The right and the wrong about Floyd Mayweather Jr -- 8CountNews

By Brad Cooney, 8CountNews.com

It's been quite a year for Floyd Mayweather Jr. There is no questioning how good of a fighter Floyd Mayweather is. Floyd's accomplishments with boxing gloves on stands on its own merit. There are many things we can point out that's wrong with Floyd Mayweather, and the media including this writer has done plenty of pointing. Floyd makes it pretty easy for the media to bash him, he feeds the media. His decisions in life and being such a public figure makes him fair game.

Floyd has had a few opportunities to get into the ring against Manny Pacquiao and because of himself, and nobody else, that fight has not happened. The steroid allegations that resulted in a lawsuit filed against him for slander was the starting point of a horrible year for him. This was the first roadblock that Floyd threw in the way, and the accusations derailed the talks and ended any chance for the big fight to happen.

Round two of the negotiations crashed and burned when Floyd scoffed at Bob Arum's deadline for a decision. Even worse, Floyd denied that negotiations ever took place, and this turned out to be untrue. Negotiations did take place and for whatever reason once again Floyd ducked on the fight.

Mayweather then went on the Internet and launched a racial attack that disrespected every Asian man and woman on the planet. His attack on Filipinos and Manny Pacquiao was a disgusting display of disrespectful behavior that did a lot of damage to Floyd's already diminished reputation. Floyd realized that he had made a bad mistake and immediately apologized for what he had said, but not many people took him seriously and the apology for the most part fell on deaf ears. This has been a PR nightmare for Floyd.

The bad news didn't stop there. Just recently Floyd was arrested and charged with two felony counts and a stack of misdemeanor charges that accuse him of beating up his ex girlfriend, and stealing her phone. He is looking at additional charges for threatening his children.

Floyd finally has been quiet as of late, and probably because someone finally told him to shut up.

With all of this said, Floyd actually has done some good things for folks and it wouldn't be fair to blast the guy without pointing out some good things. Floyd does a lot of good things for the homeless folks in Las Vegas. He also does some good work with the youth in Las Vegas, and these two things should be pointed out. He's not all bad, and hopefully one day he will wake up and smell the coffee.

Floyd has done a very good job of destroying his reputation and now he has some damage control to do if he cares about fixing it. The path to fixing things is to get into the ring and fight Manny Pacquiao. If Floyd would just fight Pacquiao, and behave like a gentleman win, lose, or draw, that would be one big step toward repairing his bad reputation.

Source: 8countnews.com

Manny to blame for promotional feud -- ESPN

By Dan Rafael, ESPN.com

I didn't have a lot of fun the other day writing about Golden Boy's federal lawsuit against Top Rank, which alleges racketeering and fraud related to millions of dollars Golden Boy contends that Top Rank owes it from three Manny Pacquiao fights.

Stories like that are a real downer, not to mention it takes time and concentration to slog through a 23-page lawsuit, much of it written in legalese, and to listen to the spin from the lawyers on both sides. I could live without that.

But it's an important story in boxing when two of the most powerful promotional companies in the world are fighting over millions related to fights involving the best fighter on the planet, especially because it further strains their already terrible relationship and further reduces the likelihood of seeing Golden Boy's fighters face Top Rank's. That means don't count on seeing such fights as Miguel Cotto-Shane Mosley II, Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. or Victor Ortiz-Brandon Rios, among others.

The companies have been bitter rivals since the day Oscar De La Hoya left Bob Arum's Top Rank -- who had promoted him for his entire career -- to start his own company almost 10 years ago. There were a few truces along the way, but there is so much water under the bridge at this point that I don't think the companies will ever have a truly friendly relationship. Arum can't stand De La Hoya or his CEO, Richard Schaefer, and vice versa. They've trashed each other for years and, even when they did business together, nobody ever looked comfortable during their co-promotions. And let's not even get into the disaster of their twice-failed negotiations for Pacquiao to face Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has worked with Golden Boy for his recent fights.

