By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times
Manny Pacquiao's promoter told The Times Tuesday morning that Juan Manuel Marquez is in the process of signing a contract to fight the Filipino superstar for a third time, Nov. 12 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Bob Arum said the deal for Marquez to take the bout was negotiated Monday with the Mexican fighter's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, who retain the right until March to match the best offer Marquez could receive for a fight. Arum said that after the contract is signed by Marquez, Golden Boy still has to provide its final "approval and consent" for the fight to take place.
Arum, Pacquiao's promoter and chairman of the promotional company Top Rank, told The Times, "We met on various issues. We had to adjust certain things, but I'm not permitted to go into details. They [Golden Boy] have released their objections."
Golden Boy Chief Executive Richard Schaefer, through a company spokeswoman, declined to comment on the situation and said he wouldn't discuss it until next week.
Marquez is meeting with Top Rank President Todd duBoef at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Tuesday morning, according to Arum.
Marquez reportedly will fight Pacquiao for at least $5 million at a 144-pound catch weight, likely for Pacquiao's World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.
Marquez has long wanted a third bout with Pacquiao after the pair fought to a 2004 draw, with Pacquiao then claiming a spit decision in 2008.
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Pacquiao To Fight Juan Manuel Marquez On Nov. 12 -- The Sweet Science
By Michael Woods, The Sweet Science
They've engaged in two tight battles, and to this day, the outcomes are controversial.
So it makes sense that Manny Pacquiao will fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a third time. Pacman will glove up against the Mexican on November 12 at the MGM in Las Vegas, multiple outlets are reporting.
The contracted weight for the scrap will be 144 pounds, or less. The match reached fruition after Marquez' promoter, Golden Boy, passed on matching the terms offered by Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum. Pacquiao is at odds with Golden Boy, and is embroiled in a legal tangle with that outfit. He has launched a defamation suit against Golden Boy, for alleging that he used steroids, or another illegal performance enhancer.
In May 2004, Pacman and Marquez battled to a draw, at the MGM. Marquez was down three times in the first round, but held on for dear life, and came back to take the second half of the tussle. Pacman had his hand raised when they fought again in March 2008. The judges awarded the Filipino a split decision after a tight contest at the Mandalay Bay.
The first time, they clashed at the featherweight limit, the second time, at super featherweight. Since then, Pacquiao has jumped up in weight class, and has fought as a welterweight his last four battles. Marquez, meanwhile, looked out of his element when he jumped up to junior welterweight, against Floyd Mayweather, in September 2009.
Some pundits are saying that at this weight, the 37 year old Marquez won't have the same luck against Pacman, but to me, this guy just has Manny's number. At any weight, I think Marquez has the skills and strategy to give Pacman fits. What say you, TSS Universe?
Source: thesweetscience.com
They've engaged in two tight battles, and to this day, the outcomes are controversial.
So it makes sense that Manny Pacquiao will fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a third time. Pacman will glove up against the Mexican on November 12 at the MGM in Las Vegas, multiple outlets are reporting.
The contracted weight for the scrap will be 144 pounds, or less. The match reached fruition after Marquez' promoter, Golden Boy, passed on matching the terms offered by Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum. Pacquiao is at odds with Golden Boy, and is embroiled in a legal tangle with that outfit. He has launched a defamation suit against Golden Boy, for alleging that he used steroids, or another illegal performance enhancer.
In May 2004, Pacman and Marquez battled to a draw, at the MGM. Marquez was down three times in the first round, but held on for dear life, and came back to take the second half of the tussle. Pacman had his hand raised when they fought again in March 2008. The judges awarded the Filipino a split decision after a tight contest at the Mandalay Bay.
The first time, they clashed at the featherweight limit, the second time, at super featherweight. Since then, Pacquiao has jumped up in weight class, and has fought as a welterweight his last four battles. Marquez, meanwhile, looked out of his element when he jumped up to junior welterweight, against Floyd Mayweather, in September 2009.
Some pundits are saying that at this weight, the 37 year old Marquez won't have the same luck against Pacman, but to me, this guy just has Manny's number. At any weight, I think Marquez has the skills and strategy to give Pacman fits. What say you, TSS Universe?
Source: thesweetscience.com
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Angara warns Church vs using Pacquiao in anti-RH campaign -- GMA News
By KIM TAN, GMA News
Senator Edgardo Angara on Thursday warned the Catholic Church against using boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in its campaign against the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.
"Maraming admirers si Manny but I think let's not mislead the mood of our people," Angara said during an ambush interview with reporters on Tuesday.
He issued the statement after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that it will be discussing the RH bill with Pacquiao over lunch on Tuesday.
"Our people are for it whatever measure you take. They live with poverty and misery everyday so they want some help from government. Let's not divide and fragment just because of this issue," he said.
