has ever faced in his professional career, by far. Not only can Cintron punch (80 percent knockout percentage), but he’s also fought as both a welterweight and junior middleweight. Cintron isn’t invisible – see his bouts with Antonio Margartio who some dispute now because of illegal hand-wrapping allegations, and Sergio Martinez, who despite winning a decision, many felt he was knocked out by a punch and not a head butt. Regardless, Mayweather signing to fight Cintron would prove he isn’t afraid to fight the bigger man and a true, legit welterweight contender. This fight would do a lot to silence the critics who constantly point out Mayweather’s inability to fight someone his own size.
NATE CAMPBELL (33-5, 25 KO’s, 1 Draw) – The Galaxy Warrior is coming off a no-contest against Timothy Bradley and a questionable decision win against Ali Funeka, in which he weighed 137.5 pounds, more than 2 pounds over the lightweight limit. Look, Nate Campbell has gotten the best of his abilities for never fighting professionally until he was almost 28 years old. But a March 13 fight with Mayweather would have him just turning 38-years-old and moving up to welterweight to face one of the sport's best. This fight just cannot happen. Campbell has no business even being discussed as a possible opponent and if it does somehow get done, the cries for Floyd-cotting will once again be heard.
TIMOTHY BRADLEY (25-0, 11 KO’s) – The chances of the recognized junior welterweight champion stepping in to the ring with Floyd Mayweather are unlikely with Bradley having ties to Showtime. The fight itself wouldn’t be a bad choice – Bradley is a natural pressure fighter with quick feet and a good skill base – but the issue of weight would create some controversy. Once again another possible opponent for Mayweather would be asked to leave their natural weight class. Once in awhile this can be accepted, but when it becomes a theme for every fight you’re in, that’s when questions begin to be raised. There’s no question Bradley would accept the fight. He’s just built that way and he’s hungry for the biggest payday of his career.
FINAL FLURRIES
Various outlets have reported Floyd Mayweather’s next opponent to be Matthew Hatton, younger brother of Ricky Hatton, to take place in the United Kingdom. Schedules and opponents change in boxing on a daily basis but don’t expect this to turn out on the end of truth. There’s no way possible Matthew Hatton can be justified as an opponent for Floyd Mayweather. I don’t care if they fight in front of the Pope. It’s not happening ...
Boxingtalk's Greg Leon reports Antonio Margarito will make his return to the ring after being suspended for illegal hand-wraps after his bout with Shane Mosley last January, on the undercard of Pacquiao-Clottey. Everyone deserves a second chance, but how do you get one for illegally assaulting a man inside the ring? ...
We are a couple weeks away from Shane Mosley and Andre Berto squaring off and honestly I cannot wait for this event. All we’ve heard for the last 2 months – and it’s felt like 2 years – is questions, speculations, accusations and some reason as to why Pacquiao and Mayweather were unable to come to terms for a super fight. Most people don’t care anymore, all fans want to see is a good action fight and Mosley-Berto is sure to deliver. It is widely speculated that should Mosley defeat Berto he would be in line for a spring date with Floyd Mayweather ...
Ring TV’s William Dettloff wrote an inspiring look at “Smokin” Joe Frazier this week. I highly recommend it. It’s a raw piece on a very raw man without the everyday fluff and huff.
Source: blog.mlive.com
Freddie Roach: I’d be concerned if asked to train Ricky Hatton for a boxing comeback -- Telegraph
By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk
There has been no suggestion that Roach, the trainer of British boxing tyro Amir Khan and the man who plotted Hatton’s demise last May at the hands of the dynamic Filipino Manny Pacquiao, has been approached by Hatton Promotions.
Rumours persist, however, that Richard Hatton the promoter is soon to become Ricky Hatton the fighter again, planning a ring return this summer. That will also mean shedding around 35lbs.
“Obviously Ricky has to make his own mind up about coming back or retiring, but I’d be a little bit concerned about training Ricky now," said Roach.
"He has suffered two bad knockouts, to the two top fighters of this generation, but if he had come to me a few years ago, I could really have worked with him.”
“Ricky has had a great career, he has been in some real wars, and is a great fighter. I think I could really have done something with him.”
However, Roach may yet find himself in the opposing corner if his own charge, Khan, and Hatton, decide to put friendship aside to duke it out later this year. Both men publicly dismissed any thought of facing each other just over eight months ago.
