Bob Arum Talks Marco Antonio Barrera, Mayweather-Pacquiao -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Promoter Bob Arum considers last Saturday night's Latin Fury 15 pay per view event at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex., a success partly because of the comeback of Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera.

The 36-year-old, five-time former world champion rose to 66-7, with 43 knockouts when he ended a 15-month ring absence by vanquishing lightweight (135 pounds) rival Adailton De Jesus (26-5, 21 KOs) of Brazil by unanimous decision.

In this, the second of a two-part Q&A series, the 78-year-old Arum discusses the future of Barrera and his effort to guide the future Hall of Famer to a fourth crown in as many different weight classes. If successful, Barrera would be the first Mexican to do so.

Also in this Q&A, Arum will discuss his relationship with three-time Trainer of the Year, Freddie Roach and will address the potential for a bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao coming to fruition.

FanHouse: Can you discuss briefly the performance of Marco Antonio Barrera?

Bob Arum: It was a great performance. It was a mixture of everything. It shows that he's back on track.

For a guy who is accustomed to being cut in his past two fights, didn't he escape with no marks on his face and relatively unscathed?

No marks on his face, right. One of the reasons I attribute that to is that he didn't come rushing back from the Amir Khan fight. He took off some time and allowed the cuts to heal.

What's next for Marco Antonio Barrera?

We'll be putting our heads together and seeing if his next fight will be against WBC champion Humberto Soto for the Lightweight championship of the world. Or whether he needs yet one more 135-pound fight.

We'll have to see. But my inclination is that he'll probably move into a fight with Humberto Soto. For the Mexicans, that would be a huge, huge fight to say the least.

As opposed to a fight with WBA champion Miguel Acosta?

Yes, the Humberto Soto fight would be as opposed to Acosta. Acosta's a possibility, but Soto is a bigger fight for the Mexican fans.

Can you talk about how the union between you and Marco Antonio Barrera came to fruition considering his past with rival promotional company, Gold Boy Promotions?

Well, yeah. Juan Carlos, a guy who works with and is the cousin of Fernando Beltran, he's a bright, young guy. And he is friendly with all of the fighters.

Marco Antonio was apparently in conversation with Juan Carlos hinting that he would like to have Top Rank and Fernando's company promote his remaining fights. The fact that we had been on the other side for so many years was sort of irrelevant.

How so?

Well, it's a business. And there was never anything personal. He was fighting fighters that I was promoting is all. What's wrong with that? Everybody made money. He was with Golden Boy. And Golden Boy is not very imaginative.

Their idea of promoting is to take money from HBO and to put on a fight. HBO had no need for or any use for Barrera. So, Barrera was somebody who was expendable for Golden Boy.

Don King was with him for a while, but Don King had no use for him. Don King tried to bilk him for one fight against Amir Khan. So we were the obvious choice for him.

Because, we'll find a way doing our own thing to get him some big fights. And the fight between Barrera and Soto in Mexico City will do 30-to-40,000 people.

What is it that makes you and Freddie Roach go so successfully, with his Parkinson's syndrome and your ageless passion?

It's the fact that we love all that we do. We both want to create the best that we can do and to do the best that we can and to get the best out of life. I try to be creative in my own field, and Freddie is creative as a trainer, training all of these guys into super stars.

What can you say about the negotiations between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao?

I think that one way or another, we're approaching the time of resolution. One way or another. I'm still very optimistic, and, you know, Manny and I want this fight to happen.

But as I've said before, it takes two to tango. And, though this is not going to go out to much longer, this is going to be resolved in the near term. Whether it's a week or two weeks, but it will be resolved one way or the other.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Pacquiao in Forbes’ most ‘powerful’ list -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

Manny Pacquiao made it to the 100 World’s Most Powerful Celebrities for the second straight year on a list made byForbes magazine.

Pacquiao was listed at No. 55 with an earning totaling $42 million (roughly P1.9-billion) from fights with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto and Ghanaian Joshua Clottey that covered the period July 2009 to June 2010.