Meeting with bishops
Hours before the House of Representatives resumes debates on the RH bill, Pacquiao had lunch on Tuesday noon with Catholic bishops in Manila.
Pacquiao met with officials of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) at the CBCP compound in Intramuros, Manila, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.
Among the bishops who welcomed Pacquiao were retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.
Cruz and Bastes were among the most vocal critics of the RH bill.
Pacquiao and CBCP officials have been vocal about their opposition to the RH bill which promotes the use of artificial contraception.
Under the official teachings of the Catholic Church, only natural means of family planning are accepted.
Pacquiao's personal initiative
Earlier, CBCP secretary general Msgr. Juanito Figura said in an article posted on the CBCP news site on Monday that the church is not using Pacquiao in its campaign against the RH bill.
Figura said Pacquiao's meeting with the bishops is the champ’s “personal initiative."
“This is his personal way of expressing support and not a celebrity endorsing the position of the Church. It is his personal initiative to be with the Church in the advocacy against RH because of his religious conviction," Figura said.
Figura added that the Church is thankful for Pacquiao’s support, saying he is a big help in the Catholic Church's campaign against the RH bill.
“He is a big help in terms of making the people aware that the RH bill is not good… he is also a big help in terms of making the people aware that even this Congressman…is against the RH bill," he said.
Leaning toward the RH bill
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Angara admitted that he is more inclined" to support the RH bill and he thinks it will not be difficult to pass the measure in the Senate.
"The same issue has gone through many Catholic countries, more Catholic and more devout than us, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, without this traumatic and indecent name-calling," Angara noted.
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, the author of the Senate's version of the bill, is likewise confident that it will pass their chamber.
Senate Bill No.2378 or “An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development," which guarantees universal access to medically safe, legal, affordable, and quality reproductive health services, methods, devices, supplies, and relevant information on the matter.
The bill, however, is being opposed by Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, for his part, said the Senate will not censor any bill. The RH bill is pending before the health committee at the Senate. - VVP, GMA New
Source: gmanews.tv
Senator Edgardo Angara on Thursday warned the Catholic Church against using boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in its campaign against the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.
"Maraming admirers si Manny but I think let's not mislead the mood of our people," Angara said during an ambush interview with reporters on Tuesday.
He issued the statement after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that it will be discussing the RH bill with Pacquiao over lunch on Tuesday. However, Angara said said the CBCP must not use the boxing champion to change people's mind about the issue.
"Our people are for it whatever measure you take. They live with poverty and misery everyday so they want some help from government. Let's not divide and fragment just because of this issue," he said.
Meeting with bishops
Hours before the House of Representatives resumes debates on the RH bill, Pacquiao had lunch on Tuesday noon with Catholic bishops in Manila.
Pacquiao met with officials of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) at the CBCP compound in Intramuros, Manila, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.
Among the bishops who welcomed Pacquiao were retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.
Cruz and Bastes were among the most vocal critics of the RH bill.
Pacquiao and CBCP officials have been vocal about their opposition to the RH bill which promotes the use of artificial contraception.
Under the official teachings of the Catholic Church, only natural means of family planning are accepted.
Pacquiao's personal initiative
Earlier, CBCP secretary general Msgr. Juanito Figura said in an article posted on the CBCP news site on Monday that the church is not using Pacquiao in its campaign against the RH bill.
Figura said Pacquiao's meeting with the bishops is the champ’s “personal initiative."
“This is his personal way of expressing support and not a celebrity endorsing the position of the Church. It is his personal initiative to be with the Church in the advocacy against RH because of his religious conviction," Figura said.
Figura added that the Church is thankful for Pacquiao’s support, saying he is a big help in the Catholic Church's campaign against the RH bill.
“He is a big help in terms of making the people aware that the RH bill is not good… he is also a big help in terms of making the people aware that even this Congressman…is against the RH bill," he said.
Leaning toward the RH bill
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Angara admitted that he is more inclined" to support the RH bill and he thinks it will not be difficult to pass the measure in the Senate.
"The same issue has gone through many Catholic countries, more Catholic and more devout than us, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Italy, without this traumatic and indecent name-calling," Angara noted.
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, the author of the Senate's version of the bill, is likewise confident that it will pass their chamber.
Senate Bill No.2378 or “An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development," which guarantees universal access to medically safe, legal, affordable, and quality reproductive health services, methods, devices, supplies, and relevant information on the matter.
The bill, however, is being opposed by Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, for his part, said the Senate will not censor any bill. The RH bill is pending before the health committee at the Senate. - VVP, GMA New
Source: gmanews.tv
Sen. Santiago tells Pacquiao to back off -- Philippine Daily Inquirer
By Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Back off Manny Pacquiao, just focus on boxing.
