In Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.'s Fists Rest World of Opportunity -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

There is an entire world of possibility awaiting Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. if he demonstrates the ability to reach out and jab it.

The 24-year-old son of the Mexican former world champion by the same name, Chavez (40-0-1, 30 knockouts) will end a seven-month absence on June 26 when the middleweight (160 pounds) steps into the ring at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Tex., opposite 30-year-old Ireland-native John Duddy (29-1, 18 KOs) of New York.

In victory, promoter, Bob Arum, said that he could eventually match Chavez against newly-crowned WBA junior middleweight (154 pounds) titlist Miguel Cotto (35-2, 28 KOs), who dethroned Brooklyn's Yuri Foreman (28-1, eight KOs) to earn a fourth title in his third weight class on June 5 at the new Yankee Stadium in The Bronx.

There is also the potential for Chavez to be in line for the WBC junior middleweight crown vacated by Argentinian-born Sergio Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs).

The top two contenders to the vacant WBC crown, in order, are Chavez and former world welterweight (147 pounds) king Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs) -- the latter of whom knocked out Martinez in the seventh round in February 2000.

But Margarito has been mentioned as a rival for seven-division welterweight titlist Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) as well as for a rematch with Cotto, whom he knocked out in the 11th round in July 2008.

That leaves as a potential Chavez opponent, England's 33-year-old Ryan Rhodes (44-4, 30 KOs), the WBC's third-ranked 154-pound mandatory.

Rhodes has won nine straight -- seven by knockout -- with three straight stoppages.

Could Chavez could face Rhodes for the WBC title in lieu of a bout against Cotto or Margarito?

"Absolutely," said Arum, CEO of Top Rank Promotions. "That's all possible."

But not so fast.

"That's really premature. First of all, we have to see just how much he has improved with [new trainer Freddie Roach,] and we'll see that when he's in against Duddy. And he's not a cinch to beat Duddy," Arum said of Duddy, who is coming off of a March 13, split-decision win over 23-year-old Michael Medina (28-2-2, 18 KOs), of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mex.

"But certainly, if there is tremendous improvement, and he's able to beat Duddy, then Chavez is a great opponent," said Arum. "A match against Cotto would be Puerto Rican in Cotto against a Mexican in Chavez. That would be a huge matchup."

Chavez, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mex., will meet Duddy as part of Top Rank Promotions' Latin Fury 15: La Furia De Mexico pay per view event, having last fought on Nov. 14, when he earned a 10-round, unanimous decision victory over Michigan's 34-year-old Troy Rowlands (25-3, seven knockouts).

The victory over Rowlands was overturned into a no-contest after Chavez was determined to have tested positive for the banned diuretic, Furosemide, by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

"Chavez would fight Cotto at 154," Arum said of Chavez, who completed a seven-month suspension that ended on June 14. "[Strength and conditioning coach] Alex Ariza and Freddie say that he can make 154 easy. I have no idea whether he'll go for the WBC title, but for me, with Chavez, it's one step at a time."

A three-time Trainer of the Year, Roach also works with WBO welterweight titlist, Pacquiao, WBA junior welterweight (140 pounds) champ, Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KOs), and, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Vanes Martirosyan (28-0, 17 KOs).

Roach agreed that Chavez "can make 154," adding, "He might have a little trouble, but he can make it healthily."

Chavez will be making his second appearance as a middleweight when he meets Duddy, and his first fight under Roach.

"We've been together a month now, and he's come a long way in a month. But I would like him to have this fight with Duddy and then maybe another fight before a title fight. So I think that he's at least one more fight away from a title fight," said Roach.

"I would like him fight Duddy, and then, take one more fight and get a little more comfortable with him and me being together," said Roach. "He's working on some new moves and trying them out, but we're not there yet. It's going to take more time. I'd say give me eight weeks of training camp with him and I think he'll be there."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Promoter: Oscar de la Hoya 'Misquoted' on Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told FanHouse that Oscar de la Hoya, has been misrepresented in regard to the negotiations for a potential bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

De la Hoya reportedly told some Internet outlets that a deal is "very close" to completion, to which Schaefer responded, "that's incorrect."

"I spoke to Oscar yesterday [Tuesday] and I wanted to know where that came from and he said that he was misquoted," said Schaefer, whose promotional company has represented Mayweather along with Mayweather Promotions. "I saw those quotes as well, and I had no idea what Oscar was talking about. And I called him up and asked him about them and he that he was misquoted."

