Pacquiao Versus Cotto Boxing News Update

Who Really is Manny Pacquiao?

2012-01-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

Emannuel Dapidran Pacquiao or famously called Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao can be described in three sentences:

1. A man who refuses to surrender to poverty.

2. A man who uses Great Faith In God as main weapon towards success.

3. A man who may eventually become a distinguished politician and businessman.

A man who refuses to surrender to poverty

It is known to everybody that Manny Pacquiao comes from a poor family in General Santos City with only his mother Aling Dionisia as the main provider. Aling Dionisia, single-handedly raised her children to support family needs. With this situation, many, if not everybody, would think that a good life for Aling Dionisia and her children (including Manny) is nothing but a dream. But for Manny, poverty is only in a person's mind. For him, surrendering to poverty would mean being poor your whole life. But instead of surrendering, Manny charted his future by fighting poverty. And you know what happens next.

A man who uses Great Faith In God as weapon towards success

In fighting against poverty, Manny used his great faith in God as the main weapon and boxing as the way to achieve success. He is a very religious man and brings his faith everywhere anytime. In every activity he does, he always put God ahead of it. On the day of and after every fight, a mass is celebrated at the room of the hotel he stays. Just before and after every fight, Manny finds time to go to one corner of the ring and pray. And just when every round starts, Manny does a sign of the cross. Manny's great faith persuaded God to be on his side.

With God in his side, Manny beat all the odds like: being an unknown fighter, he knocked out Chachai Saskul of Thailand to capture the Championship belt; being regarded as an underdog, tune-up fight for the Champion Lehehonolo Ledwaba, he scored a resounding upset by knocking out Ledwaba in 5 rounds; also being regarded as underdog against Marco Antonio Barrera, he annihilated the Mexican ledgend in 11 rounds; being also branded as mismatch when fighting the bigger and believed to be more skillful Oscar Dela Hoya, again he (Manny Pacquiao) dominated Dela Hoya to surrender after 8 rounds of boxing and eventually retired. The lates odds that Manny faced is the ridicule from the trainer of Ricky Hatton (Floyd Mayweather Snr.) and some jabbing words from Hatton himself, but he returned returned the favor by knocking out Hatton in 2 rounds. These are just a handful of the many odds the Pacman surmounted using God as his weapon.

With all these, Manny then became the number one pound-for-pound boxer in the world. But not only that, Manny also was declared as one of the most influential and popular figure in his homeland (the Philippines).

Some boxing analysts even said that, because Manny continuously gave viewers surprises and excitement during fights, by unexpectedly beating the almost impossible and/or inconceivable opponents, makes him a highly - prized pay-per-view fighter.

He is now very popular and exciting such that everybody (commentators, publishers, writers, haters, etc) would want to ride in order to make money. But his greatness doesn't stops here.

A man who may eventually become a distinguished politician and businessman

After being very successful (fame and money) in boxing, Manny now wants to give back what God gave to him. He wants to do this by serving the people faithfully through a) being a politician where he can provide the much needed services to the grassroots levels of his hometown, and b) by being a businessman to extend basic service to those who need.

For being a business man, he is now using the money derived from his winnings in boxing to embark a vast Real Estate Development Project which would benefit not only the people of the General Santos City and Sarangani, but also the nearby residents in the Mindanao area.

For being a politician, he will be running for congressman in Sarangani this coming elections in 2010.

Accomplishing these new endeavors will complete Manny's dream of giving back what God gave to him. But again, many are belittling him (Manny Pacquiao) as, aside from lacking the educational diploma, he also doesn't have impressive credentials in politics and businesses. So, many are again placing Manny as underdog in this fight.

But remember, God is in his side. So, just like boxing, let's just pray for his success and watch how he will, again, do the unexpected in these new fields. As a stock market trader, I will say "I am bullish about Manny Pacquiao' and I'll bet he would succeed.

That's Manny Pacquiao.

Post comments on this article at http://www.darves-potpourri.blogspot.com.

MUHAMMAD ALI / BOXING 1998 Timeless Legends Kenner Starting Lineup & Exclusive Collector Trading Card

2012-01-28T02:39:00.000-08:00

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Manny Pacquiao - A Sporting Icon, A Symbol of Success From Poverty, and the Philippines' Pride

2012-01-27T02:25:00.000-08:00

I do not really like boxing as a sport. The only time I ever had any interest in boxing in England was when Cassius Clay (later Mohammed Ali) was on television. When I came to the Philippines 6 years ago, in 2000, I soon became aware of the popularity of boxing. Even so, I still had no interest.

That changed in 2005. As the year came to an end, the build up to the January 2006 Pacquiao-Morales fight was becoming intense, and the extensive coverage of Pacquiao on television, both on news and his advertising appearances, had me anticipating the fight with as much relish as any native Filipino.

When the fight arrived, I was as excited as everyone else was; the national hero was to about perform, and I just could not wait. What I had not expected, though, was what a marvellous sporting event that was to be. Having been brought up on the cut and thrust of English football, and been to countless very exciting football matches with deafening crowd noise, I was surprised that a boxing match could generate equal excitement.

For the length of that first fight (the second in the Pacquiao-Morales series) I was on the edge of my seat for half the time. The rest of the time, I was on my feet, jumping up and down with each blow to Morales, shouting and baying along with our neighbours (who I could hear through the wall). When Morales went down for the last time in that fight, I was ecstatic.

I can honestly say that it was the best sporting event I have ever witnessed, despite being to many classic football matches, including England internationals. Pacquiao's speed and strength, with his relentless pursuit of his opponent, was exhausting just to watch. Most boxing matches, from the odd glimpses I have seen over the years, are like men playing pat-a-cake compared to the continuous action in the Pacquiao-Morales fight. Each round was a major event in itself, and just as tiring. When that fight finished, I felt drained as well as exhilarated.

Although wondering whether I could survive another fight like that, such was its intensity, I was hoping for a rematch, and yesterday it came. The build up had seemed even longer this time, and my 2 year old daughter was already a Pacquiao expert. Mention his name, and she'd come towards me throwing punches; I doubt, though, that she really understood what Manny was about, until the fight time came yesterday.

We had to survive 5 hours of programming before the fight actually started; we had no idea what time the Pacquiao fight began, so the television was on all that time. Finally, the last warm up fight was over, and the tension rose rapidly, not just at the venue, but in our home and millions of other Filipino homes around the world.

I was already on feet hyped up when we heard that Sarah Geronimo was to sing the national anthem. What a perfect start: the world's best female singer singing the national anthem. Philippine pride was rising with each moment of the anthem; and what an inspiration she is. You guessed it, she is my favourite singer. I was already on Cloud 9 going in to the fight, rooting for Manny at the top of my voice even before he stepped into the ring. And I'm not even a Filipino, just a proud resident; my wife is Filipina, though, and our daughter was born here too.

We were all with our hero as the fight started, and breathless with the first round exchanges, just as with the previous fight. With Manny looking to be stronger even than before, things were looking good, and we were all jumping up and down as Morales went down for the first time. I am not sure our daughter really knew exactly why, but she was as noisy as my wife and I, and jumped just as high.

It was total bliss for the Philippines when Morales was knocked down for the last time. We were on a high for the rest of the day, and remain so. As I wrote the last paragraph, I had to leave the computer to see Manny on a telephone call to the television programme Wow Wow Wee. The call was typical Manny, typical Filipino.

Manny was asked to sing a catchy little song that the audience dance to every day on the programme. Over the phone, he did so; no fuss, no hesitation.

Manny Pacquiao is typical of the best Filipino characters. Coming from a very poor family, he is now rich and famous. However, unlike many poor boy made good sportsmen, Manny is still supremely modest and humble, and a very likeable man.

I for one am very proud of Manny's achievements; even more, I am proud of the way he has handled fame and fortune. The Philippines is collectively proud of everything Pacquiao.

Well done, Manny, we all love you here in the Philippines. But then, I am sure you know that already, but are too humble to ever mention it.

As for Erik Morales, he too brought pride to Mexico over many years, and retained his modesty. I was not surprised to hear that he and Manny were dining together and are friends. I was thinking even before the fight, Erik would be given a big welcome here in the Philippines too. His achievements, and boxing prowess, are sure to be respected. Not only that, though, Mexico has close ties with the Philippines, which was under Spanish rule too, administered from Mexico, for over 300 years.

The Pacquiao-Morales trilogy may be over, but the memories and the pride will last forever. Pacquiao achieved massive success, from the worst beginnings, by dedication, endless hard work, vision and perseverance. Those are often the cornerstones of any success, but what sets Manny apart is that he has achieved such success while retaining his humility and respect for his fellow men, including Erik Morales.

This success and achievement article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner and part author of the Routes To Self Improvement web site.

Silver Star Mens MANNY PACQUIAO RISING SON T-shirt in Choice of Colors

2012-01-26T02:18:00.000-08:00

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Manny Pacquiao Conquers Floyd Mayweather Jr

2012-01-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

Many have been following Floyd Mayweather Jr. as his style is unique, brilliant and artistic. His way of fighting, his footwork and speed are incredible. Regarding trash talk, many said before that, it's his way of getting into the head of his opponents to gain upper hand during fight night, he doesn't mean those, just like Ali. But recently, many have noticed that in Pacquiao's case, Floyd Jr. has changed. These are some situations, to name a few:

While on retirement, when Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales, Floyd Jr. was very appreciative. He even said that Pacquiao is next to him. Many people even said that he cheered for Pacquiao during the fight with Morales. This is the behavior of a typical Floyd Mayweather Jr. - great boxer, proud and confident of his skills.

When he came back from retirement and fought Marquez to assert his being the P4P status, many said Floyd has to claim his throne, anyway Pacquiao was declared P4P king when Floyd retired. Now that Floyd is back he can easily snatch it from Pacquiao. Then Floyd strikes at Pacquiao even if Marquez was his immediate opponent. This is a deviation from what Floyd usually does. Instead of focusing on Marquez, he was targeting another fighter. Such action was interpreted by many as "He is just preparing for the real fight which is Pacquiao, since Marquez is just a walk in the park. He just wants to have a psychological advantage at this early".

When people start saying that Pacquiao is above Floyd and ranks Pacquiao as number one on the P4P list especially with Pacquiao's demolition of Hatton, Floyd showed some irritation and fired more thrash at Pacquiao. People are beginning to say that Floyd is losing his composure especially that Pacquiao did not fire back at Floyd.

When the negotiations of the proposed Mayweather - Pacquiao Fight failed due to disagreement on blood testing procedure, Floyd continued to fire trash talks at Pacquiao. And many have noticed that when Pacquiao's name is mentioned Floyd becomes uneasy, his facial expression changes, the way he speaks and moves also change. And the trash talks get sharper and sharper. These are a not a sign of a confident fighter. These are signs of an angry and insecure person.

Presently, Floyd always fire shots at Pacquiao during interviews and other media exposures. If not Floyd, his father Floyd Sr. or his uncle Roger or Jeff Mayweather will lambast Pacquiao. Or if not, some writers, commentators, believed to be hired/paid by Floyd or Team Mayweather, would fire shots at Pacquiao, always mentioning PEDs and/or HGH, the failed $25 million to $40 million fight, and so on.

After the latest fight of Pacquiao and Clottey, Floyd commented that he is not impressed on the performance of Pacquiao and declares that his performance during the coming fight with Mosely will be a lot better than what Pacquiao showed.

Then recently, Jeff Mayweather "AGAIN" restated that Pacquiao has to take the test and step up if he wants to fight Floyd.

Conclusion (as viewed by fans):

All indications point to one thing: "Floyd is angry at Manny Pacquiao. Instead of Floyd getting into the head and skin of Manny Pacquiao, it's Manny Pacquiao getting into Floyd's head/skin." Floyd is already emotional about Pacquiao.

Floyd has overdone his trash talks, moves, and actions such that he now appears jealous, envious, and scared of Pacquiao.

Discrediting Pacquiao's achievements and present performance is not necessary and desirable for Floyd's status. It has no bearing on the career of Floyd. What if Pacquio's performance is good? That does not diminish Floyd's skill, so, there's no sense in commenting re: Pacquiao's performance. These things were aggravated when representatives of Team Mayweather went to Rick Reeno and told him that Floyd did not issue the recent statement about Pacquiao's performance against Clottey because Floyd has not watched the fight yet. This move is, again, unnecessary since nobody will believe that Floyd did not watch the fight.

The latest pronouncement of Jeff Mayweather is doing more harm than good to Floyd. Jeff added fuel to the already burning popularity and publicity of Pacquiao. Everytime Jeff speaks and lambasts Pacquiao, Floyd Jr.'s reputation will suffer since he is the uncle of Floyd, and it's self-serving.

In summation, we can plainly say that Pacquiao has conquered Floyd's mind. Floyd lost in the battle of the minds against Pacquiao.

"Actions" that Floyd should take in order to; repair damaged reputation, increase credibility and stomp Pacquiao's publicity and popularity, the fans are pushing the following:

a) Issue an official statement, "in TV and paper" such as: "Floyd will be fighting Pacquiao next to Shane Mosely. Floyd will not be demanding any drug testing not required by the Governing Body. Purse and other details agreed before the negotiations stalled would remain intact. People will just have to patiently wait when Floyd had disposed Mosely. Floyd is even agreeable to sign a contract as early as today for a fight with Manny Pacquiao after Mosely".

b) After the statement just keep silent. Do not let other writers blast Pacquiao. Do not use Jeff Mayweather, or Floyd Sr. or Roger Mayweather or any relative to strike at Pacquiao. Even Golden Boy - do not use them. They will just add problems to your credibility.

c) Then, officially bring your drug testing procedure change to the Boxing Governing Body so that it can be discussed, studied and debated. As the governing body arrives a decision whether to apply changes to its system or not, accept it cheerfully.

d) Then show everybody that Floyd is the best by fighting the best that anybody can imagine.

If Floyd Jr. would apply above strategies, his credibility and popularity will surely shoot up to the moon as these ideas come from Floyd's customers (his fans).

Poll/Comments: What should Floyd Mayweather Jr. do?

- Official Statement to fight Pacquiao next to Mosely on Boxing Governing Body's terms and conditions.

- Do not issue statement and continue to lambast Pacquiao

- Just keep silent and do nothing.

To vote in this poll and/or post comments, click here

Manny Pacquiao - A Story Bigger Than Boxing - 2

2012-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

From where we stand, Manny Pacquiao is the GOAT (greatest of all time). A possible loss to Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 at Las Vegas, Nevada, can bring down somewhat his statistical bearing (in which case Oscar De La Hoya should inch upward), but until then Pacquiao's place at the top of the heap is tenable. If he wins against Cotto, his GOAT badge can hardly be disputed.

Pacquiao's ascent to the throne went through the ultimate survival test ladder. No one in boxing history has done what he has accomplished. He embarked on a professional boxing career at 106 pounds and started to win world titles from 112 pounds all the way up to 140 pounds. He even succeeded-with aplomb-in beating the great De La Hoya at 147 pounds. In all, he has crossed 10 weight divisions (involving 41 pounds) from which he collected 6 world titles.

Beating weight handicaps at the higher divisions had been demonstrated by the likes of Bob Fitzsimmons (1897) and Roy Jones Jr in contemporary times. But they may not be as startling as pulling the feat at the lighter divisions because, as Evander Holyfied puts it, at the heavier divisions a point is reached where one's punching power can be as potent as the other. Thus the case of Pacquiao is something else. Al Bernstein, the multi-awarded sports broadcast-journalist, suggested that Pacquiao has reached a yet unheard of level of excellence, something that is beyond the usual even among the best of athletes. In an article he says:

"Perhaps the most amazing part of all this is that Manny reinvented himself as a fighter when he moved up in weight. He became a true boxer-puncher, using more movement, combination punching and widening his arsenal to include more right hooks. In his recent fights, he has been much more than the power punching, but sometimes one dimensional fighter he was in lower weight classes. He used power and toughness to get through wars of attrition. At the higher weights he has used guile, speed and, oh yes, still lots of power. I can't remember another fighter who has made such a transformation in his late 20's. It just isn't done. So, a unique place in history awaits Manny if he can find a way to beat Cotto. And what if he does that and then beats either Mosley or Mayweather Jr. after that? Well, lets cross that congratulatory bridge when we come to it. For now, lets contemplate one miracle at a time."

Earlier we attributed much of Pacquiao's success to the infinite amount of courage he brings to the ring when he fights. Bernstein brings up more dimensions to what Pacquiao does to boxing. He cites Pacquiao's skills-they keep on improving, power and toughness. At this point we can add some more: hard work and faith in himself and in his God. Members of Team Pacquiao, particularly Chief Trainer Freddie Roach, have on many occasions in the past acknowledged that Pacquiao has a work ethic that is seldom seen in most other boxers. And Roach has seen and trained lots of boxers, including legends like Mike Tyson.

Whenever Pacquiao is in training camp to prepare for a fight, the amount of effort, pain and sweat he puts into it is almost bottomless as his trainers would often restrain him to "take it easy." His physical work out includes 30 minutes of road work in the morning and several hours of exercises (sit ups, push ups, skip rope, mitts, plyometrics, etc.) in the afternoon. Then he spars for several hours more on certain dates.

It is hard to dismiss the point that hard work and preparation are the key to Pacquiao's success in boxing. Such a point can even be stretched to say that the likes of Dempsey, Duran, Roy Jones Jr, and even Sugar Ray Leonard, could have stamped even greater class if only they had worked as hard as Pacquiao in training. Preparation (with an unquantifiable dose of help from Roach, among others), evidently, had done Pacquiao many things. It honed his skills (and for one who is naturally gifted in the first place), boosted his stamina, and raised his self-confidence level.

Early in his career, Pacquiao cited two reasons for an abbreviated fight whenever it ended that way. "They (his opponents) get tired," he said, "either from taking so many of my punches or from too much running away from me.' At this stage of his career, fights could end abruptly for quite the same reasons. The difference is that, as Bernstein suggested, the once best 1-2 punch in the business has added to his ordnance more hooks and uppercuts, so people are bound to get tired even more easily. And, with Nike, "they can run," as Joe Louis warned Billy Conn, "but they can no longer hide."

Hermilando "Ingming" Duque Aberia is a social development worker by training and profession. He has worked for close to 23 years for government and non-government agencies in the Philippines. He has a master's degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management. Writing for him is both a hobby and a drain for emotional overflow. He writes on various subjects and has published some of his works in Philippine newspapers. He has also dabbled in online advocacy and home-based marketing.

He maintains a website at http://pacquiaodgoat.ws
Emails can be sent to: pacquiaodgoat@gmail.com

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2012-01-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

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Manny Pacquiao Autographed Boxing Trunks | Details: WBC Authentic, Red with Yellow Waistband, Pacman

2012-01-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

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Manny Pacquiao Vs Joshua Clottey - Why Pacquiao Can't Lose!

2012-01-17T16:55:00.000-08:00

After Manny Pacquiao beat Miguel Cotto back in November, the tidal waves of talk ran threw boxing as the mega fight that fight fans, promoters and even casual fans were drooling over, Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. seemed inevitable.

We all know what happened with the negotiations between the two sides in that fight, they fell apart.

Each side is pursuing different opponents now but the media and fans are still asking both sides about what happened in the negotiations and whether or not they will fight in the future. That shows up as dollar signs for the promoters on both sides because they know there is still a tremendous amount of interest in the fight and interest translates into profit.

Since there is still an interest in the fight between Pacquiao and Floyd, the promoters know that both of them cannot lose a fight before they face each other, it will only hurt the interest in the fight. So, unless Joshua Clottey either knocks out Manny Pacquiao or just completely dominates the fight, I can't see him winning a decision.

On the same note, if Manny Pacquiao hopes to have the largest payday of his career in the future and stand alone as the top fighter in boxing, he can't lose to Clottey. I don't even believe that Manny can win on a split decision because that will only hurt him in negotiations with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Clottey is a very tough and resilient fighter who I have watched work well against and beat Zab Judah, a very quick and elusive fighter (ala Manny Pacquiao). I'm not saying that Zab Judah is as good or better than Pacquiao, he's not, but Joshua Clottey has knows how to keep his guard up and pick his shots well. Pacquiao tends to leave himself open after he throws his punches so will Clottey be able to counter Pacquiao to the point where he knocks him out or completely dominates the fight?

It will be a good fight but I just can't see that happening because of what is on the line for the possible Mayweather versus Pacquiao fight.

Want to know what round I think this fight will end in? Click Here--> Pacquiao vs Clottey.

For more boxing predictions and inside tips visit my site: BoxingTips.net.

Does Manny Pacquiao Face an Oppenent Capable of the Ko?

2012-01-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

The fight of this decade is coming on March 13th - Floyd Mayweather Jr. v.s. Manny Pacquiao. The Mayweather fans seem to have no doubt their boy is going to finish off Manny with relative ease. The Pacquiao fans look like they share the same sentiment - just in favor of Manny. It would be great to see this fight end in a KO or TKO but who is the boxer more likely to get knocked out.

As someone who watches boxing for the pure enjoyment of the sport, here is my opinion:

Floyd is going to get hit much less than the Hatton, De La Hoya, and Cotto. His defense is close to perfect. As close as you can get or at least that I have seen from present decade boxers. That being said, Floyd is going to get hit more than he ever has with some of the hardest punches he has taken. Pacquiao's power and speed doesn't seem to diminish that much even through the later rounds. If you figure Mayweather is going to get hit at least 30% less than the mentioned Pacquiao opponents, he's likely still going to have taken some pretty good blows by the 10th and 11th round. I'm going to say Pacquiao has a 50% chance of knocking Mayweather out just because I think the repeated blows by Pacquiao might just throw Mayweather off enough that his defense worsens and he leaves him self open for some odd angled power punch that he didn't see coming.

I think Pacquiao has just as good a chance of being KO'd. Some people say Mayweather doesn't have power but even if that is true, a moderately heavy punch landed on the chin a couple times in a row from a straight left left and jumping left hook that is just as fast as Pacquiao's punches is going to cause problems. We've seen Pacquiao take some blows, we've also seen him get in trouble as recently as March 2008 against Marquez. I have to say though - Manny Pacquiao is not nearly as wreckless as he was even just shy of 2 years ago. 50% chance of Manny being KO'd. He's going to be constantly attacking and Mayweather is going to be counter-punching. Those counter punches will be better than Marquez's and the danger is definitely there for Pac.

Manny Pacquiao is one of the world's most popular boxers today. Floyd is the favorite by many. Who will win March 2010? If you are a Pacquiao supporter, check out some of the largely sold out Manny Pacquiao shirt items. Floyd fan? Check out some Floyd apparel.

Manny Pacquiao Poster Fighter

2012-01-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

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Manny Pacquiao From Jimmy Kimmel to the Giants Stadium - All Around Rockstar!

2012-01-12T01:40:00.000-08:00

Wearing his signature, vest, hat and long sleeved polo shirt, looking very much a dapper gentleman, Manny Pacquiao sang twice on the highly rated ABC Jimmy Kimmel show. The song "sometimes when we touch" although a tad cheesy, still won the hearts of the audience and fans around the world.