This was the advice of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who even challenged the world boxing champion and now representative of Saranggani province, to a fist fight.
“Suntukan na lang kami [Let’s just slug it out],” Santiago said in jest on Tuesday.
“Huwag mo nang pasukan ito. E kung kaming mga senador, hindi kami pumapasok sa pagboxing pero kung gusto mo e pwede rin [Don’t get yourself involved in this anymore. We senators don’t engage into boxing but if you want, then we may],” Santiago said, reacting to Pacquiao who sided with the Catholic Church in opposing the RH bill.
Santiago also lectured the people's champ when he interpreted the Bible literally when he used the quote “Go out and multiply” to defend his position against the RH bill.
“May I just make a point of grammar please? The Bible does not say, 'Go out to the world.' It sounds very much like God is encouraging us to go out and copulate in public,” she said.
“God said in the Bible, 'Go forth and multiply.' That meant that God wanted man, not necessarily to literally multiply, but to go out to work with the rest of the human beings of this planet and to apply the stewardship theory. Meaning to say, taking care of each other, who are all in the planet living together,” she pointed out.
Besides, Santiago explained that the Bible was not written by God and not even by any of the eyewitnesses to God since she said it was written at least 70 years after the death of Jesus Christ.
“They are quoting Jesus … but none of them were living when he was around plus they're quoting God but the Bible says no one has ever seen God. In fact, if we claimed to have seen God, as I said, you are in urgent need of psychiatric care,” she further said.
Asked if she was threatened by the popularity of Pacquiao, Santiago said, “I don't think so, this is a literate country.”
“We know, we can see, that he knows more about boxing than possibly anybody alive particularly in the welterweight department, which is considered to be “the” boxing title. But still, we cannot be know-it-alls. It will be very misleading to use his celebrity status to enter into, what is after all, a great debate on the political economy,” the senator added.
Santiago is one of those pushing for the passage of the RH bill.
Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines—Back off Manny Pacquiao, just focus on boxing.
This was the advice of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who even challenged the world boxing champion and now representative of Saranggani province, to a fist fight.
“Suntukan na lang kami [Let’s just slug it out],” Santiago said in jest on Tuesday.Turning serious, the senator advised Pacquiao not to join the debates on the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, saying that he should rather focus on his sport.
“Huwag mo nang pasukan ito. E kung kaming mga senador, hindi kami pumapasok sa pagboxing pero kung gusto mo e pwede rin [Don’t get yourself involved in this anymore. We senators don’t engage into boxing but if you want, then we may],” Santiago said, reacting to Pacquiao who sided with the Catholic Church in opposing the RH bill.
Santiago also lectured the people's champ when he interpreted the Bible literally when he used the quote “Go out and multiply” to defend his position against the RH bill.
“May I just make a point of grammar please? The Bible does not say, 'Go out to the world.' It sounds very much like God is encouraging us to go out and copulate in public,” she said.
“God said in the Bible, 'Go forth and multiply.' That meant that God wanted man, not necessarily to literally multiply, but to go out to work with the rest of the human beings of this planet and to apply the stewardship theory. Meaning to say, taking care of each other, who are all in the planet living together,” she pointed out.
Besides, Santiago explained that the Bible was not written by God and not even by any of the eyewitnesses to God since she said it was written at least 70 years after the death of Jesus Christ.
“They are quoting Jesus … but none of them were living when he was around plus they're quoting God but the Bible says no one has ever seen God. In fact, if we claimed to have seen God, as I said, you are in urgent need of psychiatric care,” she further said.
Asked if she was threatened by the popularity of Pacquiao, Santiago said, “I don't think so, this is a literate country.”
“We know, we can see, that he knows more about boxing than possibly anybody alive particularly in the welterweight department, which is considered to be “the” boxing title. But still, we cannot be know-it-alls. It will be very misleading to use his celebrity status to enter into, what is after all, a great debate on the political economy,” the senator added.
Santiago is one of those pushing for the passage of the RH bill.
Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
Monday, 16 May 2011
Manny Pacquiao: Shane Mosley Down, Floyd Mayweather JR to Go? -- Ringside Report
By Manoj Bhat, Ringside Report
Apart from Paris Hilton, the whole world was disappointed by the fight we saw on Saturday night. Perhaps that’s why she is so unique. The start to the fight was cautious and that was understandable considering the fact the advantage Mosley had in the fight to start with. Manny did not rush out of the blocks as he normally would and there was a hint of respect for the person who has a good reputation to hit hard. Perhaps the slumping knees of Floyd Mayweather were behind that initial caution.
