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

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 denies losing millions -- ABS CBN News

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

PACQUIAO DENIES HE FIRED KONCZ -- PhilBoxing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fox Sports

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

Manny Pacquiao: DOOMSDAY FOR BOXING -- Ringside Report

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

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

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

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

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

DTI taps Pacquiao as endorser of bill that will boost PH garments exports to US -- Philippine Daily Inquirer

By Amy R. Remo, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry is sending boxing champ Manny Pacquiao to help endorse to US legislators the passage of the Save Our Industries Act (Save Act), a bill expected to give the Philippine garments industry a much-needed boost.

Trade Undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio told reporters that they were sending Pacquiao together with the Philippine trade attaché to seek the support of US legislators for this landmark piece of legislation.

“I hail the filing of this bill. This is something we have worked hard for since last year. The Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and our new Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. have also adopted the Save Act,” Panlilio said.

“This is a major step, but the work is not over. We must work harder now to convince more senators and congressmen to support this bill. We are calling on all Filipinos here who have relatives in the US to please inform them about the Save Act. They can do their own share in getting in touch with their senators and congressmen,” Panlilio added.

Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, meanwhile, noted that the filing of the Save Act would be a “great development” in “achieving our goal to invigorate the garments industry.”

Panlilio earlier said the passage of the Save Act would benefit both the United States textile industry and local garment manufacturers.

“This is a landmark piece of legislation that will redound to great benefits for both our people. It will revive the Philippines’ garments industry, which has been in the doldrums ever since the end of the quota regime. At the same time, (it will) increase exports of US textiles to the Philippines and other Asean countries to up to $500 million. This definitely is a win-win solution,” Panlilio had said.

The Save Act is expected to provide enough incentives for garments exporters in the Philippines to expand their operations through a grant of preferential treatment from the United States.

The bill supports the country’s inclusion in the 809 Program, which gives various benefits to US trading partners that produce garments out of US-made fabric or yarn.

Garment manufacturers from Mexico, the Caribbean and Andean countries already enjoy preferential treatment, with benefits ranging from lower duties to quota-free and duty-free entry into the United States.

Under the 809 component of the bill, US-made fabric and yarns cut and wholly assembled in the Philippines would qualify to re-enter the US duty-free.

Garments made of US spun yarn or extruded yarn formed in the Philippines, on the other hand, would be allowed to re-enter the US at just half of the most favored nation (MFN) duty.

Introduced in June 2009 by Washington State Representative Jim McDermott and California Representative Brian Bilbray, the Save Act also had a companion bill in the US Senate filed by Senators Kit Bond and Daniel Inouye.

Source: business.inquirer.net

Pacman insists Marquez is dangerous -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao is not looking at Juan Manuel Marquez as somebody out to cash a paycheck and retire.

Told about the overwhelming 8-1 odds in his favor, Pacquiao told the Bulletin over the weekend that Marquez remains a dangerous foe and that taking him for granted is tantamount to jumping off a cliff.

Pacquiao is facing Marquez on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and despite the odds, the Filipino star said he has to be in top shape.

“You all saw our first two fights and based on that alone, you can tell he is somebody not to be taken lightly,” said Pacquiao, who drew with Marquez in 2004 and narrowly beat the Mexican in the rematch in 2008.

While the rubber match is more than four months away, Pacquiao has already calendared the start of training camp and the site of his first month of preparation.

“We’ll go to Baguio again in September and then to Los Angeles (for the second half of training camp),” said Pacquiao, who will be risking his stature as pound-for-pound king more than the World Boxing Organization welterweight title that he will put on the line.

Pacquiao let out a hearty laugh when told that based on the odds, the only way Marquez could win against him is if Marquez is allowed to bring in a machete on top of the ring.

“As I have always said, it’s not right to be overconfident,” said Pacquiao, who was listed as the underdog the last time when he met Oscar De La Hoya in Dec. 2008, a fight so lopsided that the Golden Boy announced his retirement two months after tasting a stinging stoppage loss.

Source: mb.com.ph

"I'm waiting on the call from Bob Arum" - Mike Jones feels ready for Pacquiao -- Examiner

By Chris Robinson, Examiner.com

Philadelphia native and welterweight contender Mike Jones kept the ball rolling last night with a 2nd round TKO over Kansas' Raul Munoz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The win followed a previously solid victory by the 28-year old Jones, who this past February clearly won his rematch with Jesus Soto Karass via decision inside of the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas underneath Nonito Donaire's thrilling TKO over Fernando Montiel.