Manny is a cross-over star like no other. Given his race, color, nationality and broken English "you know" he has managed to steal the sports thunder of the likes of Tiger Woods and Kobe Braynt. In fact whole NBA teams come to watch him fight. Superstars of the NFL and Hollywood celebs like Mark Wahlberg and Mickey Rourke at are all his fights. Pacquiao is excitement, raw, real and very much in touch with his fans

Manny has graced, huge stadiums like the LA dodgers, NY giants baseball ceremonial pitch. You will see him distributing turkeys during Thanksgiving. The Pacman gives as much as he receives - he once gave out $250,000 worth of tickets to his fight against Oscar Delahoya - ask Mike Tyson who was one of the lucky recipients

It's stuff like this that makes Manny a rockstar, from appearances and non-media events, the fighting pride of the Philippines is setting the tone and trend for other mega-athletes to follow. Lets hope that future sports stars, no matter if it be from boxing, MMA or the NBA, all take a page form the Pacquiao notebook, and become true, great representatives of their sport, and ultimately their humanity.

Watch Manny Pacquiao's fight videos and his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel http://mannypacquiaofightvideo.com

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Manny Pacquiao (featuring Dan Hill) - Sometimes When We Touch CD + DVD Documentary

2012-01-09T23:52:00.000-08:00

Featuring a fabulous 26 minute documentary on Manny Pacquiao, the Music and the recording sessions.

This new CD/DVD set features World Boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao singing the classic ballad, Sometimes When We Touch, featuring the original artist Dan Hill. Also included are a Karaoke version and five original dance remixes. The DVD features a 26 minute documentary on how the new recording came to be made -- with interviews with Manny Pacquiao and Dan Hill, plus behind the scenes at the recording sessions. The documentary also includes the music video.

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Nike Men's Manny Pacquiao Fly Shorts Blue/White

2012-01-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

Nike Men's Manny Pacquiao Fly Shorts Blue/White
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Measurements - taken with Shorts lying flat
2X-Large- Inseam 11"; Outseam 22"

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Manny Pacquiao Autographed 8x11 Photograph | Details: vs. Sugar Shane Mosley

2012-01-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

This item qualifies for Free Shipping. Authentic autographs make unforgettable gifts for everyone from the serious collector to the casual sports fan! This 8x11 photo has been personally hand signed by boxer Manny Pacquiao. It comes with an individually numbered; tamper evident hologram from Mounted Memories. To ensure authenticity, the hologram can be reviewed online. This process helps to ensure that the product purchased is authentic and eliminates any possibility of duplication or fraud.

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Filipino Boxer Manny Pacquiao's Victory a Binding Force For RP

2012-01-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

After a neck-and-neck match between Filipino boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, the judges declared Pacquiao in a split decision as the real champ in the recent World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight bout in the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In their 12 brutal rounds of punches, boxing techniques and strategies, both exemplified their thrilling styles of a true boxer. Whether you are a Filipino or a Mexican or simply a viewer, you can say that the match was indeed the best fight ever since both were determined to make a good fight.

Pacquiao even had a cut on his eye making it hard for him to strike back in the first rounds of the match. Both had a winning form and would do everything to win. But in the end, Filipino boxer Pacquiao dethroned the former world champ in the wrestling arena.

Such victory made Pacquiao the first and the best Asian fighter to win three record titles in the history of WBC. The winning was not only for the Philippines, but for Asia that indeed we can compete to other countries in all other endeavors, especially in the field of sports.

Previously, "Manny" as what most of his friends call him won the WBC flyweight title and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight crown. At the same time, he brought home the Peoples and Ring Magazine featherweight titles.

When asked about the reaction of the President on Manny's victory, Mrs. Gloria Arroyo said his victory "united and inspired Filipinos for a brief moment even in times of divisiveness" in the country.

She described Pacquiao as an "an icon of the masses" who mirrors the champ within every Filipino, here and abroad.

The President stressed, "I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao."

"Like him, we, too, shall overcome the battles ahead, with courage and a steadfast faith in ourselves, our country, and the Lord Almighty," she said.

More than 11,000 spectators witnessed the event in Las Vegas and millions around the globe. This event is always viewed by Filipinos worldwide and has become a craze to support Pacquiao in all his fights.

Certainly, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has been an idol among Filipino masses. Once his game is underway, Filipinos create a sense of belongingness and unite in supporting their fellow Filipino. He serves as a binding force toward an end of forgetting about the pressing issues at the moment and be united in cheering for the Philippines as one nation.

I hope in other fields of endeavor, the spirit of nationalism and the pride for the country will be exemplified even in simple terms and would not need an icon all the time to show what it means to be a "united" nation.

Maynard Joseph Delfin finished AB Journalism (cum laude) at the University of Santo Tomas. He has worked as book editor, deskman, copy editor and research and publications officer in leading publishing and research companies in the Philippines. Read more of his blogs at http://maynard_delfin.instablogs.com

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Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley Fight in May 7

2011-12-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

We expect Sugar Shane Mosley to go for broke and slug it out with defending WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in their scheduled 12-round title bout. The Pacquiao vs Mosley fight is scheduled on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mosley's a good counter-puncher. He'll use his left as a decoy. What he wants to do is to land the right. I don't think he'll box Pacquiao because he doesn't have the legs to fight from a distance. He'll come on strong in the first four rounds, looking to knock out Manny. Roach said Manny Pacquiao should be able to assume total control after the fourth round. Not that Mosley will dominate the first four rounds. I just think he'll try to pressure Manny Pacquiao early.

Manny could take those early rounds, too. Manny should be careful because Mosley has power. If there's a weakness in Pacquiao's defense, it's his vulnerability to get hit by the right hand. Juan Manuel Marquez showed that. Manny can get hit with the right lead down the middle. That's what he should watch for in fighting Mosley. I can see Manny throwing an overhand right over the top as a counter to Mosley's left jab or left hook. Manny will go in and out which means he'll use a lot of footwork. When Manny steps in, he'll land the left hook. Shane Mosley's got power and some hand-speed so we won't rush things. The only thing I worried about Mosley is his stamina. One thing is Mosley has some difficulty fighting southpaws.

Shane Mosley, 39, is coming off a split 12-round draw with Sergio Mora in a fight where he had to win the last two stanzas to avoid a loss. That Mosley was able to mount a late assault is a credit to his durability despite his age. Richardson, dismissing notions that age will be a handicap against Pacquiao. The Mosley vs Pacquiao fight is expected to be very entertaining the in the early rounds of the fight. Mosley always has the reputation to be exciting in the early to middle rounds of his fights in recent years. He's in shape and he stays in the gym so he should be able to respond pretty quickly. No one can predict the outcome of any boxing match as favorites have been known to bite the dust. Fans in both their respective countries will be cheering for their local hero. So don't miss to watch Pacquiao vs Mosley live on Showtime PPV on May 7, 2011.

A Computer Technician, Blogger and Student from Roxas City. Check out Pacquiao vs Mosley

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2011-12-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

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2011-12-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

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Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience, and Never-Say-Never Determination

2011-12-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

"Pound for pound, Manny is the best boxer in the world, but even more important than holding that distinction, Manny has connected with the people of his home country, the Philippines, to the point where he is almost like a god." --Lennox Lewis, former heavyweight boxer and HBO commentator

Pacman is Manny's miracle story - his autobiography. Born and raised in an impoverished village in the Philippines, Manny began his life on the ropes. He provided for his family of five in his pre-boxing life by selling practically anything and everything on the streets just to help his family survive. The hard work, determination, and sheer grit that would characterize him as a boxer showed through in a big way during these early years. Though he dreamed of being a priest, his mother could not afford the education, so he soon found another way to move heaven and earth: boxing. According to the New York Times, Manny is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world today. His rags-to-riches story will inspire you.

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Manny Pacquiao Redefines Boxing

2011-12-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

There was a time in Rome when people found entertainment in death. The gladiators may have not liked the idea of killing each other; but death for one meant life for the other. To live, one needed to kill the other. How the combatants tried to cling to life was what thrilled the Coliseum crowd.

Professional boxers may not like the idea of killing each other; but killing the opponent is the only way by which one could be sure he does not die in the hands of his opponent himself. Sugar Ray Robinson-the one many boxing fans consider as the greatest boxer of all time, pound for pound-then 26, fought Jimmy Doyle in 1947. Staggered twice in earlier rounds and fighting for dear life, Robinson hit Doyle with a wicked left in the eighth round. That was Doyle's last ring performance; he died in an Ohio hospital hours later from brain injury.

Two months later Robinson figured in two bouts the proceeds of which were meant to help Doyle's family, financially. Would Robinson be careful with his fists this time? No. He knocked out both opponents in the first round.

There is thus a radical redefinition of professional boxing when, after mugging Antonio Margarito for twelve rounds on November 13, 2010 at Arlington, Texas, Manny Pacquiao said: "Boxing is not about killing each other. Boxing is about entertainment." There probably is no argument about boxing being entertainment. But about boxing being less brutal and violent than what it is would be debatable.

Not having the mind of a killer in professional boxing is like not having the nerve to take the winning free shot-while the score is tied with no time left in regulation-in basketball. In golf, it is like hitting a bogey when all you need is par to win the championship. In other words, although winning fights may not be a problem, boxers who do not have the mind of a killer cannot be as great as Robinson.

What do you think would the fans say about Manny Pacquiao's redefinition of boxing? Of course people understand that the best way for fighters to protect themselves from harm is to either maim or kill their opponents. That is what they want to see in a boxing match-the aggression by one and the all-out effort to defend life by the other. The drama that tugs between life and death is what makes the sport worth watching. It is what made Jack Dempsey and Mike Tyson box-office hits. And it is what made Robinson-and now Pacquiao-darling of the press.

Thus for Pacquiao to say boxing is not about killing each other was like Gandhi telling his people not to hit back regardless of pain and provocation they got from the British. Gandhi got an enormous amount of credibility because he endured pain and humiliation himself. And Pacquiao seems credible not only because "Manny knows"-given the way he is almost deified in today's press, he could say he just saw a bush burning in Mount Sinai, and people would find it hard to disagree with him-but also because people saw what he did in the Margarito fight. And, even more telling, people could see what he did in his 40 or so previous fights.

What Manny seemed to be saying is that there is no need for boxers to hurt the opponent who, by all indication, is in no position to hurt back. One may find him easier to understand by looking at his record.

Manny has a total of 57 career fights. He has won 52 of them (38 via stoppage); lost three while 2 bouts ended in draws. Like almost all professional boxers who spend the first half of their careers honing their skills and building up their confidence (except probably Leon Spinks, who faced and defeated Muhammad Ali to take the latter's world heavyweight title in only 7 professional fights), Manny's first 24 fights could be considered to be easy fights for him, compared to his last 33 fights which, aside from being mostly title fights, involved opponents bigger than him at age 25 (at which point human males normally stop growing physically). We venture to assume that Manny found no need to hurt his relatively easy first 24 opponents, knocking out "only" 14 of the 23 he defeated (or a KO rate of 61 percent).

He started to chase a world crown in his 25th fight, against Thailand's Chachai Sasakul for the latter's WBC Flyweight belt. From this point on until his last fight against Margarito, he faced not only future Hall of Famers in Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez but also bigger opponents in David Diaz, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Margarito (most of whom are arguably future Hall of Famers themselves). Again we venture to assume that Manny Pacquiao may have found threats to his own safety in his last 33 fights (from 25 to 57), and went on to knock out 28 of the 33 relatively tough opponents he defeated (or a KO rate of 85 percent).

Against relatively easy opponents, Pacquiao holds his punches. Against dangerous foes, he becomes a killer. One may also notice that the 5 fights (of his last 33 wins) that went the distance involved Oscar Larios, Barrera in a rematch, Marquez, Clottey, and Margarito, in that order. Pacquiao master trainer Freddie Roach complained that Manny played to the crowd-the fight was held in the Philippines-in the Larios fight. The Las Vegas crowd chanted "Barre-run!" in the Barrera fight. Clottey did not want to mix it up. Margarito had the heart but not the vision to be competitive. Thus except for the Marquez fight, we could say that Manny did not see any need to hurt anyone of these otherwise tough opponents. He found no need to knock them out.

In the context of what his fight record indicates, we can say that Manny Pacquiao's idea of boxing not being about killing each other may have been in his mind since the day he wore a boxing glove. His record also indicates an exception: everything goes in front of clear and present danger.

Hermilando "Ingming" Duque Aberia loves to litter his world with letters. He has done researches, written articles for newspapers and magazines, and has written a book titled " Manny Pacquiao." He also has interests in various fields of profession. He has extensive experiences in social development work, having been affiliated with several government and non-government organizations in the Philippines. He is an expert in community development, local governance and project management.

You can read more of his articles at http://aberia.ws.

Contact Details: A506 1933 Rizal Avenue, Sta Cruz, Manila; Tel: 639058664106; Email: admin@globalpinoy.mobi

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2011-12-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

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2011-12-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

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What Pinoy Pride? Manny Pacquiao Gain Could Be a Loss to the Golden Boy Dela Hoya

2011-12-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

There was a time when the only hottest news about boxing worth talking about was Mike Tyson's pitiful plan to become a porn star alongside (or on top of) Jeena Jameson. Boxing then was downgraded to becoming a Mike Tyson drama. Do you notice we don't have much TV programs dedicated to boxing nowadays anymore? Even prime cards don't cause as much stir as boxing did before. Mixed Martial Arts seemed to be trampling over boxing to become America's new favorite blood sport.

Enter the Pinoy Pride, Manny Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao fights were spectacular but, in a way, Pacquiao's being Asian and his opponents being South Americans, does not seem to connect much with ordinary American viewers. It's just like watching foreign movies with foreign actors.

Enter Oscar de la Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao fight on December 6, 2008

Oscar de la Hoya may be of Mexican descent but he is an American born in East Los Angeles California. He won the only gold in boxing for the United States in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. And he is going to exchange blows with today's hottest boxing item, pound for pound. Throw in a little bit of drama as de la Hoya swears to "avenge" all the Mexican boxing legends Manny Pacquiao fell, and you have the makings of a real blockbuster that is sure to make the Golden Boy's already overflowing wealth chest overflow some more.

However, unlike your usual staple of a boxing match, this talks about this fight is getting much more colourful and more heated as discussions are lead away from the merits of the fight to the merits (or demerits) of Oscar de la Hoya's choice of Pacquiao for his last fight in his boxing career.

A lot of hissing noise can be heard from those fuming about the match's being a mismatch. De la Hoya is 5'10" while Pacquiao is 5'6.6", and de la Hoya outweighs Pacquiao by 25 lbs. Add to this, de la Hoya is used to fighting bigger opponents in the 160 lbs level, while Pacquiao has never even officially weighed beyond 135 lbs in any fight.

These arguments about the fight's being lopsided are getting hotter on the sidelines.

Setting aside the match's being mismatched or not, the next question would about who will benefit from the weight catch-up/catch-down game. De la Hoya has a lot to lose and Pacquiao has a lot to gain-hey, we're talking about weight here.

On the other hand, it would seem that de la Hoya really have a lot to lose in the sense that he has all the advantages of size, weight and experience. De la Hoya's official fight records date back to 1992 when he TKO'd Lamar Williams in Inglewood, California. Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, traces his first via a humble win by decision in 1995 against Edmund Enting Ignacio in Mindoro, Philippines.

If Pacquiao loses, he still wins. The adoring fans would surely understand a loss against a bigger fighter. He, however, gets more respect for the guts and still earn him to be the genuine Pinoy pride.

Possibly, he would get an equal amount of derision for his folly.

More scoops, news and update at www.ThePinoyPinayCentral.com highlighting every Pinoy Pride, Pinoy-Pinay celebrity and more Filipino news.

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2011-12-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

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Manny Pacquiao's Best Fights Ever

2011-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that at present Manny Pacquiao deserves recognition as being the best fighter, pound-for-pound, in the world. This boxing icon deserves the accolade and is the first ever Filipino to reach such dizzy heights. This southpaw dynamo, "Pacman" as he is also known, has had several sensational victories during his career, and still has the power to achieve more.

His current standing in the boxing world was earned by hard work and brilliance, and while it is not easy to focus on any of his fights as being better than any of the rest, here are what could be considered to be his best seven bouts. While others would likely select others or place them in a different order, it cannot be argued this seven were not amongst his best.

At no. 7: Opponent - Fashan 3K Battery of Thailand

Two southpaws meet blow by blow, one defending his Ring Magazine featherweight title, and the other trying to make a name. Pacquiao proved that he's got the power to restrict this Thai boxer's straight win record to just the 68 it stands at now. This Manila event that took place on December 11, 2004, and Manny sent Battery to the canvas three times in Round 4. It was a left uppercut, literally lifting the Thai off his feet that ended the fight with a TKO.

At no. 6: Opponent - David Diaz of Mexico

Another southpaw! This time fighting in the lightweight division, Manny Pacquiao had his chance to overpower Diaz. Now weighing 135 pounds, Pacman showed to everyone that he has also carried up his powers by fashioning a perfect punch that sent Diaz flat on his face. This bout that took place on June 28, 2008 gave some boxing analysts the idea to stage a fight between the Filipino Champ and Oscar de la Hoya. His victory against Diaz earned him his fourth world title in a row.

At no. 5: Opponent - Erik Morales of Mexico

Would anyone think that Manny would finally make it in his third chance to claim supremacy over the super-featherweight great Erik Morales? Possibly, but no one else had ever done to Morales what Pacquiao did on that fateful 18th day of November 2008. Considering that Morales had beaten Pacquiao twice already, Manny could be said not to have learned his lesson and was heading for a fall. However, it was the other way around. "El Terrible" learned his lesson, and painfully at that, when he was blown away by a knockout in Round 3!

At no. 4: Opponent - Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico

At featherweight, and for the second time, Pacquiao met "Dinamita" who holds the WBC featherweight crown. Way back in May 2004, their first encounter ended in a draw. Pacquiao showed dominating power right from the first round, checking Marquez three times. This March 15, 2008 event in Pacquiao's career really brought out the best in him and also from Marquez, both holding on to the finish. Manny won by a split decision. It was the third round knockdown that gave Pacquiao the edge to prevail on the scorecards.

At no. 3: Opponent - Marco Antonio Barrera

When Manny Pacquiao hit the floor in Round 1, many thought he deserved it because he dared to fight the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera. However, the expectation that the Mexican would end the fight early was reversed as Pacquiao landed 31 power punches in Round 2. As if awakened by the feel of the canvas during the opening round, the Filipino lefty displayed superior hand speed, delivering five-punch combinations.

In Round 3, Pacquiao put Barrera down with his powerful left hammer on the opponent's jaw. From then on the momentum of the fight shifted with Pacquiao's tremendous display of power, and in Round 7 a head butt sent blood down Barrera's face. The Mexican tried to hold on to defend his belt, but only up to the 11th round when he was floored again, and ending the game with his corner throwing a towel on him to save him from more of Pacquiao's ferocity.

At no. 2: Opponent - Oscar de la Hoya

Starting his professional career at 106 pounds and stepping up to 135 to snatch the WBC lightweight title from David Diaz on June 28, 2008, Pacquiao had to go up higher if he wanted yet another title. His victory over Marquez in March 2008 established him as the world top pound-for-pound sensation. This match was considered a suicide move by Pacquiao's camp, deciding to fight De la Hoya at 147 pounds.

Dubbed as a "Dream Match", 35 year old De la Hoya was favorite because of his advantage of 4 inches in height over Pacquiao. However, Manny's superiority in power and ring craft overcame that, and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had successfully added more tools to Manny's signature left-hand hammer. De la Hoya finally succumbed to his superior speed which was translated into devastating power. The Golden Boy of Mexico suffered 195 punches and in the 8th round had already developed a swollen face, giving the victory to Pacquiao by a TKO.

At no. 1: Opponent - Ricky Hatton

Who would forget the much talked about "The Battle of the East and West"? The most recent and the most unexpected victory of Manny Pacquiao came amidst the glamour and glitz of publicity from both camps. Even the trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. had their share of the limelight, throwing punches of harsh words at each other.

However, the real scene of the action came on May 2, 2009. Pacquiao right away showed determination to subdue Hatton in the opening round, finally forcing the favored boxer to the floor in Round 2 with his supercharged left hammer. The fight was over. Many found it disappointing, but once again Pacman had proved his superiority over whatever opponent had the temerity to face him.

For more on Manny Pacquiao's victories, and to read one man's views on the world's best boxing fights, visit http://www.BestBoxingFightsEver.com where not only Manny, but also Ali, Rocky Marciano and Sugar Ray Robinson figure in some of the best boxing matches ever.

The Story of Manny Pacquiao

2011-12-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Story of Manny Pacquiao begins in General Santos City, Philippines. He was born on December 17th, 1978. We can't begin telling the story of Manny Pacquiao without examining the hard life of Manny Pacquiao. He was born into devastating poverty and was forced to work at a very young age after his father left the family for another woman.

Manny Pacquiao worked in the hardcore streets of General Santos City selling breads and other bakery goods. Those same streets helped in the development of the tough and relentless individual we see in the ring today. Also known as Pacman do to the way he gobbles up his rivals in the ring, Manny began fighting for a few dollars in the streets. These fights were brutal but soon Manny Pacquiao gained a reputation for being a very tough fighter, and showing incredible grit and determination when fighting opponents that were much larger than him. Even at a young age Manny displayed the speed and left handed power that has made him one of the most exciting boxers of his era.

Manny Pacquiao's mother however was not a fan. She was very religious and had hoped her son would join the priesthood. Manny's popularity increased around the city and people began taking notice of this scrawny kid with a hammer for a left hand. Without permission Manny set off to Manila to pursue his career with hopes of becoming a star in order to help his mother and family.

The story of Manny Pacquiao was still far from a fairy tale. His time in Manila was not easy. He trained for hours and had to work just as hard to earn a living. Manny worked in construction and also in the gym where he trained doing odd jobs which included janitor. Manny was undeterred and reeled of an eleven fight winning streak before tasting defeat for the very first time in 1996 vs Rustico Torrecampo who knocked Manny Pacquiao out. This was a devastating loss for Manny. The life of Manny Pacquiao could have taken a different turn after this period. He considered quitting boxing and going back home. The thoughts of going back as a failure and to continued and never ending poverty re-ignited Pacman to fight again.

He set off on another winning streak and defeated the WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul in 1998. Finally Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao had reached one of his goals and it seemed his career was about to take off. He successfully defended his crown in the very next fight but his stint as flyweight champion was short lived as he got knocked out by Medgoen Singsurat in his second title defense. Another set back in the story of Manny Pacquiao. Disappointed but undaunted Manny continued training in hopes of another big fight and opportunity.

Manny received that opportunity in June of 2001 when he faced IBF Bantamweight Champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Manny fought and impressive fight, knocking out the tough champion in the sixth round. Winning the IBF belt in Las Vegas in such impressive fashion opened a lot of doors for Manny Pacquiao in the United States which is undeniably the largest boxing market in the world. Manny Pacquiao defended his title until 2003 when he gave it up and moved to a higher weight class which included the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, three Mexican legends. He avenged a loss versus Morales and beat him in the third match which sent the great Morales into retirement. He fought and destroyed Barrera and then faced Juan Manuel Marquez in a truly exciting bout. Marques was dropped three times in the first round and fought valiantly to get a draw. In the rematch Pacquiao was awarded what many considered a controversial win.

The story of Manny Pacquiao continues as he faces his toughest opponent on December 6, 2008 in Las Vegas. He will be facing Oscar De La Hoya and will be fighting at 147 pounds. It remains to be seen if Manny Pacquiao made a wise decision in going up in weight to fight a true welterweight and living legend in Oscar De La Hoya. This may be a Mexican he cannot defeat!

