By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao and his sparring partners were supposed to take it nice and easy as one would on the driver’s seat of a car that just rolled out of the showroom.
But while there was not enough time for Pacquiao and sparmates Shawn Porter and David Rodela to go full throttle, it was a four-round session that had all the trappings of a Pacquiao workout.
“Manny did what he always does,” said Pacquiao’s Canadian adviser Mike Koncz from Baguio City, site of the Filipino’s preparation for the May 7 clash with Shane Mosley.
“It was good considering that it’s just the first day (of sparring),” said Koncz.
“They really went at it.”
Pacquiao will rack up more rounds with sessions set for Thursday and Saturday, just before Team Pacquiao leaves for the US to resume the buildup at the Wild Card in Hollywood.
Porter and Rodela are old hands in Pacquiao’s training camp but always put up their best whenever they share the ring with the pound-for-pound king.
Source: mb.com.ph
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
The Time Has Come To Put Up, Or Shut Up -- The Sweet Science
By Ron Borges, The Sweet Science
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has not become irrelevant, despite his best efforts to do so. What he has become is the B side of a fight in which he should be the A side.
While Manny Pacquiao simply keeps training, fighting, cashing large checks and enhancing his worldwide popularity, Mayweather makes what money he can at gambling parlors that have broken richer men than him and more and more sounds like a guy who talks a great fight but no longer wants to be involved in a great fight.
Recently Mayweather went on a rambling dissertation on a Chicago radio station
about how he’s an American and hence…well, it beats me.
“The thing is this, I’m an America citizen and I represent this country with the red, white and blue,’’ he told ESPN Chicago. “The only thing I want is the people in my country to stand behind me. I’m in my own country and I have a lot of people against me.
“Our country is a great country, it’s a clean country, and all I ask him (Pacquiao) to do is take the test. That’s it. He takes the test and we got a fight.’’
Mayweather is referring to random blood testing for performance enhancing drugs, which he’s made a requirement for a fight with Pacquiao. It is not an unreasonable request and although he balked at it for a time, Pacquiao claims he’s since agreed to do it in the same manner Shane Mosley did when he fought Mayweather. If he has, someone needs to tell Mayweather it’s time to go back to work.
The fact that one of the few boxing matches general sports fans actually want to see can’t be made points to the reason why the sport has marginalized itself in this country. Hate to say it but if Mayweather and Pacquiao were UFC fighters they would have been inside the Octagon three times by now. That’s why UFC is flourishing while boxing’s relevance in America is approaching horse racing’s.
It doesn’t have to be that way nor is it inevitable that boxing here cannot again flourish as it is in Europe and from time to time does in the United States. All the fighters have to do is fight each other, starting with Mayweather and Pacquiao.
When the interviewer suggested Mayweather-Pacquiao might “save boxing’’ (which is more than a bit of hyperbole because the sport doesn’t need to be saved, it needs to be managed like a proper business), he said. “My job is to keep my family close and take care of my family. My job is not to fight for everybody else. My job is to fight for Floyd Mayweather.’’
Agreed. So fight already.
The odd thing about listening to Mayweather when the subject of Manny Pacquiao comes up is eventually he is drawn inexorably – no matter what the real subject of the conversation is – into pointing out that he’s undefeated and Pacquiao is not.
So what? The truest measure of a fighter is not that he’s undefeated. If it was it would make Joe Mesi bigger than Joe Louis.
An unblemished record may mean you’re great or it may mean you did your best to avoid your most dangerous challenger, which Pacquiao surely is for Mayweather. If that’s the case, then what does it mean to be undefeated?
Frankly, for Floyd, it means less every day.
“You guys must realize about Pacquiao, that’s just a media creation,’’ Mayweather said. “That’s somebody who just came around. For someone to beat me would be abnormal. For someone to beat him is normal because he’s already been beaten three times and knocked out twice. It’s nothing new.’’
Sadly, neither are his words. This has become an old song and a boring one. Although he has always had a fair point about the need for more stringent drug testing in a blood sport like boxing, he seems to have won it but still wants to fight over it.
If he hasn’t, than that would be quickly revealed in any negotiation with Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, and turn the eye of suspicion back on the most popular fighter in the world. And that is what Manny Pacquiao is, a fact that surely grates on a former Dancing With The Stars entrant.
As for Pacquiao’s record, if it’s so normal to beat him then why doesn’t Mayweather just agree to go do it himself and be done with it? If he thinks he can add a fourth blemish to Pacquiao’s record, what’s the hold up?
For a time, Floyd Mayweather had a point in his demands and still does if Pacquiao tries to dodge the issue of blood testing for performance enhancing drugs. But absent that issue, the time has come to put up or shut up.
Boxing is a simple sport in some regards. You’re either a fighter or you’re not.
Source: thesweetscience.com
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has not become irrelevant, despite his best efforts to do so. What he has become is the B side of a fight in which he should be the A side.
While Manny Pacquiao simply keeps training, fighting, cashing large checks and enhancing his worldwide popularity, Mayweather makes what money he can at gambling parlors that have broken richer men than him and more and more sounds like a guy who talks a great fight but no longer wants to be involved in a great fight.
Recently Mayweather went on a rambling dissertation on a Chicago radio station about how he’s an American and hence…well, it beats me.“The thing is this, I’m an America citizen and I represent this country with the red, white and blue,’’ he told ESPN Chicago. “The only thing I want is the people in my country to stand behind me. I’m in my own country and I have a lot of people against me.
“Our country is a great country, it’s a clean country, and all I ask him (Pacquiao) to do is take the test. That’s it. He takes the test and we got a fight.’’
Mayweather is referring to random blood testing for performance enhancing drugs, which he’s made a requirement for a fight with Pacquiao. It is not an unreasonable request and although he balked at it for a time, Pacquiao claims he’s since agreed to do it in the same manner Shane Mosley did when he fought Mayweather. If he has, someone needs to tell Mayweather it’s time to go back to work.
The fact that one of the few boxing matches general sports fans actually want to see can’t be made points to the reason why the sport has marginalized itself in this country. Hate to say it but if Mayweather and Pacquiao were UFC fighters they would have been inside the Octagon three times by now. That’s why UFC is flourishing while boxing’s relevance in America is approaching horse racing’s.
It doesn’t have to be that way nor is it inevitable that boxing here cannot again flourish as it is in Europe and from time to time does in the United States. All the fighters have to do is fight each other, starting with Mayweather and Pacquiao.
When the interviewer suggested Mayweather-Pacquiao might “save boxing’’ (which is more than a bit of hyperbole because the sport doesn’t need to be saved, it needs to be managed like a proper business), he said. “My job is to keep my family close and take care of my family. My job is not to fight for everybody else. My job is to fight for Floyd Mayweather.’’
Agreed. So fight already.
The odd thing about listening to Mayweather when the subject of Manny Pacquiao comes up is eventually he is drawn inexorably – no matter what the real subject of the conversation is – into pointing out that he’s undefeated and Pacquiao is not.
So what? The truest measure of a fighter is not that he’s undefeated. If it was it would make Joe Mesi bigger than Joe Louis.
An unblemished record may mean you’re great or it may mean you did your best to avoid your most dangerous challenger, which Pacquiao surely is for Mayweather. If that’s the case, then what does it mean to be undefeated?
Frankly, for Floyd, it means less every day.
“You guys must realize about Pacquiao, that’s just a media creation,’’ Mayweather said. “That’s somebody who just came around. For someone to beat me would be abnormal. For someone to beat him is normal because he’s already been beaten three times and knocked out twice. It’s nothing new.’’
Sadly, neither are his words. This has become an old song and a boring one. Although he has always had a fair point about the need for more stringent drug testing in a blood sport like boxing, he seems to have won it but still wants to fight over it.
If he hasn’t, than that would be quickly revealed in any negotiation with Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, and turn the eye of suspicion back on the most popular fighter in the world. And that is what Manny Pacquiao is, a fact that surely grates on a former Dancing With The Stars entrant.
As for Pacquiao’s record, if it’s so normal to beat him then why doesn’t Mayweather just agree to go do it himself and be done with it? If he thinks he can add a fourth blemish to Pacquiao’s record, what’s the hold up?
For a time, Floyd Mayweather had a point in his demands and still does if Pacquiao tries to dodge the issue of blood testing for performance enhancing drugs. But absent that issue, the time has come to put up or shut up.
Boxing is a simple sport in some regards. You’re either a fighter or you’re not.
Source: thesweetscience.com
Monday, 28 March 2011
Manny Pacquiao's Rise in Stardom Envies Floyd Mayweather -- Bleacher Report
By Troy Sparks, Bleacher Report
Floyd Mayweather won't stop running his mouth against Manny Pacquiao. In a phone interview on the "Carmen, Jurko and Harry" radio show on ESPN Chicago, he was asked if a fight with Manny Pacquiao was in his future plans.
"I'm an American citizen," he said, ducking the question, "and I represent the red, white and blue. And the only thing I want is for the people in America to stand behind me."
As usual, Mayweather didn't give a straight answer. The guys on the show wanted a simple answer, which he couldn't give.
Then Mayweather said, "It's so crazy that I'm in my own country, and I have a lot of people against me. Our country is a great country, it's a clean country, and all I ask him to do is to take the test."
I think Pacquiao was ready to take the blood test. Floyd is very naive if he thinks that all professional boxers in America avoid taking some kind of performance-enhancing drugs. The stuff that was injected into Mayweather's hands was a drug, wasn't it? It eased the pain in his hands, but it was a drug.
Mayweather is jealous because Pacquiao is now the face of boxing and the No. 1 pound-for-pound king. He also accuses Pacquiao of being a copycat by fighting the same opponents that he did, and I think that's true.
"When you sit back and think about it," Mayweather said, "I beat (Oscar) De La Hoya at a weight that De La Hoya wanted to fight at. (Pacquiao) beat De La Hoya at a catchweight, where De La Hoya killed himself to make a certain weight class.
"I beat Ricky Hatton and he followed right behind me. He goes and fight Ricky Hatton a year later. The list goes on. I just beat Shane Mosley. Now he wants to fight Shane Mosley. When Shane Mosley beat Antonio Margarito, then he goes to fight Antonio Margarito. Antonio Margarito beats Miguel Cotto, then he goes to fight Miguel Cotto. I'm just saying. That's how it goes."
Boy, there's a lot of pent-up frustration in the undefeated and idle boxer's voice. Mayweather also mentioned that Pacquiao is just a creation of the media, who built him up and created this marketing image for boxing that he is now.
Mayweather said on the show that it would be abnormal for him to lose a fight but normal for Pacquiao because he lost three fights in his career and has been knocked out twice.
"Money" is just wondering why Pacquiao gets all the attention and why he's being ignored. People are getting tired of him ducking the Filipino. What is Pacquiao to do when he's ready to fight Mayweather but the Vegas chicken sits back clucking on a Chicago sports radio show?
Pacquiao is training right now and Mayweather is sitting at home flapping his gums.
Take the test, Mayweather says, and there will be a fight. Pacquiao can take the blood test and still be suckered by Mayweather.
We want Mayweather to stop talking trash and fight Pacquiao. And if he beats the Pac Man, then he can pick the Filipino up off the canvas—assuming that Floyd knocks him out—and take him out the back door with the rest of the trash.
Source: bleacherreport.com
Floyd Mayweather won't stop running his mouth against Manny Pacquiao. In a phone interview on the "Carmen, Jurko and Harry" radio show on ESPN Chicago, he was asked if a fight with Manny Pacquiao was in his future plans.
"I'm an American citizen," he said, ducking the question, "and I represent the red, white and blue. And the only thing I want is for the people in America to stand behind me."
As usual, Mayweather didn't give a straight answer. The guys on the show wanted a simple answer, which he couldn't give.
Then Mayweather said, "It's so crazy that I'm in my own country, and I have a lot of people against me. Our country is a great country, it's a clean country, and all I ask him to do is to take the test."
I think Pacquiao was ready to take the blood test. Floyd is very naive if he thinks that all professional boxers in America avoid taking some kind of performance-enhancing drugs. The stuff that was injected into Mayweather's hands was a drug, wasn't it? It eased the pain in his hands, but it was a drug.
Mayweather is jealous because Pacquiao is now the face of boxing and the No. 1 pound-for-pound king. He also accuses Pacquiao of being a copycat by fighting the same opponents that he did, and I think that's true.
"When you sit back and think about it," Mayweather said, "I beat (Oscar) De La Hoya at a weight that De La Hoya wanted to fight at. (Pacquiao) beat De La Hoya at a catchweight, where De La Hoya killed himself to make a certain weight class.
"I beat Ricky Hatton and he followed right behind me. He goes and fight Ricky Hatton a year later. The list goes on. I just beat Shane Mosley. Now he wants to fight Shane Mosley. When Shane Mosley beat Antonio Margarito, then he goes to fight Antonio Margarito. Antonio Margarito beats Miguel Cotto, then he goes to fight Miguel Cotto. I'm just saying. That's how it goes."
Boy, there's a lot of pent-up frustration in the undefeated and idle boxer's voice. Mayweather also mentioned that Pacquiao is just a creation of the media, who built him up and created this marketing image for boxing that he is now.
Mayweather said on the show that it would be abnormal for him to lose a fight but normal for Pacquiao because he lost three fights in his career and has been knocked out twice.
"Money" is just wondering why Pacquiao gets all the attention and why he's being ignored. People are getting tired of him ducking the Filipino. What is Pacquiao to do when he's ready to fight Mayweather but the Vegas chicken sits back clucking on a Chicago sports radio show?
Pacquiao is training right now and Mayweather is sitting at home flapping his gums.
Take the test, Mayweather says, and there will be a fight. Pacquiao can take the blood test and still be suckered by Mayweather.
We want Mayweather to stop talking trash and fight Pacquiao. And if he beats the Pac Man, then he can pick the Filipino up off the canvas—assuming that Floyd knocks him out—and take him out the back door with the rest of the trash.
Source: bleacherreport.com
Gamboa uses power, speed to KO Solis -- ESPN
By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- The speed is simply devastating.
And the power ain't bad either.
Yuriorkis Gamboa used both in a smashing performance as he knocked out Jorge Solis -- a bigger man with an interim title at junior lightweight coming down in weight -- in the fourth round to retain his featherweight title on Saturday night at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall.
It was a scintillating performance from Gamboa, one of the most explosive fighters in boxing. The 2004 Cuban Olympic gold medalist showed why yet again and, hopefully, moved a step closer to the showdown most fans really want to see in the division: Gamboa against fellow titleholder Juan Manuel Lopez.
Gamboa dismissed Mexico's Solis in nasty fashion while Lopez watched at ringside. Then they both angled for the division's super fight, one that promoter Top Rank has been reluctant to put together.
The fighters are athletically ready, but Top Rank's Bob Arum, who could not attend the show, has resisted making the match in an effort to make it bigger commercially.