When Top Rank and Golden Boy reached a settlement of their various lawsuits against each other in the summer of 2007, thanks to a mediator, we had peace for a couple of years and we got some big fights -- Pacquiao's matches with De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, his rematches with Marquez and Marco Antonio Barrera and other fights as well, such as Cotto-Mosley and Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik.

When they settled in 2007, the key to the settlement was working out a deal on Pacquiao's contract, which they both believed -- for good reason -- they owned.

In the settlement, Top Rank retained Pacquiao's promotional rights with Golden Boy to share a percentage of Top Rank's profits from his fights. When Pacquiao fought a Golden Boy opponent, it would be the lead promoter, which meant Golden Boy would keep the books. When Pacquiao fought anyone else, Top Rank was in charge of the accounting. The suit filed last week is over the accounting for the fights Pacquiao has had against non-Golden Boy fighters since the settlement, namely David Diaz, Cotto and Joshua Clottey. And you can count on there being more issues after Pacquiao's Nov. 13 fight against Antonio Margarito.

While both companies deserve blame for the complete mess of their relationship, you know who deserves the most blame?

Pacquiao.

Too many people forget, or ignore, that he is responsible for so much of the acrimony.

Remember: Under cover of night in 2006, Pacquiao took a bag stuffed with hundreds of thousands of dollars from De La Hoya, who had picked him up in a limo at Los Angeles International Airport and whisked him away to a clandestine dinner at a steak house to seal the deal.

De La Hoya, of course, didn't win any points for the inappropriate manner in which he conducted business, especially after he got on his high horse and proclaimed when he founded Golden Boy that it would do business differently than other promoters.

But Pacquiao deserves the blame because he is the one who signed with two companies at the same time. When he took De La Hoya's bag of cash, he apparently forgot that he had just recently signed with Top Rank.

Pacquiao's idiotic move ultimately left the companies mostly at each others' throats since, even though he eventually pledged loyalty to Arum.

Pacquiao has never been held accountable enough for his atrocious judgment. Although questioned about this over the years, he has, at least to my knowledge, never really addressed his disturbing decision in a serious manner.

When asked in the past, Pacquiao has blown off the legitimate question -- "Why did you sign with two companies at once?" -- by smiling his way through it and pulling his best Sammy Sosa. You know that move, the one where you suddenly forgot that you actually can speak English when you don't like the question.

In any case, the next time you get upset because Top Rank and Golden Boy won't make a fight you want to see because of their childish, ongoing feud, you have every right to blame them. But don't forget to include Pacquiao in your crosshairs.

Source: espn.go.com

Pacman taken to hospital -- Philippine Star

By Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao was taken to the hospital Friday evening after complaining of pain on his left foot shortly after going through a rigorous two-hour workout at the Elorde Gym in Quezon City.

Pacquiao was at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center by 7 p.m. He went through MRI on his ailing foot and took some blood tests for fear it had something to do with uric acid or even arthritis.

Once, he thought he had arthritis when during training for the Marco Antonio Barrera fight in 2007 he felt piercing pain in his hands the day after enjoying a bowl of mongo sprouts in a Japanese restaurant.

The same old fear was back Friday evening when he felt the pain on the soles of his left foot.

“Wala naman pala sabi ng doktor (The doctor said it was nothing). May kaunting maga nga kaya sumakit. Baka nahila sa workout (There was some swelling. Maybe it was pulled during the workout),” he said.

Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, and his strength and conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, looked a little bit concerned when they learned that the pound-for-pound champion was taken to the hospital.

But the moment Pacquiao stepped inside the ring, all those fears disappeared.

He did 12 rounds with the mitts with Roach and worked on the double-end bag and speedball as usual, this time before a bigger number of fans who flashed away with their cameras even if the “no-flash” sign was up.

As he limbered up on the ring, Pacquiao himself sounded some concern when he tried to recall Miguel Cotto’s fight with Yuri Foreman last June when the latter was beaten and limped off the ring with a twisted knee.

“Nakita mo ‘yun? Natalo siya dahil sumakit ang tuhod (Did you see that? He lost because he hurt his knee),” said Pacquiao.

Roach, however, doesn’t think that would happen to Pacquiao when he climbs the ring against Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13, and shoots for an eighth world title in eight different weight classes.

