Mayweather Jr. vs Marquez

Mayweather vs Marquez is Officially Rescheduled To 9/19

2009-06-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - Sports fans around the world can breathe again as it was announced today that the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez has been officially rescheduled for September 19, after Mayweather, who suffered a rib injury while training for the originally scheduled July 18 date, received clearance from his doctor to participate on the new date.

Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," which will still take place at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View, will now take place on what on what is historically considered boxing's biggest weekend, and falling on the time-honored tradition of Mexican Independence Day.

"I am relieved to be cleared to fight as I was already looking forward to getting back in the ring," said Mayweather. "Trust me, September 19 is a great weekend for boxing, and all of my fans, of which there are many Mexicans too, can certainly hold on to their hats and sombreros when I get back in to the ring and show them what they have been missing these past 18 months. I will destroy Marquez and reclaim my rightful place as boxing's pound-for-pound king all in one night. Don't miss it."

Marquez, who has also agreed to fight on the new date, is excited about appearing yet again on the time-honored tradition of El Grito de Independence.

"I am happy that Mayweather has been cleared to fight and we can get down to business on September 19," said Marquez. "This weekend is not just an important weekend for boxing, but even more so for all of the Mexican and Mexican-American people I will be fighting for who will have a great reason to celebrate my win over Mayweather, which will be for all of the people and for the entire country of Mexico that night. I am sure of victory and si se puede- yes we can and yes we will!"

Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines.

Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. Ticket sales at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com

The Mayweather vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

Source: boxingscene.com

Canceled!: Boxing's Lost Summer of 2009

2009-06-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

While commenting on another post, it just moments ago really dawned on me how unexciting much of boxing's summer schedule has become. The recent rash of cancellations and postponements has turned what looked pretty decent into something that now feels empty, like months of wasted time in a sport that needs big fights.

I'm not trying to demean the fights we're going to get (for now, anyway), but when you look at June 22 through the end of August and the biggest thing there is a 140-pound title unification between Timothy Bradley and Nate Campbell, that's trouble. If you count June, July and August as "the summer months" for the sport, we're going to wind up having passed a quarter of the year where the biggest fight was Miguel Cotto's rumble with Joshua Clottey on June 13.

The Klitschko-Haye debacle of June 20 was big, as it took a fight that people all over the world were interested in seeing and replaced it with YAKC (Yet Another Klitschko Cakewalk). Kelly Pavlik's return -- though a "light" fight against Sergio Mora -- was turned into an uninteresting Juan Manuel Lopez fight against an unknown challenger on June 27. Even the June 20 rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez factors in.

The biggie, of course, is the postponement of Mayweather-Marquez, likely being rescheduled for September, when it's also expected that Pavlik will fight again.

There are good fights that will happen. Bradley-Campbell is good. Joseph Agbeko-Vic Darchinyan (July 11) is good. Juan Diaz-Paulie Malignaggi (August 22) is decent. I like the Nonito Donaire-Hugo Cazares fight on August 15, but that's pay-per-view, too.

Cotto and Manny Pacquiao will get it on in November, and the fall block looks loaded right now. With that, the rescheduled Mayweather-Marquez fight and the Pavlik return likely in September, a highly-anticipated rematch between Chad Dawson and Glen Johnson, and maybe a ring return from Ricky Hatton and hopefully something out of Shane Mosley, boxing can really kick the fires from September through November. I think there's even an outside shot that Cotto-Pacquiao will top Hatton-Pacquiao as the event of the year.

And the thing is, there's really no one to blame. Promoters set up fights, and the fights now aren't happening. But saying the stars aren't aligning for boxing this summer is a huge understatement. It's downright bleak.

Source: badlefthook.com

Mosley Not Giving Up On Pacquiao Yet

2009-06-21T19:58:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s camp may already be in negotiation for a prospective fight with Miguel Cotto but Sugar Shane Mosley is not about to throw in the towel yet.

Still dead serious in getting the Filipino ring icon as opponent, Mosley reiterated that he, not Cotto, presents the BIG fight out there for the reigning pound-for-pound king.

"The only person that's stopping the (Pacquiao-Mosley) fight is Bob Arum (Top Rank boss who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto)," Mosley was quoted in a fighthype.com report.

Mosley, who had even declared his willingness to accept a 40/60 split and slide down from 147 lbs to meet Pacquiao at a catch weight, claimed Arum was only pushing for a Pacquiao-Cotto bout in a bid to keep the Puerto Rican at his stable.

“Bob Arum has his own investments into the fight as far as him wanting to re-sign Cotto and get him a big fight. Then he has Pacquiao. He will give Cotto a little money to keep him happy because he really doesn't deserve any of it. And then he will throw Pacquiao something out there.

“But the bigger fight is me and Pacquiao. We have the biggest names by far and Pacquiao's legacy wouldn't be damaged losing to me. I don't understand…well, I do understand what Bob Arum wants to do, but I wouldn't understand why Pacquiao wouldn't take the fight," he said.

Pacquiao had given Arum the greenlight to initiate talks with WBO welterweight champ Cotto after watching the latter fight and escape with a split decision win over Joshua Clottey.

The projected Pacquiao-Cotto duel is being eyed for November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The wheels are already in motion and Arum had expressed confidence both fighters would sign on, although he’s not rushing things.

"What's the rush?" Arum told the Las Vegas Review-Journal Sunday. "There's going to be some haggling, like there always is. But, eventually, we'll get it worked out, and by early July, everything should be set for what will be a great fight."

But Mosley, the reigning WBA welterweight champion, insisted the fight that fans really want involves him and the IBO 140-lb boss.

And he’s willing to put this on a vote among Pacquiao’s Filipino fans.

"I just want to tell Pacquiao to do the right thing for boxing," Mosley said in the fighthype.com report. “I think you guys should put a poll up and let the Philippine fans vote which one they think would be a bigger fight and who they want to see Pacquiao fight next, Shane Mosley or Miguel Cotto! Let's see who the Philippine fans want Pacquiao to fight next,"

But apparently, it’s not the Filipinos’ vote on his next foe that Pacquiao is interested in right now.

Over the weekend, Pacquiao joined the townsfolk of Malapatan, Saranggani in celebrating their founding anniversary, a move seen as his initial salvo in trying to woo their votes next year. The 30-year-old Pacquiao is bent on running for a congressional seat in Saranggani after a failed bid in South Cotabato three years ago.

Source: gmanews.tv

Top Rank Boss Hopes Cotto Decision Out Soon

2009-06-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Miguel Cotto’s camp is close to making a decision regarding the fight laid down by promoter Bob Arum against Manny Pacquiao on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I talked preliminarily with the Cotto people face-to-face at a meeting in Tampa when he was training for the (Joshua) Clottey fight," Arum said in an interview at USAToday.com. “Now I feel confident I can get the rest of the business done on the telephone."

“I laid out everything. Hopefully we’ll have their answer and get it resolved with them by the end of the week," Arum added. “Both guys want to fight each other. When that happens, generally it can all come together."

If a fight is set, Cotto will defend his WBO welterweight (147 lbs) crown against Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king. Pacquiao defeated Oscar de la Hoya last December in the same weight division.

Cotto is coming from a split decision win over Joshua Clottey of Ghana last week.

Next for Arum is meeting with Pacquiao’s camp.

And he knows that he cannot pressure Pacquiao to immediately make a decision. “There’s a ton of money involved. If you push it under arbitrary deadlines it’s going to go off track."

“Giving me a few weeks, which is no hurry, enables me to have enough time to pull it together so nobody feels I’m steamrolling them. There’s an art in doing this," added Arum.

“The most pressing issue..., that’s the money and who gets what," Arum said. “That’s always the biggest issue. I’ve dealt with both of these camps over the years so many times that I feel that we’ll come together and all be satisfied. Based on my conversations with both camps today I am extremely optimistic."

Source: gmanews.tv

Sealing Fight With Pacquiao Cotto's Priority

2009-06-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – For Miguel Cotto, a showdown with the world’s pound-for-pound fighter is definitely one of the top priority’s in his colorful boxing career.

The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king finally broke his silence and talked with pride and honor a projected November 14 fight with boxing sensation Manny Pacquaio at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The native of Caguas, Puerto Rico had past duels with the likes of world champions Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Michael Jennings, Zab Judah and Paul Malignaggi.

But he said his planned 12-round title fight with the Filipino icon is definitely, according to him, “the biggest fight and greatest achievement of my career."

Cotto’s statement came out in Primera Hora, the Guaynabo, Puerto Rican-based newspaper, his first public announcement since reports of a Pacquiao-Cotto showdown late this year cropped up shortly after he retained his 147-pound title belt with a split decision win over Joshua Clottey.

“Everything I have had in my career has been all about challenges. Everything I have worked for has revolved around that and I have endeavored to reach certain achievements and I have achieved," Cotto added.

Cotto suffered a deep cut on his left eye, the result of an accidental third-round head butt by Clottey, needing at least 21 stitches for the wound to close up.

The New York State Athletic Commission has suspended Cotto for fighting in the next three months, giving him enough time to heal the wound and perhaps, be ready for his duel with the 30-year-old pound-for-pound king.

Cotto had a conference call with promoter Bob Arum the other day, with the Top Rank official putting on the table the terms of the Pacquiao fight.

“I was on the phone with Cotto’s people and I outlined to them the terms and points of the deal," said the veteran boxing promoter. “I expect their response by the end of the week."

During the conversation, Arum brought up the idea of the bout being fought at a catch weight which he said, would be within 144 to 145 pounds.

Cotto has not fought below 147 pounds since 2006, while Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach want the match to be within the 143-144 level.

In a consultation with Cotto’s nutritionist, Arum said the WBO champion would not have a hard time going down two or three pounds below 147.

“Cotto is a welterweight and the nutritionist is saying the lowest he can go is 144," said Arum. “Manny will be fine with that. He doesn’t want a guy to get in there and injure himself by fighting at an unrealistically low weight."

Arum is set to meet with Pacquiao close adviser Michael Koncz on Sunday to discuss the specifics of the deal he had with Cotto’s camp.

Arum said he doesn’t see any hitches coming up along the way it did during negotiations for Pacquiao’s last two bouts against Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya.

Source: gmanews.tv

Pacquiao: Boxing’s Top Fighter Pound-for-Pound, Dollar-for-Dollar

2009-06-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – He just opened the doors to his new mansion in Hollywood, a multi-million dollar property that’s just a short drive away from the Beverly Hills homes of Paris Hilton and Sharon Stone.

It’s just the latest addition to his growing number of abodes in the US and at home, from California to General Santos, Davao, Sarangani, BF Homes in Paranaque and Laguna, near his kid's school Brent International.

He has at his disposal loads of hot wheels, topped off by a Navigator and a Mercedes-Benz which he drives in the US and a Porsche Cayenne, among his favorites at home.

So will anyone still question the place of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao among the richest?

In the latest roster of the world’s highest-paid athletes by Forbes.com, Pacquiao’s earning was pegged at $40 million for the period June 2008 to June 2009. That’s over P1 billion in Philippine currency!

Forbes.com credited this to the Pacman’s megabuck fights with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, which garnered more than 2 million pay-per-view buys and netted Pacquiao $30-million combined.

His multi-million endorsement deals with Nike and San Miguel also contributed to his lofty standing –a tie for sixth place - in the Forbes list, which looks at athletes’ earnings derived from salaries, bonuses, prize money, endorsements and licensing income.

Of course, Pacquiao did not get this staggering $40 million in full.

There’s still taxes and cuts for his training team as well as his famous gesture of giving balatos to his pals and others in need.

And not merely focusing on lavish things, the Pacman is investing his well-earned bucks on a number of businesses, among them a farm in Sarangani, a mango plantation and a commercial building in GenSan.

For his latest venture, Pacquiao will invest some P1.217 billion to develop a 400-hectare property in GenSan and transform it into a special economic zone, which would have an international Medical Convention Center, an outdoor sports and recreation park, and retail and commercial strips.

And yes, Pacquiao has also spent precious money for his failed congressional bid in GenSan in 2007, which according to financemanila.net, reached P140-million. The 30-year-old fighter is again expected to shell out funds for his next foray in politics, this time in Sarangani province.

Considered as the best fighter in the pound-for-pound, Pacquiao also ranks high when stacked up against top moneymakers in sports, dollar-for-dollar.

A first timer in the Forbes list, Pacquiao ties NBA MVP LeBron James and golf star Phil Mickelson for sixth spot among the high-earners.