His ranking is a rung better than last year.

Interestingly, Floyd Mayweather was ranked higher – No. 31 – with earnings reaching $65 million from fights with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez and fellow US fighter Shane Mosley.

Topping the list is TV show host Oprah Winfrey with $315 million, while the highest-rated athlete is golfer Tiger Woods with $105 million.

The ratings were based on the celebrity’s standing in earnings, TV/Radio, press, web and social rank.

Pacquiao and Mayweather’s ranking would take another notch higher in the event a proposed November 13 fight between the two of them materializes.

Their handlers are still in talks for the fight that will likely be staged in Las Vegas.

Source: mb.com.ph

Filipino MMA's Rising Star -- ESPN-Star

By James Goyder, ESPNStar.com

Eduard Folayang is already being tipped to become the MMA equivalent of renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and he will be looking to make it two wins out of two for Martial Combat against Chinese fighter Wang Guan.

Wang Guan is one of the most highly regarded MMA fighters in China and a Lightweight belt will be on the line in this five round contest. The event is taking place at Resorts World Sentosa on July 14th and a crowd of in excess of 1000 people is expected.

Folyang is a veteran of eight MMA fights and is the reigning welterweight champion of the URCC, the biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the Philippines. He made his Martial Combat debut only a couple of weeks ago, defeating Slovakian fighter Egon Racz via submission early in the first round, but is not concerned about taking two fights in such a short space of time,

"I concentrate on one fight at a time and I have plenty of time to recover before the fight with Wang Guan. Egon is a strong fighter and a good striker like me but I knew my endurance and power would serve me well. My strategy was to capitalize on any mistakes he made and he gave me his neck too much,' he said.

It proved to be a fatal error for Racz as Folayang was able to wrap his arm around the aforementioned neck and secure a guillotine choke, forcing the Sovakian to either tap out or risk losing consciousness. Folayang controlled the fight from start to finish, comfortably blocking a few kicks from Racz, who is a Muay Thai champion, before taking him to the ground and sinking in the choke.

It was the latest in a long line of impressive performances from the 26 year old who is already being tipped to follow in the footsteps of Mark Munoz, the most renowned Filipino MMA practitioner at present. Munoz fights for the UFC, the biggest MMA promotion on the planet which is watched by millions in the Philippines and all over the world.

Unlike Munoz, who was raised in the US, Folayang is a Filipino native from Baguio who trains with the Lakay Wushu team there. He is hoping to become the first fighter to emerge from the burgeoning Filipino MMA scene to make an impression on the world stage.

"MMA is a growing sport in the Philippines, and it spreading very fast. I hope by winning fights I can inspire other fighters back in my home country. My fights have been shown on TV in the Philippines before but never internationally and I am very grateful to ESPN Star Sports for giving me this opportunity. I always wanted to fight for the best MMA networks and to showcase my talent as a mixed martial artist," he said.

Folayang was already a hugely experienced martial artist before making the transition into MMA four years ago. He first tasted success in 1999, winning gold at the Wushu amateur championships in Manila. His Wushu career took him to tournaments all across Asia and Folayang went on to win more medals in Wushu competitions in Vietnam, China, Myanmar and Qatar as well as the Philippines.

Folayang currently has an MMA record of 7-1 with the sole loss of his MMA career coming against Jon Tuck in Saipan last year. Folayang blames a lack of preparation for his disappointing performance in this fight,

"It was a long story, we were stuck in Japan before coming to Saipan and I had only one day to rest and cut weight and then the next day I had to fight and I didn't have enough time to recover. I learned a lot of things when I lost that fight and I will train even harder to win fights in the future," he said.

Since that disappointing loss Folayang has got his career back on track with two wins in quick succession, both through emphatic first round stoppages. If he can make it three wins out of three by defeating Wang Guan next month his solitary loss will seem like even more of an aberration.

The UFC recently made its first foray into Asian territory in almost a decade with a show in Abu Dhabi earlier this year and it seems a matter of when, not if, a UFC show takes place in the Philippines.