In the third round when Manny hit a hard left and followed it up with a right hand under the cheek bone, Mosley was trying hard to focus his eyes just like an auto focus camera trying to get an image in total darkness. It also indicated that the boxing was over. Athletics had just started and one wonders if steeple chase is what they had in mind. Detractors will always say that Mosley was old but when will these people actually rationalize that even an old retired man will fight if he feels he can win. The fact is that Mosley realized in his third round enlightenment what the future held for him. Unfortunately he wasn’t the first one to get enlightened. Floyd seems to have heard that divine voice long time ago.
In all fairness, this is the time one really feels like sounding harsh. Manny was not what fans expect him to be and that unfortunately is a fact. There is no justification, not even cramps, in the kind of actions we witnessed in the ring. For a change, I was impressed by the friendly gestures of fighters not only in the main draw but also on the undercard but Manny – Mosley touching gloves and hugging like long lost friends was a bit too much.
It’s true that in Asia we consider it an insult and bad manners beyond reprieve not to return a good gesture even if it comes from our enemies. It’s also true that Mosley seemed to offer a touch glove at the start and end of every round topping it with a hug to Manny at the beginning of 12th round. It looked as if Mosley was trying to make sure that one day he would have the story to tell to his grandchildren about how he hit the small Manny Pacquiao with his fists. It is surprising that the cards scored 82 punches for Mosley. I reviewed the tapes to see the generosity of the judges and honestly could not count 82 Mosley punches whereas one could easily count more than 820 back steps every round after the third.
Lighter side apart, Manny should not have reciprocated the friendly gestures. Boxing as a sport has civilized a lot since the pugilism of the Greeks where hand wraps were glued with stones and sharp shingles to inflict maximum pain and dying in the bout was an honor but it will cease to be the sport that it has become if the show of compassion like Manny – Mosley is visible in the ring. When will the fierce rivalry of Nadal and Federer combined by the respect for the other be visible in Boxing? Why should Amir Khan say that there will be no fight with Manny? Boxing needs to transcend the narrow mindset and develop as a sport. If Amir and Manny can hit each other in practice – why not for the championship? That would be better match up than any other fight that is out there for Manny.
Marquez trilogy is on the cards. Would it be worth it? Except for the interest in seeing Manny in action, hardly is there anything that would be pulsating in this fight. Marquez lost the first two fights and these looked too close only because of Manny’s benevolence. The third is going to be lights out for the Mexican who has dared to dream. Would it interest the fans – well unless of course we would want to see Marquez offer his gloves to Manny just like Mosley did? If that ever happens, one thing Manny needs to practice and root deep in his boxing muscle memory is the ring is not the place to show the richness of the orient culture. Boxing is not an oriental game like the martial arts where the opponents bow in front of their opponents at the start and the end of the fight.
Manny needs to realize that he need not be knocked down (even if it is an error) to be excited, he need not be hit to get hurt and aggressive. If we analyze his fights in last 4-5 years (the time when Manny has peaked physically), he has knocked out only those opponents who have shown their will and grit to hurt him bad. Ricky Hatton being on top of that list and facing the fastest KO. All others who have not hurt him including Marquez, have made Manny to lift the foot off the pedal and behave in the way where his compassionate inner self gets displayed even in the boxing ring. This strategy would be the only real threat for Manny’s supremacy as the pound for pound king. The way he sweats in his practice, the only person who can beat Manny is Manny Pacquiao. Floyd will only need to bring out the softer side of Manny in the first few rounds and rest will be easier than most of us expect.
Source: ringsidereport.com
In the third round when Manny hit a hard left and followed it up with a right hand under the cheek bone, Mosley was trying hard to focus his eyes just like an auto focus camera trying to get an image in total darkness. It also indicated that the boxing was over. Athletics had just started and one wonders if steeple chase is what they had in mind. Detractors will always say that Mosley was old but when will these people actually rationalize that even an old retired man will fight if he feels he can win. The fact is that Mosley realized in his third round enlightenment what the future held for him. Unfortunately he wasn’t the first one to get enlightened. Floyd seems to have heard that divine voice long time ago.
In all fairness, this is the time one really feels like sounding harsh. Manny was not what fans expect him to be and that unfortunately is a fact. There is no justification, not even cramps, in the kind of actions we witnessed in the ring. For a change, I was impressed by the friendly gestures of fighters not only in the main draw but also on the undercard but Manny – Mosley touching gloves and hugging like long lost friends was a bit too much.
It’s true that in Asia we consider it an insult and bad manners beyond reprieve not to return a good gesture even if it comes from our enemies. It’s also true that Mosley seemed to offer a touch glove at the start and end of every round topping it with a hug to Manny at the beginning of 12th round. It looked as if Mosley was trying to make sure that one day he would have the story to tell to his grandchildren about how he hit the small Manny Pacquiao with his fists. It is surprising that the cards scored 82 punches for Mosley. I reviewed the tapes to see the generosity of the judges and honestly could not count 82 Mosley punches whereas one could easily count more than 820 back steps every round after the third.