“It’s not an injury we’ve never had before,” said Roach after yesterday’s session, and looked like he had been through a real fight.

“We’ll try to get it out of the way as soon as possible. We know how to deal with it. It’s just a little pull probably. But he moved pretty well today.

“He beat the shit out of me. He got me winded,” said the trainer.

Indeed, Pacquiao moved so well during the session that a couple of times, after throwing a flurry or some perfect combinations, Roach was overheard saying, “Nice shot. That’s what I want Manny. That’s what I want.”

Ariza wanted to make sure he gets to talk to the doctor who checked on Pacquiao at the San Juan hospital, and insisted even if Pacquiao told him there’s no need to do so because he felt perfectly fine.

“I want the number of your doctor. I need to talk to him. I want to know what’s wrong. Why? Because that’s what I’m here for. That’s what you’re paying me for. I need to know what’s wrong so I can fix it,” said Ariza.

Pacquiao cut him short, saying, “Okay, Okay. One word is enough.”

“Not with you, Manny,” Ariza said.

Of course, it was all part of a conversation, and Roach later said Ariza will have his way.

“He will talk to the doctor. He knows how to take care of it, too. That’s his job so that’s what he’ll do,” said Roach.

Again, whatever that is that led Pacquiao to the hospital was nowhere to be found inside the ring.

“His power is there. His speed is coming along and his timing is getting better. Not a hundred percent yet but he’s getting better. I’m happy and I’m thrilled,” said Roach.

Source: philstar.com

Pacquiao Bothered by Foot Pain -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Just before working out Saturday afternoon, Manny Pacquiao told his conditioning coach about a sharp pain on the sole of his left foot, although it doesn’t appear to be much of a big concern as the pound-for-pound king went on to train like hell before a big crowd at the Elorde Boxing Gym in Quezon City.

Pacquiao went to the Cardinal Santos in San Juan late Friday and the fighter summoned Alex Ariza to tell him about it.

“That’s why I am here for,” Ariza shouted back at Pacquiao as the Filipino was doing light exercises on top of the ring 50 days before he collides with Mexican Antonio Margarito at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on November 13.

Although Ariza was not actually alarmed, Pacquiao was a bit bothered, citing what happened to Yuri Foreman against Miguel Cotto last June.

Foreman was winning the fight with Cotto when he suffered an ankle injury and eventually got stopped by Cotto in the ninth round.

“Do you remember the guy Cotto fought who kept on falling down because he could not endure the pain?” Pacquiao told a handful of scribes who were on the ring apron.

While his current injury is not even remotely related to what struck Foreman, Pacquiao was obviously affected as he pointed to the writers where exactly the pain was like a kid telling his mother that his thumb was sore.

Still, Pacquiao went on with his calisthenics as people from all walks of life took pictures and giggled at his mere presence on the eve of his departure for Baguio City where the most crucial part of training camp will take place.

Roach said he is going to Baguio “with or without Manny.”

The past six days, Roach has been working with Pacquiao and the fighter has given his master nothing but praise.

But Roach insists the atmosphere in the City of Pines offers more than what Metro Manila could.

“I hate the traffic here (in Metro Manila),” said Roach, whose opinion was seconded by Ariza.

“It took us one and a half hours going here (from Makati),” said an exasperated Ariza.

Last Thursday, Roach and company had to get off their service vehicle and rode the MRT after being caught in a monstrous traffic jam.

Source: mb.com.ph

UFC champ GSP trains with Pacquiao -- ABS-CBN News

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – Visiting Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight champion Georges St.-Pierre (GSP) shared a training gym with World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king Manny Pacquiao on Friday.

St.-Pierre, who is in Manila for a 3-day UFC tour, got his wish to finally meet and train with Pacquiao, who is currently in the thick of preparations for his boxing match against Mexico's Antonio Margarito.

The UFC champion from Canada immediately greeted Pacquiao in Filipino when they met in the Elorde Gym locker room. "Kamusta ka, kamusta ka (How are you, how are you)?" said St.-Pierre.