There are a number of aspiring Filipino fighters looking to establish themselves on the international stage and there should be plenty of opportunities for them to do so. Folayang is at the forefront of the Filipino MMA explosion and another win at Martial Combat next month could well and truly propel him into the international spotlight.

Source: espnstar.com

Manny Pacquiao turns politician until Floyd Mayweather fight in Vegas in November -- Telegraph

By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk

Bob Arum, the legendary American boxing promoter, has seen it all from Muhammad Ali to Manny Pacquiao, through thin and thinner, through changing times in society and between the ropes. Arum was in San Antonio last weekend, watching Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, the son of the great Mexican fighter outbox Irishman John Duddy. B-list at best.

Cesar Chavez Jnr, 24, has 42 unbeaten professional fights to his gilded name, without the ringcraft and spite, nor the vicious, precise rapiers his father possessed in winning a world title six times in three weight divisions. He was beaten only 6 times in 107 fights, and his relentless style drew the Mexican nation to its feet.

Chavez Snr was to Mexico what Manny Pacquiao means to the Filipino heartlands. There are parallels, too. Chavez grew up beside the railroad tracks in an abandoned railway carriage with his five sisters and four brothers. He began boxing aged 16.

Pacquiao lived in a cardboard box for a time, and had to eke out a living buying and selling donuts to make pennies. He grew up with dignity in a shanty town, boarding a boat to Manila from Kibawe, in the province of Bukidnon, to seek his fortune. He found boxing was his way forward in life. Chavez and Pacquiao grew through the sport to become national treasures in their homelands. But so often, sport is simply a vehicle to a wider perspective.

Yet Pacquiao has an extra dimension.

Arum could be on the point of another seismic sporting event. Across the Pacific, in the South China Seas, one of his charges was starting a career in politics. Manny Pacquiao, sworn in as a new Congressman there in the early hours of Monday morning.

He will be the lone Congressman for Sarangani province, winning a landslide vote in the May 10 elections, ousting a political dynasty, the Chiongbian family. It is the stuff of legend. He is a popular leader in all senses.

On the boxing front, I’m hearing that Pacquiao versus Mayweather talks are progressing nicely, thank you. A gagging order has been placed on all protagonists involved, and although there are rumours that Mayweather is seeing a 60-40 split in his favour from the contest, it is moving forward.

Reading between the lines, it seems almost inevitable that the contest will take place at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, in November, most likely on Saturday 13. The Mojave Desert wins out against the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

There are also whispers of a Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito re-match on the first Saturday in December.

Pacquiao’s life will have changed forever on June 28. Perhaps this is where his real life’s work begins.

He says he will be “more effective in politics than in boxing”. If so, he will provide for many lives. He will have three years in office to do so, and for that reason, it looks as if ‘The National Fist’ of the Philippines will box on for that long, most likely six more fights, including Mayweather.

Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Philippine boxer Pacquiao sworn in as congressman -- AFP

AFP

ALABEL, Philippines — World champion boxer Manny Pacquiao was sworn in as congressman of his impoverished Philippine province on Monday, vowing to be even more effective in government than he is in the ring.

Trading his gloves for a traditional formal shirt, Pacquiao was among local officials who took their oaths of office in the capital of Sarangani province where he knocked out an entrenched political clan in the May 10 elections.

"I will be more effective in politics than in boxing," he told the crowd of 3,000 after the ceremonies.

The 31-year-old fighter said he would work on improving infrastructure, medical services and security during his three-year term in parliament.

Pacquiao, who is regarded as a national hero in the boxing crazy Philippines, has said he can continue to fight even while serving as a legislator.

Boxing promoters are working to arrange a bout between Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather in November, to settle once and for all the fighters' claim to be the best fighter, pound-for-pound, of their generation.

Negotiations for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight fell through earlier this year when the American insisted on Olympic-style random drug testing, which the Filipino rejected as too intrusive before a bout.

