Mayweather vs Mosley Fight Betting Odds -- Sports Odds

By Abe Luciano, Sports Odds

Mayweather vs Mosley Fight Betting Odds: With Manny Pacquiao out of the equation for May 1st, the next big fight will not be the one everyone wanted to see. Instead, various reports now indicate that a Floyd Mayweather vs Sugar Shane Mosley bout has been finalized. At this point, Fight Betting Odds makers at SPORTSBOOK.com have listed (40-0, 25 KOs) Floyd Mayweather [-260 ML] as the sports betting odds favorite to defeat (46-5, 39 KOs) Shane Mosley [+200 ML]. This fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Last week, the former pound-for-pound king agreed and formally signed the contract for what would be his second fight out of retirement. “This one is definitely for the fans, as I wasn’t going to waste anyone’s time with a meaningless tuneup bout and asked to fight Shane immediately,” said Money Mayweather said. “I have said ever since I came back to the sport that I only wanted to fight the best. I think Shane is one of the best, but come May 1, he still won’t be great enough to beat me.”

Rumors for this fight began swirling around the moment that people began claiming that Golden Boy Productions’ Oscar De La Hoya had allegedly paid for some of Mayweather’s enormous tax debt. De La Hoya of course denied these allegations. Other allegations include Mosley, performance enhancers and the infamous BALCO Labs.

The 38-year-old former Welterweight champion addressed this very issue with the media. “I’m real disappointed and real angry to be linked to juicing and steroids, because that’s just not me,” Mosley said in a recent phone interview with the AP. “I don’t need to do that stuff. I like the testing for this fight. I want it, because I want to prove that everything I’ve done is all me, and not about steroids. I’ve never tested positive for anything, but I want everybody to know who I really am.”

Source: sports-odds.com

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Mosley plots test of own

By STEVE CARP, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Drug screening not a concern; Floyd will lose

If he were to get a dollar for every question about steroids he'll be asked between now and his May 1 fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Shane Mosley figures, he wouldn't need to climb into the MGM Grand Garden ring to collect his reported $15 million purse.

One of the main story lines to the welterweight showdown that has been 10 years in the making will be Mosley's past use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Mosley (46-5, 39 knockouts), the reigning WBA welterweight champion, admitted to a grand jury during the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative investigation in 2007 that he had used PEDs supplied by BALCO founder Victor Conte before a 2003 victory over Oscar De La Hoya.

Mosley has passed all of his athletic commission drug tests since. But when Mayweather insisted that Mosley accept Olympic-style random drug testing, including blood testing, as a condition for taking the fight -- going well beyond the Nevada Athletic Commission's screening standards -- Mosley didn't hesitate.

"I'm fine with that," Mosley said. "Let's do it. I've got nothing to hide. (Mayweather) can test me all he wants. I'm still going to beat him."

Mosley, 38, hasn't fought in 13 months since he dominated Antonio Margarito on Jan. 24, 2009, scoring a ninth-round technical knockout to win the WBA title.

He was supposed to return to the ring last month to face WBC champion Andre Berto in a welterweight title unification fight. But Berto pulled out two weeks before the bout, too distraught to fight after several of his family members died in the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.

"I don't like that I'm inactive," Mosley said. "I like to fight three times a year.

"It's not the ideal schedule, but I'll be fine. I'm in great shape, and I'll stay busy in the gym."

Mosley said he plans to begin serious workouts with trainer Nasim Richardson in mid-March in Big Bear City, Calif.

Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) had better be ready if he hopes to remain undefeated, Mosley said.

"It's probably his most dangerous fight," Mosley said. "He's never faced anyone with the speed, power and ability that I have. I'll have no problem beating him."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.

Source: lvrj.com

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Whew, Mayweather signs to fight Mosley, but angst still there -- 15Rounds

By Norm Frauenheim, 15Rounds.com

Anxiety gave way to relief Wednesday when it was announced that Floyd Mayweather, Jr., had finally signed for a May 1 fight with Shane Mosley, whose promotional point man, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, sounded as though the wait for Mayweather’s signature was a little bit like anticipating a dental appointment.

As it turns out, it was routine, a mere formality. Let’s just hope it stays that way until opening bell at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand for a May Day of a fight that won’t generate as much money as Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao would have, but promises to be as good, if not better.

The temptation is to say thanks to Mayweather for a convincing counter to everybody who parrots Bob Arum’s criticism that he is afraid of any threat to his unbeaten record. Well, Mosley, a natural welterweight, is that threat, bigger on a tale of the tape than Pacquiao, a relative newcomer to 147 pounds.

But you can never be sure with Mayweather. Schaefer’s angst, reflected in various news reports, sums up the uncertainty about a fighter with wonderful talents, yet as hard to pin down as he is to hit. Mayweather’s unpredictability is good for HBO’s 24/7, but exasperating for everybody else, including media quick to report that Mayweather had not signed only four days after the agreement — complete with Mosley’s signature — was announced.

The delay, not matter how brief, was enough to make everybody wonder what Mayweather was up to now. Plenty of skepticism is left in the messy wake of failed negotiations for a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, which won’t happen on March 13 because Pacquiao said no to Mayweather’s demand for random, Olympic-style blood-testing. Everybody has been blamed, which only means that nobody’s reputation escapes unscathed.

