Boxing News World

Ortiz says he's ready to rock Mayweather -- OC Register

2011-08-28T19:32:00.000+07:00

By MARK WHICKER, The Orange County Register

VENTURA – They wouldn't be upsets if you could see them coming.

Coffee cups dropped on floors all over the world when Leon Spinks knocked off Muhammad Ali.

The unofficial "Yeah, right" record was set when people heard the bulletins from Tokyo: Buster Douglas really had stopped Mike Tyson.

The Las Vegas bookmakers think Victor Ortiz is swimming upstream when he meets the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr., on Sept. 17 at the MGM Grand.

If Mayweather agreed to fight Ortiz, the reasoning goes, he must know he will win.

That's why Mayweather hasn't fought Manny Pacquiao, because he really doesn't want to put the "0" in his 41-0 record within Pacquiao's artillery range.

All of that makes sense.

But you never see history coming.

On Thursday, Ortiz lay on the floor at his training gym, a converted garage in the back of an industrial park, and propped his legs against a wall. He missed a workout last week because of back problems.

But three weeks before that, he entered a triathlon at Camp Pendleton. A triathlon is something for which you train, not a training tool for boxing.

"They had 2,500 people and I finished ninth," Ortiz said. "This time, the guys who were with me put me in the elite bracket. I said, dude, this is my weekend off. They said, come on, Vic, just do it. But it felt good. I didn't even try that hard."

Ortiz likes to surf. He spent a year and a half at Ventura College, in between two jobs and training. He says he wants to get through boxing cogently enough to "dive out of a plane if I want to. At the end of the day boxing isn't what defines me. I'm Victor, not Vicious. That's my other persona. I don't even know that guy."

The party line from Camp Ortiz is that Mayweather has dodged more than just uppercuts.

"He's never fought anybody in his prime," said Danny Garcia, Ortiz's trainer. "Everybody's been either too old or too young."

Ortiz is only 24, a decade younger than Mayweather, but he is 29-2-2 with 22 knockouts. With a jarring right jab and a big left hook, he has floored everyone he has fought.

He was flying toward pay-per-view stardom when he got cut by Marcos Maidana on June 27, 2009, and the referee stopped the fight after six rounds.

"I don't deserve to get beat up like this. I have a lot of thinking to do," he said in the post-fight interview, a cryptic remark that, understandably, followed him around.

"We can thank our good friend Max Kellerman (the interviewer) for that," Ortiz said, smiling. "He ruined me for two years, but I should say thank you, because it made me stronger."

Ortiz went to the back of the line. He left Bob Arum's organization and signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy.

"I told them I wanted Andre Berto," he said. Both Ortiz and Berto went down twice, but Ortiz won a bravura unanimous decision and the WBC welterweight title.

"Now I want Mayweather," Ortiz told Golden Boy matchmaker Eric Gomez.

"And everybody laughed. But Mayweather has never impressed me, ever since I was a kid," Ortiz said. "There's been a lot of hype. He's fought the right fight at the right time. Go home and turn off the sound. He's nothing. Well, not nothing, but not as great as people think.

"I thought he lost to (Jose Luis) Castillo. I thought Oscar was beating him, one-sided, until he stopped using the jab. I don't know that it's really a tough fight."

While Mayweather erupts at family members, Ortiz grew up by himself. His parents' influence was erased by their own substance abuse, and from 13-16 he lived with foster parents Sharon and John Ford in Garden City, Kan.

"I was a little knucklehead, not exactly a demon but I had some demons on my back and shoulders," Ortiz said. "I thought I knew it all. I've apologized to them quite a few times."

He and his younger brother, who lives under Ortiz's custody now, moved to Denver to be with a sister.
Former heavyweight Ron Lyle noticed Ortiz in a gym and began training him; trainer Robert Garcia, now estranged from his brother Danny, noticed Ortiz in a junior Olympics and moved him here.

Compelling life stories don't beat Mayweather, who loves to set the tone with his pre-fight jabber. De La Hoya admitted Mayweather infuriated him.

Ortiz said he has neutralized that already.

"I'm not dumb or anything, but talking to me like that is like talking to a mute, or a tree stump," he said. "I don't listen to a lot. Everything's been done to me."

Amusement danced in his eyes. Ortiz probably will not become the first man to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. If he does, you've been warned.

Source: ocregister.com

Hearns mulls Mayweather, Pacquiao against himself, Leonard, Hagler -- Ring

2011-08-24T12:18:00.000+07:00

By Lem Satterfield, Ring TV

Thomas Hearns ponders who wins between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Paquiao, and how each would do against himself, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Wifredo Benitez or Robert Duran.

RingTV caught up to 52-year-old Thomas Hearns on Tuesday to reflect on his on career as well as those of eight-division belt-winner Manny Pacquiao and six-time title winner Floyd Mayweather Jr.

First, a brief look at the career of Hearns (61-5-1, 48 knockouts), who won six career title belts over as many weight divisions despite "never asking for a catch weight," according to his former trainer Manny Steward.

Hearns weighed 146 pounds when his second-round knockout dethroned Pipino Cuevas for the WBA welterweight belt in August of 1980. Then, Hearns rose to earn the WBC's junior middleweight belt with a 15-round, majority decision over Wilfred Benitez as a 153.5 pounder in December of 1982.

Next, Hearns climbed to light heavyweight and weighed 173.5 for his 10th-round knockout of Dennis Andries for the WBC crown in March of 1987. After that, Hearns dropped to 159.5 for his very next win, a fourth-round stoppage of Juan Domingo Roldan for the WBC's middleweight belt in October of 1987.

Two fights later, a 165.5-pound Hearns decisioned James Kinchen by majority decision for the WBO's super middleweight belt in November of 1988. Finally, Hearns weighed 189 pounds when he won the IBO cruiserweight title by unanimous decision over Nate Miller in April of 1999.

Hearns won another notable fight by second-round stoppage over former belt-holder Roberto Duran in June of 1984. Hearns lost by 14th round knockout to Sugar Ray Leonard in a welterweight unification bout in Sept. 1981, and by third-round knockout to Marvin Hagler in his bid for the undisputed middleweight crown in April of 1985.

In a subject-response talk with RingTV.com, Hearns mulled how Mayweather and Pacquiao would fair against each other as well as in the mix with himself, Leonard, Hagler, Benitez and Duran.

Hearns' thoughts on Mayweather:

"Floyd Mayweather Jr. is an excellent fighter. I will give credit where credit is due. I can not take anything away from Floyd Mayweather.

"Floyd Mayweather is a very smart fighter in the ring. He feints well, and he punches pretty good. I mean he's pretty active while he's in there."

On how Mayweather and Pacquiao would do against himself, Leonard, Hagler, Benitez and Duran:

"I think that he would do pretty good. He's got good head movement and I can't put him down. He's pretty active while he's in there. Floyd Mayweather is an excellent fighter. I have to give him his props. He could last.

"Manny Pacquiao, I think that he's a pretty good fighter too. I think that he would do well. He would do okay. I think that he would do pretty good."

On what his strategy would be in a fight against Mayweather:

"Against me, I would have to respect him. I think that he could go the distance with me. I would have to out-think him and definitely out-jab him. He's a shorter man, so he can't get to me.

"I would have to keep the jab on him and keep him at a distance and force him to use his head movement all of the time. Somewhere down the line, I would probably hit him with a couple of right hands.

"I would probably get him with a good right hand if not an average right hand. If I was to go to the body, you know that might play into what he is probably trying to do strategically.

"I think that if I got closer to him trying to land a body shot, that would be what he wants. So I think that my best thing would be to stay on the outside and just box him. But I think that he could go the distance with me."

On his strategy against Pacquiao:

"He would definitely have to come to me. I would probably just box him and keep boxing him and look for the shot. Yeah, definitely, I would box him and look for the opening. I would give him a good boxing lesson [laughs.]"

On who would win between Mayweather and Pacquiao:

"I would say that it would be an awesome fight between the both of them, but I think that Floyd should win the fight. If Floyd does what he's supposed to do, then I think Floyd wins and that he should be victorious.

"If he doesn't, then Pacquiao will take over the fight. Manny Pacquiao comes to fight. That's all that he wants to do. But I think that the only way that Pacquiao could win is by knockout of Floyd.

"The way that Floyd is going to win is to out-box Manny Pacquiao and to make Manny Pacquiao fall apart."

On whether either Mayweather or Pacquiao could beat him:

"[Laughs.] Listen, they're good fighters, right? Can't take anything away from those guys. But you know anybody who was in my weight division, you know, I would give them hell.

"They would have to be really fighting hard and be ready to absorb a lot of punches to beat me. Because, you know, I ain't going to let anybody just come in and beat me."

Lem Satterfield can be reached at lem.satterfield@gmail.com

Source: ringtv.craveonline.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. on blood tests: He's for them -- Los Angeles Times

2011-08-18T13:01:00.000+07:00

By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times

The most problematic issue preventing a Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao super-fight has been Mayweather's insistence that both submit to random, Olympic-style blood tests for performance-enhancing drugs.

Mayweather doesn't want to budge from this position because, from his perspective, it's just an extension of the principles he's based his boxing career on: Stay out of harm's way, make a lot of money.

The 34-year-old Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) has long said there's no glory in taking punishment to the head in the boxing ring, and he's established a legacy as one of the greatest defensive fighters in the sport's history.

"I don't care how much money is negotiated," Mayweather said at his Las Vegas gym as he trains for his Sept. 17 fight against WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand. "This [performance-enhancing drug testing] is what I want. Look at how these guys end up punch-drunk in this sport.

"I'm sorry, but all of a sudden a guy [Pacquiao] at age 25 becomes a great fighter? I want to be on a level playing field with this guy. We're fighting at the highest level, talking about the biggest fight ever. You should have the greatest testing too," Mayweather said.

Pacquiao, 32, will next fight Nov. 12 against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Mayweather stepped over a line in his suspicion of Pacquiao, declaring last year in a video that he believes the Filipino fighter has used "power pellets" to win previous fights. Pacquiao is suing Mayweather in federal court in Nevada for defamation, and Mayweather is overdue to give a deposition in the case.

Despite long-standing bitterness between Mayweather and Pacquiao, and three previous failed fight negotiations, there are signs both camps are closer to reaching an agreement on a drug-testing protocol.

Mayweather dismissed as "hearsay" reports he's balked at lucrative financial guarantees as lofty as $65 million to take on Pacquiao.

As Mayweather talked Friday, a woman who had chatted with him previously during a workout returned, handing him a Las Vegas sports book ticket showing a major bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers-Washington Redskins' preseason NFL game.

"Look what I just won," Mayweather said, revealing a five-figure payoff.

It reinforced his point: He has enough money.

"Anytime I lace them up now, just know it's over $50 million. So it's not about the money. I can get the money in any fight I take," Mayweather said. "It's about me being able to say, 'This is what I want.'"

As part of his contract, Mayweather insisted Ortiz agree to a more stringent drug-testing procedure than the random urine tests required by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is performing random blood tests on Mayweather and Ortiz, as it did in Mayweather's most recent fight in May 2010, against Shane Mosley.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, says his fighter is willing to accept being subjected to blood testing rules under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, which keeps the blood sample schedule unannounced. Pacquiao had previously said he didn't want to be tested within 14 days of a fight.

"You can't have a window where an athlete knows he'll not be tested," said Travis Tygart, head of the USADA. "Unannounced testing is part of the deterrent."

Arum said the tricky part of a testing program will be in establishing consequences for events like a missed test, or for a banned prescription drug that is prohibited in the Olympics.

Arum wants a state boxing commission, like Nevada's, to have a say in establishing such guidelines to avoid an unreasonable fight cancellation.

So perhaps the super-fight fans want to see is on track for 2012 — assuming Mayweather and Pacquaio win their next bouts.

Asked if he'll take the fight as long as Pacquiao cooperates in an effective drug-testing program, Mayweather said, "Absolutely. Write that word down 10 times in a row. I absolutely want the fight."

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

twitter.com/latimespugmire

Source: latimes.com

Man says Mayweather ordered bodyguard to fire at him at skating rink -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

2011-08-17T21:08:00.000+07:00

By Francis McCabe, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

A Las Vegas man who accused undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. of ordering his bodyguard to shoot at him outside a Boulder Highway skating rink in August 2009 is suing the former Olympian.

Details of the lawsuit were not immediately available, but the plaintiff is Quincey Williams, one of two men who say they were shot at by Mayweather's bodyguard Ocie Harris outside the Crystal Palace Skating Center.

Williams, who has publicly said he believes Mayweather told Harris to shoot at him, is being represented by high-profile attorney Robert Eglet in the negligence lawsuit filed Tuesday in District Court, according to court records.

Williams also accused Mayweather in November 2010 of trying to force his vehicle off the road in a road rage incident. The allegation was investigated by Las Vegas police. Mayweather was not charged after the investigation.

Williams has told the Review-Journal that he has feared for his life since the skating rink shooting.

"He (Mayweather) feels like he's entitled to do whatever he wants and get away with it. He wants to walk around and intimidate people like he's some type of thug," Williams said after reporting the incident on the road.

Williams told the Review-Journal that he was a young boxer when he first met Mayweather after his success in the 1996 Olympics. Williams later worked for Mayweather but said he quit because of low pay.

The relationship soured in 2009 after Williams sent a text message to Mayweather saying he hoped the undefeated boxer would lose.

Months after the message was sent, on the evening of Aug. 23, 2009, Williams told authorities, Mayweather threatened his life at the skating rink on Boulder Highway, north of Flamingo Road.

Authorities allege that around 10 p.m. that day, Harris shot at a BMW containing Williams and another man, Damein Bland, as the vehicle was leaving the skating rink. The car was hit six times.

No one was injured, and Mayweather was not charged.

Harris, of Chicago, was indicted on two felonies, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, in connection with the shooting. He remains free on bail awaiting a February trial.

Williams could not be reached for comment about the lawsuit.

Attorney Mark Ferrario, who is defending Mayweather in other civil cases, did not return a call seeking comment.

In recent months, several other lawsuits against Mayweather have popped up, in which the boxer is accused of ordering bodyguards to assault and intimidate people in Las Vegas.

In June, Anthony Cliff alleged that Mayweather ordered three of his bodyguards to assault him at the Palms valet entrance on May 27, 2010, after he had been told not to photograph the boxer.

According to Cliff's lawsuit, Mayweather made a " 'thumbs down' sign or gesture to the bodyguards, which was a signal for the bodyguards to attack."

Mayweather also is being sued by a bouncer at the Strip nightclub Drai's who said he was assaulted by the boxer's bodyguard Jan. 2. In a lawsuit filed in May, Clay Gerling alleged that an unknown bodyguard for Mayweather "maliciously assaulted and battered plaintiff, by grabbing the plaintiff, and choking him" after he asked for identification from Mayweather and others in his entourage.

In criminal court, the boxer faces two misdemeanor harassment counts after an October confrontation with Southern Highlands security guards over parking issues.

Mayweather faces a misdemeanor battery charge in connection with a Nov. 15, 2010, incident involving another guard, Shayne Smith. A bench trial in that case is set for Nov. 4.

Mayweather also faces an Oct. 20 preliminary hearing on felony charges, including coercion, grand larceny and robbery, in connection with a Sept. 9, 2010, incident with his three children and their mother, Josie Harris. Mayweather is free on $31,000 bail in that case.

Both criminal cases have been delayed by Mayweather's defense lawyers until after a scheduled fight with Victor Ortiz for the WBC welterweight title on Sept. 17 at the MGM Grand Garden.

Meanwhile, boxer Manny Pacquiao, considered by many the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, is suing Mayweather over accusations that Pacquiao was using performance-enhancing drugs.

The 2009 lawsuit followed talks for a fight between the two that fell apart over Mayweather's demand that both fighters submit to random blood and urine tests before the bout.

Mayweather has failed to appear at multiple depositions ordered in that case.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.

Source: lvrj.com

Floyd will fight Pacquiao in 2013 - Jeff Mayweather -- ESPN

2011-08-16T20:40:00.000+07:00

ESPN.co.uk

Floyd Mayweather Jnr's uncle Jeff Mayweather is predicting that the long-awaited showdown between the undefeated American and his pound-for-pound rival Manny Pacquiao will not take place for another two years.

A potentially mouthwatering clash between the two fighters has yet to be agreed, despite the growing clamour, although the bout looked to have moved a step closer in recent times after Pacquiao's camp accepted Mayweather's demands for stringent blood testing.

Pacquiao, who is attempting to sue Mayweather for defamation after the American suggested his rival has used performance-enhancing substances, is preparing to face Juan Manuel Marquez for a third time in November, while Mayweather is scheduled to meet Victor Ortiz on September 17.

With both men not getting any younger, there are growing fears the fight the sport craves most may never happen - although Jeff Mayweather is convinced the pair will get it on in 2013.

"I think he [Mayweather] will be fighting another couple of years," he told Fighthype.com. "I think that's being realistic because I think the fight that's out there will take that long to materialise."

Mayweather, who has not fought since outpointing Shane Mosley in May 2010, makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring against Ortiz, who has only lost twice in 33 fights, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Ortiz won his WBC welterweight belt with a unanimous decision against Andre Berto in April, despite being knocked down twice, but Jeff Mayweather believes his nephew will take the 24-year-old "to school".

"I think Victor Ortiz is a beast, but I think Victor Ortiz is going to be taken to school like he's never been taken to school before in his life," he said. "I mean, Floyd has already fought Victor Ortiz. He fought him when he fought Ricky Hatton, and Ricky was a better version of Ortiz. I think that Ortiz is a guy who is caught up in the fact that he's coming off of his biggest win, and of course he's riding the wave, but the reality of it is this, Victor Ortiz has never faced anyone who is remotely close to having Floyd's ability.

"He's going to be taken to school, drowned in the deep water and get himself knocked out. He's too smart for him; he can stand right in front of Victor Ortiz and do whatever he wants to do to him.

Source: espn.co.uk

Pacquiao says he 'will' fight Mayweather during 2012 -- ESPN

2011-08-13T08:05:00.000+07:00

ESPN.co.uk

Manny Pacquiao is in no doubt that his hotly-anticipated showdown against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, which will determine the planet's pound-for-pound king, will take place during 2012.

The barriers preventing the clash have been broken down in recent weeks, with Pacquiao's promoter confirming that the Filipino is willing to agree to Mayweather's demands for Olympic-style drug testing.

Talks collapsed last year when Pacquiao refused to have blood drawn from him in the days prior to the bout, claiming that it would sap too much strength from him ahead of the clash.

Pacquiao has also moved to bring an end to the legal proceedings he brought against Mayweather, urging a judge to deliver a verdict on the defamation case launched in the wake of the sampling dispute.

"I will fight Mayweather next year," said Pacquiao, according to boxingscene.com.

Amir Khan's desire to fight Mayweather, apparently reciprocated by the American, threatens to complicate matters further. Khan intends to take to the ring against Mayweather in late 2012 after moving up to welterweight.

The clamour for the Pacquiao-Mayweather bout would evaporate if either suffers a shock defeats in their next bout. Mayweather enters the ring for the first time in over a year against Victor Ortiz on September 17 in a WBC welterweight title clash, while Pacquiao takes on Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12.

Source: espn.co.uk

HBO to air Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight Nov. 12 -- USA Today

2011-08-06T13:53:00.000+07:00

By Bob Velin, USA TODAY

HBO is back in the Manny Pacquiao business.

The premium network, which has led the way in airing big pay-per-view boxing events during the last decade, will produce and distribute Pacquiao's third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

HBO lost the rights to Pacquiao's last fight against Shane Mosley last May to Showtime, and the devastating loss of the biggest attraction in the sport was one of the main factors in HBO President Ross Greenburg stepping down last month.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and president Todd duBoef engineered the deal with HBO, even though Showtime's Pacquiao-Mosley telecast drew nearly 1.4 million pay-per-view buys. Showtime used its parent company, CBS, to help promote that fight.

MORE: Pacquiao seeks default vs. Mayweather in defamation suit
HBO will use parent company Time-Warner's many platforms to help promote this fight, including TBS, TNT and CNN.

"In boxing we talk about great fighters coming back after a loss. Well, HBO came back just like a great fighter," duBoef told ESPN.com. "They came back from being on the canvas. They made their adjustments and came back and won the fight. You have to give them a lot of credit."

Said HBO spokesman Ray Stallone: "We're thrilled that Manny Pacquiao's Nov. 12 fight with Juan Manuel Marquez will be presented by HBO Pay-Per-View. We look forward to working with Top Rank on this special event."

This is the third fight in the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy, with the first in 2004 ending in a draw, and Pacquiao, who has won titles in a record eight weight divisions, winning the second four years later in a controversial split decision.

This fight will be for Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title and will be fought at a catchweight of 144 pounds. Pacquiao is 53-2-2 with 38 KOs, while Marquez who has won three in a row since losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2009 coming in with a record of 53-5-1 with 39 KOs.

HBO will also televise this fall's other blockbuster pay-per-view event from the MGM Grand — undefeated Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) vs. Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) on Sept. 17.

Source: usatoday.com

Pacquiao schools Khan in sparring - Roach -- ESPN

2011-08-01T07:26:00.000+07:00

ESPN.co.uk

Trainer Freddie Roach has lifted the lid on the notorious sparring sessions between Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao in the Wildcard gym.

Both fighters have improved significantly since coming under Roach's wing, and the duo have made no secret of the intensity of their training bouts.

A clash between the pair would be one of the most lucrative fights possible at present, but Roach is eager to keep his two pupils apart, with Khan instead set to face Floyd Mayweather Jnr in the next year.

The fact Khan is being discussed in the same breath as Mayweather shows the improvement Roach has coaxed out of the Brit, having linked up with him following a humiliating first-round knockout defeat to Breidis Prescott in 2008.

"When they spar it's always good but, while Amir is more than able to hold his own, as it progresses Manny takes control," Roach. "Amir has developed so much since I started working with him. He's a great kid who is always listening and always wanting to learn. Manny is a great fighter but Amir is certainly going in the right direction - that's a fact."

Meanwhile, Khan is not ruling out a rematch against Prescott as he searches for a December opponent for his final battle at light-welterweight. "Prescott may be a fight in the future for me," he said. "A fighter always wants to avenge his defeats. He is another name on the list if he beats [Paul] McCloskey. I will be taking one step at a time - there is no need for me to rush into a fight with Mayweather.

"Erik Morales is a possibility as my next opponent and so is [WBO champion Tim] Bradley. Robert Guerrero is another name on my list. If he beats [Marcos] Maidana next month, as I expect him to, that will be a very good fight."

Source: espn.co.uk

BOXING: Trainer Roach standing in the way of Pacquiao-Khan -- LA Daily News

2011-07-30T16:09:00.000+07:00

By Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News

Boxing has always had some difficulty getting the best to fight the best. Sometimes rival promoters get in the way. More recently, one fighter refusing special drug testing requested by another prevented a fight from happening.

Freddie Roach came up with something new this week. The Hall of Fame trainer was asked what he thought about the possibility of Amir Khan taking on pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in the near future.

Keep in mind that Pacquiao said before his most recent fight against "Sugar" Shane Mosley in May that he wanted three more fights before retiring to concentrate on his political career in his native Philippines.

Pacquiao is fighting Juan Manuel Marquez a third time on Nov. 12.

The boxing world is hopeful that Pacquiao would then take on Floyd Mayweather Jr., but since previous negotiations have failed because of differences over drug testing, there is no guarantee that would happen.

The only other fight out there that would seem to carry enormous appeal for Pacquiao would be against fast-rising star Khan, who is coming off a fifth-round knockout of Zab Judah this past Saturday in a junior welterweight title unification bout in Las Vegas.

With Pacquiao's worldwide appeal and Khan having the strong support of the United Kingdom, this would be a huge promotion and more than likely a terrific fight that Khan would actually have a chance of winning.

Alas, Roach says it will never take place. Why? "They are not going to fight each other," Roach said Tuesday morning via telephone. "I'm not going to let that happen because I train both fighters. They are both my fighters and they are like sons to me. How can I let both my sons fight?"

Roach said he wouldn't even know which corner to work.

"It is too much drama to let that happen," he said. "They both have too much respect for me to let that happen. They are like my kids. I've been with Manny for 10 years and I've been with Amir for three years. We have a great relationship. Why would I ruin that relationship?"

Khan is employed by Golden Boy Promotions. Richard Schaefer, its CEO, spoke diplomatically when asked about Roach's edict that would rob fans of a potential super fight.

"I can appreciate how close Freddie is to both and how both of the fighters are close to Freddie," Schaefer said Tuesday afternoon. "It would put Amir in a terrible situation, it would put Pacquiao in a terrible situation.

"So why push that if there are so many other attractive options out there for either one of those fighters?"

Schaefer said that Khan will fight again in December, and that there are plenty of opponents for him. He could fight comebacking Erik Morales, or perhaps the winner of the Aug. 27 fight between Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero and Marcos Maidana.

Khan now holds two belts - WBA and IBF - and he could next fight either Lamont Peterson or Victor Cayo, who Friday night squared off in an IBF title elimination fight in Las Vegas.

Timothy Bradley, who held the other two major belts at junior welterweight until he was stripped of one of them Thursday, is another possibility. Bradley has already turned down Khan once, and he has promotional problems and is currently being sued by co-promoters Gary Shaw and Ken Thompson, who claim they have one more fight with him.

But Khan has been talking a lot of trash about Bradley, saying he's scared to fight him. Bradley has been listening, and he lashed out at Khan during a telephone interview Wednesday.

"Every fighter who is trying to get a fight with me pops off at the mouth," Bradley said. "And then when we get in the ring they get smashed in the face. I'm not afraid of him. If you are a true Bradley fan, you know I'm not afraid of any man.

"He just needs to go enjoy his victory and leave my name out his mouth."

Bradley said as soon as his litigation is over, he will be happy to do something about Khan's mouth.

Khan would vacate the junior welterweight division after the December fight and move up to welterweight early next year, Schaefer said. One possibility there sounds good.

"I think Mayweather and Amir Khan is as interesting (as Khan-Pacquiao), as exciting, or Amir against the winner of Mayweather-(Victor) Ortiz because Ortiz might pull it off (in their fight Sept. 17)," Schaefer said.