Possessing great size, length, and power to boot, Jones is an intriguing character and seems to have the body to fill out well at 154 pounds in the near future. There seem to be an endless list of fights for him to consider but at the moment he seems to have his eye on one of the sport's biggest names; Manny Pacquiao.

Jones is currently rated #1 in the WBO rankings, the belt that Pacquiao has held since his November 2009 thrashing of Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand. At the moment Pacquiao is in line for a November 12th encounter with rival Juan Manuel Marquez inside of the same facility, seeing of course that Marquez can get by Likar Ramos next month, but Jones is wasting no time in throwing his name into the fray for possible contention against one of the sport's biggest cash cows.

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"I am waiting for the phone call from Bob Arum. If anything happens to Marquez on July 16th, I will take the fight with Pacquiao. He is such a great warrior. Let's see how he deals with my right hand. I am much more confident now and am ready for big fights," Jones said after his victory in a BoxingScene.com piece.

Jones' words shouldn't be dismissed but he honestly hasn't done enough for such a coveted shot, at least in my opinion. Jones would be better served by looking for fights against the likes of Pawel Wolak, Kermit Cintron, Joshua Clottey, and even the winner of the upcoming rematch between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito before eyeing Pacquiao.

Jones doesn't need to rush things right now. He's in a great position and if he keeps winning then surely a big fight will come his way.

Source: examiner.com

Pacquiao 8-1 favorite vs Marquez -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao was aghast when told about the odds for his Nov. 12 rubber match with his Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Grabe naman ‘yan, (That’s too much),” Pacquao, sounding a bit embarrassed, told the Bulletin on Saturday afternoon from the paradise island of Boracay, where he has been holed up the last week for some much-needed R&R with his family.

Pacquiao has been listed as -800, while Marquez is +500, according to sportsbook. Based on this line, an $800 bet on Pacquiao would only win $100, while a measly $100 wager on Marquez would win $500.

The Pacquiao-Marquez fight will be contested at a catchweight of 145 lbs with the Filipino’s World Boxing Organization welterweight also on the line when they lock horns at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao has been chilling out the last few weeks but is expected to return to work mode as the celebrated Sarangani congressman when he gets back to Manila this coming week.

“I have to attend to a lot of things and look forward to the SONA of President Noynoy Aquino (in July),” said the 32-year-old Pacquiao, widely acknowledged as boxing’s pound-for-pound king and a certified all-time great.

In the past, Pacquiao has graced a few SONA under the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, having been mentioned several times as a source of inspiration for his ring prowess.

After the SONA, Pacquiao’s schedule will start to pick up once again as Top Rank chief Bob Arum is setting the stage for a global promotional tour of the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy starting in late-August in Manila.

From Manila, the tour will go to several Asian cities, London, New York, Los Angeles and finally to Marquez’s lair in Mexico City.

Source: mb.com.ph

Manny Pacquiao credits Filipinos for his 'strength', Not PEDs -- Examiner

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com

Despite what critics like Floyd Mayweather Jr. want you to think, Manny Pacquiao does not get his "strength" by cheating through taking PEDs, he draws it from his fellow countrymen whom have supported him throughout his entire career. On Tuesday, Manny Pacquiao made the following comments about the true source of his "strength", according to Philstar.com:

“There is bad news all the time in my country. There is not enough food. We have typhoons. There is corruption in the government and too much crime. So many people are suffering and have no hope. Then, I bring them good news and they are happy. I know that millions of people are praying for me and that gives me strength. My fight is not only for me, but for my country.”

This is another example why so many boxing fans love Manny Pacquiao. His humbleness and God fearing ways have endeared him to fans all over the world. IN the summer of 2010, Manny Pacquiao became a congressman because of his love for his countrymen and his desire to help those in need. It was a way for Manny to give back to the people that have supported him so much.

When Pacquiao fights, his entire country shuts down to watch him. And when he wins, the entire country celebrates as if they won too. It's an incredible relationship between Manny and his countrymen. A relationship that Floyd Jr. even commented on a few weeks ago when Floyd stated that he likes how Manny's fans will love him no matter what.

Pacquiao will once again cause his country to shut down in November as he fights his rival Juan Manuel Marquez for the 3rd time. The fight will be live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada, on November 12th. The first two fights between JMM and Manny ended in controversy. The 2004 fight ended in a draw but many critics believe that Manny had won. The second fight ended in a split decision but many believe that JMM won. Freddie Roach and other members of Team Pacquiao are rooting for Manny to KO JMM and end this feud once and for all.