It has been building for more than a year as Top Rank has twice put Gamboa on Lopez's undercards.
With a big Puerto Rican fan base, Lopez is already an attraction, but Gamboa lags behind him. The sellout crowd of 2,913 at Saturday's fight card was there mainly in support of the Teon Kennedy-Jorge Diaz and NFL player Tommy Zbikowski undercard fights.
But after his four-knockdown blitz of Solis, Gamboa figured to have made some new fans. Afterward, he called for the fight against Lopez.
"Top Rank is going to keep 'Juanma' at a distance because they know he is not ready for me," Gamboa said. "Maybe [titlist] Chris John [next]. If I have to move up to 130 pounds to get the best fights, that's what I will do.
"The package is complete. I am completely different from [last year]."
Standing next to Gamboa in the ring after the fight was Lopez, who broke camp for a look at his rival. Lopez is training for an April 16 fight with former titlist Orlando Salido -- who gave Gamboa a very tough fight and knocked him down in the eighth round of a September loss in Las Vegas.
When asked about fighting Gamboa, Lopez said bring it on.
"Yes, after I finish Salido, I'd fight him," Lopez said. "I've never said no. He's never said no. We have to negotiate it. We're the best in the division. We have to do it."
Solis is a quality fighter who once gave pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao a tough junior lightweight fight in 2007. Against Gamboa, he was merely a tall speed bump.
He simply could not deal with Gamboa's overwhelming hand and foot speed.
Gamboa dropped him with a right and a left in the second round. A flurry had Solis holding on and in trouble after the knockdown. He went down for the second time in the round when Gamboa caught him with an overhand right that appeared to be behind the head, although referee David Fields did not call a foul.
Gamboa (20-0, 16 KOs) toyed with Solis in the third round until landing a left hook just before the end of the round. Solis went down hard to his back as Gamboa turned and raised his fist in victory. But Solis (40-3-2, 29 KOs) was not done just yet. He was a round later.
In the fourth round, Gamboa, 29, landed a flush right hand in the middle of the ring and Solis, 31, went skidding on his rear end. Moments later, Gamboa ripped off a flurry of roughly a dozen unanswered blows as he pounded Solis into the canvas, causing Fields to call it off at 1 minute, 31 seconds.
Gamboa landed 78 of 194 punches (40 percent), according to CompuBox statistics while Solis was limited to landing just 29 of 107 blows (27 percent). Sixty-eight of Gamboa's landed shots were power punches.
"That's the real Gamboa," Tony Gonzalez, his manager, said. "That's the Gamboa we've been wanting to see. It all came together tonight. He wanted to make a statement and he made a statement."
Gamboa held a pair of 126-pound world titles. However, he he did not show up at the IBF's morning weight check on the day of the fight and only had his WBA belt carried into the ring, so it is unclear if he still holds the IBF's belt. Typically, if a fighter does not take part in the morning of weight check, the title is vacated.
"It's going to get into legalities," Gonzalez said. "Our bout agreement only said he was defending the WBA title."
Whatever belts Gamboa has, Solis gave him a big compliment when asked to compare him to the great Pacquiao.
"Gamboa is a great fighter," Solis said. "Pacquiao throws a lot of punches, but he doesn't hit as hard at Gamboa."
Maybe, hopefully, Lopez will be able to find out just how hard Gamboa hits, and vice versa.
"It's a business. We have promoters," Lopez said of the inevitable showdown with Gamboa. "We are the best in the division. Let's do it."
Please?
Source: sports.espn.go.com
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- The speed is simply devastating.
And the power ain't bad either.
Yuriorkis Gamboa used both in a smashing performance as he knocked out Jorge Solis -- a bigger man with an interim title at junior lightweight coming down in weight -- in the fourth round to retain his featherweight title on Saturday night at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall.
It was a scintillating performance from Gamboa, one of the most explosive fighters in boxing. The 2004 Cuban Olympic gold medalist showed why yet again and, hopefully, moved a step closer to the showdown most fans really want to see in the division: Gamboa against fellow titleholder Juan Manuel Lopez.
Gamboa dismissed Mexico's Solis in nasty fashion while Lopez watched at ringside. Then they both angled for the division's super fight, one that promoter Top Rank has been reluctant to put together.
The fighters are athletically ready, but Top Rank's Bob Arum, who could not attend the show, has resisted making the match in an effort to make it bigger commercially.
It has been building for more than a year as Top Rank has twice put Gamboa on Lopez's undercards.
With a big Puerto Rican fan base, Lopez is already an attraction, but Gamboa lags behind him. The sellout crowd of 2,913 at Saturday's fight card was there mainly in support of the Teon Kennedy-Jorge Diaz and NFL player Tommy Zbikowski undercard fights.
But after his four-knockdown blitz of Solis, Gamboa figured to have made some new fans. Afterward, he called for the fight against Lopez.
"Top Rank is going to keep 'Juanma' at a distance because they know he is not ready for me," Gamboa said. "Maybe [titlist] Chris John [next]. If I have to move up to 130 pounds to get the best fights, that's what I will do.
"The package is complete. I am completely different from [last year]."
Standing next to Gamboa in the ring after the fight was Lopez, who broke camp for a look at his rival. Lopez is training for an April 16 fight with former titlist Orlando Salido -- who gave Gamboa a very tough fight and knocked him down in the eighth round of a September loss in Las Vegas.
When asked about fighting Gamboa, Lopez said bring it on.
"Yes, after I finish Salido, I'd fight him," Lopez said. "I've never said no. He's never said no. We have to negotiate it. We're the best in the division. We have to do it."
Solis is a quality fighter who once gave pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao a tough junior lightweight fight in 2007. Against Gamboa, he was merely a tall speed bump.
He simply could not deal with Gamboa's overwhelming hand and foot speed.
Gamboa dropped him with a right and a left in the second round. A flurry had Solis holding on and in trouble after the knockdown. He went down for the second time in the round when Gamboa caught him with an overhand right that appeared to be behind the head, although referee David Fields did not call a foul.
Gamboa (20-0, 16 KOs) toyed with Solis in the third round until landing a left hook just before the end of the round. Solis went down hard to his back as Gamboa turned and raised his fist in victory. But Solis (40-3-2, 29 KOs) was not done just yet. He was a round later.
In the fourth round, Gamboa, 29, landed a flush right hand in the middle of the ring and Solis, 31, went skidding on his rear end. Moments later, Gamboa ripped off a flurry of roughly a dozen unanswered blows as he pounded Solis into the canvas, causing Fields to call it off at 1 minute, 31 seconds.
Gamboa landed 78 of 194 punches (40 percent), according to CompuBox statistics while Solis was limited to landing just 29 of 107 blows (27 percent). Sixty-eight of Gamboa's landed shots were power punches.
"That's the real Gamboa," Tony Gonzalez, his manager, said. "That's the Gamboa we've been wanting to see. It all came together tonight. He wanted to make a statement and he made a statement."
Gamboa held a pair of 126-pound world titles. However, he he did not show up at the IBF's morning weight check on the day of the fight and only had his WBA belt carried into the ring, so it is unclear if he still holds the IBF's belt. Typically, if a fighter does not take part in the morning of weight check, the title is vacated.
"It's going to get into legalities," Gonzalez said. "Our bout agreement only said he was defending the WBA title."
Whatever belts Gamboa has, Solis gave him a big compliment when asked to compare him to the great Pacquiao.
"Gamboa is a great fighter," Solis said. "Pacquiao throws a lot of punches, but he doesn't hit as hard at Gamboa."
Maybe, hopefully, Lopez will be able to find out just how hard Gamboa hits, and vice versa.
"It's a business. We have promoters," Lopez said of the inevitable showdown with Gamboa. "We are the best in the division. Let's do it."
Please?
Source: sports.espn.go.com
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Mayweather says 100 million things, but one bet says he’ll have to fight Pacquiao -- 15Rounds
By Norm Frauenheim, 15Rounds.com
It’s hard to know what Manny Pacquiao thinks about all the mixed signals coming from Floyd Mayweather Jr. these days.
First, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum tells the Filipino media that Mayweather wanted $100 million in undisclosed talks for the biggest fight nobody has yet to see.
Then, Mayweather brags on twitter by displaying a winning ticket for $37,272.75 on a bet that the Atlanta Hawks wouldn’t outscore the Chicago Bulls by six or more points in the second half.
If accurate, Arum is 100 million times right in interpreting Mayweather’s demand as just another way of saying — no, hell no — he won’t fight.
But the winning ticket from Las Vegas’ M Resort looks like another good bet that Mayweather is going to need more than a nickname to pay his bills. He calls himself Money, but he won’t have much of it if gambling is a habit and criminal lawyers are a necessity.
Let’s just say that it’s safe to assume Mayweather isn’t tweeting anything that ever looks like a losing ticket. For anybody who has invested part of a paycheck at a Vegas’ book, it is also a good bet that the losers outnumber the winners.
Does Pacquiao even care? If he doesn’t, then there are 100 million more reasons to believe the long-awaited showdown will happen only in a video game. Pacquiao already is well into his second career as a politician. As the public and media grow weary of the continuing speculation, Pacquiao appears to already have moved on and beyond.
Sometimes, however, money – or the urgent need for some – creates big fights. There continues to be talk that Shane Mosley, who faces Pacquiao on May 7 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, has to fight to pay for his divorce. That price is as cynical as it is steep. It is also dangerous. But it has always been there.
Mayweather, who faces eight criminal charges for an alleged incident involving a former girlfriend, has countless ways of saying he won’t do this and he might do that. It’d be no surprise if he soon denies that Arum’s latest story about negotiations that heretofore had gone unreported. It would be a lot harder for him to deny that he wants $100 million.
But Mayweather’s words don’t really matter. It’s what he shows us. The latest offering is several zeroes short of what his nickname claims and one reason to think that Pacquiao-Mayweather will happen.
NOTES, QUOTES
· The best hope for a resurrected heavyweight division is an NFL work stoppage that lasts, say, a couple of years. Baltimore Ravens safety Tommy Zbikowski, who fights Saturday night in Atlantic City on the Yuriorkis Gamboa-Jorge Solis undercard, is as skilled and athletic a prospect as there is on the side of the world that does not include a Klitschko. Zbikowski is evidence that America’s best heavyweights are in the NFL. “Yeah, it might be true,’’ said Zbikowski, who says Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata could be a great one. “The Klitschkos are the best right now and they’ve been the best for a long time. Just because they’re in Europe doesn’t mean there are not great heavyweights. I think a lot of the American heavyweights right now are playing football. Boxing is honestly one of the most athletic things you can do. To be a good boxer, you have to be very athletic. Right now, you’re seeing the top athletes go to college to get an education. I think if you have boxing back at the collegiate level, you might have some more American heavyweights.”
· And another shot in the Golden Boy-Top Rank feud could be fired next week. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said Wednesday that he is planning to meet with Juan Manuel Marquez. There is rampant speculation that Marquez will jump from Golden Boy to Top Rank. That might be the only way he gets a second rematch with Pacquiao. “We don’t know what Márquez’s plan or plans are,’’ Schaefer said during a conference call for an April 9 card topped by Erik Morales-Marcos Maidana and will include Robert Guerrero, Michael Katsidis and James Kirkland at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. “I am actually scheduled to meet with him next week in Mexico and see what he is planning on doing.’’
Source: 15rounds.com
It’s hard to know what Manny Pacquiao thinks about all the mixed signals coming from Floyd Mayweather Jr. these days.
First, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum tells the Filipino media that Mayweather wanted $100 million in undisclosed talks for the biggest fight nobody has yet to see.
Then, Mayweather brags on twitter by displaying a winning ticket for $37,272.75 on a bet that the Atlanta Hawks wouldn’t outscore the Chicago Bulls by six or more points in the second half. If accurate, Arum is 100 million times right in interpreting Mayweather’s demand as just another way of saying — no, hell no — he won’t fight.
But the winning ticket from Las Vegas’ M Resort looks like another good bet that Mayweather is going to need more than a nickname to pay his bills. He calls himself Money, but he won’t have much of it if gambling is a habit and criminal lawyers are a necessity.
Let’s just say that it’s safe to assume Mayweather isn’t tweeting anything that ever looks like a losing ticket. For anybody who has invested part of a paycheck at a Vegas’ book, it is also a good bet that the losers outnumber the winners.
Does Pacquiao even care? If he doesn’t, then there are 100 million more reasons to believe the long-awaited showdown will happen only in a video game. Pacquiao already is well into his second career as a politician. As the public and media grow weary of the continuing speculation, Pacquiao appears to already have moved on and beyond.
Sometimes, however, money – or the urgent need for some – creates big fights. There continues to be talk that Shane Mosley, who faces Pacquiao on May 7 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, has to fight to pay for his divorce. That price is as cynical as it is steep. It is also dangerous. But it has always been there.
Mayweather, who faces eight criminal charges for an alleged incident involving a former girlfriend, has countless ways of saying he won’t do this and he might do that. It’d be no surprise if he soon denies that Arum’s latest story about negotiations that heretofore had gone unreported. It would be a lot harder for him to deny that he wants $100 million.
But Mayweather’s words don’t really matter. It’s what he shows us. The latest offering is several zeroes short of what his nickname claims and one reason to think that Pacquiao-Mayweather will happen.
NOTES, QUOTES
· The best hope for a resurrected heavyweight division is an NFL work stoppage that lasts, say, a couple of years. Baltimore Ravens safety Tommy Zbikowski, who fights Saturday night in Atlantic City on the Yuriorkis Gamboa-Jorge Solis undercard, is as skilled and athletic a prospect as there is on the side of the world that does not include a Klitschko. Zbikowski is evidence that America’s best heavyweights are in the NFL. “Yeah, it might be true,’’ said Zbikowski, who says Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata could be a great one. “The Klitschkos are the best right now and they’ve been the best for a long time. Just because they’re in Europe doesn’t mean there are not great heavyweights. I think a lot of the American heavyweights right now are playing football. Boxing is honestly one of the most athletic things you can do. To be a good boxer, you have to be very athletic. Right now, you’re seeing the top athletes go to college to get an education. I think if you have boxing back at the collegiate level, you might have some more American heavyweights.”
· And another shot in the Golden Boy-Top Rank feud could be fired next week. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said Wednesday that he is planning to meet with Juan Manuel Marquez. There is rampant speculation that Marquez will jump from Golden Boy to Top Rank. That might be the only way he gets a second rematch with Pacquiao. “We don’t know what Márquez’s plan or plans are,’’ Schaefer said during a conference call for an April 9 card topped by Erik Morales-Marcos Maidana and will include Robert Guerrero, Michael Katsidis and James Kirkland at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. “I am actually scheduled to meet with him next week in Mexico and see what he is planning on doing.’’
Source: 15rounds.com
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Judge denies bid to dismiss Manny Pacquiao’s defamation lawsuit against Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- Washington Post
By Associated Press
LAS VEGAS — A federal judge in Nevada says a lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao against longtime boxing rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. over allegations that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs can continue.