His winnings from boxing as well as his commercial endorsements last year made Pacquiao the world's sixth-highest paid athlete, with earnings of 40 million US dollars, according to Forbes magazine.

Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.

Source: google.com

Bob Arum: Julio Cesar Chavez 'Will Get Better And Better' -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Promoter Bob Arum considers last Saturday night's Latin Fury 15 pay per view event at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, a success.

In the main event, 24-year-old Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (41-0-1, 30 knockouts) ended a seven-month ring absence with his middleweight (160 pounds) unanimous decision victory over John Duddy (29-2, 18 KOs) -- this, under the watchful eyes of three-time Trainer of the Year, Freddie Roach, assistant trainer, Alex Ariza, and, his father, former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

On the undercard, 36-year-old, five-time former world champion and Mexican great, Marco Antonio Barrera (66-7, 43 KOs), ended a 15-month layoff with his lightweight (135 pounds) unanimous decision over Brazil's Adailton De Jesus (26-5, 21 KOs).

In this, the first of a two-part Q&A series, Arum discusses the future of Chavez after having spent his first, full training camp with Roach.

In the other forthcoming Q&A, Arum will discuss Barrera's future, Arum's relationship with Roach, and the potential for a bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao coming to fruition.

FanHouse: Well, there was another great showing for Top Rank Promotions, huh?

Bob Arum: Yeah, it was great. Terrific.

And Julio Cesar Chavez looked terrific?

Yeah, he was. He was. That was quite an improvement.

That one point in the fight where he was hurt in the sixth round, but yet, settled in and got back into a groove -- what do you attribute that to?

I know what it was. It was the conditioning of Freddie Roach. You know, if you're well conditioned, and you're really well conditioned, you can take a shot and come back much better than if you're not conditioned. Your recovery time is better.

No problems like that with him this time, huh?

You know, every fight that we've had with Julio Cesar Chavez up until now, I mean, every fight, there has been a problem. If it's not about making weight, and all, then it's about all of this other stuff. But with the assistant trainer, Alex Ariza, he showed the kid how to do it right this time.

How do you mean?

He got the kid's weight down and then he even got to drink water and so forth the day of the weigh in. He's never had it so easy making weight. He could probably go down to 154 they say. You know, these old time trainers don't know what they're doing.

Here, with Freddie and Alex, they work them so hard, that instead of cutting down on their food, they can eat. They have to eat. It's like Manny Pacquiao. He was eating more -- like 6,000 calories a day.

In order, what are the fights that you would seek next for Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.?

Well, I want to make fights that are big fights for him. I don't know if [WBA junior middleweight champ] Miguel Cotto will be his next fight or not.

They say that Chavez may be ready to come all the way down to 154. That's what he would have to do to fight Cotto. So, we'll just have to see, you know?

Isn't Chavez also a mandatory now for WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, and is that a consideration?

With a little more experience, I think that he would be a candidate for a fighter like Martinez, who has a lot of skills. But I don't think that Chavez is quite ready for him now. He's not been with Freddie Roach long enough. He would have to spend a lot more time with Freddie Roach.

But right now, he's only been with Freddie Roach for the past four weeks.

Will he continue training with Freddie Roach then?

Yep. That's what he's going to do. He's going to rent an apartment in Los Angeles and then you'll see that he can be close to Freddie and the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif.

And you'll see that because of that, he'll get better and better and better and better.

What are some of the other options for Julio Cesar Chavez?

Well, if he wants to at 160, Chavez could consider maybe going after this guy who is there as the interim WBC middleweight champion Sebastian Zbik [29-0, 10 KOs] of Germany, who might be willing to fight him. He's the interim WBC champion from Europe.

That wold be a very, very good fight for him maybe in Mexico City in September.

So if you were to say what your next move would be, would it be to fight another tune up against say, a 16-7 fighter or so at middleweight, or junior middleweight to get him ready for another big name opponent?