Indeed, Khan against either Mayweather, Ortiz or Bradley would be very nice. But Khan against Pacquiao would be way better because there would be more money involved, it would have incredibly wide appeal and it would have the chance to be one of the most exciting fights in years.

We respect Roach a great deal. But him being the trainer for both Pacquiao and Khan is not even close to being a good enough reason for them not to fight. Roach needs to figure this out, for the fans and for the good of the sport.

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, is vacationing in Europe and could not be reached for comment. But even the powerful Arum might not be able to do anything about this, as it is well-known that Pacquiao and Roach approve Pacquiao's opponents.

Bummer.

Source: dailynews.com

Is Mayweather Jr. Correct in Fear of Steroid Use? -- 8CountNews

2011-07-30T08:22:00.000+07:00

By Keith Terceira, 8CountNews.com

The reason that Floyd Mayweather Jr.(41-0, 25ko) is calling for random testing as a condition for his fight with Pound for Pound Champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38ko) is honestly, only known to “Money” himself.

If we take it as an honest assessment of the concern at its face value then we need to examine the use and effects of steroids.

What the honest and truthful effects of steroid use are as applied to boxing versus the other known usages in sports like baseball, football, and weightlifting are not as highly documented?

As applied to baseball we all know the effects that it caused on baseball records and how it improved performance in all areas of the sport from batting, pitching, and on fielding ability. We also are aware through testimony in the Barry bonds trial that the side effects were notable if we take the testimony as truthful. Similar problems were testified to by dozens of athletes of varying sports, including Lyle Alzado who first came out and told of the dangers of HGH.

Bonds was accused of having symptoms of “Roid Rage” by his former mistress which included side effects that were apparent on his body like skin blemishes, enlarged skull, as well various behavior issues. His lack of ability to have a steady professional working relationship with the media, often having outbursts at reporters and team mates should have been a warning sign.

Manny Pacquiao’s behavior in his high profile careers outside of the ring, working in the Philippine government, his charitable works around his province, his music, and his endorsement deals, contradicts the known side effects of someone who is a user of PED’s.

Anabolic steroid users can expect after even moderate prolonged use to become aggressive, suspicious, quarrelsome, and impulsive. Even the initial use can produce irritability, anger, and agitation.

The discontinued use of all corticosteroids, have the tendency to produce withdrawal symptoms, depression is one of the largest, and users miss the elation and positive psychological effects induced by the drugs.
Stoppage produces listlessness, apathy, loss of appetite, libido and self-esteem, feelings of anxiety, difficulty in concentrating, and mood swings. Withdrawal symptoms alone would be counterproductive to a boxer having to compete in the ring shortly after using steroids. These side effects would not be conducive to a successful career over long periods of time. Unless the boxer shut himself from the world during use there would be displays of these side-effects.

Short term use of HGH (human growth hormone) even in an AAS cycle produces water retention, minor joint pain and swelling in the joints. Even the short term large doses of HGH produce irritability and aggression.

If we look for issues of acting out or bad behavior of both Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. we do not see the antisocial behavior associated with steroidal use coming from Manny. On the contrary we see just the opposite, a likeable, steady, friendly, and charitable young man whose public persona is undamaged by bad behavior and inconsistency.

Steroid use is linked to extreme mood swings, impulsiveness, depression, paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions and impaired judgment.

Erratic and dangerous behavior such as domestic violence are well documented and have long been associated with steroidal use in athletes, yet we do not see reports of this type of action associated with Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao.

The only thing that people point to that lead to suspicions of steroid use is the ability of Manny Pacquiao to adjust his weight over the fifteen year period of his career.

As a young 17 year old fighter weight was at 108 but we need as Americans to look at the socio-economic situation that Manny Pacquiao came from, the nutrition available to him at the time, and the training he was afforded early in his career.

To put on 40 pounds over the period of 15 years of better nutrition, weight- training and conditioning, and domestic environmental changes is not unknown or unlikely.

It happens on a daily basis in America when people immigrate to this country after suffering in third world nations, it happens across America when inner city and rural impoverished children get the benefits of consistent well rounded meals, medical care, and the removal of stress from their lives. It happens on the back roads and on the main streets of the world when money, food, and proper care are available.

It apparently happens in Boxing when success is achieved!

Source: 8countnews.com

Amir Khan stops Zab Judah in fifth -- Los Angeles Times

2011-07-24T13:03:00.000+07:00

By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times

Reporting from Las Vegas— Zab Judah might have disputed the ending, but there was no decrying the harsh lessons that the younger champion Amir Khan delivered his older Brooklyn opponent Saturday.

Khan picked apart Judah in the fifth round, and landed another stiff right to the face that caused the 33-year-old Judah to bend downward. Seeing another hole, Khan threw a hard right uppercut that struck Judah on the top half of the belt.

Judah sank to the canvas, referee Vic Drakulich told him to get up and began counting toward a knockout — six, seven, eight, nine, 10.

At the 2:47 mark of the fifth, Khan had won.

Judah was able to spring up then, only in argument mode.

"It was a low blow," Judah said afterward. "I was trying to get myself together and that was self-defense. [The punch] lifted my belt."

The complaint was in vain. It was a legal blow.

The 24-year-old British Khan improved to 26-1 with his 18th knockout, and the 33-year-old Judah (41-7) handed over his International Boxing Federation junior-welterweight belt to Khan's collection, which includes a World Boxing Assn. belt.

Khan outpunched Judah 284-115 and landed more than triple the punches (61-20). He bloodied Judah's lip in the second round, continued landing blows to the face in the third and expertly followed several jabs with a hard right to Judah's mug in the fourth.

"I knew he was getting hurt," Khan said afterward. "He kept moving away and ducking. I kept hitting him right in the face, and the shot that knocked him out was right on the belt. … It was only a matter of time."

Perhaps in early 2012, Khan will be able to fight Coachella Valley's Timothy Bradley for all four major titles.

"If Bradley didn't want to fight him before, he doesn't want to fight him now," Khan promoter Richard Schaefer said after the bout, listing the Aug. 27 Robert Guerrero-Marcos Maidana winner or Erik Morales as other possible December foes for Khan.

The unbeaten Bradley, nicknamed "Desert Storm," declined the match earlier this year as he negotiates a split with his promoters and he told The Times in a Saturday night telephone interview that he anticipates a 2012 Khan bout after a tuneup fight in the fall.

"He's not ready for 'The Storm,' I'm not impressed," Bradley said. "I know all the comments that are coming about this Khan performance, but I'm not stressing. … No way possible he can be No. 1 [at 140 pounds]. When we do get in the ring, everyone will see who the best in the world is."

What Khan showed Saturday before the ending was another advanced level under the guidance of Hollywood's famed trainer Freddie Roach, who also counts Manny Pacquiao in his stable.

Khan's precision against Judah showed the Roach effect, and what the Brit ensured Saturday is that the payday with Bradley will be richer than the $1 million-plus he collected in the softer touch versus Judah.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

twitter.com/latimespugmire
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

Source: latimes.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr: 'I would love to fight Amir Khan at Wembley' -- The Guardian

2011-07-23T13:55:00.000+07:00

By Kevin Mitchell, guardian.co.uk

Floyd Mayweather Jr talks like he boxes, slipping questions with the practised ease of someone for whom evasion is as easy as breathing. He is the Natural.

However, dropping his guard, he says he would fight Amir Khan – in London next year – if the WBA light-welterweight champion beats the IBF title-holder, Zab Judah, at the Mandalay Bay on Saturday night.

"I would love to come and fight at Wembley," he says. But he sidesteps all questions about Khan's friend and training partner, Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather does not reach out to boxing; boxing comes to Mayweather – or, at least, that is his perspective.

Jab away at him, however, and a few light bruises appear on an ego more fragile than he would like to admit. In the course of 25 minutes – while one of the hired helps wraps his hands in preparation for pad-work with his uncle, Roger – the finest pure boxer since Sugar Ray Leonard raises his voice just once, and even then briefly.

"How can I not be rated No1 if I haven't been beaten?" he asks, incredulous at the suggestion that he needs to seal his standing in boxing history by fighting Pacquiao, regarded by good judges as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and a champion in eight weight divisions – instead of Victor Ortiz, whom Mayweather meets in Las Vegas when he returns to the ring, on 17 September, after an absence of 16 months.

"I am not worried about the Pacquiao thing at all. I can do whatever I want in this sport. Floyd Mayweather is in the sport to give great performances. And I must be happy myself before I can make anyone else happy.

"The British fans would love to see me fight Amir Khan and I'm pretty sure the Filipino fans would want to see me fight Pacquiao. The American fans would love to see me fight anybody."

This is a narrow reading of the wishes of boxing fans, wherever they are from. The one fight boxing wants and needs is Mayweather-Pacquiao. There is no other contest that appeals more or is as capable of reaching out to an audience beyond the hardcore – and, while Mayweather pretends he is not bothered (because he is the centre of his own universe), he wants the fight too.

Roger, who is also Floyd's trainer, wants the fight, although he has done his best to scupper it by suggesting Pacquiao has used performance-enhancing drugs – something the Filipino denies – an accusation he this week threw at Khan, who shares Pacquiao's conditioner, Alex Ariza, and trainer, Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao this week denied he was going through his considerable fortune, confirming that he is worth $26m (£16m), even though he has earned much more than that in his career. A fight with Mayweather would probably bring each of them upward of $50m, although Pacquiao is reluctant to submit to Olympic-standard drugs tests to convince Mayweather he is clean.

"If the tables were turned and I didn't want to take the test," Mayweather said, "people would be saying Floyd Mayweather is doing something. No wonder he won all these fights. All I'm saying is a fighter doesn't all of a sudden become a good fighter at the age of 25. Do you guys think that Floyd Mayweather could just move to heavyweight and all of a sudden compete with the Klitschko brothers? Absolutely not."

Mayweather was not tempted to pick the winner of Khan's fight against Judah. "It will all come down to who wants it more, who is the smarter fighter and who has the better chin. I fought Zab Judah at 147 pounds. Both are explosive fighters. It's a good fight to watch.

"Amir Khan came here and trained in the boxing gym with my uncle Roger a few times. He's a good young fighter. We're in the fight game so every fighter wants to fight Floyd Mayweather. But he must get past the obstacles put in front of him first. Then we'll go from there."

He would not be drawn on his uncle's evidence-free claims about Khan. "It's not my place to comment on what Roger said about Amir Khan and steroids. All I will say is that if you are facing Floyd Mayweather, you got to take the test." Neither will he budge from the view that he is the biggest draw in boxing, and it is true he has posted several impressive pay-per-view numbers.

"Everywhere I go, I will make a good payday. But we got to choose the right opponent and the right time and the right venue. You guys got some great venues. I could fill a soccer stadium over there.

"I like fighters who come to fight. Amir Khan is a young champion. I take my hat off to him. It's a difficult challenge [against Judah]. It will not be easy for either man.

"Every fight I look at as all the same, just another fight. I'm not worried about nothing. You say Victor Ortiz, you say Amir Khan, no matter what name you say, it's just another fighter to Floyd Mayweather."

Mayweather's look-at-me, third-person posturing is not unusual in boxing. It is what sustains nearly all its participants, and arrogance is part of what makes Mayweather a great fighter. He says he fears nobody, that no opponent has ever stretched him to his full potential, and he is right.

He tries to be polite, but it is plain he does not consider Khan capable of it, either. "Have I used my A-game yet? Absolutely not. I have not had to really bite down and say: 'Damn, this is a tough fight.' When I go into a fight it is just another guy. If somebody hits me with a good shot, I go back to the corner and they say: 'It was a good shot but don't worry about it.'"

Mayweather shifts uneasily when asked about the domestic violence charges he has yet to face in court. "We just try to be positive and hope for the best. Once you show me some real photos of someone being battered or beaten, then we just say OK. But I am already in a contact sport, which is boxing, so someone says they got touched in an unlikely manner and people automatically say Floyd Mayweather is guilty. Guys have got to say OK, we seen Mayweather when he fought Zab Judah and when a melee broke out, what did he do? I went back to my corner and conducted myself like a true gentleman."

Mayweather, who is 34 and who has retired twice, says he will box for at least another three years. "I need more titles and more money," he says.

He has had enough questions. With friends and neighbourhood gawpers gathered to pay homage, Mayweather climbs into the ring and goes through his dazzling repertoire of combinations, a ritual so familiar to him and his uncle that each punch finds the moving target as if connected by string.

As we leave, his white Rolls Royce parked outside the gym in a part of Las Vegas some way from the glitter of the Strip is a loud statement by the fighter who is comfortable with the most appropriate nickname in boxing: "Money."

Source: guardian.co.uk

Dana White: ‘Floyd Mayweather is what’s wrong with boxing’ -- NBC Sports

2011-07-23T13:47:00.000+07:00

By Rick Chandler, NBC Sports

First you should know that Dana White and Floyd Mayweather have a history together. White spent a good portion of his childhood in Las Vegas, and began a professional training career there. And he’s argued with Mayweather in the past about boxing vs. mixed martial arts, at one point challenging Mayweather to get into the UFC ring with one of his fighters, which Mayweather did not accept.

Then on Wednesday White appeared on WFAN in New York to discuss the possibility of MAA coming to New York (don’t hold your breath), and the conversation came around to Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. White:

I’m a huge, huge Manny Pacquiao fan. He is boxing right now. Floyd Mayweather, and Floyd and I go way back and I told Floyd to his face too, Floyd is one of the big problems with boxing. Holding out, not taking this fight with Manny Pacquiao, and doing what he’s doing. I think Manny Pacquiao is boxing. Everything about him is positive and I love the guy.”

Here’s some background: In 2007, Mayweather was quoted in a Yahoo Sports story saying that the UFC was inferior to boxing. “UFC’s champions can’t handle boxing. That’s why they are in UFC.”

White was not amused:

“I used to talk like Floyd Mayweather when I was involved in boxing. I talked just like him, until I educated myself about this sport. These guys are amazing athletes, Floyd Mayweather is one of the best boxers ever, (and) Sean Sherk will whoop his ass in under two minutes. Any day that Mayweather wants to put his money and his ass where his mouth is, I’m ready. If he wants to step up, let’s do it. I’m willing to put together a fight for Sean Sherk and Floyd Mayweather with numbers that would make sense for Floyd. And I guarantee you he would not accept it. Floyd Mayweather would never fight in the UFC because he would get his head ripped off.”

Source: offthebench.nbcsports.com

Pacquiao denies losing millions -- ABS CBN News

2011-07-22T07:29:00.000+07:00

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao denied that he has been losing money amid reports on the internet that his net worth is merely $26 million.

Despite reportedly earning $20 million from his recent fight against Shane Mosley, Pacquiao’s latest net worth is just over $26 million, noted the The Boxing Tribune.

The author of the report, Paul Magno, said: "Pacquiao is still a very wealthy man and will likely remain one for the rest of his life, but it’s worth noting that some people, somewhere are enjoying the money that, rightfully, belongs to him."

The $26-million figure is based on Pacquiao’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), which showed that his total net worth as of December 31, 2010 is P1.134 billion or around $26 million.

Pacquiao, however, laughed off reports that he's losing money.

“Ah, talaga? Kaya pala nakabili ako ng bahay sa Forbes. (Oh, really? So that's why I was able to buy a house in Forbes.)," Pacquiao said, referring to the P388-million mansion he purchased in Forbes Park in Makati City.

Based on Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) figures, Pacquiao earned $3 million against Juan Manuel Marquez in March 2008; $3 million against David Diaz in June 2008; $6.6 million against Oscar de la Hoya in December 2008; $7.4 million against Ricky Hatton in May 2009; and, $7.5 million against Miguel Cotto in November 2009.

He also received an estimated $12 million for his fight against Joshua Clottey in 2010; $20 million against Antonio Margarito in 2010; and, $20 million against Mosley in 2011.

Revamped business team

The report about his "shockingly" $26 million net worth fueled speculations on the recent changes in Pacquiao's business team.

In a press release from Pacquiao’s official website, www.mp8.ph, it was announced that Pacquiao had hired the firm of VisionQwest Resource Group, Inc. and VisionQwest Accountancy Group from Los Angeles to handle the accounting, personal and business tax, audits and examinations and contract reviews.

The press release also noted that VisionQwest reports directly to Pacquiao, and that the firm is examining all of the boxer’s contracts from 2005 onwards.

With the hiring of VisionQwest, Canadian business adviser Michael Koncz will no longer be responsible for the handling of Pacquiao’s business dealings.

Pacquiao, however, denied firing Koncz.

"Darating si Michael Koncz tomorrow morning. Dala niya yung kontrata nung fight namin ni Marquez, para matigil na yung issues na I fired Michael Koncz," he said.

Pacquiao gives away 3-hectares of land

Meanwhile, Pacquiao took part in giving away lands to the homeless in Sarangani province.

The 8-division champion gave away 3 hectares of his property in coordination with Habitat for Humanity.

"Sumali ako sa Habitat for Humanity dahil naniniwala akong marami silang matutulungan at marami akong matutulungan sa Sarangani province na magkaroon ng bahay (I joined Habitat for Humanity because they will help me provide homes to my constituents in Sarangani province)," said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao was honored as “Habitat Hero Ambassador” for his gesture.

"Binili ko yung lupa at binigay ko sa mga tao para magkaroon sila ng sariling bahay... sariling pera ko ang ibinili ko roon, kasi kung gobyerno pa 'yun, marami pang proseso," he said.
(I bought the property and gave it away... I used my own money because it would require some processing if we rely on the government). -- With a report from Karen Davila, ABS-CBN News

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Boxing Report: Pacquiao's net worth just $26M -- Fox Sports

2011-07-22T07:23:00.000+07:00

By Paul Magno, The Boxing Tribune

According to an official document issued by the House of Representatives in the Philippines, current WBO welterweight champ, Manny Pacquiao has a net worth of approximately 1.134 billion PHP (Philippine Pesos), which comes out to just over 26 million in American Dollars. (The document takes into account all assets up to Jan. 1, 2011.)

Net worth is calculated by taking a person’s total assets, then subtracting their liabilities. The figure quoted above takes into consideration all Pacquiao assets, including real estate and pay from TV and radio performances, public appearances, album sales, licensing, local and international endorsements as well as the money earned from his fights.

Generating approximately $384 million in revenue from his PPV events prior to last May’s Shane Mosley bout, alone, the shockingly low net worth tells the tale of a fighter either quickly going through his money or in desperate need of an independent accounting firm to deal with some pressing business issues.

Enter, VisionQwest Resource Group, Inc., an agency specializing in contract issues and tax concerns.

As reported in a press release Wednesday, Pacquiao has retained the services of VisionQwest to handle all business dealing as well as review “all contracts from 2005 and going forward.”

Team Pacquiao is currently being reviewed and the management team streamlined in order to create a more effective business unit. In the press release, the Los Angeles-based firm also announced that they had “retained the services of a strong boxing business professional who has a solid background in fighter management and negotiations” who will be involved in all future contract reviews.

Tales of fighters and money woes are, sadly, as much a part of boxing’s history as devastating knockouts and shocking upsets, but these things are never nice to hear.

Pacquiao is still a very wealthy man and will likely remain one for the rest of his life, but it’s worth noting that some people, somewhere are enjoying the money that, rightfully, belongs to him.

Source: msn.foxsports.com

Manny Pacquiao under IRS tax audit for 2006-2007; bean counter Lodge is mum -- Examiner

2011-07-21T12:58:00.000+07:00

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

Time to trot out the old jokes about accountants who keep two, sometimes three sets of financial books?

Or, to rehash the Muhammad Ali line about either lawyers or accountants when he said he had the Jewish ones keep an eye on the black ones and vice versa?

Not really, as VisionQwest, which is headed by Michael Lodge and is seemingly flexing its bean counter muscles in the business (including boxing) spheres of Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao is a respected international accounting firm which is based in Los Angeles but also has offices and operations in the Philippines.

A Los Angeles source/FOP (Friend of Pacquiao) tells me that VisionQwest is currently handling a heavy Internal Revenue tax audit of Pacquiao concerning the tax years 2006 to 2007.

(Please note, it is quite common for wealthy athletes and entertainers, like other high income individuals, to get audited by the federal government.)

I reached out to Lodge to see if he cares to enlighten Paclanders about changes which will be made as to Team Pacquiao, including the reported “axing” of longtime Pacman right hand aide Michael Koncz, but Lodge demurred, as seen below:

“Michael,

Thank you for your e-mail. However, we are under a client confidentiality agreement and we are not allowed to discuss client matters with the media. However, we will make statements from time to time based on a joint understanding with our client when any changes will be made.

We look forward to you continued support and coverage of Manny Pacquiao and thank you for respecting our confidentiality agreement.

Advertisement
Regards,

Michael L. Lodge

President & CEO”

It’s Lodge’s outfit which reportedly has hired Jose Castillo, formerly associated with world champions Marco Antonio Barrera and the late Edwin Valero, to “review” future Pacman boxing deals.

Well, since I’m lacking any pungent punch line here, let me try this.

Guess who brought VisionQwest in to work on Pacquiao’s financial books in both the US and his homeland?

You got it, the very same Mr. Koncz who denies he’s been canned but who might find his all encompassing Pacman job description changed when he arrives in Manila Thursday morning.

An inflamed source told me Wednesday night that Koncz will hold a one on one sitdown with the eight-time world champion hours after he lands in Manila.

My FOP/LA source says the so-called "press release" announcing a Team Pacquiao shakeup, including the demotion or removal of Koncz, was penned by MP.8 website operator and ex-convict Timothy James Sladeck.

Sladeck has been openly at war with Koncz for several years.

Pacquiao owns a percentage of MP.8, the so-called "official" site for the charismatic fighter, and his lawyer Franklin "Jeng" Gacal also has a financial interest in it.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Floyd’s inferno: Don King believes that Mayweather Jr. needs a little guidance -- Examiner

2011-07-21T12:49:00.000+07:00

By Chris Robinson, Examiner

During a recent visit to Las Vegas, legendary promoter Don King could be found inside of the Hard Rock Hotel at a press conference stirring up interest for next month’s Joseph Agbeko-Abner Mares bantamweight title clash. Still going strong after forty-plus years connected to the sport, King was talkative as always and also turned his attention to other subplots and headlines in boxing, including the latest with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Surrounded by myself, Yahoo! columnist Kevin Iole, and BoxingScene.com boss Rick Reeno, King was advised that Mayweather had recently been spotted in Atlanta, Georgia as he made headlines by setting a $100 bill on fire inside of a nightclub. That act from Floyd is one in a long line of many that have drawn him some kind of public ire, one of the reasons he constantly finds himself as one of the sport's most talked-about figures.

Upon hearing the news King was surprisingly out of words, very much a rarity, and simply mumbled that he is going to have to talk to the multi-division superstar. Still, he wasn’t shy on dishing out compliments to the come backing fighter, who is currently lined up with a September 17th date against WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz inside the MGM Grand.

“Mayweather is the best fighter in the world, I say that unhesitatingly,” stated King. “I have a great deal of love and respect for [Manny] Pacquiao and everyone else that is out there fighting. I think that Pacquiao’s presence has made such a major difference. But Mayweather is my man.”

A Mayweather fight will always create a special kind of buzz but the fact remains that Floyd has been relatively inactive in recent times, having only fought twice since reemerging from an attempted retirement after his December 2007 fight with Ricky Hatton. That reason alone, says King, could spell trouble for the 34-year old down the road.

“But if you don’t practice your trade, I don’t care how good you are, something is going to fall between the cracks. If you are going to be a great pianist you have to work day after day, month after month, for one concert on one day. You’ve got to practice your trade and he wasn’t practicing his trade and I’m glad to see him back into the fray developing himself and fighting again,” King quipped.

King made headlines last July when he was spotted hanging with Mayweather near his cozy confines in South Florida, as the undefeated star updated his throngs of Twitter followers with pictures of the two men together. Grinning ear to ear, King and Floyd could be seen enjoying lobster, flashing money, and most likely talking some kind of business with one another, a fact all the more interesting because just weeks earlier Mayweather had seen a second round of reported negotiations for a potential fight with Pacquiao again fall through.

And what exactly did King get to know about Floyd from their time alone with one another?

“He’s a very stand up guy, but you’ve got to know what he’s standing up for," King continued. "He’s a guy that stands up and he takes the criticisms of his actions. He needs a little guidance, a little help. You what I mean? He is a guy who will stand up for his convictions. Once he makes up his mind and if you help him to make it up on the right thing, you couldn’t get a better guy than Mayweather.”

As our time came to a close I threw one last question King's way as I asked if he felt that Mayweather was in some way intimidated or even jealous of all the attention that Pacquiao had gotten in recent years, specifically dating back to his December 2008 battering of Oscar De La Hoya as he began an improbable trek against bigger, dangerous foes. Not so, says King, who fully believes that Mayweather's future lies in his own two fists and that it is up to him what road he will end up taking.

“Well, all artists want to be up there in the light. That’s what they do. But I don’t think he is because he could have corrected that. Jealousy is when you are inhibited or you are restrained from doing it. He didn’t have to do anything but say ‘Yes’. It was his own self-confinement, his own self-discipline. I don’t think it’s jealousy. I think he just needs some guidance that he can rely and depend on. Because everyone he relies on, all of them sell him out.”

Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at Trimond@aol.com

Source: examiner.com

PACQUIAO DENIES HE FIRED KONCZ -- PhilBoxing

2011-07-20T07:36:00.000+07:00

By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com

Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has denied the widely circulated story that he had fired adviser Michael Koncz.

In a wide-ranging, light-hearted conversation filled with hearty laughter at his MP Towers office in Manila in the presence of lawyer Jeng Gacal and Team Pacquiao member Eric Pineda, Pacquiao told the Daily Inquirer the report that he fired Koncz “is not true.”

Then, in a light vein he pointed at lawyer Gacal and with a hearty laugh in which the others joined said “only Jeng Gacal made up that story.” Pacquiao quickly retracted saying “no, that’s not true. I’m just kidding.”

When the Inquirer contacted Koncz last week inquiring about a story peddled by a Pacquiao team member that he had been replaced by a lady identified as Stephanny Domingo, Koncz said it was not true and that he had spoken to Manny and would return soon from the US. He claimed that "these intrigues happen when I am away.”