Mayweather and Mosley now are scheduled to be in south Florida Sunday for the Super Bowl Sunday. It’s an interesting setting. Mayweather-Pacquiao had been called boxing’s Super Bowl. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees will never have to explain why the Colts and Saints couldn’t agree to a game. I’m not sure Mayweather will be able to explain why he couldn’t agree on a fight with Pacquiao. But it is safe say he will hear the questions and I’m sure he will blame Pacquiao, although familiar trash-talk might be punctuated with caution because of a defamation lawsuit.

Mistrust is everywhere. Mayweather-Mosley represents a real chance to move on. But it won’t be easy. In just a few days, the familiar jitters were there with questions about when – indeed, if — Mayweather would sign. The abortive talks for Mayweather-Pacquiao are just the latest reason.

In September, there was weight-gate before, during and after Mayweather’s unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. At 146 pounds on the day before the fight, Mayweather failed to meet the catch weight, 144, and willingly wrote a check for $600,000 — $300,000 for each excess pound – to Marquez.

From a ringside seat the next night, Mayweather often looked like a middleweight, especially when his back was to me. I can’t help but think it was no coincidence that he refused to step on unofficial scales for HBO not long before opening bell. After the one-sided fight, he dissed anybody who wanted to know how he heavy he was.

There are some things Mayweather just doesn’t want anybody to know. No wonder Schaefer and many in the media were nervous.

Here’s a suggestion: Andre Berto withdrew from a bout on Jan 30 with Mosley because of concern for family caught in the Haitian earthquake. Tell Berto to stay in the gym. You never know.


NOTES, QUOTES

· According to various reports, Mayweather and Mosley will undergo Olympic-style drug testing. Given Mayweather’s demand in talks for Pacquiao, he will have to insist on the procedure from now on. For Mosley, it’s a significant step. He was linked to performance-enhancers years ago in testimony to a grand jury investigating Balco. What’s not clear is who will conduct the tests. The Nevada State Athletic Commission? The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency? And who will pay for the tests? The fighters? The promoters? The lousy economy would seem to preclude any state commission from taking on the expense.

· News from the World Boxing Association says it will investigate Beibut Shumenov’s controversial split decision over Gabriel Campillo for the light-heavyweight championship on Jan. 29 at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas. While the acronym is at it, how about a few questions asking how a fighter, Shumenov, with only 10 pro bouts could even qualify for a shot at so-called major title?

· Intriguing Jose Benavidez, a 17-year-old junior-welterweight from Phoenix, is scheduled for his second pro fight on Feb. 13 against an unannounced foe at the Las Vegas Hilton on a card, Latin Fury 13/Pinoy Power 3, featuring super-flyweight Nonito Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs) against Gerson Guerrero (43-8, 26 KOs). There’s been some hope that Benavidez could help resurrect a Phoenix market, mostly dormant since Arizona began to enforce tough immigration laws. “I’d really love to fight in Phoenix,’’ Benavidez said. “Hey, it’s my hometown.’’

· And kudos to Chad Dawson, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Top Rank for promises to help in the Haiti relief. Dawson said he has started Champions Challenge. He has invested $5,000 of his money has asked other champs to match it. Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, says he will donate his purse from a fight Friday night against Adolfo Landeros in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to the Children of Haiti Fund. Top Rank announced it is setting aside a percentage of ticket receipts for the earthquake victims.

Source: 15rounds.com

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Manny Pacquiao & Floyd Mayweather JR Move On, Shane Mosley and Joshua Clottey Look to Spoil -- Ringside Report

By Geno McGahee, Ringside Report

Floyd Mayweather – Shane Mosley officially official

The May 1st super fight between undefeated co-pound for pound best in the world, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and “Sugar” Shane Mosley has been signed and sealed and will be delivered. This is not the fight that the people wanted to see, but they will certainly take it. Out of all the opponents out there for Floyd, Shane is the best next to Manny Pacquiao, and there are some things that Mosley can do to be effective.

An early prediction on this bout is easy: Floyd by wide decision. Despite his highlight reel knockout of “Hands of Plaster” Antonio Margarito, Mosley has not been that impressive in his last few outings, struggling badly with the raw yet strong, Ricardo Mayorga. Mayorga was beaten down easily by Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad prior to facing Mosley, and it was an even fight until the final round stoppage.

You add the possible ring wear along with being out of the ring nearly a year and a half, and the age of Shane, it’s a tall order here. There is bad blood between the two and Mosley will not roll over and die, but does he still possess the speed to make this fight competitive? The likely answer is no.

The thing going in Mosley’s favor and what makes this so interesting is that he is very smart. He will stick to a game plan. He also has a great chin and tremendous strength. To win though, he would have to be flawless and fight the fight of his life. Past performances against boxers like Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright certainly make a bet on him a risky one, but at least we are not seeing Floyd vs. Matthew Hatton, a fight that was proposed.


March 13th Quickly Approaching

Despite the fallout of the showdown with Floyd Mayweather, JR., Manny Pacquiao carries on and will be facing Joshua Clottey on March 13th, a date once reserved for his showdown with Money Mayweather.