No, no. Chavez would only fight top fighters. No 16-7 fighters if that's what you said. No. He would fight a guy like Sebastian Zbik, who is the interim middleweight champion, or other guys. He would certainly be fighting somebody like that.

So that would be maybe the next fight or would it be a Miguel Cotto?

Or maybe right to Cotto.

Wow, really?

In other words, I had dinner with Freddie Roach last night, after the fight, and you know, I didn't want to press Freddie too hard, because we were relaxing and being social. But the subject came up. But I will certainly talk to Freddie more about it this week.

His two uncles having been his trainers prior to Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza, has translation been an issue in the corner?

The Chavez kid understands English as well as you or me. When his mother broke up with his father, Julio Sr., she moved the family to California, so he's spent a lot of time there and in the United States. So he understands English perfectly.

If you remember the conference call, they were asking him questions in English and he was answering in Spanish. But no one was having to translate the questions from English. And he can speak some English. He's very reluctant to speak English because he doesn't feel sure of himself.

But that will come, and he can certainly speak enough English to communicate with Freddie. And Alex Ariza is from Colombia, and he knows how to communicate in any language. The kid is going to be a star with the two of them working with him. That, I have no doubt about.

Another feather in the cap of trainer Freddie Roach?

Freddie Roach is the greatest trainer in the world. Julio Cesar Chavez is a work in progress. That being said, he's only had four weeks with Freddie Roach. If he hadn't been with Freddie Roach, Duddy would have destroyed him.

So, I see a huge, huge upside in Chavez. He's exhuberant about Freddie and about the work ethic. He became not only a different fighter but also a different man. He wants to work all the time and wants to learn.

All of the essentials that you want to see in the kid that has talent. We saw it in Manny Pacquiao the same way. There are a lot of parallels there.

How so?

Manny just had an interview with a Philippines newspaper and he talked about how this all started. Bruce Trampler, our matchmaker, said that Julio Cesar would not follow directions.

So we all knew that we had to get him a really good, top notch trainer, and, if possible, Freddie Roach. So Bruce brought Chavez to a Manny Pacquiao training session.

And the kid's eyes bugged out because he had never seen anything like it. And after the training session, Pacquiao sat down with him and they talked for about 15 minutes or so.

And Manny told him that the way that his career could really blossom is that if he signed on to have Freddie Roach train him and for Alex Ariza to condition him.

And then Chavez told Fernando and me that that's what he wanted to do. And we didn't know how long that it would last. But he had seen what it took, and, boy, what a willing eager pupil he was.

He's done everything that he's been asked.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Pacquiao a legendary gentleman -- Examiner

By Brad Cooney, Examiner.com

It's one thing to become a legendary status in any category. With Manny Pacquiao, he's become a legend in boxing. That's a wonderful accomplishment, but do you know what's even more impressive? Manny Pacquiao is also a legendary gentleman. The pound for pound boxing king has given back to a lot of people throught his illustrious boxing career.

Pacquiao has done everything from building schools and clinics, to giving money and feeding the hungry. Now he's an elected official in the Philippines, so we will see what he can do for the people that he will be representing. If it's anything remotely close to how he has treated people thus far, his constituents will be very lucky.

When I was with Pacquiao during his training camp for Joshua Clottey, he did something that touched my heart as well as all of those who witnessed it. There was a day when Manny was exiting the restaurant by the Wild Card gym. He was heading toward his car navigating through the crowd, and he saw a Filipino fan in a wheelchair. The fan had what appeared to me as either Cerebral Palsy, or perhaps MS. Manny immediately stopped, walked up to the fan and gave him a hug. The champ then took his fist and gently put it to the chin of the fan, and told him, "I will get a knockout for you."

Pacquiao has remained humble throughout his incredible journey. His fans are very important to him, and staying grounded is as well. Earlier in the year while at the dinner table with Pacquiao I was watching him sign hundreds of autographs, all the while he was trying to eat his supper. Manny looked up at me and said, "Brad Cooney, this is my life" and he smiled and kept on signing.