Carlos Caicedo - Small Business Website

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2011-12-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

He is an eight-division world champion, the first boxer in history to win ten world titles, the first to win in eight weight divisions and the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.He was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000's by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
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2011-12-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

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2011-12-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

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2011-12-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

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Reasons Why Floyd Mayweather Jr Won't Fight Manny Pacquiao

2011-12-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

On the eve of Pacquiao vs Mosley title showdown as expected, Manny won as he outclassed Shane during their fight. The most notable of this fight is on the 3rd round where Pacquiao sent Mosley to the canvass. Could this be a reason why Floyd Mayweather Jr won't fight Manny Pacquiao? Is he afraid that the same might happen to him? A great majority in the boxing world knows Mayweather is continuously evading Pacquiao, the world's number one pound for pound king who dethroned him of the title. Please continue reading as you will find more reasons to believe why it is so.

Manny Pacquiao efficiently defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title by outpointing Shane Mosley of their 12-round fight in Las Vegas, Nevada today (Philippine time). All judges saw the entire fight 119-108, 120-108 and 120-107 in favor of the 8-division champion from the Philippines.

Presently, Pacquiao now has a record of 53 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws. Mosley, who triumphed in several world titles over 3 weight classes, dropped down to 46 wins, 7 losses and 1 draw. Mosley has been tentative from the opening bell, moving backward as well as somewhat unwilling to engage Pacquiao. A clever choice and seemingly a nice decision, because a left hook from Pacquiao have found its mark just few seconds left during the third round of their bout and put Mosley on the canvas for only the third time in his 18-year professional career.

Pacquiao pressed the fight most of the night, though he too appeared disinclined to take quite a few odds, which trainer Freddie Roach claimed was due to the muscle cramp that their corner was trying to massage between rounds.

Maybe, yet the sellout crowd of 16,412 came to see more, and booed continuously in the late rounds. These boos appeared to be aimed on Mosley, not Pacquiao, nevertheless it was obvious in the beginning this might definitely not wind up being a classic fight.

Mosley struggled as if trying to protect his legacy of having never been knocked out and, if that had been his strategy, it succeeded. However it is suitable for a dull, boring and lifeless fight and didn't do anything that will burnish the legacy that the Filipino champion seems to have established by having 14 straight victories throughout the last six years of his boxing career- including some over biggest names in the game. Manny Pacquiao earned a minimum of $20 million with regards to the fight, while Shane Mosley has been assured $5 million.

For more blow-by-blow accounts by these two Gladiators visit, Mosley vs Pacquiao as well as news and articles on Manny Pacquiao

The Other Side of Manny Pacquiao

2011-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao was born as Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines on December 17, 1978. He grew up in Glan, Sarangani, Philippines but currently resides in General Santos City, Philippines with his wife Maria Geraldine "Jinkee" Pacquiao and their four children.

Manny grew up facing the hard life of poverty which led him to only finishing an elementary school education to start working at a very young age. Nonetheless, he still considers education as a very important tool to ones success that made him decide to take a high school equivalency exam and passed. He then enrolled in college to further educate himself as he has invested his earnings as a boxer and product endorser to a few businesses.

The Boxer

Manny Pacquiao, fondly called as "Pacman" by every boxing enthusiast, is the Filipino Boxing Superstar. The Philippines' pride is currently the WBO World Welterweight Champion and Ring Magazine and IBO Light Welterweight Champion. He is also rated by Ring Magazine as the number one pound-for-pound boxer in the world as he is the first boxer in the history of boxing to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. The only boxer to win the lineal championship tagged as "the man who beat the man" in four different weight classes.

The belts he has won were the WBC World Lightweight Champion, WBC World Super Featherweight Champion, IBF World Super Bantamweight Champion, WBC World Flyweight Champion, Ring Magazine Featherweight and Super Featherweight Champion. The success has been recognized by different organizations all over the world and was greatly recognized by the Philippine government as he was awarded the Sikatuna Award with the Rank of Datu by the President, the prestigious award given to many personalities who had greatly contributed to the local society.

The Philanthropist

Manny Pacquiao is not just the World Champion or the current number one pound-for-pound, but also a champion to every Filipino he has helped as he is also a Philanthropist. His motivation every time he steps inside the ring is to uplift and inspire his countrymen. As a Champ with a good heart, one of his greatest dreams is to help improve every Filipinos lives. The reason why Manny Pacquiao Foundation was created to have his dreams becomes a reality.

The foundation is designed to give any support they could to many Filipinos who are underprivileged. His success had given him the opportunity to give back to the unprivileged men of the Philippines. He holds a special heart for every individuals suffering as he was once in the same situation.

The Entertainer

Manny Pacquiao is also known in the Philippines as the singer/actor, not only just the Peoples Champ. Despite his busy schedules being a boxer, he still had time to record and was able to released two albums. Tracks from his albums speak on how proud he is as a Filipino and that music is a great way to reach and inspire his countrymen. He had even managed to held shows to promote the albums and had also made music an opportunity to help the Filipinos in distress after the calamities.

As an actor, he has done three movies. Unfortunately, all three movies were not a success since he lacked time to promote his movies aside from the negative intrigues linking him to his leading ladies. He has also two television shows that are keeping him busy if he is no incoming fight to prepare. Currently, he is on leave on both shows as he is rigidly on training to defend his title against Joshua Clottey. The Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight is called "The Event" will be held on March 13, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

If you are a serious fight fan and and a collector of boxing memorabilia then you can't go past signed boxing gloves of Manny Pacquiao. Framed4U special is all kinds of boxing memorabilia and can be contacted through their online website.

Manny Pacquiao's Greatness

2011-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

If you trace the life of Manny Pacquiao, it would be like this:

"From a poor family with humble beginnings and considered to be at the low side of the totem pole of society, where nobody may even want to know about...To becoming a great number one pond-for-pound boxer in the world whose honor, greatness and popularity, majority if not everybody, would want to know about and ride on."

And how did Manny Pacquiao achieve this greatness? Is he a Superman? Of course not. Does he have extraordinary or magical powers? No also. Does he have the so called "Anting - Anting" or some call it "Dagon" in his home land? Yes!

By the way what is an "Anting -Anting" or a "Dagon"? In the Philippines, an Anting-Anting or a Dagon is something, be a tiny non-living thing to be kept in the body, a tiny living thing to be hidden secretly, a picture to be kept in a personal and most secret way or words to a few sentences to be uttered during important competitions to give the one who possesses it, extra power and advantage to win.

I am sure that many, including the great coach and trainer Fredie Roach, will laugh at this statement. They will say that Manny's accomplishment and greatness cannot be attributed to a "Dagon" or "Anting-Anting", but mainly due to the excellent work ethics, strong determination and continual improvement attitude that he has.

I don't disagree with you in these ideas, but, I am sure many will be with me if I would reveal the "Anting-Anting" or "Dagon" of Manny Pacquiao.

Are you ready to know what is the Dagon or Anting-Anting of Manny Pacquiao? The source of his power?

Manny Pacquiao's Anting-Anting is: "HIS STRONG FAITH IN GOD" which he wears and carries everywhere, anywhere and anytime. And also the "PRAYERS" that he utters before and after fights. Manny could not do all these things alone if not for God's guidance which "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE". It was God who guides Manny to go to the Wild Card Gym and submit to the greatest coach and trainer Fredie Roach and not to Floyd Mayweather Snr. or anybody else. Because of his strong faith in God, he was graced with an excellent work ethics, strong and unwavering determination, continuous improvement attitude, the ability to quickly adjust to situations during fights and the incredible speed and punching power that he carries even at higher weights. The Prayers he utters before and after fights are the words which persuade God to give him that extra power and speed during fights which make his opponents look like grade school boxers. His strong faith in God makes him very humble even in victory which made him popular and lovable to majority, if not all people.

So, are you convinced now my friends?

For comments and reactions to this article please go to http://www.darves-potpourri.blogspot.com. We can have excellent interactions there.

Good day.

Manny Pacquiao Autographed 8x10 Photograph | Details: vs. Rick Hatton, Knock Down

2011-11-28T04:35:00.000-08:00

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2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball Card # 262 Manny Pacquiao - World Champion Boxer - In a Protective Display Case!

2011-11-25T19:33:00.000-08:00

2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball Card # 262 Manny Pacquiao - World Champion Boxer - In a Protective Display Case!

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TITLE Freddie Roach Boxing DVD Set

2011-11-24T05:53:00.000-08:00

Each DVD runs approximately 30 minutes and covers a wealth of information on weight loss, cross training, boxing fundamentals, advanced punching techniques and bag work. A great set for boxers and fitness enthusiasts alike. About Freddie Roach Freddie Roach is one of the most popular trainers in boxing today. A former fighter with over 200 pro and amateur bouts, Roach has trained some of the best in the business including current lightweight champ Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, James Toney, Michael Moorer, Bernard Hopkins, Israel Vasquez and Wladimir Klitschko. He was voted Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2003, 2006 and 2007. He owns and operates Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, CA. Freddie Roach Boxing 7 DVD Set Includes: * How to Lose Weight Rapidly for Boxing * How to Lose Weight Effectively for Boxing * Cross Training for Boxing I - Upper Body and Core * Cross Training for Boxing II - Lower Body and Trunk * Freddie Roach's Fundamentals of Boxing * Freddie Roach's Advanced Punching Techniques * Freddie Roach's Punching Bag Training

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Playboy ~ November 2011 ~ College Girls of the SEC / Chuck Palahniuk

2011-11-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao, 31, was recently named Fighter of the Decade” by the Boxing Writers’ Association and is the only fighter ever to capture seven championship belts in seven different weight classes. But few could have imagined that Pacquiao would have ever reached the pinnacle of his sport, considering his background. He ran away from homea cardboard shack in General Santos City in the Philippinesat age fourteen. After making his way to Manila, and eventually the United States, Pacquiao hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach in 2001, and, from there, his fighting career took off.

Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World” last year, the aptly nicknamed Pac-Man is a fascinating figure who will go down as one of the greatest boxers in history.

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PacMan: Behind the Scenes with Manny Pacquiao--the Greatest Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World

2011-11-21T05:44:00.000-08:00

Named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World” last year, the aptly nicknamed Pac-Man is a fascinating figure who will go down as one of the greatest boxers in history.

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Manny Pacquiao - Learn From His Work Ethics

2011-11-18T22:47:00.000-08:00

It is difficult not to react to the impressive victory of Manny Pacquiao in his recent demolition of Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey.

Amidst all the adulations heaped on Pacquiao, the collective self-esteem of the nation has risen to a higher level.

We all want to be associated with the champion, the winner. We belong to an era in which the world has witnessed what a Filipino can do that can make a chapter in history.

But history is not enough. History is meaningless to people if they don't glean lessons from it. Pacquiao's victory made history in boxing, and we are all invited to feast on its lessons.

One thing is that victory does not come without hard work. Manny Pacquiao, despite without having a formal education due to a grinding poverty in his childhood, has recognized an essential lesson in life that without hard work, no one can achieve his fullest potential.

History books tell us that Filipinos were once accused by foreigners as indolent. The accusation was not totally false. Indeed, in the past, the indolence of the Filipinos was very visible. This was seen in how Filipinos prolonged their rest after farm harvest. They were supposed to prepare for the next planting season but many would postpone cultivating their land because after all there were still much to consume in the next few months.

It is difficult to dispel that accusation of being indolent. The poverty of the country is partly due to people's lack of drive to work harder and smarter. Many are just contented to remain where they are now.

There is a strong evidence that shows that the some people in Visayas who migrated to Mindanao and other parts of the country are more successful than their counterparts back home. Once they're outside their comfort zone, these Filipinos, the early settlers of the Visayas region, worked harder in their new-found homes. The same with the Chinese. Those who left China are now the business moguls in foreign lands.

In the life of Manny Pacquiao, he is one of the best examples of what hard work can do to one's life. That if we can be as hard working as Manny Pacquiao, many of us can reach our loftiest dreams in life. That is the kind of lesson that should serve as clarion call to our people.

It is not enough to savor the victory of a man who has made his country proud of him; there has to be a reawakening of our life's attitude toward work and people's drive to succeed.

Pacquiao's success (all his wealth and fame) belong to him alone. We can only admire him that much. But at the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves and evaluate our work ethics, reassess our lifestyle, and see whether we have that kind of fortitude that Pacquiao has shown to us.

If indolence is not universal to all Filipinos, then we can still rise above our limitations. Manny Pacquiao has set the example; it is up to us how we apply it to the Filipino nation.

Stan Debohol is an expat and has a Travel Business in Philippines [http://www.iloverp.com] and likes to visit Philippine City and Province.

Boxing Match of the Century - Is Floyd Mayweather Jr Afraid of Manny Pacquiao?

2011-11-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

The boxing world was shocked when the very much awaited fight of the century did not conclude between the two best pound-for-pound kings, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., because of some drug testing issues. Boxing fans have waited and wondered long if this fight of the century could ever happen. When Floyd Mayweather Jr. was in the pedestal of his career and until now, many have wondered how the match would conclude between him and the reigning pound-for-for king Manny Pacquiao be.

Floyd Mayweather's untainted record shows that he has already proven something as he goes undefeated throughout his career. His fighting styles, wise tactics and staggering punches made him unbeatable as proven y his record. He has fought many battles and has successfully won them in a convincing way.

On the other hand, sports fanatics could not deny the raging success of a Filipino boxer who has earned his name through the boxing world as he has been recently recognized as the only boxer who earned seven boxing titles in different weight class. His name is Manny Pacquiao. Manny, has proven its worth in the world of boxing upon claiming such prestigious recognition. He is just the best boxing could offer.

Both of these boxers are oftentimes compared by many. Some would say that Mayweather is better than Pacquiao, and others would say the vice versa. Previously we have heard that these two boxing stars were matched up.

Many awaited this yet after all the negotiations between both camps, nothing came up right as Mayweather's camp demands that Pacquiao should be tested randomly for drug consumption as Mayweather's camp is seriously curious on how and where does Pacquiao gets his strength. Pacquiao's camp on the other hand agreed on some procedures which will be sanctioned by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Through the latter, they will be scheduled for urine tests regularly up to the day of the fight, but Mayweather's camp brushed aside this procedure as they wanted a random blood testing which could even be done minutes before the fight.

Pacquiao's camp on the other hand was not amenable with this procedure as this might lead into negative results regarding Pacquiao's health considering that a blood test could be seriously put Pacquiao's health especially if done minutes before the fight. After hearing both camps' arguments, conclusion was derived that this fight of the century could never happen.

Critics definitely paved their way in to these issues as to whether they really intend to put up a good fight in the ring to prove who the best is or just to excite boxing fans and keep them waiting. Since both camps have now decided not to pursue with the fight, boxing fans could not help but wonder what the real score is between these two camps. We all know that Pacquiao is the raging rising star and Mayweather's comeback is of surprise. Did the latter came back for Pacquiao? Well, if so, why won't he fight him by meeting halfway on some issues? Some would think that Mayweather is afraid that his record will be tainted; some would think that he is just looking for reasons just to put Pacquiao on the disadvantage. If Pacquiao is to be asked, he is very willing to showcase his talent to the world and prove once and for all who the best living pound-for-pound king is.

Even though that this news was so shocking that others could not even understand why, this must come into a halt. Whatever the reason is, it could only be you who can resolve it.

Now that the issue have been settled, have a peek on some place where both fighters have visited during their break and some recreational activities both have enjoyed.

Here are some recreational activities that both fighters and even you can experience. http://napoleonseasports.blogspot.com/

Manny Pacquiao - The Greatest Boxer of All Time 6

2011-11-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

If Floyd Mayweather fights to win, Manny Pacquiao fights-in his own words-"to make the fans happy."

Pacquiao knows what he is talking about and people understand where he is coming from. When he was too young to make a decent living for himself and his family, life was so hard that controlling body weight was forced not by boxing rules but by lack of food to eat. "I understand," he said, "how it feels when people go hungry."

Every Philippine centavo was gold to the Pacquiao household. Which was why affluence became Manny Pacquiao when he earned his first paychecks of a hundred pesos (about 2 US dollars) fighting as a youngster in village-level fiestas. This is how relative reality is and that was how he valued hard-earned money. That was then. Today, he has earned more than a billion of Philippine pesos from boxing and commercial appearances, but his appreciation of each hard-earned peso remains the same.

He knows boxing fans spend equally good hard-earned money to watch his fights. He swears it's his job, as a professional fighter, to ensure they get their money's worth every time they see him perform.

When people watch Pacquiao fight, they see an incredible small-sized package of ferocity and aggression let loose inside the ring. What they may not see is what burns at the core of that package, the one that fuels such a huge amount of energy and passion-courage.

It takes courage to be able to continually honor one's commitment. It takes courage to make the fans happy and keep them from being disappointed.

And courage-the heart of a warrior-is what makes Pacquiao the world's greatest fighter that he has become. Courage allowed him to challenge what lurked behind the unknown: whether it was, in search of his future in boxing, a strange life in the city where he knew no one and no one knew him; how a fight wish would play out against, for example, one of then boxing's hottest properties in Marco Antonio Barrera; coping with size disadvantage as in the case of fighting Oscar De La Hoya; the impossibility of moving up in weight and continuing to dominate the opposition; and try to see what it takes to test the limits of a world-class athlete, like himself.

Early in life Pacquiao knew he would become a boxing champion. The problem was, given the limited choices which his poor family had, he did not have ready resources to get there.

So he took odd jobs to keep body and soul together, as it were, while his dream of making it big in boxing someday continued to consume his waking hours. He left grade school to focus on making a living, and on dreaming his dream.

But the hardships of life remained unforgiving to the Pacquiao household. They came in many forms, in addition to material want. The father, who left earlier to take a better-paying job, eventually left for good. The second of 6 siblings, Manny was, in the normal ways of a Filipino family set-up, had to rise up and take the survival cudgels for the family. "Don't worry, Ma," the 15-year-old Manny vowed to his mother, "I will take care of this." He was referring to the financial and emotional problems of the family.

He soon left General Santos City, his hometown, for Manila, the big city, with nobody at home aware of it. He left a note, however, explaining his departure.

Several months later, Dionisia, Manny's mother, received by post a letter from Manny excitedly telling her to watch him fight on national television. It was January in 1996 and, from then on, Dionisia and the entire Filipino nation found itself glued to television whenever Manny stepped inside the ring to fight.

It turned out Pacquiao was not only a performer; he was also a winner. From the time he turned professional at 16 to the present (he will turn 31 in December 17, 2009), he has already won world titles in 6 different weight divisions. Only two fighters in all of boxing history (the other one being De La Hoya), has reached that height of achievement.

By 2008, after beating the highly-favored De La Hoya, Pacquiao has blossomed to become a global celebrity. Acclaimed in 2009 by Times Magazine as one of the world's most influential persons, Pacquiao is also one of the world's richest athlete.

Fifteen years after he left General Santos to find his star in the boxing universe, he has returned as a hero. He kept his promise and made his mother proud.

Excerpts from "Manny Pacquiao - The Greatest Boxer Of All Time"

Read more of it at http://pacquiaodgoat.ws

Writing for him is both a hobby and a drain for emotional overflow. He writes on various subjects and has published some of his works in Philippine newspapers.

He has also dabbled in online advocacy and home-based marketing. He maintains a website at http://pacquiaodgoat.ws

Emails can be sent to: pacquiadgoat@gmail.com

Manny Pacquiao - The Best Boxing Champion and Legend of His Generation

2011-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

On December 17, 1978 in Philippines, a child took birth in a small middle class family and his parents named him Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao. Little did they know that this child would go on to become nothing short of a legend of his times. The ones who follow the world of boxing closely, they would have guessed it by now who am I talking about. For the uninitiated, I am talking about Manny Pacquiao, the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions.

It is not without reason that Manny Pacquaiao has been voted by Ring magazine as the number 1 pound for pound boxer in the world. He is currently the WBO world welterweight champion and also Ring magazine light welterweight champion. Apart from winning in almost every category he has ever taken part in, Manny Pacquiao is also the only boxer in the world to have the Lineal championship or "man who beat the man championship" in four different weight classes. Truly a champion, isn't he?

But that is not where his genius ends. He is a man with many abilities. Manny Pacquiao has been actively pursuing his interests in fields as diverse as singing, acting and politics (acting and politics are not as diverse though). Although he hasn't been half as successful in any of these fields as he has been in boxing.

Manny Pacquiao or the Mexicutioner as he is otherwise popularly called has vowed to enter politics after he retires from the sport of boxing. He has already made a brief foray into the world of politics but was unsuccessful, when his bid for the congressional seat for Philippines was rejected. And part of the reason for this defeat was his very own fans who did not want their hero to get into the dirty world of politics.

This thirty year old boxer is married to Jenkee and resides in a royal mansion in General Santos City which is protected by armed guards 2487. This legend, who used to sell ice water and donuts to etch out a living, hasn't looked back ever since he won his first boxing title. And it was a life turning event which made him pursue boxing as a passion- the death of his close friend mark Penaflorida.

As much as his hard work and dedication has helped him reach where he is today, destiny has also played a huge role in making him a true living legend. In June 23, 2001, he came in as a late replacement for his country in super bantamweight category and then won the match by a technical default. Manny Pacquiao hasn't stopped winning ever since.

Such is his popularity that a film was made based on his life called Pacquiao: the movie.

Although the film tanked, Pacquiao has been actively pursuing a career in acting and has been signed on to feature in the boxing themed drama series Totoy Bato on a Filipino television network. This "People's Champion" sure deserves a place among the greats of all times like Mohammad Ali. May the world get to see this hero in action for as long as possible.

Frank D. P. is a long time and big fan of Manny Pacquiao. You can find more about the latest news and blog about Manny Pacquiao at Manny Pacquiao Fans Blog

Manny Pacquiao - The People's Champion

2011-11-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao was born Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao on December 17, 1978 in the impoverished neighborhood of Kibawe, Bukidnon in Mindanao, The Philippines. Before all the glory and riches were ever bestowed upon the star boxer, this ambitious young man who would one day become the Philippines's most iconic figure was simply a young boy looking to survive the streets that brought him into this world. As a young boy, Pacquiao was already learning how to fight for his life, not in the ring but in the streets. His early childhood was not about winning boxing matches, becoming a world champion, or rising to become the Philippines most endearing and beloved iconic figure. He simply wanted to find food to feed himself and his family. Humbled by poverty, he always held a tight bond with his family and his devotion to God as a Roman Catholic to help him survive through the early years of hardship and hunger. Rising from humble beginnings, Manny used to sell a Filipino bread name pandesal in street corners to help his family survive starvation.

His mother Dionisia raised Manny, after his father left them along with 5 other children, and two of them were from his mother's previous marriage. A man with a big heart originally wanted to become a priest, but his mother could not afford the education so he soon found boxing as the only alternative to make his family proud. Long hungry nights never stopped Him from pursuing his dream of becoming a masterful boxer so he can one day have all the money to help his family and the poor citizens from his town.