Pacquiao’s recent track record make him the modern day Mike Tyson, a warrior that comes at his opponent relentlessly with power in both hands. He has destroyed some very big names in boxing: Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and most recently, Miguel Cotto. He is the real deal, but Joshua Clottey is a strange choice for an opponent.

Clottey is the sort of guy that would give Manny trouble with his tight defense and consistency. He barely lost in his last outing to Miguel Cotto, and stood tough with Antonio Margarito, winning before injuring his hands, and playing survival for the last half of the fight. Clottey is tough and takes a good shot, but there is a weakness. He is susceptible to straight punches…Manny’s specialty. The plan has to be to launch the straight punches early and often and hope for the best. Manny has every edge in this bout with the possible exception of toughness. Clottey might make this a battle of wills and although Manny has been through battles before, the late aggression from his challenger may be too much for him. We’ll see.
Without question, Manny is the big favorite going in, but Clottey has proven difficult for everyone he has faced. Will this be another spectacular KO win for the Filipino superstar or will we get a shocker on our hands. Most likely, this bout will lead to a showdown between Mayweather and Pacquiao. They will eventually iron everything out and get into the ring together. The public demand is far too high for them not to fight.


Super Six Leftovers

One guy that belonged in the Super Six Tournament, IBF Super Middleweight Champ, Lucian Bute, will be featured on HBO’s World Championship boxing when he squares off against Edison Miranda, a fighter that has seen better days.

When Jermain Taylor was rumored to be dropping out of the tournament, the Miranda camp rallied to get him into that spot. It was apparently a race between Allan Green and Edison Miranda to see who would get it should “Bad Intentions” pull out. Well, he did, and thankfully, Green has filled in.

Miranda’s record is impressive at 33-4, 29 KO’s, and he always brings that puncher’s chance to the ring, but his boxing life changed after May 19th, 2007, when Kelly Pavlik dominated and destroyed him in seven rounds. He wasn’t the monster anymore, and his next defeat at the hands of Arthur Abraham was more proof that he wasn’t at the top of his game anymore. Miranda looked for redemption at the expense of Andre Ward in May of 2009, but couldn’t pull the trigger. Now he goes after the IBF crown against Bute.

Bute, 25-0, 20 KO’s, is the best super middleweight not in the Showtime tournament. He is an incredible puncher and is at the top of his game. His last fight, a rematch with Librado Andrade, was brilliant. He stopped him easily in four rounds…a man that had given him a life and death battle just one year prior to the rematch. He will have zero to little problem with Miranda.

Jesse Brinkley, the Contender star that just scored an upset over Curtis Stevens on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, which put him in line for a crack at Bute, but he has to wait in line behind Miranda. A Bute-Brinkley bout was proposed to HBO, but the network did not see it as competitive, according to sources close to the situation, and demanded Miranda as the opponent. HBO is somewhat correct with their assessment. It’s hard to imagine Brinkley being competitive with Bute. Miranda should be easy for Bute as well, but at least he brings the big punch and could win should he land. He only needs one opportunity.


Under the Radar

This weekend has some decent fights, headlined by the Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco bout, but a heavyweight collision in New Jersey is going unnoticed. Top rated heavyweight, Tomasz Adamek, 39-1, 27 KO’s, fresh off his stoppage of former title challenger Andrew Golota, is taking on the capable and upset-minded Jason Estrada, 16-2, 4 KO’s.

Adamek has held the light heavyweight and cruiserweight titles and has now followed the path set by David Haye, moving up to the heavyweight division. He packs a big punch and seems to be punching harder with the move up. He could be a true force in the division and is on a collision course with HBO favorite, Chris Arreola, if he can get passed the challenge of Estrada.


What does Estrada bring to the show?

Estrada is a good boxer with a decent jab, and has beaten some recognizable competition. He out-boxed Lance “Mount” Whitaker in 2008, took a wide decision over Derek Bryant later that year, before taking on top rated challenger Alexander Povetkin. Estrada could not keep the aggressive Povetkin off and lost a wide decision, but rebounded with a knockout over Zuri Lawrence. With only 4 knockouts, he is not a huge threat to stop Adamek, but he is a legit heavyweight with skill and should prove difficult in this fight, coming up Saturday night.

Source: ringsidereport.com

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Steven Seagal visits Manny Pacquiao

Boxing News World

Hollywood actor and martial artist Steven Seagal paid a visit to Manny Pacquiao in his new house in Los Angeles. Seagal, who is huge fan of Pacquiao, had this to say about the pound-for-pound king:

“I’ve always loved Manny. I think he’s the best boxer in the world right now. And I’m just a huge fan. I love him as a human being, as a man. He’s an honorable man, man of God, humble man. (He’s) my favorite boxer."

Pacquiao was very pleased about the visit of the actor. “I feel so happy and lucky because he visited me here in my house… I’m speechless… I can’t believe that I can meet Steven Seagal,” said Pacquiao.

Steven Seagal, a 7th-dan black belt in aikido, has starred in many action-packed movies such as Under Siege, Hard to Kill, and Above the Law, and now plans to do a movie with the Pacman in the Philippines. “I’m hoping we can do something in the Philippines based on some kind of heroic true story,” said the Hollywood star.