Ahead of them are Tiger Woods, who netted $110 million for the No. 1 spot; Lakers star Kobe Bryant and retired cage legend Michael Jordan and Finnish Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen, who made $45 million for joint second; and football hero David Beckham, who had $42 million for solo fifth.

The Pacman outranked the likes of tennis great Roger Federer and NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, who netted $33 million apiece for joint 11th; as well as De La Hoya and baseball star Alex Rodriguez, who earned $32 million each for a share of 13th.

Source: gmanews.tv

Hey , Floyd Draw!....Oh Right , You Can't

2009-06-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you put Floyd Mayweather in a fight with another counterpuncher? A fight that seems to have trouble drawing flies. Maybe that's a little harsh , but the reality is that two counterpunchers , no matter how skilled , is not going to be a fight of the year candidate.

PBF (Pretty Boring Floyd ) has got to have one friend that he can buy that will be honest enough to tell Floyd , "Dude , most of the people buying tickets want to see you get knocked out!" But in Floyd's world he is the draw. He recently said that he was coming back because " I missed boxing and boxing missed me." Well that is half right anyway. I'm sure something you have done your whole life and have , I'll admit it begrudgingly , been good at must be a little like being homesick.

Your pound for pound crown has been bestowed on that Filipino cyclone named Pacquiao. And Manny has more than ably worn that crown with great pride and to us boxing fans he has worn it with excitement. Something that seemed to be missing during your reign.

So does Floyd come out of retirement and honestly go after Pacquiao. No. Mayweather and Marquez see a win in their fight as a ticket to the Pacman bowl. Only trouble is that Manny doesn't want a third fight with Marquez and Floyd evidently believes that he is the boxer everyone wants to see. Hey Floyd! Wake up and welcome to reality. Making it rain money on 24/7 only makes you look like a spoiled little kid , last I looked I didn't see too many adults running up to kids like that to say how precious they were. On your De La Hoya 24/7 you were quoted as saying that you were going to kill the m_____ f_____. I think the boxing law states that you have to be an offensive minded fighter to say those words. Your fight was more like a game of tag. And truth be known DeLa Hoya won every round that he used his jab. The same jab that Freddie Roach implored Oscar to use the whole fight.

You are a defensive genius and your wins over Gatti and Corrales were masterpieces. But your fights at welterweights are the equivalent of a sleep aid. People walked out on your fight with Baldomir. And now you wait for the people to greet you with open arms. Wide open yawns are more likely. Look at your recent history. De La Hoya was the draw. Hatton. Ricky was the draw.

You need a dance partner that hates to dance. Cotto , Clottey or better yet , Shane Mosley. I know alot of boxing fans and the report of you coming back was greeted with a....well, nothing. Nobody really seemed to care. Reports that your fight with Marquez was a hard sell should tell you something. Stop acting like you are the man. You've been replaced , but you want your old job back. It is like me telling my old boss , "I will do half the work , make people hate me and I want you to pay me twice as much as my coworkers." And I'm so out of touch that I honestly believe what I ask for. Sorry Floyd , it just ain't happening. Fight fans are smarter than that. Maybe its time to join us in the real world.

Source: examiner.com

Insider: Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Almost a Done Deal

2009-06-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Long-time boxing promoter and Team Pacquiao insider Rex “Wakee" Salud is certain that Miguel Cotto is going to be Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent.

Following a conversation with Top Rank chairman Bob Arum in Las Vegas, Salud said Thursday only the issues concerning the catch weight and purse split have to be settled. Otherwise, he said everything seems to be penciled for the November 14 showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Si Cotto na yan," said Salud, a close confidante of Pacquiao who once managed former two-time world champion Gerry Penalosa.

Salud is currently with Pacquiao in General Santos City to attend the birthday celebration of the Pacman’s brother Roel.

“Sa tingin ko 80 to 90 percent, almost 100 percent, tuloy na yan," he stated in an separate interview earlier on GMA’s Unang Hirit.

From what Salud understands, Cotto wants the fight to be at 145, two pounds below what Pacquiao’s camp had been asking for at 143.

Also a major point of the discussion is how much each fighter would get. Understandably, Salud pointed out, Pacquiao would have the bigger share of the pie, being boxing’s top attraction and the best pound-for-pound fighter, regardless of Cotto’s WBO welterweight title being at stake.

But Arum is confident he can reach a deal with both camps within the week, considering both have expressed their interest to fight each other five months from now.

"I laid out everything. Hopefully we'll have their answer and get it resolved with them by the end of the week," Arum said in a USA Today report. "Both guys want to fight each other. When that happens, generally it can all come together.

“Giving me a few weeks, which is no hurry, enables me to have enough time to pull it together so nobody feels I'm steamrolling them. There's an art in doing this," he added.

Pacquiao himself hints of a likely Cotto fight.

In his “Kumbinasyon" column for Abante and Philboxing, Pacquiao recalled his recent trip to New York, where he personally witnessed Cotto escape with a split decision win over Joshua Clottey.

Source: gmanews.tv

Pacquiao in the Driver’s Seat of Boxing World

2009-06-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao can command the terms and conditions for all his fights.

He is, after all, boxing’s new Oscar De La Hoya.

Golden Boy Promotions vice-president Eric Gomez pointed this out, saying that being on top of the sport today – as the world’s pound-for-pound king and boxing’s top attraction - Pacquiao is in the position to choose who is going to be his opponent from a long list of contenders and impose his conditions upon them.

Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title holder Miguel Cotto is currently the leading candidate for the Pacquiao sweepstake. Waiting in line are fighters considered among the best in boxing today, from Sugar Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Jr, to Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Manny is driving the car right now," said the soft-spoken Golden Boy official.

“He can say who he wants to fight and that’s a great position to be in boxing. Oscar was in that position for many years and Manny is in that position right now."

Gomez is aware of a possible Pacquiao-Cotto fight, which Top Rank Promotions chairman Bob Arum is now trying to work on. The veteran promoter has already penciled a November 14 duel at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Latest development on the fight was Arum’s meeting with HBO Sports senior vice president Mark Taffet on the likelihood of televising the bout on pay-per-view.

Taffet confirmed the network talked with Top Rank involving a Pacquiao fight scheduled on November 14, but said no deals have yet been finalized.

Gomez is not about to criticize a Pacquiao-Cotto match – both fighters being under the Top Rank stable – but believes Mosley could make a better match up for the Filipino ring icon.

“Shane is willing to do it. You just can’t forget Shane. When you talk about boxing’s pound-for-pound, there is a guy in Shane Mosley who beat the guy in Antonio Margarito, who is considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters today," Gomez said.

He added Pacquiao could even look at the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez bout, although that meant the Filipino ring icon would have to wait a little following the postponement of the showdown, originally scheduled on July 18, after the comebacking Floyd Jr. suffered an injury in his ribs during training camp.

Source: gmanews.tv

If Mayweather Is Smart, He'll Fight Pacquiao Now

2009-06-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday two big events unfolded that will more than likely affect the boxing landscape in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions for the remainder of 2009. The first being the Floyd Mayweather versus Juan Manuel Marquez bout to be fought at a catch-weight limit of 144 was postponed due to Mayweather suffering a rib injury during training last week. A few hours after the press release for that went out, Miguel Cotto scored a 12-round split decision victory over Joshua Clottey to retain his WBO welterweight.

Ever since Mayweather announced he was coming out of retirement 16 months after his last fight, a fews hours before Manny Pacquiao stopped Ricky Hatton in the second round to capture the IBO junior welterweight title, it's been widely accepted that a Pacquiao 49-3-2 (37 KOs) vs. Mayweather 39-0 (25 KOs) bout is the biggest fight in boxing. All Mayweather had to do was get past Marquez on July 18th. Assuming Mayweather got past Marquez all that would've remained to make the fight a reality were the fighters agreeing on the purse splits each would net from the fight. That no doubt would've been tougher than the fight they'd most likely deliver.

With both fighters being hell bent on a 60/40 split in their favor, it was hard to see either one conceding since both whole heartedly believe they're entitled to the bigger piece of the pie. And it's easy to see why they felt that way with Mayweather being undefeated and thought to have been the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing when he retired, a title Pacquiao has earned since Mayweather's contrived retirement. Not only has Pacquiao succeeded Mayweather as the top fighter in boxing at the moment, he's also the biggest draw in the sport, a claim that Floyd has never been able to support. Regardless whether someone is a Mayweather fan or so-called hater, that's the truth.

All one needs to do is ask themself what's a bigger fight -- Pacquiao vs. Cotto/Mosley/ Margarito or Mayweather vs. Cotto/Mosley/Margarito? The inescapable answer is it's Pacquiao who can deliver bigger PPV dollars fighting anyone of the other three, not Mayweather. And the reason for that is Pacquiao's fights are always exciting and action packed. Whereas Mayweather is more of a technician who takes the bullets out of his opponents’ guns instead of engaging them in a shoot out. Boxing fans enjoy seeing skilled fighters who are explosive more than they do skilled craftsmen. That's not Mayweather's fault it's just the way it is.

The truth is Pacquiao holds all the cards regarding the purse split. Add to that Miguel Cotto is now the leader in the fight Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes coupled with Mayweather's fight with Marquez not even rescheduled yet -- Floyd is beginning to lose bargaining chips that he never really held. Which I'm sure hasn't gone unnoticed by Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum. That's why we'll probably start to see the hype for Pacquiao-Cotto begin to escalate, with the intent being to bring Mayweather to his senses and agree to a 60/40 or possibly a 57/43 purse split.

With Arum controlling the money it's hard to fathom that he really wants Pacquiao tying up with Cotto or Mosley, at least before he fights Mayweather, for one obvious reason. That being there's too much guaranteed money to chance. Physically, Pacquiao is in much deeper water fighting Cotto or Mosley than he is Mayweather. That’s something that the avid Pacquiao faction might dispute, but then they'd probably see him as the favorite over anyone up to junior middleweight with the exception of Paul Williams.

That said, Cotto and Mosley have a much better chance of beating up and embarrassing Pacquiao than Mayweather does. In a fight with Cotto and especially Mosley, it's not a given that Manny's power would overwhelm them. And if he can't hold them off there's a real chance they could work him over pretty good, assuming they're not dead at the weight. However, if Pacquiao fights Mayweather it's doubtful he'll get stopped or take a beating. The more likely scenario is Mayweather will move away and look to box and counter Pacquiao as he presses forward. And there's no doubt about the fact that if the fight happens, Manny will have to go to Floyd because that's how he fights every opponent.

Mayweather should take a page out of Sugar Ray Leonard's playbook when he fought Marvin Hagler. And that's fight Pacquiao with no tune up fight like Leonard, who was coming off a much longer layoff than Floyd is, when he fought Hagler. Not only does it give him a convenient excuse if he loses, as it would've Leonard, but if he wins it makes it that much more satisfying and special.

Another reason why Mayweather should go straight to Pacquiao is -- what does he do if Pacquiao ends up fighting and beating Cotto? Not only does it take Cotto off the table for a future fight, but it gives Pacquiao even more bargaining power. Think about it. If Mayweather beats Marquez in September or October, if they even fight, and Pacquiao beats Cotto in November, not only does Mayweather have one less opponent to make a big fight with, but he loses even more power to negotiate for a purse split.

Then again maybe he could fight Shane Mosley, as he mentioned to Brian Kenny during their back-and-forth last month, who has five losses? Sure, that makes sense. Now fight Mosley when the risk/reward factor has never been more out of balance! No, I don't think so. If there's one thing Floyd Mayweather has shown beyond a doubt during his terrific career, it's that he's just too smart to take a fight with so much to lose and little to gain against such a formidable and dangerous opponent.

When all is said and done there's just no getting around it that Pacquiao-Mayweather should happen this coming November. The only way for that to happen is for Mayweather to come back to reality and try to raise Arum/Pacquiao as much as he can to increase his percentage above the 60/40 split they offered, something that can probably be achieved because Arum and Pacquiao would rather walk away with 57% of Manny's biggest payday instead of holding out for 60% and risk the fight never being realized due to unforeseen events. It's boxing and Arum has been involved in it since Cassius Clay arrived on the scene. So he knows there's no guarantee that Pacquiao beats Cotto or that maybe Mayweather's body doesn't betray him in a future fight.