Today, Pacquiao can simply not stop giving back to the very people and the town that fed him and supported him through the many years of hardship. Despite the many cars, 12,000 square foot mansion, and fan fare at every corner, he has been able to simply be a regular individual like all his adoring fans. This past Thanksgiving in the USA, the celebrity boxer gave away 500 turkeys to feed the homeless and the poor. He also gave away $550,000 in fight ticket prices so all his Filipino childhood friends can see him live for his December, 6 fight with Oscar De la Hoya. Manny Pacquiao simply feels blessed to be able to give back and nothing can possibly make him more genuinely happy than to give to those who reminds himself of his own roots and early suffering in life. When recently asked by a reporter why he was so overly generous to his countrymen and countrywomen, Pacquiao replied and said, "You know what? Our mission in this world - because I believe our mission in this world is not only to make money but we have a big responsibility. If you get the blessing from God, we are to give some of to your people and especially the poor people." There is nothing further from the truth to describe Manny Pacquiao than a man that is simply, 'The People's People'.

Manny Pacquiao Boxing Fansite: The pride of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao continues to pour in the accolades for himself and his country.

Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach

2011-11-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have developed one of the most dynamic trainer and fighter combinations since Joe E. Martin Sr. and Muhammad Ali. Freddie Roach has trained some of the greatest names in boxing such as Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, and the former pupil he recently defeated, Oscar De La Hoya. Roach will tell you however, that his star pupil would be none other than Pacquiao himself. Manny has even gone as far as calling Freddie Roach, "a gift sent from heaven". Freddie Roach on numerous occasions has reciprocated by saying "Manny Pacquiao is like a son to me."

The relationship between Roach and Pacman has developed through the years into an unbreakable trust where each individual need each other in order to win. Manny Pacquiao's victory over Oscar De La Hoya was equally as important to Freddie Roach. After Manny defeated De La Hoya, Roach basked in the celebration with as much elation as Pacquiao. Roach's prized student has just won the most important fight of his career and it was Roach who orchestrated the master strategy that clearly dominated the fight. Roach would later say that, "This is the biggest win in my life" and this is from a trainer who has trained three other great champions. Roach, who has Parkinson Disease prefers to be in his Wild Card Gym as much as possible but recently flew to the Philippines to celebrate Pacquiao's's 30th birthday and flew back home to Los Angeles the next day.

These two have also had their share of disagreements as naturally a father and son would have with one another. In 2004, Roach threatened to quit the Pacquiao team after Roach refused to work with promoter Murad Muhammad any longer. In 2006, Roach vehemently disagreed with Manny when Pacquiao spurned a better promotional deal with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Production to remain in the clutches of Bob Arum's Top Rank promotional company. Bob Arum has not always had the blessing of an honest promoter from the public's point of view, but he has always delivered the big fights that the fans want to see. The star boxer essentially made the decision based on Arum's ability to put together the fights that will escalate his career and in return Pacquiao has not disappointed the fans with his electrifying fights by dedicating himself first with his training.

Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach may disagree about financial opportunities, what food to eat, and what color boxing trunks to wear but the fighter and his trainer are always on the same page when it comes to boxing. Whatever Freddie Roach teaches and says, the boxer listens and executes. However hard Freddie Roach requires for training, the superstar will always go over the top to impress his teacher. After the fight with De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao said, "Everything Freddie told me would happen, it happened." Manny is currently at the top of his game and Manny Pacquiao himself would say its because he puts all his trust to the trainer that is now like his father.

Manny Pacquiao Boxing Fansite: The pride of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao continues to pour in the accolades for himself and his country.

Boxer Manny Pacquiao: View From the Philippines

2011-11-09T02:36:00.000-08:00

It's 8 AM Sunday, May 8, 2011 in Manila. Not too far from the bay on a side street in the Ermita district of the city sits the crowded Manila Bay Cafe.

Formerly one of the most popular red light neighborhoods in Asia, Ermita, this somewhat rundown district of Manila, has undergone a continuous massive cleanup by Mayor Alfred Lim. The bar itself, formerly known as "LA Cafe," contains several large bars, a stage for live bands and plenty of billiards tables spanning two floors.

Running 24/7, until a year ago it was one of the few remaining "bar girl" havens. Lim closed it down after undercover officials discovered underage solicitors. After several months it was reopened officially as a sports bar, so it's the perfect place to take in the Filipino perspective on this morning's Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight (Manila is 10 hours ahead of Las Vegas).

The mood is noisy but festive, and the venue is as heavily crowded as any busy Saturday night. Since there are no windows there's no way to tell that it's actually Sunday morning. Most of the men are drinking beer.

"I asked to work today and skipped church to see my Manny win again."

A skimpily clad waitress, a typical dark-haired, exotic native beauty, hands me an OJ and vodka. After all, it's only been a day since I got off the plane after a 16-hour flight from LAX, and by my own body clock, it's still early Saturday evening. The country here is very Catholic, but clearly the bearded savior has got some serious competition today, nigh two weeks after Easter Sunday.

One of several bars inside the venue. To suggest Manny Pacquiao is a God here may be understated. Let me explain. It's rather noisy, so I duck into the men's room, where Rico, the head bathroom attendant, shakes my hand. Rico loves to discuss sports, especially, one of the four famous big "B's," the most loved Filipino sports: boxing, billiards, bowling and basketball.

"No problem," Rico says. "Mosley's not going to stop him. What do you think, my friend?"

Boxing had always taken a back seat to bowling and billiards in the Philippines, the source of champion legends like bowling's Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno and the "magician" of billiards himself, Efren "Bata" Reyes. Both were sources of great national pride until Pacquiao elevated boxing to the No. 1 "B" position.

"He came here and kicked ass in billiards," said Rico, intentionally leaning on the American slang. Sure enough, the Pac-Man's distinctive autograph graced one of the lamps over a central billiards table. "He could just as easily make it big in billiards."

True or not, it underscores the general belief and hope that Pacquiao can not only box-but that he can do anything he sets his mind to, most recently to solve the country's problems with corruption and poverty.

As I chatted with other Filipinos in the excited crowd, a clear impression began to take shape. Regardless of the outcome of this morning's fight, to the average Filipino, Pacquiao has ascended far above the role of boxing's national pride. He has become the "one." Several said they were sure he'd be president someday in the not too distant future.

There seems to be little concern as to whether or not he is going to win. In fact, I asked several people why they came out on Sunday morning to view the fight and whether they thought he would defend his title yet again. "Our bayani (hero) will win, but even if he doesn't, we are here to support him. He's here to save the Philippines. Boxing is his hobby."

The proud people of the Philippines seek a savior, and right now it's Manny Pacquiao. The demographic today is different here from the last fight viewing: more women and less actual fight talk. I'm now certain that aside from a core of true boxing enthusiasts, today's crowd is less here to watch a fight than, I dare say, to pay homage and get a look at their living messiah in action.

Thus far Pacquiao has had no difficulty filling the massive shoes of expectation placed upon him by these people. Beset with the dire economic consequences of decades of widespread government corruption, they've had a string of bad luck with elected officials entering office on that platform only to conspicuously become part of the problem as they used their office to enrich themselves and their families. Wealthy beyond belief but from common roots, they view Manny as different.

It's apparent that the fighter himself is even taking the extra step to promote this new role. A newly elected national congressman, in fact its richest member, he appeared at Wednesday's press conference dressed in a conservative suit. Reading a prepared speech, he said, "The biggest fight of my life is not in boxing...(but)...to end poverty in my country." He spoke as if defending the Welterweight title against Shane Mosley was a secondary concern.

Mosley, equally moved, referred endearingly to his opponent as "a great person." As the fight begins I find myself starting, too, to feel a certain awe that there's more to this nationalistically yellow-clad "bayani" than championship boxing.

Marshall Davidson, M.D.,aka. "Dopadoc," a physician who battles early-onset (age 44, 2005) Parkinson's disease. He maintains the website "Dopadoc's Parkinson's Journal" at http://www.dopadoc.com and spends part of his time in the Philippines.

To quote, " I am a doctor with Parkinson's Disease. Ironically I have come to enjoy boxing both as a fan and a late learner. I have an interest in head-trauma sport-induced Parkinsonism as in my own case, my condition may be due in a large part to years of ice-hockey.

I firmly believe that the better a basic knowledge you have of your disease, the more you'll be able to make competent care decisions for yourself and weed out bad doctors and outright quacks. My website aims to provide the lay person with essential information crucial to taking charge of your care. Take a look for yourself and raise your medical IQ. We even have a basic Parkinson's curriculum you can enroll in for free." We have an international online community of regular users from over 70 nations.

Philippine's Manny Pacquiao Rewrites Boxing History

2011-11-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

When Manny Pacquiao was about to battle Golden Boy Oscar Dela Hoya last year, the Filipino ring icon was believed to be facing the most daunting moment of his boxing career.

Even before the Dela Hoya-Pacquiao fight was finalized, Manny Pacquiao was already a loser in the eyes of most boxing analysts. But he proved them wrong. The Filipino boxing hero demolished DeLa Hoya, a six-time world champion, in the eight round.

Then came Pacquiao's encounter with Ricky Hatton, whose boxing record was desecrated by Floyd Mayweather Jr., a possible next opponent of Pacquiao. But before that fight, Hatton was unbeaten. He was unbeaten in the 140 lbs weight until Pacquiao abolished Hatton's untarnished record at 140 pounds.

Many people believed then that in fighting the Briton Hatton, Pacquiao was facing the greatest test of his professional boxing career. Again, Pacquiao proved the critics wrong. He humiliated Hatton in the second round of their fight. Hatton was never the same again, after that devastating defeat.

Last year the Philippines' boxing legend attempted to do something that was never done before: winning the championship belt in seven weight divisions. Pacquiao was immortalized in history books when he stopped Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas.

Last year's fight was again categorized as Pacquiao's toughest test of his record. In looking at the tale of the tape, boxing pundits seem to be saying Pacquaio's previous victories over three Mexican boxing legends (Antonio Barerra, Erik Morales, Juan Marquez)and over a British boxing hero were insignificant in comparison to his much anticipated ring war with Mayweather.

If the pride of the Philippines was able to survive Cotto's power punch, this fight, in the event that Manny Pacquiao faces the unbeaten Mayweather Jr., would hardly be remembered as the "toughest fight of Pacquiao's career."

For Filipino fans, Pacquiao's win over Miguel Cotto wass the most important one since the win made Pacquaio the greatest boxer in the world of all time, having won seven championship belts in seven weight divisions. No one, not even Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson, has achieved that kind of rare accomplishment: winning seven belts in seven weight divisions.

Pacquiao's possibility of scuttling Mayweather's record is not as momentous as the possibility of the Filipino boxing hero's triumph over Cotto. This is the cause of the relentless buildup of thrill and excitement compounded with media hype.

Bob Arum, the promoter of this fight, had already said of Pacquiao as more popular than Ali, Tyson, and Dela Hoya. His statement remains not that arbitrary though.

But what is more important is for Pacquiao to rewrite boxing history come November 15.

Stan Debohol is an expat in the philippines. He reads Filipino stories and philippine news.

Manny Pacquiao: An Introduction to Margarito Fight

2011-11-05T06:32:00.001-07:00

This is brief information about Manny Pacquiao. Manny was born on December 17, 1978, and is now a world-renowned boxing champion. He is also a politician, winning a congressman position in the Philippines. His father is Rosalio Pacquiao and her mother, now a well known actress, is Dionesia Pacquiao. Not many people know that Manny is also a very devoted Catholic, and much like any other Filipino citizens, he always visits the Black Nazarene church in Quiapo, Manila every time a boxing fight has commenced. Manny Pacquiao is also a reservist in Philippine Army, with a rand of Sergeant Major for the fifteenth Ready Reserve Division. Manny Pacquiao has been the Filipino pride. Whenever he is in the ring, it was noticed by many that on that day, crime rate is very low. This shows how much Filipinos value Manny Pacquiao and what he has done to provide glory to his country.

One thing people might notice though is that he appears too much in television, having weekly shows. He has become a big celebrity which other thinks he abuses to gain people's trust, winning him a congressman position. This is somewhat true because his candidacy could have been a different story had he not been a boxing champion and a celebrity. Many Filipinos nowadays have different problems, ranging from poverty to safety issues to high unemployment rates. Some Filipinos (Pinoys) always gathering and forming a rally just to have their voices heard. This is tiring to some as rallies are formed almost in a weekly basis. Instead of rallying, why don't they just act responsibly and for alliances with others to generate more success?

Like Manny who started from the very bottom, they too could be as successful as he is, by striving hard and giving a hundred percent all the time. On November 13, 2010, Manny Pacquiao will fight Antonio Margarito for a chance in gaining the WBC Super Welterweight World Title, and in winning will give him eight weight class titles. Maybe on November 13, crime rates in the Philippines will be low again.

Bubog Mallari is the cofounder of a number of Filipino Multimedia Websites such as FlipBooth. To read more and watch videos of the fight, visit Pacquiao VS Margarito Fight. To contact him Bubog Mallari directly, either fill the contact form in any of these sites, or via this web page in EzineArticles.

Floyd Mayweather's Racist Rant Against Manny Pacquiao

2010-09-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

Mayweather has made a racist rant against the Filipino Congressman and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao which trigger anger and protest from Filipino communities, Filipino American communities, Pacquiao fans, boxing professionals, reporters and fans.

Last September 2 at around 1:00 AM, boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. engaged in a chat with his fans via the streaming site UStream.

It went well until he was annoyed of a fan's constant nagging on when will he fight rival Manny Pacquiao.

What followed was a racist and homophobic rant against Pacquiao that was recorded on video. It's a 10-minute video that's full of profanity.

Read more about this, go to COWARD FLOYD MAYWEATHER blogsite.
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Manny Pacquiao TKOs Miguel Cotto in 12 Rounds, Makes Boxing History

2009-11-15T02:14:00.000-08:00

Growing up in a poor town in the Philippines to becoming a boxing superstar, Manny Pacquaio has overcome adversity with his fists. On Saturday night (November 14), he earned his place in boxing history with a TKO over a noticably bigger Miguel Cotto in 12-rounds for his 7th title in seven different weight classes.

The 30-year-old Pac-man gave a dominating performance from early on.

He unleashed a big right in Round 3 to knock Cotto to a knee, recording the first knockdown of the evening. Then later that same round, Pacquiao lands a three-punch combo opening up a cut under Cotto's right eye.

In Round 4, the two fighters go through a series of exchanges, but it's a devastating left uppercut from Pacquaio at the end of the round that rocks Cotto, sending him to the canvas once again.

From here on out, it's evident that the power -- not to mention speed -- of the Filipino fighter has made an impression on Cotto, but he wills on to no avail. Even in the post-fight interview, Cotto admits that Manny's punches were coming in so fast, he couldn't even see them coming.

"I didn't know where the punches were coming from," Cotto said. "And I didn't protect myself from his punches."

Throughout the later rounds, it's almost all Pacquiao, with Cotto showing some signs of life at moments, but they're very brief. By the last two rounds, Cotto is tactically retreating and backpedaling, just trying to survive each barrage of punches Pacquaio lets off.

The beating was so brutal, Cotto's wife and son left ringside after the eighth, simply because they couldn't bare to see their husband/father take so much punishment.

At the end of Round 11, it's almost certain that the fight would be called, but Cotto emerges from his corner to try to finish out the fight. After more devastating blows, referee Kenny Bayless steps in and puts an end to the fight at 55 seconds into the round. The crowd roars with cheers of "Manny! Manny!"

"He hit harder than we expected," Joe Santiago, Cotto's trainer, said after the fight. "He was stronger than we expected. Manny broke him down."

Manny's performance lands him in boxing's history books, becoming the first boxer to earn a title in seven different weight classes. He improved to 50 wins, 38 by KO, 3 losses and 2 draws; while Cotto drops to 34 wins and two losses, both coming in the last two years.

"We were very careful in the early rounds because we know what could happen," said Pacquiao, following the fight. "We were trying to taste his power in the early rounds. We were looking for a KO shot, that's why I didn't throw lot of punches early. I was timing him."

Cotto was tough though. He did not get KO'd, despite Manny trying his "best to knock him out."

"That's what I had heard, he's bigger than me and stronger than me, so we tried to accelerate the fight and look for one punch, keep pressuring him and looking for a counter," Pacquiao said. "We tried our best to knock him out."

While Cotto's boxing future is in question, Manny Pacquiao is peaking. Right now, he's the man to beat. However, after the fight, he did reveal that he would not fight at any higher weight than 145.

With the win over Cotto in the can, is Floyd Mayweather next in line?

After the fight, Manny wasn't thinking that far ahead. He had a concert scheduled at Mandalay Bay just two hours after winning, where he'd perform a full eight songs, and then it's vacation time back in the Philippines with his family.

Source:

Baller Status

Pacquiao-Cotto undercard report

2009-11-14T23:00:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS -- In the main support to the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. scored a unanimous decision over Troy Rowland in a 10-round middleweight bout.

Chavez (41-0-1, 30 knockouts), of Culiacan, Mexico, won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 in what was an largely uneventful fight that was booed by the fans in the MGM Grand’s Garden Arena when it was finally over.

Rowland (25-3, 7 KOs), of Grand Rapids, Mich., boxed effectively in spots, but Chavez walked him down and landed the heavier blows for most of the fight. Although Rowland stood his ground and traded punches with Chavez in the final rounds of the bout, he simply lacked the power and physical strength to move the son of the Mexican great.

In one of the main undercard bouts of the pay-per-view broadcast, junior middleweight contender Yuri Foreman (28-0, 8 KOs) dropped Daniel Santos (32-4-1, 23 KOs) twice en route to lifting the Puerto Rican veteran’s 154-pound title belt by unanimous 12-round decision.

Foreman, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based orthodox Jew from Israel by way of Belarus, became the first Israel citizen to win a major world title when he out-hustled Santos to scores of 116-110 and 117-109 (twice).

The bout was tactical one between two technical fighters. Foreman employed his usual stick-and-move strategy with sporadic attacks led my lead right hands. Santos, who was dropped in rounds two and 12, laid back counterpunched for much of the fight, but alternately stalked and backpedaled away from Foreman down the stretch.

Alfonzo Gomez (21-4-2, 10 KOs) scored a technical unanimous decision over Jesus Soto-Karass (24-4-3, 16 KOs) after their welterweight bout was stopped in the sixth round due to an awful-looking cut over Gomez’s right eye that was the result of an accidental headbutt.

Gomez, a participant in the first season of The Contender unscripted television series, snapped Soto-Karass’s 15-bout unbeaten streak that stretched back to early 2005 (when the Mexican fringe contender lost an eight rounder to Yuri Foreman).

Aided by two points that were deducted from Soto-Karass for low blows (in rounds three and four), Gomez won by scores of 59-55 and 57-55 (twice). Because Gomez’s cut was caused by a headbutt and more than four rounds had transpired the fight went to the scorecards.

On the non-televised (in the U.S.) undercard:

Junior middleweight prospect Roddrigo Garcia (5-0, 4 KOs) scored a unanimous four-round decision over Martin Vierra (5-3-1, 2 KOs). Garcia, of Los Angeles, won by unanimous scores of 40-36.

Bantamweight prospect Eden Sonsona (14-3, 3 KOs) scored a second-round knockout of Eilon Kedem (9-2-4, 6 KOs). Sonsona, a southpaw from General Santos, Philippines, dropped Kedem, of New York, N.Y,, by way of Israel, with a left cross.

Middleweight prospect Matt Korobov (8-0, 6 KOs) scored a unanimous six-round decision over James Winchester. Korobov, a 2008 Olympian from Russia, won by unanimous scores of 60-54.

Flyweight prospect Richie Mepranum (15-2-1, 3 KOs) scored a split six-round decision over Ernie Marquez (9-6-2, 3 KOs). Mepranum, of Sarangani, Philippines, won by scores of 58-55 and 57-56. The third judge scored it 57-56 for Marquez, of Ft. Morgan, Col.

Lightweight prospect Abner Cotto (5-0, 3 KOs) scored a unanimous six-round decision over Lupe Guzman (3-5, 2 KOs). Cotto, a second cousin of Miguel Cotto, won by scores of 58-54 and 57-55 (twice).

Source:
The Ring Blog

Arroyo rejoices with nation over Pacquiao win

2009-11-14T22:57:00.000-08:00

While she failed to personally watch the bout, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo joined the nation in rejoicing over Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao's victory over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who is with Mrs. Arroyo in Singapore, said the President hopes Manny’s triumph would serve as inspiration to the Filipino youth.

"The President failed to watch the fight," Remonde said in an interview on dzBB radio, but said she joined the entire nation in rejoicing.

Remonde and Mrs. Arroyo are in Singapore to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.

"Once again, Filipino grit and determination triumphed over great odds. May this serve as an inspiration to the entire Filipino nation especially the youth," Remonde said, reading from part of the President’s statement.

Arroyo also said that Pacquiao's win showed there is no limit to Filipinos' capacity to success, as long as they work hard and "put our hearts and minds to achieve our goals."

She lauded Pacquiao for training long and hard and showing most stringent self-discipline.

"I hope we all learn from this example so together we will move forward as a nation," she said.

Also, the Armed Forces of the Philippines congratulated the Filipino boxing icon right after he was proclaimed winner in the historic bout.

“The whole Armed Forces of the Philippines congratulates its very own Master Sergeant (Reserve) Manny Pacquiao for making the Filipino Nation proud by defeating Miguel Cotto by TKO (technical knockout)," the AFP said in a text message.

It said that Pacquiao, once again, displayed the courage and determination of a true Filipino warrior.

"His victory showed us how we can be united as a people. May this spirit of oneness continue so that lasting peace and development in our country can be achieved soon," the AFP added. - GMANews.TV

Source:
GMA News TV

Thousands gather for live feed of Pacquiao-Cotto fight

2009-11-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Metro Manila residents gathered in their cities' auditoriums to watch the live feed of the "Firepower" match between Filipino champ Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

Around 5,000 residents of Pateros trooped to the Pateros Coliseum for the via-satellite showing of the fight that would spell history in case of a Pacquiao victory.

A large screen projector was installed on the second floor where about 4,000 people have been seated, while six 42-inch LCD TVs were put up on the ground floor for 1,000 more viewers.

Mayor Joey Medina said this was the sixth time they were showing Pacquiao's bout for free to Pateros residents.

Satellite feeds of Pacquiao's bid to set a record by winning his seventh title in a different weight division are also being provided to other Metro Manila residents in other cities for free.

Source:
Inquirer/Philippine Daily Inquirer.
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Pacquiao Vs Cotto Results: Manny Pacquiao won via TKO on Round 12!

2009-11-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao for winning the WBO Welterweight Championship belt. He defeated Miguel Cotto via TKO on Round 12. Pacquiao said in an interview that he’s planning to knock him out on Round 12. He also expected that the fight will be stopped on Round 11, because Miguel Cotto was so tired and looks too pathetic in the 11th round.

Here are some excerpts of the Manny Pacquiao post-fight interview courtesy of Sports Live Blogger:

“Our plan and strategy for the fight is not to hurry. You know, take time. I’m trying to test his power. In the early round I’m trying to get his in the body and in the head. I’m looking for a knock out shot that’s why I didn’t throw a lot of punches. You know, in the last minute I gave a few punches. That’s why I heard. I heard that he was bigger than me and was stronger than me. I tried my best to knock him out in the last round. I thought in the 11th round that they will stop the fight.” – Manny Pacquiao

When asked of who will he fight next:
My job is to fight in the ring. I think it’s my promoter’s decision of who will I fight next. I want to spend time with my family as of now and I want to spend a vacation. It’s a hard fight tonight, you know.