U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks said in a court order filed Monday that he would not dismiss the case as requested by Mayweather and others named in the defamation lawsuit filed by Pacquiao in 2009.
Pacquiao claimed in the suit that he has never tested positive for any performance-enhancing drugs. He said Mayweather, Mayweather’s father and uncle, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions chief Richard Schaefer embarked on a campaign to make people think he used drugs.
Attorneys representing the defendants have said the statements made by Mayweather and others were not defamatory.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: washingtonpost.com
LAS VEGAS — A federal judge in Nevada says a lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao against longtime boxing rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. over allegations that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs can continue.
U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks said in a court order filed Monday that he would not dismiss the case as requested by Mayweather and others named in the defamation lawsuit filed by Pacquiao in 2009.Pacquiao claimed in the suit that he has never tested positive for any performance-enhancing drugs. He said Mayweather, Mayweather’s father and uncle, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions chief Richard Schaefer embarked on a campaign to make people think he used drugs.Attorneys representing the defendants have said the statements made by Mayweather and others were not defamatory.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: washingtonpost.com
Pacquiao impresses Arum -- PhilBoxing
By Eddie Alinea, PhilBoxing.com
BAGUIO CITY – “Manny can fight next week.”Promoter Bob Arum declared after witnessing the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao work out at the Shape Up Gym at the Cooyeesan his Hotel here.
Pacquiao had so impressed Top Rank big boss with the way trainer Freddie Roach 
and condition coach Alex Ariza conducted the day’s training that the Hall of Fame promoter pronounced his ward ready to fight challenger Shane Mosley even next week.
Pacquiao and Mosley fight on May 7 in Las Vegas.
“He’s incredible, I’m amazed how Freddie and Alex have been working on him for only a week,” the Harvard law graduate told sportswriters after the three-hour workout that also served as the only media day scheduled in Pacquiao’s training stint in the country.
“And to think that he only had one week in the gym. Unlike last year when I visited him in his final week here in Baguio when he looked out of shape,” he said.
Arum was referring to his visit here last year during the World Boxing Organization champion’s preparations for his fight with Mexican Antonio Margarito when the Pacman looked sluggish and seemingly out of sync.
He even predicted then that if the fight would have been held the following week, Pacquiao would have lost unless drastic changes in his regimen were done.
“This year he’s different. He looks relaxed, happy and enjoying what he and his handlers were doing,” Arum observed. “Well, Freddie is Freddie and Manny is Manny. They’ve been working together for a decade so they should know each other very well.”
Arum said that Pacquiao was fantastic with his right hand, which he said could be his main weapon against Mosley who he expects to come out fighting and engage the Filipino ring icon in a toe-to-toe battle.
“His right is terrific. He’s using it very well which augurs well against Mosley, who I’m sure is preparing to defend against what he knows is Manny’s main arsenal, his left,” Arum said.
Arum added Pacquiao is fast regaining his power and his speed, weapons, he added, that will further mesmerized his Californian crown pretender. Arum though said Team Pacquiao should be in Los Angeles by April 2 so he can concentrate more on his preparations.
Looking at the crowd, most of them onlookers and autograph hunters that almost filled the gym despite the day was billed as media day, Arum said this is the kind of distraction that should be not be interfering in his training.
“Distractions like these are the least Manny needs because of the kind of fight and the kind of fighter he will be facing. As I have been saying, Mosley is no pushover. He is a strong fighter hungry for a victory to prepare him for future money fights,” he reasoned out.
“Manny should not underestimate Mosley, who has his own agenda in challenging Manny. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this fight. So I want Manny to prepare well in order to win,” he cautioned.
Source: philboxing.com
BAGUIO CITY – “Manny can fight next week.”Promoter Bob Arum declared after witnessing the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao work out at the Shape Up Gym at the Cooyeesan his Hotel here.
Pacquiao had so impressed Top Rank big boss with the way trainer Freddie Roach and condition coach Alex Ariza conducted the day’s training that the Hall of Fame promoter pronounced his ward ready to fight challenger Shane Mosley even next week.Pacquiao and Mosley fight on May 7 in Las Vegas.
“He’s incredible, I’m amazed how Freddie and Alex have been working on him for only a week,” the Harvard law graduate told sportswriters after the three-hour workout that also served as the only media day scheduled in Pacquiao’s training stint in the country.
“And to think that he only had one week in the gym. Unlike last year when I visited him in his final week here in Baguio when he looked out of shape,” he said.
Arum was referring to his visit here last year during the World Boxing Organization champion’s preparations for his fight with Mexican Antonio Margarito when the Pacman looked sluggish and seemingly out of sync.
He even predicted then that if the fight would have been held the following week, Pacquiao would have lost unless drastic changes in his regimen were done.
“This year he’s different. He looks relaxed, happy and enjoying what he and his handlers were doing,” Arum observed. “Well, Freddie is Freddie and Manny is Manny. They’ve been working together for a decade so they should know each other very well.”
Arum said that Pacquiao was fantastic with his right hand, which he said could be his main weapon against Mosley who he expects to come out fighting and engage the Filipino ring icon in a toe-to-toe battle.
“His right is terrific. He’s using it very well which augurs well against Mosley, who I’m sure is preparing to defend against what he knows is Manny’s main arsenal, his left,” Arum said.
Arum added Pacquiao is fast regaining his power and his speed, weapons, he added, that will further mesmerized his Californian crown pretender. Arum though said Team Pacquiao should be in Los Angeles by April 2 so he can concentrate more on his preparations.
Looking at the crowd, most of them onlookers and autograph hunters that almost filled the gym despite the day was billed as media day, Arum said this is the kind of distraction that should be not be interfering in his training.
“Distractions like these are the least Manny needs because of the kind of fight and the kind of fighter he will be facing. As I have been saying, Mosley is no pushover. He is a strong fighter hungry for a victory to prepare him for future money fights,” he reasoned out.
“Manny should not underestimate Mosley, who has his own agenda in challenging Manny. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain in this fight. So I want Manny to prepare well in order to win,” he cautioned.
Source: philboxing.com
Pacquiao's Winning Streak Continues; This W Is In Court -- The Sweet Science
The Sweet Science
Today, a Nevada federal district court denied a bid to dismiss Manny Pacquiao's defamation lawsuit. Pacquiao sued Oscar de la Hoya, Golden Boy's CEO Richard Schaefer, and Floyd Mayweather, and others for falsely accusing him of taking performance enhancing drugs. The defendants responded to the lawsuit by asking the judge to dismiss it, saying their statements were merely opinions. A federal judge disagreed, and the case will now go forward.
Pacquiao is represented by Daniel Petrocelli and David Marroso of Los Angeles-based O'Melveny & Myers. Petrocelli said, ""We are extremely pleased with the Court's decision. Manny is looking forward to his day in court and to put an end to these irresponsible accusations."
Source: thesweetscience.com
Today, a Nevada federal district court denied a bid to dismiss Manny Pacquiao's defamation lawsuit. Pacquiao sued Oscar de la Hoya, Golden Boy's CEO Richard Schaefer, and Floyd Mayweather, and others for falsely accusing him of taking performance enhancing drugs. The defendants responded to the lawsuit by asking the judge to dismiss it, saying their statements were merely opinions. A federal judge disagreed, and the case will now go forward. Pacquiao is represented by Daniel Petrocelli and David Marroso of Los Angeles-based O'Melveny & Myers. Petrocelli said, ""We are extremely pleased with the Court's decision. Manny is looking forward to his day in court and to put an end to these irresponsible accusations."Source: thesweetscience.com
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Donaire latest boxer to get caught in middle of De La Hoya-Arum rivalry -- Los Angeles Daily News
By Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News
Golden Boy Promotions on Wednesday sent out a news release announcing it had just signed bantamweight world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire to a long-term promotional contract.
Considering Donaire is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, it was a joyous day for Oscar De La Hoya's company.
"Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we're going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible," De La Hoya said in a statement. "The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years."
Donaire was equally stoked.
"I'm honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team," said Donaire, 28, of San Leandro via the Philippines. "I'm going to fight my heart out every time in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see."
If only it were that simple.
It's not, because Bob Arum - De La Hoya's hated enemy and rival promoter - insists Donaire is still under contract to his Top Rank Inc. Consequently, Arum on Thursday lashed out. He said he will take legal action, and he partly blamed Donaire's wife, Rachel, for her husband wanting to find employment elsewhere.
According to Arum, he still has plenty of time left on his contract with Donaire because it extended when injuries Donaire sustained did not allow him to fight three times a year, as per the language of the contract.
"That is what the contract says, in case of injury or suspension, the contract is extended," Arum said of the contract Donaire signed in 2008.
Arum said when Donaire fractured his hand in a November 2008 fight against Moruti Mthalane in Las Vegas, he was put on 180-day suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
"When a guy's hand is bad, how the hell do you book him in a fight?" Arum said.
Arum said Donaire had his hand X-rayed two months after it was fractured, "and it had apparently healed, but he didn't tell anyone. In any event, when he has a bad hand, that is what the contract calls for. When that takes effect, indisputably, then we're certainly in compliance."
Donaire had just that one fight in 2008. Eleven months earlier, he hurt his hand during an eighth-round stoppage of Luis Maldonado in December 2007. Donaire fought twice in 2009 and three times in 2010.
He started off 2011 with a booming second-round knockout of bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel.
That most recent win was looked upon as perhaps a career best for Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs). Before Arum knew it, Golden Boy had snatched him away.
"We knew they were sniffing around Nonito, but we were surprised they would act in the face of what they had to know was a valid contract," Arum said via telephone from Las Vegas. "But nothing they do really surprises me."
Donaire is managed by Cameron Dunkin, but Rachel Donaire takes an active role in her husband's career. Arum said she's the one stirring the pot.
"The problem is not with Nonito, the problem is with Rachel," Arum said. "She has (Manny) Pacquiao envy. `Why wasn't Nonito promoted like Pacquiao?' It was ludicrous kind of stuff. She was jealous."
Arum promotes Pacquiao.
During an interview last month prior to the fight with Montiel, both Nonito and Rachel Donaire expressed disappointment that Nonito had not been able to appear on one of his countryman Pacquiao's pay-per-view cards. They said Michael Koncz, who helps Pacquiao run MP Promotions, didn't want Donaire on any Pacquiao undercards because he refused to sign with the Philippines-based company. (Many foreign-born fighters have American and home-land based promoters).
Arum last month confirmed Koncz had asked him to keep Donaire off Pacquiao's cards.
Arum is planning a lawsuit against Donaire. He also said that he could see himself ending up in arbitration with Golden Boy. One thing's for sure, Arum said this definitely makes the relationship with Golden Boy even worse. And that's saying something.
"Absolutely," Arum said. "My feeling is, if we never do business again, it's too soon."
The Donaires did not return two phone calls left for them. Dunkin answered his phone Friday morning but couldn't say anything, as per instructions given by Donaire's Las Vegas- based attorney, John Bailey.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, wouldn't say much, either. "We are happy to have Nonito and we have big plans for him," Schaefer said Friday afternoon. "As it relates to the legal issues, I'm not going to comment on that."
Source: dailynews.com
Golden Boy Promotions on Wednesday sent out a news release announcing it had just signed bantamweight world champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire to a long-term promotional contract.
Considering Donaire is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, it was a joyous day for Oscar De La Hoya's company.
"Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we're going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible," De La Hoya said in a statement. "The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years."
Donaire was equally stoked.
"I'm honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team," said Donaire, 28, of San Leandro via the Philippines. "I'm going to fight my heart out every time in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see."
If only it were that simple.
It's not, because Bob Arum - De La Hoya's hated enemy and rival promoter - insists Donaire is still under contract to his Top Rank Inc. Consequently, Arum on Thursday lashed out. He said he will take legal action, and he partly blamed Donaire's wife, Rachel, for her husband wanting to find employment elsewhere.
According to Arum, he still has plenty of time left on his contract with Donaire because it extended when injuries Donaire sustained did not allow him to fight three times a year, as per the language of the contract.
"That is what the contract says, in case of injury or suspension, the contract is extended," Arum said of the contract Donaire signed in 2008.
Arum said when Donaire fractured his hand in a November 2008 fight against Moruti Mthalane in Las Vegas, he was put on 180-day suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
"When a guy's hand is bad, how the hell do you book him in a fight?" Arum said.
Arum said Donaire had his hand X-rayed two months after it was fractured, "and it had apparently healed, but he didn't tell anyone. In any event, when he has a bad hand, that is what the contract calls for. When that takes effect, indisputably, then we're certainly in compliance."
Donaire had just that one fight in 2008. Eleven months earlier, he hurt his hand during an eighth-round stoppage of Luis Maldonado in December 2007. Donaire fought twice in 2009 and three times in 2010.
He started off 2011 with a booming second-round knockout of bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel.
That most recent win was looked upon as perhaps a career best for Donaire (26-1, 18 KOs). Before Arum knew it, Golden Boy had snatched him away.
"We knew they were sniffing around Nonito, but we were surprised they would act in the face of what they had to know was a valid contract," Arum said via telephone from Las Vegas. "But nothing they do really surprises me."
Donaire is managed by Cameron Dunkin, but Rachel Donaire takes an active role in her husband's career. Arum said she's the one stirring the pot.
"The problem is not with Nonito, the problem is with Rachel," Arum said. "She has (Manny) Pacquiao envy. `Why wasn't Nonito promoted like Pacquiao?' It was ludicrous kind of stuff. She was jealous."
Arum promotes Pacquiao.
During an interview last month prior to the fight with Montiel, both Nonito and Rachel Donaire expressed disappointment that Nonito had not been able to appear on one of his countryman Pacquiao's pay-per-view cards. They said Michael Koncz, who helps Pacquiao run MP Promotions, didn't want Donaire on any Pacquiao undercards because he refused to sign with the Philippines-based company. (Many foreign-born fighters have American and home-land based promoters).
Arum last month confirmed Koncz had asked him to keep Donaire off Pacquiao's cards.
Arum is planning a lawsuit against Donaire. He also said that he could see himself ending up in arbitration with Golden Boy. One thing's for sure, Arum said this definitely makes the relationship with Golden Boy even worse. And that's saying something.
"Absolutely," Arum said. "My feeling is, if we never do business again, it's too soon."
The Donaires did not return two phone calls left for them. Dunkin answered his phone Friday morning but couldn't say anything, as per instructions given by Donaire's Las Vegas- based attorney, John Bailey.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, wouldn't say much, either. "We are happy to have Nonito and we have big plans for him," Schaefer said Friday afternoon. "As it relates to the legal issues, I'm not going to comment on that."