Source: examiner.com

Ariza On Mayweather’s Claims Of Pacquiao Drug Use: “Ridiculous” -- Eastside Boxing

By James Slater, Eastside Boxing

Well-known strength and conditioning expert Alex Ariza, who has worked with and is working with among others, Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, has been moved to write on his official blog what it is that makes superstar Pac-Man as strong as he is. No doubt extremely annoyed at the allegations Floyd Mayweather Junior and others have made with regards to the P-4-P king cheating by taking illegal, strength-building stimulants, Ariza has revealed the simple, legal secret of Pac-Man’s success: a sufficient intake of protein.

“What really builds muscle the safe and healthy way - the smart way - the way all my fighters do is this legal substance called protein,” Ariza stated. “By making sure Pacquiao gets adequate protein and amino acids this will reduce the chance of any negative effects we do no want to happen. For someone to think it is a waste of protein because they have also consumed some beef or chicken is dead wrong. So the claim of Mayweather that Pacquiao is using some drug stuff to make him bigger and stronger is ridiculous.”

Of course, Pacquiao himself was so offended at Mayweather’s allegations that he took the matter to the legal authorities (with “Money” refusing to attend court a few days ago, as reported everywhere). And now Ariza has given his simple explanation for the boxing superstar’s strength and power. Protein? That’s all it is? If only all other boxers knew!

Seriously, though, will those suspicious of Pac-Man’s achievements be willing to buy Ariza’s explanation for his ability to have come up through a staggering eight weight classes? From a waif-like 106-pounder all the way up to a 154-pound world champion Pacquiao has climbed, and a number of people cannot accept that this was done by wholly legal means. There is absolutely no evidence that proves Manny has ever resorted to cheating, and as such we must applaud his greatness the same way we attribute it to nothing more than uncommon skill, sheer hard work and of course, Ariza’s protein shakes.

It seems unlikely the critics will ever be silent, but Ariza has spelled it out: protein is the only substance he insists his fighters consume.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

It's Manny Pacquiao's world, we just live in it: Nike line, global media tour -- Examiner

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

Unless and until Floyd Mayweather Jr. clears his decks and states affirmatively “I want Manny Pacquiao next,” I guess we really can’t call he and the Pinoy Idol rivals.

Pacman will get busy with the third chapter of his rivalry against Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 while Mayweather ends a 16-month absence from his day job on Sept. 17 in a Las Vegas ring against tenacious southpaw Vicious Victor Ortiz.

In another sphere, it might be said that Pacquiao is starting to rival big sporting endorsers such as Michael Jordan and the now diminished Tiger Woods.

Can you say Air Pacquiao?

Pacman promoter Bob Arum revealed to me Tuesday night that the world’s top pound for pound fighter (again, unless and until Unbeaten “Money” proves otherwise) will come back to the United States for a family vacation six days hence.

According to Arum, wife Jinkee and their four children will have Manny’s full attention on the sojourn except for one huge commercial visit.

“Manny is going to Oregon, up to Nike headquarters to meet the big boss, Phil Knight, and all the other top people with the company. Nike is planning a huge Pacman product line along the lines of Air Jordan and all the things they did with and for Michael Jordan,” Arum said.

You might call it a vacation with a “Swoosh” pit stop.

After the weeklong stay in SoCal, Arum said, Pacquiao and family will return to the Philippines.

As far as the massive buildup for the third bout between Pacman and the slick Mexican counterpuncher, Arum said the media tour is going global.

“We will start at the end of August in the Phillipines,” the 79 year old promoter said. “We start in Manila and then we will be going over to Singapore, where they have huge interest in Manny.

“We’ll also go to the Middle East, to Abu Dhabi. Then we come back to America and we will finish the media tour up, appropriately enough, in Mexico City.”

Pacquiao is really starting to embellish the "world" part of world champion, is he not?

Thus proving, I guess, it is Pacquiao’s World…we just live in it.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Forget Floyd Mayweather JR: Manny Pacquiao is the Pound for Pound King -- Ringside Report

By Donald C. Stewart, Ringside Report

Manny Pacquiao, 53-3-2 38 KO’s, is undoubtedly the best pound for pound fighter on the planet.

What is also undoubted is that the potential of a fight against Floyd Mayweather, JR., is probably the most boring non event in sport. But if the Pac Man is not going to get it on with the undefeated Mayweather who is he likely to face after his third battle with Juan Manuel Marquez.