Pacquiao warmly welcomed and thanked St.-Pierre.

"Thank you for your support and being a fan," said the 7-division boxing champion.

"I look forward to watch your next fight," St.-Pierre replied. "Hopefully, one day you'll take on [Floyd] Mayweather and knock him out."

St.-Pierre, who has Freddie Roach as boxing coach, said he is an avid Pacquiao fan.

The Canadian keenly observed the Filipino hitting the mitts for 10 full rounds. He later took his turn in receiving instructions from Roach.

"He's the fastest guy I've ever seen in my life," St.-Pierre said of Pacquiao's skills. "Amazing."

The MMA fighter also cited Roach for improving his boxing skills. Boxing is one of the martial arts disciplines in MMA.

“He’s [Roach] so technical. If I follow what he says regarding boxing’s perspective, there is no way I’m gonna lose a fight,” said St.-Pierre.

“One thing about him [GSP] is, when I teach him something, he really goes and practices it over and over,” said Roach.

The Canadian will be joining Pacquiao’s camp until the latter leaves over the weekend for Baguio City where he will continue his training.

The boxing champion will be spending 3 weeks in Baguio, the "City of Pines," for the more aggressive phase of his training.

Pacquiao is preparing for his November 13 fight against Margarito.

St.-Pierre will have an MMA fight on December 11 against welterweight challenger Josh Koscheck.

St.-Pierre’s 3-day tour in Manila will conclude with a meet-and-greet with local MMA fans on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia, where he will conduct an open training. -- With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

UFC star credits Roach for success -- Manila Bulletin

By KARLO SACAMOS, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — There’s no denying that Freddie Roach has been a big factor to Manny Pacquiao’s enormous success atop the ring.

But it seems that Pacquiao is not the only one who has greatly benefited from the four-time Trainer of the Year’s tutelage.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight titlist Georges St. Pierre can attest to Roach’s vast boxing knowledge, saying it was the American trainer himself who made him a more complete mixed martial artist.

“Freddie has taught me a lot. Before I met him, I thought I knew boxing. But he brought me back to school. He’s just so technical,” St. Pierre said during his UFC promotion press conference at the ABS-CBN compound.

St. Pierre, who is in the country until Sunday, said he is planning to meet up with the renowned tactician to prepare him for his upcoming fight against Josh Koscheck in December. He has been under Roach’s watchful eyes since last year.

“I plan to train with him in the country because I know he’s training with Manny Pacquiao for his fight right now,” said the 29-year-old Canadian, who, apart from his boxing skill, is adept at Brazilian jiu jitsu, wrestling, and muay thai.

“Since I have trained with him, I’ve been more accurate, been able to hit harder. He has really made a difference with my boxing training. And if I just follow what he tells me, I think I can’t be beaten in terms of boxing,” added St. Pierre, who is on a seven-fight winning streak.

St. Pierre has only been defeated twice in 22 career fights. He successfully defended his title for the fourth time against Dan Hardy in a unanimous decision last March 27.

Like Pacquiao, St. Pierre is regarded as the pound-for-pound king of his sport. And he believes his boxing counterpart is the best at his sport right now.

“Pacquiao is untouchable right now,” St. Pierre said.

He even said that if the fight between the Saranggani province solon and Floyd Mayweather pushes through, the former would win.

“I think Pacquiao will win, Mayweather has a lot to lose, but fans would love to see that fight,” he added.

Source: mb.com.ph

Floyd Mayweather tells friends he's still eager to fight Manny Pacquiao -- Examiner

By Scott Heritage, Examiner.com

Since being arrested on a grand larceny charge last week, and several days later being charged with four felonies and four misdemeanors, Floyd Mayweather has understandably been keeping a low profile.

Apparently though, despite the fact that he is doing his level best to stay out of the limelight for the time being, Mayweather is still eager to get back into the ring and take on Manny Pacquiao at some point.

In a series of tweets earlier today, rap mogul turned Mayweather press secretary Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson said:

Floyd just called and woke my ass up I'm still half sleep. That's my boy anybody want to do something to him get me first.