Pacquiao clarified that Domingo was appointed as a personal assistant to handle his appointments and similar matters and that Koncz “is coming back next week. That is what he told me the last time I spoke to him.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who is vacationing in the south of France and works closely with Koncz on Pacquiao's fights told the Inquirer that Koncz doesn't work for Top Rank but is an asset in resolving issues related to Pacquiao's fights. He said he had advised Koncz whom he described as being loyal to Manny and someone who looked after his interests to return to Manila immediately.

Pacquiao said he would like to ensure that bickering and intrigues within his camp are eradicated adding “I want them to be happy and to laugh.”

Turning serious Pacquiao said he watched the one round knockout of Likar Ramos by Juan Manuel Marquez whom he fights in a much-awaited trilogy on November 12 said “I know what his strengths are and I know what his strategy is. He’s got nothing different, nothing new.”

In contrast Pacquiao said “I am different now compared to the last time we fought. He has to train hard and of course I will also train hard so we can give fans a good fight.”

The “Fighter of the Decade” who has won eight world titles in eight different weight divisions said he plans to start his training in the Philippines “for the first month and the last month in the US” at the Wild Card Gym of trainer Freddie Roach.

He disclosed that Marquez is scheduled to arrive in Manila on September 3 to kickoff the media tour at the Luneta Grandstand of the Rizal Park followed by a press conference.

Pacquiao at the same time commended newly crowned WBO flyweight champion Brian Viloria saying “he did his best to win the fight and showed us a good fight.However, he seemed to tire out in the last few rounds which meant he was short on stamina. But he did well in that fight. He needs to practice in making boxing easier that what we think.”

He said that while boxing “is so hard and so difficult, there is a way to make that easier. When you have a fight you have to study the style of your opponent and when you train you apply the strategy you are going to use against your opponent while training in the gym.”

Source: philboxing.com

Roger Mayweather Says Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao Both on Steroids -- Bad Left Hook

2011-07-20T07:31:00.001+07:00

By Scott Christ, BadLeftHook.com

It's kind of like Roger Mayweather, who is currently part of a defamation suit with Manny Pacquiao on the other side, never learns. In an interview with Chris Robinson of the Examiner, Mayweather again claimed that Pacquiao is "on steriods," and threw Amir Khan into the claim, too:

"The only reason Amir Khan has become the fighter he is, is because he’s got those steroids in his ass too. The same thing Pacquiao’s got in him. I know because those motherf***ers told me," Roger retorted.

Bold accusations but to know Roger you shouldn’t be surprised. Pressing him for more details on who exactly was dishing out the info to him, he claims to have gotten close to a few members from Team Pacquiao.

"Motherf***ers from Pacquiao’s camp, that’s who. I talk to them dudes all the time."

I will say two things for the millionth time each:

1.Roger Mayweather says a lot of things.
2.No, it wouldn't shock me. Sorry if that offends you, but no it wouldn't shock me.

Besides sharing trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao and Khan both share conditioning coach Alex Ariza. That is not to say I think there's anything going on, but if you're going to accuse Pacquiao, as Roger has done many times over, then I guess you might as well accuse Khan, too. Same team. Be consistent, I guess.

Mayweather also favors Zab Judah to beat Khan on Saturday, and says there are no hard feelings between he and the Judah camp, with whom he brawled during Zab's fight against Floyd Jr in 2006.

Source: badlefthook.com

AMIR KHAN: I'M MORE OF A MANNY THAN ZAB JUDAH IS -- UK Express

2011-07-20T07:27:00.000+07:00

By John Dillon, Express.co.uk

AMIR KHAN believes his experiences learning from the great Manny Pacquiao will give him the speed, power and the critical knowledge of southpaw opposition to end Zab Judah’s comeback.

Amid the acrimonious build-up to the light-welterweight world-title bout in Las Vegas on Saturday, Amir Khan’s trainer Freddie Roach has claimed that his fighter is hitting harder than ever.

It is the result of some intense workouts with sparring partners drafted in to mimic the style of 33-year-old Judah, who is a lefty. And also of Khan’s past work with the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, the southpaw Filipino Pacquiao.

Roach has also instigated a new physical conditioning regime which has included gruelling sessions running in sand along with work in the pool, now that Khan has finally learned to swim.

Khan, 24, puts the WBA belt he has defended four times in the past two years on the line against Judah, the IBF champion, at the Mandalay Bay resort on The Strip.

“Zab is up there with the best fighters I’ve faced,” said Khan. “He’s a five-time world champion and a two-weight world champion. He has that southpaw style, which is very awkward. But I don’t think he will be able to take the pressure of my speed and power.

“We were lucky to be sparring with Manny Pacquiao in previous camps. He’s probably the most powerful southpaw and that was a great help for me. We’ve also been watching on tape a few things that Zab does and where he makes mistakes, so I know exactly what his style is like.”

Both fighters took part in official arrival ceremonies at the venue hotel yesterday, although Judah is refusing to speak directly to the British media following a row with the Khan camp over TV revenues from the UK. Judah has won five world titles in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. He first won the IBF belt 11 years ago and claimed it back when he stopped Kaizer Mabuza in the seventh round in March.

Roach, however, who guides the careers of Khan and Pacquiao at his Wild Card gym in Hollywood, believes the Englishman is in shape to deliver a repeat of his victory over Argentinian Marcos Maidana last December, which was voted Fight of the Year by American boxing writers.

Roach said: “I will have to buy a new body bag for protection against his punches. Amir is really hurting me, digging me in the ribs – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Khan has been reunited with conditioner Alex Ariza after a brief break-up and has also been joined by two of his gym-mates, Rau’shee Warren and Raynell Williams, in the pool.

Roach said: “When the sparring partners went swimming with Amir, one swallowed so much water he sunk like a rock and the other one just sunk.

“But they both came back from the session saying they were going to learn to swim as well as Amir can – and he has only just started. It’s the same in the gym. They tried to do his programme but could not believe anyone could get through so much work.”

Khan v Judah will be broadcast live on Primetime pay-per-view, channel 480 on Sky, for £14.95.

Source: express.co.uk

Khan hits back at Mayweather drug 'nonsense' after attack by Floyd's uncle -- Daily Mail

2011-07-20T07:22:00.000+07:00

By Jeff Powell, DailyMail.co.uk

Amir Khan has hit back angrily at allegations that he has used steroids to boost his climb through boxing’s weight divisions.

The uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who Khan hopes to meet in a mega-fight next year, has linked Britain’s world light-welterweight champion to the family’s claims that Manny Pacquiao’s ascent to become the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet has been achieved by drug abuse.

Roger Mayweather voiced suspicions because Khan is in the same stable as Pacquiao under master trainer Freddie Roach.

Khan, 24, said: ‘I’ve consistently proved that I am a clean fighter. This is nonsense. I’ve been tested repeatedly in my career, before and after fights, at home and my base in Los Angeles.

Don’t forget that I came through the Olympics (in 2004) where testing is very thorough. I’ve never refused the test, even though I could have done so when I received an unannounced knock on the door a month after my last fight against Paul McCloskey.’

Khan was so upset that he passed on concerns heard in America about Mayweather himself. He said: ‘It’s not for me to say but quite a few people over here wondered if Floyd was on something when he fought Oscar De La Hoya because he suddenly looked so much bigger.’

Khan is here for a world title unification fight with American Zab Judah on Saturday, and trainer Roach also ridiculed the allegations.

Roach said: ‘I would question Roger Mayweather’s education about steroids, first of all. This is nothing more than hearsay. I can promise you that none of my fighters, Amir and Manny included, have ever been to the drugs chemist.’

While the world is gagging to see Mayweather fight Pacquiao, differences between the two have opened up the possibility of Khan getting his shot at the boastful American next year. But first he must deal with Judah, 33, a fellow world-title holder.

And Roach believes his fighters have a good chance if a bout with Mayweather does take place: ‘We are not looking beyond Judah but I am in the position of having two boxers who are capable of beating Mayweather.’

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Advisor talks to Pacquiao, insists he isn't fired -- Ring

2011-07-19T07:29:00.000+07:00

By Lem Satterfield, The Ring

After speaking with eight-division titleholder Manny Pacquiao moments ago, Michael Koncz, the fighter's adviser, dismissed a widely reported rumor in the Filipino press that Pacquiao had fired him.

"I called Manny and told him that the media is calling me and bombarding me with questions about my being fired,” Koncz told RingTV.com. “I told him that 'I want your permission to respond to them by saying that I personally spoke to you a few minutes ago and that the accusations and stories on the internet are totally untrue, and that I still work for you.’

"And he said, 'Yes, of course.' It was a very short conversation that took about a minute.”

Koncz, a partner in Pacquiao's MP Promotions, has been labeled by some of Pacquiao's own camp members as being a "crook."

But Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, called Koncz "an honest guy."

"Michael is very valuable and he's a guy who looks out for Manny 100 percent. My feelings about Michael are that he's got Manny's best interest at heart," Arum said. "Michael accounts for every nickel, and he chases us to make sure that every nickel is paid.

"Does he have the best personality to handle a lot of situations? No. But he's an honest guy. That's what Manny needs more than anything else -- an honest representative."

In February, as part of a press tour promotion Pacquiao's May 7 fight against Shane Mosley, Koncz sat across from Pacquiao and the fighter's wife, Jinkee, during a train ride from New York to Washington, D.C..

That leg of the tour had followed a New York press conference at Chelsea Pier No. 61, the third stop in a four-city tour.

Pointing at Koncz, Pacquiao said, "Michael Koncz is trustworthy," and "honest," adding that he considered Koncz to be his personal confidant as well as his personal assistant.

"What irritates me more is that I've worked very hard to gain Manny's trust and respect. But more importantly than that, with people making false stories and accusations on my behalf, what bothers me the most is that insults Manny's intelligence," Koncz said.

"If I was the bad guy doing all of these things that people are alleging, then why would Manny keep me around? Manny is a very intelligent man, and he knows for himself who is doing what for him and who is not doing it."

In July of 2010, the aftermath of a second-round knockout by then-WBO featherweight titleholder Juan Manuel Lopez of Filipino Bernabe Concepcion got ugly for Koncz.

Koncz was blasted by members of the Filipino media who believed he had been responsible for pushing Concepcion into a fight that was beyond his ability to win.

In additon, Koncz has been accused of trying to get rid of Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer and fitness coach.

"I'm sure that I can speculate as to who the source is, and I'm sure that my speculation would be accurate, but, you know, the bottom line is that I do not care about the people who do this. My obligation and my loyalties are to Manny Pacquiao, and that's what I demonstrate," Koncz said.

"Manny has promised me that when and if there is a day where he feels that he cannot trust me, or doesn't need me, he will come to me personally and tell me that. If that happens, then we will shake hands and say, 'OK, goodbye.' It's very simple. But this is not the first time people have tried to put wedges between Manny and I when I'm apart from him."

And Koncz knows that it probably will not be the last.

Source: ringtv.craveonline.com

Manny Pacquiao Will Lose: Juan Manuel Marquez Eyes Upset -- Ringside Report

2011-07-19T07:25:00.000+07:00

By Geno McGahee, Ringside Report

A booming right hand sent Likar Ramos down and out in just 1 minute and 47 seconds of the first round. Ramos, a huge underdog going into the fight, hoped to spoil the mega fight between Marquez and Manny Pacquiao in November, but those hopes were crushed shortly in Mexico by the skilled warrior.

Marquez, 53-5-1, 39 KO’s, has come the closest to beating the Manny Pacquiao, 53-3-2, 38 KO’s, in recent times, losing a split decision in their rematch in 2008, and fought him to a draw in their first encounter. He wears a shirt that says that he is the man that beat Pacquiao on two occasions and hopes to use his skill to control the Filipino storm that will be hitting him in November.

At 37, Marquez is not at the top of his game any longer and seems to be a few steps slower then he used to be, but he has made up for his diminishing reflexes with his amazing skill and ability to control the fight. His inability to avoid some punches makes him more vulnerable to Pacquiao, but Manny isn’t the fighter he was either, slowing down several steps in recent fights. He’s more powerful than ever, but he isn’t the same. What this means is that we are in for some fun in November.

Manny has been feasting on bigger men in recent times like Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, and Shane Mosley, and that may hurt him going into this fight as he gears to face a naturally smaller man. Many are pointing to the performance that Marquez gave against Floyd Mayweather, JR., as evidence that he has no chance to defeat Manny, but styles make fights, and there was no way that Marquez could beat a much bigger counter puncher, especially when he is forced to be the aggressor, which he is not. He’s a counter puncher himself and Pacquiao’s aggression is going to bring out the best in Marquez. He will be able to use his style to compete, but can he defeat Pacquiao?

The first two fights were incredibly close, but there is no indication from those two outings that Marquez can do anything other than to fight Manny evenly to the final bell. He fought a game of survival, waiting for Manny to make a mistake and land his shots. He has done this but he has never put Pacquiao in a position where he was close to being stopped. Marquez’s attack against Manny is controlled. He fights enough to keep Manny at bay, but will he risk it all to try to beat and batter Pacquiao into submission?

In November, if Manny is to lose, Marquez must bring more fire to this fight and must push the issue when he lands his shots. Pacquiao’s plan is going to be to squash the smaller man, and this will give Marquez the opportunity to shine or be blown out. We’ll find out in November.

Source: ringsidereport.com

Juan Manuel Marquez: Pushing Pacquiao! -- Eastside Boxing

2011-07-19T07:18:00.000+07:00

By P.H. Burbridge, Eastside Boxing

The goal of every professional fighter is to attain status. To achieve a certain level of respectability not only amongst your contemporaries but amongst fight fans. Juan Manuel Marquez has done that. His career has seen him reach stunning heights as well as suffer major set backs but through it all he has remained committed to his profession. At 37 years of age he is in no man’s land for professional fighters. It’s an age that very few active boxers ever see and even fewer actually retain any semblance of the skill that made them relevant in the first place.

Marquez is one of the exceptions. He has outlasted his contemporaries and is still considered one of the elite of the day. “Dinamita’s” staying power is reflective of a man who is dedicated to his craft and who pushes the limits of his body and his soul. He is also the one guy who stylistically matches up very well against the reigning P4P King, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and for that reason he’s been granted an opportunity 3 years after their last meeting to once again try and push Pacquiao!

The question is does Marquez have enough left at this stage to apply his technical advantages or will he simply be out worked or even possibly knocked out…? There are a whole lot of people dismissing this match up but I’m not comfortable being one of them considering the history between these two. Its true that Manny is younger, stronger and faster which is a bad combination but Pacquiao also held those very same advantages in their first two meetings. Some how, some way Marquez was able to will himself to perform at a level that others could not and in doing so established in the minds of many that he may just be Manny Pacquiao’s kryptonite. Everyone has that one guy who for whatever reason whether it be timing, distance or execution simply gives him hell every time out. It’s a weird boxing phenomenon that plays out every generation. No matter how many times Ali fought Norton he would always struggle with him. Well, many people believe that Marquez is THAT guy to Pacquiao.

In this case, obviously Marquez is considerably older in fighter years than in their previous bouts back in 2004 & 2008. He’s also lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr in clear and decisive fashion as well as engaged in two wars against Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis. Is there enough wear and tear on his aged body to make this an easy fight for Manny…? Yes and no! On November 12th, Juan Manuel Marquez will be 38 years old when he finally steps back into the ring with Manny Pacquiao but with him comes the mind set of a fighter who honestly believes that he’s the superior technician who has already beaten Pacquiao…Twice! Whether you believe that or not Marquez seems to and for a fighter that’s a very valuable asset. There are some positive aspects to point to if you’re inclined to be optimistic about Marquez’s chances. The Pacquiao - Mosley fight oddly enough gives Marquez reason to believe that he can neutralize at least to a certain extent Manny’s offensive fire power by employing angles and using lateral movement. Sure, it sounds easy in theory but it’s a little more difficult to apply when you’re using 38 year old equipment. Shane fought in a very defensive minded manner after being knocked down by Manny in the 3rd round but was able to survive by stepping side to side and turning Pacquiao. That tactic was the same used by Marquez in their two previous meetings the difference being that he was actually able to land many counter shots as well. Marquez is used to people attacking him and has nearly perfected the style of using his opponent’s aggression against them. He’ll attempt to do the same thing here.

The difference lies in Manny Pacquiao’s recent increase in size and strength. In their previous 2 fights it never appeared to me that Manny was too strong for JMM or in other words, Marquez was able to absorb some tremendous shots and still continue. It’s not clear whether he can do that now considering the manner in which Pacquiao has moved up especially when you consider the results of his fights against bigger stronger foes like Cotto and Margarito. Manny is a fighter who has not only carried his power up but appears to have increased it. That is not the norm so Marquez may be entering into a bit of the unknown here. IF, and trust me there is no bigger “IF” Marquez can deal with Manny’s power then this will be a very difficult fight for Pacquiao. It sounds strange considering the run that he’s been on but in boxing terms Juan Manuel Marquez is superior to every single one of Manny’s recent opponents including Miguel Cotto. We’re not talking strictly boxing IQ here we’re also talking physically and mentally superior. The one thing he doesn’t have is the size but Marquez is still capable of maintaining a world class light weight pace in terms of his punch out put as well as his stamina. This combined with the fact that Manny has been facing bigger, SLOWER and less technically proficient fighters of late could tip the balance somewhat in Marquez’s favor making this closer in reality then it would appear to be on paper.

My sense is that Manny will not look as fast as he has against the likes of Margarito or Mosley because he’ll be fighting a quick handed lightweight in Marquez. Now, this doesn’t mean the results will be any different.

I’m not willing to say that this is a fight Marquez will win because you have to favor Pacquiao but I ‘am willing to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if Manny’s stature is somewhat diminished when all is said and done. The longer Marquez is in there with Pacquiao the more interesting it will be. JMM will land shots and to a certain extent re-expose technical flaws in Manny that many have forgotten about due to all his recent success. Remember that Manny has been fighting opponents who were tailor made for his style and who were also affected by certain contractual terms that won’t be an issue for Marquez. Part of the reason Marquez has had to wait to get this rubber match was the nature of the challenge which Freddie Roach correctly determined was serious enough to delay this fight by opting to take on name fighters whose style’s played more into Manny’s hands. Financially, it was the right thing to do and you can’t argue with their success however if you review Pacquiao’s recent opponents none of them were P4P entrants or had been on a winning streak. Marquez is the exception and although he failed against Mayweather I don’t think you can paint him with that brush just from a stylistic perspective. Marquez is a counter puncher first and foremost and he ran into the quintessential counter puncher with other worldly defensive talent. His opportunities to counter were so limited that it was doubtful that he could have any success which is what we expected and exactly what took place. Plus he was taken advantage of by Mayweather in terms of the weight agreement. The circumstances surrounding that fight pretty much all negatively impacted the Marquez side.

That’s not the case with the upcoming fight with Manny.

Pacquiao will offer him many opportunities to counter and will be there to be hit. Obviously, by the same token Pacquiao’s power is a HUGE issue for Marquez because if he’s expecting it to be on the same scale as in their previous two bouts then I think he’s in for a rude awakening.

Now, more than ever I think there is a good possibility that Manny knocks JMM out.

There’s a good chance that the age combined with Manny’s increase in strength will be too much for JMM and we’ll get the fight that most anticipate.

But, one thing we’ve learned is that Marquez knows how to fight Pacquiao and aside from Mayweather if anyone is capable of pushing him to the limit it’s probably him!

(Please feel free to contact P.H. Burbridge via email at PHBboxing@gmail.com with any comments or feedback.)

Source: eastsideboxing.com

President of HBO Sports Leaving After 33 Years -- New York Times

2011-07-18T07:33:00.000+07:00

By RICHARD SANDOMIR, The New York Times

Ross Greenburg, who has run HBO Sports since 2000, is leaving the network after 33 years, saying he is fatigued by his work on its boxing business.

He said he was not renewing his contract and was not being dismissed.

“I’ve accomplished everything I hoped for,” he said in a telephone interview.

He denied reports that he was fired for losing Manny Pacquiao, one of HBO’s strongest pay-per-view stars, to Showtime for his fight on May 7 against Shane Mosley.

“That’s a silly rationale,” he said. “That added to my angst, but one fight doesn’t determine whether I stayed or didn’t stay.

“I lived through the loss of Chavez and Tyson,” he said, referring to Julio Cesar Chavez and Mike Tyson, and he added, “I’ve been through a lot of wearing negotiations.”

He said that he was not renewing his contract, which was expiring soon, and that he had been thinking of leaving HBO for the last three months.

Richard Plepler, the co-president of HBO, and Michael Lombardo, the president of HBO programming, said in a statement that Greenburg “helped redefine the sports programming genre and set an extraordinary standard of excellence in the industry.”

Greenburg, 56, became the executive producer of HBO Sports in 1985 and followed Seth Abraham as its president 11 years ago. Greenburg created the “Real Sports,” “24/7” and “Hard Knocks” series, and he oversaw production of dozens of documentaries.

His last deal for HBO was a collaboration with Major League Baseball Productions on a documentary about Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit, to be shown soon.

Greenburg has won 51 Sports Emmys and 8 Peabody Awards.

“That’s who I am,” he said, referring to programming other than boxing matches. “I create programming that makes people laugh and cry.”

Greenburg said that the toll of dealing with promoters and managers made him want to leave. One promoter in particular, Bob Arum, has criticized HBO and Greenburg, saying they exert too much control over boxing and do not make the most competitive matchups.

Arum’s displeasure with HBO led Pacquiao, whom he promotes, to fight on Showtime Pay-Per-View, which got a marketing assist from CBS’s heavy promotion. “The problem HBO Sports got into,” Arum said in May, “is they became defenders of the status quo.”

The bout generated a reported 1.3 million to 1.4 million pay-per-view purchases.

Greenburg would not discuss Arum or his criticism.

“I love the sport; I grew up in it,” Greenburg said. “We made the sport relevant when people thought it was dying.” He cited HBO’s productions of Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya’s bouts as having helped to breathe life into boxing.

He said that the speculation that HBO’s loss of Pacquiao, a huge pay-per-view attraction, would cause his firing demonstrated that “the boxing media can be really mean-spirited and they look for items to bury people.”

Source: nytimes.com

Marquez unloads Mexican dynamite, calls for war with Pacquiao Nov. 12 -- Examiner

2011-07-18T07:27:00.000+07:00

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

One minute, 47 seconds of the first round.

Promoter Bob Arum could not have scripted it better as Juan Manuel Marquez, age 37 but still a dangerous counterpuncher, used one countering right hand to blast out Colombian southpaw Likar Ramos (now 24-4) in the opening round of their scheduled 10 round junior welterweight bout in Cancun.

Now it's on to the big bonanza, the third bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Ma, on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

This KO 1 certainly lights match to the promotion for the trilogy bout.

"Dinamita" Marquez extended his Hall of Fame pro record to 53-5-1 and notched his 39th knockout.

"I happened to get a great punch on him and he couldn't take it, sometimes that is the way fights go," Marquez said.

"I will prepare well for Pacquiao and I want him to do that also. We can give the fans a war. (Floyd) Mayweather is so defensive a fighter...but with Pacquiao, it's going to be a war," Marquez said.

Marquez weighed 138 pounds for this bout.

Los Hermanos Marquez, Juan Manuel and Rafael, topped a festive boxing show Saturday night at the Plaza de Toros in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Juan Ma fought the main event against Likar Ramos in what was scripted as strictly a tuneup, and hopefully not a tuneout, for the third bout between Juan Ma and Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao.

With a guaranteed $5 million payday for the trilogy bout against Pacman, the 37 year old Juan Ma took the calculated risk against southpaw Ramos to prep for lefthanded Manny.

A treat on the undercard was the showing of the son of former great world champion Ricardo “Finito” Lopez fighting another boxer with the same last name.

Familia Marquez got the fistic evening at the bullring in Cancun off to a good start as Rafael “Raffa” Marquez, still fighting at age 36, had his way from start to finish in a “stay busy” bout against Eduard Becceril.

Becceril, now 12-8-2, was just a glorified sparring partner against Raffa, who improved his pro ring record to 40-6 with 36 knockouts.

Marquez played with Becceril, who had great former world champ Lupe Pintor working his corner, for the first three rounds and then floored him in the fourth with a sweet left hook.

A round later, Becceril landed some decent punches of his own. But he was still taking a bunch of head punches.

But, suddenly, the great Senor Pintor in Becceril’s corner halted the mismatch.

Marquez may never attain another world title but he’s still a viable top echelon featherweight contender. The fact that Raffa is still competing after he split those four ring wars against archrival Israel Vazauez is just short of amazing.

Last November, Raffa was stopped after eight full rounds by Puerto Rico’s wunderkind, Juan Manuel Lopez.

Becceril lost his first two pro bouts and then reeled off 13 successive victories. He was, however, 2-4 in his six prior bouts.

Source: examiner.com

The punch was great the acting was better -- 8CountNews

2011-07-18T07:18:00.000+07:00

By Brad Cooney, 8CountNews.com

The boxing world has been on a moral roller coaster ride for the past few weeks and last night's fight in Mexico did nothing to stop the ride. Recently up in New Jersey a trio of judges were given pink slips by the NJ Commissioner for incompetence. Cuban star Erislandy Lara as a result of, let's face it folks, piss poor judging, was robbed of a brilliant victory over the former world champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams.

This past Friday night the sport bounced back and we all witnessed a thrilling classic war between Polish bruiser Pawel Wolak and Danbury CT' Delvin Rodriguez. The two fighters went to battle and provided the fans with action packed, back and forth action from the beginning bell to the ending bell. After the fight, ESPN's Teddy Atlas thanked both men for doing the sport proud.

Last night in Mexico the legendary Juan Manuel Marquez entered the ring for his so called tune up fight Vs. Likar Ramos. When the bell rang for the 1st round both fighters circled a bit and a few punches were exchanged, none of which really mattered. Marquez circled and threw a straight right hand that did indeed land right on the chin of Ramos. It was a good clean punch, but the acting afterward was better. Ramos fell backward and braced himself for the fall. He braced himself for the fall and once on the floor he then decided to go to sleep? Looked a little suspect to this writer.

Ramos sprawled himself out on the floor, eyes squeezed shut, arms laid out wide. The fans can decide on this one. It is what it is and so now we go forward and get ready for Marquez Vs. Pacquiao.