(marx7204@lycos.com)

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Pacquiao deals with disappointment, keeps moving forward -- Orange County Register

By MARK WHICKER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LOS ANGELES - Outside, you could hear a $40 million deal breaking, just beneath the barbed words of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Inside, Manny Pacquiao's inner rope finally snapped.

It was a December afternoon, and he broke from his training routine momentarily and began shadowboxing Mayweather.

Then he told trainer Freddie Roach, "This is how I'm going to smash him."

Until then Roach had not heard Pacquiao deliver an unkind word about an opponent in nine years.

The anger passed. So did the opportunity for smashing.

Pacquiao and Mayweather were scheduled to fight on March 13, a moment that would lift boxing past all the March Madness, all the spring training, all the NFL and NBA chatter. Big fights always rise like that, but this one would pervade the world.

It won't happen, because Pacquiao and Mayweather could not agree on the amounts and timing of drug tests.

Pacquiao instead will fight Joshua Clottey on the same day, and Mayweather, in a bit of irony that makes Roach smile, will fight Shane Mosley, who has admitted to using performance-enhancers.

Mayweather signed the contract Wednesday, and full Olympic-style testing is in the deal.

Roach doesn't think Mayweather will climb into that May 1 ring either. Not against the motivated and resourceful Mosley.

"He'll get swine flu or get hurt or something," Roach said.

For Pacquiao, the trick is to swallow that setback and get ready for Clottey, 34, a tough piece of welterweight gristle from Ghana. Clottey has beaten Zab Judah and Diego Corrales, and he lost a split decision to Miguel Cotto last June.

Another distraction is Pacquiao's congressional race in the Phillippines. Election Day is May 10.

But the location of this fight should be a stimulus. Jerry Jones lured the two fighters into Cowboys Stadium, and the first 25,000 tickets disappeared in a hurry. The Jerry-Rigged, gargantuan stadium will be configured to seat about 45,000.

"We respect Clottey, he's a gentleman," Roach said. "But I'm just now learning things about how he fights southpaws. I think we will be the first to knock him out."

Of course, Pacquiao could just pretend he's looking across the ring at Mayweather.

"I understand Floyd," he said the other day, just before a workout at Wild Card Gym. "He just can't say, 'I'm not ready for the fight. I don't want the fight.' He's making alibis to cancel the fight. He's not ready.

"I feel bad, I'm disappointed. I'm not angry toward Floyd, but he's making alibis, and allegations about my name. I deserve for this to be given to me because I sacrifice and train hard and focus for the fight. Going for the allegations about steroids. ... I don't even know what that is."

"He has no history of steroids, no symptoms of steroids," Roach said. "I can't even get him to take protein shakes and vitamins. He's not on steroids. This was Floyd's way out. He got boxed in a little bit. He doesn't fight everybody. He picks and chooses styles. Now I want to see what he does to get out of fighting Mosley."

Pacquiao had agreed to take blood tests up to 24 days before fight night, and immediately after the fight. Mayweather wanted testing up to 14 days before the fight. Pacquiao said he has an aversion to needles, although he has a tattoo on his inner arm.

But Mayweather based his suspicions on the fact that Pacquiao has carried his power through almost 30 pounds of weight gain during his career.

Pacquiao's people immediately pointed out that Mayweather won Golden Gloves titles 19 pounds apart over three years, and that such champions as Henry Armstrong, Ray Robinson, Alexis Arguello and Roberto Duran brought their power up through the weight classes.

Pacquiao is suing Mayweather for defamation of character.

"A lot of people think Manny is on steroids because he's so good," Roach said. "It's the type of society we're in."

The trainer says Pacquiao will be locked in March 13 for various reasons. Pac-Man is studying tape of Clottey, for instance, a habit he picked up after his relatively shabby victory over Juan Manuel Marquez. "Manny used to watch 30 seconds and get bored and go away," Roach said.

Roach also says Pacquiao has told him the Clottey fight could be his finale, a concept that has several different lawyers and promoters reaching for the Prozac.

"I think he could do more as a boxer," Roach said. "But I would love for him to leave. It would be nice. Rarely done, though. When he finds out what those politicians do. ... Everyone loves him now but he might have to make some tough choices. He might not be as popular."

Pacquiao is as opaque as always, when asked about the future.

However, he will pull up a chair when Mosley fights Mayweather.

"I think Mosley will win," he said, his eyes grim and dark. "He's fast. He's a fighter."

Source: ocregister.com

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Athletic commission gives Floyd Mayweather Jr. green light for May 1 fight -- Las Vegas Sun

By Anthony Fenech, Las Vegas Sun

The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Thursday afternoon gave its approval for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to fight Shane Mosley in a welterweight bout May 1 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

All events contested in Nevada, regardless of the magnitude, are required to go through the commission's sanctioning process.

"We thank them for bringing this fight here," commissioner Bill Brady said during an afternoon meeting at the Grant Sawyer State Office Building. "I know it's been a lot of work and we appreciate it."

While the fight will pit two of the sport's more notable pound-for-pound fighters over the last decade, it's not the match-up the majority of fans wanted to see.

However, that fight — Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao — never was finalized after the two sides couldn't agree on pre-fight drug-testing methods. Ironically, Mosley has admitted using steroids before his victory against Oscar De La Hoya in 2003.

Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) has agreed to pre-fight urine and blood drug testing at anytime leading up to the fight as long as Mayweather (40-0, 25 knockouts) undergoes the same test on the same day. Pacquiao refused to have his blood tested.

Pacquiao is fighting Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Dallas. Mayweather initially targeted March 13 for his next fight, but couldn't secure an opponent.

The commission also approved the date of April 3 for the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones Jr. rematch at Mandalay Bay.

Source: lasvegassun.com

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Manny Pacquiao ‘For me its Boxing and God’ -- Examiner

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com

Could you ask anything else from a professional boxer? In a world that’s full of selfish athletes who care more about the “money’ and the fame, it’s refreshing when an athlete proclaims his faith and his commitment to the sport that he strives to be the best at.

In a recent interview with BoxingScene.com, Manny Pacquiao made the following comments:
“For me, it’s Boxing and God. I think what I have done in boxing is because of my sacrifices and my faith in God.”

In an interview I just did with World Extreme Cagefighting’s (WEC) General Manager Reed Harris, I asked him what he thought about Urijah Faber who is Sacramento’s hometown hero and the face of the WEC. Pay attention to what Mr. Harris had to say:

“He is kinda the quintessential athlete. He lives clean, His entire life and lifestyle revolves around MMA. That’s really the kind of star athletes you are looking for. He’s someone you can build around. He is at the elite level of this sport.”

My immediate response to what Mr. Harris said was:

RR: “Do you know who it sounds like you just described to me?”

Mr. Harris: “Who’s that?’"

RR: “Manny Pacquiao”

Mr. Harris: “You are absolutely right. He’s a lot like Faber in his commitment, lifestyle, skills, and dominance.”

Now, I bring up this conversation with Mr. Harris not to say that Pacquiao and Faber are the same but to describe how important and amazing it is to have an elite athlete that’s committed to being the best fighter and the best person they can be. You want another example? Look no further than Kurt Warner in the NFL. Here’s an athlete committed to his faith and his profession (before he retired).

Its athletes like Pacquiao, Faber, and Warner that make sports as great and honorable as they are. Its athletes like these 3 who show that dedication, commitment, and faith can make you successful, respectable, and heroic.

No matter the success, the awards, or the fame Pacquiao still remains humbled and praiseworthy to his faith. To me, this is amazing. Perhaps, it’s because I’ve been around so many egotistical athletes. Perhaps, it’s because American athletes don’t always act humbled or profess their faith. Perhaps, it’s just amazing that an all-time great athlete can still glorify God despite his success.

Whatever the reason, its comments and athletes like Manny Pacquiao that deserve the credit for not only being an elite athlete but for also being an elite person.

Source: examiner.com

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Freddie Roach Says Pacquiao Will KO Clottey - Is Freddie Wrong For Once? -- Eastside Boxing

By James Slater, Eastside Boxing

Ace trainer Freddie Roach is well known for being a guy who meticulously studies all upcoming opponents for his fighters, and also for having a quite uncanny knack for accurately predicting the outcome of bouts featuring fighters he works with. And, as is to be expected, Roach has recently been spending his time putting Joshua Clottey - next, of course, for his "star pupil," Manny Pacquiao - under the microscope. Freddie has also come out with another prediction that seems pretty hard to accept, but, due to his track record, may well prove to be spot on..

Roach has been watching tons of Clottey on tape, and he is sure his man will not only beat the tough nut from Accra, Ghana; but he has also predicted Manny Pacquiao will KO the former IBF welterweight champ - becoming the first man to have done so. While a good number of fans will no doubt agree with Roach on his first assessment - that Pac-Man will defeat Clottey on March 13th - some fans may not be in the mood to take Freddie at his word on the second statement he's made.

KO'ing the incredibly strong, smart, well tucked up and reliably-chinned 32-year-old is no easy matter, nor will it prove to be for even as lethal a fighter as Pacquiao. In his 39 pro outings, Clottey has never been even remotely close to being stopped by a shot to the head. Becoming the first to do this to him would be one huge statement by the pound-for-pound king, as great as he is.

Though Pac-Man is fast and has one-punch KO power in either fist, it would really be something to see him put Clottey down and keep him there. We've seen the Filipino legend ice guys with one shot in the past (see KO 2 Ricky Hatton), but do this to Clottey, a guy who has the tough-to-crack, hands up defence that is so synonymous with fighters from Africa? I just can't see it. Clottey is a crafty guy, who will maintain his tight defence whenever danger threatens. Indeed, in the past, Clottey has been criticised for not doing enough offensive work. I think this will be what happens in March - with Clottey not taking any chances or making any mistakes when Pacquiao is looking to unload, and tucking up well and going into his shell when under fire. Unlocking this safe will prove to be a hard task for Pac-Man; maybe even a frustratingly hard one.

What must be agreed on though, is how further a KO win over Clottey would cement Pacquiao's already secure place in history. If the southpaw can chop Clottey down the way he has so many other good and great fighters, further accolades will be showered on him. Accolades like, the greatest fighter ever? Maybe.