Schaefer said he "really cannot comment" on the status of the negotiations.
But on Wednesday, Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum, who represents seven-division king, Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs), said that he is "optimistic" concerning a bout between the Filipino star and six-time champion Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs.

Mayweather-Pacquiao initially appeared to be set for March 13 at the MGM Grand before talks reached an impasse in December over random drug testing for both fighters to be conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

Since the original talks collapsed, a mutually agreed upon gag order is in place for all parties involved in the negotiations until the talks are complete.

"As you can see, you don't see any quotes from me," said Schaefer. "There's absolutely no comment from my side."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Bob Arum 'Optimistic' About Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

Bob Arum said that he is "optimistic" concerning a bout occurring between six-time champion, Floyd Mayweather, and, seven-division king, Manny Pacquiao, sometime in the fall, the 78-year-old Top Rank Promotions' CEO told FanHouse.

A Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts)-Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) fight appeared to be set for March 13 at the MGM Grand before talks reached an impasse in December over random drug testing for both fighters to be conducted by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

The fighters had agreed on a 50-50 split of the revenue, as well as eight-ounce gloves and a clash at the welterweight (147 pounds) limit rather than a catch weight.

But since the original talks collapsed, a mutually agreed upon gag order is in place for all parties involved in the negotiations until the talks are complete.

Arum said that he has reserved the date of Nov. 13 for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the proposed mega fight, although it appears that the Las Vegas site is more likely.

"There is nothing to write except that I'm very optimistic," said Arum, who has said, in the recent past, "I'm going to do my darndest to make [a fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather] happen."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Manny Pacquiao & Floyd Mayweather, JR Agree to Fight – Signatures Only Thing Needed on Finalized Contract -- Ringside Report

By “Bad” Brad Berkwitt, Ringside Report

The long anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao, 51-3-2, 38 KO’s and Floyd Mayweather, JR., 41-0, 25 KO’s is a done deal with only signatures needed on the printed contract” said a very reliable inside source close to Team Mayweather who has just contacted RSR. This inside source went on to say, “Floyd is very happy that both sides could work out issues that he always felt could be talked out.” Floyd is anticipating on making well over 50 million dollars with Manny making almost the same. Tentative dates being kicked around for an HBO PPV is the middle to end of November 2010 and if this does happen there is no doubt that this fight will be the biggest grossing in history.

In recent articles, both Promoters Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum have thrown tidbits out that the fight was very close to being made which back up RSR’s source as well. Arum, recently has been putting fights on in Stadium Venues with great success and the boxing public is craving for this fight to also be in a stadium which without any doubt will be sold out in hours!

Stay Tuned to RSR for more updates on this Breaking News….

Source: ringsidereport.com

Arum optimistic, De La Hoya says it's almost done, but Ariza believes Mayweather won't fight Pacquiao

By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com

While Top Rank promoter Bob Arum remains optimistic and Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya claims a mega-buck fight between pound-for-pound king and “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr is almost done, Pacquiao’s conditioning expert Alex Ariza believes it won’t happen because Mayweather doesn’t want to lose.

Ariza said the report that Mayweather was going to take “a little bit of time off ” and the fact that the Nevada State Athletic Commission “slammed the door on the US Anti Doping Agency” by indicating that random drug testing is not going to be a part of the pre and post-fight procedure is certain to make it more difficult to arrive at an agreement.

Ariza stressed what he’s always said and that Mayweather “is afraid to fight Pacquiao.” He said a defeat at the hands of Pacquiao would mean that “for the rest of his life Mayweather will always be associated with the biggest fight in boxing history as the loser of that fight. He wouldn’t be able to deal with that.”

The conditioning guru said “I don’t think you can put a price on that and I think Mayweather is afraid of that (losing) because being undefeated is the only thing that validates Mayweather in his heart and in the sport.”

Given this possibility Ariza said a rematch with newly crowned WBA light middleweight champion Miguel Cotto “is very likely” stating that Pacquiao can win his eighth title in eight different divisions and solidify his position as the greatest fighter. He said fighting Antonio Margarito was also an option and “would be a good fight for us” even as he mentioned Juan Manuel Marquez as another possible opponent.