Source: dailynews.com
ARUM WARNS, SOMEBODY IS GOING TO PAY FOR THIS -- PhilBoxing
By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com
After a bitter family feud that took some of the luster out of Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s spectacular 2nd round knockout of Fernando “KO-Chulito” Montiel last February 19 when the classy Filipino won the WBC and WBO bantamweight belts, the pound-for-pound No. 4 now faces a bitter legal battle with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
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Arum, in a telephone conversation with the Inquirer after Golden Boy Promotions announced that Donaire had signed a multi-year deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional outfit warned, “Somebody is going to pay for this.”
The astute promoter said there were two steps he would take to protect what he insisted is a valid contract with Donaire,
The first would be to “file a legal complaint with arbiter (former judge Daniel Weinstein) against the actions of Golden Boy Promotions in signing up Donaire in the face of an existing contract with Top Rank. Judge Weinstein mediated the Top Rank – Golden Boy battle over pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao some years ago when a tug-of-war developed after Pacquiao signed with both promotional outfits but eventually went to Arum.
Arum also said he would take legal action to protect what he described as “a completely valid contract” with Donaire.
He described Donaire’s action in signing up with Golden Boy Promotions as “absolutely stupid” and blamed Donaire’s wife Rachael for the mess claiming she was a bad influence. At the same time Arum posed the question “How desperate can Golden Boy get?”
Arum claimed that Donaire had “medical suspensions of six months, twice” which effectively pushed back the validity of his contract. However, Rachael Donaire said the fighter’s hand was not hurt but “ was only swollen” after his fights.
Boxingscene.com quoted De La Hoya who said, "Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we're going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible."
De La Hoya noted that "The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years."
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer was quoted by USA Today as saying “It’s a big signing for us. He’s on most people’ pound for pound lists and is ranked right there with (Floyd) Mayweather, (Manny) Pacquiao and Sergio Martinez. From an excitement point of view, I think he's right on top of that list now. He's a young, exciting fighter and we're really happy to have him with Golden Boy."
Donaire’s wife Rachael two days ago hinted that they would be signing up with Golden Boy for “a lot more money” than Arum had offered Donaire to face WBA champion Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno is a unification bout on May 28.
Arum had reportedly offered Donaire a purse of $500,000 but the Inquirer understands that Golden Boy had upped the amount to $750,000.
For his part Donaire said he was “honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team. I'm going to fight my heart out every time I'm in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see."
Donaire’s first big win was his sensational 5th round knockout of cocky Vic Darchinyan to win the IBF/IBO flyweight titles on July 7, 2007. His next big wins were back-to-back demolitions of former world champion Wladimir Sidorenko in four bloody rounds and Montiel, the WBC/WBO champion in two.
Source: philboxing.com
After a bitter family feud that took some of the luster out of Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s spectacular 2nd round knockout of Fernando “KO-Chulito” Montiel last February 19 when the classy Filipino won the WBC and WBO bantamweight belts, the pound-for-pound No. 4 now faces a bitter legal battle with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
Arum, in a telephone conversation with the Inquirer after Golden Boy Promotions announced that Donaire had signed a multi-year deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional outfit warned, “Somebody is going to pay for this.” The astute promoter said there were two steps he would take to protect what he insisted is a valid contract with Donaire,
The first would be to “file a legal complaint with arbiter (former judge Daniel Weinstein) against the actions of Golden Boy Promotions in signing up Donaire in the face of an existing contract with Top Rank. Judge Weinstein mediated the Top Rank – Golden Boy battle over pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao some years ago when a tug-of-war developed after Pacquiao signed with both promotional outfits but eventually went to Arum.
Arum also said he would take legal action to protect what he described as “a completely valid contract” with Donaire.
He described Donaire’s action in signing up with Golden Boy Promotions as “absolutely stupid” and blamed Donaire’s wife Rachael for the mess claiming she was a bad influence. At the same time Arum posed the question “How desperate can Golden Boy get?”
Arum claimed that Donaire had “medical suspensions of six months, twice” which effectively pushed back the validity of his contract. However, Rachael Donaire said the fighter’s hand was not hurt but “ was only swollen” after his fights.
Boxingscene.com quoted De La Hoya who said, "Nonito Donaire is one of the top boxers in the world today and we're going to make sure he gets the chance to defend his world titles and stays as active as possible."
De La Hoya noted that "The bantamweight division is becoming one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in boxing and we look forward to promoting Nonito in great fights in the coming years."
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer was quoted by USA Today as saying “It’s a big signing for us. He’s on most people’ pound for pound lists and is ranked right there with (Floyd) Mayweather, (Manny) Pacquiao and Sergio Martinez. From an excitement point of view, I think he's right on top of that list now. He's a young, exciting fighter and we're really happy to have him with Golden Boy."
Donaire’s wife Rachael two days ago hinted that they would be signing up with Golden Boy for “a lot more money” than Arum had offered Donaire to face WBA champion Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno is a unification bout on May 28.
Arum had reportedly offered Donaire a purse of $500,000 but the Inquirer understands that Golden Boy had upped the amount to $750,000.
For his part Donaire said he was “honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team. I'm going to fight my heart out every time I'm in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see."
Donaire’s first big win was his sensational 5th round knockout of cocky Vic Darchinyan to win the IBF/IBO flyweight titles on July 7, 2007. His next big wins were back-to-back demolitions of former world champion Wladimir Sidorenko in four bloody rounds and Montiel, the WBC/WBO champion in two.
Source: philboxing.com
Friday, 18 March 2011
Donaire dumps Arum for GBP -- Manila Bulletin
By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
In a statement released to media outlets, Donaire said: “I am so honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team.”
“I am going to fight my heart out every time I am in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see,” said the 28-year-old puncher who resides in San Leandro, California.
Donaire did not answer calls and text messages seeking comment.
While Donaire opted to stay quiet, Arum could not help but pull the trigger.
“It’s ridiculous. Our contract is so solid,” said the 79-year-old Arum, whose contract with Donaire began in 2008.
Arum said Top Rank has Donaire under contract until 2012 as the company has the right to a one-year extension.
Donaire said Top Rank did not live up to the stipulations in the contract that would guarantee him three fights in one year but Arum said it was impossible to fulfill that because Donaire had two medical suspensions.
“How can you give a guy a fight when he is suspended?” said Arum.
Donaire is looking forward to a May 28 fight but Arum said the legal action that will follow would complicate matters.
“We have just filed a complaint with (retired judge) Daniel Weinstein for arbitration. Hearing is set next week in Los Angeles,” said Arum, naming topnotch litigators Daniel Petrocelli and David Marroso as Top Rank’s representatives to the hearing.
Donaire’s popularity rose last month after he knocked out Fernando Montiel of Mexico in less than two rounds on a Top Rank show in Las Vegas.
Even if Donaire finds himself in legal trouble with Top Rank, there is still a possibility that his May 28 fight under GBP will push through as the warring parties might end up being told to compromise as in their previous episode with Pacquiao when Top Rank was mandated to give a certain amount of Pacquiao’s purse to GBP.
But Arum, who will be in the country next week, doesn’t see it that way.
“Unless he comes back to us, he won’t have a fight. The only fight he is going to have is with his wife Rachel.”
Source: mb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines – Tired of fighting under the shadow of Manny Pacquiao, world bantamweight king Nonito Donaire yesterday said he has signed up with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), leaving Bob Arum
enraged and talking about dragging the Filipino-American to court.
enraged and talking about dragging the Filipino-American to court.In a statement released to media outlets, Donaire said: “I am so honored to be joining so many great fighters and champions on the Golden Boy Promotions team.”
“I am going to fight my heart out every time I am in the ring and will give fans the fights they want to see,” said the 28-year-old puncher who resides in San Leandro, California.Donaire did not answer calls and text messages seeking comment.
While Donaire opted to stay quiet, Arum could not help but pull the trigger.
“It’s ridiculous. Our contract is so solid,” said the 79-year-old Arum, whose contract with Donaire began in 2008.
Arum said Top Rank has Donaire under contract until 2012 as the company has the right to a one-year extension.
Donaire said Top Rank did not live up to the stipulations in the contract that would guarantee him three fights in one year but Arum said it was impossible to fulfill that because Donaire had two medical suspensions.
“How can you give a guy a fight when he is suspended?” said Arum.
Donaire is looking forward to a May 28 fight but Arum said the legal action that will follow would complicate matters.
“We have just filed a complaint with (retired judge) Daniel Weinstein for arbitration. Hearing is set next week in Los Angeles,” said Arum, naming topnotch litigators Daniel Petrocelli and David Marroso as Top Rank’s representatives to the hearing.
Donaire’s popularity rose last month after he knocked out Fernando Montiel of Mexico in less than two rounds on a Top Rank show in Las Vegas.
Even if Donaire finds himself in legal trouble with Top Rank, there is still a possibility that his May 28 fight under GBP will push through as the warring parties might end up being told to compromise as in their previous episode with Pacquiao when Top Rank was mandated to give a certain amount of Pacquiao’s purse to GBP.
But Arum, who will be in the country next week, doesn’t see it that way.
“Unless he comes back to us, he won’t have a fight. The only fight he is going to have is with his wife Rachel.”
Source: mb.com.ph
Donaire defection to Golden Boy a matter for mediator -- Los Angeles Times
By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
While Golden Boy Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer says he's looking at a May date for Donaire, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said he has Donaire under contract for at least another year and is taking the matter to the referee in the ongoing Top Rank-Golden Boy war, mediator/retired judge Daniel Weinstein.
"We have a valid contract and there's an anti-poaching provision in our arrangement with Golden Boy, so Judge Weinstein will have to adjudicate that," Arum said Thursday. "Our contract prevails."
Donaire and his advisors have previously said Top Rank failed to provide him a sufficienct number of fights or money, thus compromising the promotional contract. Golden Boy's Schaefer said he stood behind Donaire.
Arum, who previously contended he fulfilled Donaire's contract requirements to "offer" the fighter three bouts a year, says the timing of when Donaire's Top Rank contract expires has been altered by the fighter's past hand injuries, which led to six-month and four-month suspensions by boxing regulators.
"By that, we're just starting our third year with him; there's been no breach," Arum said. "We'll clear this up. He'll probably come back into our fold."
Arum is planning a May bout on HBO featuring Donaire, but the fighter was said to have signed an "exclusive, multiyear agreement with Golden Boy" in Wednesday's announcement.
Arum defended Top Rank's decision to leave Donaire off the prior undercards of fights with countryman Manny Pacquiao, explaining Pacquiao -- a co-promoter of his own fights -- wanted to "attract another audience" and have more Latino fighters on a Pacquiao card rather than Donaire.
Donaire's camp, including his wife, Rachel, have said they were displeased by that decision.
Arum maintained Donaire is risking being kept out of the ring in legal limbo.
"This will require patience and will go on for quite some time," he said.
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
World bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire
was announced Wednesday as the newest member of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions stable.
was announced Wednesday as the newest member of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions stable.Donaire's prior promoter, Top Rank, isn't letting go of the Filipino product who has looked so sensational in consecutive knockout triumphs in December and February.
While Golden Boy Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer says he's looking at a May date for Donaire, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum said he has Donaire under contract for at least another year and is taking the matter to the referee in the ongoing Top Rank-Golden Boy war, mediator/retired judge Daniel Weinstein."We have a valid contract and there's an anti-poaching provision in our arrangement with Golden Boy, so Judge Weinstein will have to adjudicate that," Arum said Thursday. "Our contract prevails."
Donaire and his advisors have previously said Top Rank failed to provide him a sufficienct number of fights or money, thus compromising the promotional contract. Golden Boy's Schaefer said he stood behind Donaire.
Arum, who previously contended he fulfilled Donaire's contract requirements to "offer" the fighter three bouts a year, says the timing of when Donaire's Top Rank contract expires has been altered by the fighter's past hand injuries, which led to six-month and four-month suspensions by boxing regulators.
"By that, we're just starting our third year with him; there's been no breach," Arum said. "We'll clear this up. He'll probably come back into our fold."
Arum is planning a May bout on HBO featuring Donaire, but the fighter was said to have signed an "exclusive, multiyear agreement with Golden Boy" in Wednesday's announcement.
Arum defended Top Rank's decision to leave Donaire off the prior undercards of fights with countryman Manny Pacquiao, explaining Pacquiao -- a co-promoter of his own fights -- wanted to "attract another audience" and have more Latino fighters on a Pacquiao card rather than Donaire.
Donaire's camp, including his wife, Rachel, have said they were displeased by that decision.
Arum maintained Donaire is risking being kept out of the ring in legal limbo.
"This will require patience and will go on for quite some time," he said.
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather JR: The Psychology of Boxing -- Ringside Report
By Manoj Bhat, Ringside Report
The fact is that the sport of boxing has evolved over the years. It is practically impossible for any good ranking boxer today to fight an incredible 136 professional fights over a period of just over 11 years (Oct 1940 – 1952) like Sugar did. This averages to nearly 12 fights every year or to say the least a fight a month. Would it be possible today is a big question. The sweet science has become more professional and naturally a lot of preparation goes into every bout a boxer puts his head in for. Despite all these ifs and buts, one thing is sure to define each individual as a boxer and a celebrity and that is equally measured by the Vietkong outbursts of Ali, Ear bite of Tyson, Sugar’s loss to Maxim in the 103°F heat in 1952 or the Referee allowing Rocky to fight on with a broken nose and so on.
Manny Pacquiao to say the least stands out in the attitude inside or outside the ring. Of all the legends of this brutal sport, have we ever seen a boxer literally beg the referee to stop the fight when he is winning and the opponent is clearly beaten? Our generation has been previledged to see such a cultured gesture shown by Manny to Margarito. Juan Manuel Marquez may claim he won the fights with Manny twice – but a close look at Manny’s psyche will tell you that he lifted the foot off the pedal soon after Marquez was knocked down twice. This is not to underestimate Juan Manuel’s fighting ability but only an effort to see the human being in a fighter who has lived his childhood in inhumane conditions. Ali’s “BOMAYE” theme in the Rumble in the Jungle shows that he was in for the kill even though he used his intellect to wade off his involvement the “Vietkong” war. He never showed this human aspect in his greatness in the ring.
Yours truly has a few friends in Manila where Manny worked for the safety of the common man during treacherous floods at a time when he should have been preparing for his fight. He worked day in and day out to manage the supplies, medicines and support the flood victims going nights without sleep and pushing his contingent of friends to the brink of collapse. Compare this to Ali taking a stand of not fighting along his countrymen. He literally ran away from the war that his country fought and where his countrymen were dying whereas Manny fought a war to safeguard his countrymen that was not his in the first place. Such compassion is unseen in the artists of sweet science. This trait would be only attributed to Manny Pacquiao in the History of the sport that can boast the world record of having been represented by the maximum number of Ex Criminals or Future Criminals.