Floyd told me i ain't gonna beat him I'm a knock that mother fu***r out. For what they been saying about me. Hahaha he gonna kill pac man

Pacquiao gonna get his ass beat and his retarded ass trainer freddie roach know that. you like to gamble,like to lose bet agents floyd.

One pressing question that Mr. Cent doesn't address is why Floyd is waking him up to talk about Manny Pacquiao when he surely has bigger concerns right now. Such as his upcoming court case in November, beating 8 counts in said court case, and staying out of prison.

It is also worth noting that Mayweather's apparent anger over what is being said about him doesn't include Pacquiao himself, who remained composed and polite as always even in light of Floyd's racially offensive home video.

Further, much of what has been written about Mayweather lately is all of his own making. Airing a tirade of abuse with racial overtones and then being arrested for allegedly attacking the mother of three of his children isn't something many are going to be able to put a positive spin on.

Even his most ardent supporters in fact have struggled to rationalize his latest behaviour, much of which can usually be put down to him playing up his villain role, but lately seems to have become more and more erratic.

That isn't to mention that Mayweather has a usually very active twitter account of his own, and if needs be surrounded by a team of high priced lawyers, should be able to type out the requisite few lines to the same effect as what he said to 50 Cent without incriminating himself or offending anyone in the process.

Of course, about half of what Mayweather says never tends to come to anything anyway. His recent mentioning of fighting in Dubai for example seems to have petered out, as did his talk of wanting to build his legacy after announcing that he would be taking a second long layoff during his prime years. So whether this means he will actually be taking any steps towards making the fight happen in the near future is far from certain.

Of the local fight fans I've spoken to recently, most now seem to be of the opinion that Mayweather is more concerned with either making as much money as he can, or preserving his unbeaten record than taking on the likes of Pacquiao. But it wasn't always this way, in the past Mayweather was much better thought of than he is after his recent actions. But perhaps if he now feels people are beginning to doubt him he will be spurred into getting back into the ring and making the fight against Pacquiao happen.

Source: examiner.com

Troubled Hatton losing boxing license -- CNN

CNN

Former world champion Ricky Hatton has had his boxing license revoked after damaging revelations about his personal life.

The British Boxing Board of Control took action against the 31-year-old for "bringing the sport into disrepute."

They ruled his "current physical condition is such that the Board decided to withdraw his boxer's licence."

Hatton admitted he was suffering from depression and a drink problem after a tabloid newspaper published video footage of the boxer allegedly using cocaine.

Hatton, a former world light-welterweight champion, last fought in a May 2009 showdown with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, being knocked out in the second round.

Hatton, who had massive following for his all-action style, was also beaten in another money-spinning bout in Nevada by Floyd Mayweather Junior.

After the revelations in the News of the World, the British board called a hearing on Wednesday and issued their judgment Thursday.

Hatton was also fined £20,000 pounds ($31,388) and had his manager license revoked, but they will allow him to continue as a promoter.

The board said they were allowing Hatton to continue in this role because of the effect on "innocent persons" who were employed by his organization, including other professional boxers.

Source: edition.cnn.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the Forbes 400? Maybe Someday -- Forbes

By Michael K. Ozanian, Forbes.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not short on hubris. Sit ringside in his Las Vegas gym, ask him what it was like to meet President Obama. "You should ask him what it was like to meet me," he says. Ask about his fights, you get this: "When Floyd Mayweather fights it's the Super Bowl. I move the economy." Ask about his business: "God has blessed me to be recession-proof."

If only the American consumer were so confident. But Mayweather, 33, has his reasons. He is the best pound-for-pound fighter of his generation (with six world championships in five weight divisions), undefeated (41--0) and the biggest draw in boxing. Through his 14-year career he's earned an estimated $200 million from purses and pay-per-view revenue (boxing is his only significant source of income).

The biggest reason Mayweather's exuberance is hardly irrational: He promotes his own fights and reaps the rewards of ownership, retaining millions of dollars more per bout than he would otherwise. Long term he plans to turn this capital into a sports-and-entertainment powerhouse with equity stakes in teams, live event promotions, as well as film and television. If it works, he's got a chance--a long-shot chance, to be sure--to end up on The Forbes 400. "If I knew at the beginning of my career what I know now," he says, "I would probably already be a billionaire."