No-one is saying Clottey is an all-time great himself, but neither is Gene Fulmer - yet "Sugar" Ray Robinson's one-punch KO of the rock-chinned middleweight added enormously to the original Sugarman's reputation and historical standing. If Pacquiao were to do something similar to Clottey, as Roach has predicted, his fans will also earn even more ammunition to use when arguing their case that Manny is one of the very best of all-time. Bottom line, the fans, of all generations, like to see knockouts; they are impressive.

If Pacquiao can score one on March 13th, chances are it will be a highlight in the video record of the Filipino's achievements for many years to come.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

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Exclusive Interview With "Fast" Fres Oquendo - "I'm Eager To Mix It Up With Either Of The Klitschkos" -- Eastside Boxing

By James Slater, Eastside Boxing

36-year-old "Fast" Fres Oquendo, the former two-time heavyweight title challenger, is set to get back in action in Indiana on February 20th. Hoping to get one more crack at a world title, the 31-5(20) contender who has been in with top names such as Evander Holyfield and James Toney (who many people thought Fres beat on points a while back) wants to challenge one of the Klitschko brothers.

Taking his upcoming fight with 25-year-old Demetrice King very seriously, Oquendo would like nothing more than to get in with one of the two brothers right after this bout. First, though, he must beat King - a man who has bee stopped just once as a pro..

Very kindly taking the time to speak with me earlier today, Fres gave the following answers to my questions:


James Slater: It's great to speak with you, Fres. I appreciate your time. First of all, what do you know about Demetrice King, who you are fighting on February 20th?

Fres Oquendo: I don't know too much about him actually. I heard he's been beating a number of top prospects in the heavyweight division, and I know he's no pushover. He's dangerous, he can punch and at this stage I take all fights very seriously. Every fight I have is like a title fight really. I'm ready to do my job on February 20th.


J.S: Are you glad to be getting back into action?

F.O: Oh, yes. It's been a while since I last fought - last July, against former WBA champion Bruce Seldon. I'm happy to be back and I'm looking forward to putting on a spectacular show in this fight.


J.S: What is the ideal goal? To get in with a top contender, or go for a title fight after you get past this next fight?

F.O: I feel I'm a fighter who has paid his dues - I've already proven my worth. I'm a warrior and I've always taken all challenges. I'm getting ready for another hard fight right now, and then I'd like a fight with Klitschko. A shot at Klitschko next is my dream.


J.S: When you say Klitschko, do you have any preference on which one?

F.O: No, I have no preference - I'd fight either one. They're both the big names right now and I'm eager to mix it up with either one of them. It's my desire to fight for the title again and win it.


J.S: You are on a roll right now, having won five from your last six fights. Some would even say you won all six, because a number of people thought you beat James Toney in December of 2008. Would you take a rematch with Toney if that were offered to you?

F.O: Oh, yeah, in a heartbeat, of course. You missed out Evander Holyfield - that was a bad decision, a controversial decision that went against me (in Nov. 2006). I'd definitely KO Toney if we fought again. I had only one month at the most to get ready for the first fight, and look what I did. If I had the time to train properly, I'd become the first man to KO James Toney. But anyway, that's all coulda, woulda, shoulda. I'm eager to fight the best now and I want a title shot.


J.S: Your manager, Tom Tsatas, says you are better than ever now, that you are matured and in better condition than ever at age 36. You agree with this?

F.O: I must correct you; Tom Tsatas is my former manager, he is my promoter now. Now I'm managed and advised by Gabriel Penagaricano of The WBC - he's my sole advisor and he also advises Miguel Cotto, to name just one more. But, yes, Tom is right about my conditioning right now. My diet is great and I do feel better than ever at 36.


J.S: Getting back to the Demetrice King fight. He's young at 25 and he is coming off a good, 2nd-round TKO win over the 18-0 Bowie Tupou. What type of fight do you expect? King's only been stopped once.

F.O: He's very tough, he's around 240-pounds and he's a naturally rugged guy. But I have the experience - I've been in with the best. I've also had a great camp for this fight. I'm ready to go 12 rounds if necessary, but if a KO comes, then great. If not, I'll dominate all 12 rounds. The victory is the most important thing.


J.S: Do you feel you are hitting harder now, at age 36?

F.O: Yes, I'm a lot more relentless now - putting punches in bunches. I stopped Mark Brown, who's a real tough guy, back in June (of 2009). He's recently beaten Tony Grano, who upset Travis Kauffman. So that says a lot about my power, that I stopped a guy who has just beaten one of the good prospects. This shows the world I definitely have power.


J.S: You say you want a Klitschko fight after this next one; would you not be interested in facing a top name, say a Chris Arreola or a Tony Thompson first?

F.O: Well, there's a lot of politics in the boxing game today. For example, Alexander Povetkin beat everyone in an elimination and earned a shot at Wladimir Klitschko, but due to an injury that was no fault of his own, he didn't get it and Eddie Chambers is instead. Anything can happen. To be the best you must beat the best and I want to fight the best. That's my main desire.


J.S: How do you see Wladimir going against Chambers in March?

F.O: Chambers is fast, we have sparred together before. He has good counter-punches and he can be awkward. Size isn't that important to a certain extent. And Chambers is great against bigger guys anyway. I wouldn't be surprised to see this fight go the distance. But I'd have to pick Wladimir, because of his experience.


J.S: Do you have a timeframe in mind for how long you will continue boxing for, Fres?