What separates Manny from any other boxer ever to have dorned a pair of gloves as a professional is the unbelievable disdain for the dreadful possibility of getting hurt or knocked out. The manner in which he comes out at the bell at starts whipping up a creamy 100+ punches per round gives an intelligent opponent enough openings to get at him. But Manny is an entertainer to say the least. For him the fight is still the same event as it was when he as a teenager used to fight for bits in the filthy neighbourhoods of Manilas ghetos where a boxer can become popular even for the style in which he gets knocked out. For him the crowns may be important but it still comes a distant second compared to the need of entertaining the crowd that pays to come and see him fight.
You will never see Manny fight 8 boring rounds on the ropes like Ali did against Foreman when the world bit their fingers sure that their hero would be destroyed. Skeptics will always say that Foreman was bigger than Ali but pound for pound Margarito v/s Manny was a greater mismatch. Even Miguel Cotto was bigger on a ratio basis when he stepped into the ring. It is useless to argue with such conservatives who have decided to shut facts out of the logic fraternity just because they have decided to treat Ali as the best ever. However it is pragmatic to see the facts and accept the evolution of human beings as a normal process which automatically gets reflected in the sports we play. It would be the same mindset to say that Jesse Owens in 1936 who ran 100 yards (91mts) in 9.4 secs is still a better Athlete than Usain Bolt running 100 mts in 9.58 secs. It just does not make any sense. The sport evolves and every era has its best athletes. It is just logical to say that today Manny is the best and perhaps the best ever till date.
The only person who could have put these speculations to rest is Floyd Mayweather. Floyd too is a great – perhaps greater than Ali in avoiding the fight that involves the pride of his nation. Today America’s Boxing legacy is on the line and a small Filipino man from the labyrinths of Manilas underbelly has dared to snatch it from under the American noses. This would be the only time when Floyd would get a chance to stand up for the aspirations of his countrymen and take on a challenge that could make them proud to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” again during the fights and take American Boxing back to the glory of its past. It is only a matter of time that like the millions of Jobs that are now outsourced to the poorer neighbourhoods of Asian countries, boxing too will become the game played by other nations and for Americans to watch on PPV TV.
Floyd however has unknowingly hit the axe on his own feet. The fact that he is insisting for Drug tests shows that he is convinced just as millions of Manny fans that Manny Pacquiao is really special. He is 100% sure that Manny Pacquiao could not give such perfomances if he was not onto drugs. This only helps him in defeating his own psychology. As more bouts Manny fights and no drugs come up in his system, Floyd will have to put his foot in his mouth or perhaps even cover his face with the same. It is evident that Floyd has lost this fight even without a punch having been thrown. So the big question is – should he take this challenge? I feel that he should.
Fighters greatness is not decided by their unbeaten record but by the wars they have fought. Floyd has this chance to fight a life defining war and he has practically nothing to loose. If its his legacy he is worried about, it would be more tarnished if he ended his career without a fight with Manny Pacquiao. Does he have a chance to win? Well if Juan Manuel Marquez could do a good job against Manny, why not Floyd? He is intelligent and can find a way out to unscramble the Manny matrix. If he does it in the first few rounds then the fight is his but if he cannot do it the first time, I am sure that a rematch would be a certain Floyd Mayweather victory.
The only question is whether Floyd Mayweather, JR., will ever take the first fight at all? Will the Senior Mayweather take this opportunity or think that with time Manny will slow down and their fighter will become faster despite being 2 years older than Manny? Till the time they decide to stop getting involved in unwanted things, Floyd is only committing a psychological suicide for his boxing career and legacy whereas Manny on the other hand is reinforcing his confidence and legacy by fighting whoever comes his way and taking time out to sing, dance, to help his countrymen and meet the presidents of other nations.
Source: ringsidereport.com
It is a common trap that most of us as fans of any sport fall into – comparing the present generation with the greats of the past. It is a compelling thought for everyone following a sports personality to believe that his idol is perhaps the best ever. In many ways, this is a fact because the comparison is a myth. Imagine a young Mike Tyson standing in front of Muhammad Ali in the prime; Sugar Ray Robinson facing off with Manny Pacquiao
or Rocky Marciano standing with a Roy Jones in the ring. These would be fights that could give goose bumps to the best of the experts and most would be inclined to believe that Ali, Sugar or Rocky would prevail but that’s just the reflection of the fear of ghosts that lay deep in the human psyche.
or Rocky Marciano standing with a Roy Jones in the ring. These would be fights that could give goose bumps to the best of the experts and most would be inclined to believe that Ali, Sugar or Rocky would prevail but that’s just the reflection of the fear of ghosts that lay deep in the human psyche.The fact is that the sport of boxing has evolved over the years. It is practically impossible for any good ranking boxer today to fight an incredible 136 professional fights over a period of just over 11 years (Oct 1940 – 1952) like Sugar did. This averages to nearly 12 fights every year or to say the least a fight a month. Would it be possible today is a big question. The sweet science has become more professional and naturally a lot of preparation goes into every bout a boxer puts his head in for. Despite all these ifs and buts, one thing is sure to define each individual as a boxer and a celebrity and that is equally measured by the Vietkong outbursts of Ali, Ear bite of Tyson, Sugar’s loss to Maxim in the 103°F heat in 1952 or the Referee allowing Rocky to fight on with a broken nose and so on.Manny Pacquiao to say the least stands out in the attitude inside or outside the ring. Of all the legends of this brutal sport, have we ever seen a boxer literally beg the referee to stop the fight when he is winning and the opponent is clearly beaten? Our generation has been previledged to see such a cultured gesture shown by Manny to Margarito. Juan Manuel Marquez may claim he won the fights with Manny twice – but a close look at Manny’s psyche will tell you that he lifted the foot off the pedal soon after Marquez was knocked down twice. This is not to underestimate Juan Manuel’s fighting ability but only an effort to see the human being in a fighter who has lived his childhood in inhumane conditions. Ali’s “BOMAYE” theme in the Rumble in the Jungle shows that he was in for the kill even though he used his intellect to wade off his involvement the “Vietkong” war. He never showed this human aspect in his greatness in the ring.
Yours truly has a few friends in Manila where Manny worked for the safety of the common man during treacherous floods at a time when he should have been preparing for his fight. He worked day in and day out to manage the supplies, medicines and support the flood victims going nights without sleep and pushing his contingent of friends to the brink of collapse. Compare this to Ali taking a stand of not fighting along his countrymen. He literally ran away from the war that his country fought and where his countrymen were dying whereas Manny fought a war to safeguard his countrymen that was not his in the first place. Such compassion is unseen in the artists of sweet science. This trait would be only attributed to Manny Pacquiao in the History of the sport that can boast the world record of having been represented by the maximum number of Ex Criminals or Future Criminals.
What separates Manny from any other boxer ever to have dorned a pair of gloves as a professional is the unbelievable disdain for the dreadful possibility of getting hurt or knocked out. The manner in which he comes out at the bell at starts whipping up a creamy 100+ punches per round gives an intelligent opponent enough openings to get at him. But Manny is an entertainer to say the least. For him the fight is still the same event as it was when he as a teenager used to fight for bits in the filthy neighbourhoods of Manilas ghetos where a boxer can become popular even for the style in which he gets knocked out. For him the crowns may be important but it still comes a distant second compared to the need of entertaining the crowd that pays to come and see him fight.
You will never see Manny fight 8 boring rounds on the ropes like Ali did against Foreman when the world bit their fingers sure that their hero would be destroyed. Skeptics will always say that Foreman was bigger than Ali but pound for pound Margarito v/s Manny was a greater mismatch. Even Miguel Cotto was bigger on a ratio basis when he stepped into the ring. It is useless to argue with such conservatives who have decided to shut facts out of the logic fraternity just because they have decided to treat Ali as the best ever. However it is pragmatic to see the facts and accept the evolution of human beings as a normal process which automatically gets reflected in the sports we play. It would be the same mindset to say that Jesse Owens in 1936 who ran 100 yards (91mts) in 9.4 secs is still a better Athlete than Usain Bolt running 100 mts in 9.58 secs. It just does not make any sense. The sport evolves and every era has its best athletes. It is just logical to say that today Manny is the best and perhaps the best ever till date.
The only person who could have put these speculations to rest is Floyd Mayweather. Floyd too is a great – perhaps greater than Ali in avoiding the fight that involves the pride of his nation. Today America’s Boxing legacy is on the line and a small Filipino man from the labyrinths of Manilas underbelly has dared to snatch it from under the American noses. This would be the only time when Floyd would get a chance to stand up for the aspirations of his countrymen and take on a challenge that could make them proud to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” again during the fights and take American Boxing back to the glory of its past. It is only a matter of time that like the millions of Jobs that are now outsourced to the poorer neighbourhoods of Asian countries, boxing too will become the game played by other nations and for Americans to watch on PPV TV.
Floyd however has unknowingly hit the axe on his own feet. The fact that he is insisting for Drug tests shows that he is convinced just as millions of Manny fans that Manny Pacquiao is really special. He is 100% sure that Manny Pacquiao could not give such perfomances if he was not onto drugs. This only helps him in defeating his own psychology. As more bouts Manny fights and no drugs come up in his system, Floyd will have to put his foot in his mouth or perhaps even cover his face with the same. It is evident that Floyd has lost this fight even without a punch having been thrown. So the big question is – should he take this challenge? I feel that he should.
Fighters greatness is not decided by their unbeaten record but by the wars they have fought. Floyd has this chance to fight a life defining war and he has practically nothing to loose. If its his legacy he is worried about, it would be more tarnished if he ended his career without a fight with Manny Pacquiao. Does he have a chance to win? Well if Juan Manuel Marquez could do a good job against Manny, why not Floyd? He is intelligent and can find a way out to unscramble the Manny matrix. If he does it in the first few rounds then the fight is his but if he cannot do it the first time, I am sure that a rematch would be a certain Floyd Mayweather victory.
The only question is whether Floyd Mayweather, JR., will ever take the first fight at all? Will the Senior Mayweather take this opportunity or think that with time Manny will slow down and their fighter will become faster despite being 2 years older than Manny? Till the time they decide to stop getting involved in unwanted things, Floyd is only committing a psychological suicide for his boxing career and legacy whereas Manny on the other hand is reinforcing his confidence and legacy by fighting whoever comes his way and taking time out to sing, dance, to help his countrymen and meet the presidents of other nations.
Source: ringsidereport.com
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Khan is growing into a real Manny but Judah admits Mayweather is close to calling time -- Daily Mail
By Jeff Powell, Daily Mail
As our own Amir Khan gives thanks for falling under the influence of Filipino shanty-town courtesy rather than US ghetto culture, Zab Judah predicts retirement for his African-American soul-mate.
As one door finally opens - Haye versus Klitschko is signed, sealed and ready to be delivered - another stays closed. Maybe permanently.
Pacquiao versus Mayweather - for the indisputable title of greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world - is already jeopardised by Floyd Junior's impending assault trials. Now Judah is indicating that Mayweather is hanging up the gloves.
When he reports his ring-mate as saying that he is going to 'chill out for at least a couple of years,' it carries a worrying ring of authenticity.
Mayweather faces two delayed court cases in Las Vegas next month and the latest hot tip from the gambling capital of the world is that if he fails to beat the rap he will serve two of the 34 years' maximum sentence.
Even if Pacquiao - now a Philippines congressman as well as an unprecedented eight-division world champion - was willing to wait that long, his patience with a rival who has insinuated that he is a drugs cheat might be in vain.
Mayweather - perhaps realising that the safest way of protecting the unbeaten record about which he obsesses is to quit the ring before fighting Pacquiao - is hinting at an afterlife in music and movies with his friend and business partner, the rapper 50 Cent.
Would that make Money Mayweather the full dollar? Not according to Khan.
At the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, just before jetting off with master-trainer Freddie Roach to join the PacMan at their Philippines trainng camp, Britain's world light-welterweight champion said: 'Look at Manny, he is a nice guy, modest and generous with everyone, especially those who come from poverty like himself.
'Then you look at Floyd Mayweather, who is a great talent but has a bad personality. I don't want to be known as a fighter like that. I want to be loved the way people love Manny.'
To that end, like Pacquiao, Khan devotes much of his time to charity.
The pair of them are back together sparring for their upcoming fights. Khan defends his title against Ireland's unbeaten European champion Paul McCloskey in Manchester on April 16, with an eye to a world championship unification battle with Tim Bradley in July.
Pacquiao takes on Sugar Shane Mosley in Vegas on May 7.
Mayweather, meanwhile, is less profitably engaged. And even if he did feel inclined to come back after two years in a hard place with Pacquiao possibly retired by then, it might be discouraging for him to find a fully developed Amir Khan gloved up and awaiting his return.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
As the virtues of Manny Pacquiao
are being extolled by Bolton's finest, the future of Floyd Mayweather Jnr lurches between a rap and a hard place.
are being extolled by Bolton's finest, the future of Floyd Mayweather Jnr lurches between a rap and a hard place. As our own Amir Khan gives thanks for falling under the influence of Filipino shanty-town courtesy rather than US ghetto culture, Zab Judah predicts retirement for his African-American soul-mate.
As one door finally opens - Haye versus Klitschko is signed, sealed and ready to be delivered - another stays closed. Maybe permanently.According to Judah, a former world champion in the throes of resurrecting his own career, Mayweather has confided that he is finished with boxing. If so then the richest fight of all time will never happen.
Pacquiao versus Mayweather - for the indisputable title of greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world - is already jeopardised by Floyd Junior's impending assault trials. Now Judah is indicating that Mayweather is hanging up the gloves.
When he reports his ring-mate as saying that he is going to 'chill out for at least a couple of years,' it carries a worrying ring of authenticity.
Mayweather faces two delayed court cases in Las Vegas next month and the latest hot tip from the gambling capital of the world is that if he fails to beat the rap he will serve two of the 34 years' maximum sentence.
Even if Pacquiao - now a Philippines congressman as well as an unprecedented eight-division world champion - was willing to wait that long, his patience with a rival who has insinuated that he is a drugs cheat might be in vain.
Mayweather - perhaps realising that the safest way of protecting the unbeaten record about which he obsesses is to quit the ring before fighting Pacquiao - is hinting at an afterlife in music and movies with his friend and business partner, the rapper 50 Cent.
Would that make Money Mayweather the full dollar? Not according to Khan.
At the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, just before jetting off with master-trainer Freddie Roach to join the PacMan at their Philippines trainng camp, Britain's world light-welterweight champion said: 'Look at Manny, he is a nice guy, modest and generous with everyone, especially those who come from poverty like himself.
'Then you look at Floyd Mayweather, who is a great talent but has a bad personality. I don't want to be known as a fighter like that. I want to be loved the way people love Manny.'
To that end, like Pacquiao, Khan devotes much of his time to charity.
The pair of them are back together sparring for their upcoming fights. Khan defends his title against Ireland's unbeaten European champion Paul McCloskey in Manchester on April 16, with an eye to a world championship unification battle with Tim Bradley in July.