As far as Mayweather there's no other viable option. Since his pro debut Floyd's career has been brilliantly managed. That said he's never been a box office draw. In the three high profile fights of his career he was at the short end of the purse split versus Arturo Gatti and Oscar De La Hoya. Only against Ricky Hatton did he garner the bigger percent. Yet the fight was a big PPV attraction because of the fact that Hatton drew from an entire country, something Mayweather likes to say about Spanish and Mexican fighters. Pacquiao wasn't the draw versus De La Hoya and split the purse with Hatton, but he won both of those fights impressively and that's why he's the top attraction in boxing as of this writing.

Most sophisticated boxing observers know that Mayweather's retirement was orchestrated and planned. The intent was to give him a rest and infuse interest in him for a comeback bout, on top of aiding him in avoiding competitive fights in boxing’s most competitive division in which he fought, welterweight. The problem turned out to be that Pacquiao came along and defeated his two biggest name opponents, De La Hoya and Hatton, much more convincingly than he did. That isn't necessarily the be-all end-all, but it is to the boxing fans who put their money where their mouth is that buy PPV fights. That's why Pacquiao can call the shots.

So for the first time in his career Mayweather may have miscalculated and in a big way. The only thing left for him to do is realize that to become the man again in boxing he must fight Pacquiao this coming fall. Beating him would give Mayweather leverage if there's a rematch, something that's very plausible since if he did win it would most likely be by decision. On the other hand if he loses a close fight he can say he should've taken a tune up and may get a rematch.

If Floyd Mayweather is smart, he'll go straight to Pacquiao. Better do it soon, because the LA Times reports that Pacquiao and Cotto are in negotiations for a November match.

Source: thesweetscience.com

Cotto Ready For Pacquiao - Or Anybody Else

2009-06-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK — Every once in a while, Manny Pacquiao would lean over to Top Rank boss Bob Arum and whisper something, perhaps giving the promoter a blow-by-blow analysis of Miguel Cotto's welterweight title defense against Joshua Clottey.

Then again, the pound-for-pound king may have been describing how he'd handle Cotto himself.

The pride of Puerto Rico bruised his way to a split decision over Clottey on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, with Pacquiao seated just a few feet from the ring. Cotto's bloody win may set up a big-money fight between them this fall, although there will be others lining up for a chance at one of the most exciting fighters in the game.

"The people have to wait until I rest a little bit," Cotto said after the fight, a deep gash over his left eye heavily bandaged. "I'm on vacation."

Cotto was evasive in discussing the myriad of potential opponents lined up before him, leaving that task to Arum, who made it clear that Pacquiao is at the head of the pack.

"This fight showed me that Cotto and Pacquiao is a dead-even fight," Arum told a group of reporters seated ringside. "I think it's a very competitive fight. Cotto-Pacquiao is the fight I want to make. It's the fight I really want to make."

It's a fight that should be quite simple to make, considering both are promoted by Top Rank. But there are still plenty of details to be decided: when the fight will be held, where it will take place, how the purse will be split, and at what weight they'll meet.

Arum said November is a possibility, but the venue is another matter. Cotto has fought mainly on the East Coast and didn't fare well out west, losing a now controversial bout to Antonio Margarito in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Pacquiao has made Sin City his home-away-from-home. He's waged his last five fights there, including his destruction of Oscar De La Hoya and brutal knockout of Ricky Hatton.

Both fighters will feel as though they're the marquee attraction, which could make the negotiations sticky, but the weight appears to be the other big hangup.

Cotto is a strong welterweight, and hasn't fought below 140 pounds since 2006. The former junior welterweight titleholder would have a considerable size advantage over Pacquiao, whose first title more than a decade ago was in the flyweight division.

"People think this would be like leading the lamb to the slaughter," said Arum, who confided that they might agree to fight between 142 and 145 pounds. "I don't see that."

Many people said the same thing when Pacquiao fought De La Hoya at 147 pounds, and again when he fought Hatton at 140. Both times the charismatic Filipino champion used his superior speed and punching ability to negate any size difference.

All that said, there are other options for Cotto.

The WBO titleholder could face WBA champ Shane Mosley in a rematch of their 2007 bout, or he could fight FloydMayweatherJr. But a bout with Mayweather may take longer, after he postponed his fight next month with Juan Manuel Marquez because of a rib injury while training.

"Mayweather won't fight anybody who can beat him," Arum said, quickly dismissing a Cotto matchup. "Psychologically, he cannot take a defeat."

The leaves one other serious contender for Cotto's next fight: Margarito, who dealt him his only loss.

The former champion from Mexico brutally beat Cotto when they fought last year, but a few months later Margarito was found to have a substance that resembled plaster-of-paris on his hand wraps before a subsequent loss to Mosley. That made some question whether his win over Cotto was also tainted.

Margarito and his trainer Javier Capetillo had their boxing licenses revoked by the California State Athletic Commission, and it would take reinstatement for the fight to go off.

"After a questionable loss, I never said anything about it," Cotto said. "Everybody wants to think he used illegal things with me. That's all right. I have to think he fought me the correct way."

Arum called a potential rematch with Margarito, whom he also promotes, "a huge fight."

"The Margarito fight is a possibility when he comes back after his suspension. I will take him on," Cotto said. "Like always, I want to fight the best, so whoever is out there and willing, I am here." - AP

Source: gmanews.tv

Floyd Mayweather’s Next "Money" Move?

2009-06-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

Now, that the Mayweather-Marquez fight is on hold due to Floyd’s rib injury and amidst rumblings that ticket sales were less than record setting is it reasonable to believe that Floyd’s bargaining power leading into a future negotiation with Manny Pacquiao will be diminished? I think the answer is “yes”.

In previous statements, Floyd has always pointed to his record setting PPV buy rates in matches between common opponents as proof that HE’S the bigger draw between the two and as such deserves a higher percentage of the purse split. The fight with Juan Manuel Marquez could turn out to disprove that claim and may be clear cut evidence that Floyd alone does not have enough fan appeal to draw in paying customers. As it stands today, he can use the fact that he reached a higher plateau at the box office than Manny but not if he doesn’t reach a comparable plateau against Marquez.. That will render his arguments invalid. Some think it’s invalid now. It is true that his fights against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton garnered more revenue than Manny’s but it’s also true that the real attraction in those fights wasn’t Mayweather. Perhaps Floyd’s antics raised the overall visibility of those fights but there’s little doubt that the majority of the paying customers were paying to see Oscar and Ricky. Not to mention, they were paying to see Oscar and Ricky win. Some have made the argument that prior to those two fights Floyd’s marketability was limited to hardcore fight fans and that his exposure to a larger general audience didn’t take place until the Arturo Gatti fight. In that fight, Arturo was the draw. In the end it was Floyd’s absolute mastery and dominance that became the story but he wasn’t the one that people tuned into see. Granted, afterwards he did emerge as a bigger star and it gave him the visibility he needed leading into the fight with De La Hoya. Before that fans were somewhat lukewarm to Floyd at the box office. Poor returns on the Marquez fight may remind people of that time and I’m sure if they don’t remember, Bob Arum will be there to jog their memory.

Currently, from a business perspective Floyd and his team are in a tough spot.

So, if you’re Floyd’s advisors what do you do now? Do you try to get out of the Marquez fight? I think if they could they would. With Manny very near to signing to fight with Miguel Cotto and the possibility that Floyd’s fight with Marquez will significantly diminish his bargaining power the question they must be asking themselves is “how do we get out of this fight?”! If he doesn’t he could lose Pacquiao all together because there is NO GUARANTEE that Manny will beat Cotto. In fact, in the minds of many boxing insiders Miguel Cotto is the worst opponent for Pacquiao because of his definite power and the redemptive stakes involved.

Upon considering all this some interesting scenarios begin to emerge when looking at Floyd’s possible future.

Scenario #1, if he moves forward with the Marquez fight and wins in his usual manner by decision as most expect but the box office returns are relatively poor then he can forget about getting a 50/50 split with Pacquiao! Frankly, he can forget about 55/45 too because Arum will demand and GET the original 60/40 split in Manny’s favor. At that point, Floyd will have no choice but to accept that. In my opinion, the only way for Floyd to avoid this fate would be by delivering SPECTACULAR knock out of JMM. Regardless, of the PPV returns he can then make the argument to THE PUBLIC that he utterly destroyed a fighter that Manny is perceived to have struggled with. It won’t matter so much that fewer people actually tuned in to see that fight when there are thousands of replays through every media outlet available along with Floyd himself LOUDLY banging the drum as we all know is his talent. A win in that fashion will also start up a new argument that will ultimately be decided by the Ring Magazine when they publish their new P4P rankings. Who’ll be #1? That ranking will go a long way in determining Floyd’s new bargaining power. You can bet that there will be many pundits who proclaim Floyd #1 and Manny #2. We may even be split down the middle. If that does happens then you can expect a long and tedious negotiation process for a PBF-MP fight. Toss in the bad blood between Arum and Mayweather and we may suffer through months of back and forth.

Scenario #2, if Manny moves forward and does fight Miguel Cotto and BEATS him then it doesn’t matter what Floyd does against Marquez because Manny at that point will have won 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions. That historic event will put his struggles with Juan Manuel Marquez to bed for good and Floyd will be back to the original 60/40 deal. Take it or leave it. Manny could also then threaten to do business with “Sugar” Shane Mosley indicating to the public that “he” wants to clean up the division. After all it was Shane who took out the often avoided and generally perceived to be the #1 fighter in the division, the now disgraced Antonio Margarito. Manny at that point could even flirt with the idea of challenging the light hitting Cory Spinks at Jr middleweight for an 8th world title in as many weight divisions. (That’s a bit of a stretch but I wanted to put it out there any way. You never know how invincible he might be feeling after winning a 7th world title. Don’t underestimate a fighter’s ego!) The historic implications alone of such a match would do huge numbers. Bob Arum would have no problem making a fight like that a “must see” for even the casual sports fans. All this of course is bad business for Floyd. He could potentially be left out in the cold.

Scenario #3, Manny takes on Cotto and is BEATEN! Suddenly, Manny is no longer the #1 fighter in the world and his marketability outside of the Philippines is back to the pre-De La Hoya level. It will matter HOW Manny is beaten as well. If he loses by close decision then he may still be able to command a decent percentage in a fight with Floyd but if he is knocked out all bets are off! Manny could also find himself left out in the cold because at that point the only fight that would really make sense would be between Mayweather and Cotto. That scenario is also bad for Floyd because you can bet that he won’t be making any where near the amount of cash that he would have against Pacquiao regardless of the percentage split. Not to mention, that Miguel Cotto will gain a renewed confidence and credibility by beating Manny and could threaten to sign a Margarito rematch instead of a fight with Floyd and use that as his bargaining chip. By doing so he could potentially leave Floyd the odd man out or at least command a 50/50 split. Arum may even attempt to get a percentage split that favors Miguel.

Again, that would depend on how Cotto wins.

Scenario #4, Floyd finds a way to get out of his fight with Marquez and starts negotiations with Manny now. He can then negotiate based upon the higher revenue returns for his fights with Oscar and Ricky. In order to do that he would have to provide some kind of back room compensation to JMM and Golden Boy Promotions. Step aside deals are nothing new in professional boxing. In my opinion, that would seem to be the safest way to go and Floyd has always shown a safety first approach in the ring as well as at the negotiation table.

If they can’t opt out of that fight I have a couple of recommendations for Team Mayweather.

#1, Knock out Juan Manuel Marquez in SPECTACULAR fashion and #2, PRAY that Manny Pacquiao gets past Miguel Cotto in one piece!

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Arum Getting In The Way Of Fight With Pacquiao - Mosley

2009-06-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

There’s no stopping WBA welterweight titleholder “Sugar” Shane Mosley from getting what he wants—a showdown with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Mosley, a former No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter himself, took it out on Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum.

“The only person that’s stopping the fight is Bob Arum. Bob Arum has his own investments into the fight as far as him wanting to re-sign Cotto and get him a big fight,” he told Percy Crawford of FightHype.com.

“Then he has Pacquiao. He will give Cotto a little money to keep him happy because he really doesn’t deserve any of it,” he said of the Puerto Rican WBO welterweight champion.

Talks about a Pacquiao-Cotto fight gained ground after Cotto defeated Joshua Clottey last June 13 at the Madison Square Garden in New York. Negotiations for Pacquiao’s next bout are said to be ongoing.

Bigger fight

Mosley, meantime, has been vocal about his desire to fight Pacquiao. He even offered a 40-60 split just to face “the Pacman.” He stressed that his fight with Pacquiao will be a “bigger fight” than Pacquiao-Cotto.

“We have the biggest names by far and Pacquiao’s legacy wouldn’t be damaged losing to me,” remarked Mosley.