There are some promoters throughout the land that would not pay a fighter for taking a dive. Did Ramos take a dive last night? That's certainly the buzz this morning as both fans and scribes would really like to know. And so the ride continues, and all we as boxing fans can hope for is that the next stop will be similar to what Rodriguez and Wolak did on Friday night.

Source: 8countnews.com

Marquez knocks out Ramos in first round -- Fox Sports

2011-07-17T13:33:00.001+07:00

Fox Sports

<a href='http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=927888f3-7452-4ed0-b095-c973fc2a7133' target='_new' title='Highlights: Marquez - Ramos' >Video: Highlights: Marquez - Ramos</a>

Juan Manuel Marquez’s (53-5-1, 39 KOs) Nov. 12 date with Manny Pacquiao is safe as Mexico City’s future Hall of Famer stopped Colombian Likar Ramos (24-4, 18 KOs) with one straight right hand at 1:02 in the first round.

Ramos hit the canvas and stayed there for several moments before getting back on his feet.

Marquez now moves on to his third contest with the Filipino phenom Pacquiao.

On the undercard, Rafael Marquez (40-6, 36 KOs) dominated the overmatched Eduardo Becerril (12-8-2, 4 KOs), dropping him in the fourth round and eventually forcing Becerril’s corner to stop the contest between the fifth and sixth.

Marquez is now in line for an Oct. 1 title bout against WBC junior featherweight champ, Toshiaki Nishioka.

Roman “El Chocolatito” Gonzalez (29-0, 24 KOs) battered and bloodied Omar Salado (22-4-2, 13 KOs) en route to a TKO victory for the the reigning WBA junior flyweight champion. Salado was knocked down three times in the contest.

Source: msn.foxsports.com

Wild Card helps GSP grow in spades -- ESPN

2011-07-16T07:33:00.000+07:00

By Josh Gross, ESPN.com

HOLLYWOOD -- Freddie Roach, the estimable boxing trainer, has staked out a place behind the front desk of his jam-packed Wild Card Boxing Club where he can survey the lay of the land. Monthly membership dues, coming in at a reasonable $50 a pop, are in need of collection, so the fact that Roach's boxing cathedral is cramped quarters on a Monday should sit well with him. Yet the 51-year-old coach appears anxious, and quietly suggests it would be better if this sweatbox situated above a laundromat wasn't as busy as it is.

Roach wants to work distraction-free with UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, who is in town for the ESPYs ceremony and will spend three days working with the Hall of Fame trainer. The gym's populace, a gender-neutral potpourri, recognized the mixed martial artist's arrival, though that did little to distract from the syncopated percussion of the place. The ring, ring, ring of round timers stop for no one, and almost immediately upon greeting St. Pierre, Roach twines the 30-year-old Canadian's weapons of choice with tape and gauze.

Outside of the man who trains Manny Pacquiao, St. Pierre was the biggest star in the room, and over the next hour patrons took their turn sizing up the UFC champion's skills and presence. Wild Card is not a joint to feel star struck in, even if that means ignoring St. Pierre sweating it up near a large black-and-white portrait of himself hung alongside images of Roach and his prized Filipino pupil. Still, there were several moments during the hour when people gathered and watched. Some are even reprimanded for taking photos and shooting video inside the gym -- a big-time no-no.

The UFC champ looked muscular and confirmed to Roach that he's currently walking around at 190 pounds. It took a couple of turns on the pads before St. Pierre (22-2) pumped out his jab the way he wanted. Soon enough, though, Roach had him unloading combinations and thinking about what it would take to evade Nick Diaz's straight-ahead style.

"He has success with that if you let him," Roach said of Diaz, who is regarded among MMA's best boxers. "But there's definitely ways to take that away from him."

"He's very good at teaching people to hit and not getting hit," St. Pierre said of Roach. "You can fight with less damage and create damage on your opponent.

"When I come to learn some stuff I have an empty cup. I don't come here try to prove to people that I know stuff. I come here and I'm ready to learn. In an environment with Freddie Roach, the best coach with the best boxers, I'm a very humble guy when I'm here.

Time spent in Southern California is time well spent for GSP, who picks things up there that he feels aren't taught anywhere else.

"He's [Roach] a very clever guy. He has a system that he bases his techniques on. He has a protocol that he follows. It's very interesting. I never learned boxing like this."

Because of Diaz's frame and style -- he's a long, southpaw, volume puncher -- Roach expects an expanded role as St. Pierre prepares for the Oct. 29 fight. Ideally Roach said he wants to spend 10 straight days "working on technique and making sure everything is exact." Since he started working with mixed martial artists a few years ago, Roach claims to have refined the way he teaches boxing to account for differences between the two sports.

The key, he surmised, is distance.

"Georges is learning distance right now," Roach said. "He's got much more power in his shots because he's looser. Georges was very tight when he came to me because he's very strong and was a little bit on the slow side, I would say. But now his speed is picking up quite a bit because he's a lot looser and fluid with punches. He's more natural. That's coming. It's not perfected yet, but it's getting better all the time.

Whatever I can do to help Georges I will because I like guys who want more knowledge. That's what he does. He absorbs it and it works."

The way in which St. Pierre learns, Roach said, reminds him of Pacquiao.

"They're the type of guys if you show 'em a move once, tomorrow they'll have that perfected because they go home and practice that in the mirror," the trainer said. "I laugh sometimes because I know I might show it one time, I'll leave it alone one time, then bring it back after a while just to see if it's remembered.

"It's the discipline a world champion has to have. That's the difference between good fighters and great fighters."

Josh Gross covers MMA for ESPN.com. Follow him on Twitter at JoshGrossESPN.

Source: sports.espn.go.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Embracing Foolishness… -- ThyBlackMan

2011-07-15T07:11:00.001+07:00

By Torrance Stephens, ThyBlackMan.com

My Uncle was big on talking about stupidity. He would always tell me two things: “the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it limits” and “the wise understand themselves and fools go on the reports of others.”

I cannot tell you if they were passed down by the family or old sayings or if he picked them up reading – he did read a lot. I wonder if he would have used these and a few more to describe the actions of Floyd Mayweather Jr. Now for the record, I suspect many of us know that he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he can fight and has managed to amass a fortune from his skill set.

However, his decisions continue to show a person that either lacks common sense or is completely out of touch with reality in the fashion the selfish often abjure. Recently, the boxer was caught on film setting a $100biill on fire, while partying with Lil Kim and Gucci Mane at the Velvet Room. I guess Floyd has never read that it is a felony to burn money and that such comes with a penalty of up to six months behind bars, and a fine of $100.

Just last month, Mayweather jr. was ordered by a Federal Magistrate to give sworn testimony under oath concerning a defamation suit filed against him by Congressman Manny Pacquiao based on Mayweather’s defamatory statements accusing Pacquiao of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

Upon this, the 33-year-old Mayweather has amassed eight misdemeanor and felony charges stemming from a Sept. 9, 2010 dispute with his former girlfriend, Josie Harris.

This is one of the dumbest things I have seen in recent days, albeit the scandal in Atlanta where teachers were caught cheating and not the students is right up there. This is another example of how many in the lime light are not in tune with the general public, for example the more than 20 percent of black males who are not employed or the millions who are struggling to keep a roof over their family’s heads.

If my uncle had known about William Gaddis, I think he would have agreed with him when he stated, “stupidity is the deliberate cultivation of ignorance.

Source: thyblackman.com

Amir “King” Khan Speeding Toward Greatness -- The Sweet Science

2011-07-14T08:01:00.000+07:00

By David A. Avila, The Sweet Science

LOS ANGELES-Inside the world famous Wild Card Boxing gym a small gang of reporters gathered around the ring to see one of the new wave of pound for pound fighters, WBA junior welterweight titleholder Amir “King” Khan.

Most of the photographers brought their fast lens because if not, you run the risk of getting a series of blurs in most of the photo shots. Khan is that fast.

The lightning reflexes of Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) will be tested by IBF junior welterweight titleholder Zab Judah (41-6, 28 KOs) next week in Las Vegas. Once upon a time Judah had those same kinds of bullet-quick reflexes too. He still has some of that quickness but he absolutely has the same kind of staggering power.

There’s the rub.

Two major questions will be answered when Khan meets Judah in a unification bout: can Khan emerge as the heir apparent to Manny Pacquiao and can he win the big fight?

Judah thinks not.

“He’s got all the talent in the world to lose and come back,” said Judah. “That’s what happened to me and that’s what he is going to learn the hard way.”

Judah was referring to his unification title fight with Kostya Tszyu in November 2001. At the time Judah was undefeated and because of his overwhelming speed and power was the odds-maker’s favorite to dethrone the Russian. Instead, he was knocked out in two rounds.

“Listen I don’t like to compare fighters to my time but come July 23, he’s going to learn the lesson I learned,” said Judah, 33. “It’s no disrespect.”

Ever since Khan tasted defeat several years ago, the lean super quick 140-pounder has rebooted with the help of famed trainer Freddie Roach to rocket toward winning the world title and making four successive defenses.

Last December his bout with Argentina’s rough housing Marcos Maidana helped showcase not only his fighting skills but battling heart as well. It was voted “Fight of the Year” by numerous sports publications. This past April he returned to England where he shut out rival countryman Paul McCloskey for six rounds until an accidental head butt caused a bad cut on McCloskey. Khan won by decision against the southpaw.

“With McCloskey he didn’t want to fight. He was losing six nil. Then the head clash happened. I think I would have knocked him out. It seemed to me he just didn’t want to fight,” said Khan, age 24. “At the end of the day he was a southpaw and I’ll hopefully use that as an advantage against Zab Judah.”

When Judah met Khan during the opening press conference in Los Angeles he told the younger champion that he was going to lose his title.

“No disrespect, it’s what we do. We talk,” said Judah about the face to face verbal confrontation.

Khan says that Judah told him he would steal the title.

“Zab was saying he’s going to steal the belt but nothing about winning the belt. That shows what kind of champion he is, to want to steal the belt. I told him I’ll let my fists do the talking,” said Khan.

The British prizefighter has a checkered following: people either like him or loathe him in his native country. But that can be a very good thing. Look at the career of Oscar De La Hoya, who had the same type of relationship with boxing fans.

Ironically, it’s De La Hoya’s company, Golden Boy Promotions, that is guiding Khan’s career in America.

A win against Judah could advance him toward a junior welterweight reckoning with WBC junior welterweight titleholder Timothy Bradley. A meeting between those two would catapult the winner toward super-stardom. But first Khan must pass through Judah.

“The danger is understanding Judah’s southpaw stance. He doesn’t fight like a traditional southpaw. He attacks from the left side. The game plan has been really well done. We had a couple of fights to watch. The (Lucas) Matthysse fight gives us a pretty good blueprint,” said Roach, who is training Khan at the Wild Card Boxing gym in Hollywood. “We’re going to have to nullify that jab and take it away from him. I think Amir should win every round. Judah is tricky with his shoulder rolls, he’s a little bit Mayweather and a little bit Pernell Whitaker.”

Whitaker is now training Judah.

“Of course my fighter is going to win,” said the Hall of Fame boxer Whitaker. “But we can’t underestimate the opponent Khan.”

Judah predicts that Khan will learn a lesson that the New Yorker learned a decade ago in valuing his speed and power over experience.

“I don’t like comparing fighters to other fighters but he’s going to learn a valuable lesson,” predicts Judah. “It’s going to be a great fight.”

Khan predicts an overwhelming victory.

“My speed is going to beat him,” Khan said.

Fights on television

Fri. ESPN2, 6 p.m., Pawel Wolak (29-1) vs. Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2).

Fr. Showtime, 8:05 p.m., Diego Magdaleno (19-0) vs. Alejandro Perez (15-2-1).

Fri. Telefutura, 11:30 p.m., Abner Cotto (10-0) vs. Carlos Claudio (10-6-3).

Source: thesweetscience.com

Pacquiao Fans Bash Floyd Mayweather’s Personal Life Because That’s All They Can Do -- NowBoxing

2011-07-14T07:57:00.000+07:00

By Jamal Dicky, NowBoxing

This is just getting downright pathetic. All these Floyd Mayweather haters and Manny Pacquiao fans can only bash another man’s out of ring activities because that’s all they got! They got nothing else to use to attack this man, because they know deep down in their hearts that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the supreme boxer and possibly the greatest boxer to ever live! Nobody can even come close to Floyd when it comes to pure boxing mastery. And they know that Manny and his team are avoiding Floyd like the plague.

These latest reports of Mayweather burning money in a club by the biased media and all these bloggers trying to jump on anything Floyd does that is somewhat negative are the acts of real haters. These people have some real deep seeded issues. Deep inside they want to see Floyd Mayweather fail. I don’t know what their reasons are for hating on this man, but all I know is you can tell they have hate and jealousy in their hearts by the way they gang up on this man.

Manny Pacquiao is no saint! But why when he does something bad, like refusing the Olympic style drug testing or being seen with other women while his wife is at home, and signing multiple contracts and reneging on them later, and failing to show up to important US business meetings because he doesn’t feel like it, nobody writes about that stuff?

It’s 100 percent bias! Pacquiao shouldn’t be excusable at all! Floyd Mayweather deserves to have deals with NIKE, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, FORD, and other top sponsors because this man is very professional when it comes time to do business. If Floyd was signed with NIKE, he would be promoting his shoe non stop! Pacquiao doesn’t seem to think it’s important to show up to American business meetings, he rather film some Filipino game shows. This guy comes over to America and makes a living over here, yet, he doesn’t have the time to fly out here and be on time for important meetings and functions?

To me that is a slap in the face to America, the country that made him rich, the country that gave him opportunity to be able to spend those millions of dollars in the Philippines to help his people.

Mayweather is not perfect, but if you are going to write about all his negative things outside the ring, you must shine the same light on Pacquiao and all the negative things he does.

Stop focusing on Floyd Mayweather burning a hundred dollar bill, we don’t even know if that was a real $100, it could have been fake. Plus, Floyd probably feels real bad about that right now. It was a simple mistake and he was caught up in the moment. Let’s look at the positive things he does for a change, he donates to homeless charities, he paid for the late great Genaro Hernandez funeral, and he is proud to be an American. Don’t go believing people who say he isn’t, because he is, he just wishes that America would love him back.

Source: nowboxing.com

Roach: Khan ahead of Pacquiao -- Yahoo! Sports

2011-07-13T07:31:00.001+07:00

Reuters

Britain's WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan is a superior boxer at 24 than Filipino Manny Pacquiao was at the same age, according to trainer Freddie Roach who works with both fighters.

Khan, like Pacquiao, is a southpaw renowned for his speed and hard work ethic and Roach firmly believes he will emulate the Filipino by becoming the sport's best pound-for-pound fighter within the next two years.

"Amir is little bit more ahead of Manny," the bespectacled Roach told Reuters at his Wild Card Boxing Club. "It took Manny Pacquiao eight years to get to the point where he became unbeatable and he has dominated every fight.

"Amir has been with me for just three years now and he's getting closer and closer.

"He will become the pound-for-pound king within a couple of years. He is well ahead of schedule and a big win here against Zab (Judah) would be another step towards Manny's record."

Khan, who has a career record of 25-1 with 17 knockouts, is scheduled to take on experienced American IBF holder Zab Judah in a unification fight in Las Vegas on July 23.

While the 33-year-old Judah is a highly respected figure in boxing, Roach is confident Khan will triumph in style at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino - and probably inside the 12 scheduled rounds.

"Zab will need to be at his best to survive in this one," said Roach, who has worked with 31 world champions in his Wild Card gym on the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles.

"I am very confident in my guy. We are ready to fight, we know when and where to attack this guy and how to attack him. We will win and walk away.

"I do not see this fight going the distance. We will overwhelm him with our speed and power, and I think Zab doesn't really take to getting hit like he once did."

Khan agreed that a knockout was likely, but he was wary of making any iron-clad prediction.

"I really think I will get a knockout in this fight but I never go into a fight looking for a knockout because that's when you start making mistakes," the Englishman told Reuters before beginning a training session in the ring with Roach.

"I'm going to go in there boxing and if the knockout comes it comes. But we are ready for the full 12-round distance. We have worked very hard for this fight and we know that we've got a good game plan that I'm going to be following."

Khan, who won the WBA title against Andreas Kotelnik of Ukraine two years ago, readily admits he would never have made such quick progress in his boxing career without the influence of Roach and 10-times world champion Pacquiao.

"They've brought the best out of me," he said. "Mentally they have made me a better fighter by thinking about what I need to do and sticking to a game plan whereas before I just used to go in there and fight with my heart.

"We know we've got the heart to go in there and fight with anyone but we need to have the game plan and I need to have the mental strength to stick to that game plan."

Asked what had been his greatest lesson from Pacquiao, Bolton-born Khan replied: "It's just good to be in the same camp as him. I work with him and I see what he does and, in a way, I just follow his customs.

"Manny is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and if I can even spar with him and do well against him that's a great confidence boost for me.

"He's so down-to-earth and he loves to help me. Just a few words from Manny is a big thing for me. We've become friends now. I'm 24 and I've been training with Manny since I was 22.

It's a great experience and you can't buy that experience."

Khan, a former Olympic silver medallist, has clear-cut goals well beyond his July 23 showdown with Judah.

"Later this year, I am hoping to fight Erik Morales," he said. "That would be a big fight for me. He's a big name over here in the States.

"From there, maybe I will move up to 147 (pounds) and try to take on Floyd Mayweather. That's what we are looking at. You need to have ambitions and my main goal is to fight for the pound-for-pound title.

"I've still got a long, long way to go and I am learning every day and in every fight. But I am getting there slowly."

Source: uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Burns $100 Bill at Atlanta Club -- NowPublic

2011-07-13T07:24:00.000+07:00

NowPublic.com

Floyd Mayweather Burns $100 Bill: That's a Crime

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has money to burn, and he proved it by torching a $100 bill at the Velvet Room nightclub in Atlanta over the weekend.

Burning currency is illegal in the US: Floyd Mayweather Jr. faces an investigation by the Secret Service, which is tasked with enforcing that particular law. However, the WBC Super Welterweight Champion shouldn't be too worried.

Since the fine for burning money is only $100 (funnily enough), it's exceedingly unlikely that action will be taken against Mayweather. Still, it's sort of a chump move to burn money in the middle of a recession. After all, $100 could buy maybe four drinks for random strangers at a high-end club.

Perhaps Mayweather should be more worried about Manny Pacquiao, who could ruin his unbeaten record, but that fight is not looking likely anytime soon. Floyd Mayweather faces Victor Ortiz on September 17.

Source: nowpublic.com

Amir Khan's ultimate aim is to beat Floyd Mayweather Jnr to become world’s No 1 pound-for-pound boxer -- Telegraph

2011-07-13T07:17:00.000+07:00

The Telegraph

World Boxing Association light-welterweight champion Khan, who is preparing for a unification contest with International Boxing Federation champion Zab Judah in Las Vegas a week on Saturday, would not even rule out a contest with stablemate Manny Pacquiao as the 24-year-old Boltonian came clean about his career wish list.

Khan, who insisted he was “not looking past Judah”, who he ranks as a “tough, awkward and dangerous opponent”, explained that there were plans in place for a contest with Mayweather in the division above.

Khan said: “I think within 12 months the Mayweather fight will happen. It is three fights away. If I beat Zab Judah and then have one more contest at 140lbs [light-welterweight] I will then move up to welterweight where I will carry my power. The cut in weight is affecting my power at the moment.”

The plan for Khan is to move forward should he beat Judah, and then fight Mexican legend Erik Morales in November before moving to welterweight and fighting emerging British star Kell Brook at welterweight, in the UK.

The prospect of Khan facing Mayweather at this juncture in his career still suggests a potential mismatch in spite of the Boltonian’s fast hands, but Khan went further: “Mayweather often talks about wanting to fight in the UK and it would be great if he came over here to fight in the summer around the time of the Olympics.”

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Manny Pacquiao: DOOMSDAY FOR BOXING -- Ringside Report

2011-07-13T07:12:00.000+07:00

By Geno McGahee, Ringside Report

There have been two huge disappointments as of late in boxing, but it keeps going from bad to worse it seems. The super fight between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye became a “I won’t hit you if you don’t hit me” survival game, and Paul “The Punisher” Williams was awarded a terrible gift decision over Erislandy Lara. It was highway robbery on HBO, live for the world to see.

Making matters worse is the idea of a “Super Champion.” There is no more “Undisputed Heavyweight champion.” We now have super champions and regular champions and the WBA has now pitted Teddy Atlas heavyweight, Alexander Povetkin against Ruslan Chagaev for the WBA “regular” heavyweight title. I feel this string of profanity coming on…

Why the @#$#$ do we need five dozen heavyweight champions? It’s incredibly frustrating as a boxing fan for the sanctioning bodies to create these distinctions, further muddling the division. It is said that where the heavyweight division goes, so too goes boxing, and if that is the case, it’s dead.

What saves boxing? Manny Pacquiao is the name that comes up typically, but he’s got over fifty fights, and he’s in the tail stretch of his career. So many boxing publications have sailed on his ship for years, because he is the only one that can sell a magazine or attract fans. Pacquiao is a great fighter, but he’s taking on Juan Manuel Marquez in November and then may or may not take on Floyd Mayweather, JR., next, if he gets beyond Victor Ortiz, and then the show is most likely over. Pacquiao cannot fight forever, and boxing will lose its biggest draw when he retires.

The Philippines has invested a lot of stock in Manny Pacquiao. He is a national hero, a man that proves that you can escape poverty and make it to the top of the world. Despite his money and celebrity status, he has kept his feet on the ground and remained true to his roots. He’s got that “it” factor, and he even sells music CDs and makes movies. Pacquiao, although not a good singer by any stretch of the imagination, is not the worst boxer turned musical act. Larry Holmes and Roy Jones, JR., get that nod.

When Manny says the words: “I retire from boxing,” where does the sport go? Floyd Mayweather, JR., if he continues to fight, it might be once a year and won’t be for much longer, and no other fighter has the draw of a Pacquiao. There’s not even a close second, with the exception of Floyd.

This is why the David Haye – Klitschko fight meant so much. Haye had some of the ingredients needed to save the sport. He was cocky, charismatic, and had a great mixture of speed and power. He was just terrified of Wlad and never chanced winning. He just eagerly awaited the final bell. It was terrible.

There are plenty of decent fighters, but they have not made it to PPV headliner status, yet. Sergio Martinez is a great fighter and so is Amir Khan, but neither can merit their own PPV, unless they are fighting Floyd or Manny. Yuriorkis Gamboa is a star on the rise, but he is years away from PPV headlining status. The Klitschkos can’t give their fights away in the states, and there are no challengers that are earning the public’s attention.

Some are pointing to another Filipino fighter as the next big thing in boxing. Nonito Donaire has been a very impressive fighter with great power and could be a breakout star, but it is highly unlikely that he would reach the status of Manny Pacquiao and capture the public’s attention as he has. He doesn’t have the access to the fighters that Pacquiao had to get that attention.

Manny beat Oscar De La Hoya, one of the biggest names of all time, Ricky Hatton, a British national hero, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, two Mexican fighters with huge followings, and Miguel Cotto, the biggest name in Puerto Rico. He has fought in a way that he has earned the respect and admiration from the fans of those he has left in a mangled heap. Donaire doesn’t have a list like that to work off of. So, I don’t foresee him coming close to the popularity of the PacMan.

Boxing needs a reboot. They reboot every movie in Hollywood, why not do the same to the sport that badly needs it? ABC needs to bring back its coverage of the sport and so does every other network. The USA network shows typically garbage. Why not dust off Tuesday Night Fights? Give it the reboot! If boxing is to return, the marketing and coverage must get better. You don’t see the UFC struggling. They have organization and great coverage. Boxing gets strictly bad press it seems.

Get ready boxing fans. Manny Pacquiao doesn’t have much time left in the sport. We should begin planning in advance.

Source: ringsidereport.com

Dudley Do-Rights Mayweather, Tygart must answer Arum's WADA proposal on Pacquiao -- Examiner

2011-07-12T07:34:00.000+07:00

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

We absolutely are motivated to find the truth and do the right thing in every case. Our obligation is to protect clean athletes, nothing less and nothing more.—UNITED STATES ANTI-DOPING AGENCY public statement

Travis Tygart, head of the US Anti-Doping Agency, presents himself as a Dudley Do-Right type, a man on a mission to clean up the rampant illegal drug cheating in big time sports.

To a lesser extent, Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants you to think that he is an athlete who willingly has joined the anti drug abuse crusade.

Both the lawyer and the undefeated right are clearly right that drug cheating is pervasive in sports, especially those which involve massive amounts of money.

(Editor’s Note: I’ve reached out to Tygart by phone and email but he is out of his Colorado Springs office until July 18 so perhaps he is on vacation. I do hope to get his views.)

Only a blind and deaf person would argue otherwise. The Barry Bonds legal drama lingers on, the only question now being will he get a small amount of Club Fed jail time.

In Washington, baseball pitching superstar Roger Clemens is on trial in a case involving his alleged use of steroids.

That sleazy Canadian doctor who was supplying various well-known jocks with banned drugs has taken a guilty plea in his case.

Lance Armstrong abandoned his glorious cycling career with the drug posse hot on his heels. Current cycling superstar Albert Contador is beset by similar allegations and continuing probes.

In boxing, BALCO bossman Victor Conte is a steady presence. Formerly the guy aiding and abetting Sugar Shane Mosley to load himself up with banned drugs to enhance his boxing skills, Conte is now a respected conditioning/nutrition adviser to world champions Nonito Donaire Jr. and Andre Ward, among others.

Which brings us around to Saturday night, when I spoke to riverboat gambler and Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum about his sudden statement of the day before.

Arum proclaimed that Team Pacquiao will accept a Mayweather bout with fully random blood testing but only if it is handled by the world governing body, WADA, and not by Tygart’s USA only organization.

“We don’t accept the USADA handling it,” Arum told me. “We do accept the prestigious, well-respected WADA. On those terms, Pacquiao will submit to whatever (blood) testing is required so we can make the big fight.”

Makes sense to me. WADA is the world body and both Mayweather and Pacquiao have multiple world championship histories.

It’s no insult to USADA, really, with American Mayweather fighting Filipino Pacquiao. It’s not something absurd and outlandish such as Arum proposing a drug testing agency from Pacman’s homeland handle the testing.