Pacquiao takes on Sugar Shane Mosley in Vegas on May 7.
Mayweather, meanwhile, is less profitably engaged. And even if he did feel inclined to come back after two years in a hard place with Pacquiao possibly retired by then, it might be discouraging for him to find a fully developed Amir Khan gloved up and awaiting his return.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
Monday, 14 March 2011
Roadwork kicks off Pacquiao's training -- Manila Bulletin
By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — Looking lean and mean, Manny Pacquiao officially kicked off his buildup for his May 7 scrap with Shane Mosley with a morning roadwork Monday at Burnham Park in Baguio City.
“Brod (Manny) did four rounds of running,” said Buboy Fernandez, reporting from the City of Pines, site of Pacquiao’s training camp in the next four weeks.
Pacquiao had actually arrived there shortly before midnight of Sunday from Manila but was up before 6 a.m., according to the fighter’s aide Jojo Santa Teresa, who revealed that “there were not too many people at the park because not too many knew he was already here but there’ll be more in the coming days.”
Fernandez, who has been chief trainer Freddie Roach’s able assistant the last ten years, said his boss appeared “trim” that he looked as though the 32-year-old Filipino star had been working out diligently the past few weeks.
Pacquiao
last fought in November last year, beating Antonio Margarito of Mexico in 12 savage rounds in Texas.
And instead of gaining weight during the holidays and in the succeeding months, Pacquiao kept his weight in check, giving those who supervise his training all the reason to be happy.
“We won’t have any problems making the weight (of 147 lbs),” said Fernandez. “Brod never had problems maintaining his weight whenever he is not training for a fight. Yes, he gains weight but not too much unlike other boxers who bloat.”
Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown will be on the line in the scheduled 12-rounder at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao’s daily routine would be roadwork between 6 or 7 in the morning and gymwork at 2 p.m. at the Shape Up Gym inside the Cooyeesan Hotel, said Fernandez.
Pacquiao is a prohibitive 6-1 favorite to repulse the challenge of the durable Mosley, who will be four months shy off his 40th birthday by fighttime.
Source: mb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines — Looking lean and mean, Manny Pacquiao officially kicked off his buildup for his May 7 scrap with Shane Mosley with a morning roadwork Monday at Burnham Park in Baguio City.
“Brod (Manny) did four rounds of running,” said Buboy Fernandez, reporting from the City of Pines, site of Pacquiao’s training camp in the next four weeks.
Pacquiao had actually arrived there shortly before midnight of Sunday from Manila but was up before 6 a.m., according to the fighter’s aide Jojo Santa Teresa, who revealed that “there were not too many people at the park because not too many knew he was already here but there’ll be more in the coming days.”
Fernandez, who has been chief trainer Freddie Roach’s able assistant the last ten years, said his boss appeared “trim” that he looked as though the 32-year-old Filipino star had been working out diligently the past few weeks.
Pacquiao last fought in November last year, beating Antonio Margarito of Mexico in 12 savage rounds in Texas.“We won’t have any problems making the weight (of 147 lbs),” said Fernandez. “Brod never had problems maintaining his weight whenever he is not training for a fight. Yes, he gains weight but not too much unlike other boxers who bloat.”
Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown will be on the line in the scheduled 12-rounder at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao’s daily routine would be roadwork between 6 or 7 in the morning and gymwork at 2 p.m. at the Shape Up Gym inside the Cooyeesan Hotel, said Fernandez.
Pacquiao is a prohibitive 6-1 favorite to repulse the challenge of the durable Mosley, who will be four months shy off his 40th birthday by fighttime.
Source: mb.com.ph
Tyson: Mayweather has edge over Pacquiao -- Philippine Star
By Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one fight Mike Tyson wants to see then it’s the superfight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
He said if and when that happens, Mayweather will have the upperhand.
Speaking to Showtime broadcaster Jim Grey, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world said he can’t wait to see Pacquiao and Mayweather up in the ring.
“I would love to see the fight,” Tyson told Grey as written by Ricardo Lois of The Examiner.
The former champion, who made some of the biggest news inside and outside the ring, also said there’s one reason why he wants the fight to happen.
“I would love to see the odds, so I can make a bet,” he said.
Tyson used the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez by both Pacquiao and Mayweather as a gauge for the superfight.
“Pacquiao went life and death with Marquez,” said Tyson of a 2008 encounter between the Filipino champion and the Mexican counterpuncher.
The two boxers also figured in a very tight contest, which ended in a controversial draw, in 2004.
“Then Mayweather dominated him (Marquez),” said Tyson, referring to the undefeated American’s lopsided win against Marquez in 2009.
Twice over the last couple of years, Pacquiao vs Mayweather came close to happening, but on both occasions, negotiations fell off.
Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who handles Pacquiao, said if Don King promoted Mayweather, the fight could be made in one hour.
But that’s not the case because Mayweather still has Golden Boy Promotions as his partner.
“I didn’t say that the fight would be made in a day, it would be made in one hour. Don and I would cut to the essentials, we would work out those few details, and we would make the fight,” said Arum.
Source: philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one fight Mike Tyson wants to see then it’s the superfight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
He said if and when that happens, Mayweather will have the upperhand.
Speaking to Showtime broadcaster Jim Grey, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world said he can’t wait to see Pacquiao and Mayweather up in the ring.“I would love to see the fight,” Tyson told Grey as written by Ricardo Lois of The Examiner.
The former champion, who made some of the biggest news inside and outside the ring, also said there’s one reason why he wants the fight to happen.
“I would love to see the odds, so I can make a bet,” he said.
Tyson used the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez by both Pacquiao and Mayweather as a gauge for the superfight.
“Pacquiao went life and death with Marquez,” said Tyson of a 2008 encounter between the Filipino champion and the Mexican counterpuncher.
The two boxers also figured in a very tight contest, which ended in a controversial draw, in 2004.
“Then Mayweather dominated him (Marquez),” said Tyson, referring to the undefeated American’s lopsided win against Marquez in 2009.
Twice over the last couple of years, Pacquiao vs Mayweather came close to happening, but on both occasions, negotiations fell off.
Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who handles Pacquiao, said if Don King promoted Mayweather, the fight could be made in one hour.
But that’s not the case because Mayweather still has Golden Boy Promotions as his partner.
“I didn’t say that the fight would be made in a day, it would be made in one hour. Don and I would cut to the essentials, we would work out those few details, and we would make the fight,” said Arum.
Source: philstar.com
Move over Manny 10 year old Maria Aragon has arrived -- 8CountNews
By Brad Cooney, 8CountNews.com
It appears as if 8 division world champion Manny Pacquiao has company. There is another person from the Philippines making noise on the scene right now, and she's 10 years old. Maria Aragon, the Filipino Canadian from Winnipeg has over 22 million views on her YouTube rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born this way" and the numbers are rising. The pint sized singer has had an amazing 3 weeks.
Maria's sister filmed Maria as she sang, "Born this way" and uploaded the video on YouTube. A few days later Hollywood Gossip Blogger Perez Hilton saw the video, and enjoyed it so much that he forwarded it to the singing icon who wrote the song, Lady Gaga. When Lady Gaga saw the video, she began to cry and sent out a message to her 8 million Twitter followers. The message said, “Can't stop crying watching this. This is why I make music.”
A few days later while visiting with a local Winnipeg radio station FM HOT 103 Maria received a surprise phone call that would change her life. With her headphones on her head, the voice of Lady Gaga came through and the 10 yr olds face lit up like a Christmas Tree. The voice said, "Hi it's Lady Gaga" and at that point the singing icon would go on with the following, "Not only do you have such a beautiful voice and you are so joyful to watch, but every once in a while, whether people believe it or not, I have a very bad day, I was not having such a good day, and when (entertainment blogger Perez Hilton) sent me the video of you singing Born This Way, I was so overjoyed that I began to cry."
With hearing these words, the overwhelmed Maria said, "Thank you so much....thank you so much" and then began to cry. A few second later Maria regained her composure and asked Gaga where she gets her outfits. The room began laughing, and Gaga would go on to tell her about her design team, "House of Gaga" but the big surprise would be a few minutes later.
The radio host then told Lady Gaga that they were going to fly Maria to Toronto, Canada for her big Monster Ball tour concert. Lady Gaga then dropped the big surprise, "Well I think we should sing that song on stage together Maria. I think we should do a duet together, what do you think?" With tears streaming down Maria's face, she said, "That would be really cool."
Fast forward to March, 3rd 2011. In front of over 20,000 fans in Toronto, Gaga introduced Maria to the fans, "I have a surprise for you tonight. Introducing Maria, the famous singer from YouTube." The crowd erupted with cheers as Maria walked onto the stage. Dressed in black sparkle pants, a hoodie, and a rally monkey around her neck, the 10 year old walked into the waiting arms of Lady Gaga. The two would then sit down at the piano, Maria on Gaga's lap, and the kids dream would come true. A duet with Lady Gaga singing Aragon's version of "Born this way" became a reality. The crowd was mesmerized by the performance.
When the song was over Gaga handed Maria the mic and said, "Do you have anything that you would like to say?" Aragon smiled and said, "Hi Lady Gaga!" This brought the house down with laughter. Maria then went on and said, "I want to thank all of you for all of your support. I am actually from Winnipeg, and I came here to sing for you guys, so I hope you enjoyed it." Lady Gaga looked at Maria with tears now streaming down her face.
In just a matter of a few weeks, Maria has been on the Ellen show, and the Good Morning America show. Now she's performed with Lady Gaga, and she has multiple record deal offers coming at her every day.
A new star was born and the 10 year old from Winnipeg Canada is handling it like a champion. Both of her parents were born in The Philippines, and arrived in Canada 14 years ago. The Aragon's are a close family, they sing often together, and they are all taking this ride together.
Manny Pacquiao has company, and it's a ten year old named Maria Aragon.
Source: 8countnews.com
It appears as if 8 division world champion Manny Pacquiao has company. There is another person from the Philippines making noise on the scene right now, and she's 10 years old. Maria Aragon, the Filipino Canadian from Winnipeg has over 22 million views on her YouTube rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born this way" and the numbers are rising. The pint sized singer has had an amazing 3 weeks.
Maria's sister filmed Maria as she sang, "Born this way" and uploaded the video on YouTube. A few days later Hollywood Gossip Blogger Perez Hilton saw the video, and enjoyed it so much that he forwarded it to the singing icon who wrote the song, Lady Gaga. When Lady Gaga saw the video, she began to cry and sent out a message to her 8 million Twitter followers. The message said, “Can't stop crying watching this. This is why I make music.”A few days later while visiting with a local Winnipeg radio station FM HOT 103 Maria received a surprise phone call that would change her life. With her headphones on her head, the voice of Lady Gaga came through and the 10 yr olds face lit up like a Christmas Tree. The voice said, "Hi it's Lady Gaga" and at that point the singing icon would go on with the following, "Not only do you have such a beautiful voice and you are so joyful to watch, but every once in a while, whether people believe it or not, I have a very bad day, I was not having such a good day, and when (entertainment blogger Perez Hilton) sent me the video of you singing Born This Way, I was so overjoyed that I began to cry."
With hearing these words, the overwhelmed Maria said, "Thank you so much....thank you so much" and then began to cry. A few second later Maria regained her composure and asked Gaga where she gets her outfits. The room began laughing, and Gaga would go on to tell her about her design team, "House of Gaga" but the big surprise would be a few minutes later.
The radio host then told Lady Gaga that they were going to fly Maria to Toronto, Canada for her big Monster Ball tour concert. Lady Gaga then dropped the big surprise, "Well I think we should sing that song on stage together Maria. I think we should do a duet together, what do you think?" With tears streaming down Maria's face, she said, "That would be really cool."
Fast forward to March, 3rd 2011. In front of over 20,000 fans in Toronto, Gaga introduced Maria to the fans, "I have a surprise for you tonight. Introducing Maria, the famous singer from YouTube." The crowd erupted with cheers as Maria walked onto the stage. Dressed in black sparkle pants, a hoodie, and a rally monkey around her neck, the 10 year old walked into the waiting arms of Lady Gaga. The two would then sit down at the piano, Maria on Gaga's lap, and the kids dream would come true. A duet with Lady Gaga singing Aragon's version of "Born this way" became a reality. The crowd was mesmerized by the performance.
When the song was over Gaga handed Maria the mic and said, "Do you have anything that you would like to say?" Aragon smiled and said, "Hi Lady Gaga!" This brought the house down with laughter. Maria then went on and said, "I want to thank all of you for all of your support. I am actually from Winnipeg, and I came here to sing for you guys, so I hope you enjoyed it." Lady Gaga looked at Maria with tears now streaming down her face.
In just a matter of a few weeks, Maria has been on the Ellen show, and the Good Morning America show. Now she's performed with Lady Gaga, and she has multiple record deal offers coming at her every day.
A new star was born and the 10 year old from Winnipeg Canada is handling it like a champion. Both of her parents were born in The Philippines, and arrived in Canada 14 years ago. The Aragon's are a close family, they sing often together, and they are all taking this ride together.
Manny Pacquiao has company, and it's a ten year old named Maria Aragon.
Source: 8countnews.com
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Cotto forces Mayorga to quit in 12th -- ESPN
By Kieran Mulvaney, ESPN
LAS VEGAS -- Ricardo Mayorga, true to form, was going nuts.
He stood in the corner of the ring, pointed to the canvas just in front of him and yelled at Miguel Cotto to stand on that spot and trade punches. Cotto paused, waited his time, then moved in, unleashed a flurry, and slipped back out of range. Again, Mayorga erupted. Again, Cotto repeated his move. By the time the sequence was over, Mayorga had three times exhorted his foe to engage him; three times the Puerto Rican champion had answered the challenge on his own terms, had inflicted damage as desired, avoided return fire as required, and ultimately put another round in the bank.
Over the past several years, Cotto has fought a more consistently high level of opposition than perhaps any other fighter; he has, as a consequence, suffered the wear and tear of ring wars, even on those occasions when he has emerged triumphant. With the prospect looming of a summer rematch with Antonio Margarito, one of the two men most responsible for inflicting that wear and tear, he was easily forgiven a relatively soft touch in the interim. But as soft touches go, Mayorga was potentially as hard as they come. Sure, he was faded, years removed from his last significant victory. Granted, he was crude -- in his boxing style as well as in his sometimes boorish mannerisms. But the man could flat out punch, and the unorthodox awkwardness with which he threw his punches made it all the more likely that one or more of those hard punches might find a home.
And certainly, Mayorga had his moments, none more so than in the seventh round, when he threw punch after punch in his trademark fashion, not in combination with each blow setting up the next, but one after the other, winged onward in the hope of success. Enough of them landed that Cotto, for the first time in the fight, began to ship some punishment and exhibit the first true signs of possible vulnerability.