“I just want to tell Pacquiao to do the right thing for boxing,” he went on.

“I don’t understand… well, I do understand what Bob Arum wants to do, but I wouldn’t understand why Pacquiao wouldn’t take the fight.”

He then suggested, “I think you guys should put a poll up and the Philippine fans vote which one they think would be a bigger fight and who they want to see Pacquiao fight next, Shane Mosley or Miguel Cotto!”

“Let’s see who the Philippine fans want Pacquiao to fight next,” added Mosley.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Which Doctor Is Witch For Cash Cow Floyd Mayweather?

2009-06-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of speculation as to who the doctor in charge of treating boxing’s self-proclaimed “Cash Cow” Floyd Mayweather Jr. is.

Mayweather claims rib cartilage injury which caused him to cancel or postpone a comeback bout against Juan Manuel Marquez.

I’ve learned that, despite what some Pacanimals might say, the Boxing Bovine is not being seen by a veterinarian.

Doctors have not, however, ruled out the entire Mayweather family being hit by "Mad Cow Disease."

Among those well known doctors who may be handling the Mayweather malady are:
1. “Fright Doctor” and former NBC fight announcer Dr. Ferdie Pacheco.
2. Dr. Kildare, former TV heartthrob.
3. Dr. Ben Casey in consulation with the older, wiser Dr. Zorba.
4. Dr. Hunter S. Thompson via a séance from Gonzo Heaven.
5. Dr. Richard Kimble, a “Fugitive” who can only make house calls.
6. Doctor Demento, the DJ famous for playing whacked out music.
7. Dr. Aflac, known to be a quack from way back.
8. Doc Severinson without the “Tonight Show band.
9. Dock Ellis without the LSD.
10. Dr. Zhivago who was Russian to fly in from Siberia.
11, Entire staff at "St. Elsewhere."

Source: examiner.com

Arum Prefers Cotto as Pacquiao’s Next Rival

2009-06-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum on Sunday expressed his preference for the Filipino ring icon to face off with another Top Rank fighter, Puerto Rican WBO welterweight champ Miguel Cotto, in his next fight.

Speaking after Cotto scored a split decision over Joshua Clottey in Saturday’s title fight at the Madison Square Garden in New York (Sunday in Manila), Arum said he would sit down with Cotto and his advisers to work out a possible Pacquiao-Cotto tussle, which he feels would be a “tremendous fight."

“We’re going to have to talk to the Cotto people. He has a lot of options. I would like for him to fight Manny Pacquiao. That would be a tremendous fight and I hope we can get it done for November," Arum was quoted in a report on Fightnews.com.

Feeling he won the fight, Clottey immediately asked for a rematch with Cotto but Arum said “economics" would come into the picture, meaning the Puerto Rican champion would likely go for a bigger fight next, possibly against boxing’s current top draw Pacquiao.

“This (Cotto-Clottey showdown) was a great fight, and under ordinary circumstances Clottey deserves a rematch. But we have economics. It’s just not going to happen next," the Top Rank boss said.

Pacquiao was at ringside during the fight. He had earlier expressed willingness to take on anybody after pulverizing erstwhile light-welterweight boss Ricky “Hitman" Hatton provided his camp and his next foe would agree to fight terms, including purse split and catch weight for welterweights like Cotto and Sugar Shane Mosley.

But most fight fans want to see a duel between the “Pacman" and comebacking Floyd Mayweather, Jr., who is set to duke it out with lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez next month in a fight at welterweight that also interests Pacquiao.

Arum, though, seemed cold on Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound king who would likely insist on getting the lion’s share of the purse, for Pacquiao or Cotto.

Taking a dig at Mayweather, Arum said: “Floyd has a fight coming up with Marquez. Then he’ll probably want to fight (WBO light-flyweight titlist Ivan) Calderon. Floyd just doesn’t fight big guys. Let’s be honest, he doesn’t fight big guys."

Cotto said he wants to take a breather from his hard fight first before thinking about his next outing. Asked about his future plans, Cotto said: “Vacation…the people have to wait until I rest a little bit."

But Arum apparently has plans for him already – the "Pacman."

Despite the difference in weight between Pacquiao and Cotto, Arum said Pacquiao has already proven he can climb in weight with the same devastating power when he dismantled Hatton.

"He (Cotto) and Pacquiao is a dead-even fight," Arum said in a separate report from the Associated Press.

Pacquiao is in New York not only to scout possible foe Cotto but also to receive the Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America and support Rodel Mayol in his eventually unsuccessful crack at the world title against Calderon.

Source: gmanews.tv

Now What?

2009-06-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

The news arrived in a press release on Sunday afternoon - Floyd Mayweather, scheduled to face Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, would be forced out of that assignment due to a rib injury.

So now what?

"I really don't have any updates, as of yet," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer on Monday afternoon. "It really is driven by the doctor’s opinion, Floyd is going to see the doctor again this week and we will then see what is the earliest date we can reschedule the fight for."

The hope is that Mayweather-Marquez will take place on September 19th at the same venue.

There has been speculation that perhaps Mayweather pulled out of this fight to instead face a Miguel Cotto or Manny Pacquiao in the late fall. But Schaefer stated to Maxboxing that, "Both Mayweather and Marquez are committed to the fight. We had conversations with HBO, with sponsors, as well as with the venue, and we will know more once we find out about how Floyd is feeling. I'm told he's in a tremendous amount of pain and so we are very concerned about that and we hope he's going to feel better soon and is going to be able to resume his training. He was very disappointed, devastated - everything was lined up and planned.

“He obviously had in his mind that he's going to take care of this fight with Marquez and then was looking forward to a showdown later on in the year, another big fight, be it with Pacquiao or a Shane Mosley. Obviously, this injury now derails these plans and it looks like he's only going to be fighting once this year."

According to Bob Arum, Pacquiao-Mayweather will not take place in 2009 with this latest development.

“What he did with this injury," said the veteran promoter from his offices in Las Vegas on Monday, "is put himself out of all consideration for a Pacquiao fight this year. He clearly did because obviously the earliest he'll be able to postpone it would be September 19th, and obviously even if he knocked the guy out in one round, you couldn't schedule another fight this year."

Arum has been told by 'the Pac Man', who watched this past weekend’s fight at the Madison Square Garden between Cotto and Joshua Clottey, to make his next bout for November the 14th.

“My orders are to make a fight with Miguel Cotto and I assume I'll be able to do that; if I can't, I'll look to Shane Mosley," said Arum. Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, is asking for a catch-weight of 144, while Cotto's people would settle for 145. Arum says, "I assume that's not going to be an issue."

Arum doesn't buy all the conspiracy theories surrounding Mayweather's ailment.

“I believe the injury is legitimate, because yes, the fight wasn't doing well in July and maybe it'll do better in September - which is certainly a more appropriate date. But it's clear that he now has to look to next year to fight Pacquiao, assuming he's able to beat Cotto."

ICEBERG AVERTED?

It really is anyone’s guess if Mayweather is really hurt or not and certainly a lot has been written as to the 'real' reason this event was pulled. It was no secret within the industry that the fight was struggling at the box office. Sources tell Maxboxing that no more than 3,000 tickets were sold, and ticket brokers weren't exactly rushing to put in orders. It's difficult to have a secondary market when there isn't much of a demand for the event to begin with. Not only was this fight seen as a physical mismatch in many circles, the tickets (which ranged from $1,000 to $150) seemed a bit pricey, particularly in this current economy.

But this promotion seemed doomed from the start. Not only is July a tough month in terms of pay-per-view (usually promoters and networks try and steer clear from the dog days of summer) but it's traditionally a slow period for Las Vegas (something about those 110-degree nights). This event also was most likely going to be overshadowed by UFC 100, which is expected to be a gala event, and one that also takes place in 'Sin City' on July 11th. That card sold-out in mere minutes.

There is also the harsh reality - which seems pretty clear now - that Marquez, for all his greatness, was the third banana behind the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and never considered a real draw, even among the hardcore Mexican fans. As for Mayweather, his claims of being the biggest draw in boxing based on his fights versus Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton seem to ring hollow. In both events, he was the clear B-side of the equation.

For him to claim he was the driving reason that those promotions did the numbers they did would be like Sasha Vujacic telling his grandkids in the future that on the night of January 22nd, 2006, when the Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors at the Staples Center, that he and Kobe Bryant combined for 84 points to lead the purple and gold to victory. (For you that don't follow the NBA, that was the game where 'the Black Mamba' went off for 81.)

September 19th seems like a much better date for this particular promotion, because no matter how you slice it, Marquez is Mexican, at the very least. And this weekend, for about the past decade-and-a-half, has been designated as a regular pay-per-view slot. But if you look back, the biggest numbers on this platform have been produced by one common denominator - Oscar De La Hoya. Unfortunately, on this night - should this fight be rescheduled for this date - he'll be ringside with a credential around his neck.

And here's another factor - Mexicans are a bit more discerning than some would like to believe. Will they really show up in droves or drive up pay-per-view sales for a fight where their guy is such a decided underdog? Mexican boxing fans like to see Mexican boxers win. They’re not forking over their hard-earned money to see their man get thrashed. Trust me, I've asked more than a few out here in Montebello/East L.A. about this issue. There is a certain irony of seeing a Mexican trying to overcome steep odds on Mexican Independence Day weekend.

But this date is the lesser of two evils. Getting off of July 18th is akin to the Titanic steering clear of a certain iceberg. The question is, will this promotion float a month later?

NOT YET

Top Rank and Golden Boy had planned to stage a pay-per-view show on September 19th based around a fight between WBC lightweight titlist Edwin Valero and Joel Casamayor. I mean, is there any better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day than a hook-up between a Venezuelan and Cuban? But seriously, rational thinking prevailed.

"Both Bob and I felt that it was just not enough of a pay-per-view card," said Schaefer. "We just didn't feel that we could put the pay-per-view together where we could both feel proud about and feel good about it. So we said, 'Look, we're definitely not going to do a pay-per-view' and we basically walked away from the date, both Bob and I did. We were not planning on doing anything. We were trying hard with HBO. Bob was in New York last week to see if we could convince HBO to go live that weekend but because of budgetary reasons, they couldn't do it and so we decided we weren't going to go September 19th."

But things changed with Mayweather-Marquez being postponed.

"So obviously this happened, now, the injury, so we are holding the MGM Grand, I'm holding the pay-per-view date and we just have to see the next few days what's going to happen with Floyd."

As for Valero-Casamayor, Arum says, "We have pay-per-view dates that will probably be in October or maybe the week later in September."

Source: maxboxing.com

Mosley: Manny Gets A Lot More If He Fights Me

2009-06-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley thinks Manny Pacquiao will get a better deal if he decides to get in the ring with him instead of World Boxing Organization (WBO) champ Miguel Cotto.

“A fight with me will make more money. I know there have been numbers going on out there like Cotto making 5 or 6 million and Manny making 10, 11 or 12. But in a fight with me, he will make more money,” Mosley said in an interview with boxing analyst Julius Stecker.

Mosley said he could not see how a Pacquiao-Cotto fight would be much bigger than a match with him especially after the Puerto Rican’s split decision win over Clottey.

He said a Pacquiao-Cotto match up is not exactly what fight fans would like to see.

“And why fight Cotto? He almost lost to Joshua Clottey. It was a fight that he easily could have lost. Cotto ran around the ring in the last few rounds. The fight with Cotto is not the best fight for boxing or fight fans, or Manny Pacquiao fans,” said Mosley.

Mosley has reportedly offered a 40-60 revenue share favoring Pacquiao just to get the Filipino to fight him.

Aside from the higher revenue cut, Mosley has also offered to meet Pacquiao at the 144-pound catch weight.

“I am trying to make the fight happen. I threw a bone out to Pacquiao saying I would fight him at 144. I am the Welterweight Champion of the World, Cotto isn’t. I am the former Pound for Pound champion, Cotto isn’t. Pacquiao is the pound for pound champion. We should be fighting. [Top Rank promoter] Bob Arum is not letting this happen,” said the WBA champion.

Arum is strongly pushing for a fight between Cotto and Pacquiao who are both under his promotional outfit. However, fight fans will have to wait until November 14 for the fight to materialize. Arum said they have given Cotto some time to let the cut that he sustained against Clottey heal.

“Even if you look at Cotto’s gash, do you think it will heal in time? It might just open up again if he fights Pacquiao. The fans need to know that the best and biggest fight in boxing right now is with me,” said Mosley.