I’ve no doubt the Nevada commission would permit the Mayweather and Pacquiao to make a contract specifying, chapter and verse, what the required testing would be, when it could take place, yada, yada, yada.

Nevada badly wants and sorely needs the revenue such a boxing bonanza brings to Las Vegas' tourist service economy. I see no NSAC impediment especially where Tygart was like a bull in a china shop in his decidedly negative testimony before the state board on June 9, 2010. Tygart didn't ruffle Nevada feathers, he torched them.

If Mayweather really wants to fight Pacman, then he will agree to WADA and Tygart will also support this, if only to advance Tygart’s crusade.

If Mayweather doesn’t accept WADA, then it can finally be said that he really is ducking the super fight.

I understand Tygart might camping in Yellowstone Park right now, but the silence from the “Money” camp is deafening so far.

Talk up, Floyd, talk up.

On behalf of Pacquiao, Arum’s opened the door. Will you walk through it or slam it shut.

Borrowing from the goofy nickname of the Mayweather-De La Hoya bout, “the world awaits.”

Menawhile, herewith the Mission Statement of USADA, verbatim:

“To be the guardian of the values and life lessons learned through true sport. We hold the public trust to:

Preserve the Integrity of Competition — We preserve the value and integrity of athletic competition through just initiatives that prevent, deter and detect violations of true sport.

Inspire True Sport — We inspire present and future generations of U.S. athletes through initiatives that impart the core principles of true sport — fair play, respect for one’s competitor and respect for the fundamental fairness of competition.

Protect the Rights of U.S. Athletes — We protect the right of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes to compete healthy and clean — to achieve their own personal victories as a result of unwavering commitment and hard work — to be celebrated as true heroes.”

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Nacho Beristain: “Pacquiao will beat Mayweather” -- BoxingNews24

2011-07-12T07:29:00.000+07:00

By John F. McKenna, BoxingNews24.com

Legendary Mexican trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain in Atlantic City this past weekend had a surprising response when asked if he thought Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) would beat Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) if the two were to meet.

The surprise was not that “Nacho” thought Pacquiao would defeat Mayweather. As reported in the Boxing Insider, what was surprising was that Beristain said that a victory by Manny over Floyd would be bad for boxing.

“It’s a very good, important fight but that fight should not happen,” stated Beristain. “Because I believe that Pacquiao will beat Mayweather your going to take away the glory that has made Mayweather these past years. Mayweather’s style – when he fights someone that pressures him and throws a lot of punches – he just beats him up.”

Beristain said that it would not be an easy fight for Pacquiao, but that he would definitely win.

Beristain has had plenty of close experience watching Pacquiao. He was in the corner of Juan Manuel Marquez for his two fights with Manny and he was also in the corner of Oscar De Lahoya when he took the vicious beating from Pac-Man.

When Beristain was asked what makes Pacquiao so effective, so great, he responded by saying “He just works too hard. His training is too hard. He works very hard.”

When asked how good Floyd Mayweather is, who has proclaimed himself as the greatest fighter of all time, “Nacho” said that Mayweather is a very good fighter, but that Pacquiao would defeat him because “He is just too tough, too strong.”

The great trainer and veteran ring observer “Nacho” Beristain has zero confidence that Floyd Mayweather, as good a fighter as he is, would prevail against Manny Pacquiao.

Obviously Beristain is going to stick by his fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) in his November showdown with Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “Nacho” said that if Marquez “does his work very good he can win his fight with Pacquiao.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Marquez.

In addition to training Juan Manuel Marquez, the sixty eight year old Beristain has trained many other great Mexican fighters including Daniel Zaragoza, Humberto Gonzalez, Ricardo Lopez and numerous others. Because of his stature in boxing Beristain’s opinions carry a significant amount of weight.

Source: boxingnews24.com

USADA responds: We bear no prejudice, bias against Manny Pacquiao -- Examiner

2011-07-12T07:19:00.000+07:00

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

USADA's zealot bossman, the lawyer Travis Tygart, is on a summer vacation but I was able to speak at length with the drug testing agency's s media relations manager, Annie Skinner, twice on Monday concerning Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum's proclamation that his side will accept fully random blood testing if WADA, the world anti-doping organization handles it.

There is a continuing perception in the Pacman camp, according to Arum, that the Tygart-led agency, based in Colorado Springs, is uncomfortably close with American Mayweather. Such raw feelings have been made worse by Tygart's public references to Mayweather as "the clean athlete."

In Tygart's absence, Skinner assured me that USADA does not prejudge whether any athlete, domestic or foreign, is cheating by using banned drugs. Allegations have continually been made about Pacquiao using EPO and maybe other banned substances although no one has ever come up with a scintilla of evidence. Meanwhile, Pacman's defemation lawsuit against "Money" Mayweather continues.

"We certainly do not have a bias against any athlete," Skinner said. "We do not have a bias (favoring) one athlete over another. All athletes are presumed to be clean until such time as they are proven otherwise.

"But, when it comes to drug testing, USADA, which is a signatory to WADA rules, regulations and procedures, is the gold standard for sports in the United States. We completely adhere to all the international standards as promulgated by WADA."

She said that perhaps Arum has a misperception of how WADA operates, explaining "does not do any actual testing, they do not have the infrastructure to do that. You take (world soccer body) FIFA, the Swimming Federation and others...they are all signatories to WADA. What WADA does is contract out (the testing) to recognized doping control agencies in the different countries."

I asked Skinner if hypothetically a third party doping control laboratory or organization might be agreed to, thus overcoming Team Pacquiao's objections to USADA, which Arum branded as "not neutral" in this matter.

"No other organization in the US does the type of gold standard testing that that we do. Personally, at least, I've never heard of any third party organization that performs the WADA approved standards to the same degree that we do," Skinner said.

Obviously, the two camps could make an agreement as to a different testing agency if they chose to do so.

With a bonanza fight in which it is speculated that both Mayweather and Pacquiao can gross up to $50 million, you would think that there is some middle ground that the two fighter's camps can reach here.

Does anyone think that Joe Fan really gives a hoot as which anti-doping agency does the testing as long it is all done fair and impartially?

Has Arum moved the ball forward here or is this going to further block the so-called "Dream Fight."

It could turn out to be that in the ring and in the final money count but with constantly failed and stalled negotiations it continues to be a nightmare to make.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Feeling the (Miami) Heat: Coach Spoelstra says he'll beat Manny Pacquiao, 1 on 1 -- Examiner

2011-07-11T07:18:00.000+07:00

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

CARSON, Calif.--Floyd “Joy To The World” Mayweather isn't the only guy out there who remains convincingly convinced that he can beat Piny Idol Manny Pacquiao.

Miami Heats head coach Erik Spoelstra, whose mother is from the Philippines, still thinks he can whip Pacman...at least on the basketball court.

Their possible one on one, mano a mano contest shapes up as a bit of a hoops mismatch given the fact that the youngest head coach in the NBA, whose star-studded team of superstars named James, Bosh and Wade just crashed to defeat against the Dallas Mavericks, stands a full 6-1 while Pacquiao is vertically challenged at a mere 5-6.

Top Rank VP Carl Moretti bumped into the personable Spoelstra as the Miami mentor and Pat Reilly protege was coming out of a restaurant in nearby Los Angeles Friday night.

Moretti, bossman Bob Arum and the rest of the usual Top Rank are in SoCal for Saturday night's Brandon Bam Bam Rios title bout against rugged challenger Urbano Antillo(televised via Showtime) from the Home Depot Center. The featured Pinoy boxer on the show is unbeaten lightweight from Cebu, Mercito No Mercy Gesta, making his debut under the TR banner.

Moretti mentioned his employer and Pacman and Spoelstra, who has discussed doing hoop and health clinics in the Philippines for youth in the country, never hesitated.

“I can beat Manny one on one, no doubt,” Spoelstra said.

But avid all sports fan Moretti came back with a wicked verbal counterpunch.

“I don't know, Coach, Manny plays all four quarters,” Moretti said.

The obvious dig was to how Spoelstra's galaxy of mega superstars wilted under pressure late in the recent NBA Finals against the Mavs.

Pacman vs. Spoelstra, one on one, sounds like a fun diversion and one which could bring some needed revenue to selected charities.

So, come on Megamanny, and come on, Coach.

Let's have a jump ball.

This has a better chance of becoming a reality than Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Pacquiao 'agrees to Mayweather's demands' -- ESPN

2011-07-08T22:33:00.000+07:00

ESPN.co.uk

The much-anticipated super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jnr has taken a significant step closer after Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, said his charge is willing to agree to random drug testing - but not by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Negotiations have previously collapsed over the timing of sampling, with Pacquiao refusing to accept Mayweather's demands of Olympic-style probes right up until fight night.

But while Arum's revelation does fuel hopes of a bout materialising, the situation is clouded by Pacquiao's decision to file a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather, which has done nothing to quell the animosity between the camps.

"We have agreed in the Pacquiao camp to unlimited random testing done by a responsible, neutral organization," Arum told Yahoo. "We don't believe USADA is a neutral organization.

"I don't think anybody's test is as vigorous as the test administered by the Olympic Organization. And we can arrange for the Olympic Organization to handle the test under the supervision of the Athletic commission respective of the state where the fight is going to be held.

"We're not going to make this into a cowboy situation. We have an organization that has no authority [USADA] and even does it [blood testing] without reporting to an organization that is responsible for the conduct of the fight.

"We are focusing on Pacquiao v Marquez fight [on November 12]. And if Pacquiao beats Marquez again and then if Mayweather says he's agreeable to us, then we can have the Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight next year.

Source: espn.co.uk

Final act for Ricky Hatton linked with era-defining Manny Pacquiao -- Telegraph

2011-07-08T12:40:00.000+07:00

By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk

So, Ricky Hatton is finished in the ring as a fighter. He saw sense. A wise move. The final act which saw the curtain fall on the British folk hero’s last scene in the square circle came from the flashing fists of the Filipino phenomenon Manny Pacquiao – whose inexorable rise, in the ring and within politics – knows no bounds.

Hatton suffered depression after the loss to Pacquiao. After Floyd Mayweather Jnr had inflicted Hatton’s first career defeat and created the blueprint on December 8, 2008, the whirlwind from Mindanao ripped Hatton apart and bludgeoned him to flatness on the canvas. Two rounds of devastation. Part Pacquiao, part Hatton.

Hatton, a consummate professional with the media, the fans, with wedding parties…with a host of celebrities and sportsmen he had come to endear himself to, had come to the end of the road. After being released from hospital, having been brutally knocked out in the same ring in the MGM Grand Garden Arena where he had lost to Mayweather, Hatton had failed to show up, as he always did, to speak to the British media the next morning. It was a sign. The writing was on the wall.

Hatton always had a story to regale us with, a new angle, another twist. But on this morning, just silence. One or two writers, not those regularly on the boxing beat, were up in arms. Gareth Williams, CEO of Hatton Promotions, had turned up instead. He copped the flak.

No one knew then if it was all over. Though we all knew. Hatton looked finished. Depression came for him soon afterwards. And tears for a long time. He didn’t want to call time on the end of a drubbing. We all offered our sixpence worth, but to be frank, it was nothing to do with us. Only the fighter can decide. Ask Angelo Dundee. He told me recently he tried it many times with Muhammad Ali, but it went in one ear and out the other. Ali ducked and dived the issue with Dundee, every time it was broached.

At different times over the last two years, tales have emerged of Hatton, drunk, saying to those close to him that he could not face the long road back. Or that he was back in the ring; that he was no longer 190 lbs (fighting weight 140-147lbs); that he would fight Oscar de la Hoya, who was making a comeback; or Erik Morales…I believe that one or two of those came close, too. Thankfully, the demons have not left Hatton. He can walk away from the ring that has defined the 32-year-old as a man.

Two of his final four acts were against the two boxers who defined this age. We can all blame the brilliance and brutality of Manny Pacquiao for Hatton’s end, and Floyd Mayweather, perhaps, for loosening the strings on that, by being the first man to knock the Mancunian out. With the US $50 million fortune he amassed in the ring still intact, Hatton is still standing. He remains enormously popular.

The build up to his fights, visiting his old gym in the musty former Denton Hat Factory, the crushed coal voice of trainer Billy Graham and his iguana in the stifling back room behind the ring, will never be forgotten. The travelling fans, the march on America, the repetition of disbelief from the ‘liccle lad from the Manchester council estate’ seeing his name up in lights in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world. The glory, and the pain.

There’s only one Ricky Hatton…

Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Nevada to begin random drug tests -- ESPN

2011-07-08T12:30:00.000+07:00

By Brett Okamoto, ESPN.com

The Nevada State Athletic Commission is once again in position to randomly drug test licensed fighters who are out-of-competition. Regular testing of athletes is expected to start this month.

The commission has had the authority to randomly test its athletes since 2008, but financial restrictions have limited its ability to do so since 2009. That changed last month, when Gov. Brian Sandoval signed into law a bill that will feed close to $200,000 into the state's program during the next two years.

"We have the money this month, so I would be surprised if we didn't do some tests in July," Keith Kizer, executive director of NSAC, told ESPN.com. "Each test runs right around $200, so when it's all said and done, we'll test a pretty good chunk."

Out-of-competition testing provides the commission a strong tool to catch athletes who are abusing banned substances during training camps. Typically, fighters are tested the week of competition, which allows time to cycle off certain supplements.

Although all licensed fighters are fair game to be tested, Kizer said the commission would likely focus on those who have a fight scheduled in Nevada within the next two months, as those are the ones most likely to be using.

"From my understanding, about 4-to-6 weeks out is the best time to test somebody for steroids or similar substances because that's probably when they're at their peak," Kizer said.

The NSAC is aware, however, the more predictable testing schedules are, the easier it will be for athletes to navigate around them.

To counter that, the commission will vary the timing of the tests as well as test fighters who might not have a fight scheduled at all or are scheduled to fight in another state.

"We don't want to be stationary with these tests," Kizer said. "If a guy is a user but has no fight coming up, he might not be on it. So, we want to test them when they're planning to use.

"But, we'll probably have a few guys who may have fought a couple months earlier we'll call up. They might say, 'What the hell?' but I don't care. They're going in."

Should a case come up where a fighter fails a drug test and is scheduled to compete in another state, the athlete would have the right to a hearing before the NSAC ruled on a suspension. Although it would be case by case, chances are the fighter would be pulled from his scheduled fight.
"It wouldn't be an automatic prohibition of them fighting somewhere else," said Kizer, regarding that situation. "But I can say on the flip side, if it happened in another state and was brought to our attention, they wouldn't be fighting here."

Any licensed athlete that does not comply with a random drug test request would not be automatically suspended, but would have to explain his or her circumstances to the commission.

"If you don't do it, that can be used against you," Kizer said. "You're going to have to explain why and if you have no explanation, you'll be denied a license for failing to comply."

The program was put to use in 2008 and early 2009 before funds dried out. During that time, 100 percent of the athletes who were randomly selected took the test and passed. The list included high-profile names such as Brock Lesnar, Tito Ortiz, B.J. Penn, and boxing champions Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

All results of the random tests will be available on public record, according to Kizer.

Brett Okamoto covers mixed martial arts for ESPN.com.

Source: sports.espn.go.com

Ricky Hatton announces retirement -- ESPN

2011-07-08T07:42:00.000+07:00

By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com

Ricky Hatton, who had not fought since suffering a brutal second-round knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, formally announced his retirement from boxing on Thursday.

Hatton, the former junior welterweight world champion and former welterweight titleholder, was one of the most popular fighters of his time. With his everyman attitude and fierce fighting style, Hatton, 32, became a beloved figure in England and something of a folk hero in his hometown of Manchester.

"After a lot of soul searching over the last couple of years I have finally decided to confirm I will never box again and there will be no coming back," Hatton said. "There have been so many times since the Manny Pacquiao fight when I have woken up and thought I would give it one more go, but it was not to be.

"There have been amazing highs, and although I always wanted to be a world champion, I went beyond my wildest dreams."

Known as "The Hitman," Hatton was 45-2 with 32 KOs during a career that began in 1997 but, following his loss to Pacquiao, fell apart due to his battles with alcohol and depression and admission to a rehab clinic after the News of the World published a video that showed him snorting cocaine.

Hatton said Thursday that he will now focus on his promotional company, Hatton Promotions, which has been promoting fight cards for about two years.

Hatton reached the pinnacle of boxing in June 2005 when he won the junior welterweight championship by making Kostya Tszyu -- who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame last month -- quit after 11 grueling rounds in what was Tszyu's final fight.

"Beating Kostya Tszyu was my greatest triumph, but there were plenty of other great nights and memories," Hatton said.

In his next fight, Hatton scored a highlight-reel knockout of Carlos Maussa in the ninth round to unify alphabet titles.

Then Hatton decided it was time to come to America, where he made his debut in Boston in May 2006 in the first fight of a multifight contract with promoter Artie Pelullo and HBO. He moved up in weight and scored a controversial decision against Luis Collazo to win a welterweight title.

Hatton never defended the welterweight belt, instead returning to junior welterweight to defend his lineal championship via lopsided decision against Juan Urango and by fourth-round knockout against former lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo.

Hatton's passionate fans followed him to the United States by the thousands, but the scene was overwhelming in December 2007, when he moved back up to welterweight to challenge Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas after his deal with Pelullo expired and he signed with Golden Boy.

Some 35,000 Brits flooded the city just to be part of the event, even though most did not have tickets to the fight. But that did not stop the Brits from spending a week partying, waiving British flags, chanting and singing "There's Only One Ricky Hatton!" (to the tune of "Winter Wonderland") before Mayweather knocked Hatton out in the 10th round.

Still the junior welterweight champion, Hatton returned home for his next fight in May 2008 and outpointed Juan Lazcano in front 58,500 at City of Manchester Stadium.

"Since I put on the gloves as a 10-year-old in Hattersley, boxing has been my life and still is," Hatton said. "My promotional company is going well and I am looking forward to taking one of my fighters on a similar road to me. People say no fighter will ever have the fan base I had, but one of my aims is to make sure one of my boxers gets a bigger one and achieves more than me."

Hatton returned to the MGM Grand to stop former titlist Paulie Malignaggi in the 11th round in November 2008 before being knocked cold in a scary scene by Pacquiao in the second round, also at the MGM Grand, six months later.

"Defeating Jose Luis Castillo, unifying the light welterweight title against Carlos Maussa, winning a world welterweight title when I fought Luis Collazo, beating Jon Thaxton to become British champion, fighting in front of almost 60,000 fans on Manchester City's ground -- it seems endless," Hatton said. "And when I look at my record the only men to beat me were Manny and Floyd -- still No. 1 and 2 in the pound-for-pound lists on the day I retire."

Hatton, who loved to tip pints of beer and would famously balloon in weight between fights to the point where he playfully referred to himself as "Ricky Fatton," had his share of problems and scandal after the loss to Pacquiao.

Hatton also had a falling out with original promoter Frank Warren, who had guided him to his first world title, as well as longtime trainer Billy Graham, who wound up suing him, claiming Hatton owed him money.

Besides his promotional company, Hatton, who has a son, Campbell, said he will also continue to focus on family life. His partner, Jennifer Dooley, is expecting their child later this year.

"Away from boxing, I have so much to look forward to," Hatton said. "My son, Campbell, is a boy any parent would be proud to call his lad and is growing up so fast I wonder where the years have gone. I am about to become a dad for the second time and that cannot happen quickly enough. Jennifer and I are so excited. She is my rock.

"There are so many people I want to thank for supporting me throughout my career and who made 'The Hitman's' journey possible. My family were there for me every step of the way. My mum and dad, brother Matthew, my amateur trainers Ted Peate and Paul Dunne, who taught me to box, my agent Paul Speak, my lawyer Gareth Williams, the British Boxing Board of Control and everybody at Hatton Promotions.

"Sky TV has been fantastic to me and I look forward to continuing my association with them as a promoter, the British media were fair and the local BBC and Granada followed me to Las Vegas. As big a thanks as any must go to the fans that would never stop singing and so often turn Las Vegas into a corner of England. Thank you all, but the fighting in the ring is over and I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new friends on my journey as a promoter."

Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com. Follow him on Twitter @danrafaelespn.

Source: sports.espn.go.com

Ricky Hatton Retires: Only the Very Best Could Ever Live With the Hitman -- FanHouse

2011-07-07T19:49:00.000+07:00

By Chris McKenna, FanHouse

Ricky Hatton's decision to finally confirm his retirement is a massive relief to everyone in boxing and they will all be hoping the former two weight world champion is never tempted to put on a pair of gloves again.

The Hitman has decided against a shock return to the sport despite massive cash offers to step into the ring again.

The 32-year-old was reportedly offered a deal to fight ring legend Erik Morales in what would have been his first fight since he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

Hatton has been deliberating over a comeback ever since that brutal knock out but finally decided today that he will not step into a ring again – and now all fans of the Hitman can breathe a sigh of relief.

He told the News of the World website: "I will never box again and there will be no coming back. There have been so many times since the Pacquiao fight when I have woken up and thought, 'I will give it one more go', but it was not to be.

"There have been amazing highs and, although I always wanted to be a world champion, I went beyond my wildest dreams."

There have been plenty of highs along the way for the 32-year-old who lit up a packed MEN Arena on more than occasion over his 12-year professional career.

The pinnacle of those coming when Hatton forced the highly-rated Kostya Tszyu to quit and claimed his first major world title as he picked up the IBF light-welterweight crown.

It didn't take long for Hatton to unify the title as he brushed past WBA title-holder Carlos Maussa before stepping up to welterweight to become a two-weight world champion with a points win over Luis Collazo – both within a year of his victory over Tszyu.

Hatton was dreaming of becoming the pound for pound best but the man who stood in his way proved to be a step too far.

The British fighter brought 35,000 raucous fans to Las Vegas for his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 in what was a massive spectacle.

Sadly Hatton fell short in the welterweight division and Mayweather forced a 10th-round stoppage, but the Hitman's dream continued and he pressed on.

Wins over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi put Hatton back in place for another shot at becoming a pound for pound legend with a fight with Pacquiao lined up.

Again the Brit brought over a massive crowd to Vegas with a massive expectancy that he could topple the Filipino.

But this time Hatton's shortcomings at that level were brutally exposed by Pacquiao who left the British fighter sprawled on the canvas in the second round with his fans unable to look as he was attended to by his cornermen.

Hatton has had his struggles outside of the ring since that faithful night culinating with a national newspaper sting catching him snorting cocaine in a hotel that left the 32-year-old seeking help in rehab for his issues.

But he now seems to have fully recovered and has got his mind back on his promotion company – Hatton Promotions – who are slowly but surely building a strong stable of potential future world champions.

Now he has cleaned up his lifestyle and confirmed he will never fight again, the 32-year-old can now focus on his new ambition of making a world champion rather than being one.

All his supporters will be hoping that focus will keep him clean and also out of the ring for the good of his health.

And although he may not have reached his dream of pound for pound king, Hatton can now bow out knowing that the only men to have beaten him are still the two best active fighters in the world.

Follow FanHouse UK's Chris McKenna on Twitter (@cmckenna87)

Source: fanhouse.co.uk

Former world champion Ricky Hatton announces retirement from boxing -- Guardian

2011-07-07T19:44:00.000+07:00

guardian.co.uk

Ricky Hatton, Britain's former two-weight world champion, has announced his retirement from boxing.

The 32-year-old has refused to confirm his retirement since his last fight two years ago when he lost to Manny Pacquaio.

Hatton has been linked with several big-name fighters since, most notably the only two men to beat him – Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr – but he now appears ready to call time on his 14-year professional career.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the Stockport-born fighter will announce his retirement on Thursday afternoon signalling the end of a dramatic career that has seen him achieve success at welterweight and light-welterweight level.

Hatton beat Jon Thaxton to become the British light-welterweight champion in 2000 and went on to dominate the division, with his most notable victory at that weight coming in 2005 against the IBF champion Kostya Tszyu.

Hatton then beat Carlos Maussa before moving up to welterweight where he defeated Luis Collazo to claim the WBA world title.

Rapidly earning a reputation as one of Britain's most popular sportsmen, Hatton went on to challenge Mayweather in Las Vegas. Billed as the defining fight of his career, watched by millions around the world, Hatton failed to take the American's WBC welterweight title after being knocked out in the 10th round.

Undeterred by his first loss in boxing, Hatton returned to winning ways with victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi before calling out Pacquiao.

The two met at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in May 2009, when Hatton was knocked out cold in the second round to leave the Mancunian with a 45-2, 32KOs record.

Source: guardian.co.uk

Manny Pacquiao Foundation approved by IRS -- Asian Journal

2011-07-07T07:54:00.000+07:00

By Cynthia de Castro, Asian Journal

ON June 23, The Manny Pacquiao Foundation was officially approved by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and designated as a public charity. Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. The Foundation is organized and operated exclusively to foster, support and transform the health, education and overall social well-being of disadvantaged communities in the Philippines and other countries.

Manny Pacquiao is the Chairman of the Board leading a team of accomplished professionals in the medical, educational, arts and nonprofit sectors with untarnished reputations and volunteer experience under their belts. With his charitable arm up and running with projects slated to launch as early as August 2011, Mr. Pacquiao will likely add one more title under his belt, “World Champion Boxer. Politician. Humanitarian.”

The Foundation has existed since December 8, 2008 as a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. However, its first set of board members and officers deemed it better to receive donations as a donor advised fund under Give2Asia (a public charity based in San Francisco) until the Foundation’s tax-exempt was obtained from the IRS. The Foundation grants, scholarships and fellowships are specifically off limits to relatives and members of the Foundation’s grant selection committee, officers, directors and substantial contributors.

The Foundation plans to launch a 2-year fundraising campaign to support individuals and organizations engaged in charitable work in the Philippines focusing on health care, education and sports. When asked about what’s in store for the Foundation, Milania dela Cruz, its President, stated, “We hope that Manny Pacquiao fans and supporters worldwide will welcome the real Manny Pacquiao Foundation. We will raise more funds and give more resources to help as many Filipinos fight hunger, disease and illiteracy. Charitable work is closest to Manny’s heart. Please, come join us.”

The Foundation’s official website will be launched mid-July 2011. For additional information on the Foundation or donation inquiries, please contact Marsha-laine F. Dungog, Esq. at (213)235-9193 or email: mdungog@hobsondungog.com. Hobson Dungog Bernardino + Davis LLP is US legal counsel to Mr. Pacquiao and general counsel to The Manny Pacquiao Foundation.