Lighter side apart, Manny should not have reciprocated the friendly gestures. Boxing as a sport has civilized a lot since the pugilism of the Greeks where hand wraps were glued with stones and sharp shingles to inflict maximum pain and dying in the bout was an honor but it will cease to be the sport that it has become if the show of compassion like Manny – Mosley is visible in the ring. When will the fierce rivalry of Nadal and Federer combined by the respect for the other be visible in Boxing? Why should Amir Khan say that there will be no fight with Manny? Boxing needs to transcend the narrow mindset and develop as a sport. If Amir and Manny can hit each other in practice – why not for the championship? That would be better match up than any other fight that is out there for Manny.
Marquez trilogy is on the cards. Would it be worth it? Except for the interest in seeing Manny in action, hardly is there anything that would be pulsating in this fight. Marquez lost the first two fights and these looked too close only because of Manny’s benevolence. The third is going to be lights out for the Mexican who has dared to dream. Would it interest the fans – well unless of course we would want to see Marquez offer his gloves to Manny just like Mosley did? If that ever happens, one thing Manny needs to practice and root deep in his boxing muscle memory is the ring is not the place to show the richness of the orient culture. Boxing is not an oriental game like the martial arts where the opponents bow in front of their opponents at the start and the end of the fight.
Manny needs to realize that he need not be knocked down (even if it is an error) to be excited, he need not be hit to get hurt and aggressive. If we analyze his fights in last 4-5 years (the time when Manny has peaked physically), he has knocked out only those opponents who have shown their will and grit to hurt him bad. Ricky Hatton being on top of that list and facing the fastest KO. All others who have not hurt him including Marquez, have made Manny to lift the foot off the pedal and behave in the way where his compassionate inner self gets displayed even in the boxing ring. This strategy would be the only real threat for Manny’s supremacy as the pound for pound king. The way he sweats in his practice, the only person who can beat Manny is Manny Pacquiao. Floyd will only need to bring out the softer side of Manny in the first few rounds and rest will be easier than most of us expect.
Source: ringsidereport.com
Mayweather Jr says he's ready for Pacquiao, Waiting for Manny to sign contract -- Examiner
By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com
"I thought we were going to fight. I already had my gear ready. Once again they said I was duckin' and dodgin' and I was scared. We been ready for the fight. We been waiting for the fight. I thought the fight was made. I'm just waiting".
Mayweather Jr. is convinced that the negotiations were settled as he claimed last week to have signed the contract for a fight with Pacwuiao. However, he hasn't publicly stated what the details of the contract were. It's easy to sign a contract if it's in his favor. Floyd declared that he will show the fans the contract in the near future.
In this revealing video on Fighthype.com, Floyd unveiled his new ring attire that he had specially made for the Pacquiao fight. Floyd goes deep into his storage room and rummages through some containers to pull out the ring attire that he had made. The outfit consisted of black and neon orange shorts and jacket with orange and black Reebok shoes.
As of now, the negotiations between Manny and Floyd have failed three times with both sides blaming the other. Bob Arum has publicly stated that Floyd is the one who's backed out and now Floyd is stating that Manny refused to sign. Unfortuantely, it's the boxing fans that lose out on a great fight as both sides play "he said/she said".
Floyd is currently involved in 5 separate court cases which range from misdemeanor fines to serious felony charges that could land him in prison for 34 years. Pacquiao is currently in the process of locking up a "Trilogy fight" with Juan Manuel Marquez.
Source: examiner.com
On Sunday, Floyd Mayweather Jr. put another twist on the saga with Manny Pacquiao
as he publicly declared that he's just waiting on Manny to sign the contract. Floyd says he's "been ready" to fight and even had a new outfit made for their historic encounter. The undefeated boxer stated that as soon as Manny takes the tests and sings the contract they will fight. According to Fighthype.com, Mayweather Jr. made the following comments:
as he publicly declared that he's just waiting on Manny to sign the contract. Floyd says he's "been ready" to fight and even had a new outfit made for their historic encounter. The undefeated boxer stated that as soon as Manny takes the tests and sings the contract they will fight. According to Fighthype.com, Mayweather Jr. made the following comments:"I thought we were going to fight. I already had my gear ready. Once again they said I was duckin' and dodgin' and I was scared. We been ready for the fight. We been waiting for the fight. I thought the fight was made. I'm just waiting".Mayweather Jr. is convinced that the negotiations were settled as he claimed last week to have signed the contract for a fight with Pacwuiao. However, he hasn't publicly stated what the details of the contract were. It's easy to sign a contract if it's in his favor. Floyd declared that he will show the fans the contract in the near future.