He added that their “similarities” would make the fight more interesting for the fans.

"Manny and me are the same. We will fight anybody…That is what I do, I am a fighter. I fought guys nobody would fight, Vernon Forrest, and Winky Wright. That is the same with Manny,” said Mosley.

The WBA champion, who recently demolished Cotto beater Antonio Margarito, said Pacquiao should weigh things carefully if he’s thinking about his legacy for the sport.

“Do the right thing, Manny. Fight the best fight for the fans, and the best fight for your legacy. You have nothing to lose by fighting me. There will be more prestige in fighting me then Cotto. I will enhance your legacy. Whatever Bob Arum money can offer you, I can offer more and then some,” he said.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Forget about Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr. Dream Match in 2009

2009-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s injury has been identified. “Money” has been reported to have damaged cartilage in his ribs and will not be able to train for his comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez until approved by a doctor. Contrary to previous reports however, Floyd doesn’t have a broken rib, but the injury he sustained is serious just the same. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo injured his rib cartilage during the team's final game against the Philadelphia Eagles last year, when Romo fumbled and was sacked then benched. His coach Wade Phillips said a flare-up of the pain caused Romo to collapse in the shower afterward.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, told The Associated Press on Monday that Mayweather has been in tremendous pain since suffering the injury during training on Thursday.

"He tried to work through it. He really did not want to postpone the fight, but it came to the point where he could barely sit," Schaefer said. "He could not train, he could not move and there was really not much of a choice."

Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) was scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but because of the injury, had to postpone the fight.

Schaefer said both fighters have agreed and intend to reschedule their fight to somewhere around September if they can get a “go” from the doctors by then. Some have speculated that the silent response from fight fans in the box office contributed to the postponement of the fight and that promoters will move the fight to a more favorable, later day date like the Mexican Independence day around August to help sell tickets. Golden Boy and the Mayweather camp insists though that it’s Floyd’s physical condition that is stopping the fight from happening at the originally scheduled July 18 date. Cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum, and can tear away after direct blows to the chest, other trauma or particularly violent coughs and sneezes.

"Right now he cannot go and train, he cannot work out, he cannot run, he cannot hit the heavy bag and the speed bags and jump ropes and all these kinds of things," Schaefer said. "He definitely will need some additional training but again, Floyd is such an amazing athlete and really on top of his game — that I think it will be relatively easy for him to get right back into it."

If all of these reports are indeed 100% true then it’s safe to say that the dream match everyone has been clamoring for between Floyd and Manny Pacquiao will definitely not happen this year. With Pacquiao’s desire to run in his country’s 2010 political race, and speculations abound about his retirement after one last fight, there’s a big possibility that if the fight does not happen in 2009, that it may never happen at all.

There are still a lot of factors though and anything can happen, so I’m leaving my doors and windows open for a fight between Floyd and Manny to happen- I’m just not counting on it. As of now, Pacquiao looks like he’s ready to face Miguel Cotto on November 14 and Golden Boy promotions seems to be intent on shoving Shane Mosley some way some how in Pacquiao's throat. Once Floyd realizes that he isn't as big as he thinks he is and Bob Arum and Pacquiao come up with a reasonable cut for Floyd to bite, then the dream match fans have been asking for with remain just that. Here's hoping this won't end up like the Roy Jones Jr.-Bernard Hopkins rematch saga.

As a fight fan, I’d rather Pacquiao fight Cotto though, since Cotto is the younger fighter and holds a win over Mosley himself. Cotto’s lone loss also has an asterisk on it since the guy he lost to, Antonio Margarito, got busted for juicing up his fists in his next fight. A fight against Cotto will make better sense for Pacquiao financially too since both of them are under the same promotional company, Top Rank. Pacquiao can even try and demand for the fight to happen in his hometown in Manila if he truly wants to boost his political chances. At the end of the day, I just hope Floyd and Manny meets on top of the ring eventually.It’s the fight that makes the most sense cause honestly, either of them can fight Marquez and Cotto next, but what the world wants is to see Mayweather and Pacquiao now.

Source: examiner.com

Mayweather-Marquez: Potential New Date, Lots Of Talk

2009-06-21T19:24:00.001-07:00

While Juan Manuel Marquez has come out and said that his postponed July 18 fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be moved to September 19, the biggest stuff going on is the doubt being bandied about by boxing fans and writers.

While Mayweather's rib injury appears 100% legit, FightHype's Ben Thompson says that poor ticket sales may be just as much if not more to blame for the postponement of the bout. The 11 weeks of promotional time was pretty short, but it seems doable for a Mayweather return. They went on an immediate press blitz, but an anonymous source said bluntly, "Ticket sales suck."

I'm no conspiracy theorist, and I'm no Floyd basher, and I'm a huge Marquez fan, and I was looking forward to the fight even though I had reservations about how competitive it would be, and since I think it will still wind up happening, I maintain those reservations.

But ticket sales were bad and this fight was not measuring up to the level of anticipation I think Golden Boy and Mayweather expected. Part of this may even be blamed on "Mayweather Promotions," which was the lead promoter for this fight, not Golden Boy, but that is pure speculation on my part, and only relevant, I feel, because Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe are not experienced at leading promotion for a card of this magnitude.

I have defended Floyd as a big star, and I still think he's a big star. But I'm ready to accept that he lost a lot of his post-Oscar, post-Hatton buzz with a series of blunders:

1. Dancing With the Stars: Yes, it's a popular show, and yes, it gave him some crossover appeal, but housewives and teen girls aren't about to follow his boxing career just because he has a winning smile. This is the least of the three, since I don't think it mattered much either way.
2. WrestleMania: I've said before I grew up a huge pro wrestling fan, still enjoy the older stuff I've always loved, and that I have no real beef with pro wrestling. But pro wrestling -- while hugely popular in fad periods -- is just not all that popular right now and I don't think it did him any favors. He went from talking about fighting in the UFC to pretend fighting The Big Show, you know? He could have been continuing his successful boxing career as the big dog, but instead he went to Monday Night Raw to cut rotten promos.
3. Retirement: No one bought it, it wasn't real, and all it did was cool his jets. I don't believe for one second he intended to never fight again.

Mayweather had fans, and still has them, but do I think he's really any bigger of a gate draw than Pacquiao right now? No, I don't. Probably less of one, in fact. I don't even think Mayweather could sell a Madison Square Garden fight the way Miguel Cotto can.

He's not the star he thinks he is. And I've said this before, but I think the biggest reason he "retired' was a not-even-lukewarm response from fans and press about his rematch with Oscar de la Hoya. Never forget that that fight was a go -- they had the press tour lined up. Suddenly, Mayweather retired. Why? What changed?

No one wanted that fight. And I don't think there's a whole lot of interest past Mexican fans when it comes to Mayweather-Marquez. It definitely isn't the huge fight HBO and Mayweather and Golden Boy thought it was going to be. You can talk about the economy, and it has a part in this, but people came out for Pacquiao-Hatton and bought the fight in big numbers.

Was an "ehhh" response from those in and around boxing partly to blame for Mayweather-Marquez getting pushed back? I'm not one to be sure about these things, but I think there could be something to it. If Mayweather-Pacquiao is to eventually happen, Mayweather will go out of his way to leverage the lion's share of the split. A poor financial showing with Marquez would've really hurt his position, no matter if or how he won the fight.

It's food for thought, at the very least.

Source: badlefthook.com

Pacquiao To Challengers: One At A Time, Please

2009-06-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is already excited for his next fight but is taking his sweet time to make his much-awaited choice for opponent.

The Pacman, who is eyeing an October or even November outing as a followup to his amazing disposal of erstwhile light-welterweight boss Ricky Hatton last month, has been on the sights of a number of marquee fighters.

Interested to challenge the Filipino ring icon are WBA welterweight champ Sugar Shane Mosley, comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr. his old rival Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Edwin Valero and the latest addition, former world champ Michael Katsidis.

Mosley created the biggest buzz lately when he declared willingness to go down in weight and take a 40-60 split just so he can meet Pacquiao on the ring.

While expressing openness to take on Mosley, Pacquiao stressed that he would not rush into forging a fight without consulting his team and going through proper negotiations. This is true with the rest of the fighters in the list of possible opponents, he reiterated.

Pacquiao is said to be waiting to see the June 13 fight of Cotto with Joshua Clottey and the July 18 tussle between Mayweather and Marquez before making his choice and starting the ball rolling on pre-fight talks.

Source: gmanews.tv

Can Wright Add Star Power to Mayweather vs. Marquez?

2009-06-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Now that Mayweather's July 18th return against Juan Manuel Marquez has been postponed, it appears that Golden Boy Promotions may be using the opportunity to stack the card with another big name to bolster interest in the event. According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, former jr. middleweight champion Winky Wright is hoping to land a spot on the undercard.

Apparently, Golden Boy matchmaker Eric Gomez is looking to pit Wright against middleweight contender Enrique Ornelas (28-5, 18KOs), who's coming off a split decision loss last October to former title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio. Wright himself is also coming off a unanimous decision loss to Paul Williams in a bout in which he lost virtually every round. Given that it had been nearly 21 months prior to that fight since Wright last fought, he's eager to get back into the ring to avoid another lengthy layoff.

"It's a definite possibility. I'll be glad to fight that guy and hope to do that fight, but we don't have nothing signed in ink. But I'll be glad to get right back and show everybody it's not over...We just gotta wait for Golden Boy to come back, and we can get it done. I'm ready to get back in the ring. I'll just be glad to get back and show the fans I'm still here," Wright revealed to Rafael.

It's extremely rare to get a pay-per-view card featuring more than one marquee name. One might think that the addition of Wright to an undercard that already features former welterweight champion Zab Judah is nearly impossible, but Wright is confident that money won't be an issue. "If this fight doesn't happen, trust me, it is not going to be because of the money," he reiterated. If that's the case and Wright is indeed added to the card, the now postponed clash between Mayweather and Marquez just became much more attractive as it harkens back to a time when promoters were more interested in putting together good cards as opposed to just big names headlining a main event.

Source: fighthype.com

Fraud Ribfaker? Baby Back Mayweather

2009-06-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Clouds of suspicion linger. They look like circulus nimbus clouds to me.They are thick clouds, ones that can only be cleared away by that rarest of boxing commodities, the truth.

Comment of the day here comes from "Pinoy Idol," who posts up better than LeBron James and Kobe Bryant combined with this gem.

"Mayweather's baby back ribs are slathered with Pacman duck sauce!"

Good one, Pinoy Idol, you made me laugh. But back to the truth...

I don’t mean the old r&b group, Undisputed Truth.

I mean the truth, the whole truth and nothing but…

Otherwise, this flimsy story about Fraud Ribfaker, I mean Floyd Fairweather or whatever his real name is and his supposed rib cartilage damage is going to explode into a scandal bigger than Richard Nixon’s disastrous Watergate burglary.

Below the clouds all I can see is smoke and mirrors. And I don’t mean the swirling but savory smoke of pork or beef ribs on the grill.

Here are this morning’s burning questions as to Ribgate:

1. Who was the sparring partner whose mighty left hook to the ribs left Mayfaker aching?

2. When exactly did the injury occur? All we know now is it was last week. (In photo above, Tricky Dick Nixon demonstrates the powerful right uppercut that he used against all foes, real or imaginary.)

3. Why isn’t the name of any doctor mentioned? Why the secrecy? Is this whole thing as fishy as the "election" in Iran?

4. How come Mayweather’s mouthpiece, Laughing Lenny Ellerbe, has gone to complete radio silence? Come to think of it, he’s from Washington so maybe he knows about clandestine activity and resulting cover-ups.

5. Did the sparring partner get a hefty bonus or was he immediately fired? Again, what is the name of the man who shot undefeated Liberty Valance?

6. Can we get a name, one name, of one actual ticket buyer, one real person who paid for a ducat for Marquez-Mayweather July 18? Persistent Vegas drumbeats have it that less than 300 tickets went through the sticky wickets. You couldn’t pay for one round of golf for Mr. De La Hoya at the Riviera Country Club with that chump change.

7. Has any medical documentation been requested by or given to Keith Kizer at the Nevada commission? If not, why not? The public has a right to know.

8. Will the Mayweather camp try to negotiate a complete ban on hitting above the belt but below the chin if and when PBF fights Pacific Storm Pacquiao? In simpler terms, no body shots allowed?

9. Who is the wise guy who labeled Mayweather’s x-rays “Belly of the Beast?”

10. Are the x-rays, if any, being kept hermetically sealed in a huge jar of mayonnaise inside a vault at the offices of Golden Boy Promotions?