Asked whether fighting Cotto at 154 pounds would be difficult for Pacquiao, Ariza replied “I don’t think so. I think Manny can knockout Cotto at 154.”

Pacquiao scored a dominating 12th round TKO over Cotto to win the Puerto Rican’s WBO welterweight title and the WBC “Diamond Belt” last November and Ariza feels the extra weight won’t make a difference.

Arum who has been quietly striving to reach and agreement with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer on a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight said the other day he was still “optimistic” that it could be done.

Oscar De La Hoya on the other hand was far more direct saying "I can't talk right now in detail about the negotiations but I can say that we are very close.

Up until now, it's been a very difficult negotiation process for various reasons but right now we're very close.”

De La Hoya added "I think right now we are very, very close in finalizing the contracts.

"It's going to be a big, big fight!"

Source: philboxing.com

It's not Manny Pacquiao's BWAA awards that hurts Boxing, it's the Mayweathers that hurt boxing -- Examiner

By Rick Rockwell, Examiner.com

The latest comments by Floyd Mayweather Sr have officially cemented his status as "mentally insane" in my opinion. You'd think that we'd be used to the personal attacks toward Manny Pacquiao, but it seems that these Mayweathers keep outdoing their previous comments. In Floyd Sr's latest illogical rant, he says that not only doesn't Manny deserve to be fighter of the decade, but his winning of this prestigious award is what hurts boxing. Let's examine Floyd Sr's comments further:

The following Floyd Mayweather Sr quotes are from an interview with Fighthype.com:

'What award they gonna give my son when he whoops Pacquiao'

First of all, we're not even sure if Floyd Mayweather Jr will fight Manny Pacquiao. Last we heard, Floyd Jr was taking 1-2 years off. Personally, I wish Floyd Mayweather Sr would take 1-2 years off from talking to the media. But, if Floyd Jr does win, the he would deserve pound-for-pound best fighter and potentially the BWAA's 'Fighter of the Year" award.

Once again insults Manny

Floyd Mayweahter Sr, doesn't just believe Manny shouldn't have won the award, he goes onto publicly insult the man:

"Pacquiao ain't no fu*king fighter of the decade. He is a pu*sy,"
I would love for Floyd Mayweather Sr to back up this comment with something logical. Manny has fought tougher fights throughout his career than any member of the Mayweather family.

Comparing Records

"Pacquiao has 2 draws and a loss in this decade. Lil Floyd is undefeated in this decade and in his career. On top of that, Pacquiao beat 2 guys Lil Floyd already beat and struggled twice with a guy Floyd blanked out 12 rounds to nothing," Mayweather Sr.

Floyd fought 7 less fights, won less titles, and retired for over 1 year in the decade. How does that justify "Fighter of the Decade" honors. Also, Floyd Jr fought an older and much smaller Juan Manuel Marquez last year. How about we actually compare what the Floyd Jr and Manny did against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton since Floyd Sr brought it up?

Manny Pacquiao thoroughly dominated both fighters and sent both Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton into permanent retirement. Mayweahter Jr had to go into the late rounds just to get a victory. If you look at the performances from these fights, they clearly favor Pacquiao. It's a foolish argument from a foolish man.

Hurting Boxing

"That's the kind of sh*t that hurts boxing. It makes no sense. Too many people in the sport don't know what the fu*k's going on. That kind of sh*t right there is why boxing stays on the ropes" Mayweather Sr, Fighthype.com

What actually hurts boxing is having people like the Mayweathers publicly bashing another fighter. What actually hurts boxing is having people like Floyd Mayweather Jr only care about "money" and publicly denying his interest in the fans. What actually hurts boxing is having the Mayweathers falsely accuse Manny Pacquiao of taking PEDs.

I can keep going. What hurts boxing is how the Mayweathers discriminate and make racial comments toward Manny Pacquiao and Filipinos. What hurts boxing is having people like the Mayweathers commit felony crimes like assaulting women and drug possession.

What hurts boxing is people like the Mayweathers who tell the public that they're going to clean up the sport of boxing from cheaters and drug usage, but once they collect their paycheck they run back to their holes and forget all about their supposed "drug crusade".

Conclusion

For the life of me, I don't understand how these individuals can continue to bash Manny Pacquiao without any legal repercussions. They have no regard for the lawsuit hanging over their heads. The constant attacks are becoming increasingly disturbing with each foul-mouthed comment. Whatever logical or legitimate concern that they might have had has been destroyed by ignorant and discriminating attacks.