Source: asianjournal.com

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad says Mayweather, not Pacquiao, is boxing’s savior -- Examiner

2011-07-07T07:47:00.000+07:00

By Chris Robinson, Examiner.com

During a recent visit to the H.I.T. Factory Gym in Las Vegas, trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad could be found working with budding amateur and soon-to-be professional Taylor Larson. A former light heavyweight champion in his own right, Muhammad is always a busy man and outside of working with former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, lightweight contender Jorge Teron, undefeated super middleweight prospect Badou Jack, and proven veteran Ishe Smith, he claims to get calls on a daily basis inquiring if he is open to working with new talent.

Muhammad was thrown a bit of a curveball last year when he found out that former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson would no longer be working with him after the pair’s technical-decision loss to Jean Pascal up in Montreal last August. Dawson ended up jumping ship with renown coach Emanuel Steward and last saw action in May as he won a clear decision over tough Romanian Adrian Diaconu.

Asked for an assessment of his former charge’s performance, Muhammad cautiously showed some criticisms.

“I don’t want to say anything bad about him because, first of all, I don’t wish nothing bad on Chad Dawson first and foremost,” said Muhammad. “There are some things that he could have done better. But I just felt like he wasn’t comfortable enough in there. Emanuel wants Chad to be a little Tommy Hearns; that will never happen. Chad doesn’t have the power like Tommy Hearns, so right then and there that leads him down the wrong path. Chad is a pure boxer, he has pop in his punches when he puts them in combination, but you can’t make a guy what he’s not.”

Dawson is scheduled to be facing light heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins next, who himself fought Pascal to a debated draw in December while rightfully turning the tables and coming away with a decision on May 21st. At 46 years old, Hopkins has little plans of slowing down and Muhammad felt that he had Pascal’s number all along.

“I picked Bernard to beat Pascal,” continued Muhammad. “I talked to Bernard in the airport during the first Pascal fight. We talked and I told him ‘You can beat this guy but you gotta go right to him’ and that’s what he did. He went right to him and he let his hands go and it was no problem.”

Wanting to get Muhammad’s take on some other fights on the horizon, I asked him about the July 23rd Amir Khan-Zab Judah junior welterweight title unification at the Mandalay Bay. Judah trains out of the H.I.T. Factory gym himself and Muhammad knows him well, having worked his corner leading into his blowout over Jose Armando Santa Cruz blowout last July.

But Khan is not Santa Cruz, obviously, and Muhammad feels that a different plan of attack would benefit the 33-year old Judah this time around.

“I think it’s going to be a great fight. Zab is a puncher, so he’s going to have to be the puncher. He can’t try to outbox Amir because he has long arms, so Zab has to go right to him with his hands up and let his hands go,” he continued.

Two months later one of the biggest events of 2011 will go down when Floyd Mayweather Jr. makes his return inside of the MGM Grand as he attempts to derail WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz. For Muhammad, it’s not just another fight, it’s the return of boxing’s knight in shining armor.

“The savior of boxing is back,” Muhammad laughed while chuckling slightly. “No doubt, Floyd is the best fighter out there, bar none. Say what you want to say about Pacquiao, I give Pacquiao all his props, because he carried boxing, but as far as pound-for-pound, Floyd is the pound-for-pound best boxer. If I’m not mistaken there are 41 guys who tried to beat Floyd and 41 guys who failed. To me he’s still the best out there.”

I asked Muhammad for his thoughts on Ortiz’s gutsy victory over Andre Berto last April, a fight in which the two both tasted the canvas twice while trading bombs throughout, and he was immensely impressed. But as for Ortiz’s chances against Floyd? Forget about it, says Muhammad.

“He has two chances; slim and none.”

If Pacquiao isn’t boxing’s savior, as Muhammad states, what exactly does he think of the eight-division Filipino champion? For starters, he expects his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez this November to be a good one despite the uphill battle facing the Mexico City star.

“It’s going to be another barnburner,” Muhammad stated. “It may be a little in Pacquiao’s favor because they are going up in weight. Every time Marquez goes up in weight, he loses. He’s not a 140-pounder and they are fighting at 144 pounds; that’s a lot of weight and he may be a little sluggish. But I’m looking forward to that fight.”

And you can probably already guess what Muhammad has to say about a possible Pacquiao-Mayweather duel.

“All said and done it would be a terrific fight, I just see Floyd picking him apart. Pacquiao’s going to have his moments, it won’t be a runaway, but I see Floyd picking him apart.”

Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at Trimond@aol.com

Source: examiner.com

Likar Ramos still stands in way of Marquez vs. Pacquiao -- 8CountNews

2011-07-06T07:36:00.000+07:00

By Darren Barcomb, 8CountNews.com

Eager fans hungrily await the November 12th matchup between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. Unable to lure Floyd Mayweather Jr. into a fight, Pacquiao’s camp instead settled for a third matchup with Marquez as the next best thing. Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) faced Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) in 2004 fighting to a draw and again in 2008, garnishing a split decision victory. Now moved up to welterweight, Pacquiao’s WBO title is on the line in a 12 round bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

As both previous fights have shown, the two fighters match up well and this one should approach pay-per-view records, but there is one forgotten obstacles that has been lost in all the pre-fight hype. The 37 year old Marquez still has a “tune-up” fight scheduled against 25 year old Columbian Likar Ramos (24-3, 18 KO’s) on July 16th at the Plaza de Toros in Cancun, Mexico. Ramos does not sport the fight resume of Marquez, but he has won his last three fights by KO and he’s certainly not viewing this as just another tune-up. He will be fighting hard for the win, some respect, and perhaps a future big payday of his own.

So how important is the Ramos matchup to Marquez? Well, it’s pretty important because the following Pacquiao showdown totally depend on him not only winning, but doing so in convincing fashion. Any other outcome would jeopardize the November bout and all the hoopla and hype that are sure to come with it.

A fighter of Marquez’s caliber should have no problem though, right? Most people are viewing this as a simple tune-up, as Marquez has been out of action since a November of 2010 TKO of Michael Katsisis. In the end, that will probably be the case for the superior boxer, Marquez. History has taught us valuable lessons though. Just remember Mike Tyson’s 1990 tune-up against Buster Douglas or Michael Bentt’s shocking upset of Tommy Morrison in 1993. Both fights were tune-ups that not only went wrong, but they both cost the heavy favorites championship titles. History should always be respected, and so should every opponent in the ring.

Marquez is looking forward to fulfilling his trilogy with Manny Pacquiao, and rightfully so. Somewhere in a gym right now though, Likar Ramos is training hard, hoping to be the next tune-up fighter to make history of his own. What is meant as an easy fight for Marquez could prove devastating if taken too lightly…..and that’s probably what Ramos is hoping for.

Source: 8countnews.com

Miguel Cotto to face Antonio Margarito -- ESPN

2011-07-06T07:33:00.000+07:00

By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com

Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, who waged a blistering -- and ultimately controversial -- slugfest in 2008, will meet in a rematch on Dec. 3, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com.

Arum said he has deals with both sides, although the paperwork is not complete. Representatives for both fighters also said that they have accepted the fight and are in the process of finalizing agreements with Arum.

"We're on board and moving forward," Sergio Diaz, Margarito's co-manager said. "We've met with Bob. We want the fight. Cotto wants the fight. We're just finishing everything."

When Arum was in Puerto Rico last week to announce the signing of junior lightweight Luis Cruz to a co-promotional deal between Top Rank and Cotto's promotional company, he met with Gaby Penagaricano, Cotto's attorney.

"In our meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss all aspects of the Cotto-Margarito II deal," Penagaricano said. "Although we no doubt made progress, there are some aspects that will require further discussion (but) Miguel is certainly happy and even looking forward to having the opportunity to avenge his first loss."

The fight, for Cotto's junior middleweight title, will take place either at New York's Madison Square Garden or the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Arum said.

"We need to hammer out the site and we're doing an analysis now of New York and Las Vegas," Arum said. "The costs are so high in New York. The unions will kill you in New York."

Margarito is lucky he is able to fight after suffering a severe injury to his right eye during his lopsided decision loss to Manny Pacquiao in November. In that bout, Margarito suffered a broken orbital bone and also developed a large cataract in the right eye as a result of Pacquiao's repeated blows.

Arum hoped to make the rematch first in July and then in September, but the date was pushed deeper into the year so Margarito, who had surgery to remove the cataract in mid-May, could continue his recovery. The orbital bone has healed, Diaz said.

Diaz said that Margarito was originally told he could continue to box only as long as he didn't have cataract surgery, but that the blurry vision in his right eye would not improve. Diaz said at that point, Margarito strongly considered surgery and retirement.

"(His vision) was pretty bad, really blurry," Diaz said.

But Arum suggested that Margarito visit an eye specialist he had once seen. So Margarito arranged to visit Dr. Alan Crandall in Salt Lake City about two months ago.

"He told us Antonio's problem was very fixable and not a career-ending injury," Diaz said. "Antonio had pretty much accepted the fact that he would have surgery and have to retire. But they did this different kind of surgery that day, a half-hour surgery. They removed the cataract and put in a new lens. His vision is a whole lot better and will continue to get better. We have to do a minor laser surgery in a couple of weeks, but Antonio is going to be fine. He has been released to continue his career."

Like the first fight, the sequel will be on pay-per-view, although the company that will handle the event -- HBO or Showtime -- has not been determined. HBO PPV produced and distributed the first fight (which generated approximately 450,000 buys), but Arum said the network that he makes a deal with for the rights to the Nov. 12 pay-per-view fight between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will also land Cotto-Margarito II.

The first fight was one of the most memorable battles of 2008 and one of best fights in the rich history of the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.

"Cotto and Margarito can't help but be a terrific fight because of their styles," Arum said. "Margarito knows how to fight only one way, and that is to come straight ahead. Cotto has to be more intelligent this time and have more gas in the tank. I talked to Cotto about that and he said, 'There's one big difference for me in this fight as opposed to the first fight, the smart old guy in my corner.'"

Puerto Rico's Cotto was referring to Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward, who has been with him for his past two fights.

In the first fight, Mexico's Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs) came on strong in the late rounds to stop Cotto (36-2, 29 KOs) in the 11th round of a bloody battle and take his welterweight belt on July 26, 2008 at the MGM Grand.

Margarito, who has lost two of his three fights since, was given tremendous credit for the victory as he ended Cotto's undefeated run. However, the win was eventually tainted because before his next fight, against Shane Mosley, Margarito was caught in the dressing room trying to wear loaded hand wraps containing illegal pads coated in a plaster-like substance. Mosley eventually knocked Margarito out in the in the ninth round and Margarito subsequently had his license revoked.

Because Margarito had fought Cotto in his previous fight -- and administered significant facial damage to him late in the fight -- many suspected he had gotten away with wearing illegal hand wraps.

Margarito, 33, sat out for 16 months after the license revocation before moving up to junior middleweight. He returned in his native Mexico, where he was welcomed with open arms and won a decision against low-level opponent Robert Garcia.

The hand-wrap scandal continued to swirl around Margarito, who was not licensed to fight in the United States until Texas granted him one for a November bout against Pacquiao. In their fight for a vacant junior middleweight belt, Margarito lost a lopsided decision and suffered the injuries.

Diaz said Margarito was ready for the scrutiny that will accompany a rematch with Cotto and the questions about whether he cheated in the first fight.

"When I was sitting with Bob, we were talking about going to Puerto Rico on the press tour," Diaz said. "Antonio said he was prepared for anything. He said, 'I could go anywhere and people don't like me, but this is the business. I'm a fighter and I have to face people who don't like me. I love Puerto Rico and I have to be prepared for it.' When he told me that, I felt relieved. I've been with him since he was 18 and it bothers me, it hurts me (that many people believe he cheated against Cotto). But Antonio is a strong guy. He knows he didn't do anything wrong, but he also knows he has to answer the questions."

Cotto, 30, moved up to junior middleweight in June 2010 and stopped Yuri Foreman in the ninth round to win a 154-pound title, which he defended March 12 with a 12th-round TKO of former titleholder Ricardo Mayorga.

"I think the rematch will continue from the first fight," Diaz said. "Antonio is really excited about the fight. He knows it will be a war. Antonio knows it will be another exciting fight. Cotto is a tremendous fighter, a four-time world champion. Antonio's a three-time champion. There are a lot of skeptics out there to show that Antonio's win the first time was no fluke.

"If Antonio was questioning himself he wouldn't have taken this fight. A lot of fighters say, 'I beat him once why do I need to do it again?' But Antonio is ready to get back in the ring. The payday is always good and the thought of being retired, I could see in his face when hit him. He was like, 'I'm 32 (at the time) and I have to retire already?' He wasn't taking it good, so when he was told he could continue he said it was a blessing. This fight is a blessing."

Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com. Follow him on Twitter @danrafaelespn.

Source: sports.espn.go.com

Klitschko beats the excuse out of Haye -- SecondsOut

2011-07-06T07:27:00.000+07:00

By Gabriel Montoya, SecondsOut.com

A toe, a toe, a kingdom for a toe. In front of 50,000 or so screaming fans at Imtech-Arena in Altona, Hamburg, Germany, heavyweight titleholder David Haye finally got into the ring against multiple-titlist Wladimir Klitschko for all but one of the pieces of the division crown. Unfortunately for Haye, he only brought nine toes into the ring with him. As it happened, the littlest piggy on his right foot had gone to market three weeks ago. How? You got me.

For longer than it takes to takes to recall all of the pre-fight stipulations for Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao, David Haye has been calling out Wladimir Klitschko. From a chance escalator meeting to post-fight rants, Haye has been clear on one thing for two years: he was going to knock out Wladimir Klitschko…one of these days. Saturday was not that day.

“If [Wlad] would have thrown his right hand, I would have got him out of there,” Haye would say after the fight. “He is 30 odd pounds heavier than me. He hit me with some of his best shots and I didn’t go down. I wasn’t hurt at any stage. I think that I proved that I am a great fighter. I’m just so frustrated that I couldn’t land my punches. My foot is in absolute agony.”

Maybe Haye was working out a last-minute toe cramp as he made the audience wait for his entrance, the pressure from a long road to this evening’s combat palpable and growing with each filler speech by Lennox Lewis and his puzzling new penchant for hats.

Finally, the introductions began and Haye made his way to the ring through a raucous crowd. He lost a plastic footie along the way but luckily it was only the right one. He did have a bit of stumble moment during that ring walk fracas so maybe there is something to his later story. Haye certainly hobbled down the tunnel like a man with a jacked-up piglet.

I have to say the television broadcast was amazing. Both men were introduced with their own video clips that featured some live action worked into the mix. Actors passed through a gym to a corner scene with a trainer fanning his fighter, a kid selling newspapers about the big fight and finally, Vitali Klitschko reading about it on a park bench. The Cirque du Soleil feeling was made only more surreal by Vitali looking to his left, revealing the guy next to him reading the very same paper is actually Big George Foreman and his smiling face. Seeing Foreman’s smile only added to the magnitude of this event and reminded us of not only how rare but how long it has been since we saw two top big men with mutual animosity go at it for money.

Haye’s anthem delegate pleaded, “God Save the Queen” (though he’d have settled for a toe) and Wlad’s bellowed a stirring "Ukraine’s [Glory] Has Not Yet Perished." America’s representative let loose a “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” and we were off.

“It was my plan to win this fight. The plan was to get this fight won. For whatever reason, it was not to be today,” said a post-fight Haye. “I’ve been plagued with injuries throughout my career. It’s really frustrating because I’m so powerful. I can land some really great punches but tonight it wasn’t my night.”

The reason it wasn’t Haye’s night was because from the opening bell, Wladimir Klitschko put multiple styles of jabs in his face all night, sometimes pawing, sometimes a range finder, at others, still a jackhammer. The Klitschko jab is a weapon that has tamed the likes of Ruslan Chagaev, Eddie Chambers, Sam Peter twice and Sultan Ibragimov among the 51 who have lost to him.

“It was the same situation. I’ve been criticized by David Haye after the Ibragimov fight but it was the same situation where Haye felt my punches and gave up his strategy,” said Klitschko. “He was very cautious. He was very difficult to hit. Same way with Ibragimov. He didn’t give me the challenge in the ring, an offensive fight. You know, let’s get a fight! Instead, he was fighting like all of them. Like all of my recent opponents. I would have loved to celebrate my 50th knockout. So we will postpone it then.”

From the outset, the men circled each other as we knew they would. Haye, who fights more like an athlete than a boxer, leapt in with wild right hands and used a nice left stick to the chest of Wlad. He would stay in that posture throughout most of the fight.

Klitschko was Klitschko. From center ring, he used multiple jabs though a bit high or off the mark at times. Haye used good head movement to get out of the way much of the time. For at least two rounds, we waited for that right hand of Wladimir’s, the telephone pole delivered with ancient Ukrainian fury and precision. When it finally launched deep into the second, it missed the mark just a bit.

In fact, save for a right hand in the fifth that rocked Haye into the ropes, Wladimir never quite landed his Sunday punch in this one. Sure, he landed some good right hands; he just never got all of one. Perhaps that was because he spent much of the fight looking to do so. He forgot all about his left hook in this fight except for maybe one or two times.

In the lead in, Haye had derided the Klitschko “jab-jab-grab style,” saying he had an answer for it. He did have an answer for one part of the style but certainly never figured out the jab. Throughout the fight, whenever Klitschko tied up and looked to lean on his opponent’s back, as is his normal infighting tactic, Haye would simply fall to his knees on the canvas. He got away with it the first two times because he waited long enough to make it look good. In the seventh, it got a point deducted from Wlad in a round he was winning.

The fight was tense through four rounds, both men getting in their shots here and there. The fifth was probably the best round of the first half. Early on, Wlad landed a nice right hand off a jab with Haye on the ropes. The lead up was futile and Haye got back into a rhythm. At the bell, Haye had landed a nice right hand to answer.

In the corner between five and six, Klitschko’s trainer, Emanuel Steward, urged on his man. To his eyes, Haye was looking like he was the more active man because he was moving, jabbing and throwing an occasional right hand while Wlad was simply following him and looking for the big shot. When he did throw, as Steward pointed out, he did well.

Like a good fighter should, Klitschko responded in the middle of the fight, “stepping to” Haye as Steward suggested. He got lower in his stance and began to let that right hand go at different speeds. While not all of them landed entirely, some did which served to tame Haye, seemingly hobbled yet not showing it.

In the seventh, Haye got in a nice left hook on Wlad but not much else early and won the round. Wladimir went to tie up Haye and lean on his back. Haye dropped; referee Genaro Hernandez fell for it and Haye won himself a round…if he didn’t screw up the rest of it. Wlad tried to win back the round through aggression which allowed Haye to make him miss and pay in spots. Haye got cagey, moving in and out well and landing his jab, eventually landing the aforementioned left hook in an off-balance move.

Between rounds, Steward demonstrated for Hernandez the complicated mechanics of the Haye “He leans; I fall down,” move. Rodriguez lowered his eyes and silently agreed, “Yes. I fell for it. Thank you.”

The eighth moved past with nary a good punch landing. The ninth proved foreshadowing because Haye tried his fall-down move again only to be warned that he’d been found out by Rodriguez. This was also one of Wlad’s best rounds, particularly late as he got low and let the right hand go after some nice double jabs. Klitschko badly wanted the KO but just couldn’t land the one right shot. Some of the shots may have actually answered the chin question for Haye at this weight.

God must have been busy saving the Queen because by round 11, Haye could have used a little help that never came. Hopelessly down on the cards and out of ways to generate rounds or point deductions, he was going to have to go for broke. Things went from bad to terrible when Haye leapt into Wlad and was either thrown down or simply fell again but the ref had seen enough and gave him a knockdown count.

Haye responded to his needs with a solid 12th round opening as he blasted a right to the side of Wlad’s head. “Dr. Steelhammer” gripped Haye like a vise and for a brief moment, Haye’s dream was in sight. Klitschko responded like a champion and got behind his jab/right hand combos. It was a good thing Wlad didn’t commit to his pre-fight “You will be #50” prediction with a tattoo or anything because he simply couldn’t finish Haye despite stepping up his aggression and pressure down the stretch.

Overall, it was a clear win for Wladimir Klitschko, 56-3 (49), with scores of 117-109,118-108 and 116-110 to seal a unanimous decision. He is simply one of our very best. I disagree that size is his only attribute. That’s one skilled technician right there.

“I wish I could prove it with knockout of David Haye,” said Wlad, “but I think the fight talks for itself.”

Haye did what he could. When it came down to it, he had his moments and he never went down…from a punch. Haye is a fighter that is more athlete than boxer and that is exactly how he fought. When that didn’t work, was anyone surprised he had no other answers? It was, however, a disappointing excuse by Haye, who falls to 25-2 (23). Lose with grace. Keep the toe to yourself.

“All credit to Wladimir. He is a great fighter. Everything that was said in the lead up was to get him to come to me so I would have a chance to land my shots but he fought a smart fight,” said Haye. “I was trying to egg him on to get close to me so I could land. I couldn’t get him at long range so I was trying to encourage him, dropping my hands, giving him my face to try and get him to come inside so I could do something. He fought the smart fight and won on points.”

“If David’s toe had been well, who knows?” said Haye’s trainer, Adam Booth.

A question best pondered by the experts.

Booth said October 13, Haye’s birthday and the date given for his retirement, will be the last of David Haye as a fighter. Haye said he needed to look at the fight to decide if this was it or if one more is likely.

And now, boxing blue balls for anyone wanting a unified heavyweight champion: The only other fight we want in the world more than Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is Wladimir Klitschko vs. Vitali Klitschko for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. No fight is bigger than this one in my opinion. Manny vs. Floyd has a better chance of happening.

“We did accomplish our dream and unified all of the belts in the heavyweight division,” said Wladimir, who showed no signs of wanting to punch his brother, who stood beside him, WBC belt in hand. “We are and you have to call us now the undisputed heavyweight champions of the world. I share this with my brother and it’s really an [important] moment in our life. I am glad I can share it with the 50,000 people who came.”

The clearest threat to the Klitschkos has now been beaten. Can he redeem himself? Sure. Would we watch again? I would. I’d like to get my ten toes worth, please. A lot of people will be disappointed by the conclusion. I was. But it was not a terrible fight. Just not the great one we expected.

Source: secondsout.com

Target Mayweather! Amir aiming for $100m super fight against controversial American -- Daily Mail

2011-07-06T07:22:00.000+07:00

By Jeff Powell, DailyMail.co.uk

British boxing's post-Haye renaissance began with the unveiling of a four-bout programme for Amir Khan, culminating in a super fight with Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

Mayweather, America's controversial candidate as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, has already agreed in principle to a $100million showdown against Khan in the autumn of next year, assuming they both remain unbeaten.

The agenda for Britain's world light-welterweight champion was made public in London by Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions.

Khan meets the dangerous Zab Judah in Las Vegas in a title unification fight on July 23. He is then expected to move on to an awesome battle in the US against Mexican legend Erik Morales.

That is expected to be followed by a move up to welterweight in preparation for challenging Mayweather, via a homecoming fight in Britain next spring. A likely opponent then would be British champion Kell Brook, with whom Khan has been exchanging banter on Twitter.

That would set the stage for the mega match against Mayweather, who makes his comeback after more than a year out of the ring against Victor Ortiz on September 17.

There is a projected date of May 5 next year for Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao in the fight the world wants to see but Schaefer says: 'We are confident Floyd beats Manny and that Amir will come through his three challenges.

'I believe Amir is the best fighter in the UK now and is destined to become the next pound-for-pound king.

Best in the business? Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, says Khan is Britain's best fighter
'Las Vegas, the HBO network and more and more people in America are becoming excited about Amir. He proved in that Fight of the Year before Christmas that he doesn't have a suspect chin.

'Given his skills, his will, heart and desire to win, along with his personality, that makes him the complete package.'

Khan-Judah will be aired on pay per view by the expanding Primetime network, although Schaefer does not rule out working with Sky again in the future.

But, as the American promoter for Haye, he is concerned about the best way to repackage Britain's fallen world heavyweight champion should he decide to postpone his retirement.

Of Haye's disastrous night against Wladimir Klitschko in a Hamburg football ground, Schaefer said: 'David did not come to fight. He didn't try to win, never went for it and didn't even take a risk when he was so far behind on points.

'It was not the David Haye we know and he should never have mentioned his little toe. But we're not writing him off after one terrible night.'

Haye will not be given a rematch by Wladimir but the German camp have hinted at a possible fight against his older brother, WBC champion Vitali.

But Schaefer warned: 'After last Saturday there'll be nothing like the same money, no football stadium and I can't envisage anything like the same pay-per-view audience.

'Our advice is for David to take a couple of fights in America to rebuild his image as a fast, exciting and charismatic heavyweight. Then he would still need a big win back in Britain to push him towards another challenge against one of the Klitschkos… if they really want it.'

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Mayweather – Ortiz: Delaying the inevitable -- 8CountNews

2011-07-04T07:29:00.000+07:00

By Jeremiah Yap, 8CountNews.com

Victor Ortiz (29-2-2) is not afraid to take any crap from Floyd Mayweather, Jr. He visibly showed no fear and was surprisingly believable when he said that he wanted to "smack" Floyd during their press conference kicker. The young WBC World Welterweight Champion played the role of young-fighter-overearger-to-prove-that-he-can-beat-a-legend-and-become-the-sport's-next-mainstream-star perfectly. He wasn't mincing words when he declared that he'll fight Manny Paquiao after he beats Mayweather.

His frustration was well justified during the conference because of the slew of questions circling around the potential Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. Questions about how Mayweather (41-0) was going to handle his southpaw style were replaced with questions about whether Mayweather was willing to fight Pacquiao next year.

Mayweather, on the other hand, was content on playing Rocky Balboa in Rocky VI (or “Rocky Balboa”). He was thankful for the support and sounded at peace while reflecting on his career. I'm not questioning the sincerity of his sudden epiphany, but it's possible it could be just a show of character sympathy given the legal mess he's in right now.

If there's one thing we can't knock Mayweather for, it's his willingness to fight a young, hungry champion in his prime. When the news first broke out that he was going to fight Ortiz, the first thought that came to my mind was, “Are you sure he’s fighting Victor Ortiz and not Tito?”