Source: examiner.com

What's Next For Mayweather?

2009-06-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. learned an important lesson last week while training for his comeback fight in Las Vegas. He learned he’s not a kid any more.

The 32-year-old five-time world champion was forced to postpone his scheduled return to the ring next month against Juan Manuel Marquez because of a rib injury that no one yet knows the severity of. Mayweather issued a statement saying he was disappointed about having to delay his return to boxing and Marquez issued a statement saying he was disappointed that Mayweather had disappointed him by delaying his return to boxing but would be ready whenever he is to square off at the contracted weight of 144 pounds.

What we don’t know are many things including the severity of the injury, the number of weeks Mayweather will be unable to train and, most of all, whether he really has a rib injury in the first place or whether he was just having a tough time getting some weight off from around his ribs as he fought to get back down to 144 pounds, the lowest weight he will have fought at since 2005.

Mayweather is a gym rat and almost always in condition so conditioning itself is not an issue. But at 32 he may be finding out what we all do, which is paring off the pounds is not as easy after 30 as it once was.

Then again, maybe it was simply a training injury as announced, which certainly someone trying to come back from what will now be at least 21 months of civilian life might have expected. Such setbacks when trying to remind your body of what it once was are not unusual. In fact, they are the norm. So the announcement that Mayweather had asked for a postponement was hardly earth shattering news. Butit was a reminder that comebacks for fighters over 30 are no easy task and nothing to take for granted.

It is now anticipated, although not etched in stone, that he and the soon-to-be 36 year old Marquez will face each other on Sept. 19, a Mexican Independence Day weekend which quite often features a big fight in Las Vegas with an Aztec warrior as the headliner.

Marquez (50-4-1, 37) would fit that description and the roughly $4 million he’s been guaranteed to face Mayweather seemed to insure he isn’t going any where but Las Vegas any time soon. For him the concern is deciding whether to stop and then re-start his training or stay in the hills of Mexico to continue preparing for a fight with the undefeated Mayweather without knowing quite when it will be.

This is not as easy a decision as it might seem. A break for at least several weeks would be logical to avoid going stale by over training but until a new date is set Marquez cannot know for sure if the fight will come in August, which seems unlikely, and thus would demand he keep working or October, which is possible and then would obviously result in abandoning his present camp for a brief respite before returning to hard training himself.

As for Mayweather, Golden Boy Promotions has already stated they do not believe Mayweather broke a rib, instead speculating that it is a cartilage problem which would mean bruised ribs and a layoff of several weeks while they heal.

If the fight can be rescheduled for Sept, 19 (and there will be many factors there including HBO’s schedule, the MGM’s already planned events for that very popular weekend in Las Vegas and Mayweather’s healing powers), it should be easy enough for both fighters to begin training anew.

But if it drags on for a protracted period, or if Mayweather suffers any further setbacks, problems could follow that will not be as easy to solve.

Although Marquez badly wants to face Mayweather, he also wants to be sure he has another big payday before the end of the year. If anything else were to happen to Mayweather that could delay their fight further it would put his plans in jeopardy and at his age it is not wise to linger too long away from the sport.

Mayweather faces different problems. If he fights in September he will be coming off a 21-month layoff since he destroyed Ricky Hatton in December, 2007. That is not a significant problem because of his vast skills and the fact he never really gets out of shape. The problem comes if he were to sustain some sort of second injury or re-injures his ribs and again has to step a way from training.

He would then be forced to either ask for another postponement that could lead to Marquez looking at other options (Manny Pacquiao III?) or fight at less than 100 per cent to insure he doesn’t lose a shot at Marquez, which may not be to his liking either after 21 months away from the ring.

All of this may prove to be a moot point if Mayweather simply comes back into training in a few weeks with sound body and mind. But the fact is these are the kinds of things that happen to 32-year-old fighters who leave the arena for a protracted period and then decide to come right back against top level competition.

Boxing is not like piano playing, although Mayweather quite often makes it look and sound like beautiful music when he’s at his best. It is not like riding a bike, either.

Certainly one can leave and return but two years away is a long time, especially when one is asking their body to fight at a weight (144) it has not had to get down to in over four years. The effort to do that can lead to injuries and concerns.

Maybe Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has neither. Perhaps this was a simple training injury that could happen to anyone at any age and at any time.

But when it happens to you in the midst of a comeback against one of boxing’s finest craftsmen it makes people think about a lot of downside possibilities. The fact is those exist not only for Mayweather but also for Marquez if the postponement turns out to be anything more than one of minimal duration. If that happens, who knows what will follow?

Regardless, what Floyd Mayweather, Jr. learned last week when his ribs began to ache is that starting over in boxing at 32 is not as easy as getting in it at 22.

Source: thesweetscience.com

Mayweather is the 'CREAM' of the Boxing Crop

2009-06-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Starting on July 19, it could turn into a long, hot and boring summer for boxing’s CREAM of the crop, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

What does this mean CREAM of the crop? Thanks for asking me, my Pinoy and non-Piny pals.

C is for Cash as PBF is obssessed, as we all know, by filthy lucre.
R is for how his financial obsession rules his way of life.
E is for how this Money May Madness covers everything in his existence.
A is for everything around him.
M is for his favorite pronoun, me, me, me, me, me, me.
So put it together and he is CREAM, Cash Rules Everything Around Me.
So let’s suppose his comeback bout July 18 in Las Vegas, where live gate tickets are moving like half dead turtles or coldcakes, sees him beating back the Mexican Mediget, Juan Manuel Marquez.
By then, we will already know that Manny Pacquiao, to whom God, Country and personal pride are just as important as money if not more so, will be fighting Miguel Cotto or someone else not named Mayweather in October.
After that bout, Pacman will recharge his batteries briefly and then jump into his second political foray back home.

What then does Mayweather do?
I have a few suggestions:
1. Watch paint dry.
2. Go fishing every day in a dry creek.
3. Play hopscotch in the Nevada desert.
4. Learn some humility.
5. Find even smaller Mexicans to abuse.
6. Look up “modesty” in the dictionary.
7. Try to have a conversation without using “me” and “cash cow” as constant references.
8. Explain how and why he carried Ricky Flattened for 10 rounds.
9. Horror of horrors, fight a true welterweight named Sugar Shane Mosley.
10. Gargle with razor blades.

Souce: examiner.com

Mayweather, Marquez To Invite Obama, Calderon To Their Fight

2009-06-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will come out of retirement to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 in Las Vegas in a promotion called "Number One" or "Numero Uno."

And each hopes to have his nation's No. 1 fan at the fight.

Mayweather will invite President Barack Obama to the fight, and Marquez, from Mexico, will invite President Felipe Calderon to the mega-fight at the MGM Grand (HBO pay-per-view, 9 p.m. ET).

"It would be amazing to have President Obama ringside for my fight," said the undefeated Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs), who hasn't fought since knocking out Ricky Hatton in December 2007.

"With all of these patriotic holidays coming up, and the fact that I met him when he was campaigning to become President, I wanted to extend an invitation to the fight as my congratulations for his knock-out victory."

Marquez was equally excited about the possibility, however slim it may be, of Calderon showing up in Las Vegas.

"President Calderon is a true statesman for our country and it would be an honor for me to have him come to the fight," said Marquez. "Mayweather is the biggest challenge of my career and having my president there to witness my victory that night would be bigger than the victory itself."

Mayweather didn't stop at the president. He also invited Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the Senate Majority Leader and a longtime supporter of boxing, to the fight. Reid hosted Mayweather in Washington after the fighter defeated Oscar de la Hoya in May 2007.

Mayweather, a 1996 U.S. Olympian, hopes his return will breathe new life into American boxing. With the exception of the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson, Shane Mosley, Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams, most of the sports' champions nowadays seem to be from outside the U.S., even though many currently reside and train in the U.S.

Mayweather has felt a sudden surge of patriotism in retirement. He has wrapped his Las Vegas-based boxing gym with an American flag and will host an early July Fourth barbecue for kids in Las Vegas on July 1 when he opens training camp.

"I embrace my patriotism and feel boxing has lost a bit of its 'American' luster, which I intend to change immediately," says Mayweather. "We have dominated the sport which, like the United States, has always stood for hard work and dedication, and I intend to use my comeback as a way to bring it back around and remind everyone that the best fighters are American and it will always stay that way."

Mayweather says he intends to put his patriotism to the test during the upcoming Flag Day (Sunday), and Fourth of July holidays.

"The American flag is a symbol of everything my family and I stand for," says Mayweather. "I live in the best country in the world, and on Flag Day and the Fourth of July I'm going to show off my American pride."

HBO's award-winning all-access reality series 24/7 returns with Mayweather/Marquez 24/7 on Saturday, June 27 at 9:30 p.m. ET for the first of four episodes.

Source: usatoday.com

Pacquiao, Mosley To Give Mayweather Trouble

2009-06-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

The return of Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. to the ring is just over a month away, when he is set to tackle Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez on July 18 in the “Number One/Numero Uno” main event.

The megafight is expected to be a sellout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as well as on pay-per-view cable television.

But for Floyd Mayweather, Sr., the bout is just a “tune-up fight” for his son, he told John Martinez of IronBoxing.com.

“The Marquez fight is going to be nothing more than what you have seen before,” he added.

He even said that “It should be on regular HBO instead of PPV. There is a bad economy out there and we all know what is going to happen already.”

Floyd Sr. also told Martinez that he favors the possibility of his son fighting “Sugar” Shane Mosley and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

“Now the Mosley or Pacquiao fight is a totally different story,” he commented. “Those fights are definitely PPV events.”

“Both fighters would give my son trouble. But in the end, Lil’ Floyd wins.”

He said that a Mayweather-Mosley match-up would be a “very good fight.”

“Shane fights all comers and gives it his all. This fight would go all 12 rounds with a lot of action in it,” he said.

He even volunteered to “become chief trainer for the Mosley fight” should it materialize.

For the meantime, the focus is on Mayweather’s comeback fight against Marquez.

Floyd Sr. even gave his prediction for the July 18 fight. “Well then if you can remember the Gatti fight, you’ve already seen the Marquez fight in advance. It is going to be the same thing all over again.”

Mayweather defeated Arturo Gatti in 2005 via technical knockout in the sixth round. The victory made “Pretty Boy Floyd” the WBC super lightweight champion.

Floyd Sr. continued, “Marquez is a Mexican. He doesn’t want to look bad. He is going to come forward and make the fight.”

Despite this strategy, he said that Marquez will still not be able to get the better of Mayweather.

“Mexicans always come to fight. But when he does, he is going to get clipped. He isn’t going to counterpunch. Trust me,” he remarked.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather Jr. vs. JM Marquez: Is 'Pretty Boy' the True Numero Uno?

2009-06-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

An ordinary house fly is an amazing and athletic insect. If you've ever tried to catch one, you know first hand that swinging at it in mid air—or trying to swat at it—can be an extremely frustrating task.

When approaching it, the passive fly seems to be calmly grooming itself, and it remains totally fearless of the oncoming danger.

The reason is because it senses you; it has its own built-in radar and will be whisked away on a blanket of air—created by your swing—long before your hand is able to hit the illusive pest.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is quite possibly the greatest defensive boxing specialist in the history of the sport.

With Muhammad Ali and Pernell Whittaker being the possible exceptions, I can't think of anyone else who can duck, counter, shoulder roll, and pick off his opponent's shots with their gloves the way Pretty Boy does.

Much the same as the frustrating and illusive house fly, Mayweather also seems to sense his opponents are determined to get inside and, when they do, he dominates them with short hooks and lethal uppercuts.

It's a daunting task, but in order to beat this style of fighter, first you must penetrate his defense and then you have to hit him; and hitting Mayweather with a clean shot is akin to hitting a hummingbird on steroids, by comparison.

These defensive tactics frustrate his opponents into committing mistakes they ordinarily wouldn't make.

Then in the blink of an eye, he makes them pay for their errors. With lead right hands, he hit Arturo Gatti with three in rapid succession, breaking the tough Italian-Canadian brawler down mentally and physically.

Mayweather is one formidable boxer—a welterweight dynamo clearly deserving of much more respect than he is getting lately.

Before Manny Pacquiao gained the throne by knocking Ricky Hatton senseless in two rounds, it was many fans' opinions (including mine) that Juan Manual Marquez was at boxing's summit, and that he was possibly the true No. 1 among the world's pound-for-pound boxers.