But the exertion appeared to have taken a greater toll on the puncher than the punched. By the next round, Cotto was once more in control, the position in which he found himself for the great majority of his fight. His defense -- right hand held high, head and shoulders shifted just enough to evade the worst of the incoming artillery -- combined with a patiently constructed offense to ensure that Cotto won eight of 11 rounds on all three official scorecards entering the final frame.
Then, just as it appeared the bout would conclude with a wide unanimous decision, a left hook exploded on Mayorga's jaw, its force magnified by the fact that the Nicaraguan, as is his wont, was winding up to throw a big punch himself. Mayorga staggered backward, held out his hands beseechingly, as if unable to comprehend what was happening to him, and then dropped to one knee. The contest was effectively over at that point, although it would take an extra few seconds, a follow-up fusillade and a capitulation adding the icing and securing the victory.
After his defeat to Margarito in 2008, and even more following his loss to Manny Pacquiao the following year, Cotto seemed damaged goods, a man on whom years of hard fights had finally exacted a punitive toll. In two fights since then under the tutelage of trainer Emanuel Steward, Cotto has appeared an altogether stronger, better-rounded boxer. Of course, neither this version of Mayorga, nor Yuri Foreman -- whom Cotto defeated last year and who was himself a loser on Saturday night posed the stiffest of questions. But he answered them convincingly nonetheless, and now another challenge, surely more personal than the others, awaits.
Margarito may not be the man he once was either, following defeats to Pacquiao and Shane Mosley, to say nothing of the sense that his greatest victories may have been aided in less than legal ways. But in July, Cotto will have the opportunity to use him as a measuring stick by which to gauge his progress under Steward, with which to continue his career resurrection, and through which he can achieve a degree of revenge and redemption in the process.
Yet, however much the fire of vengeance may burn within him, Cotto will assuredly approach that challenge as he did on this night: Calmly, unhurriedly, and on his own terms.
Source: espn.go.com
LAS VEGAS -- Ricardo Mayorga, true to form, was going nuts.
He stood in the corner of the ring, pointed to the canvas just in front of him and yelled at Miguel Cotto to stand on that spot and trade punches. Cotto paused, waited his time, then moved in, unleashed a flurry, and slipped back out of range. Again, Mayorga erupted. Again, Cotto repeated his move. By the time the sequence was over, Mayorga had three times exhorted his foe to engage him; three times the Puerto Rican champion had answered the challenge on his own terms, had inflicted damage as desired, avoided return fire as required, and ultimately put another round in the bank.
Over the past several years, Cotto has fought a more consistently high level of opposition than perhaps any other fighter; he has, as a consequence, suffered the wear and tear of ring wars, even on those occasions when he has emerged triumphant. With the prospect looming of a summer rematch with Antonio Margarito, one of the two men most responsible for inflicting that wear and tear, he was easily forgiven a relatively soft touch in the interim. But as soft touches go, Mayorga was potentially as hard as they come. Sure, he was faded, years removed from his last significant victory. Granted, he was crude -- in his boxing style as well as in his sometimes boorish mannerisms. But the man could flat out punch, and the unorthodox awkwardness with which he threw his punches made it all the more likely that one or more of those hard punches might find a home.
And certainly, Mayorga had his moments, none more so than in the seventh round, when he threw punch after punch in his trademark fashion, not in combination with each blow setting up the next, but one after the other, winged onward in the hope of success. Enough of them landed that Cotto, for the first time in the fight, began to ship some punishment and exhibit the first true signs of possible vulnerability.
But the exertion appeared to have taken a greater toll on the puncher than the punched. By the next round, Cotto was once more in control, the position in which he found himself for the great majority of his fight. His defense -- right hand held high, head and shoulders shifted just enough to evade the worst of the incoming artillery -- combined with a patiently constructed offense to ensure that Cotto won eight of 11 rounds on all three official scorecards entering the final frame.
Then, just as it appeared the bout would conclude with a wide unanimous decision, a left hook exploded on Mayorga's jaw, its force magnified by the fact that the Nicaraguan, as is his wont, was winding up to throw a big punch himself. Mayorga staggered backward, held out his hands beseechingly, as if unable to comprehend what was happening to him, and then dropped to one knee. The contest was effectively over at that point, although it would take an extra few seconds, a follow-up fusillade and a capitulation adding the icing and securing the victory.
After his defeat to Margarito in 2008, and even more following his loss to Manny Pacquiao the following year, Cotto seemed damaged goods, a man on whom years of hard fights had finally exacted a punitive toll. In two fights since then under the tutelage of trainer Emanuel Steward, Cotto has appeared an altogether stronger, better-rounded boxer. Of course, neither this version of Mayorga, nor Yuri Foreman -- whom Cotto defeated last year and who was himself a loser on Saturday night posed the stiffest of questions. But he answered them convincingly nonetheless, and now another challenge, surely more personal than the others, awaits.
Margarito may not be the man he once was either, following defeats to Pacquiao and Shane Mosley, to say nothing of the sense that his greatest victories may have been aided in less than legal ways. But in July, Cotto will have the opportunity to use him as a measuring stick by which to gauge his progress under Steward, with which to continue his career resurrection, and through which he can achieve a degree of revenge and redemption in the process.
Yet, however much the fire of vengeance may burn within him, Cotto will assuredly approach that challenge as he did on this night: Calmly, unhurriedly, and on his own terms.
Source: espn.go.com
Legendary Promoters King And Arum Want To Make Mayweather-Pacquiao This Year, King Envisages A Three-Day Music Festival To Accompany The Super-Fight -- Eastside Boxing
By James Slater, Eastside Boxing
Though his many legal issues have still to be resolved before Floyd “Money” Mayweather can even think of boxing again (his court appearance pushed back to April now), the entire boxing world refuses to give up on the idea of one day seeing a mega-fight between he and Manny Pacquiao. Right now, in conjunction with one another, legendary promoters and one-time bitter rivals Don King and Bob Arum are thinking of how they can make the biggest fight in all of boxing today. And if the combined know-how of King AND Arum cannot get the clash made, then forget it!
King has Floyd’s ear; Arum promotes Pac-Man. Working together is now very much a doable thing for the two veterans, too (together, the two put on tonight’s Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga fight in Las Vegas) and maybe, just maybe, they will be able to pull out all the stops and get this thing on. King, who rose to global fame with the work he did in putting together the heavyweight mega-fight that was 1974’s Muhammad Ali-George Foreman “Rumble in The Jungle,” likes the idea of a three-day musical festival accompanying Pacquiao-Mayweather. As fans know, a musical event accompanied Ali-Foreman, with legends such as James Brown performing free for the fans. King wants today’s musical stars, such as 50-Cent (Floyd’s best buddy!) and Jay-Z to do their thing for this huge boxing occasion.
“Well, there is every possibility, every possibility, if we can get the stars to be a part of it and be a part of the people,” King said to The Manila Times. “We represent the masses not the classes; but we unify the masses and the classes.”
And Arum is also very much hoping the super-fight can be signed, sealed and delivered.
“I firmly wish it would happen,” he said. “If Don and I were promoting that fight, it would be something that would remembered 100 years from now. We would make this entire planet stop. All the wars and all the conflicts in the world - there would at least be a truce.”
Arum isn’t exaggerating. If the two best P-4-P stars on the planet locked horns on a glitzy stage accompanied by the kind of musical festival King envisages, who wouldn’t watch it? More importantly to the two worldly promoters: who wouldn’t PAY to watch it? Mayweather-Pacquiao, Pacquiao-Mayweather; whichever way around you want it - would be staggeringly big. Just like Ali-Foreman, Leonard-Hearns and all the other classics Arum and King have worked on were.
King and Arum together, smiling and doing great business together without any nastiness aimed at the other is a quite amazing thing to see. If these two can be paired together with such lack of ill feeling, surely Manny and Floyd can be persuaded to come together also and sign on for the fight the entire planet wants to see!
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Though his many legal issues have still to be resolved before Floyd “Money” Mayweather can even think of boxing again (his court appearance pushed back to April now), the entire boxing world refuses to give up on the idea of one day seeing a mega-fight between he and Manny Pacquiao. Right now, in conjunction with one another, legendary promoters and one-time bitter rivals Don King and Bob Arum are thinking of how they can make the biggest fight in all of boxing today. And if the combined know-how of King AND Arum cannot get the clash made, then forget it!
King has Floyd’s ear; Arum promotes Pac-Man. Working together is now very much a doable thing for the two veterans, too (together, the two put on tonight’s Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga fight in Las Vegas) and maybe, just maybe, they will be able to pull out all the stops and get this thing on. King, who rose to global fame with the work he did in putting together the heavyweight mega-fight that was 1974’s Muhammad Ali-George Foreman “Rumble in The Jungle,” likes the idea of a three-day musical festival accompanying Pacquiao-Mayweather. As fans know, a musical event accompanied Ali-Foreman, with legends such as James Brown performing free for the fans. King wants today’s musical stars, such as 50-Cent (Floyd’s best buddy!) and Jay-Z to do their thing for this huge boxing occasion.“Well, there is every possibility, every possibility, if we can get the stars to be a part of it and be a part of the people,” King said to The Manila Times. “We represent the masses not the classes; but we unify the masses and the classes.”
And Arum is also very much hoping the super-fight can be signed, sealed and delivered.
“I firmly wish it would happen,” he said. “If Don and I were promoting that fight, it would be something that would remembered 100 years from now. We would make this entire planet stop. All the wars and all the conflicts in the world - there would at least be a truce.”
Arum isn’t exaggerating. If the two best P-4-P stars on the planet locked horns on a glitzy stage accompanied by the kind of musical festival King envisages, who wouldn’t watch it? More importantly to the two worldly promoters: who wouldn’t PAY to watch it? Mayweather-Pacquiao, Pacquiao-Mayweather; whichever way around you want it - would be staggeringly big. Just like Ali-Foreman, Leonard-Hearns and all the other classics Arum and King have worked on were.
King and Arum together, smiling and doing great business together without any nastiness aimed at the other is a quite amazing thing to see. If these two can be paired together with such lack of ill feeling, surely Manny and Floyd can be persuaded to come together also and sign on for the fight the entire planet wants to see!
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Friday, 11 March 2011
Mayorga insists his fists will do the talking -- USA Today
By Bob Velin, USA TODAY
If trash-talking won fights, Ricardo Mayorga might be the greatest boxer of all time.
Mayorga, the sharp-tongued Nicaraguan, has called Miguel Cotto, his opponent Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and Cotto's trainer, highly respected Emanuel Steward, failures and clowns.
Wednesday, during the fight's final news conference, Mayorga said he wanted to thank Bob Arum, Cotto's promoter, "for allowing me to eat his sheep on Saturday night."
Said Steward: "It's a good thing that fights are not won at press conferences because we'd be knocked out of the box."
But Mayorga (29-7-1, 23 KOs) still has to meet Cotto (35-2, 28 KOs) in the ring (Showtime pay-per-view, 9 ET), with the Puerto Rican's WBA light middleweight title on the line, and that's where Mayorga has had his troubles.
"I don't care what he (Mayorga) is saying about me," Cotto says. "He's always going to be talking, but as everyone knows, the fight starts when you enter the ring, and that's where I'm going to win the fight — in the ring."
Mayorga has fought only once since being knocked out in the 12th round by Shane Mosley in September 2008, and has had just eight fights in eight years, going 4-4 against a formidable lineup that included Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Cory Spinks and Fernando Vargas.
He says that a bad car accident before his knockout loss to Trinidad in 2004 made him fight through pain most of his last six fights, and he took the last two years off to fully heal.
Mayorga has been known to drink beer and smoke cigarettes while training for fights, but this time he insists he's taking his training seriously.
Al Bernstein, a member of Showtime's broadcast team who spent time in Mayorga's camp in Ocala, Fla., agrees.
"He was only 5 pounds away from making weight," Bernstein said by phone this week. "You could tell he was in good condition. He was serious."
"When I knock out Manny Pacquiao, I will become the most famous fighter of all time. That is what I want and am working for."
Mayorga, in a show of disdain for his opponent, plans to weigh in Friday "with a plate of Puerto Rican food to show Miguel I'm in the best shape of my life."
"My immediate goals are to knock out Cotto and then to fight and knock out Pacquiao," he said.
"I'm 37 years old and thinking about retirement. I will move on and let the younger guys have a shot like the older guys did for me when I was coming up."
Cotto, meanwhile, is coming off a string of tough fights, including a brutal beating at the hands of Antonio Margarito more than two years ago, and a bloody 12th-round TKO loss to Pacquiao in November 2009.
Margarito was found to have plastered hand wraps before his next fight against Mosley and was suspended from boxing in the USA.
Last June at Yankee Stadium, Cotto stopped then-WBA champion Yuri Foreman in the ninth round after Foreman injured his knee. It was far from a dominating performance against a fighter who was essentially working with one leg through the last three rounds. Foreman is making his comeback fight vs. Pawel Wolak on the undercard.
Bernstein believes if Mayorga — an unconventional, if not wild, brawler — can lure favored Cotto into a shootout, Mayorga might have a chance to win.
"He might get starched in that instance, too, because Cotto punches, and God knows, Mayorga can be hit," Bernstein says. "But it at least gives Mayorga a real chance of winning and makes it a fan-friendly fight.
"Mayorga really, really is engaged in winning this fight. I think it's going to be four to six rounds of warfare, because Cotto's only fought one fight at 154, and Mayorga is a real 154-pounder. Cotto's a better fighter, but Mayorga is the bigger guy."
Source: usatoday.com
If trash-talking won fights, Ricardo Mayorga might be the greatest boxer of all time.
Mayorga, the sharp-tongued Nicaraguan, has called Miguel Cotto, his opponent Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and Cotto's trainer, highly respected Emanuel Steward, failures and clowns.
Wednesday, during the fight's final news conference, Mayorga said he wanted to thank Bob Arum, Cotto's promoter, "for allowing me to eat his sheep on Saturday night."
Said Steward: "It's a good thing that fights are not won at press conferences because we'd be knocked out of the box."
But Mayorga (29-7-1, 23 KOs) still has to meet Cotto (35-2, 28 KOs) in the ring (Showtime pay-per-view, 9 ET), with the Puerto Rican's WBA light middleweight title on the line, and that's where Mayorga has had his troubles.
"I don't care what he (Mayorga) is saying about me," Cotto says. "He's always going to be talking, but as everyone knows, the fight starts when you enter the ring, and that's where I'm going to win the fight — in the ring."
Mayorga has fought only once since being knocked out in the 12th round by Shane Mosley in September 2008, and has had just eight fights in eight years, going 4-4 against a formidable lineup that included Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Cory Spinks and Fernando Vargas.
He says that a bad car accident before his knockout loss to Trinidad in 2004 made him fight through pain most of his last six fights, and he took the last two years off to fully heal.
Mayorga has been known to drink beer and smoke cigarettes while training for fights, but this time he insists he's taking his training seriously.