Far-fetched? Maybe. But Mayweather has yet to peak as a boxer or a businessman. He plans to fight for five more years, and FORBES estimates he racked up $65 million in earnings during the past 12 months, second among all athletes (Tiger Woods earned $100 million). Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has offered to guarantee $25 million if Mayweather fights WBO World Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao at his new stadium (the two sides have yet to agree on terms for drug testing). "Mayweather is the only fighter for which I would put up that kind of money," says Jones. With PPV revenue, experts say, a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight could gross a record $250 million. Mayweather's take? In excess of $50 million, since he need not pay a promoter the traditional 25% cut. If his career trajectory continues, he'll soon surpass onetime rival Oscar De La Hoya's $300 million in lifetime earnings from boxing. Not a bad nest egg for retirement--if he hangs on to it.

Given the sport's history of fighters who raked in millions and ended up broke (Mike Tyson comes to mind), Mayweather is hardly a sure thing. A recent arrest amid domestic violence accusations and an expletive-filled rant on YouTube are less-than-textbook additions to his résumé. Still, since forming Mayweather Promotions in 2007 the champ is proving a savvy dealmaker. Stints on Dancing with the Stars and WrestleMania increased his exposure--and marketing value--helping attract big-name sponsors like AT&T ( T - news - people ), Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools, Quaker State, StubHub and Southwest Airlines ( LUV - news - people ) to his fights.

He understood the potential of reality television before any other athlete. In 2007 HBO aired 24/7, a four-episode series that went inside the lives and preparations of Mayweather and De La Hoya before their WBC super welterweight title bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas that May (Mayweather won a split decision). It was a huge (for cable) hit, turning the fight into the most lucrative in boxing history, with a live gate of $19 million and a record 2.4 million household PPV buys, which generated $120 million. Since then HBO has replicated the 24/7 series with eight other fights and another featuring Nascar champion Jimmie Johnson. "Mayweather is a marketing genius," says Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya's boxing company.

The mainstream fame means even lower-wattage opponents can generate lucrative fights for Mayweather. His victory over Shane Mosley this May was the second-highest-rated nonheavyweight pay-per-view bout in history, selling 1.4 million views with $78 million in revenue. Mayweather also got $22.5 million in prize money and netted $40 million in total from the fight.

Yet Mayweather, who grew up poor in Grand Rapids, Mich., sees boxing as the start of something bigger. Mark Cuban, the billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, says Mayweather is a hungry business student. They've talked at length about investing together, including a possible stake in the Mavs or a baseball team. "I don't think people realize just how focused he is on being more successful outside the ring than he is inside," he says.

The biggest lesson Mayweather has learned: "All money is not good money," he says. "I get people every day where someone is offering me $100 million for a deal. If Nike ( NKE - news - people ) were to come to me right now and offer me a five-year deal for $100 million, I'd say no thank you. Give me 1% or 2% ownership."

Source: forbes.com

Canelomania: Saul Alvarez in line to be era-defining -- Bad Left Hook

By Ted Sares, Bad Left Hook

If anyone wasn't convinced that 'Canelo' Alvarez is a future world champion, they have to be believers now...At just 20 years old, he knocked out a tough former world champion who had only been knocked out one time in 64 fights and that was 16 years ago. He is going to be a star in this sport for a long time, and we're proud to have him on our team.

--Oscar De La Hoya

His record as a professional is not a mirage nor is it littered with many meaningless fights to beef it up.

--Paula Duffy

For me, each era in boxing seemed to have a guy who was right for the time. The 1940's had "The Brown Bomber, "Joe Louis and he transcended the sport. Sugar Ray Robinson dazzled every one with his superb skills. Then along came Ali and he too transcended boxing. He was in sync with his era as much as anyone could ever be. Sugar Ray Leonard picked up the mantle and then handed it off to the "Golden Boy," Oscar De La Hoya. These days, Manny Pacquiao seems to be the MAN, but as he gets a tad long in the tooth, speculation is beginning for who might be next.