With a draw and a split decision defeat already between the pair this is a very decent fight for both but the unusual nature of a third professional contest seems to suggest there isn’t a lot of decent competition out there for the best fighter on the planet.

Or is there just a lot of guys who could, perhaps should but just wouldn’t? After all Pacquiao will fight whoever is in front of him and a fight against him means worldwide coverage and potentially, should he win, riches beyond belief for the successful fighter.

There are contenders out there and the number of undefeated guys who could make up the numbers in the ruing is beginning to grow. The problem may be that they need to prepare to be ready for Pacquiao.

It would or could lead us into the same problem as the Heavyweights. There have been few if any credible contenders for years to the Klitschko’s and the pound for pound rankings has these two big guys in the top three says far too much about where we are and far too little about how we get out of there!

For Pacquiao it is a worry that he runs out of creditable opponents but is also a worry for the rest of us as Pacquiao may hang up the gloves, leaving us to reflect on his glory rather than salivate over another contest where this time may be the time he loses. So what is out there? There are a few. Here are the potential highlights!

What about Timothy Bradley?

It would launch Bradley into a stratosphere. His name has already been linked with Pacquiao’s though he has denied that he was fighting him in the Fall. Amir Khan’s claims that Bradley ducked a fight with him leaves him seriously needing some credibility. Pacquiao may just achieve that for him! Unfortunately it has to be said that the Pac Man would be, at his stage in his career a step too far for Bradley. I would have Bradley down as a notch in the Filipino’s belt.

Andre Berto is somewhere down the list but this could be a good test for Pacquiao. Despite having lost his only fight to Victor Ortiz, the man Mayweather climbs into the ring with in September, last time out, Berto has a decent pedigree. He is a fighter, like Bradley who has plenty to prove and it should be fascinating to see who would come out in front.

Again Pacquiao may not break sweat over this but he needs a battle against a hungry guy. The Shane Mosley fight was the closest thing to a love in outdoors in the US for years…

Jan Savek is another up and coming pretender to the throne who would be putting his undefeated tag up for grabs against Pacquiao. His pedigree though spells more of European contests than World platforms. It may be to Europe that Pacquiao has to look as the opponents in America – North and South are fading from the scene as potential opponents.

Europe also has Amir Khan 25-1 17KOs but Freddie Roach has already said no to that particular contest. It’s a pity but Khan vs. Pacquiao in a year or so would be a fantastic contest. I would hope that Khan keeps Freddie Roach and Pacquiao dumps him if there was to be such a contest!

From that same land of his last European opponent – England – also comes the highly impressive Kell Brook. Brook fights again on June 25th and an assessment of whether he would be ready in 2011 or early 2012 can be made.

Around light welterweight there are few fighters that have not already been at the temple and returned disappointed. Would Pacquiao fancy moving another weight division or is his legacy already assured? Is he not a world champion already at a ridiculous number of weights so it would mean a step up which could mean a leaner and weaker Pacquiao? Funnily enough that hasn’t quite happened so far in his career.

Sergio Gabriel Martinez is a wild card due to the weight difference but stranger things have clearly happened. Pacquiao’s legacy may already be assured but the hunger we all have for more fights, better contests and ANYTHING that stops another press release, internet discussion forum or lengthy article on why Mayweather and Pacquiao should get it on is to be welcomed!

Roll on Marquez III and Mayweather – the return.

Source: ringsidereport.com

Juan Manuel Marquez uses ballet in Pacquiao preparation -- Examiner

By Ricardo Lois, Examiner.com

As Juan Manuel Marquez prepares himself for a third showdown against Manny Pacquiao on November 12, he has enlisted the assistance of doctors to move up to the contracted weight of 144 pounds, revealed key components of his battle plan, and today he reveals another special tool for his training.

Today Marquez informed us that he has already started using ballet to strengthen his legs in preparation for Pacquiao.

"Up to now I have felt very good," said Marquez. "I am stronger, and with greater agility."

Marquez does not expect an easy fight no matter what his training tactics might include.

"It will not be easy to beat Pacquiao," said Marquez. "But I will have a solution and I will command the fight."

As for a planned tune-up fight with David Diaz in July that has fallen apart due to the American-born fighter's financial demands, Marquez feels it can still be salvaged.

"When Diaz knew we were interested in him because of his style and his punch, and that he was ideal, his team pushed up his price," said Marquez. "I think we will come to an agreement."

Source: examiner.com