Every single Mississippian that I have ever spoken to, fan or no fan of Manny all respect him. With each of Manny's fights, I travel the Jackson, Mississippi sports bar scene and get the fans thoughts. Both fans and fighters all respect Manny Pacquiao for both his inside of the ring accomplishments, and his outside of the ring accomplishments. I covered Shawn Porter's last fight up in Tunica, Mississippi. Porter, a former sparring partner of Pacquiao's, said that he would "never forget the experience training with Manny. It was an amazing experience."

What we have here in Manny Pacquiao is a guy that has risen from nothing to the top. He's a legend in boxing, and a legendary gentleman. He will go down in history as both a sports icon, and as a man who kept his feet on the ground, and gave back to his people.

Check out more on Pacquiao here - http://www.8countnews.com


Check out my boxing scoops and updates here - http://www.bradcooney.com

Source: examiner.com

Chavez Jr. outpoints Duddy at Alamodome -- Associated Press

The Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO — Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. unanimously outpointed Ireland's John Duddy on Saturday night in a 12-round middleweight fight at the Alamodome.

Chavez (42-0-1) dominated the early part of the fight with a steady dose of hooks and jabs, but Duddy (29-2) kept the pressure on and pushed Chavez to 12 rounds for the first time in his eight-year career.

"John is the toughest fighter I've faced so far," Chavez said. "He kept the pressure on and really pushed me farther than I've been to this point in my career. But I knew coming in that he was going to be challenging, and I was happy to walk away with the victory."

Former boxing star Julio Cesar Chavez led his son into the ring to an eruption of applause. The elder Chavez then did color commentary for the pay-per-view broadcast.

The fight was Chavez's first since 10-round unanimous decision over Troy Rowlands in November that was changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance a diuretic and was suspended for seven months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. The fight also was Chavez's first with trainer Freddie Roach, who guides WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Chavez returned to the place where he watched his father fight to a controversial 12-round draw against Pernell Whitaker in 1993.

"To fight in the same building that my father did is almost surreal for me," Chavez said. "I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be headlining at the Alamodome."

On the undercard, Marco Antonio Barrera (66-7) unanimously outpointed Adailton DeJesus (26-5) in a 10-round lightweight fight.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Source: google.com

Random thoughts on 'Pacnuts', 'Floydiots' and 'The Fight the World Wants to See' -- 8CountNews

By Lorne Scoggins, 8CountNews.com

As the world of boxing turns, those who follow the sport closely await the announcement of the fight that has repeatedly been referred to as “the fight the world wants to see”. If all the speculation accompanied by the occasional hint from those who are perceived to be “in the loop” is correct, the two pugilists who are regarded the very best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport will square off on November 13.

Who will come out on top if the fight does indeed push through?

Sensible Pacquiao fans hope that their guy's extreme aggressiveness, quickness and punch volume will press Mayweather hard enough to eventually penetrate his superior defense. Pacquiao worshipers, or “Pacnuts”, assert that there is no possible way that “Chicken Fraud Gayweather”, can beat their self-proclaimed god. No way, no how, never.

Some Pacquiao fans insist that the fight will never happen because Mayweather will duck Pacquiao. One must wonder if that's wishful thinking on their part, at least in some cases. If he does indeed duck Pacquiao, that will be another article for another day. It's evident from Pacquiao's public statements that he definitely wants the fight.

Sensible Mayweather fans hope that their guy's defensive shell, footwork and agility will protect him from Pacquiao's famous flurries, and that his speed and timing will allow him to pick Pacquiao apart one punch at a time as he continually catches him coming in. “Floydiots” say that the “one-dimensional, Pacroid” has fought a bunch of over-the-hill punching bags and that Mayweather will undoubtedly expose the “overrated” and “undeserving” Fighter of the Decade. After all, (they say), he's been knocked out before, therefore... (I don't really understand the relevancy of that point since he was an underdeveloped kid when he was knocked out.)

Let's face it, everybody has a prediction, including yours truly, but none of us know for sure how this thing will turn out. That's exactly why it's such an intriguing fight.