Source: examiner.com

Bob Arum sees megafight happening -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

In the run-up to the epic 1985 brawl between Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum spoke about jumping in and out of airplanes for 14 straight days covering 25 US cities.

If negotiations bear fruit to stage a November 13 super showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, there is no doubt in Arum’s mind that the build-up to such a mouth-watering bout would set a new standard in pre-fight hype.

“Absolutely,” Arum said on Tuesday from his home in Las Vegas as the conversation veered towards the talks to stage the Pacquiao-Mayweather match in Las Vegas.

With the proposed event less than five months away, Arum remains cool as a cat that everything is going right on schedule.

“There is no rush,” said Arum in his classic New York drawl. “We still have time (to put together the fight).”

If the fight is made – and that should happen not later than the end of July – Arum will spearhead a cross-country tour of major US cities like the time in 1985 when he accompanied Hagler and Hearns.

It is estimated that the Pacquiao-Mayweather faceoff will break all existing attendance and box-office records.

Pacquiao has participated in four publicity tours and the largest scale were the fights involving Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto.

Source: mb.com.ph

Manny open to rematch with Hatton -- Philippine Star

By Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao wouldn’t mind facing Ricky Hatton a second time, just in case any of the other fights being lined up for the Filipino superstar doesn’t shape up.

“He can have a rematch,” said Pacquiao in a television interview upon his return from the United States, where he received the Boxer of the Decade award from the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America.

Pacquiao also took a couple of days off in Mexico with his family, including his wife and kids, and looked fresh when he said a rematch with Hatton or even Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto remains a possibility.

“I’m ready to fight anytime. I’m not choosy on whom to fight,” he said.

Negotiations for the superfight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are on, and a couple of days ago, Oscar dela Hoya leaked to the press that all’s well between the two camps.

“We’re very close in finalizing the contracts that were once very complicated. The two fighters now realize that this fight must be made. It has to be made because the boxing fans want to see it happen and right now it’s the biggest fight that can be made in the world,” he said.

All’s well despite the perceived disagreements on the blood-testing procedure and purse split. Another thing hanging over the heads of those making the fight happen is the lawsuit filed by Pacquiao against the Mayweathers, and Dela Hoya himself.

But just in case nothing comes out anew, Pacquiao had already expressed his willingness to fight Hatton, whom he demolished inside two rounds in May last year, or Cotto, who lasted longer but still was knocked out by the Filipino last November.

Cotto defeated Yuri Foreman for the WBA light-middleweight crown last week, and would be more than willing to stake his title against Pacquiao.

But there may be concerns if Pacquiao can face Cotto at 154 lb or may seek a catchweight at 150 lb.

Pacquiao said during the ABS-CBN interview that anything is possible.

“Negotiations are on with Mayweather. But (I heard) Cotto also wants a rematch,” he said.

Pacquiao hurled Mayweather and company to court after the camp of the undefeated American insisted that the 31-year-old pound-for-pound champion and newly elected congressman is into performance-enhancing drugs.

And also last week, Hatton made some noise when he said his biggest mistake against Pacquiao was his failure to demand a blood-testing procedure the way Mayweather now wants it to happen.

“I could have had those rules, but I wasn’t bothered. Maybe in hindsight, I should have done. I must admit, I fancied my chances against Manny,” Hatton was quoted as saying.

Source: philstar.com

Manny Pacquiao should give 'Doctor No' combat pay, catcher's mask -- Examiner

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

Manny Pacquaio should give two things to his loyal liege, the Canadian agent named Michael Koncz.

Given his penchant for getting involved in onesided fights, "Doctor No" as I refer to Koncz could use combat pay and a catcher's mask to protect his face.

You'll recall the infamous Baguio training camp incident where conditioning coach Alex Ariza repeatedly slapped Koncz's face in Pacman's hotel suite. Ariza was incensed at what he viewed as a plot by Koncz to move him out of working Manny's corner on fight night.

Recently, I reported the admittedly gossipy item, which turned out to totally accurate, that well known Pinoy actor Phillip Salvador, an action movie hero who is 57 years old, blasted Koncz in the face with a right hand.

Koncz turned up, in his Pacquiao shadow role, at the Boxing Writers Dinner in New York last weekend. Koncz had a blackened eye and a bruise on one arm.

