Pacquiao eyes return to Las Vegas in April -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

By STEVE CARP, Las Vegas Review-Journal

After two fights in Texas, Manny Pacquiao appears ready to return to Las Vegas.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum confirmed Wednesday that he has secured an April 16 date at the MGM Grand Garden for Pacquiao's next fight. The fight probably would be televised by HBO Pay-Per-View.

''I have to meet with Manny and make sure he's OK with it,'' Arum said. ''It's an ideal date, right after the Final Four and at the start of the baseball season and right around the beginning of the NBA playoffs.

''As long as it doesn't interfere with his duties in Congress (in the Philippines), I think we'll be in good shape. I'm flying to Manila on the 12th ... we should know more then.''

Arum said Floyd Mayweather Jr. remains the preferred opponent for Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 knockouts), who has won titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions after defeating Antonio Margarito by unanimous decision Nov. 13 in Arlington, Texas, for the vacant WBC super welterweight championship.

Mayweather and promoter Don King met last weekend in Florida, but no deal was struck.

''I talked to King the other day, but he doesn't have a deal with Floyd,'' Arum said. ''But if King got control of Mayweather, it would make things a lot easier to make a deal to fight Manny."

If not Mayweather, Pacquiao's next opponent would be either Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez or Andre Berto, Arum said.

Arum and Top Rank president Todd duBoef have had conversations with all three fighters' handlers, and it ultimately will be Pacquiao's call.

''We are working with the caveat that if Mayweather would be available, a fight with Mayweather trumps everything else,'' Arum said.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has said he would have no problem facing any of the three fighters. But Pacquiao will not drop below 144½ pounds, Arum said.

At this point, there's no clear-cut favorite for Pacquiao's next opponent.

''I have Berto's position. I have Mosley's position,'' Arum said. ''I'm waiting on Marquez's position. If we don't get one (from Marquez), we'll move on.''

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

Source: lvrj.com

Has Manny Pacquiao become Boxing's 'living legend' -- Examiner

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com

An interesting article popped up on the internet today regarding Manny Pacquiao. In summary, the article stated that a Russian boxing fan thinks that Manny Pacquiao is a living legend. It got me thinking "Is Manny Pacquiao really a living legend"? I've been a fan, and written, long enough to have a solid understanding of Manny Pacquiao's accomplishments inside and outside of the ring. In my opinion, it's his total package inside and outside of the ring that makes him a living legend.

Here are my 5 reasons why I think Manny Pacquiao is a living legend:

5) Character

Manny Pacquiao is a humbled guy with love for his fans and his people. He dedicates his success to God and rarely gets caught up in any kind of trash talking. Not even the disgusting antics from the Mayweathers could get Manny to break his character. Even inside the ring, Manny shows respect and sportsmanship to his opponents.

4) In-ring Skills

Manny's in-ring skills are second to none. His hand speed and elite conditioning separate him from the rest of his boxing brethren. Just look at his last two fights where he clearly dominated in punching volume, conditioning, and footwork.

3) Boxing Career

Manny Pacquiao will go down as one of the greatest boxers of all-time. His world titles in 8 different weight classes has never been done before. He has over 50 wins and has fought many champions in several different weight classes.

2) Humbled Beginnings

Manny has risen from poverty and living on the streets to becoming one of the richest athletes in the world. Yet, he hasn't forgotten who he is and where he came from. He constantly uses his humble beginnings to better himself and educate others.

1) Humanitarian

Name another boxer who was a congressman and the sport's pound for pound best. In fact, Manny will eventually retire from boxing to further pursue his dream of helping his fellow countrymen. This is in addition to the numerous charity work endeavors that he's already been involved in.

It's these aspects and more that make Manny Pacquiao a living legend. Now, I'm not saying he's the only one in boxing who's a living legend because you can definitely throw in Muhammad Ali into this category. I'm just saying that Manny deserves this title/accolade.

Source: examiner.com