Yet in recent weeks, both have suggested the contest could be a possibility, although it is believed that Hatton may be moving up to welterweight to fight and may be lining up for a fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, beaten last year by Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Hatton is by a long chalk, the bigger man.
For Khan, it would provide the ideal test. For Hatton, a chance not to be upstaged by the young fighter on the rise.
Meanwhile, promoter Frank Warren, who has guided Amir Khan from a 17-year-old Olympic silver medallist to world champion over almost six years, has delivered his view on the newly-established ‘Khan Promotions’.
Khan was written off 14 months ago after being knocked out by Breidis Prescott, yet Warren kept the faith. The promoter explained: "I have delivered all I said I was going to do. When he turned pro I said I'd look after him and I'd make sure he wins a world title and I've done that.
"Now he could become a legend. Can he do it? I don't know. Will he do it with me? I think I'm pretty good at what I do and he's pretty good at what he does." Warren points to the former world featherweight champion Naseem Hamed, whose career went on the slide after he split with Warren.
"Naseem Hamed was very good at what he did and I was good at what I did but, when he left me, it didn't work out for him and he went from being a very popular fighter to a man who was booed out of the ring and he regrets that and I hope that Amir doesn't get fazed by all these things.”
Khan is due to make the second defence of the WBA light-welterweight title against Argentinian Marcos Maidana, although it has gone out to purse bids and may be confirmed in the coming week, in spite of Roach's view being that Khan is not ready for the dangerous Argentinian, who has knocked out 26 of 27 opponents.
Maidana's only loss was to Andreas Kotelnik, from whom Khan ripped the title last summer.
"It's a tough fight for him but he's capable,” said Warren. “Over the last 12 months he's turned into a different fighter."
Source: telegraph.co.uk
There has been no suggestion that Roach, the trainer of British boxing tyro Amir Khan and the man who plotted Hatton’s demise last May at the hands of the dynamic Filipino Manny Pacquiao, has been approached by Hatton Promotions.
Rumours persist, however, that Richard Hatton the promoter is soon to become Ricky Hatton the fighter again, planning a ring return this summer. That will also mean shedding around 35lbs.
“Obviously Ricky has to make his own mind up about coming back or retiring, but I’d be a little bit concerned about training Ricky now," said Roach.
"He has suffered two bad knockouts, to the two top fighters of this generation, but if he had come to me a few years ago, I could really have worked with him.”
“Ricky has had a great career, he has been in some real wars, and is a great fighter. I think I could really have done something with him.”
However, Roach may yet find himself in the opposing corner if his own charge, Khan, and Hatton, decide to put friendship aside to duke it out later this year. Both men publicly dismissed any thought of facing each other just over eight months ago.
Yet in recent weeks, both have suggested the contest could be a possibility, although it is believed that Hatton may be moving up to welterweight to fight and may be lining up for a fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, beaten last year by Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Hatton is by a long chalk, the bigger man.
For Khan, it would provide the ideal test. For Hatton, a chance not to be upstaged by the young fighter on the rise.
Meanwhile, promoter Frank Warren, who has guided Amir Khan from a 17-year-old Olympic silver medallist to world champion over almost six years, has delivered his view on the newly-established ‘Khan Promotions’.
Khan was written off 14 months ago after being knocked out by Breidis Prescott, yet Warren kept the faith. The promoter explained: "I have delivered all I said I was going to do. When he turned pro I said I'd look after him and I'd make sure he wins a world title and I've done that.
"Now he could become a legend. Can he do it? I don't know. Will he do it with me? I think I'm pretty good at what I do and he's pretty good at what he does." Warren points to the former world featherweight champion Naseem Hamed, whose career went on the slide after he split with Warren.
"Naseem Hamed was very good at what he did and I was good at what I did but, when he left me, it didn't work out for him and he went from being a very popular fighter to a man who was booed out of the ring and he regrets that and I hope that Amir doesn't get fazed by all these things.”
Khan is due to make the second defence of the WBA light-welterweight title against Argentinian Marcos Maidana, although it has gone out to purse bids and may be confirmed in the coming week, in spite of Roach's view being that Khan is not ready for the dangerous Argentinian, who has knocked out 26 of 27 opponents.
Maidana's only loss was to Andreas Kotelnik, from whom Khan ripped the title last summer.
"It's a tough fight for him but he's capable,” said Warren. “Over the last 12 months he's turned into a different fighter."
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)