In this revealing video on Fighthype.com, Floyd unveiled his new ring attire that he had specially made for the Pacquiao fight. Floyd goes deep into his storage room and rummages through some containers to pull out the ring attire that he had made. The outfit consisted of black and neon orange shorts and jacket with orange and black Reebok shoes.
As of now, the negotiations between Manny and Floyd have failed three times with both sides blaming the other. Bob Arum has publicly stated that Floyd is the one who's backed out and now Floyd is stating that Manny refused to sign. Unfortuantely, it's the boxing fans that lose out on a great fight as both sides play "he said/she said".
Floyd is currently involved in 5 separate court cases which range from misdemeanor fines to serious felony charges that could land him in prison for 34 years. Pacquiao is currently in the process of locking up a "Trilogy fight" with Juan Manuel Marquez.
Source: examiner.com
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Antonio Margarito Update -- Fight News
By Gabriel F. Cordero, FightNews.com
A proposed grudge rematch between Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto is on the shelf for the moment. In addition to the broken orbital socket Margarito suffered in his brutal loss to Manny Pacquiao last November, “The Tijuana Tornado” also suffered a detached retina in that fight. The injury could force Margarito to retire from the sport.
Source: fightnews.com
Source: fightnews.com
Pacquiao draws career-best PPV numbers -- Las Vegas Review-Journal
By Steve Carp, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNALWith the help of CBS, Manny Pacquiao's unanimous decision over Shane Mosley on May 7 attracted more pay-per-view buyers than any of his previous fights.
CBS's cross-promotion, which included three episodes of "Fight Camp 360" on the network, helped the Showtime pay-per-view card generate 1.3 million to 1.4 million buys. The final tally is expected this week."We're very happy with CBS and Showtime," said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. "They were a great partner, and this is the biggest pay-per-view result in Manny's career."
The WBO welterweight champion's previous best was 1.25 million buys for his eighth-round technical knockout of Oscar De La Hoya in 2008.
"It was a very successful promotion," Arum said. "Manny doing 1.3, 1.4 million buys is outstanding."
The fight at the MGM Grand Garden had a live gate of $8,882,600, boxing's 14th-highest gross in state history. Officially, 15,422 tickets were sold.
Arum said he thinks boxing could return to prime-time network television on CBS this year. But if it happens, it will probably be without Pacquiao because he might be too expensive.
"Manny makes between $20 million to $30 million a fight," Arum said. "How are you going to leave that kind of money on the table to fight on free TV?
"I'm not ruling it out completely. But I don't know that you could make it work (economically)."
If not Pacquiao, Arum said, former world middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik might be a candidate for a CBS bout.
Pavlik, 29, has a compelling life story, as he has battled alcoholism. Arum said he thinks there are enough worthy super middleweight opponents for Pavlik to create a good TV matchup.
"Lucien Bute is a possibility," Arum said. "Andre Ward. Carl Froch. There are lots of good fights for Kelly."
While Pavlik is a good story, it's debatable whether he could draw enough viewers to make the investment worthwhile for CBS or any other network.
■ PACQUIAO, MOSLEY PASS -- Pacquiao and Mosley passed their postfight drug tests, Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer said.
Both fighters tested negative for steroids, performance-enhancing drugs, recreational drugs and diuretics. Pacquiao, who has been accused of using PEDs -- most recently last week by a former sparring partner -- has never failed a drug test.
Kizer also said Jorge Arce and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. passed their drug tests. Arce defeated Vazquez by technical knockout to win the WBC super bantamweight title on the May 7 undercard.
■ TRIALS IN ALABAMA -- USA Boxing has announced that the Olympic trials will take place July 31 to Aug. 6 in Mobile, Ala.
Michael Hunter, a Las Vegan who recently won the gold medal at the national Golden Gloves championships, has qualified for the trials at 201 pounds. He won the U.S. trials at heavyweight in 2007 but lost in the AIBA world championships and did not qualify for the 2008 Olympics.
■ KIRKLAND, ADAMS SPLIT -- Las Vegas -based veteran trainer Kenny Adams said he is no longer working with James Kirkland.
The middleweight, stopped in the first round by Nobuhiro Ishida on April 9 at the MGM Grand, has reunited with trainer Ann Wolfe.
"It's nobody's fault," said Adams, who trained Kirkland (27-1, 24 knockouts) for three fights. "Sometimes things just don't work out. They're probably a better fit anyway."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com sscarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.
Source: lvrj.com
Pacquiao winning, but please, no more stiffs -- San Antonio Express-News
By John Whisler, San Antonio Express-News
Manny Pacquiao has won 14 fights in a row, many of them in dominating fashion. But eventually, even the Filipino superstar’s most rabid fans – the entire country of the Philippines – will begin to demand more.
Now would be a good time to start.
Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey - the last three opponents – allowed Pacman to showcase his iconic skills. But little else.
All were inferior foes, with little chance of winning. Two of the three, Mosley and Clottey, apparently didn’t understand why they were there.
Mosley, last weekend at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, seemed more interested in touching gloves and being Pacquiao’s pal than punching him in the face.
Clottey retreated into a tortoise-like shell when he opposed Pacquiao a year ago at Cowboys Stadium.
Neither Mosley or Clottey seemed to have any intention of fighting. Only surviving, and cashing a paycheck.
In truth, Pacquiao’s legion of fans likely would pay to see their hero fight a ghost, just for the chance to see him in the ring.
But enough is enough.
Greatness isn’t greatness unless it is tested against the best a sport has to offer.
Magic Johnson needed Larry Bird. Bill Russell needed Wilt Chamberlain. Muhammad Ali needed Joe Frazier.
Pacquiao is 32 and in his prime, a prime that shouldn’t be wasted on B-list fighters.
There is one guy out there who could solve all this. It could be argued that Pacquiao is merely biding his time until Floyd Mayweather Jr. wakes up and comes to his rapidly fading senses.
It would be the richest fight in history. Followed, in all likelihood, by the richest rematch in history.
But that scenario, sadly, seems less likely than ever.
So who should Pacquiao’s next opponent be?
A variety of names have come up, including Zab Judah, Timothy Bradley Juan Manuel Marquez.
Judah is a slick southpaw with power who is enjoying a career renaissance, but he has a history of meltdowns on the big stage.
Bradley is considered a star in the making. He doesn’t have great name recognition, but he’s young, hungry and talented – ample traits to build a promotion around generate pay-per-view sales.
Marquez appears to be the frontrunner and reportedly has already signed an offer sheet from Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter.
This would be the third fight between the two (the first ended in a draw, while Pacquiao won the second by split decision). The big hurdle here would be weight. Marquez, who typically fights at 135, fought Mayweather at 142 in 2009 and looked slow.
A catch weight of 144 of 145 reportedly is under consideration.
But Golden Boy Promotions still retains the rights to Marquez and can match any offer he receives. This could create problems, as Golden Boy and Top Rank have been feuding for some time.
Floyd returning? Don’t look now, but Mayweather apparently is making noise about a return to the ring. Not against Pacquiao, but Victor Ortiz.
Boxrec.com reported the fight would take place Sept. 17 at Cowboys Stadium. Mayweather is said to have met with Jerry Jones during Super Bowl XLV, but during negotiations for the Ortiz fight sources say Mayweather’s financial demands were too rich even for Jones’ blood.
Still, this has to be seen as good news. A Pacquiao- Mayweather fight is still a long way off, but the fact that Floyd is even pondering a comeback means there’s still hope.
jwhisler@express-news.net
Source: mysanantonio.com
Now would be a good time to start.
Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey - the last three opponents – allowed Pacman to showcase his iconic skills. But little else.
All were inferior foes, with little chance of winning. Two of the three, Mosley and Clottey, apparently didn’t understand why they were there.
Mosley, last weekend at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, seemed more interested in touching gloves and being Pacquiao’s pal than punching him in the face.
Clottey retreated into a tortoise-like shell when he opposed Pacquiao a year ago at Cowboys Stadium.
Neither Mosley or Clottey seemed to have any intention of fighting. Only surviving, and cashing a paycheck.
In truth, Pacquiao’s legion of fans likely would pay to see their hero fight a ghost, just for the chance to see him in the ring.
But enough is enough.
Greatness isn’t greatness unless it is tested against the best a sport has to offer.
Magic Johnson needed Larry Bird. Bill Russell needed Wilt Chamberlain. Muhammad Ali needed Joe Frazier.
Pacquiao is 32 and in his prime, a prime that shouldn’t be wasted on B-list fighters.
There is one guy out there who could solve all this. It could be argued that Pacquiao is merely biding his time until Floyd Mayweather Jr. wakes up and comes to his rapidly fading senses.
It would be the richest fight in history. Followed, in all likelihood, by the richest rematch in history.
But that scenario, sadly, seems less likely than ever.
So who should Pacquiao’s next opponent be?
A variety of names have come up, including Zab Judah, Timothy Bradley Juan Manuel Marquez.
Judah is a slick southpaw with power who is enjoying a career renaissance, but he has a history of meltdowns on the big stage.
Bradley is considered a star in the making. He doesn’t have great name recognition, but he’s young, hungry and talented – ample traits to build a promotion around generate pay-per-view sales.
Marquez appears to be the frontrunner and reportedly has already signed an offer sheet from Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter.
This would be the third fight between the two (the first ended in a draw, while Pacquiao won the second by split decision). The big hurdle here would be weight. Marquez, who typically fights at 135, fought Mayweather at 142 in 2009 and looked slow.