Al Bernstein, a member of Showtime's broadcast team who spent time in Mayorga's camp in Ocala, Fla., agrees.
"He was only 5 pounds away from making weight," Bernstein said by phone this week. "You could tell he was in good condition. He was serious."Mayorga has another motive for being in what he calls the best shape of his life — a fight with another of Arum's fighters, the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and titlist in a record eight weight classes, Manny Pacquiao.
"This is the fight where I'm going to impose my will so much so that — because I want a fight so bad with Pacquiao
— that if I don't beat Cotto by knockout and I happen to beat him by decision, then I don't feel like I'm deserving of a fight with Pacquiao.
— that if I don't beat Cotto by knockout and I happen to beat him by decision, then I don't feel like I'm deserving of a fight with Pacquiao."When I knock out Manny Pacquiao, I will become the most famous fighter of all time. That is what I want and am working for."
Mayorga, in a show of disdain for his opponent, plans to weigh in Friday "with a plate of Puerto Rican food to show Miguel I'm in the best shape of my life."
"My immediate goals are to knock out Cotto and then to fight and knock out Pacquiao," he said.
"I'm 37 years old and thinking about retirement. I will move on and let the younger guys have a shot like the older guys did for me when I was coming up."
Cotto, meanwhile, is coming off a string of tough fights, including a brutal beating at the hands of Antonio Margarito more than two years ago, and a bloody 12th-round TKO loss to Pacquiao in November 2009.
Margarito was found to have plastered hand wraps before his next fight against Mosley and was suspended from boxing in the USA.
Last June at Yankee Stadium, Cotto stopped then-WBA champion Yuri Foreman in the ninth round after Foreman injured his knee. It was far from a dominating performance against a fighter who was essentially working with one leg through the last three rounds. Foreman is making his comeback fight vs. Pawel Wolak on the undercard.
Bernstein believes if Mayorga — an unconventional, if not wild, brawler — can lure favored Cotto into a shootout, Mayorga might have a chance to win.
"He might get starched in that instance, too, because Cotto punches, and God knows, Mayorga can be hit," Bernstein says. "But it at least gives Mayorga a real chance of winning and makes it a fan-friendly fight.
"Mayorga really, really is engaged in winning this fight. I think it's going to be four to six rounds of warfare, because Cotto's only fought one fight at 154, and Mayorga is a real 154-pounder. Cotto's a better fighter, but Mayorga is the bigger guy."
Source: usatoday.com
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Ricardo Mayorga: Miguel Cotto is "my golden ticket to Manny Pacquiao" -- Examiner
By Michael Marley, Examiner.com
LAS VEGAS—In a city whose glistening cathedrals of chance attest to the fact that “the house always wins,” a prospector named Ricardo Mayorga is looking to get lucky.
Mayorga, the loudmouth from Nicaragua 
who turns age 38 today (Thursday), said on Wednesday that he views his Saturday night PPV opponent, the redoubtable Miguel Cotto, as a lottery ticket. Having tried and failed against superstars named Tito Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya while training sporadically and often unethusiastically, the chatterbox from Managua views this bout as his Last Chance Cafe, his possible Superlotto strike.
“I need to earn a golden ticket. This is my ticket, my golden ticket,” Mayorga said while meeting the media in the bowels of the MGM Grand Garden Arena. “This is my ticket to Manny Pacquiao.
“If I don't knock Cotto out in three or four rounds, I won't get that time, I won't get the opportunity to fight Pacquiao. If I beat him in the late rounds or by decision, then I realize I might not be (deemed) as deserving of the fight against Pacquiao.”
That was in the morning, Mayorga's amusing but seemingly endless spiel about why this is only the fifth out of 37 pro bouts (make that 41 as he claims the official record gyps him out of four victories that are unrecorded) that he has religiously conditioned himself for beforehand.
In the afternoon, Sunshine Boys Reunited, meaning longtime archrivals Bob Arum and Don King barked into any and all available microphones. Taking his cue from Mayorga or vice versa, King was the proverbial broken record going on and on about how his man would smash big betting favorite Cotto, the Pride of Puerto Rico, and then destroy Pacman.
Mayorga was said to have reacted angrily in Los Angeles the other day when a media type stated that he had done nothing “to deserve” a Pacquiao fight.
“Pacquiao knocked out Cotto in the ninth or 10th round, late in the fight,” Mayorga said. “That is why I am going to knock Cotto in four rounds. (Actually, Pacman halted Cotto in the 12th and final round.)
“Then people will know that I am better than Cotto. I'm going to go out and prove that I deserve a shot at Pacquiao. In the first round, I will either knock Cotto down or bust one of his two eyes open.”
Mayorga described Cotto taking a precautionary knee against Mexican Mauler Antonio Margarito as being “very cowardly.
“Me, I don't take a knee, I don't bow out like that. That is just very cowardly.”
Adding to his delusions of grandeur, Mayorga, who was doing some political shilling by wearing a teeshirt supporting Nicraguan President Daniel Ortega, then said “half of Puerto Rico” would rooting for him to beat Cotto back.
“At least half of Puerto Rico will be rooting for me. Lots of people over there, they think that he is very snobby, that he is very stuck up. In LA, he spoke only in English which is very vulgar and disrespectful . He showed a lack of respect to the Spanish (speaking) people.”
All the prefight blather seems to be going in one of Cotto's ears and out the other.
“ I am tranquilo, I am calm,” Cotto said. “I am tranquilo, I am just trying to stay in my proper style.”
Cotto did not even fire back at the “very cowardly” remarks.
“The most important thing other than my family is my health,” Cotto said. “What Mayorga said is just ignorance.”
Mayorga and Cotto trainer Emanuel Steward share the same fight prediction in terms of distance, both saying it will not go past four rounds.
“As Mayorga has gotten older, he has really slowed down. He is fighting more conventionally, he has slowed down on the old, impulsive style. Miguel will catch him with solid left hooks and with solid left jabs. Miguel will catch him while he is swinging with all those wide, wild punches.”
Steward said Cotto and Pacquiao have something in common, besides having had Hall Of Fame careers, a distinction never attributed to the erratic Mayorga.
“We punch through the pads, the others punch to the target and not through it,” the former Kronk Gym guru said.
“Miguel and Pacquiao are the only two fighters around today who are doing that.”
If Cotto punches through early and often, that “golden ticket” for Mayorga will go uncashed.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
LAS VEGAS—In a city whose glistening cathedrals of chance attest to the fact that “the house always wins,” a prospector named Ricardo Mayorga is looking to get lucky.
Mayorga, the loudmouth from Nicaragua who turns age 38 today (Thursday), said on Wednesday that he views his Saturday night PPV opponent, the redoubtable Miguel Cotto, as a lottery ticket. Having tried and failed against superstars named Tito Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya while training sporadically and often unethusiastically, the chatterbox from Managua views this bout as his Last Chance Cafe, his possible Superlotto strike.“I need to earn a golden ticket. This is my ticket, my golden ticket,” Mayorga said while meeting the media in the bowels of the MGM Grand Garden Arena. “This is my ticket to Manny Pacquiao.
“If I don't knock Cotto out in three or four rounds, I won't get that time, I won't get the opportunity to fight Pacquiao. If I beat him in the late rounds or by decision, then I realize I might not be (deemed) as deserving of the fight against Pacquiao.”
That was in the morning, Mayorga's amusing but seemingly endless spiel about why this is only the fifth out of 37 pro bouts (make that 41 as he claims the official record gyps him out of four victories that are unrecorded) that he has religiously conditioned himself for beforehand.
In the afternoon, Sunshine Boys Reunited, meaning longtime archrivals Bob Arum and Don King barked into any and all available microphones. Taking his cue from Mayorga or vice versa, King was the proverbial broken record going on and on about how his man would smash big betting favorite Cotto, the Pride of Puerto Rico, and then destroy Pacman.
Mayorga was said to have reacted angrily in Los Angeles the other day when a media type stated that he had done nothing “to deserve” a Pacquiao fight.
“Pacquiao knocked out Cotto in the ninth or 10th round, late in the fight,” Mayorga said. “That is why I am going to knock Cotto in four rounds. (Actually, Pacman halted Cotto in the 12th and final round.)
“Then people will know that I am better than Cotto. I'm going to go out and prove that I deserve a shot at Pacquiao. In the first round, I will either knock Cotto down or bust one of his two eyes open.”
Mayorga described Cotto taking a precautionary knee against Mexican Mauler Antonio Margarito as being “very cowardly.
“Me, I don't take a knee, I don't bow out like that. That is just very cowardly.”
Adding to his delusions of grandeur, Mayorga, who was doing some political shilling by wearing a teeshirt supporting Nicraguan President Daniel Ortega, then said “half of Puerto Rico” would rooting for him to beat Cotto back.
“At least half of Puerto Rico will be rooting for me. Lots of people over there, they think that he is very snobby, that he is very stuck up. In LA, he spoke only in English which is very vulgar and disrespectful . He showed a lack of respect to the Spanish (speaking) people.”
All the prefight blather seems to be going in one of Cotto's ears and out the other.
“ I am tranquilo, I am calm,” Cotto said. “I am tranquilo, I am just trying to stay in my proper style.”
Cotto did not even fire back at the “very cowardly” remarks.
“The most important thing other than my family is my health,” Cotto said. “What Mayorga said is just ignorance.”
Mayorga and Cotto trainer Emanuel Steward share the same fight prediction in terms of distance, both saying it will not go past four rounds.
“As Mayorga has gotten older, he has really slowed down. He is fighting more conventionally, he has slowed down on the old, impulsive style. Miguel will catch him with solid left hooks and with solid left jabs. Miguel will catch him while he is swinging with all those wide, wild punches.”
Steward said Cotto and Pacquiao have something in common, besides having had Hall Of Fame careers, a distinction never attributed to the erratic Mayorga.
“We punch through the pads, the others punch to the target and not through it,” the former Kronk Gym guru said.
“Miguel and Pacquiao are the only two fighters around today who are doing that.”
If Cotto punches through early and often, that “golden ticket” for Mayorga will go uncashed.
(mlcmarley@aol.com)
Source: examiner.com
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Mayorga's trash talking hits peak at presser with Cotto -- Examiner
By Paula Duffy, Examiner.com
Ricardo Mayorga is a quote machine and his accusations and predictions about what he will do when he faces Miguel Cotto on Saturday night in Las Vegas are pure genius.
Just when you think it couldn't get better it does. In the case of Mayorga however, the material goes lower on the tone scale of words rather than higher when he gets in a groove.
In Monday's final press conference, held in Los Angeles he hit such a low note I'm not sure he can top himself now. I'm concerned he is peaking too many days away from the fight to take Cotto's WBA Super Welterweight belt. A sampling of his greatest hits:
“All the Puerto Ricans coming to the fight will leave as Ricardo Mayorga fans. The best time of his career was when he fought at 140 (pounds). When he came up to 47 and 54, that’s when he made the mistake.
“Don’t take a knee on me like you did with Margarito. Let me finish punishing you. I come from a country where women give birth to men.
“Take your shirt off just like me and show me your weight."
A vote for any of the above three statements couldn't be a loser but a personal favorite has got to be Mayorga's claim that he's the only man in the ring since women in Nicaragua actually give birth to men. Priceless.
As for Cotto, well, the photos to the left of this column tell you everything you need to know. If you see confidence in his stoic gaze you wouldn't be wrong, but you could also interpret his lack of facial expression as emotionless. Presumably the emotion gets unleashed when the gloves are on. One can only hope.
Mayorga got one in for his promoter of the moment, Don King. He has vowed to put King back on top of Mr. Top Rank himself, Bob Arum when he takes the belt on Saturday night. Nice thought Ricardo, except Arum promotes the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game today and you my friend are no Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is always on Mayorga's brain however, or more precisely, the $ Pacquaio can bring to an opponent. "I want Pacquiao", says Mayorga looking past Cotto.
Don King returned the favor in his comments about Mayorga. "For all you who have little, just a little bit of money, put it all on Mayorga because the odds are in his favor. You will have the chance to be wealthy. Don’t wait till Saturday night. Do it now. Mayorga will win by a knockout. Check it all out on SHOWTIME pay-per-view.” Showtime thanks you Don.
Say what you will about the matchup but the the war of words was all one could have hoped for and more. Will it make the fight more appealing to PPV buyers?
That remains to be seen since as Fight Sports Examiner Rick Rockwell noted, the loss of the Clottey-Green under card match leaves a gaping hole in the lineup. For those who aren't aware, Clottey injured himself while out for a run and pulled out of the match.
Source: examiner.com
Ricardo Mayorga is a quote machine and his accusations and predictions about what he will do when he faces Miguel Cotto on Saturday night in Las Vegas are pure genius.Just when you think it couldn't get better it does. In the case of Mayorga however, the material goes lower on the tone scale of words rather than higher when he gets in a groove.
In Monday's final press conference, held in Los Angeles he hit such a low note I'm not sure he can top himself now. I'm concerned he is peaking too many days away from the fight to take Cotto's WBA Super Welterweight belt. A sampling of his greatest hits:
“All the Puerto Ricans coming to the fight will leave as Ricardo Mayorga fans. The best time of his career was when he fought at 140 (pounds). When he came up to 47 and 54, that’s when he made the mistake.
“Don’t take a knee on me like you did with Margarito. Let me finish punishing you. I come from a country where women give birth to men.
“Take your shirt off just like me and show me your weight."
A vote for any of the above three statements couldn't be a loser but a personal favorite has got to be Mayorga's claim that he's the only man in the ring since women in Nicaragua actually give birth to men. Priceless.
As for Cotto, well, the photos to the left of this column tell you everything you need to know. If you see confidence in his stoic gaze you wouldn't be wrong, but you could also interpret his lack of facial expression as emotionless. Presumably the emotion gets unleashed when the gloves are on. One can only hope.
Mayorga got one in for his promoter of the moment, Don King. He has vowed to put King back on top of Mr. Top Rank himself, Bob Arum when he takes the belt on Saturday night. Nice thought Ricardo, except Arum promotes the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game today and you my friend are no Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is always on Mayorga's brain however, or more precisely, the $ Pacquaio can bring to an opponent. "I want Pacquiao", says Mayorga looking past Cotto.
Don King returned the favor in his comments about Mayorga. "For all you who have little, just a little bit of money, put it all on Mayorga because the odds are in his favor. You will have the chance to be wealthy. Don’t wait till Saturday night. Do it now. Mayorga will win by a knockout. Check it all out on SHOWTIME pay-per-view.” Showtime thanks you Don.
Say what you will about the matchup but the the war of words was all one could have hoped for and more. Will it make the fight more appealing to PPV buyers?
That remains to be seen since as Fight Sports Examiner Rick Rockwell noted, the loss of the Clottey-Green under card match leaves a gaping hole in the lineup. For those who aren't aware, Clottey injured himself while out for a run and pulled out of the match.
Source: examiner.com
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