What do you think is going on in Manila and in the Philippines?
I think my Filipino fans are screaming today and they are very happy of my victory today. I want to thank you the Filipinos who came here today, specially the first gentleman and the Vice President. Thank you. Thank you to all!

Source:
Showbiz Gossips
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Manny Pacquiao wins over Cotto in round 12

2009-11-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao won over Miguel Cotto in last few minutes of the 12th round. Cotto who was knocked out twice in the early rounds.

The referree decided to stop the fight in the late part of round 12 upon seeing that Cotto will not be able to endure the final round.

Manny Pacquiao immediately run to his corner and prayed while Cotto followed him to congratulate Pacman.

Pacquiao enters MGM with wife Jinky and Mr. Wowowee Willy Revillame

2009-11-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao have just entered the MGM Building with her lovely wife Jinky and Filipino famous TV host Willy Revilla.

This is the first time that Willy Revillame is with the Pacquiao team. Maybe because after the "FIREPOWER" fight, willy revillame and manny pacquiao with other artists will have a concert in Las Vegas.

I also noticed that Miguel Diaz is the one who is wrapping the hand of Manny Pacquaio as a preparation for his fight which will start now in a few minutes. Miguel Diaz, who used to wrapped the hand of Miguel Cotto is now in the camp of Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, Cotto, make weight for fight

2009-11-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

AS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds, his heaviest ever, while Miguel Cotto came in at the contract limit of 145 pounds for their scheduled 12-round fight.

A raucous crowd of about 7,000, some of whom had been waiting for hours, was on hand Friday at the MGM Grand to see both fighters make weight for the bout.

Pacquiao, who began boxing at 105 pounds, weighed 2 pounds more than the 142 he weighed last year when he stopped Oscar De La Hoya. He was 138 pounds for his last fight, a second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton.

Cotto was the lightest he has been since weighing 145 pounds when he defeated Zab Judah two years ago.

Source:
The Associated Press
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Pacman-Marquez III in the works

2009-11-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

FORMER World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who has been chasing Manny Pacquiao for a third encounter, may actually get his wish.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has raised the possibility of Pacquiao fighting Marquez for the third time on March 13, 2010, possibly in Dallas, Texas, where a brand-new 50,000-seat stadium being used by the Cowboys, is a site contender. Although Arum indicated that while Dallas is keen on hosting a Pacquiao-Marquez fight, Las Vegas will always remain a front-runner.

Marquez was described as a “cry baby” by trainer Freddie Roach after complaining about his split-decision loss to Pacquiao and a draw in their first meeting.

Arum indicated that should Pacquiao overcome World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in their “Fire Power” showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, a Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy was a distinct possibility, with Mexico’s undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. featured in the main supporting bout.

Pacquiao made his first major impact in the US when he demolished Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas in November 2003.

In their first battle on May 8, 2004, Pacquiao dropped Marquez three-times in a blazing first round, but the Mexican fought back gallantly and counter-punched his way to salvage a draw.

In their rematch for the WBC super featherweight crown on March 15, 2008, a third-round knockdown by Pacquiao helped him secure a controversial split-decision win, which Marquez’ camp complained bitterly about and even claimed that Marquez won both fights.

Marquez went up in weight to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., who came out of retirement and handed the Mexican a bad beating in a welterweight title fight.

Before that fight, Marquez told Standard Today he wanted a third fight with Pacquiao very badly. He even came to Manila to confront Pacquiao and demand a third bout.

A third fight would most probably be fought at junior welterweight, but no matter what weight it is, both Roach and conditioning guru Alex Ariza told Standard Today that this time, Pacquiao will knock out Marquez within three rounds at most.

2009-11-08T04:56:00.000-08:00

Freddie Roach has belittled the competence of Joe Santiago, saying his Puerto Rican counterpart has not fought a single bout and has no idea what its like inside the ring, according to fightnews.com, a leading boxing website.

Santiago, who is preparing Miguel Cotto against Manny Pacquiao, has been badmouthing the feisty American trainer in the local media.

“This young coach said he wants me to put all my trophy on the line because he is the best trainer in the world. Well, we’ll see about that after the fight,” said Roach.

“I have got a thousand, a million trophies from boxing and he’s never fought before. Pretty funny. He’s never fought in his life and he has no idea what it is like being in the ring. He’s got a towel on his shoulder and gives water and all of a sudden he is a coach,” said the 49-year-old former fighter.

“Cotto trains himself,” added Roach.

Roach said Pacquiao is in tip-top condition for the Nov. 14 fight with Cotto.

“He (Pacquiao) was playing around a little bit but when he wanted to turn it on, he was there and I was very happy with the sparring and we’re right on schedule,” added Roach.

While Roach and Santiago trade barbs, Alex Ariza, Pacquiao’s conditioning coach, has nothing but praise for Phil Landman, Cotto’s strength coach.

“I give the guy (Landman) credit for a lot of things that Cotto overcame in some of those tough fights where I thought he wanted to quit but he didn’t and I thought that was his conditioning that got him over that hump,” said Alex Ariza, the Colombian-born LA-based fitness expert.

But in the end, Ariza said it will be the man in the corner who will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the scheduled 12-rounder.

“The guy (Landman) is doing a great job and I think his guy will come in shape and my guy is coming in shape and it’s going to boil down to who you have in the corner and I have Freddie Roach and he’s got whoever that is and that is where it’s going to come down to,” Ariza said.

Meanwhile, Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao’s childhood friend and training assistant, said Cotto’s left hook is their main concern.

“Cotto’s left hook is what we’re watching,” said Fernandez.

To counter this, Fernandez said they have devised a plan that will prevent Cotto from inflicting damage with that money punch.

Fernandez said they also expect Cotto to use the same strategy employed by Juan Manuel Marquez who fought Pacquiao twice.

“We know that they studied Manny’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez and they supposedly saw some weakness there but we have remedied that. We know what they’re thinking,” he said.

Source:
Manila Bulletin
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Pacquiao: Cotto’s weight woes a factor in fight

2009-11-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao knows exactly what Miguel Cotto is undergoing.

Having done the same thing before, Pacquiao pointed out that the weight reduction the Puerto Rican is doing may play a crucial role in the outcome of their World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship bout a week from now.

Aside from sweating it out, Pacquiao said Cotto also needed to lessen his food intake for him to go down at the desired catch weight of 145 pounds.

And the effort, according to him, is really going to be very demanding.“Mahirap talaga `yung hindi ka kakain. Malaking epekto `yun pag-dating sa fight, especially kung dikdikan ang laban. Disadvantage talaga pag nagre-reduce ka," he said.

Pacquiao need not go far because he himself knows the feeling.

Of his three career losses, one of them was the result of his failure to make the weight, causing him to lose his World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title to Medgoen Singsurat by way of a third round knockout in Thailand 10 years ago.

He also had a hard time meeting the 130-pound limit during his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez last year, and was fortunate enough to eke out a split decision against his durable Mexican nemesis.

But all those harsh battle with the weight is all behind him now.

Mahirap talaga `yung hindi ka kakain. Malaking epekto
iyon pag-dating
sa fight, especially kung dikdikan ang laban. Disadvantage talaga pag nagre-reduce ka.

– Manny Pacquiao

The 30-year-old Filipino, considered as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, is enjoying the luxury of eating a full meal today without any consideration about the weight issue.

Pacquiao even bared that he needed to have his daily intake of food in order not to lose weight.

“Puro kain nga eh. Training tapos puro kain," he said with a big laugh.

“Tayo kumakain para hindi bumaba ang timbang. Ginigising pa nga ako para pakainin eh," Pacquiao added.

At the moment, Pacquiao weighs around 148 to 149 pounds, but easily loses three pounds at the most after workout just like he did Saturday at the Wild Card gym.

“Mga 146 ako kapag tapos ng training," the Filipino southpaw said after sparring for five rounds with Urbano Antillon and Rey Beltran.

Sunday is total rest day for the boxing icon as he was also prevented from doing road works in the morning.

“Kasi grabe `yung mga jogging namin nung nakaraang lingo. Mag-sprint kami, tapos akyat ng bundok. Matindi talaga," said Pacquiao, who’s only schedule of activity is to attend the early morning Sunday mass.

Three more rounds of sparring will be held Monday before Pacquiao’s entourage departs for a six-hour road trip to Las Vegas. - GMANews.TV

Source:
GMA News TV
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Manny Pacquiao fight with Miguel Cotto a classic in the making

2009-11-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

The intense interest in the meeting of Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas has led Bob Arum to draw parallels between the classic fights he promoted in the Eighties.

Arum, speaking exclusively to Telegraph Sport from the Top Rank offices in Las Vegas, explained: "I see this fight as a modern version of Duran v Hagler, or a Hagler v Hearns fight. It has that feel about it, that kind of excitement.

"Two great fighters, loved in boxing. Magazine stories, unprecedented media requests, two entire countries following their fighters, I really believe that on the night this will turn out to be a classic."

Marvin Hagler v Thomas Hearns, at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, in April 1985, is regarded by many as the most exciting eight minutes in fight history, with Hagler the winner by a technical knockout in the third round. It was Fight of the Year after both men went at it from the opening bell like men possessed.

Cotto against Pacquiao brings together two fighters who are sporting icons in Puerto Rico and the Philippines respectively, and who are regarded as boxing's No 3 and No 1 pound-for-pound, respectively, at present.

Cotto, 29, a two-weight world champion, has fought at welterweight for three years, and has been beaten only once in 35 contests, while Pacquiao, 30, attempts to win a seventh world title in a seventh weight division, which has seen him come up over eight years from flyweight to welterweight. He has been beaten twice in his 55-fight career, with two draws.

Although this contest is taking place at 145lbs, Cotto's World Boxing Organisation welterweight (147lb) crown is on the table.

When Hagler and Hearns met in 1985, for the WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight titles, Hagler was 30, and had lost only twice, much earlier in his career, while Hearns was 26 and had been beaten just once, stopped in the 14th round by Sugar Ray Leonard.

Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, visited both training camps – in Baguio City in the Philippines and Tampa, Florida.

"The way Manny and Miguel are talking about it, it could be like the three-round war between Hagler and Hearns," said Arum. "The conventional wisdom is that Cotto is best when he's aggressive, but I don't know if he feels he can be aggressive with this guy from the get-go. But if Cotto is aggressive, though, it could be a Hagler v Hearns all over again.

"People ask what it's like promoting two fighters under you. It's only a win if it turns out to be the great fight you think it'll be.Then, in spite of there being a loser, both men are elevated in the eyes of the public."

So, what of preparation? "Cotto is very, very confident," said Arun. "His work effort is very, very good. He's been very methodical. He hasn't changed anything with his workouts, doing what he has always done.

"Obviously in sparring, he's been trying to be able to counter what he expects Pacquiao to do. Cotto will be Cotto on the night. He's a big, strong welterweight with a great left hand and a great body punch."

Over to Camp Pacquiao. "The other guy is inhuman," laughed Arum. "I've never seen anyone work like he does. Four hours without taking a break and at the end he has some guy with a pole hitting him in the gut for five minutes. It's almost like he's superhuman. It's like Bruce Lee coming to boxing, that's what it's like. He was sparring with Shawn Porter, who is a big guy, a junior middleweight, who is fast, and very good. To my view, from one day to the next he just gets better and better.

"I can see now why Ricky Hatton got blown away. No one has ever seen anything like this in boxing. When he's sparring it's almost like he's doing magic. It's eerie to watch Pacquaio. His is a workout the most dedicated athlete in the world couldn't duplicate."

The $6 million question is who will win?

Understandably, Arum cannot call it. "I don't know who's going to win this fight. Cotto is the strongest, best fighter Pacquiao has ever been up against, and I don't know how he'll deal with that. Cotto will know he can't compete with this guy in speed or technique. With Pacquiao, you've got to time him and tag him, try to hurt him and slow the guy up."

Arum paused. "Look, something about Pacquiao isn't human. He's already planning his normal concert – where he'll play and sing for an hour and a half to fans – in the middle of preparing for all this."

If it lives us to its billing, Cotto v Pacquiao could become a classic.

Source:
Telegraph UK
.

Pacquiao: I want to fight the best fighters

2009-11-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

MANILA - People's Champ and the world's pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) said he wants to ensure his boxing legacy by fighting the best boxers in the world.

In a livestreaming event sponsored by Nike, Pacquiao said his family and the Filipino people continue to inspire him to excel in the boxing ring.

"When I started boxing I was young. I was 12. But then I kept winning and winning. I love boxing and I started fighting," he said during the "Under The Hood" livestream event sponsored by Nike.

Asked which fighter past or present that he still wants to take on in the ring, he said: "I want to fight the best fighters."

One person asked Pacquiao how he would fare against former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson if the latter was still in his prime. He replied: "Maybe I can fight Tyson in a video game."

Pacquiao said he spends about two months to prepare and condition himself everytime he goes into a fight. Manny is set to take on Puerto Rican pugilist and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king Miguel Cotto on November 14.

Pacquiao has won six world titles in six different divisions, a distinction he shares with no less than the "Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya whom he defeated last year. A win over Cotto will make the General Santos native the only boxer in the world to win seven titles in seven weight divisions.

During the chat, Team Pacquiao members Freddie Roach, Alex Ariza and Buboy Fernandez praised Pacquiao for his work ethic and dedication to the sport.

"The best part [about working with Manny] is the fact that I don't have to motivate him...Wherever he is, he's 100 percent," Ariza said.

Roach said Pacquiao's now legendary bouts with Mexican Erik Morales remains memorable to the team.

"The rematch with Erik Morales. Of course we just devastated him. It was the first time we started using the right hand. We started working it and now it's as good [as the left]," he said.

US actors Emile Hirsch, Mario Lopez and Mark Wahlberg also wished Pacquiao luck in his upcoming fight with Cotto.

"You're humble, you love God and you love your people and that's why people love you," Wahlberg said in a video greeting. He also asked Pacquiao to send him more shoes "because everyone is asking about the shoes."

At the end of the chat, Melissa R., a Filipina who won 1st runner-up in the reality TV search 'Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll', serenaded Pacquiao with her own rendition of Manny's song "Lahing Pinoy" before eventually being joined by the People's Champ. - David Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Source:
ABS-CBN News

Pacquiao-Cotto best of November schedule that includes Ward-Kessler

2009-11-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 has to be considered the most attractive fight on the docket this month, and for most boxing fans, the most important. But get a load of how many good main events are scheduled Nov. 21.

Yes, it’s that time of the month when your Welterweight Champion here designates the Best and Worst fights of the new month and the past month and is more willing that normal to speculate about match-ups of uncertain likelihood.

The fight of the month for Bay Area fans has to be Andre Ward’s big step up Nov. 21 against Mikkel Kessler at Oakland’s Oracle Arena in the Super Six tournament on Showtime. I’ll be there, and so will about 10,000 other folks, but there are lots of interesting fights elsewhere that night that you probably won’t be able to see even on TV.

There’s a WBC cruiserweight title match in Germany between 40-year-old Giacobbe Fragomeni and Zsolt Erdei (and no, I’m not qualified to handicap the match; neither are you).

There’s unbeaten Filipino bantamweight teenager Marvin Sonsona’s fight against journeyman Alejandro Hernandez in Rama, Ontario, Canada, and Rodel Mayol’s WBC light-flyweight bout in Chiapas, Mexico, against journeyman Edgar Sosa.

And Marcus Maidana, the guy who beat Victor Ortiz last June in Los Angeles, fights journeyman William Gonzalez in Argentina.

When you’re paying $55 for pay-per-view, as you will for Pacquiao-Cotto, you should get an undercard that varied, but you seldom do. Still, Pacquiao-Cotto should be a hellacious main event.

BEST AND WORST: If Pacquiao and Cotto go 12 rounds, as I’m beginning to expect, they’ll be hard-put to throw as many punches as Yonnhy Perez and Joseph Agbeko fired last Saturday in Las Vegas as Agbeko lost his IBF bantamweight title. If Pacquiao and Cotto were to land that many (we don’t know how many, because Showtime doesn’t have “PunchStat”), their fight wouldn’t go 12 after all.

I decline to name a worst fight of November. There are a lot of good ones, like the Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson rematch Nov. 7 on HBO, the Nov. 7 David Haye-Nicolai Valuev heavyweight bout (which could become a bad fight), and the Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade super-middleweight rematch on Nov. 28, with an intriguing sub main matching Ali Funeka and Joan Guzman for the IBF lightweight title.

Besides, there were at least two bouts in October that had to be worse than Andrew Golota’s latest loss, to Tomasz Adamek back in Poland, one of those assuredly being former heavyweight champion Oliver McCall’s latest comeback victory, over 6-foot-8 Lance Whitaker.

But it’s hard to beat this one for worst: Hector Camacho Jr., who is already 31, eked out a split decision victory Oct. 30 in El Paso over Yory Boy Campas, who supposedly is only 38 and was coming off a 2008 draw with Camacho’s 47-year-old dad. The younger Camacho suffered three point deductions, for low blows in the third round, roughhousing in the fourth and holding in the 10th, which enabled Campas to win 95-92 on one scorecard. Now that’s an ugly fight.

Source:
Examiner

Cotto Cannot Handle Pacquiao's Speed and Firepower Says Roach

2009-11-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Barely two weeks before the biggest boxing encounter of the year, Manny Pacquiao's coach Freddie Roach is holding on to his prediction of a first round knock out by Pacquiao over Cotto in their 'Firepower' match in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Famous boxing coach and trainer Freddie Roach is confident of Manny Pacquiao grabbing the IBO championship belt from his opponent Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in their 'Firepower' match on November 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Roach said Cotto cannot handle Pacquiao's speed and this will work to the advantage of the Filipino boxer who is wrapping up his training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood for his final salvo in Las Vegas.

Sunstar.com reports:

"Working the mitts with Manny at this weight, he is punching so much harder than he ever has. He is very used to it now. He is punching fast and hard now that I don't think Cotto as enough," Roach said

"I feel I am one hundred percent conditioned for the fight and I can't wait for November 14th," Pacquiao said in a recent conference call.

At the start of training in preparation for the November 14 fight, Roach told sports writers he is confident Pacquiao will win over the bigger and stronger Cotto without specifically saying how the fight will end but hinted the fight will go the distance.

Several days later, the famous American boxing coach suddenly came up with a prediction that Pacquiao will knock out Cotto in the first round. He revealed Pacquiao's new found speed and power after about three weeks of training in the mountain city of Baguio in northern Philippines.

A little less than two weeks before fight night, Roach is not changing his prediction and instead opted to stand by his first round knock out forecast. Cotto's camp says Roach is trying to engage Cotto in a psychological battle but the Puerto Rican boxer refused to comment on the bold prediction of popular boxing coach.

But in a press conference after his birthday celebration, Cotto finally issued statements to the press in response to Roach's continued assault on his ability to overcome Pacquiao's speed and power. Cotto's camp maintains that the Puerto Rican boxer will win because he is bigger, stronger and younger than the pound-for- pound king.

The Sunstar report added: With both the Pacquiao and Cotto camps exuding confidence with only days leading to the fight, a war is expected between these two ring gladiators.

Cotto is strong, bigger and the younger fighter.

Pacquiao is faster, equally strong and hungry, greatly motivated by the fact that he is fighting for history. All he needs is one more smashing performance

The Pacquiao-Cotto boxing match will take place at the MGM Grand Garden on November 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source:
Digital Journal

Arum's view of Pacquiao, Cotto training camps

2009-11-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Top Rank's Bob Arum has promoted dozens of boxing stars, and he has never been afraid to match his guys against each other. He'll do just that Nov. 14, when Top Rank's two biggest stars -- pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto -- collide on HBO PPV at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in the year's most anticipated fight.

Obviously, Arum has a vested interest in the outcome, but he knows there will be big fights for whichever man emerges with the victory. The winner against Floyd Mayweather Jr. looms as the biggest fight in boxing -- by far. But even the Cotto-Pacquiao loser figures to have more big fights in the future.

Arum has visited the training camps of both fighters. He spent time recently in the Philippines watching Pacquiao, and joined him this week in Los Angeles, where Pacquiao has shifted his camp to trainer Freddie Roach's Wild Card gym in Hollywood.

Arum also went to Tampa, Fla., for three days to check in on the Cotto camp.

While we can get a taste of both training camps on HBO's excellent "24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto" series, I wanted to hear Arum's take on what he had seen in his visits, so he gave it to me.

"I think, in general, both guys looked very, very good," Arum said. "Cotto looked strong. He's Cotto. He works hard for two hours. He does all his sparring. He's in tremendous shape. I know Cotto works hard, but in contrast to the other guy [Pacquiao], it looks like he's taking a vacation. Pacquiao goes for, like, four or five hours. It's amazing. They train differently. Pacquiao is so work-intensive. It's like nothing I've ever seen.

"Cotto does the workouts like a Marvin Hagler or Sugar Ray Leonard, two guys I promoted. They were all business. They'd come in, do their workout, spar hard and be done. When I was with Cotto, I saw him do 10 rounds one day and six rounds another day. He looked good. He'd do his two hours and be done. After two hours, Manny's just getting started. I'm glad Manny pays Freddie a lot of money, because he earns it."

Arum also noticed some other differences between the camps.

"In Pacquiao's camp, there is no question who the boss is and that's Freddie," Arum said. "In Miguel's camp there's no question who the boss is either, and that's Miguel. They're different guys, different fighters, but whatever works, man.

"Cotto, when you talk to him and he talks to the press about the fight, he's extremely confident and you know that he's not saying he's confident without really being confident. He is sincerely confident. Some guys say it, but they aren't. Some guys have doubts. I've been around so long that I can tell. Manny's confidence goes without saying."

On one of the days Arum was at Cotto's camp, famed trainer Angelo Dundee, who has moved from Miami to Tampa, paid a visit. Arum and Dundee go way back. Dundee worked with Muhammad Ali for years and later with George Foreman. Arum, of course, promoted numerous Ali and Foreman fights.

"Angelo is a delight to have around and he said something to me that was interesting," Arum said. "He said, 'If I had to pick anybody in the world to fight Pacquiao, it would be Cotto because Cotto has the best chance of anybody to beat him because of his physical power and that strong left hook.'"

Source:

ESPN

Cotto hits back at Roach; Pacquiao flies to LA tonight

2009-11-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach will do anything for his fighter, and that includes throwing the opponent off.

Miguel Cotto, however, isn’t buying any of his statements.

“I have never seen a fighter win with the talking of his trainer,” Cotto, who’s just 20 days away from a fight with Manny Pacquiao, told Puerto Rican paper El Nuevo Dia yesterday.

“So, I want to tell Freddie Roach, Miguel Cotto and his team do not care. The important thing here is that I’m not going to see Freddie Roach’s face in the ring. I will be there with Manny Pacquiao,” Cotto added.

Roach is playing mind games with Cotto the way he’d played them with Pacquiao’s most recent opponents.

He did it with Juan Manuel Marquez by trading harsh words with his counterpart, Nacho Beristain, with Oscar dela Hoya through his famous “can’t-pull-the-trigger” battlecry, and with Ricky Hatton when he told Pacquiao he’d be “disappointed if the fight lasts more than three rounds.”

“I’d do anything to try and throw them off,” said Roach, who created a stir just days before the Dela Hoya fight when he started questioning the Golden Boy’s hand wraps.