F.O: Yes, I don't want to be like Holyfield or Hopkins and fight until I'm in my mid-forties. I want to put my name in the record books by winning the title, and then in two years or so, I'd like to open my own boxing academy. I want to give back, to help kids. Boxing saved me, and I want to do the same for others. I'm actually working on this now, with some city officials here in Chicago. It will be The Fres Oquendo Boxing Academy.


J.S: That's good to hear. It's been a pleasure speaking with you, Fres. For my final question: I'm from the UK, and I'd like to know what you think of David Haye, the new WBA heavyweight champion.

F.O: I've worked with David Haye before, to help him get ready for a couple of fights. He has speed and he has power; I sparred with him. He also proved he had the skill and the technicality to beat Valuev. It would be an honour to fight my former sparring partner who is now a world champion. We worked together in our Miami days. I'd love it if he gave me that opportunity.


J.S: And how do you see his fight with John Ruiz going?

F.O: Haye can't underestimate Ruiz. Ruiz has been in with the best in the world, myself included, and he's always in great shape. Haye can beat him if he fights his fight. I don't think he should go looking for a KO, though. If he fights his fight he will win.


J.S: Thanks again for your time, Fres.

F.O: Thank you my friend.

(thanks to Rachel Charles for arranging this interview)

Source: eastsideboxing.com

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Experts Weigh-In on Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

On Saturday night from Arena Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, 135-pound champion Edwin Valero, goes after his 27th knockout in as many victories without a loss when he makes the second defense of his WBC crown against Antonio DeMarco.

The 28-year-old Valero (pictured at right, on the left) could be facing a tough challenge in the 24-year-old DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs), a slick, boxer-puncher who must avoid his tendency to trade if he wants to be successful in their Showtime-televised bout.

FanHouse sought the predictions of nine experts concerning the outcome of the fight. Check out the results, below:


Bob Canobbio, CompuBox, Inc.
Edwin Valero W 12 Antonio DeMarco: Hard to pick against Valero, who is 26-0, with 26 KOs. This fight's in Mexico however, where DeMarco's resides. DeMarco hasn't fought there in his last nine fights, so the possibility of a home-cooked decision win for Antonio is not probable.

Did I say decision? No Valero fights go to a decision, but this one will. Valero wins unanimously.


Nick Charles, Showtime boxing analyst
Edwin Valero KO 7 Antonio DeMarco: How can Valero possibly keep knocking out everybody he faces? In the case of this fight with DeMarco, I feel that DeMarco will probably play right into his hands.

We've done DeMarco's fights on ShoBox, and every time he vows to box, he brawls. DeMarco's got an excellent trainer who tells him not to do this, but he can't seem to help himself.

To me, the only way Valero loses is if he betrayed himself with faulty preparation for this fight, which is rumored to have been the case.

Demarco being a southpaw who could move, could hang around, but if he does play it safe, I can't see him winning more than a couple of rounds.

So it's a heads I lose, tails I lose scenario for Antonio. Run and survive, or brawl and get overpowered.


Scott Crouse, Co-Host Ballroom Boxing Report, Baltimore's ESPN Radio 1300AM
Edwin Valero TKO 8-10 Antonio DeMarco: DeMarco is talented, tough, and seems to possess the kind of character to give Valero some problems early. But in the end, Valero's power will be too much for him.

Valero does have some flaws that maybe, just maybe, DeMarco can exploit. He can be wild, throws his punches too wide, leaves his chin in the air, and seems to care very little about defense.

But Valero also has underrated handspeed, delivers his punches in combinations, and often catching his opponents with a follow-up shot when his lead punch misses. Valero takes a solid shot, and actually doesn't seem to mind getting hit very much.

Valero is so well-conditioned that he's able to punch with the same authority and fight with the same intensity in the middle and later rounds if he doesn't take his opponent out early.

DeMarco will have to take advantage of the chinks in Valero's armor and fight the perfect fight to win, but Valero just has to be Valero. So it's Valero by TKO 8-10 -- earlier if DeMarco gets too brave.


Doug Fischer, Co-Editor RingTV.com
Edwin Valero by mid-to-late-round KO over Antonio DeMarco: DeMarco is a well-schooled, disciplined young contender with good technique and a lot of heart.

But the Mexican southpaw is a slow starter who likes to engage more than he should. We won't see the sharpest version of Valero, who has yet again changed trainers.

But he's motivated to defend his green belt in Mexico and on national television -- in Mexico and the U.S. I think he either catches DeMarco cold with one big shot, or he gradually breaks the younger man down by forcing him to the ropes and beating on his arms and body.

DeMarco will be game and he'll get his shots in, but I think his willingness to exchange with Valero will cost him.

Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports.com
Antonio DeMarco W 12 Edwin Valero: I'm picking DeMarco by decision. Valero is the far better puncher, and if he lands a clean combination, this could be over at any point.

That said, I think DeMarco is the far better overall boxer, and will be able to exploit the gaping holes in Valero's defense.


Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News
Edwin Valero KO 6 Antonio DeMarco: I'm picking Valero by knockout, and if I have to pick a round, I'll say that it will end in about the sixth round.

I have to tell you that I spoke to Freddie Roach yesterday, and I have a lot of respect for Freddie. And Freddie said that a lot of people don't respect Valero. They think that he's just a wild-swinging guy.