When Mayweather came out of retirement, it wasn't due to anything Shane Mosley or Pacquiao had done. It was because Marquez called him out on national TV in front of a world wide audience.

And still, the Mayweather detractors—and there are many—seem to think that he is ducking and dodging fighters in his own 147-pound welterweight class.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

He is simply returning and facing the toughest fighter he can face. Without an interim tune up match, he is more determined than ever to get back what is rightfully his.

The fighters who have tried to defeat this classic boxer-puncher is long and storied and some great Boxing surnames adorn its pages—to infer that he is a cowardly fighter who alludes other pugilists is utterly ludicrous.

Manfredy, Gatti, Judah, De La Hoya, Hatton and the late Diego Corrales all found out the hard way that nobody thus far has been able to emerge triumphant over the great Mayweather.

So what about Marquez? Is he up to it?

On the 18 feet of battle field which is the squared circle, Marquez is a Sherman tank—he can take a direct hit, fall down, and keep on coming. His two previous wars with Manny Pacquiao demonstrate to us that trying to break his will and stamina can prove to be a frustrating endeavor.

Marquez knows he was cheated out of two wins against Pacquaio—by judges who smelled of that Vegas stink—and he isn't about to let it happen again.

Juan Man, as he is affectionately called, feels that he is owed something. And on July 18, look for him to try and collect it.

However, it is my opinion that Marquez will try to out-box Mayweather, like he did with Pacquiao. Even though Pretty Boy could someday be beaten by somebody, somehow, it will not be because he was out-boxed.

Nobody's going to out-box him, at least not anytime soon.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Pacquiao, Mayweather, Marquez - Just WHO Is The World's Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter?

2009-06-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

This is a subject that is often discussed and one that every man will have an opinion on. But WHO truly is the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet?

Now that Floyd ‘Pretty Boy’ Mayweather has decided to re-enter the ring, will he be the man to top the list? Or is it Manny Pacquiao - the man who crushed Ricky Hatton's dreams in Las Vegas?

The Pacman has rightfully taken the crown after his impressive performances against the Golden Boy and Hatton and is now a four-weight world champion. His performances against the two Mexican legends, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morlaes, proved his durability and will to win.

On his coat-tails is the returning ‘Money’ Mayweather, a slick counter-puncher who has never been on the canvas and will be looking to set up a super fight with Pacquiao to reclaim his crown.

With some of the finest boxers of the recent era – Joe Calzaghe and Oscar De La Hoya – retiring, it has left the door open for a new generation of pugilists. There are certainly plenty of fighters out there who have the skills and records to put their names forward as true contenders for the crown.

The welterweight division alone is full of some of the classiest fighters who have the ability to combine speed and power. Boasting such legendary fighters as Shane Mosley, Pacquiao and Mayweather.

The young contenders also have some real talent. Miguel Cotto has lost just one fight, the Puerto Rican combining quick hands and raw power, while Andre Berto has yet to lose with 19 KOs in his 25 bouts earning him the nickname of 'Mini Tyson'.

Ruling the roost over the lightweight division has been the Mexican “numero uno”, Juan Manuel Marquez. The gritty fighter has fought his way up through the ranks from featherweight to light-welterweight for his upcoming fight against Mayweather. Having beaten the likes of Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz, he can certainly lay claim to being one of the best around.

There are some other classy contenders. Chris John has dominated the featherweight division, winning 42 of his 44 contests in dominant fashion. In the middleweight division, the legendary Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright has started to decline and the man looking to take on his legacy is fellow American Paul Williams.

The man nicknamed 'The Punisher' beat Wright in a one-sided contest, cementing his reputation as one of the best.

In the light-flyweight division, one man has a perfect record. Ivan Calderon has won all 32 contests with his lightning-quick speed and pure desire defending his WBO title successfully 14 times.

The heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions are missing a truly world-class fighter but we have to mention the amazing record of ‘The Executioner’. Bernard Hopkins may have lost to Calzaghe but managed to inflict a defeat on the great young American hope, Kelly Pavlik. Hopkins has beaten the likes of Wright, Antonio Tarver, De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad .

In the super-middleweight division we also find two very talented boxers who soon could clash to decide who is the No.1 of the division. Dane Mikkel Kessler has just one loss to his name while England’s Carl Froch made a stunning recovery to beat Jermain Taylor by knocking the American out in the final seconds of their bout.

The Cobra is certainly a man to look out for but the dominance of Kessler just puts him ahead of the young fighter from Nottingham.

There will always be a lot of debate but here are my Top 10 pound-for-pound boxers currently plying their trade:

1. Manny Pacquiao
2. Floyd Mayweather
3. Juan Manuel Marquez
4. Chris John
5. Miguel Cotto
6. Paul Williams
7. Bernard Hopkins
8. Mikkel Kessler
9. Andre Berto
10. Ivan Calderon

Source: sportingo.com

Marquez or Mayweather Jr. is Pacquiao’s Only Option

2009-06-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao only has one option to settle his pending issues with either Juan Manuel Marquez or Floyd Mayweather Jr. and that is to face each of them separately inside the ring.

Marquez has been aching for a rematch after losing by split decision against Pacquiao last year while Mayweather Jr. wants to reclaim his former pound-for-pound title that the Filipino boxing icon currently holds.

Mayweather Jr. came out of retirement to fight Marquez on July 18 and Pacquiao would closely watch the outcome of the match with the intention of facing the winner in his last bout before entering the political ring.

A host of big name fighters are also after Pacquiao.

With the likes of Sugar Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Edwin Valero, Michael Katsidis, and recently the controversial Antonio Margarito want a piece of the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) welterweight champion.

But Pacquiao can’t and won’t fight all of them since he has already made it known that he is only good for one final bout.

He plans to retire afterwards to seek a congressional post in Saranggani, his wife’s home province, in the 2010 national elections.

Pacquiao is eyeing to return to the ring in October or November with his two-round demolition of Briton Ricky Hatton still fresh on the minds of boxing fans.

Before making his choice for his final fight, Pacquiao is said to be waiting for the results of the Cotto-Joshua Clottey match on June 13 and the Mayweather Jr. and Marquez bout on July 18 before making his choice for his final fight.

And if ever Mayweather gets past Marquez, a possible fight with Pacquiao might not push through because of money matters.

Mayweather has made it known that Pacquiao won’t get a 50-50 purse split adding that it is him who brings in the money to his blockbuster fights.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather bout would keep the cash registers ringing for both fighters and their promoters where fight fans, not only in Las Vegas, would scramble for tickets. The fight, if it happens, would rake in huge pay-per-view buys around the globe.

Pacquiao’s camp, particularly promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach, previously stated that the Filipino ring icon deserves the lion’s share (60-40) in his next fights, being boxing’s top draw.

But Mayweather downplayed Pacquiao’s claim to a bigger pie saying that he had bigger PPV buys against two common rivals, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, where he raked in a combined 3.43 (million) PPV buys. – GMANews.TV

Source: gmanews.tv

Floyd Mayweather- When Does Size Matter?

2009-06-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

“Pretty Boy” Floyd, or “Money” Floyd, as he likes to be called, is back. Although he is fighting one of the best fighters in the world hands down in Juan Manuel Marquez, he is again fighting a boxer who is not a natural welterweight.No one can deny the outstanding skill that the multi weight champion has, fighting smaller opponents has been the main criticism of Mayweather over the past few years. He has had five fights at welterweight and three were against fighters who made their careers and name at junior welterweight. Now regardless of what weight the fight was at, I don’t think Sharmba Mitchell, Zab Judah, or Ricky Hatton would have beaten Floyd Mayweather anyway. Many sources have indicated though that the fight will not be at the 147 lb limit, but rather at a catch weight of 144.

Still, many view this weight as an advantage to Mayweather.

Floyd may be a small welterweight himself but there’s a reason they have weight divisions. Being part of a division means fighting those in that respective division. Now, before anyone thinks I’m criticizing Floyd, I am just pointing out the facts and what many pundits have said. Boxing is a two way street, and it takes two to make a fight. I don’t think that Bob Arum ever wanted Cotto or Margarito to go in the ring with Mayweather, or anyone else that’s a threat that’s out of his stable. Such is the business side of boxing.

Even though Mayweather was fighting opponents who made their careers in lower weight divisions, Mayweather started off in an even lower division. Hatton, Judah and Mitchell started off at lightweight or junior welterweight while Mayweather started off at junior lightweight. That’s not the case this time around though. Marquez spent his whole career at featherweight until March of 2007, where he moved up to junior lightweight. He only spent a year there before moving up to lightweight. Marquez for this fight is moving up two weight divisions.

But if we look at the height of the fighters, there is not much of a difference. Mayweather is only one inch taller than Marquez, but he does have a much longer reach. Marquez has gained weight for the day of the fight, but in his last fight with Juan Diaz, Marquez’ fight night weight was only 140 pounds. Mayweather should be able to make the catch weight comfortably, considering his natural body weight is more of a junior welterweight rather than a welterweight.

There are a few fighters in boxing that are so outstanding at what they do, that they can fight and beat the best in many divisions. Paul Williams, Bernard Hopkins and Manny Pacquiao to name a few. Juan Manuel Marquez I believe is one of them. But he is not fighting an Antonio Tarver, a Kelly Pavlik, or a Ricky Hatton. No disrespect to those fighters, but they are not nearly as skilled or as great of a fighter as Floyd Mayweather. Williams’ had a great win over Winky Wright, but he is past his best days, and I personally don’t’ think that Floyd is. Marquez is fighting one of if not the best pound for pound fighters in the world. If Floyd is healthy and not full of ring rust, than I can’t imagine anyway Marquez can win. Marquez will be able to beat most fighters at 140 and many at 147, to me, Floyd isn’t one of them.

Source: diamondboxing.com

First World Title: Juan Manuel Marquez

2009-06-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

By the time of his second attempt at a world title Juan Manuel Marquez was in a peculiar position: he was one of the most respected fighters in the sport yet had never held a major belt. He was mentioned in quite a few top 20 pound for pound lists (like Maxboxing founders Steve Kim and Doug Fischer) and was considered, along with Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins as one of the best ring technicians in the sport. Yet superstardom eluded him.

Though he was a fixture at the old Great Western Forum in Los Angeles and impressed with his devastating combination of defense and offense, he was still poorly managed and he was seen as a high risk-low reward boxer, which resulted in many of the top fighters in the sport not wanting to step into the ring with him (most notably Prince Naseem Hamed refused to fight him even though he was his WBO mandatory). However, after years of victories Marquez finally got his shot at a world title when he took on WBA Featherweight champion Freddie Norwood.. It was his chance to finally earn what many thought was his destiny, but in the end it wasn’t meant to be as Freddie Norwood won a unanimous decision in a fight that Marquez probably won. The loss was bad enough but the major problem lied in the fact that even though he was deserving of the belt he got knocked down then proceeded to give the audience a cautious and pedestrian performance in an utterly god-awful fight. In summary: Marquez not only didn’t hold a belt, but didn’t gain any fans which allowed him to be shut out from the big names around the lower weight classes. From that point he had to earn his way back to the top and went on a string of impressive victories, culminating in stopping future world champion Robbie Peden in 9 rounds to earn a shot at the vacant IBF Featherweight title against former world champion Manuel Medina. Three and a half years after laying an egg in his first title try, this was Marquez’s chance to not only win a world title and lead to bigger title fights. He not only needed to win, but show the world why he was indeed, as some were already proclaiming, one of the best pugilists in the game. And Marquez made the most out of his opportunity.

When the bell rang to begin the fight both went directly towards center ring and spent the first couple of seconds waiting the other out, yet it was Marquez who was the more aggressive of the two, starting off with firing straight right crosses and hooks to the body. Medina remained cautious in the opening stanza firing mostly a slow rangefinder jab. The problem was for all of his caution; Marquez was already beginning to solve him. He timed his occasional right cross with his head movement, and then when Medina went to the jab he would counter with his own jab followed directly behind a right cross. A minute into the fight Medina threw a jab, but Marquez immediately fired off a rocket fast left-hook-to-the-body, right-hook-to-the-body, and-a-double-left-hooks-to-the-head combination. The first punch was partially blocked but the last three landed flush and the last punch stunned Medina for a half second. Ten seconds later Marquez countered a Medina body-jab with a straight cross to the head then lead and connected with two lead left hooks to the body. With a minute left in the round Marquez’s offensive arsenal was beginning to fully emerge as he was countering to the head and the body with left hooks, right crosses, double jabs and uppercuts. The first round wasn’t even completed yet Marquez wasn’t having any problem countering and landing with his crisp combinations. The bell finally rang and gave Marquez a very easy round, and for Medina the worst was yet to come.