This time, so close to the fight, Roach is saying Pacquiao is capable of “knocking out Cotto in the first round.”

“He can say anything, try anything to draw the attention and try to be the hero of the whole promotion. But on Nov. 14, we will see who talks in the end, the ones who did all the talking or the ones who stayed silent,” said Cotto.

The WBO welterweight champion from Puerto Rico is the silent one.

He opened camp a couple of weeks ahead of Pacquiao, and stayed in there the whole time, eating, breathing and thinking of nothing but Pacquiao. Chances of watching Cotto as he trains in the gym are slim and none.

In contrast, Pacquiao is always there to see, except for sparring days when Roach would rather close the doors. But otherwise, on the road, in the gym and inside his suite, he’s always in the company of friends, of fans.

Roach said Pacquiao is down to 156.5 lb, which is just a little over the catchweight of 150, and is now 90 percent fit and ready to fight.

Pacquiao was to spar 10 rounds yesterday at the Gerry Peñalosa Gym in Mandaluyong City, was scheduled to host dinner with close friends and team members, and at 10 p.m. should board the PAL plane to Los Angeles.

In the long flight to LA, one that may take 12 hours and a little over 7,000 miles, Roach can always think of something new to say.

Because Cotto, still, isn’t buying.

Source:

Philstar

Pacquiao, Cotto in best shape ever

2009-11-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON, D.C.: With less than four weeks left to their title clash, boxing superstars Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto are leaving nothing to chance even as both fighters declared they are already in excellent shape for their biggest fight ever.

“I am in great shape and almost ready for Cotto,” Pacquiao said in his latest Abante column.

Pacquiao said he hopes to make boxing history—winning a record seventh world title in different weight class—when he clashes with Cotto, the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, in the super fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

“I’m training very hard for this fight. I’m in great shape and doing quite well with by sparring partners,” said Pacquiao who is now sparring nine rounds with different spar-mates and hopes to log 12 rounds in the coming days.

He also expressed satisfaction with his training staff led by renowned trainer Freddie Roach and his able assistants—Filipinos Buboy Fernandez, Nonoy Neri and his Colombian conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Pacquiao said Team Pacquiao is in good spirits, and all minor problems are immediately being resolved, in an apparent reference to the reported confrontation involving Ariza punching Pacquiao aide Michael Koncz.

Ariza reports that found their way in many boxing websites, Ariza lost his cool after finding out that Koncz tried to get his slot to work in Pacquiao’s corner for the Cotto fight, despite the Filipino icon’s personal order that Ariza join Roach and Fernandez in his corner during the fight.

Koncz, who serves as Pacquiao’s personal assistant but wanted to work the corner in place of Ariza, was admonished by the Filipino icon to stay clear on matters involving training, according to a key member of Team Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, Cotto said from his Tampa, Florida training camp that “I am now in my best shape ever,” and added that his fight preparation are proceeding in without hitches.

Cotto said is currently training in a 24 feet by 24 feet ring, bigger than the normal ring, in anticipation of Pacquiao using a lot of movements to maximize his speed advantage.

“We are getting to ready to fight in a ring 22 by 22 or 24 by 24,” Cotto’s chief trainer Joe Santiago told El Nuevo Dia. “Miguel has no problem fighting in any ring, but since Pacquiao sticks and boxes are getting ready for [Pacquiao moving around a lot].”

Santiago said Team Cotto will move to Las Vegas starting November to acclimate to the Las Vegas weather, which can get really cold at night in autumn.

Source:
The Manila Times
.

Manny Pacquiao wary of rough ugly fight with Miguel Cotto

2009-11-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Miguel Cotto will want a rough, ugly fight with Manny Pacquiao. Cotto fights close to the border, has a hard head, and will use it if he has to. Pacquiao must be wary.

Yes, Cotto can use an ‘accidental’ low blow when necessary. Cotto will want to use his left hook to the body against Pacquiao, and to catch him with his jab. Pacquiao must be wary.

Cotto will be patient; he will box happily from distance; but he may also try to walk Pacquiao down in this fight, particularly to go to Pacquiao’s body. He will need to show his ring generalship, which is excellent, to trap Pacquiao. But going to the body is a must for Cotto, as he has arguably one of the best body attacks in the sport. Pacquiao must be wary again.

Cotto’s two victories over Zab Judah and then Shane Mosely were proof of his great boxing skills, and adaptability. Pacquiao must employ his speed, his footwork, lateral movement, and keep it on the bounce for at least eight rounds. Roach will have worked out openings into Cotto’s defence. Because of Cotto’s adaptability, the Filipino/Hollywood game plan may have a switch in strategy in the middle rounds.

But there is one thing. Pacquiao’s speed could exploit Cotto’s chin. Cotto’s chin has looked as if it could get him in trouble more than once. But what he does it protect it brilliantly. The fight is 33 days away…and counting. The juices are flowing for this fight. It has the makings of ‘Fight of the Year’.

Source:
Telegraph UK
.

The Boxing Fans weigh in on Pacquiao-Cotto

2009-11-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

These days it is apparently obvious that there is no event that is more anticipated in the sport of boxing than the coming Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto bout. While many boxing scribes, fighters, trainers, and the like have all had something to say about the contest there hasn’t been one specific group as nearly as passionate as the fans of the sport.

At the end of the day it’s the fans that help keep boxing going and there has been no shortage of verbal warfare heading into the November 14th clash between Manny and Miguel. 8 Count News recently took a quick look across some of the busiest message boards online to get a feel for what the boxing public is saying about the showdown.

In their own words, this is what fans across the globe are saying about Pacquiao vs. Cotto…

Rebel @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“Natural 105 pounder my ass. Pacquiao was practically a teen when he won that title at 112.

Many fighters would've began their careers 2-3 weight classes before their actual debut weight class had they turned pro in their teens. Even our boy Sanchez turned pro at bantamweight. This is not a mismatch in favor of Cotto.

Margarito ruined Cotto and fighting below welterweight will only make Cotto more vulnerable.Pacquiao TKO 5”

Hex-One @ FightBeat.com…

“As we get closer to the fight the more people are siding with Cotto. Cotto isn’t slow. This is where most people are making a big mistake. Cotto's combination punching is actually very fast.”

Pac-Boy @ BoxingScene.com…

“Everyone is confident getting in the ring with Pacquiao. Until the bell rings...then all that confidence seems to go away.”

Stofi619 @ ESPN.com…

“These type of fights are what boxing needs in order to once again be one of the world's most exciting sports to watch.”

Valdosta @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“Yeah don't count out Cotto. He didn't look great against Clottey but he still eked out a win with that huge gash over his eye. Also, who has looked great against Clottey? Unless he gets smashed early it's very questionable how Pacquiao would handle Cotto's strength and yeah power. Cotto might not be a big puncher when fighting other WW's, but in this case he punches plenty hard to hurt Pacquiao badly IMO. I think Cotto is fine as long as he don't go below about 144. That's only 2 pounds less than he weighed against Clottey.”

Lb 4 lb @ FightBeat.com…

“Speed isn't everything if you know how to neutralize it and Cotto showed in the Mosley fight that he does. Pacquiao likewise has shown in JMM fights that having his speed neutralized is basically taking away his main advantage. Cotto doesn't have the technical skill of a JMM, but Cotto's size and strength could more than make up for that difference.”

WorldsBestMCotto @ BoxingScene.com…

“Its good that he is sounding confident and ready to get a perfect training camp going, hopefully he doesn't start talking bout retirement again soon. Cotto is basically preparing by himself again, his trainer now Santiago, is not teaching him something he doesn't know already. He needs to keep that same "Clottey" defense technique when he covers his body and chin instead of the peek a boo style. Got my tickets already... Patiently waiting to see the next Filipino president get his sh!t packing and start the campaign early and have the streets in pr celebrating”

Primadonna Kool @ EastSideBoxing.com…

“I just believe on November 14th, it is the end of the PACMAN hype, at the top of the sport. Because he is going to sustain a violent beat down...

I don't even think Miguel Cotto is the best Welter Weight out there.. But that’s just it, Pacman decided to play with he big boys..

And he is now going to pay.. Miguel Cotto, will not be a weight drained Oscar De La Hoya.. Miguel Cotto is a violent man and I think he is slightly disturbed.

When he sees his own blood it only makes him fight harder... The fight is over already, done..! Game, Set...and Match...!”

Zboxz @ BoxingFanatics.com

“In his last fight Cotto was eating straight shots down the pipe.I am sure Pac Man was all eyes.If Pac Man did not think he could win he would not take the fight. Too much to lose.”

Joony @ FightBeat.com…

“I’m looking forward to a good fight. Hopefully, Cotto won't get blasted out in the first 6 rounds.”

Vergudo @ BoxingScene.com…

“This isn't the old Cotto that I used to know......not that there's anything wrong with it. But for this fight, he's been talking a lot. Normally, he just keeps his lips shut, train his ass off, and then let his fists do the talking on fight night. This is the first time I've heard him make a prediction that he's gonna win. Anyway, Cotto is gonna be the most dangerous opponent Pac will ever face. Let's see if Pac can get pass through him......can't wait.”

BigReg @ EastSideBoxing.com…

“Cotto is getting his ass knocked the fuck out in this fight. I'm looking forward to the all the excuses that come rolling out afterwards.”

BKING @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“I have watched the Pacquiao/DLH fight, Pacquiao/Hatton fight, and Cotto/Clottey fight multiple times. When I think about the fight on November 14, I look back at those three fights and ask myself, "Who would I rather be going in this fight?"

Quickness, thinking, and out pointing VS. Power, strength, and willingness to go war. Quickness and thinking is going to win this fight.

Pacquiao is a fast, young southpaw who has begun to use his right hand as well as his lethal left ever since his schooling at the hands of Erik Morales in 2005. I also feel his boxing skills have improved immensely and he is more than capable to boxing circles around Miguel Cotto. Cotto has all the heart in the world, but you can't make mistakes against Pacquiao. That dude is a buzz saw, and when he starts getting heated up as the rounds progress, he is a storm that is very difficult to contain or control.

Cotto has some boxing skills, but the Margarito fight had to have affected him in some way. At least when I look back at the Clottey fight, I see a guy who can definitely punch (he knocked Clottey down with a JAB in the first round), but he's too straight up and down for a speedy little fox like Pacquiao. Cotto is not as fast and he's not going to out punch Pacquiao.

Pacquiao has actually grown smarter as a fighter; he's well aware that Cotto can punch and he's not going to rush recklessly and try to take Cotto out early in the fight. He didn't rush in against Hatton either and that's why Hatton didn't have a prayer in that fight; he fought intelligently and let Hatton come to him and he exposed his leaky defense sooner rather than later (as I suggested months earlier could happen). Pacquiao going to war with Cotto early and trying to knock him out will give Cotto is best chance to score a KO himself. On the contrary I see Pacquiao using a lot of movement early on, pecking away with his straight left. Cotto's guard is actually pretty wide apart and I think that's a clear target for Pacquiao's straight left.

Where people who pick Cotto are going to be shocked on November 14, is their insistence that Pacquiao can't hurt Cotto! Hatton didn't think Pacquiao could hurt him either, until he was lying on his back seeing stars. It's the punches that you don't see coming that really hurt you and Pacquiao has a knack for catching his opponents at just the right angle to the point that the punch shouldn't have been so lethal, but it's perfectly placed and connects such devastation that it paralyzes his opponents.

Pacquiao is going to hit Cotto early and often, boxing carefully for the first 5 or 6 rounds, and when Cotto gets frustrated, it's going to turn into a beat down in the later rounds. Pacquiao will hurt Cotto late in the fight and take him out, I'm guessing in 9 or 10 rounds. It'll look like Raheem/Morales for the first 7 rounds, and it will turn into Hopkins/Trinidad in the last few.”

TexMex @ FightBeat.com…

“Manny's foot speed and how Cotto handles it is the key to this fight.”

Valentino @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“Cotto only looks bad when he has a nasty cut from a head butt or when plaster of Paris is used to beat him up. And even then...he came coming forward. And either won or was arguably ahead.

I doubt PBF would have done the same (judging by the drama he pulled when his hand hurt). And I doubt Pac would have done the same too (judging by non-decision against Agapito). My point is...unless Pac comes with plaster of Paris or unless Cotto suffer a nasty cut that would incapacitate his vision...everything else equal...I pick Cotto”

DatBo215 @ EastSideBoxing.com…

“I am confused with the large number of posters who actually believe Manny is going to KO Cotto. Manny has yet to hurt a WW fighter much less KO one. Couple that with the fact that Cotto, aside from the knees he took against Margo, has only been even knocked down ONE time. Cotto has only had trouble with larger fighters and even the larger fighters he's faced weren’t able to floor him. The fact that many of you feel Pac KO Hatton equates to Pac KO Cotto is dumbfounding. Pac is a really good, naturally talented fighter, who presents a lot of problems for Cotto with his speed and movement, but to objectively look at this fight and conclude that there is a high possibility of it ending with a Pac KO is ridiculous.”

Bigdawg @ FightBeat.com…

“The question will be how will Manny handle a solid punch from a true welterweight with heavy hands. That's going to the question. Remember Cotto ain't the weight drained old ass DLH now is he the very limited Hatton so therefore he will be hit and hit often. If he can not handle Cotto's power then he will be done and could possibly get ko'd. The only way Cotto does not catch Manny is if Cotto's arms are cut off. Cotto is a world class fighter. I do not understand the under rating of Cotto. He'll look at what Morales did to Manny when they fought and one could say that Cotto is at least on his level. But he will catch Manny and when he does Manny will know that he's in the fight of his life. Great fight and I can not wait until this shit jumps off.”

Rabid Kimba @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“Pac by ass whooping.”

Pimp C @ EastSideBoxing.com…

“Cotto could win this fight in a big way if he fights smart. Uses his jab, goes to the body roughs Pac up. Cotto is a very live dog in this fight.”

Fighter @ FightBeat.com…

“I don't think Pacquaio will REMAIN inside long enough for Cotto to work his body. Second half of the fight, it will be the BALLZY great little man shooting ACCURATE combos on the bigger man, breaking HIM down and winning another divisional title setting up a huge fight with Mosley”

Pugilistic Power @ EastSideBoxing.com

“I don't even think he needs to fight smart to win. I think his power will stun Pacquaio early, his movement in the early should keep him away from the power shots Pacquaio usually lands early and it will be a race to the 6th round.

If he tires, like he did in other fights, he might be in trouble against Pacquaio who is relentlessly conditioned.

But prior to that? I think he'll avoid the major shots Pacquaio throws, land to the body and land to the jaw of Pacquaio at will for the first few rounds and that could be enough to finish the job.”

Jack1000 @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“Do you think that Cotto will have to dominate Manny to win if it goes to the cards? As far as I know there are no plans for a Cotto-Mayweather fight in place, and the judges might be influenced by this in giving close rounds to Manny. Or do you think they will be fair to Cotto?

I think that the earlier the fight is, the better it is for Cotto, as the fight goes on and if Manny can take Cotto's punch, I will pick Manny by a fair decision or a late stoppage.”

Mangler @ BoxingScene.com…

“Cotto is the bigger guy, and he better fight like it. If he does, he got it locked. If he tries to box, he's getting fukked up by Pac.”

Bad_Intentions @ EastSideBoxing.com…

“Cotto is taking two knees against the Pac Man.”

Xplosive @ BoxingFanatics.com…

“Speed kills, and its gonna kill Cotto”

Source:

8 Count News

Pacquiao sticks to winning formula

2009-11-04T03:44:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao will answer the opening bell for the November 14 clash with Miguel Cotto armed with 150 rounds of tough sparring.

Top trainer Freddie Roach said on Wednesday from the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City that they will stick with the tried and tested training program which he and conditioning coach Alex Ariza devised in the buildup to the Cotto fight set at the MGM Grand.

“Manny’s going to spar around 150 rounds to get himself prepared for Cotto,” said Roach, who has been using young and unbeaten super-welterweight Shawn Porter and super-lightweight Urbano Antillon the past four sparring days and is likewise eagerly awaiting the arrival of former world lightweight king Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico.

Roach said the 35-year-old Castillo is flying in this morning from Los Angeles and should be ready to spar on Saturday. Castillo, now fighting as a welterweight, is coming off a knockout win last September 12 and is said to be on a rebound to get back into world title contention.

Pacquiao confidant Mike Koncz, who personally picked Castillo on the advice of Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran, assures Roach that Castillo will give Pacquiao quality time on top of the ring.

“I was given the assurance that Castillo is in shape,” said Koncz.

Roach warns that if Castillo ends up resembling like a tourist frolicking at Burnham Park and winds up getting busted up, he will shove him back to Manila so he could get the first flight out.

Roach stressed that while some people tend to believe that Cotto is going to be easy pickings for Pacquiao, the 49-year-old former featherweight contender wouldn’t acknowledge that.

Roach is wary of what Cotto could bring to the ring that he is not taking any chances.

“Same as before. We won’t cut back on anything,” said Roach, who will camp out in the City of Pines with Ariza and Filipino assistants Buboy Fernandez, Nonoy Neri and two-time world champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa before leaving for the US on October 24.

Roach said he expects the 30-year-old Pacquiao to be in 80 percent condition by the time they begin the first workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood on October 26.

So far, Pacquiao has logged a total of 18 rounds of sparring after going three each with Porter and Antillon last Tuesday.

Porter, whose style is similar to that of Cotto but is much faster, usually starts the sparring session and is Pacquiao's main sparmate.

Source:
The Manila Bulletin
.

Pacquiao to have ex-champ Castillo as new sparmate

2009-11-04T02:52:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao will have a new challenger in his sparring sessions after Team Pacquiao decided to tap the services of former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo.

Castillo will be Pacquiao’s third sparmate after junior middleweight Shawn Porter and lightweight Urbano Antillon, who each both had three rounds with the pound-for-pound king when he resumed sparring last Tuesday.

Castillo was expected to arrive on Oct. 6 but failed to show up at the Shape-Up Gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel in Baguio City where Pacquiao is now on his third week of preparation for his Nov. 14 showdown with Miguel Cotto for the latter’s World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title.

Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz said that Castillo would be arriving in Manila on Thursday and will spar with the Filipino ring icon beginning Saturday.

Team Pacquiao chief trainer Freddie Roach, however, wants to assure that the 35-year-old Castillo is still in shape after suffering a second round technical knockout defeat at the hands of Carlos Urias last month.

“I won’t hesitate to send him back if he’s not in shape," said Roach of Castillo, who has a known history of weight problems in his 19-year pro career. – GMANews.TV

Source:
GMA News TV
.

Arum: No huge disaster if Pacquiao is upset by Cotto

2009-11-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

There’s not much that Uncle Bob Arum hasn’t seen in his 78 years of living.

Arum, who once described himself as “a lawyer gone bad” to a New Jersey judge, has participated in or witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly in 40 years of being one of the all time great fight promoters.

So I didn’t expect the hyperkinetic one to hit any panic button Wednesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden when I asked him if it would be a terrible disaster should Manny Pacquiao lose to Miguel I’m No Angel Cotto on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.

Arum didn’t even blink. He knows the consequences and he’s carefully considered them.

“When I first went to my matchmaker (Bruce Trampler) on this one, he said it’s a 50-50 fight. I think the odds are out of whack with Manny heavily favored.

“But, even if Pacquiao loses this fight, he is still Manny Pacquiao. He is still an icon. He is still the idol of the Filipino people.”

Still, even though Cotto is also Top Rank chattel, Arum thinks Pacman will shine brightly against the double tough Puerto Rican.

Arum, who I accused only yesterday of treating Cotto like the proverbial red-headed stepchild while pampering Pacman, will be at the Cotto camp in Tampa next week. Not many guys his age would bounce from Baguio to Tampa in the same week but somehow he withstands the rigors of such air travel.

Arum thinks Pacquiao will prove against Cotto that he did not just beat down a dried out Oscar de la Hoya.

“A lot of it (criticism) comes from that fight, saying that Oscar was totally dehydrated. It’s ridiculous. Three weeks before the fight in training camp, Oscar weighed 145. So he wasn’t weakened losing weight at the last minute.

“It wasn’t that, it was Manny hitting Oscar and then Oscar couldn’t find him. It was the speed.

“If Manny can do the same to Cotto, then Miguel is in trouble.”

Source:
Examiner
.

Arum: Pacquiao-Cotto no wipe out

2009-11-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao has set the bar very high for himself the past few years.

The Filipino idol destroyed his last three opponents –- David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton –- in a fashion so devastating that knowledgeable observers began to compare him to the great Henry Armstrong.

However, Miguel Cotto, who faces Pacquiao on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas, is not expected to be the pushover his predecessors turned out to be. He’s a big, talented guy at least near his prime.

“Of course he won’t be as devastating as he was against De La Hoya and Hatton,” said Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto. “Other than a suspect loss to (Antonio) Margarito, Cotto has fought anybody and hasn’t lost.”

Now, it’s important to note that Arum is his promoter mode. He needs you to believe the fight is extremely competitive so you’ll buy it on pay per view.

Experts agree with him, though. Most observers seem to be picking Pacquiao because of his superior movement and speed but some are picking Cotto because he’s naturally bigger and also a fine boxer.

So what happens to Pacquaio’s career if he loses for the first time since 2005? Arum says his fighter will be just fine.

“This fight will be like the (first) Ray Leonard-Roberto Duran fight,” Arum said. “Duran won the fight but Leonard wasn’t diminished because it was such a great fight. Trust me, there’ll be no loser in this fight.”

Again, Arum was speaking as a promoter. He might be right again, though.

Pacquiao is a delight to watch. That won’t change unless he turns in a dismal performance, which doesn’t seem likely. And as long as Cotto puts up a good fight, he’ll remain marquee fighter some time.

Cotto slipping? Some boxing writers suggested after Cotto’s narrow victory over Joshua Clottey in June that the Puerto Rican has never fully recovered from the beating he took from Margarito, illegal wraps or not.

I didn’t see it that way. I thought Cotto turned in an exceptional performance give his horrible cut and a very tough opponent. Of course, we’ll have a much better idea on Nov. 14.

“People don’t realize how good Clottey is,” Arum said. “I think Clottey would be competitive with any welterweight out there, including (Shane) Mosley and (Floyd) Mayweather. And Cotto beat him with blood pouring into his eye. He showed a lot of guts.”

Pacquiao-Mayweather: Arum has serious doubts that Pacquiao will fight Mayweather next if he beats Cotto. Mayweather, he suspects, would be a prohibitively difficult negotiating partner.

Arum would prefer a Pacquiao-Mosley fight.

“I don’t think (Pacquiao-Mayweather) will happen within the next year,” he said, “because of all of Mayweather’s posturing, the trash talk. That impedes any realistic negotiations. It would just be too difficult.”

Of course, if Pacquaio wants to fight Mayweather, Pacquiao will fight Mayweather.

And if he does, is there reason to believe he will suffer a similar fate to that of Juan Manuel Marquez? After all, Pacquiao and Marquez fought on even terms and Mayweather embarrassed Marquez last month.

Arum doesn’t think so. And he gave another example from the distant past to illustrate his point.

“Styles make fights,” he said. “Mayweather is a defensive specialist and Marquez is a counter puncher. Mayweather forced Marquez to be aggressive, which isn’t his game. Marquez needs his opponent to be aggressive. When Manny fought Marquez –- and it’s not the same Manny now -– Manny was the aggressor. Marquez was able to win a lot of rounds because he’s a good counter puncher.