41 times a fighter has stepped through the ropes thinking he had the recipe to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pressure is the key, some thought. As they applied the pressure, Mayweather figured them out and adjusted, often making them look as though they didn't belong in the same ring with him. Virtually every boxer and trainer I've spoken to on the subject picks Mayweather to win.

Manny Pacquiao has embarrassed his share of opponents too. He has been underestimated perhaps more than any fighter in recent history. He's beaten boxers, punchers and brawlers. He has an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion and take everyone by surprise. He has one of the most unorthodox styles in boxing and he's a master at landing out-of-nowhere punches from every conceivable angle.

No matter what happens, it is almost a sure thing that somebody will win and somebody will lose. Draws are relatively rare in boxing.

What will the “Pacnuts” say if Pacquiao loses? What excuses will they have. One thing is for certain; they'll have excuses. Ridiculous ones, no doubt.

What if Pacquiao pulls off the upset? What will the “Floydiot's” say? How will they react if their undefeated hero gets an 'L' on his record, and what if that 'L' comes by way of the despised “Pacroid”? How will Floyd himself react?

There's been way too much talk. It's time for some action. Both of these fighters are great, but one of them is greater than the other. On that night, the one who wins will be the greater of the two. That's the truth. The truth is not relative to my opinion, your opinion, or anybody else's opinion. The truth does not care if you happen to worship one fighter and despise the other. The truth is just the truth, that's all.

Send comments and questions to lscoggins@8countnews.com

Source: 8countnews.com

Former Pacquiao, Tyson Manager helps grow an empire -- 8CountNews

8CountNews

The Empire Sports and Entertainment is proud to announce that Shelly Finkel will become the CEO of boxing's hottest new promotional firm, effective July 1st.

"Shelly Finkel has signed on as our CEO and will bring his sharp eye for talent and razor-sharp business acumen to our daily operations," revealed an excited Greg Cohen, President and Founder of The Empire.

Over the past two decades, Finkel has served as manager or advisor to more world champions than anyone in the modern sport of boxing including Mark Breland, Mike McCallum, Juan Diaz, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Meldrick Taylor, Mike Tyson, Fernando Vargas, Pernell Whitaker, Michael Moorer, Vinny Paz, Jeff Lacy and current heavyweight champion brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. And in the process, he has deftly positioned himself as one of boxing's elite power players.

"This is a game changer for The Empire," Cohen continued. "Shelly has the drive, the clout and the connections to bring this company to an unprecedented level in boxing. His history proves he's a step ahead of everyone and a true visionary in this industry and Barry Honig (The Empire, Chairman) and I are honored to have him come aboard our team."

Cohen says he will afford his CEO a chance to settle into his new role, but gives assurance that "huge announcements" are on their way. "Adding Shelly is a huge piece of the puzzle for us and he and I have already been speaking about all the innovative and, in many cases, blockbuster deals The Empire will be coming out with in the near future."

Finkel initially launched his career in entertainment by running a club called "The Action House," featuring legendary bands such as Cream, The Doors, Procol Harem and some of the most recognized groups of the 1960s. In 1973, he produced and promoted The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, a rock festival which once received the Guinness Book of World Records entry for "Largest audience at a pop festival." An estimated 600,000 fans attended to see the Allman Brothers Band, The Band and the Grateful Dead perform. During his career he promoted concerts for some of the biggest names in the industry such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Elton John, and numerous other household names.

As newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Empire, Mr. Finkel stated, "It is a great pleasure and honor to join the team at The Empire and to assist in building the ultimate sports and entertainment Event Company. The Empire has already begun establishing itself as a premier boxing promoter. Moving forward our goal is to immediately take the existing solid core business that was built by Mr. Gregory Cohen, our President, and strategically position ourselves as a world-class Entertainment Events Company. It is our intent to become a leading media and entertainment company known for promoting the best events in concerts, music festivals, pay-per-view specials, and sporting events around the world."

Source: 8countnews.com