Mayweather wants a challenge and found the right opponent for it. Everybody knows that Mayweather has difficulty fighting southpaws and rugged brawlers -- which Ortiz both is. Ortiz has a vicious right uppercut that can send Floyd sprawling to the canvas. Another advantage he has is youth. Floyd hasn't fought for over a year. Age has slowed him down and it'll take time for him to get his rhythm back. It was apparent in his fight against Mosley that Floyd has lost a step.

But Floyd is still the smartest fighter out there. He'll neutralize Ortiz's power and aggressiveness by taking away the angles. Floyd will keep turning him and by the second half of the bout Ortiz will tire from hitting air. I believe that Mayweather already has a game plan for Ortiz. He didn't pick him as his next opponent for nothing. Mayweather has already seen the holes and knows he can exploit them.

This match is exciting because Ortiz moves in only one direction -- forward. He'll make it a fight in the early rounds much like Ricky Hatton did. But it won't be enough to stop the inevitable – a Mayweather – Pacquiao fight early next year.

Source: 8countnews.com

Klitschko, Haye and the decline of the superfight -- Eastside Boxing

2011-07-04T07:19:00.000+07:00

By Mark Klimaszewski, Eastside Boxing

Over the years, the pugilistic art has given us some big, high expectation bouts that are dubbed ‘super fights’. Although there’s no real clear definition of what constitutes a super fight, generally something on a magnitude that transcends the sport and spills into the mainstream consciousness is given the hallowed title.

In the 70’s a large number of high profile bouts took place, among them were the more popular (and most referenced) fights like Ali v Frazier (all three contests were excellent, but the third in particular became a monstrously huge fight publicity-wise and more than delivered on the action front). Ali v Foreman’s historic meeting in Zaire was undoubtedly massive and also lived up to all the expectations. These fights were big on hype and delivered all the action, drama and satisfaction that the fans had hoped for. All went down in the history books as classics to be talked about and re-watched for years to come.

In the 80’s you had another rich line of classics and the more popular (and hugely publicised) matches we remember include Ray Leonard v Duran, Ray Leaonard v Hearns, Hagler v Hearns and so on. Again, all classics that more than delivered on all the hype surrounding them. All superb examples of how good boxing can be and all a pleasure to re-watch all these years later.

Of course the late 80’s was the Mike Tyson era, and nigh on all his fights (up until his first upset loss) were hugely publicised and, although all one-sided, delivered plenty of excitement due to his fierce and ferocious punching power. Into the 90’s and we had another list of massive bouts that delivered on the action front, including Chavez v Taylor, Holyfield v Bowe, Tyson v Holyfield and more.

Around the turn of the century however, the so-called super fights began a pattern that has more or less stayed the same since. Bearing in mind I’m not talking about huge matchups for BOXING FANS (we’ve had plenty of those) but more the kind of massive events that mainstream media catch hold of and have the casual fans tuning in. De La Hoya v Trinidad was hyped as the “Fight of The Millenium” with two undefeated and highly exciting warriors squaring off in what – on paper - was sure to be a classic. The fight was a disappointment, and whilst a lot better than some of the other letdowns I’ll go on to mention, didn’t deliver on the stratospheric hype surrounding it. Lewis v Tyson was a hugely anticipated bout that had been fantasized for years, yet by the time they met, Tyson was way past it and suffered a one sided, unexciting beating. De La Hoya v Mayweather was another match that caught the attention of many fans not normally interested in the sport, and probably served to switch them off. A boring fight of huge magnitude that had Oscar chasing Mayweather for the whole fight and hardly any good, two way action.

More recently, another massive anti climax manifested itself in Hamburg, Germany, as offensive trash talker David Haye failed to deliver on his many promises to de-throne Wladimir Klitschko from the top of the heavyweight division. This fight was as big as any I can remember (when my wife and her friends get together to watch boxing, that is as much proof of ‘the fight transcending the sport’ as I need). As we all know, Haye talked himself into the fight with pantomime villainy and grossly immature behaviour. He talked and talked (and talked) of how he was the adrenaline boost the heavyweight ranks needed; how everyone who’d faced Wladimir before was useless (he can now proudly add himself to that list); how he was going to “decapitate” the unified champ and have his brother jumping into the ambulance whilst he was rushed to hospital. Refusing to shake his opponent’s hand and having the look of a petulant teenager, smirking and rolling his eyes whilst Klitschko talked at the HBO face-off. All deplorable actions that only heightened all the expectations on his shoulders.

During the fight he failed to “get his man out of there early”, failed to “get inside the jab” and land his bombs, failed to do anything he had previously promised in fact.
The robot didn’t malfunction. It carried out it’s combat routine to the letter and silenced the large mouth before it, in an efficient yet unspectacular display. As I told someone just this morning; I may not be a fan of Klitschko’s style but I respect his craft. He’s just too skilled for his own good.

Now in the cold light of day, the buzz of the occasion has simmered down and we can safely say another super fight has left us high and dry. Another uneventful bout to sink without trace and another body blow for heavyweight boxing.

And meanwhile, another yet to be made match up (and probably the only other potential bout genuinely deserving of the ‘super fight’ tag) is smouldering behind the scenes. Another fight that has had people talking for years and which still ignites passionate debate whenever it is mentioned. A fight that would dwarf the hype surrounding the aforementioned ‘super fights’ and make more money for the fighters than any other fight in history. Pacquiao v Mayweather is another massive disappointment waiting to happen (and no guarantee that it will), so talked about and built up that anything other than a total war just wouldn’t meet the fans’ expectations.

Pretty Boy Floyd is far too skilled and defensive to let it turn into the war that everyone dreams it will be. If (and a big IF) it ever does happen, expect a similar play out to the De La Hoya v Mayweather fight. Albeit with a little more aggression on Pacquiao’s part. The result will be the same. And another ‘super fight’ will bite the dust……

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Mayweather talking Pacquiao, but drug tests, too -- SA Express

2011-07-03T06:18:00.000+07:00

By John Whisler, San Antonio Express-News

Floyd Mayweather Jr. swore on a stack of boxing gloves this past week that, yes, he really, really, REALLY wants to fight Manny Pacquiao.

It was news boxing fans everywhere have been waiting to hear. But, at the same time, it should also give them pause.

In reality, we’re no closer now to a Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown than we’ve ever been.

Mayweather’s words came during a promotional tour for his Sept. 17 bout against Victor Ortiz.

In New York and again in Los Angeles, a good portion of the questions directed at Mayweather centered on his plans to fight boxing’s No. 1 star, not Ortiz.

“Do I want to fight Pacquiao? Absolutely,” Mayweather said. “I want to fight the best they got out there, not just him, the best they got out there.

“And if he’s on the list as one of the best guys, then absolutely.”

But in the next breath, Mayweather uttered the words fight fans don’t want to hear.

“Pacquiao’s next,” Mayweather said, “as long as he agrees to the (Olympic-style drug) testing. Victor Ortiz has agreed to do it. So did (May 2010 foe) Shane Mosley.

“I’m also testing. It’ll show that boxing is clean.”

Mayweather in the past has suggested Pacquiao has taken performance enhancing drugs. It’s long been the sticking point between the two and the reason the two have shadow boxed around the richest fight in boxing history for a couple of years now.

Apparently, it still is. And it’s the reason fans shouldn’t get too worked up over anything Mayweather says, or the fact that he’s ending a 16-month layoff to fight Ortiz.

The fight with Ortiz should be a good one. Ortiz is coming off a career-defining victory over Andre Berto that made him the WBC welterweight champion.

Ortiz got off the canvas twice to win a 12-round unanimous decision.

Despite the layoff, Mayweather should beat Ortiz. Say what you will about Mayweather, the guy’s a freak of nature.

He possesses abilities that are unparalleled in the sport of boxing today. No one beats Father Time, but Mayweather has given no indication his skills have begun to fade.

That brings us back to the subject of Pacquiao, who has a date with Juan Manuel Marquez in November. Providing Pacquiao wins that – and he should – all of the attention once against will be focused on Pacquiao-Mayweather.

And the same old stumbling block – random, prefight blood tests.

“I never once said Manny Pacquaio is cheating,” Mayweather said last week. “I’m not taking anything away from him. All I said is we should take the tests. If you want to beat me, I want you to earn it. Just take the test.”

The problem has been the protocol for taking such a test. A test, by the way, that is not required by any state boxing commissions.

Mayweather wants the test conducted right up until the fight. Pacquaio has only agreed to blood and urine testing at certain times.

Until that issue can be resolved, there will be no megafight.

In other words, nothing has changed. We’re really back at square one, with seemingly nowhere to go.

Each fighter has painted himself into a corner on this. Someone is going to have to give in.

Mayweather’s ongoing legal issues may bring him to the negotiating table eventually. But even that’s not a sure bet.

At this point, it still might take a miracle to get the fight we all want to see.

jwhisler@express-news.net

Source: mysanantonio.com

Wladimir Klitschko defeats David Haye to unify heavyweight belts

2011-07-03T05:28:00.013+07:00

Boxing News World

Wladimir Klitschko won by unanimous decision over David Haye in Hamburg, Germany minutes ago to unify the WBA, IBF (& minor titles WBO & IBO) heavyweight belts. His older brother, Vitali, holds the remaining major belt, the WBC version.

All three American judges scored the fight in Klitschko's favour. Adalaide Bird scored it 117-109, Michael Pernick 118-108, and Stanley Christodoulou saw it 116-110.

Haye, who blamed a toe injury he suffered in training after losing convincingly to the Ukrainian, plans to retire in October when he turns 31.

marx7204@lycos.com

Floyd Mayweather JR & Muhammad Ali: The Common Factor – Both are Scum -- Ringside Report

2011-07-02T10:45:00.000+07:00

By Siri Karri, Ringside Report

Chances are that if you know anything about anything of current day boxing, you’ve heard of the Klitschko brothers. Granted they aren’t mentioned in the same breath as Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather, but you’ve at least heard of them. They’re kind of like Kevin Bacon; you don’t have to see any of his movies but as soon as someone mentions him you go, “Hey, I’ve heard that name before!”.

For those who don’t know, Vitali Klitschko is a 6 foot 7, 42-2 heavyweight whose only losses came via shoulder injury against famed boxers Chris Byrd and cut against Lennox Lewis. His younger brother Wladimir is a 6 foot 5, 53-3 heavyweight and between them both, they hold the WBC, IBF, IBO, and WBO belts. They are the best boxers that barely anyone’s heard of.

And it’s not their fault.

In any combat sport, the heavyweight division is often considered the most prestigious. The men who compete in it have won the genetic lottery, towering over the mere mortals in the audience as their blows pack spine-tingling power. It’s no surprise that fighters who’ve truly united the boxing world are most often found at heavyweight: Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, etc. So it’s no surprise that when the heavyweight division is filled with so few noteworthy names, the Klitschko dominance flies under the radar. But that’s not the real problem.

The real problem is the fans. Specifically it seems . . . American fans.

Now I’ll admit right now that I prefer MMA to Boxing, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a boxing fan. I am just as enthusiastic about fights like Marquez vs. Diaz as I am Griffin vs. Bonnar. Being the cynical teenager I am however, I am willing to point out the flaws in everything and today it’s boxing fans’ turn to put their heads on the chopping block.

I want you to think of some of the most famous, notable, biggest draw fighters. I’m not talking about just famous, I’m talking about people that catapulted boxing to the forefront of the sporting world on their shoulders alone.

Floyd Mayweather? Roy Jones Jr.? Hell let’s take it back a little further: Muhammad Ali? These are all men who not only captivated the boxing scene on their shoulders, but probably defined their respective weight division(s) through their ability. You know what else they have in common?

They were all A-holes. That’s right A-holes. Dick pistons. Men whose behavior resemble more that of a 10 year old trying to act cool for his brother’s friends than professional athletes.

Maybe it’s because I’m foreign born, but I never understood why Muhammad Ali is worshipped the way he is. He was unbearably arrogant, and he treated rival Joe Frazier like crap. Seriously, when Ali’s boxing license was revoked Frazier helped him out financially . . . and then Ali turned around and used racial slurs to hype up their third meeting in Manila. There are SO many talented, championship boxers . . . and this is the one who becomes a cultural icon?

No other sport has this problem.

Basketball? Isaiah Thomas and Michael Jordan may have made war on the basketball court, but they never engaged in the immature verbal battles on the level that boxers do. Whenever Isaiah did lash out, it was HIS popularity that suffered while Jordan’s soared. Tennis? Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the most polite men in the sporting world period . . . and they are also the two most revered tennis players as of this writing. Baseball? Roger Clemens may have been good, but his arrogance definitely didn’t help the Yankees gain any new fans.

But Siri! None of those are combat sports, which has an entirely different subculture surrounding it . . . bleated the sheep. Alright, let Siri provide you with an example from MMA, boxing’s chief competition.
On April 10, 2010, Anderson Silva (arguably the best fighter in the world) defended his title against lankly contender Damien Maia. Clearly dominating the fight, Anderson Silva began showboating and dancing around his hurt opponent instead of finishing him off. Do you want to know what happened? Anderson Silva was REVILED, his fan-base turning away in disgust. Look at fighters like Roy Jones Jr. who showboated in the ring, seeking to express their ego’s much in the manner of a chimpanzee attempting to attract a mate. These fighters became loved for their antics instead of blasted for their immaturity.
Look at the Klitschko brothers. It’s not like they’re boring.

Both are granite chinned punchers who have a host of finishes under their belt. They are imposing physical specimens who have redefined the heavyweight jab as a legitimate threat. By professional athletic standards they are some of the most educated, well spoken, and humble men in the world. I mean, seriously . . . they both have PhDs.

So why in god’s name has it taken a loud mouthed wannabe like David Haye to draw true attention to a Klitschko fight? I’m not angry that this fight is getting hyped; it’s going to be one of the best big man fights in recent memory and I’m happy it’s beginning to get the attention it deserves. But why must they rely on this annoying gum-flapping to generate so much interest for their fights when both brothers shining beacons of what a professional athlete should be?

No seriously, I’m not going to answer this question; I can’t even comprehend the logic behind it.
Is it because they fight out of the Ukraine and are stationed in Germany? I understand that Call of Duty games seem to give the uneducated crowd massive erections with their fictional invasion plot involving Axis and Cold War powers, but I was hoping that brain dead idiots would have enough IQ to realize that while it would be nice to have a hometown heavyweight . . . great foreign fighters should not wane their interest in boxing.

Is it because they’re too damn nice? Has unwarranted and unbridled smack talk (a.k.a. Muhammad Ali) somehow become what America desires in its boxers? So . . . if the Klitschko brothers were uneducated, unrefined and arrogant they would still generate more interest as long as they kept their gums flapping? Yeah sure they could do that . . . as they sip their beer, hit on their relatives and pronounce the name of this country as “Murca”.

This is a time when boxing fans need to be united; our sport (that’s right I’m a fan too) is splintering. We have so many organizations that if you put them all together it would look like alphabet soup. It’s becoming more and more apparent that steroids are common in the sport, and organizers are unwilling to enforce stricter measures lest they lose big fights. Mixed martial arts is quickly siphoning off the younger generation of fans with marketing, variety and good business strategy. And with all of this . . . American fans are simply turning away from two of the best heavyweight boxers on the planet?

Wow guys. Just wow.

Source: ringsidereport.com

David Haye vows to knock out Wladimir Klitschko by the sixth round -- Guardian

2011-07-02T07:43:00.000+07:00

By Jamie Jackson, Guardian.co.uk

David Haye believes he will knock out Wladimir Klitschko by the sixth round of their world heavyweight title clash in Hamburg on Saturday. Asked for a prediction Haye said: "I'm not sure [exactly] which round yet – before six. I'd be surprised if he goes past the sixth round."

Klitschko is the IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring magazine champion, and Haye will be defending his WBA belt. The weigh-in was conducted at a sports retailer in the city centre, with Klitschko's supporters largely kept out on his home patch due to the heavy presence of Haye fans. Many of the British boxer's followers sang and chanted, creating a raucous and, at times, unsavoury atmosphere.

Haye does not believe that will have unnerved Klitschko, though. "He's the champion, he's been in this situation many times," he said. "He's stared into the eyes of men who believed they were going to win in the past. He's had enough fights to be able to handle a press conference or weigh-in so he looks confident. But once I start landing my shots and he can't land his, I guarantee he'll start crapping himself.

"The reception [was] tremendous, I don't think Klitschko's ever had to deal with having that type of reception. Every time he's come out everyone has worshipped him and this time round he got a load of boos and jeers."

Haye, who has one defeat and 23 knockouts in his 26 fights, weighed in at 15st 2lb, two pounds more than when he defeated Audley Harrison last November. The 15st 8lb he carried against John Ruiz in early 2010 is the most he has weighed for a fight. Klitschko, who has 55 wins with 49 knockouts and three defeats, was more than two stones heavier than Haye, taking the scales to 17st 5lb.

After the pair had eyeballed each other immediately following the weigh-in Haye was asked what he saw in Klitschko's demeanour. "I saw someone who was ready, hungry and in shape and who believed they were going to win. My prediction is he's going to come out a lot harder than he normally does so he's going to get knocked out quick," he said.

Haye claimed that with Klitschko's superior reach he will need to box him from short range. "Without a doubt you can't allow him to keep you at the end of his jab, you've got to get inside, you've got to let your shots go," he said.

Asked if the 35-year-old likes to bully opponents, Haye said: "Yeah he does, he's used to being bigger and taller with his longer arms so I can't allow him to utilise it.

"This is the biggest fight in boxing, plain and simple. I think the only fight that could match it is Floyd Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao. For various reasons their fight has not happened, and won't happen this year. I'm so proud to be involved in [this] and to be the guy that knocks the other unconscious is going to be a great feeling, to be the main man, at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division."

Haye said it was "unrepeatable" what he had told Klitschko during the weigh-in but the Ukrainian seemed unperturbed. "I've been called a dead man walking before," Klitschko said. "But this dead man keeps walking. And you know what? It's OK the way Haye talks and represents himself. David Haye has been around, talking a lot, and now it is time for the talking to end. I'm angry for the last three years but it has transformed into concentration and motivation now."

Source: guardian.co.uk

Haye looks set to pocket £15million for his fight with Wladimir Klitschko -- Mirror

2011-07-02T07:32:00.000+07:00

By DAVID ANDERSON, Daily Mirror

DAVID HAYE will pocket a career-best purse of £15million for his humdinger in Hamburg tonight.

The heavyweight unification clash will be the richest fight ever staged in Europe and WBA title holder Haye and IBF and WBO champion Klitschko have agreed to split the £30m pot 50-50.

TV pay-per-view figures could break the £1m barrier, which would make the contest second only to Ricky Hatton-Floyd Mayweather Jr in UK box office history.

A million pay-per-views would generate around £15m with the fighters pocketing a progressively larger percentage of the £14.95 box office fee – rising to £19.95 today – the more sales are made.

The TV cash will be swollen a further £6m by Luxembourg-based broadcaster RTL, who are screening the fight on terrestrial TV in Germany, and American broadcaster HBO.

The big fight will be watched by millions of viewers worldwide with 150 countries paying to tune in.

A sell-out crowd of more than 45,000 will be packed inside Hamburg’s Imtech Arena, paying between £50 and £1,000 for tickets.

It will be the biggest contest involving a Brit since the Hatton-Mayweather bout broke all records in December 2007.

A source close to Haye’s camp said: “In pure money terms this will be the richest fight in Europe and the final pot could be as much as £30m.

“With the fighters splitting every penny 50-50, they would gross £15m each.”

Source: mirror.co.uk

Mayweather Jr. insists Shane Mosley told him to get Manny Pacquiao tested -- Examiner

2011-07-02T07:26:00.000+07:00

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner

The incredible soap opera between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has taken another crazy turn as the undefeated boxer Floyd announced to the public that Shane Mosley has privately told him to get Manny Pacquiao tested. Apparently, after the May 7th fight between Mosley and Pacquiao, Floyd and Shane had a phone conversation about Manny. On Thursday, Floyd Jr. made the following comments about that conversation, according to Fighthype.com:

"Me and Shane talked and he told me the truth. These words that Shane told me: 'Floyd, if I was you, I'd make Pacquiao take the test'."

Floyd claims that Shane might have regretted not getting Manny tested before their fight on May 7th. Floyd has now thrown Mosley under the bus and it will be interesting to see how Shane responds. Last month, a bogus report came out that Pacquiao was taking PEDs all the way back to his fight with Hatton and De La Hoya. Shane retweeted the report, made a few comments, and then completely backed off of it when he was getting blasted in the media.

If Mosley really has a problem with Pacquiao, then he should publicly come out and say it. Unfortunately, we can't just go off the words of Floyd Jr. when it comes to allegations like this. I guess the $5 million pay day that Mosley received was good enough for him to publicly declare Manny was clean but privately question Pacquiao.

Source: examiner.com

Steward explains why Haye is in trouble against Klitschko -- Ring

2011-07-01T20:32:00.000+07:00

By Michael Rosenthal, The Ring

HAMBURG, Germany -- Trainer Emanuel Steward was relaxed as he sank into a plush leather chair in the lobby of a five-star hotel here. It had nothing to do with the serene setting of the InterContinental, which overlooks the picturesque Alster Lake in one of Germany’s most-beautiful cities.

Rather, Steward, a natural worrier, is at peace because he is supremely confident about the prospects of his fighter – heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko -- against David Haye on Saturday.

“Honestly,” he said in a soft voice, almost embarrassed at being so bold, “I don’t think it’ll go much past four rounds.”

Steward chatted for about an hour with RingTV.com, explaining why Klitschkko will beat Haye at what is expected to be an Imtech Arena soccer stadium packed with about 50,000 fans of the Germany-based Ukrainian giant.

Klitschko has obvious advantages in size and experience – he has taken part in 18 world title fights, Haye five – that should play a role in their long-awating showdown.

However, Steward focused on three basic aspects of his fighter’s game he believes will make this a one-sided fight: Footwork he compared to that of Manny Pacquiao, the big man’s now-legendary left jab and a right he said rivals that of any fighter he’s ever worked with.

Steward said he can’t understand why observers don’t recognize Klitschko’s ability to move his feet effectively, which he explained is the most-important element to any boxer’s repertoire.

Klitschko, he said, defetly uses his feet to get into punching range – relentlessly cutting off the ring – but also uses them to step quickly backward when his opponent attacks and then, with his prey off balance, counter punch. Either way the opponent loses.

“Tommy Morrison beat George Foreman so easily because every time George came in, Tommy just moved to the side,” Steward said. “It was so simple. Tommy would just make George miss completely and then BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!. Michael Moorer and other opponents blocked George’s punches. If you make someone miss, they lose their balance. If you block punches, you let them keep their balance.

“The only fighters in boxing (today) that do this effectively off the top of my head are Manny Pacquiao and Wladimir. People don’t see Wladimir’s footwork. That amazes me.”

How is Haye’s footwork?

Steward got up from his chair and stood with his feet wide apart, catching the attention of curious hotel guests nearby who would receive their first lesson in proper balance. The trainer threw a right hand and then stumbled to make a point.

“Haye gets out of balance when he throws his right,” Steward said. “That’s why he never throws combinations, because he’s off balance all the time. He’s too far apart and flat footed. Wladimir is always on his toes.”

So how was an unbalanced Haye able to beat heavyweights such as Nikolai Valuev and John Ruiz?

“Because his opponents stand like that,” said Steward, standing upright with his hands covering his face. “He’s more explosive than those guys. He better be careful who he’s fighting this time, though. In his mind Wladimir is a stand-up, robotic guy. He doesn’t see the footwork, how he cuts off the ring, shortens the distance.

“If he is comparing Wladimir to Valuev and Ruiz, he’s going to have a problem.”

Klitschko’s jab is no secret. It is like a moving, rock-hard wall his opponents almost invariably can’t find a way around.

Steward said it isn’t thrown in the same way each time, though. Sometimes it is predictable, coming straight at you. Sometimes he throws it out of rhythm. And sometimes he’ll throw a half jab first – causing you to flinch – and then come at you with full force.

The idea is to keep the opponent guessing.

“I see people get frustrated with his jab,” Steward said. “They can’t figure it out. The opponent goes back to his corner and they say, ‘Why are you getting his with those jabs, man? We worked on that in camp.’ They all have problems with it.

“The strategy for this fight is real simple … create foot pressure, take his space away, like Wladimir did against Eddie Chambers. Cut him off, cut him off, cut him off. Create tension. Don’t give him time to relax. Shoot the jab, shoot the jab, shoot the jab and eventually you’ll get caught with a big shot.”

Klitschko -- 6-foot-6½ (199cm) and about 245 pounds (111 kilos) – is a big, immensely strong man. His right biceps is the size of a basketball.

Thus, it’s no great surprise that Steward compares his punching power to that of giant-sized former protégé Lennox Lewis and most people believe he hits harder than Mike Tyson ever did.

The effectiveness of Klitschko’s right goes beyond strength, though. Speed (underrated) and positioning of his glove also play a role.

Steward said more than one opponent has told him after the fact that they were surprised at Klitschko’s hand speed, another example of his surprising athleticism given his size.

The right also reaches its target quickly because of where it starts. Steward put his right fist against his ear, a typical starting position for an orthodox boxer. Then he moved the fist to his chin, about six inches closer to the opponent.

That’s where Klitschko’s right starts, he said. Steward believes the six inches can decide a fight.

“I ran into Chris Byrd after Wladimir beat him the second time and he said, ‘My dad and everyone says he beat me because he is bigger than me. The first fight, maybe. The last fight he beat me because I couldn’t see his punches.’ Chris got knocked down the first time and asked his corner, ‘What knocked me down?’ They said a right hand. He never saw it. He keeps it in such a position and throws it so straight that you hardly see it.

“You get so busy watching for the jab and all of a sudden you’re on the floor. Wladimir pushes the button on the missle and it goes right to the target.”

That’s what Steward is convinced will happen against Haye on Saturday.

Klitschko will use his feet to move in and out of danger. He’ll batter the Briton with his confusing and relentless jab. And he’ll fire big rights that Haye will have trouble tracking, rights that will eventually spell the underdog's doom.

It all seems so simple.

“It is,” Steward said. “That’s why I’m so comfortable, so relaxed about this fight.”