A catch weight of 144 of 145 reportedly is under consideration.
But Golden Boy Promotions still retains the rights to Marquez and can match any offer he receives. This could create problems, as Golden Boy and Top Rank have been feuding for some time.
Floyd returning? Don’t look now, but Mayweather apparently is making noise about a return to the ring. Not against Pacquiao, but Victor Ortiz.
Boxrec.com reported the fight would take place Sept. 17 at Cowboys Stadium. Mayweather is said to have met with Jerry Jones during Super Bowl XLV, but during negotiations for the Ortiz fight sources say Mayweather’s financial demands were too rich even for Jones’ blood.
Still, this has to be seen as good news. A Pacquiao- Mayweather fight is still a long way off, but the fact that Floyd is even pondering a comeback means there’s still hope.
jwhisler@express-news.net
Source: mysanantonio.com
Atlas slams Pacquiao, questions his legacy -- Boxing News 24
By Chris Williams, BoxingNews24.com
ESPN2 analyst Teddy Atlas was less than impressed with Manny Pacquiao with his recent win over the nearly 40-year-old Shane Mosley recently. During Friday’s ESPN 2 telecast of the Julio Diaz vs. Kendall Holt bout, Atlas took the opportunity to chime in with his thoughts about Pacquiao’s legacy in the fight game. Atlas isn’t impressed with what Pacquiao has done since 2008 starting with his win over Oscar De La Hoya. Atlas sees that fight and the ones since being a case where Pacquiao has beaten guys with a bit of a flaw in their game at the time he fought them.
Here is what Atlas had to say about Pacquiao:
“It [Pacquiao's legacy] a bit of a question mark. It [a win over 39-year-old Mosley] doesn’t do a lot for it. It’s either a neutral or a negative to be quite honest with you because it opens up the question. These last four or five fight that have made him [Pacquiao] an icon, who have they been with? One of them was with Oscar De La Hoya, who looked like a shot fighter, dead at the weight; Another was with [Miguel] Cotto, a fighter who was a damaged fighter psychologically and physically after [Antonio] Margarito did what he did to him. And then with [Joshua] Clottey, who didn’t fight and just covered up all night long. [Ricky] Hatton was made to order. Margarito looked like he had no strength. He was dead at the weight. It makes you think that. And, of course, Mosley, who was almost 40-years-old, came with no effort to try and win the fight, and looked like he was there to just get a paycheck. It makes you start to wonder about his [Pacquiao] legacy. Has he been built up with guys that have been perfectly picked, perfectly matched where they had problems and that’s why he was able to win so convincingly and that’s why he became such a star? I know he’s a terrific fighter with terrific talent, but it kind of asks that question. Has he been in with a bunch of set ups? People will say, [Floyd] Mayweather didn’t want to fight him, but Mayweather was ready to fight him but he wouldn’t give up a tube of blood and take Olympic type testing for performance enhancing drugs. So that fight isn’t being made. You got Tim Bradley out there. Some people will say Bradley isn’t big enough, but Bradley is quick, he’s undefeated, he’s a real game son of a gun. He will do much more than 40-year-old or close to 40-year-old Mosley. I’m saying the guys [Pacquiao] fights were perfectly set up for him. It’s not maybe his fault, but they were guys, one way or another, had a little bit of a flaw.”
I agree with much of what Atlas says here. Pacquiao has fought a lot of guys that had question marks about them at the time he fought them. Pacquiao hasn’t faced Bradley, Mayweather, Timothy Bradley, Paul Williams, Andre Berto, Sergio Martinez or Paul Williams. I would have picked all of them in the past three years rather than the guys that Pacquiao has been matched against.
Source: boxingnews24.com
ESPN2 analyst Teddy Atlas was less than impressed with Manny Pacquiao with his recent win over the nearly 40-year-old Shane Mosley recently. During Friday’s ESPN 2 telecast of the Julio Diaz vs. Kendall Holt bout, Atlas took the opportunity to chime in with his thoughts about Pacquiao’s legacy in the fight game. Atlas isn’t impressed with what Pacquiao has done since 2008 starting with his win over Oscar De La Hoya. Atlas sees that fight and the ones since being a case where Pacquiao has beaten guys with a bit of a flaw in their game at the time he fought them.
Here is what Atlas had to say about Pacquiao:I agree with much of what Atlas says here. Pacquiao has fought a lot of guys that had question marks about them at the time he fought them. Pacquiao hasn’t faced Bradley, Mayweather, Timothy Bradley, Paul Williams, Andre Berto, Sergio Martinez or Paul Williams. I would have picked all of them in the past three years rather than the guys that Pacquiao has been matched against.
Source: boxingnews24.com
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