"Doctor No" confirmed the dustup to me but said the actor's blow was "a cheap shot."

Now we can put this story to bed with the story behind the story of Salvador's anger.

Salvador asked Pacman if he could 250,000 Philippine pesos (about $5,388 US Dollars).

The Pinoy Idol, as he is wont to do to nearly all requests for time or money, said surely, my good man, no problem.

The actor wanted to replenish a pocket emptied by casino gambling.

It seemed he wanted to give Lady Luck another go.

Koncz rejected the request.

His loyalty to Pacman seems unquestionable and the main part of his gig, besides shadowing the fighter, is saying no way, Jose, after Manny has said, hey, no problem.

I'm thinking one of those old Yogi Berra catcher masks might work for Mr. Koncz.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com

Expert opinions vary at drug-testing forum -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

By STEVE CARP, LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

It didn't have the drama or trappings of a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill, but the Nevada Athletic Commission's forum on drug testing Wednesday provided frank discussion about the effectiveness of catching cheaters inside the ring.

If you believe Dr. David Watson, the NAC has its act together. Travis Tygart, chief executive officer of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, said he thinks the commission can do a lot more to beef up its protocols. Dr. Robert Voy, a former chief medical officer for the United States Olympic Committee, said he thinks the NAC is doing an adequate job given its resources but that it has room to improve.

"(Nevada) can do better," Tygart said. "Frankly, it's inadequate. You deserve better. Your athletes deserve better."

Watson, who works for the NAC as a ringside physician, said: "I think the commission is doing an outstanding job of staying on top of this issue."

Said Voy: "The commission should be congratulated for testing (for steroids). However, the protocol is troubling to me. You have to have a very tight process. The athlete has to be assured there are safeguards in place to protect the athlete from tampering."

NAC executive director Keith Kizer said the purpose of the forum was to give the commissioners an opportunity to learn from experts in the testing field and stay ahead of the curve.

"We rely on the experts," Kizer said. "We were able to have a nice, open discussion, and this commission has never been afraid to change its rules. The commission wants to make the best regulations to ensure the safety of the fighters and the integrity of the sport."

Tygart recommended the use of more blood testing for performance-enhancing drugs such as human growth hormone and other designer steroids. He also suggested the NAC consider changing labs, using USADA's testing facilities in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The commission currently sends its drug tests through Quest Diagnostics, with facilities in Las Vegas.

"Blood testing is something the commission wants to look into," Kizer said. "But you just want to make sure the tests are accurate and you don't put the fighter at risk."

Voy said that anytime blood is drawn from a person, the potential for risk exists.

"Taking blood is an evasive procedure," he said. "There's always risk. It can be dangerous. However, I don't think taking blood close to a competition puts the athlete at risk."

That was Manny Pacquiao's contention when he refused to submit to random blood testing to make a proposed fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March. Pacquiao since has said he would be willing to have his blood drawn within 14 days of a fight.

But Tygart said that still creates a window of opportunity for potential cheating.

"If you're going to have a window, keep it as short as you can," he said.

When Mayweather fought Shane Mosley on May 1, both fighters agreed to Olympic-style random drug testing, which included taking blood and urine samples. USADA oversaw the protocols for the drug testing, and the last blood tests administered to the fighters came 18 days before they entered the ring.

However, Tygart said the threat of testing the fighters remained in place during that period, which served as a sufficient deterrent had either considered cheating. Both fighters were tested eight times, and each tested clean on every occasion.

Kizer said any changes the commission makes to its protocols for drug testing will come with the fighters' best interest in mind. "You don't do drug testing for public relations," he said. "You do it for health and safety."

■ FUNEKA SUSPENDED -- Lightweight Ali Funeka took a banned substance to reduce swelling in his legs from his long flight from South Africa to Las Vegas in March. But that didn't get him off the hook with the NAC, which suspended him for nine months, fined him $35,000 and ordered him to pay back an additional $15,625 he received from his opponent, Joan Guzman, who failed to make weight when they fought March 27 at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Funeka took hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, which is banned in Nevada. The drug was given to him by his physician, Dr. Mark Blumberg, who admitted he didn't know its use was against NAC rules.

Funeka lost a 12-round split decision to Guzman, and his record remains 30-3-3.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.

Source: lvrj.com