Source: ringtv.craveonline.com

District judge sides with Pacquiao, orders Mayweather to give deposition -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

2011-07-01T20:19:00.000+07:00

By Steve Carp, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

A district judge ruled Thursday that Floyd Mayweather Jr. must give a deposition in the defamation lawsuit filed against him by fellow boxer Manny Pacquiao.

U.S. District Court Judge Larry Hicks denied an emergency appeal filed by Mayweather attorney Mark Tratos, claiming the appeal was "without merit." Mayweather was scheduled to give his deposition June 17 but failed to appear.

Pacquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion who has won world titles in eight weight divisions, sued Mayweather in December 2009 after Mayweather allegedly accused Pacquiao of taking steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in his rise to stardom.

Hicks' decision affirmed Magistrate Robert Johnston's order denying Mayweather's motion for a protective order to prevent the June 17 deposition.

Daniel Petrocelli, who represents Pacquiao, said Thursday: "Floyd Mayweather Jr. still is refusing to show up for his deposition. He continues to defy the court's order."

Mayweather this week went on a two-day promotional tour for his Sept. 17 fight against WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden. Tratos said he has reached out to Petrocelli in the hope of delaying the deposition until after the fight.

"We're still negotiating," Tratos said. "I've had correspondence with opposing counsel and we'll try and find a solution. If possible, we'd like to have the deposition after Sept. 17."

Tratos said there was no truth to the rumor that Pacquiao would drop his lawsuit if Mayweather publicly apologized to him. Pacquiao dropped Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya and chief executive officer Richard Schaefer from the lawsuit this spring after Golden Boy issued a public apology to Pacquiao.

"Believe me, if it was an apology that was necessary, this case would have been gone a long time ago," Tratos said.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.

Source: lvrj.com

Ortiz-Mayweather LA Presser -- FightNews

2011-07-01T08:57:00.000+07:00

By Francisco Salazar, FightNews.com

The stars were out at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday night. There were bright lights, a red carpet, hundreds of fans in attendance seeking autographs or pictures. One would have thought that famous actors, rappers, or other celebrities were attending an awards show based on the electricity of the event and the crowd.
Instead, it was two of the biggest names in boxing today that drew an overwhelming crowd to the outdoor plaza, which is located right across the street from STAPLES Center.

Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz took different roads during their professional career, but they will step inside the ring on September 17th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Wednesday night was the final stop of a two-day press tour to announce their showdown in a few months’ time. On Tuesday afternoon, both fighters and their respective camps were in New York City, holding court in front of the media and fight fans.
After defeating Andre Berto two and a half months ago, Ortiz confirmed to the media that he went to the office of Golden Boy Promotions and demanded that they arrange a bout between him and Mayweather. Since Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe have worked together in the past, the fight was arranged with little hesitance.

Possibly because of the electricity in the air and the crowd that favored Ortiz, there was a great deal of talking from the Ortiz camp, more so than at the press conference in New York.

When Schaefer announced to the meeting between the two fighters was called “Star Power,” explaining that Mayweather was the star and Ortiz had the power, Ortiz interjected.
“I am the power and I am the star!” proclaimed Ortiz, drawing applause from the crowd.
Possibly, considering that Ortiz defeated Berto with power and has risen to the star that the media and fight fans projected him to be when he was a prospect.

Ortiz did not hide his emotions in explaining that he was frustrated and felt disrespected that Mayweather, in an interview with ESPN’s Brian Kenny, focused his attention on a possible fight with Manny Pacquiao.

“I’m tired of keeping my mouth closed. I’m tired of hearing about Pacquiao. Mayweather is a beast, but I’m a monster. If he wants to box, we’ll box. If he wants to brawl, we’ll brawl. I’m the new WBC champion and I’m keeping the belt. I’m going to knock Mayweather out the way Julio Cesar Chavez knocked out Roger Mayweather.”

Mayweather thanked Ortiz for not only “stepping up to face him,” but for submitting to the Olympic-style drug testing, an alleged sticking point that Pacquiao did not want to agree to by Mayweather.

Praising the late-Genaro Hernandez, who passed away a few weeks ago to cancer, Mayweather stated that he has been in grueling fights with Mexican fighters and he expects one from the young Mexican-American.

“It’s going to be another amazing night. I’m going to go toe-to-toe. I’m not going to box. September 17th will be an amazing night. I’m not going to overlook Ortiz. He’s young and I can’t overlook those victories. But, Victor will be now, then Pacquiao is next.”

MGM Grand executive Bob Halloran announced that Mayweather is a -750 favorite, while Ortiz is a +525 underdog.

“That’s fine by me. I was an underdog going into the Berto fight,” was what Ortiz responded when asked about the odds.

Schaefer announced that tickets will go on sale a week from Friday. Besides HBO Pay Per View, the fight will be shown on closed circuit in Las Vegas and in movie theatres across the country.

Also, a “behind the scenes” press tour video will be shown on Youtube.

Aside from the face-to-face jawing between the two before and after the press conference, the event was rather calm and more entertaining for the media and fight fans.

Let us hope that the press conference will translate to a lot of action in the ring on September 17th.

Source: fightnews.com

Judge Rejects Mayweather Emergency Appeal for Delay in Deposition -- The Boxing Tribune

2011-07-01T08:52:00.000+07:00

The Boxing Tribune

A Las Vegas judge on Thursday denied Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s emergency appeal for a delay in the court ordered deposition pertaining to Manny Pacquiao’s defamation lawsuit against the fighter.

Manny Pacquiao has a pending lawsuit against Mayweather and his father, Floyd Sr., for comments the two made regarding Pacquiao and the use of performance enhancing drugs last year. A deposition was ordered for June 17, but Mayweather no-showed the court proceeding after making an unsuccessful attempt to postpone it several days earlier.

Mayweather and his attorneys were looking to postpone the deposition until after his September 17 bout with Victor Ortiz.

Source: theboxingtribune.com

Floyd Mayweather says he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao, as he promotes bout with Victor Ortiz -- NY Daily News

2011-06-29T20:10:00.000+07:00

By Tim Smith, DAILY NEWS

In the past when Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a press conference to announce his upcoming fight he used the occasion to get under the skin of his opponent.

So there was the expectation that Mayweather would use Tuesday's press conference at the Hudson Theater near Times Square to unnerve WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, whom he will fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 17.

Instead, Mayweather, who hasn't fought in 13 months, was in a more reflective mood. When it was his time to speak to the media and the many fans who packed the theater, Mayweather sounded as if he was delivering a testimonial than the usual fight hype.

Mayweather praised Ortiz and thanked everyone from the members of his team to the guys who sweep the floor in the balcony of the theater. For 15 minutes Mayweather talked about spending more time with his children, being misunderstood and not being given the benefit of the doubt on his many legal woes.

But the only thing that anyone wants to hear from Mayweather is if he will fight Manny Pacquiao, and if so, when is it going to happen? And while everyone is thinking that Ortiz, a young, powerful southpaw who comes straight ahead, is the perfect primer for a Pacquiao match, only Mayweather is certain whether the mega fight everyone wants to see will happen next year.

"Floyd Mayweather doesn't duck or dodge anyone," Mayweather said. "Do I want the Pacquiao fight? Absolutely. If that's what the fans want. It takes one step at a time. I can't overlook Victor Ortiz. He's tough and he's earned the chance."

By taking on Ortiz, a 24-year-old with pop in both hands, Mayweather is getting one up on Pacquiao, whose last few opponents have been retreads and has-beens. That point wasn't lost on Mayweather.

"Victor Ortiz is a young, hungry champion that bounced back from a brutal loss," Mayweather said. "Honestly I picked Victor Ortiz for that."

Mayweather wouldn't commit on exactly when he would fight Pacquiao, but at least he's on the record that he wants the fight. And Leonard Ellerbee, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, said he doesn't see any obstacles for making the fight. Mayweather acknowledged that Pacquiao had agreed to blood and urine testing for performance-enhancing drugs, but was not on the same page with regard to the protocol that Mayweather wants to use.

Mayweather said he has never said that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs. He said he just wants everyone in boxing and all sports to test for PEDs.

"They have it in baseball, they have it in football, they have it in the Olympics," Mayweather said.

Source: nydailynews.com

Mayweather multitasks -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

2011-06-29T20:01:00.000+07:00

By Steve Carp, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight Victor Ortiz in his return to the ring, but on Tuesday he found himself looking into the future -- and a highly anticipated date with Manny Pacquiao.

As the promotion began for his Sept. 17 fight against Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden, Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) wanted to set the record straight -- at least from his perspective -- about where he stands with Pacquiao.

"I never said Manny Pacquiao is cheating," Mayweather said Tuesday from New York, where the two-city promotional tour kicked off. Mayweather and Ortiz will be in Los Angeles today.

"I never discredited Manny Pacquiao. I'm not taking anything away from him. All I said is we should take the (Olympic-style drug) tests. If you want to beat me, I want you to earn it. Just take the test.

"Do I want the Pacquiao fight? Absolutely. But it's one step at a time, and I can't overlook Victor Ortiz. He's the world champion."

Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) has the WBC welterweight title,

Mayweather is being sued by Pacquiao for defamation after Mayweather allegedly made claims in 2009 that Pacquiao used steroids to help launch his rise to the top as boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter. Over the past two years, there have been two attempts to put the two in the ring, and both tries have failed.

Ortiz said he knows Mayweather will dominate the headlines up until fight night, whether it's talk about Pacquiao, Mayweather's return to boxing from a 16-month hiatus or his myriad troubles outside the ring.

"I'm the one with the belt," Ortiz said. "I knew when I was 9 years old that I would one day be the world welterweight champion, and I plan to be the champ for a long time. If (Neil) Armstrong can go to the moon, why can't I hold on to my belt for 15 years?"

Ortiz, 24, is coming off a sensational win over Andre Berto on April 16, when he survived a sixth-round knockdown to knock down Berto later in the round and win the WBC belt by unanimous decision. He said the win proved to him that he had a warrior's spirit, and he refused to listen to critics who said he didn't have the heart to be a champion.

"I never paid any attention to that," Ortiz said. "I always stayed true to myself."

Mayweather was ringside that night. He was impressed with Ortiz and decided he would be a worthy opponent in his return to the ring.

"This is not my last fight," said the 34-year-old Mayweather, who last fought May 1, 2010, when he beat Shane Mosley.

Mayweather opened as a minus-750 favorite over Ortiz (plus-525) at the MGM's sports book.

"I'm going to stay active, and I'd like to give you 10 more fights," Mayweather said. "But I don't know if I can do that, since I'm closer to 40 than to 21. But I'm going to go to camp and dedicate myself and push myself to the limit. I look forward to going out there and bringing the pressure.

"I deserve to be where I'm at. What other athlete has done it 15 years straight without a loss?"

HBO announced Tuesday that the first installment of the reality TV series "24/7 Mayweather/Ortiz" will debut Aug. 27, with successive installments on Sept. 3, 10 and 16.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter @stevecarprj.

Source: lvrj.com

Manny Pacquiao still much on Mayweather's mind -- Statesman

2011-06-29T12:13:00.000+07:00

Statesman.com

NEW YORK — Floyd Mayweather Jr. was in New York on Tuesday to announce his first fight in 16 months against WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, but it was the subtext of his rivalry with Manny Pacquiao as best pound-for-pound fighter in the world that remains more compelling than the main event scheduled Sept. 17 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao was much on Mayweather's mind when he began his remarks. Noting that Ortiz (29-2-2, 29 KOs) agreed to unlimited drug testing by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) segued to the subject of failed negotiations for a Pacquiao fight the past two years, blaming it on Pacquiao's original demand it be confined to a specific prefight period.

"Do I want a Pacquiao fight?" Mayweather said. "Absolutely. If that's what the fans want, I want to give it to them." But he added, "To the media, I must touch on the Pacquiao situation. It's not just Pacquiao, it's sports. You look at the Olympics, and they're cheating. They're cheating in sports, period."

Mayweather insisted he's not worried about protecting his undefeated record, but he's worried about the possibility of facing fighters using performance-enhancing drugs. "If you beat me, I want you to earn it," Mayweather said. "Just take the test."

Mayweather is being sued by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum for defamation over allegations that Pacquiao has used steroids to fuel his climb from the 106-pound division to win titles in eight weight classes up to 154-pound light middleweight.

Source: statesman.com

Mayweather, Ortiz reflective, restrained -- ESPN

2011-06-29T07:40:00.000+07:00

By Franklin McNeil, ESPN.com

NEW YORK -- There wasn't the usual braggadocio, no getting in the other guy's face or chest-bumping.

Longtime welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and current WBC titleholder Victor Ortiz kicked off the promotional tour for their Sept. 17 showdown on Tuesday by showing each other a level of professional respect that is fairly uncommon for these functions.

Despite repeated taunts from the gathered audience questioning Ortiz's heart, and the occasional shout for Mayweather to fight Manny Pacquiao, the fighters focused most of their attention on themselves at the Hudson Theater.

The 34-year-old Mayweather, who is returning to action for the first time since defeating Shane Mosley in May 2010, used the opportunity to reflect on his career, family and personal supporters.

I'm a lot older, a lot wiser," Mayweather said.

"I've been away from the sport awhile because I wanted to choose the right opponent. But also, I wanted to grow closer to my family, my mother, my children.

"My ultimate goal is for my son and my daughter to never work again. I have to give thanks to [advisors] Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon, HBO and my team for putting me in position so that my family will never have to work again."

During his reflective moment, Mayweather (41-0-0, 25 knockouts) appeared to get a little emotional. He paused briefly each time he thanked family members or close friends.

Maybe he is beginning to see the end of an illustrious fighting career. But Mayweather isn't yet ready to write the final chapters.

"I want to thank you guys [the fans] for all your support over the years," Mayweather said. "[Ortiz] is not my last fight. I want to stay active in the sport of boxing; hopefully I can give you guys 10 more fights.

"I may not be able to. I'm closer to 40 than I am 21. But I look forward to going out there. I'm not going to be moving. It's going to be like the Shane Mosley fight; I'm going to bring the pressure in the middle of the squared circle."

Ortiz, 24, has no thoughts of retiring. For him, this fight -- which will be staged at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will air on HBO pay-per-view -- represents the beginning of what he believes will be a wonderful career.

But Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) is approaching the rest of it with a new attitude. Roundly criticized in the aftermath of his TKO loss to Marcos Maidana in 2009, he was accused by many of lacking heart. It's the worst label to place on a boxer.

In the past, such comments pained Ortiz. Not anymore. He has experienced too much in life to allow such criticism to harm him anymore.

"I understand all the love-hate type stuff. It is part of the game," Ortiz said. "But tell me one thing I haven't already heard.

"My mom and dad, they left me. People who loved me, they left me. I've been through a bunch of [stuff], are you kidding me?

"For somebody to sit there and tell me how to live my life, or try to dictate how I should live my life, that makes me laugh. I don't care."

Being criticized doesn't concern Ortiz, and neither, apparently, does the Mayweather bout. It's a fight he says he has wanted since his teenage years, and when it was offered, Ortiz immediately signed on.

This was the opportunity he'd been dreaming of for too long.

Ortiz remembers one of the first times he mentioned wanting to fight Mayweather. He was 16 years old. There were doubters then, too.

"We were sitting down watching a Mayweather fight and [trainer Robert Garcia] -- he's not the nicest person toward us sometimes -- said, 'You can't be in there with him. He's way too classy. You're not in his class.'

"But no one is going to tell me how to live my life. I don't care. I'm here to fight."

Franklin McNeil covers mixed martial arts and boxing for ESPN.com. He also appears regularly on "MMA Live," which airs on ESPN2. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Franklin_McNeil.

Source: espn.go.com

Vicious Victor Ortiz declares: I'll beat Mayweather twice, then whip Pacquiao -- Examiner

2011-06-29T07:35:00.000+07:00

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

Using what Don King likes to call “double shock power,” what if there were two huge boxing upsets, one on Sept. 17 and one on Nov. 12?

I guess we could then look forward to the 2012 Fight Of The Century, and certainly the most important all Mexican bout ever, between Vicious Victor Ortiz, who handed Floyd Mayweather his first ever pro loss, and Juan Manuel Marquez who, in his third try, finally whipped Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao.

Boxing oldtimers like to say that winning a first world title belt does wonders for a fighter’s confidence and Vicious Victor, based on his words and demeanor Tuesday at the Hudson Theater, was exuding confidence.

“I’ll be the one fighting Manny Pacquiao next year,” Ortiz said.

Some might look at his down times, the draw with Lamont Peterson and the notorious “quit job” against Marcos Maidana, and say that’s the essence of Ortiz. But Ortiz himself says we saw the content of his ring character when he bounced off the deck twice to hand cocksure Andre Berto his first defeat.

And, Ortiz promised, we’ll see more of that positive side of him when he shocks “Money” at the mGm Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Someone mentioned the opening odds—with Mayweather minus 750 and Ortiz plus 525—and Ortiz laughed.

“I don’t care about that,” the 24 year old former Kansan said. “I don’t pay attention to that. I am not one of those made champions. I didn’t get here by fighting tomato cans.

“I’m not one of those guys who were fed with a spoon like that. I have a lot of slaps in my face (from critics). This is a great chance for me.

“I plan on being a world champion for 15 years. I didn’t work so hard for this opportunity to let it a slip away,” Ortiz said.

“I am definitely going to beat Mayweather.”

Ortiz explains away his controversial finish against Argentine strongman by citing family issues and a badly injured right hand.

“I let my emotions get the best of me regarding my brother and my sister and some issues,” Ortiz said. “I also had to (secretly) see some doctors and get cortisone shots in my hand.”

Criticism of his heart and courage from that loss still burns deep for Ortiz.

Ortiz revealed that he had to accept a rematch clause to get the Mayweather bout.

“So I may have to beat him twice and then fight Pacquiao,” Ortiz said.

Like I said, in the wake of besting Berto, Ortiz’s confidence level is at an all time high.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. says he 'would love the [Manny] Pacquiao fight to happen' -- Los Angeles Times

2011-06-29T07:30:00.000+07:00

By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times

For the first time since he walked off the post-fight news conference stage in May 2010, Floyd Mayweather Jr. addressed an assemblage of reporters Tuesday in New York and said what boxing fans want to hear.

"I would love the [Manny] Pacquiao fight to happen," Mayweather Jr. told The Times in a telephone interview after meeting with the New York contingent. "We take one guy at a time. Now, it's Victor Ortiz.

Pacquiao's next as long as he agrees to the testing, [U.S. Anti-Doping Agency] testing. Victor Ortiz has agreed to do it. So did [May 2010 foe] Shane Mosley. I'm also testing. I'll show I'm clean, and that boxing is clean."

The 34-year-old Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) and Ventura's 24-year-old Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) will tangle for Ortiz's World Boxing Council welterweight belt Sept. 17 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pair will appear Wednesdayat downtown's L.A. Live at 8 p.m. for a public news conference.

Odds at Las Vegas sports books opened Tuesday with Mayweather as more than a 7-to-1 favorite over the taller southpaw. HBO pay per view will televise the bout and bring back its "24/7" series Aug. 27.

Since his last fight, Mayweather has been beset by legal challenges, including a multi-felony domestic violence episode involving the mother of his three children that has the boxer scheduled to return to Clark County (Nev.) court Oct. 20. But Mayweather said his three children live with him at his home in Las Vegas and he downplayed the severity of the alleged crimes.

"I'm in the hurt business, in a contact sport, so when something like this happens, people want to assume the worst. I'm automatically assumed guilty," Mayweather said.

"My thing is to focus on my job. Someone can go to trial, but you can't let it lose your focus on your key. I got to do what I do. Boxing is what pays my bills."

Mayweather said he's not expecting his skills to show ring rust despite a 16-plus month layoff that included a third failed negotiation to seal a Pacquiao fight, with the sides bitterly split on the drug-testing protocol.

"There's ups and downs with boxing, layoffs are part of the sport and they can either help or hurt a guy," Mayweather said. "In my case, I think it'll help. My fitness is great. I'm playing basketball, keeping my weight at 147 right now and getting my body stretched out in massages. I'm ready to go."

Mayweather said he opted to return to the ring after sitting ringside at Ortiz's thrilling decision triumph over previously unbeaten Andre Berto in April — when both fighters were knocked down twice in the bout.

"I really missed that atmosphere," he said.

Now Mayweather is focused on beating Ortiz, and then setting up the super-fight against Pacquiao that the world wants in 2012.

"How do I deal with that? Execute the game plan given to me," Mayweather said. "I can go outside, counter punch … this sport's all about being a great student and good listener. That's who I am."

lance.pugmire@latimes.com
twitter.com/latimespugmire
Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

Source: latimes.com

Mayweather is always worth watching -- ESPN

2011-06-29T07:22:00.000+07:00

By Michael Woods, ESPN

NEW YORK -- Floyd Mayweather is one of those entertainers who falls into the "either you love them or you hate them" category.

His fans (and there are hordes of them -- a few hundred queued up at the Hudson Theater on West 44th St. in the blazing sun on Tuesday to watch the news conference banging the drums for his Sept. 17 fight against Victor Ortiz) point to his stellar technique in the ring, the sweetly scientific skills that allow Mayweather to boast with some viability that he is an all-time, pound-for-pound great. Those who don't care for Mayweather most often cite his tendency towards boastfulness. They'll point out that he hasn't always appeared to seek out the stiffest challengers en route to piling up a 41-0 (25 KOs) record and six titles in five weight divisions.

Evidence suggests, though, that folks in both camps -- those who admire the brash hitter, and those who don't dig the antics of the man who in P Diddy-ish fashion rebranded himself "Money" after going by the "Pretty Boy Floyd" tag -- pay up to watch him fight.

Some stats to back that up: In seven pay-per-view fights, Mayweather has amassed 6.9 million buys and garnered $375 million in revenue; his 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya did a record 2.44 million buys and a record $137 million in revenue. Tune in to see him expertly ply his trade, or tune in to see him get his block knocked off -- either way, people tune in.

So the fight game, the fans, the haters, and the suits who share in the take when Mayweather gloves up are all happy to see the 34-year-old back in the ring after 16 months away. He will allow the 24-year-old Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) -- a kid who came up the hard way in Kansas in a series of foster homes after being abandoned by his mother at age seven, and then by his father five years later -- a chance for a majestic signature win. Boxing fans have hungered for a couple years now to see Mayweather and the Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao face off for true bragging rights to the mythical pound-for-pound title. But a rumble with a young gun like Ortiz, coming off a stellar April win against WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto, has been met with an upbeat buzz on message boards and at water coolers.

It will be something of a relief for his backers to be able to focus on the in-the-ring element of Mayweather's life. He has been plagued by a series of brushes with the law in the past nine months. Charges are pending against the fighter for a Sept. 2010 clash with his ex-gal pal, the mother of his three kids, all of whom were up on the dais with the fighter and his posse on Tuesday. Mayweather seems to butt heads with security guards wherever he goes as well. Two months after the domestic situation, he got into a dispute with a security guard at his residence, and was charged with battery. A month after that, he was caught on tape getting into a beef with another guard at his community in Las Vegas.

On June 27, it was revealed that a man has filed a civil suit against Mayweather. The accuser says Mayweather, in May 2010, ordered his bodyguards to attack him at The Palms (Las Vegas) valet area. His woes also include a pending defamation suit lodged by Pacquiao, who maintains Mayweather and his crew accused him of taking illegal performance-enhancers; a week ago Mayweather blew off a deposition session for that case.

So, one might think that these legal entanglements hang heavy on Mayweather-s head -- that his ability to concentrate on the task of handling Ortiz, who has sent each and every one of his foes to the canvas since he turned pro -- might be compromised.

Not so, said Mayweather on Tuesday. "Absolutely not," he maintained. "You go through certain things in life. Everybody has certain obstacles put in front of them."

He said that writers play up negative aspects of his behavior, and found a silver lining in his travails, as he thanked writers who spoke ill of him for keeping him "relevant."

Mayweather wouldn't explicitly say that some or all of the accusations stem from people looking to make a buck off him. But he did note that one specific allegation of misbehavior was proven false via a tape of one incident which was leaked to the gossip website TMZ. "Things happen, you live and learn, I don't worry about anything, what's going to happen in life is going to happen, the only thing you can do is only hope for the best."

Some wonder if Mayweather should worry if he will be a free man come Sept. 17. He is facing a bevy of charges. New York attorney Keith Sullivan, who is active in the fight game, offered ESPNNewYork.com his take on Mayweather's prospects in his legal battles.

"On the home front, he has a domestic violence charge pending, for the alleged assault on his ex," Sullivan said. "This case won't hit the courts until after the Ortiz fight. However, he is looking at four felony charges. He also has two pending misdemeanor assault cases involving security guards at his housing complex. One of the two is scheduled for trial on Sept. 1. His attorneys are likely to get this matter adjourned until after the fight."

"Manny seems poised to score a knockout victory against Floyd in the federal defamation suit," Sullivan continued. "Mayweather violated the judge's order to appear for a deposition in mid-June. Disobeying any judge is never good, but particularly a federal judge. Manny's lawyer will likely seek a default judgment against Floyd. If the two ever fight, Manny may be able to walk with both purses to satisfy the judgment.

"The most serious legal problem is the felony domestic violence charges. I suspect his legal team will do everything in their power to show the court that Floyd is contrite and willing to partake in anger-management programs and community service as punishment. This case hinges almost entirely on his ex's willingness to testify against him. He can run, slip, duck, bob and weave away from fighters, but the law is said to have a long arm for a reason, it always catches up to you."

Mayweather didn't seem like a rattled man on Tuesday. He told the media and fans that he'd like to fight maybe 10 more times, and that he does want to fight Pacquiao -- if Pacquiao agrees to super-stringent performance-enhancing drug testing, which Ortiz has agreed to. He talked of wanting to be a superlative family man, and keeping his kids off the computer, lest they read inaccurate stories about their dad.

Backers will say he has matured. Detractors will say he is posturing.

But maybe people in both camps should root for Floyd to disentangle himself smoothly from the claws of the courts. As fan Anthony Ciarla, a 25-year-old from Bloomfield, N.J., who had a day off from managing the frozen food section at a supermarket put it as he waited to get inside the theater: "His character is very good for boxing. He appeals to everyone. You either love him or hate him. You pay to see him either way."

Source: sports.espn.go.com