And that brings me to Mexican welterweight sensation Saul "Canelo" Alvarez who hails from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Canelo is Spanish for Cinnamon and reflects Saul's red hair. His current record is 34-0-1 with 26 coming by way of stoppage. In 2004 he won the silver medal at the Junior Mexican National championships and became the 2005 Junior Mexican National Boxing Champion at the age of 15.

Now at just 20 years of age but mature far beyond his chronological age, he is quickly becoming a complete fighter who reminds me more of an early Salvador Sanchez than Julio Cesar Chavez in his manner and style. At 5'10" tall, he possesses a big upper torso with a huge back and broad shoulders. He also has deceptive speed and when he shoots his left hooks followed by right crosses, the intent is pure evil.

His record is also telling in that he beat Miguel Vazquez twice. This was the same Vazquez who recently beat South Korean Ji-Hoon Kim for the IBF lightweight title. Vazquez also beat Breidis Prescott who in turn waxed Amir Khan. In 2008, Canelo iced Raul Pinzon in one. This was the same Pinzon who put Ricardo Torres through pure hell before losing in the 10th and final round in Colombia. He also likely put an end to Larry Mosley's career in 2008. Mosley had draws with Golden Johnson and Miguel Figueroa before losing to Canelo. Included among his victims are a Russian, Colombian, Puerto Rican and several Americans. While not quite an equal opportunity practioner, he shows promise here as well. Canelo has stopped 11 of his last 12 foes including the never-before-stopped Jose Miguel Cotto and granite chin Carlos Baldomir. Baldomir later said, "It is true that he hits very hard. He is the real deal. No one has hit me like he has."

"Canelo, Canelo, Canelo"

Maybe it's the good looks, red hair and freckles strewn across his prominent chin and thick shoulders. Reportedly Saul is dating the 27 year old Marisol Gonzalez, Miss Mexico Universe 2003 and now a sports reporter for Televisa Depotes. De La Hoya (his promoter), in a rare moment of "humility," recently said that not since himself (Oscar) had a boxer attracted so many female fans. . Whatever it is, the chants ring out and Canelo is now the most popular boxer in Mexico, thanks to his exciting style and unmistaken charisma.

What I personally think is that both casual fans and aficionados see something in Álvarez that reminds them of great fighters of the past. The electric connection with his fans (Chacon), the in and out movement (Sanchez), the balance as he sets himself (Ramos), his ring movement (an early Sanchez), and his ability to close once he has his man hurt (Danny Lopez). Sure, lots of new guys have parts of that repertoire, but not many are 20 years old and that's the thing. He is 20 years old but he fight like a guy much older. He also has just enough vulnerability to punctuate his exciting style. Cotto had him hurt and on the verge, but he came back stronger than ever.

The other part of Canelomania is that if he is on the undercard of PPV, he is the attraction. This will change soon as his undercard days are quickly coming to an end.

The Future

The future belongs to Canelo. He and his team are now rising to the peak of the bell shaped curve which translates to pocketing big paydays and fighting solely on PPV'S. In short, he will ride the crest of the wave called "Canelomania." However, ring age and chronological age are two distinct things. He and his handlers must know when he begins to move to the right hand side of the curve. Sugar Shane Mosley offers a good case in point.

I see him fighting one or two more relatively easy bouts (maybe in Mexico) and then headlining a big venue. Andre Berto is out there and so is Sugar Shane Mosley, but clearly Alvarez would be the wrong fight for Mosley. Maybe Mosley fights Berto and Canelo gets the winner. Perhaps a worn Miguel Cotto might want some brotherly redemption. A good matchup might be against German Jan Zaveck (28-1) or maybe even against Joshua Clottey whose turtle defense would make for an interesting combination for Alvarez to crack. But I wouldn't rush into a fight with Timothy Bradley just yet.

Bottom Line: I am now a member of "Canelomania" hook, line and sinker, as I believe he may well be the next great fighter for the coming era, a mantle Manny Pacquiao now holds. We will know soon enough.

Source: badlefthook.com