But Freddie said that Velaro is a lot smarter than people think he is and that he deserves a lot more credit for what he's doing. Valero sets things up. So based on that, I can't see this fight going past the sixth round.


Kieran Mulvaney, ESPN boxing and Reuters
Edwin Valero KO 7 Antonio DeMarco: I think DeMarco is a top-drawer talent. He boxes well from the outside, he can crack, and he I believe he has improved considerably over the past few fights.

Then you look at Edwin Valero and you wonder what is so special about him? He looks like he's slow as molasses. But Valero has hands of kryptonite, and once he has timed a guy and figured him out, he just walks him down and beats him up.

I think DeMarco starts out well, maybe builds an early lead on the cards. He may even be leading when the fight ends. But after a few rounds, Valero will have him figured out, and his heavy punches will start finding their target until eventually DeMarco is overwhelmed. Valero TKO 7.


Joe Santoliquito, Managing Editor, Ring Magazine
Edwin Valero KO 4 Antonio DeMarco: Valero simply has too much firepower for DeMarco. But it could be a fun fight. And that's simply because DeMarco will fight back, and may even have the kind of chin to get up after being knocked down a few times by the iron-fisted Valero.


Michael David Smith, FanHouse.com
Edwin Valero KO 9 Antonio DeMarco: DeMarco is a tough opponent for Valero, but I don't see Valero's knockout streak coming to an end. Look for Valero to knock DeMarco out in the ninth round.


The boxing experts overwhelming choose Valero, 8-1.


Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

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Valero ready for DeMarco, bigger things -- Yahoo! Sports

By Dave Skretta, AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP)—Edwin Valero has accused the U.S. government of discrimination, has a tattoo of Venezuela President Hugo Chavez across his chest, sustained a serious head injury in a motorcycle crash and was charged with drunken driving in the U.S.

That alone is quite the resume for the bad boy of boxing, but what makes his curriculum vitae really stand out is the line that reads: 26-0, 26 knockouts.

“I really don’t pay attention to what people think about me. I do what I do because I want to do it,” said Valero, who will defend his WBC lightweight title against Antonio DeMarco on Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico. “The way I live, that’s me. It’s not that I’m controversial, it just may come across as controversial, but I live the way I do, I train the way I do, because I want to.”

It’s a cavalier attitude that has gotten Valero into plenty of trouble. But he also carries that attitude into the ring, where it’s caused trouble for everybody else.

Valero’s first 18 fights never went past the first round, his heavy hands dealing half a dozen clean knockouts. Only once has Valero gone past the ninth round, and in that case he was battering Vicente Mosquera so badly that referee Luis Pabon stopped it in the 10th.

By the way, that was for a world title.

When the charismatic Venezuelan moved up in weight to challenge Antonio Pitalua for a vacant belt early last year, pundits thought someone with 46 wins in 49 fights would finally be able to give Valero something of a challenge.

They thought wrong. Valero stopped him in the second round.

“I look at all the fighters, and this goes for DeMarco too, I look at them the same,” Valero said this week. “I train hard, I fight hard, there’s no difference.”

If only everything was that simple outside the ropes.

The 28-year-old Valero was in a severe motorcycle accident in February 2001 that left him with a fractured skull and required surgery to remove a blood clot.

He says his doctor in Venezuela cleared him to fight a year later, and Valero turned pro in 2002. He won his first 11 fights, including two in the U.S., before failing a pre-fight exam in New York. Valero was handed an indefinite suspension that effectively banned him from fighting in the United States, so much of his career has transpired in Japan and Latin America.

Top Rank has pushed for Valero to receive a license in the U.S., where there are far more lucrative opportunities, and Nevada recently amended a rule that did not allow fighters to apply for a license if they had previously suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.

Just when everything seemed to be lining up for Valero to fight on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s megafight last autumn against Miguel Cotto, politics intervened.

Valero was denied a visa because of his drunk driving charge in Texas, then suggested that his application was refused because of his sympathy for Chavez, a fierce critic of U.S. policy in the region.

“Yes, of course I want to continue to fight in the U.S. and I understand that’s where the opportunities are,” Valero said. “We’re working on getting my visa and returning. I’m going to say in the next three months, hopefully we’ll have that done.”

Whether he’ll be defending his title or seeking another depends on how he performs on Saturday against DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs), the 24-year-old southpaw from Tijuana, Mexico.

DeMarco earned the fight with knockouts of Anges Adjaho in a title eliminator and Jose Alfaro for an interim belt. His boxer-puncher style and almost shy disposition stand in stark contrast to his brooding, straight-ahead opponent.

“Valero is a great champion, he’s very aggressive, he comes forward, but we’re ready for this and more,” DeMarco said. “I never say bad words, and I give respect for a champion. I’m very respectful for everybody, but a fight is a fight, you know?”

With Mexican stars Marco Antonio Barrera and Eric Morales near the end of their careers, DeMarco sees a void that is waiting to be filled.

“For me, it’s an honor to fight here in Mexico, my land, and to fight for the world title,” he said. “A lot of people in Mexico know me but this is an opportunity to demonstrate to all of Mexico. Maybe, that’s the reason we’re working so hard.”

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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