“Just because A beats B and B beats C, it doesn’t mean A will necessarily beat C. Styles make fights. Look at the heavyweights from years ago. George Foreman could fight Joe Frazier and Ken Norton a hundred times each and the result would be the same, a Foreman knockout. Muhammad Ali could fight Joe Frazier 100 times and every one would be a war. The same with Ken Norton; he just couldn’t figure out his style.

“Then you put Ali in with Foreman and he’s able to knock him out. Manny is a different type of fighter than Marquez. I think Pacquiao and Mayweather would be a fascinating fight.”

A lot at stake: Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams are both putting their standing in the boxing world at serious risk by facing one another on Dec. 5 in Atlantic City, N.J., on HBO Championship Boxing.

That’s not all that’s at stake, though. Arum believes that if Pavlik-Williams gets good ratings on HBO, it could give the sport a big boost.

“I know it’ll be sold out at the gate,” Arum said. “What we’re hoping for is a humongous rating on HBO. If we do that, maybe the powers that be will increase their budget for boxing rather than decrease it. It would be good for everyone.”

Source:
The RING

Bayless to referee Pacquiao-Cotto title bout

2009-10-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has named Kenny Bayless as the third man in the ring for next month’s title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

And for a man as superstitious as the “Pacman," Bayless’ appointment as referee in the Nov. 14 showdown for Cotto’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas should come as a welcome development.

And why not? In all three previous Pacquiao fights that Bayless officiated, the pride of General Santos City ended up triumphant.

Bayless first officiated in a Pacquiao bout back in 2006 when the 30-year-old boxing icon scored a 10th round demolition of Mexican Erik Morales in their celebrated rematch.

Two years after, Bayless was also the referee during Pacquiao’s dramatic 12-round split decision victory over nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez during their highly-awaited return bout.

Bayless was also the referee when the world’s reigning pound-for-pound king hacked out a brutal second round technical knockout of Ricky Hatton last May.

The same commission from Las Vegas also made public the names of the three judges working the 12-round Pacquiao-Cotto title match, namely Duane Ford, Dave Moretti and Adelaide Byrd.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao shrugged off the recent scuffle that marred his training camp in Baguio involving conditioning coach Alex Ariza and close adviser Michael Koncz.

“Everything is under control," Pacquiao said with a wink and a smile on his face.

Reports emanating from the summer capital had it that Ariza threw punches against Koncz, whom the soft-spoken conditioning coach had accused of trying to block his accreditation to be in Pacquaio’s corner for the Cotto fight. - GMANews.TV

Source:
GMANews TV

'La Diva' to sing RP anthem in Pacquiao-Cotto bout

2009-10-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

MANILA – Three artists, not just one, will sing the country’s national anthem in Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s much anticipated showdown with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on November 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The people’s champ confirmed to abs-cbnNEWS.com in an exclusive interview that “La Diva,” dubbed as the Destiny’s Child of the Philippines,” will sing “Lupang Hinirang” in the Pacquiao-Cotto “Firepower” clash.

The pop girl group is composed of “Pinoy Pop Superstar” champions Jonalyn Viray (soprano), Aicelle Santos (alto) and Maricris Garcia (mezzo-soprano).

Viray is the 1st grand champion of the singing contest, while Garcia is the 3rd Pinoy Pop Superstar champion. Santos, on the other hand, was a runner-up in the second season.

Pacquiao said the three auditioned in the early part of this year. Other artists from networks ABS-CBN and GMA 7 also took part in the audition, he said. The boxer cited Jolina Magdangal as one of those who wanted to sing the national anthem.

The Filipino boxing icon was particularly impressed by the “La Diva” when he saw them perform. He added that he believes “La Diva” will do justice in singing “Lupang Hinirang” next month.

The boxing champion also admitted that he was told that international singers Charice and Lea Salonga were interested in singing the national anthem for the fight.

"Pero hindi ko naman sila nakausap. Kung nakausap ko, siguro sila. Pero ‘yong ‘La Diva’ kasi, na-oo-han ko na. Mahirap naman at baka masabi wala akong isang salita," Pacquiao explained.

According to law

To avoid any controversy like what happened to Nievera when he sang “Lupang Hinirang” in Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton bout on May 2, Pacman assured that the trio group will sing the national anthem according to what the law prescribes.

The National Historical Institute (NHI) lambasted Nievera for his alleged "wrong" rendition of the "Lupang Hinirang."

Critics said Nievera sang the first part of the song too slowly and should not have belted out the last words of the song.

The NHI said this constituted a violation of Section 37 of Republic Act 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which states that the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, should be in accordance with the original musical arrangement of Julian Felipe, which follows a marching-type beat.

Violators may be imprisoned for not more than a year and fined at least P20,000. Reyma Buan-Deveza and Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com. Video by Dennis Gaviola, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Source:
abs-cbnNEWS

BOXING RANTS: DUNDEE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH PACQUIAO'S RISE

2009-10-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

By Christopher Cruz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 29 Oct 2009

As Pacquiao-Cotto nears I can't help but be engulfed by the ridiculously massive volume of internet media coverage heaped on the fight. American mainstream media hasn't picked up on the fight the way it would a Tyson bout, but if you're a boxing fan you couldn't spend a moment going about your daily boxing fix without encountering something about the fight.

Not that anybody expects boxing to suddenly have mainstream coverage the way it enjoyed back in the days of Tyson, Leonard and Ali. Nope, it's not going to happen anytime soon.

-o-

Can anybody explain why boxing message board regulars habitually tear down every fighter's résumé? A fighter can't win with these guys. No victory is recognized as legitimate and when a fighter loses he's suddenly past prime or worse, a hype job.

I guess it's just the nature of the beast, boxing being one of the most politically incorrect of sports in these supposedly enlightened times. Boxing fans just love to see two guys beat the living daylight out of each other, and when they don't like a certain fighter there is no way in hell anybody can force them to suddenly go ga-ga over him.

-o-

Have you ever wondered how come hall-of-fame trainer Angelo Dundee has always picked the side opposite Manny Pacquiao's the last three fights running? He was hired by Oscar dela Hoya as camp adviser preparing against Pacquiao. Then he said before Pacquiao took out Hatton, "If ever there is a fighter that could beat Manny Pacquiao it is Ricky Hatton.”

Now we're hearing Dundee apparently picks Cotto over the Filipino firestorm. Dan Rafael of ESPN wrote that Bob Arum brought Dundee to Cotto's camp and Dundee once again picked against Pacquiao, "If I had to pick anybody in the world to fight Pacquiao, it would be Cotto because Cotto has the best chance of anybody to beat him because of his physical power and that strong left hook."

Is Angelo Dundee getting uncomfortable with the rising storm being generated by the Pac-Man? Well, Manny Pacquiao is still a long way from rivaling Muhammad Ali's legacy in mainstream America, but with the way he has been climbing weight classes and just tearing up the opposition comparisons with Henry Armstrong suddenly do not sound as ridiculous as they first did.

-o-

You gotta feel bad for American boxing at the moment. There is no American heavyweight in sight who looks capable of taking the belts from the Brothers Klitschko. The Super Six supermiddleweight tournament is looking like an All-European duel this early between Mikkel Kessler and Arthur Abraham. Paul Williams can't get a big fight...because Kelly Pavlik pulled out.

Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley are on their last legs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. would rather earn big money than build his legacy.

Well, who can blame him, actually?

-o-

This early, people are anticipating a Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown in 2010. As if Cotto losing to the Pac-Man is a foregone conclusion. Make no mistake about it, Miguel Cotto poses the biggest threat the Filipino has ever faced. Pacquiao may have faced better fighters, but no one as good AND as big as the Boricua Bomber.

Source:
PhilBoxing
.

Pacquiao sleeps through workout

2009-10-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

--Lance Pugmire

I tried to spend some time talking to Manny Pacquiao today at his trainer Freddie Roach's gym in Hollywood, but the world's top pound-for-pound fighter had fallen asleep after a conference call so a publicist friend kindly extended a lunch invitation.

"Better get an appetizer," chimed in another publicist on the telephone as we drove to lunch.

That was at 1:30 p.m. At 6:45 p.m., this just in: Manny's still asleep.

In a training camp that has been knocked off its routine by tax-liability issues that forced Pacquiao to train in his native Philippines for 30 days instead of spending the usual eight weeks of pre-fight activity in Hollywood, Wednesday passed without much work.

The wasted day follows other camp slips, including a fight between Pacquiao's business manager and a cornerman and Roach scolding the fighter for dismissing his scheduling directions.

Meanwhile, in footage aired on HBO's "24/7," Pacquiao's Nov. 14 foe, world welterweight champion Miguel Cotto has worked through more weeks of training, and appears more focused on the challenge at hand.

Roach, who was prepared to put Pacquiao through an intense workout after the boxer spent Wednesday morning running at UCLA, defused the significance of Wednesday's lengthy nap.

"I know he's sound asleep, and I've told the people with him to let him get the jet lag out of his system," Roach said, referring to their flight from the Philippines to Los Angeles this weekend. "A day off for a fighter sometimes is the best thing for him. I understand. I'm tired, too."

Roach discussed Pacquiao-Cotto and related matters in a video discussion I had with him today.

Source:
Los Angeles Times
.

V8: Pacquiao/Cotto, Roach, Bradley/Peterson, and More!

2009-10-29T01:47:00.000-07:00

HBO's Pacquiao/Cotto 24/7 series: (Far From) Reality TV!!!

HBO's recent 24/7 series on the pending Pacquiao/Cotto showdown gave the world a glimpse of a few things that some wish they probably hadn't seen. SHOWTIME's '360 Fight Camp' showed fight fans a pretty neutral image of the fighters involved, but HBO's 24/7 continues to lean towards the whole good guy versus bad guy plot. The oddity so far in the latest series is that it focused on LITERALLY EVERYTHING going wrong in the camp of Filipino Manny Pacquiao. While I do believe that the info reported was all accurate and non-scripted, HBO failed miserably to strike a balance between the two men, ultimately making the normally humble Manny Pacquiao look like a villain in the company of a man well known for his fair share of deliberate low-blows and elbows. Considering the radicals that follow Pacquiao, it'll be hard to turn their love and admiration in another direction, but with Mayweather home watching like the rest of us, I guess the writers of the show had to cast someone on the dark side, and apparently, Pacquiao's the man! Trouble is, that totally blows the concept of REALITY television, because anyone who knows him knows better. What television rating would I give the HBO series? VIEWERS DISCRETION ADVISED.

Pacquiao/Cotto: No 'Beef' In This 32oz 'Stake'

The closer November 14th draws near, the more and more Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto become accutely aware of how high the stakes are for a fight of this magnitude. Recently, trainer Freddie Roach informed a member of the media that Team Pacquiao is OK with the stakes being high, as long as the 'steak' (count) for Miguel Cotto is low. Translation.....Team Pacquiao is more than fine with earning an extra $1M for ever pound Cotto goes over the proposed weight of 145lbs, but under no circumstances will they go forward if the Puerto Rican crosses the line. In Roach's exact words, at 147lbs, "we'll let that fight happen"; but anything above, "I would call that fight off". So, if there are any questions, let them officially be laid to rest. This game of high stakes will all come down to Cotto's consumption (or should I say over-consumption) of his beloved steak. That being said, my message to Junito, keep the wifey in your life.....lose the steak and Pincho's!

Freddie Roach to Manny Pacquiao: The Truth Hurts....

Have you ever sat and actually listened to the things that Freddie Roach has to say? Some listen, some opt out, but if you don't, try it, and later on revisit those thoughts to see precisely how accurate they are at times. All along, Roach has disagreed with certain elements of the Pacquiao camp. We've seen a certain level of chaos following the non-adherence to each one of those request. Of all the things Roach mentioned, there's one that could reverberate quite loudly the morning after the big showdown. That statement was when he spoke to his charge about what he viewed as a lazy approach to his training on his last sparring session before leaving the Philippines en route to Los Angeles last Saturday. His words to Pacquiao was that if he does that laying on the ropes stuff against Cotto, "he'll lose". To create a change a pace and develop more chemistry, the team added new sparring partners in place of Porter and Castillo. Not quite sure if that will work, but what I do know is that if Pacquiao isn't conditioned or decides to lay on the ropes for any length of time at all, the breather he'll try to get will definitely be replaced with a set of sore ribs and perhaps even a loss. Not listening in this case for Pacquiao could yet again prove the truth hurts.....in more ways than one!

Marquez/Pacquiao: 3rd Time The Charm?

Juan Manuel Marquez has long desired a third and decisive shot at Filipino Manny Pacquiao. Like anything in life, the rugged Mexican warrior is learning that prayer changes things, and according to Freddie Roach, his wish could very well come true. Roach recently spoke about pairing the two fighters together again in March of 2010 at the jr.welterweight limit of 140lbs. Many felt that Marquez won the initial two fights, although he never got credit, with one being a draw, and the other being awarded to Pacquiao. It'll be nice to see these men settle the score, but if Marquez wins, we'd have to see a fourth fight because both men will have won one, with the third fight being a draw. Looks like these two will have their horns locked for quite some time. Although that could all change if the 'Money' is right. And you know exactly who I'm referring to.....Stay tuned.

Bradley/Peterson: One "O" Must Go

Timothy Bradley (24-0, 11KO's) is clearly a perennial force in the jr. welterweight division, but depending on who you listen to, his reign could be a very short one. His next opponent, Lamont Peterson (27-0, 13KO's) is pretty dangerous, and has made it very clear that he isn't coming to lay down. Initially, it was believed that Bradley wanted nothing to do with the fight after a bizarre negotiating period, but the talented champ, known as 'Desert Storm', would later clarify that it only appeared that way because he didn't want the fight based on there not being any "big money involved" (clearing my throat). Whatever the case may be, these two talented jr. welterweights are set to hop in the ring December 12th, and when the headlines are printed on the morning of Sunday, December 13th, only one man will have an "O", while the others will be forced to go. Should be a great fight. Stay tuned...

Andrew Golota: Next Time, Just Listen To The Lady...

The old adage has it that 'Mothers know best', but if we can add a quick addendum, perhaps that statement should include wifes as well. After asking her husband repeatedly to put the gloves on the shelf for good, the hard-headed Golota apparently wasn't hard-headed enough, as a few flush blows to the dome sent the Polish fighter (and his career) down the drain, perhaps for good. Mariola, Golota's wife, told a local radio station that she was basically dead set against him taking the fight with Adamek, and in the end, her logic appeared to be spot on. With no more convincing left to do, it appears we've seen the last of Andrew, and despite all of the "I told you so's" he's probably hearing at home, to rub it in one more time for good measure, he'll have her to thank!

Lennox Lewis On David Haye: Small Chance Against Big Man....

Former Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has continued to express concerns regarding David Haye's ability to defeat the giant (literally) Nikolai Valuev. Among the reasons Lewis cited was that the size differential of "nearly a foot and 100lbs" will be a "massive amount" to overcome. And just to think, Haye stands at roughly 6'3", so where would that leave some of the heavyweights of the past? Once again, I revert to my old argument that the sport desperately needs a Super-heavyweight division. Who in their right mind will think that the average man has the same chance as Chagaev, and almost Holyfield, too, (had it not been for an unpopular decision) against a giant this size?

Winky Wright Returns...

Perhaps one of the best defensive wizards of this era will return to the ring on the evening of Friday, December 11th, in Puerto Rico. After a turbulent career that has seen many lows and several highs, Wright will attempt once again to find his place among a new era of stars. His last few outings haven't exactly been what the doctor ordered, but with the proper motivation and economics in place, it would be foolish to rule out something grand for the talented southpaw. His opponent, Alex Sanchez, isn't the biggest challenge in the world, but by the end of the night, we'll all be able to gauge the worth of Wright much better than we can now. Stay tuned.

Source:
8 Count News Boxing

________________________

See also www.dantemayor.com

Manny Pacquiao to Be Honored, Named Gusi Peace Prize Laureate

2009-10-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao will be honored for his humanitarianism on Nov. 24 in Manila, when the world boxing champion will be named a 2009, Gusi Peace Prize laureate.

"I am truly humbled by this incredible honor and I would like to thank the Gusi family and the foundation," said Pacquiao, 30, whose immense popularity in his country has reached Muhammad Ali-like proportions, in a press release. "To be included in such a group of accomplished humanitarians is beyond anything I ever dreamed of. They are inspirational."

A champion in six different weight divisions, and the award's only athlete among the elite group of 19 honorees from 16 different nations, Pacquiao is also a political force in his country, where he is running for congress.

Pacquiao also has braved the tumultuous conditions created by typhoons in the Philippines, where he has broken training to help save lives by delivering food into devastated areas."The one lesson my countrymen have taught the world during the recent typhoons is never to give up. Help each other and rebuild," said Pacquiao. "Nothing is impossible when we work together -- whether it's curing the sick, feeding the hungry or nourishing the souls and minds with education."

A resident of General Santos City, in the Philippines, Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) recently landed in Los Angeles, where he is working out at trainer Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym in preparation for his Nov. 14 challenge for the WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title owned by Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts).

Their fight, to be contested at a catchweight of 145 pounds, will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao was mobbed by American fans at the airport in Los Angeles, proving that his appeal has crossed over into U.S. soil. Pacquiao also was featured in ESPN Magazine's 'Body Issue'.

The Gusi Peace Prize was established 22 years ago by ambassador, Barry Gusi, and his wife, Dr. Evelyn Gusi.

The award is bestowed annually upon distinguished individuals or groups, worldwide, for their exemplary contributions in areas such as peace and human rights, and, representing fields of science, medicine, academics, politics, business, humanities, philanthropy, journalism, religion, international relations.

America's lone honoree is Bob Filner, who represents California's 51st congressional district.

Source:
Boxing Fanhouse

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Confident Pacquiao plans Vegas concert after Cotto bout

2009-10-29T00:33:00.000-07:00

MANILA – Fans of People’s Champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nevada are in for a treat next month.

Aside from his much anticipated bout with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico on November 14, Pacquiao is also hosting an after-fight concert at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino for his supporters.

Pacman’s Canadian adviser Mike Koncz said the show is on regardless of the outcome of the “Firepower” showdown.

Taking center stage with Pacquiao is “Britain’s Got Talent’s” semi-finalist Madonna Decena and her “Nugroovz” band from the United Kingdom. Pacquiao is managing Decena’s singing career.

"Kung hindi maganda ang kondisyon ni Manny, I can fill in. So, kapag wala si Manny, if he doesn't feel like singing or kung ano man, ma-cut down man ang kanyang songs, at least may magfi-fill in sa kanya," Decena told abs-cbnNEWS.com in an exclusive interview.

(If his condition isn't good, I can fill in. If he isn't there, if he doesn't feel like singing or wants to cut down on the songs, at least someone will fill in for him.)

An excited Decena disclosed that the after-fight party is also an important event in terms of her career. "Mike Koncz told me that the event would be my official launch. He arranged everything...Kahit paano ay magshi-shine ako in a way," she said.

The Filipino singer said she will sample different types of music in the concert, not just ballads.

She and Pacquiao will also do several duets, including Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch.”

Pacquiao will also sing his own songs including "Lahing Pinoy" and "Para Sa Iyo."

Source:
ABS-CBN News
.

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Pacquiao foe Cotto fired up with underdog tag

2009-10-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

He’s the defending World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion but he’s installed as the underdog against Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Believe it or not, Boricuan bomber Miguel Cotto wouldn’t mind. On the contrary, he cherished that underdog tag for it gives him extra motivation and fire to pull the rug from under the favored Pacquiao when they lock mitts on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.

According to his chief trainer Joe Santiago, Cotto faced a similar situation back in 2006, against compatriot Carlos "El Indio" Quintana for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown. Result: He shamed oddsmakers by hacking out a fifth round TKO win.

WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico Top Rank photo

“Before Miguel fought Carlos Quintana a few years ago many people were picking Quintana to win and that really motivated Miguel. The night of the fight he was so focused to prove people wrong that it really gave him a boost in the fight," Santiago was quoted by FightFan.Com as saying during a conference call Wednesday.

“We’re seeing that again with the way so many people are picking Pacquiao to win on Nov. 14. Miguel is very driven by the people saying Pacquiao will beat him. It’s extra motivation and he is coming with more fire because people are saying he can’t win," Santiago added.

Speed and power are said to be the 30-year-old Pacquiao’s main arsenal but Santiago said his ward would be able to handle them, being all fired up to put up an even better performance than he dished out against previous victims like Joshua Clottey (split decision), Sugar Shane Mosley (unanimous decision), and Zab Judah (11th round TKO).

“Cotto is at his best, and he is out to show that against Manny. It will be a very tough night for Pacquiao because winning means so much to Miguel. There is so much desire. Miguel Cotto showed a lot about his will to win in the Clottey fight. He will show this against Manny as well but you will also see his speed and power in this fight," he said.

“I think Miguel has shown people he can deal with speed in fighting Mosley and Judah. People don’t think Miguel can stay with Manny and his speed and rhythm but I think he will and it will surprise people," he added.

Miguel is very driven by the people saying Pacquiao will beat him. It’s extra motivation and he is coming with more fire because people are saying he can’t win.

–Joe Santiago, Miguel Cotto's trainer

Cotto and Pacquiao, the reigning pound for pound king, will dispute the WBO 147-lb strap at a catch weight of 145-lbs.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao is motivated by the prospect of winning an unprecedented world title in a seventh division, after being the IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion, WBC lightweight boss, WBC super featherweight kingpin, Ring Magazine featherweight ruler, IBF super bantamweight titlist, and WBC flyweight holder.

But Santiago said the 28-year-old Cotto has so much more to gain in the anticipated fight dubbed as “Firepower."

“We feel Miguel is the best fighter in the world and when the night comes and he does beat Manny, everyone will see Puerto Rico has the best fighter in the world.

"Miguel has shown he’s willing to fight anyone and he’s beat them all with one exception. We feel all he has to do is beat Pacquiao and it will prove he is the best fighter in the world. A win over Pacquiao would be huge, not only for Miguel and I but for everyone in Puerto Rico," he said. - GMANews.TV

Source:
GMANews.TV
.

Cotto unfazed by heavy underdog tag against Pacquiao

2009-10-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

By Greg Heakes

LOS ANGELES — Heavy underdog Miguel Cotto will carry the hopes of his native Puerto Rico on his shoulders in next month's mega fight against Filipino Manny Pacquiao.

Unfazed by the long odds against him, the 27-year-old Cotto will be fighting for his place in boxing history in the 145-pound bout November 14 at the MGM Grand hotel and casino.

A win over six-time world champion Pacquiao would silence his critics and elevate Cotto to the title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, said trainer Joe Santiago.

"When that night comes and he wins, everyone will know that Puerto Rico does have the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Santiago said from Cotto's training camp at the Fight Factory Gym in Tampa, Florida.

Cotto doesn't need any more motivation than for people to say he doesn't have what it takes to beat Pacquiao.

"A lot of people are picking Pacquiao to beat him and he is motivated by that," Santiago said. "Miguel has a little extra because the people don't think he can win this fight.

"We know he can and he knows he can but he will have to show everyone what he is capable of doing against this type of opponent. He will come out with a little more fire."

Santiago says Cotto is younger, bigger, stronger and more determined. The pair are fighting at the catch weight of 145 pounds which is WBO welterweight champion Cotto's natural weight.

"Cotto is the first true welterweight that (Pacquiao) will have fought in his career. He is young and still in his prime so that is what Pacquiao is facing," Santiago said.

A classic boxer in the true sense of the word, Cotto is 34-1 with 27 knockouts. He has defeated a host of top fighters including Shane Mosley, Zab Judah and Joshua Clottey. Cotto's only loss came last year to Mexico's Antonio Margarito.

Cotto's camp believes Pacquiao's speed won't be a problem and that the Filipino is a perfect fit for three-time world champion Cotto.

"Miguel brings a lot of things that Pacquiao doesn't have," said strength trainer Phil Landman. "And we are working on improving those areas."

Said Santiago, "I think that Miguel has shown everybody that he can deal with speed. I think with the type of rhythm that Manny brings to the fight that people don't think Miguel can stay with that speed.

"I not only think he can stay with the rhythm but I think he will enjoy fighting that kind of fight. It will be an interesting fight and Miguel will come out victorious by just doing what he always does, coming forward, throwing punches and being strong."

In his last fight, Cotto gutted out a split decision victory over Clottey in June. He suffered a nasty gash over his left eye from a head butt in the third round which had to be fixed by a plastic surgeon.

"It came out very nice, I have not seen anything wrong with his cut. I don't think it will be an issue in the fight," Santiago said.

Pacquiao has been training in Manila but has also been dealing with deadly typhoons and flooding that has ravaged his country in recent weeks. He is expected to arrive in the United States this weekend.

The undercard will feature a World Boxing Association super welterweight fight between champion Daniel Santos and American challenger Yuri Foreman.

Santiago said with Santos and Cotto on the same card it will be a double pleasure for Puerto Rican boxing fans.

"On the 13th we will be at 145 pounds no question. On the 14th it is going to be a great night. And on the 15th we are going to celebrate with the country of Puerto Rico," he said.

Source:
AFP

Dionisia off-limits at Pacman’s camp

2009-10-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

BAGUIO CITY—Where in the world is Aling Dionisia?

Tourists in this summer capital looking for the equally famous mother of Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao can now pin her absence here on one reason: Superstition.

The reigning pound-for-pound champion said hometown superstition forbids women in their family to join him here as he trains for his Nov. 14 bout against Puerto Rican reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas.

“Mahirap silang maglayag (It’s difficult for them to travel
),” Pacquiao said.

The ballroom-dancing Dionisia has transformed into a mainstream pop icon ever since she decided to watch her son fight for the first time in Las Vegas early this year, in Pacquiao’s two-round demolition of British sensation Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.

She has since made several appearances on television shows, commercials and even on billboards. And it isn’t much of a surprise that fans who flock around Pacquiao have started looking for his mother.

Pacquiao said this superstition applies only to certain months of the year and September and October are among the taboo months for the women to join the men in the family.

This prohibition also includes Pacquiao’s wife, Jinkee.

The only other member of the family joining Pacquiao in Baguio is boxer Bobby Pacquiao, who joins his older brother in jogging and shadow boxing.

In fact, the Shape Up Boxing gym, where Pacquiao trains, is an all-male enclave, with only occasional women journalists and gym members spotted around.

Superstition has played a big part in Pacquiao’s career. In his 2006 fight against Erik Morales, Pacquiao was offered by his promoter, Top Rank chief Bob Arum, a private plane to take him to Las Vegas from his training grounds in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao declined, opting to travel by land in his SUV because doing so has become some sort of a prelude to some of his biggest wins.

Last year, during his Dec. 6 showdown against Oscar de La Hoya, Top Rank contracted a custom-decorated bus for Pacquiao, but the boxer opted to again use his SUV in the four-hour road trip to the Nevada gambling haven.

Pacquiao is expected to start sparring this week with the arrival of his foreign sparring partners handpicked by trainer Freddie Roach for their ability to mimic Cotto’s fighting style.

Among those boxers is American Shawn Porter, the 2007 National Golden Gloves middleweight champion.

“[Porter] fights just like Cotto,” said Roach.

“He weighs 154 lb and has the same height as Cotto,” he said. “More importantly, he has a great left hook.”

Cotto’s main arsenal is his left hook and Roach expects Porter to force Pacquiao to defend against it during their simulated bouts.

Another sparring partner is Mexican-American lightweight Urbano Antillon, who had sparred with Pacquiao when the latter prepared for the fight against Hatton.

Roach said there is also a Puerto Rican boxer joining Porter and Antillon when they report to Baguio on Sunday or Monday, weather permitting.

The Source:
INQUIRER.NET
.

Cotto a smart boxer – Roach

2009-10-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

By NICK GIONGCO
September 23, 2009, 4:53pm

Manny Pacquiao confers with Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez in his training session on Wednesday in Baguio. (Photo by NICK GIONGCO)

BAGUIO CITY – Freddie Roach admits Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto has lots in common with Briton Ricky Hatton.

Roach said both boasts of jaw-breaking left hooks, both are big and strong, ultra-aggressive and love to go to the body to soften up their foes. There is one huge difference, though, Roach believes and this one makes Cotto a far more dangerous rival than Hatton for the 30-year-old Filipino fireball. “Miguel Cotto is a lot smarter than Ricky Hatton,” said Roach, the celebrated trainer who arrived in the country on Tuesday to supervise Pacquiao’s training camp in preparation for the November 14 showdown with Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “Cotto’s got this great left hook and he’s smart,” noted Roach. Hatton had been fancied as a true test for Pacquiao but the Filipino hardly broke out a sweat as he demolished the rugged Manchester native in less than two rounds, flattening him with a left to the jaw that remains a strong candidate for knockout of the year for 2009. Roach said if Pacquiao thinks he is in for another easy stint, he could be terribly mistaken.

“It’ll be a tough fight for us,” said Roach, who will be here for a minimum of four weeks or a maximum of six depending on Pacquiao’s progress in training and promotional schedule.

During Roach’s first session with Pacquiao at the Shape Up Boxing Gym inside the Cooyeesan Hotel, the residence of Team Pacquiao for the entire duration of training camp, the 49-year-old Boston-born cornerman immediately fell in love over the amenities available at the gym as well as its overall appearance. “Whoever built this gym did a great job,” said Roach, who owns and operates the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, best-known as the home of boxing’s best pound-for-pound.

Meanwhile, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is arriving on October 1 to check on the progress of Pacquiao’s preparation for Cotto, whose World Boxing Organization welterweight crown will be on the line in the bout aptly dubbed Firepower.

Source:
Manila Bulletin.

Pacquiao's sparmates arriving on Sunday

2009-10-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao’s physical conditioning will be further put into test as two tough sparmates are set to arrive in Baguio this weekend.

Sparring for the Filipino champion starts by Tuesday as promising welterweight Shawn Porter and preferred choice Urbano Antillon are flying over here Sunday from the U.S.

Coming over from Los Angeles, the two will be immediately whisked to the country’s summer hideaway, giving them at least two days to get accustomed to Baguio City’s high-altitude weather, located some 1,500 meters above sea level.

The 30-year old Pacquiao has been in the City of Pines for almost a week now as he tries to get in the best shape of his career for a November 14 date with Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt.

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For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Through with the first week of the camp, trainer Freddie Roach believes the boxing champion is now ready for sparring.

“He’s ready to spar," said Roach after engaging Pacquiao for 10 rounds with the mitts Friday.

Antillon has been a regular Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, the last of which came when he fought Briton Ricky Hatton last summer for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior-welterweight title.

“Urbano is definitely the toughest sparring partner for Manny," said Roach of the Mexican lightweight now based in Maywood, California. “He gets hit a little too much, but he always comes back with his own."

Manny Pacquiao does the mitts with assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez. Dave Leprozo

The 27-year old Antillon has a ring record of 26-1, with 19 KOs, and has sparred with some of boxing’s best fighters today including Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valero.

“A very good and strong fighter," Pacquiao said of Antillon after one of their sparring sessions for the Hatton fight at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

Just as impressive is the unbeaten 21-year old Porter from Akron, Ohio.

Porter is a natural welterweight who holds a perfect 10-0 record, with eight KOs. He is a 2007 Golden Gloves champion and an alternate with the U.S. men’s boxing team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

After spending a few sparring sessions at the Wild Card gym, Roach tapped Porter as Pacquiao sparmate as he reportedly has the same built and fighting style of Cotto. – GMANews.TV

Source:
GMA News TV
.

Pacquiao to pay Nazario his last respects

2009-10-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

MANILA - Before passing away, Manny Pacquiao’s former manager Rod Nazario had wished the boxing champ the best of luck in facing Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao, who was deeply saddened by Nazario’s death, visited the boxing manager a week before his passing. “We talked about the Cotto fight,” Pacquiao told the Philippine Star. “Sabi niya sa akin ‘kaya mo yan basta gumalaw ka lang ng gumalaw. And he also reminded me not to be over-confident." Pacquiao, who has begun training in Baguio for his November 14 fight with Cotto, said he will travel to Manila to pay his final respects to Nazario. “Bababa ako,” he said.

Nazario was credited for bringing Pacquiao to the US in 2001 when the People’s Champ had his breakthrough fight with then IBF super bantamweight champion Lehlo Ledwaba. Pacquiao, who stepped into the fight as a late replacement, eventually won the title. Nazario succumbed to lung cancer Thursday morning at the Perpetual Help of Rizal Hospital in Las Piñas City. He was 74.

Closed door taining
Pacquiao trained behind closed doors on Friday as his preparations for his showdown with Cotto have shifted to high gear. For the first time since the boxing icon pitched camp in the country’s summer capital, where he would train for four to five weeks, the doors to the Shape Up Gym were closed even to Baguio-based mediamen. Pacquiao started working out in Baguio last Monday, and the following day his chief trainer, Freddie Roach, and conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, flew in from Los Angeles to supervise the preparations. Mike Koncz, the boxer’s Canadian adviser, said the doors to the gym will be opened to the media on Thursday when Pacquiao holds a media day. His promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, will be there on that day. Even when he trains at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Pacquiao trains behind closed doors. But it was for the Ricky Hatton fight last May when stricter measures were put in place upon the orders of Roach.
Roach said he noticed that Pacquiao was “working out for the fans” and the three-time Trainer of the Year even ordered that Saturdays, normally reserved for the fans, be “off-limits” to those outside of Team Pacquiao.

Training behind closed doors gives Pacquiao and Roach more time to themselves as they begin mapping out the strategies and fightplan to be used on the ring against the wide-bodied, heavy-handed Cotto. With reports from The Philippine Star

Source:
ABS-CBN News - Sports
.

Sparmate Porter gives Pacquiao a hard workout

2009-09-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Shawn Porter gave Manny Pacquiao a hard workout on his first day of sparring at his Baguio training camp.

Porter engaged the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter in three intense rounds, highlighted by numerous exchanges of hard shots, according to the few people lucky enough to witness the slambang action held behind closed doors at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel Plaza.

“The three-round sparring was good, really good," said Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz.

“Malaki tsaka malakas," said a source, who saw the 21-year-old Porter of Akron, Ohio spar with Pacquiao for the very first time.

Porter, holder of a perfect 10-0 ring record with 8 KOs, is a first-time Pacquiao sparmate in training camp. Trainer Freddie Roach thoroughly handpicked him to precisely imitate the fighting style of Miguel Cotto, the reigning WBO welterweight titlist from Puerto Rico whom Pacquiao fights on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“He’s perfect for this training camp," said Roach of the 2007 National Golden gloves middleweight champion.

Manny Pacquiao

Porter is one of two Pacquiao sparmates now in Baguio City trying to get the Filipino ring icon in perfect shape for his 12-round fight with Cotto.

Lightweight Urbano Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate, is the other one, while on a standby call is another Pacman regular sparring partner David Rodela as well as Puerto Rican Raymond Tito Serrano.

Sparring for the 30-year-old boxing champ will be held thrice a week or every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

By Thursday, he will go two rounds each with Antillon and Porter in time for the arrival of Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.

The veteran boxing promoter will be immediately whisked to the City of Pines shortly upon arriving in Manila early morning of Thursday.

Arum’s visit at the Pacquiao training camp marks the scheduled media day arranged by the boxing superstars’ handlers, when training and workout by the Filipino ring idol will be made open to members of the working press. - GMANews.TV

SOURCE

Cotto feeling good, relaxed

2009-09-30T21:53:00.001-07:00

WHILE MANNY PACQUIAO continues to rock Baguio City with his mere presence as he prepares for his last fight of the year, his opponent, Miguel Cotto, is quietly getting himself ready for the bout scheduled Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.
“Just getting back from the gym, everything excellent,” Cotto posted in his Twitter page, even as his team has started getting busy trying to come up with a game plan against the hard-punching Pacquiao.
“[I’m] relaxed and feeling good,” added Cotto, who has been posting regular updates on his Twitter page.
“Up until today we’ve held several meetings to examine what Manny can bring to the fight,” Cotto trainer Joe James told PrimeraHora.com. “We are watching many Pacquiao fights. We also saw his two fights where he was defeated, but we are still watching more. Although he has dominated, there is always something we can capitalize on. We do not rule out any fight.”
Cotto had earlier said he was aware of the Filipino ring icon’s vaunted punching power, remarking during a recent press tour that “the punch he gave Ricky Hatton, if he hits with this kind of punch, he can throw Mike Tyson to the canvas.”
“But I’m not Ricky Hatton,” Cotto added.
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, however, said the reigning pound-for-pound king will overwhelm Cotto with speed.
Roach predicted a knockout victory for his ward.
“I picked him to win by decision, but until I started working with him to this camp, the way he’s punching, his speed, we will knock this guy out,” Roach said.
“We will bust him up a little bit. Basically we’re going to have a fast start and we’re not going to give [Cotto] any momentum.”
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 knockouts) will battle Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) over 12-rounds for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Both combatants agreed to fight at a catch weight of 145 lb.
A win by Pacquiao will make him the first boxer to win world crowns in seven different weight divisions, including linear titles.
Meanwhile, Floyd Mayweather Sr. continues to harbor the belief that Pacquiao is no match to his undefeated son, Floyd Jr., who is coming off a 12-round decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.
“Pacquiao had [Marquez] down three times in one round and hurt bad and couldn’t finish him,” Mayweather told FightHype.com. “Not only could he not finish him, he got his ears boxed off after that, so what do you think my son would do to him?”
“Pretty Boy” Floyd and the Pacman are headed on a megabuck collision course next year.
Mayweather may also be headed for a pre-Pacquiao showdown against Shane Mosley, who called out the former pound-for-pound king right on the ring after the Marquez duel.

Floyd Sr. says Pacquiao 'ain't got skills

2009-09-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

MANILA – After seeing his son's victory over a "smaller" Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather Sr. has joined boxing fans in demanding a "mega fight" between Floyd Jr. and Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.
“I want him to fight Pacquiao,” Floyd Sr., who earlier accused Pacquiao of using steroids, said in a report by Fanhouse.com.
He said that Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound champ, doesn't have the tools to beat his son Floyd Jr., now ranked as No. 2 in the Ring Magazine's pound-for-pound list.
"He don't have no skills, he ain't got skills like my son… He's not in Floyd's league -- that's so plain to see that Ray Charles can see it," said Floyd Sr.
Fight fans have been anticipating a collision between Pacquiao and Floyd Jr., since the former pound-for-pound champion came out of retirement last May.

The collision, according to ESPN’s boxing analyst Teddy Atlas, is a fight everyone wants to see.
But before Pacquiao could set a match up with Floyd Jr., he would still have to dispose of World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto on November 14.
“I think he will [get past Cotto],” Atlas said in ESPN.com. “Then it's gonna be a mega fight... It's gonna be Mayweather ‘the Money man’ against the Pacman.”
Meanwhile, Floyd Sr., seemed to have softened on his “steroids claims” against Pacquiao after the Filipino has threatened to press a defamation suit against him. (www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/09/20/09/pacman-threatens-floyd-sr-defamation...)
“That's my opinion. I mean everybody in the world have opinions,” he told Bev Llorente of the ABS-CBN North America News Bureau.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission already cleared Pacquiao of steroids use in all his fights in their state.
Pacquiao, Roach getting down to business

After arriving in Baguio City on Tuesday, Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach immediately got down to business in training his ward for the Cotto fight.

Roach and strength trainer Alex Ariza wasted no time in getting Pacquiao into shape for the November 14 fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“I’m ok with training here, as long as Manny is happy with the conditions, for sure it will be okay with me too,” said Roach.
Pacquiao, in fact, kicked off his training in Baguio City last Monday without Roach. He jogged and made 1,000 abdominal crunches at Burnham Park then proceeded for his gym work.
Two sparring partners are also set to arrive in Baguio City to join Pacquiao’s training camp. – With a report from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News

as of 09/23/2009 4:50 PM

Source:
ABS-CBN News

Online Polls show Pacquiao still No. 1

2009-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao remains the world’s pound-for-pound king in an online survey of a popular sports website despite Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s impressive win in his comeback fight over the weekend. Poll results posted by Yahoo! Sports had Pacquiao comfortably ahead of Mayweather as boxing’s current pound-for-pound king. The survey was made just after Mayweather’s domination of Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday in Las Vegas. In Yahoo! Sports’ poll – which fielded the question “Who is boxing’s pound-for-pound king?” – 66 percent voted for Pacquiao, while only 31 percent went for Mayweather. Three percent, meanwhile, opted for other boxers.

Over 82,000 votes were cast at presstime. Pacquiao inherited the mythical pound-for-pound title from Mayweather after the latter retired in 2008.

Mayweather, however, came back from a 21-month layoff to face Marquez in an attempt to reclaim the pound-for-pound throne from Pacquiao. The Filipino soutpaw, on the other hand, has done his part in firming up his No. 1 status with impressive wins over David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. “Pacquiao solidified his claim on the top spot after stopping David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton in spectacular fashions. Mayweather couldn’t simply return to boxing after 21 months and overthrow the true king – no matter what happened on Saturday night,” The Ring, a partner of Yahoo! Sports, said in a brief commentary. “Mayweather might very well be the best fighter in the world. The pound-for-pound title must be earned, though. And, hopefully, Mayweather will get his chance or chances to do that,” it said.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has started training in Baguio City for his megafight with Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. A victory over the Puerto Rican will likely set up the General Santos City-based fighter against Mayweather early or midway next year. – STAR contributor Dino Maragay

Source:
The Philippine Star
.

Boxing notes: De La Hoya looking to cash in on Mayweather bout

2009-09-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS — As a fighter, Oscar De La Hoya approached the ring with caution. As a promoter, De La Hoya has thrown caution to the wind regarding Saturday's welterweight non-title bout between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez (HBO PPV, 9 p.m. ET).

"We strongly feel it's going to break that million mark. That's how strong we feel about the promotion. ... The visibility this fight has had has been incredible," says the president of Golden Boy Promotions, which is the event's co-promoter. "It's just the beginning. You watch." Mayweather-Marquez is a test balloon for a new approach to selling major boxing events. In addition to the PPV telecast, the card will be shown nationwide via closed circuit in 170 theaters through NCM Fathom at $12.50-$15. HBO launched a new initiative to reach younger views through digital marketing and has saturated social networking Internet sites.

Although Mayweather was part of the biggest PPV show in history when his defeat of De La Hoya in 2007 drew 2.4 million buys, this is the first time he's had to be the headliner. Before facing De La Hoya, the biggest draw in PPV history, Mayweather hasn't surpassed 400,000 buys in three previous appearances.

The former welterweight champion has been inactive for two years and is fighting an opponent who has never fought above lightweight (135).

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Ortiz returns: Victor Ortiz (24-2-1, 19 KOs) expects to return to the ring on Dec. 12 on HBO, the bout likely to be staged in the Los Angeles area underneath Shane Mosley's next bout. December 26 also has been floated as a possible date. An opponent has yet to be determined. Ortiz was derailed in his first major bout in June when he retired in the sixth round of a back-and-forth brawl vs. Marcos Maidana as both fighters hit the canvas.

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Coming to America: Oscar De La Hoya announced that Golden Boy has acquired the exclusive U.S. promotional rights to Venezuelan Jorge Linares (27-0, 18 KOs), an exceptional junior lightweight talent who has fought just once on U.S. soil. All but nine of Linares' fights have taken place in Japan, where Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions holds his promotional rights. Linares holds one of the three major belts at 130 pounds after a knockout of Whyber Garcia last year. He'll make a defense on Oct. 10 vs. Juan Carlos Salgado (20-0-1, 14 KOs) in Toyko before coming to the U.S. "In order to fight here in the States, he wants to come prepared, not only inside the ring but outside the ring," says De La Hoya of Linares' desire to learn English. Linares speaks three languages, including Japanese. "There's a lot of good fighters in his weight class. ... When fighters tell us, 'Hey I'll fight anybody,' we're going to put him in with anybody. Whoever is in his way to unify the titles, that's who he's going to fight."

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No means no: After the Linares announcement, De La Hoya, who has been retired since his December 2008 stoppage loss to Manny Pacquiao, took a moment to squash any speculation that his news conference Saturday afternoon, or any other news conference in the future, will have anything to do with him fighting again.

"No, I'm not making a comeback. No I'm never fighting. No it's not going to happen and nobody's going to lure me back in," says the president of GBP. "The only fight I'm going to have is a Shaq rematch." De La Hoya won a "decision" over Shaquille O'Neal in a recent made-for-TV matchup.

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Money: Two days before the fight, Mayweather strayed far beyond the Las Vegas strip as he was followed by cameras. Parked across the street from a Salvation Army, Mayweather handed out bagged lunches and bottled water to approximately 75-100 people. "I'm here to feed the American people," he says. "I'm just doing what the President told me to do."

In one instance, he pulled out a roll of cash from his pocket, giving a woman $200 to feed her four young girls. A piece of the segment was captured near the end of the final episode of 24/7: Mayweather/Marquez on HBO.

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The Game: WWE superstar Triple H, aka The Game, will accompany Mayweather into the ring Saturday night. Mayweather participated in the ring at Wrestlemania XXIV last year and hosted a recent live episode of Monday Night Raw on USA Network.

Source:
USA Today Sports
.

All the Lates Boxing News

2009-09-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

DAVID PRICE has signed a three-year deal with promoter Frank Maloney.

The 26-year-old heavyweight, who turned professional after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has just one fight in the paid ranks under his belt — a third-round victory over Dave Ingleby.

He will make his debut for the Maloney stable in Sunderland on October 16.

And Maloney believes the Olympic bronze medallist can make an impact among the big boys.

He said: "With the right handling and the right fights, David can become a superstar and a household name.

"Heavyweights are different to other boxers — they have to be handled and guided differently.

"If he knocks over a few people I certainly won't be rushing him."

MATTHEW MACKLIN won the vacant European middleweight title with a stunning first-round stoppage of Finland's Amin Asikainen on Friday night.

Birmingham boxer Macklin, who is promoted by Ricky Hatton, initially put Asikainen down with a fierce left hook.

The former European champion got up but failed to repeat the trick when Macklin connected with a short right.

BERNARD DUNNE'S first defence of the WBA world super-bantamweight title ended in defeat against Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym in Dublin.

Dunne impressed in the opening two rounds against his Thai opponent and appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory.

But the 29-year-old was dismantled in the third round with K rating daeng gym flooring him three times.

Source:

THE SUN
.