The second round began and nothing of note happened for the first seconds until Medina threw a right cross. Marquez blocked it then turned his knuckles to land a follow up left hook that badly stunned Medina, then followed up with a massive right cross that sent Medina falling yet he was unfortunate to still be standing and Marquez connected with a left uppercut to the head. Medina fell over like he had been hit by a baseball bat. Yet event though badly hurt, he was able to regain his senses and got up at 8. Marquez began to advance trying to end it early, while Medina for a few seconds got on his bicycle. However, Medina made a massive mistake: he decided to fight. Instead of continuing to run or at least tie up Marquez, he elected to stand at center ring. This played directly to the hands of Marquez as he was able to play target practice.

Marquez now back at center ring landed a lead left hook to the head followed by a right cross. Medina threw a jab, and again Marquez landed a left hook and a right cross then punctuated it with a left hook that slammed Medina’s head backwards. Medina then went into retreat against the ropes, but Marquez landed another right handed uppercut then a right cross. Medina was able to survive the onslaught and went back into center ring yet whenever he threw a punch, Marquez was able to counter him. And that round Marquez was seemingly landing with everything to all parts of his opponent’s body. The last minute of the round featured very little offense as Marquez, seemingly tired, going into a prevent offense while playing defense on the ropes. This allowed Medina a chance to get off on his offense, but Marquez was able to avoid most of his power shots by using his deft head movement and was still able to land some counters on his own. The second round ended with Marquez achieving a 10-8 round and assuming complete control of the fight. However, despite being totally dominant in the first two rounds of the fight, Marquez took his foot off of the gas pedal to start the third.

For the entirety of the third round it featured Marquez intentionally going into a shell while Medina becoming the aggressor. The former champion began throwing more one-twos and was showing tremendous resolve and poise after taking so much punishment in the first two rounds. But there was a major problem: his aggression wasn’t effective.

While he pressed forward and tried to get something flowing, Marquez, even in defense, was still landing the harder more devastating shots. Instead of a “second wind,” this was merely just an example on how even when he isn’t going at 100 miles an hour, Marquez was a legitimate ring artist. Then in the fourth round it was time for Marquez to get back to bringing the pain.

Medina was playing the aggressor and landed his best punch of the fight, a right cross to face of Marquez, but in the mid point of the round Marquez landed a right cross that badly wobbled Medina. Medina tried to run away but then fell straight in line with Marquez’s follow up right hook. Both men were able to get back at the center of the ring, and again Medina regained enough of his senses to continue coming forward and throwing….and continually eating Marquez’s counters. Then when fifteen seconds to go in the round Marquez landed another counter right cross and was staggered yet again, but this time Marquez was going in for the kill. He landed a three punch combination while Medina was teetering on the brink of collapse. God only knows what kept him from getting knocked down, but he was able to hold on and survive the round, but when it was over his nose was pouring blood and his eyeballs were swelling. Marquez was now fully in control and his world title was in his sights.

The next two rounds turned into a repeat performance as it was Marquez putting on an amazing performance. He was using the ring, spinning Medina around, using head movement to slip punches then firing back with those counters that always landed flush with damaging results. For people who had never seen him fight it was the proof why so many were afraid to fight him. As for Medina he was game and courageous, but he was getting the shit kicked out of him. That is how a lot of these title winning efforts seems to go for the pound-for-pounders; while the challenger is putting on an awesome show, the former champ or (other challenger for the vacant crown such as Medina) usually is forced to taken a brutal ass kicking. Medina was following that script to near perfection as he wasn’t even competitive. Round five was another clear Marquez round and round six was so one sided in favor for the soon-to-be-champ that it could have been scored a 10-8 even without a knockdown. At the end of the sixth, Medina’s right eye was totally shut and the end was near.

Round seven began with Marquez and Medina being very tentative while the exchanged punches from a distance. Then Marquez went directly into the ropes, and Medina began throwing punches for ten seconds. But then Marquez spun the former champion around with a grazing left hook, then the follow up left hook landed flush, and sent Medina down again for a second time. Medina got up and was ready to fight on, but the referee, Robert Byrd walked Medina to the ring doctor to take a look at his swollen right eye. The doctor didn’t even hesitate and called the fight over and Marquez had earned a TKO in seven rounds and laid claim to his first world title. Yet more than the world championship that he won it was the culmination of a long road for the Mexican stylist.

Nearly four years after laying an egg in the Norwood fight and three years of not getting his much deserved title shot at Prince Naseem Hamed, Marquez put forth the most dominant performance of his career when it mattered the most. Make no mistake either, while the fights with Marquez and Pacquiao were more significant, this was JMM at his most complete in terms of offense and defense. From that point on he was a legitimate star and the best was yet to come.

Epilogue:

In the summer of that same year Marquez would make his first successful defense of his world title by taking out Marcos Licona is 9 rounds. Up next was a unification match with WBA titlist Derrick Gainer in November. In what turned out to be an absolutely awful fight (all of it should be blamed on Gainer’s running and unwillingness to fight), Gainer would suffer accidental headbutt that created a massive gash over his left eye. The fight went to the judges and Marquez win the fight via Technical Decision. Then in May of 2004 he would have the definitive fight of his career against his nemesis Manny Pacquiao. Dropped three times in the first round (and I am still shocked to this day that the fight wasn’t stopped after the third knockdown), very few expected Marquez to make it to the final bell. However, he showed his fighter’s heart by coming back and dominating some rounds of the fight with his boxing ability. In my opinion he won 7 out of the last 11 rounds. When the fight went to the judges it was automatically declared a draw. After the fight his stock had never been higher and fans expected a rematch and the negotiations for the fight started immediately. But this is when his career turned for the worse.

Poor management decisions by his trainer/ manager Nacho Beranstein priced him out of the rematch with Pacquiao for two years, and while the Filipino superstar was making his march up the Pound-for-Pound ranks, Marquez was successfully defending his title on the undercard to other big name fighters (such as his near shutout of Victor Polo on the undercard of Corrales-Castillo I). Then in 2006, when discussions of a rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez got heated again, Marquez, under the advice of Berenstein, decided to balk at a reported $700,000 purse. Instead he would lead his protégé to the greatest example of boxing mismanagement by taking on his mandatory, Chris John, for a mere $30,000 dollars and in John’s home country of Indonesia. Marquez would end up losing the fight, even though most people who watched the fight believed he won the fight by a comfortable margin. However, the John loss seemed to reinvigorate he gave some of his most aggressive and exciting performances in years.

In August of that same year, Marquez would stop Terdsak Jandaeng to claim the WBO version of the Featherweight title and then ended the year by successfully defending his title with a 9th round KO of Jimrex Jaca. Then in March of ’07 Marquez would move on in weight to face countrymen and future hall-of-famer Marco Antonio Barrera for the WBC and lineal 130 pound title. Marquez put on another tough performance as he was able to garner a unanimous decision victory. He then finished the year with shutting out Rocky Juarez in November, which finally culminated with his long awaited rematch with Pacquiao. In another great fight, Marquez was able to survive being badly hurt by an early knockdown and comeback in the fight and stagger the Filipino great with counters. Yet when the cards were read Marquez lost a razor close decision that could have gone either way. Of course losing his title in such a very competitive way against one of boxing’s all-time greats didn’t affect his standings in the fans and writers pound for pound lists and he then got back on track by going up in weight and defeating Joel Casamayor for the linear Lightweight title. Then to start out this year he had the fight of the year so far in erasing a four round deficit and stopping Juan Diaz for the WBA and WBO versions of the Lightweight title.

Now as he gears up for his big money showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. next month, and even though he is past his physical peak Marquez’s stock as an attraction among boxing fans has never been higher. Most spectators of this sport will agree that he is top five pound for pound, and because of the slight slippage of his defensive prowess, his devastating offense is still in tact and he has become one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, and is set to make 3 million dollars for the aforementioned fight with Floyd Mayweather. Whether he wins the fight or loses, his place among the best fighters of his generation is secute, and this would have never come to fruition if it wasn’t for rising to the occasion in his second world title fight.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. Will Happen

2009-06-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, some things are just meant to cling... even oil and water. Pardon the contradiction, but my point being, no matter how unlikely some things can be, there are just some things that can not be denied. Call it destiny. Throw out all facts and reason, Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. will happen.

To those who have followed this saga closely, it's a known fact that dispute about the cash percentage and Floyd Jr.'s vile relationship with Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank boss Bob Arum, would be the main hurdles that may prevent this dream fight from happening. And I don't know if my fellow Examiner Michael Marley truly took time to comprehend my article that he quoted in one of his for him to say I got caught up with the Pacquiao fever and mentioned that I was wrong for saying Floyd was afraid of Pacquiao. I did not say Mayweather was afraid of Pacquiao, but I did ask the question and said that fear does play in boxers, fighters and athlete's heads in general, no matter how much they deny it.

Is Floyd afraid of Pacquiao? Only Floyd knows the answer to that one for sure. Even the Tiger Woods and the Kobe Bryants of the world fear losing. With the way Floyd has nitpicked his opponents in the latter parts of his career, Marley's exaggerations and hyperboles are harder to believe than the thought of Floyd fearing defeat at the hands of formidable competition like Paul Williams, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto and even Manny Pacquiao.

Am I saying Floyd is afraid of Pacquiao? No. Did I ask the question? Yes. Because I myself do not know the answer- I'm not Floyd and like I said, only Floyd truly knows the answer to that inside his chest. But has Floyd not fought the best possible competition out there for him? DEFINITELY.

Honestly, if this was truly about money, Pacquiao should be the one he's facing. If this is truly about challenge, why not Paul Williams? If Floyd came out and said he is fighting Marquez who is a worthy opponent and has a good Mexican following for it to generate good Pay-Per-View buys, then that's cool. But to say Marquez is the best fight out there for him and is tougher than Pacquiao and add that this is the best money fight out there for him? Come on... Really? The last time I checked, 1 + 1 was still two and when a reader told me about Marley quoting me and misunderstanding my context, I still can't finish any of his articles because a lot of it to me doesn't make sense. Perhaps my intelligence is just too inferior to comprehend Mr. Marley's creative writing in the same way I guess that I simply can't buy into what Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his dad Sr. have been saying. I've been called a "Pac-hater" before, (just read my recent article about Miguel Cotto) but my views about Floyd's statements and career have nothing to do with being a Pacquiao fan just like other boxing fans that may share my opinions whether it be from England to Pacland. I actually admire Mayweather's skill set. I even called him the best "boxer" in terms of craft, but I simply call things how I see them. If and when I write another article being critical of Pacquiao when the time comes, I'll thank you for calling me a "hugger" or whether if you agree or feel indifferent with my commentary, because I am simply doing my job and sharing my varied opinions about the sport of prize fighting. So when I ask the question if Floyd is afraid of Pacquiao, I ask it as a boxing analyst and not because I am a Pacqiao fan or caught up in whatever fever other people may think.

And if I didn't know any better, all this ESPN interviews and hype Mayweather has been conjuring up lately are simply seeds for a Pacquiao-Mayweather battle and the two will definitely end up fighting each other in the same ring. Why? Simple really- It's what the boxing world wants to see. There's just too much money out there to be made on this fight for any rational person to pass up. It is boxing after all, and it doesn't take a genius to know that in the world of big time prize fighting, it matters not if Pacquiao is the Pound-for-Pound king and if Mayweather hates Arum like Tyson hates Don King, because in the world of boxing, MONEY is KING.

Source: examiner.com

Juan Diaz Will Not Be on Mayweather vs. Marquez

2009-06-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

BoxingScene.com was advised that former lightweight champion Juan Diaz will not appear on the July 18 undercard to Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. From what I was told, the opportunity was first present several weeks ago to Diaz by Golden Boy Promotions, and he accepted. Then for whatever reason, Mayweather Promotions did not approve Diaz for the card. After some time had passed, something changed and Diaz was once again approached to appear on the Mayweather-Marquez card against Rolando Reyes. By this time Diaz's camp declined, feeling that his time to prepare for the date was not adequate and they didn't want to rush his camp.

Diaz, as far as he knows right now, is going to appear on August 22 on HBO. The location and the opponent is up in the air. From what I was told, HBO will approve Rolando Reyes for the Mayweather-Marquez undercard but not for the televised card in August. There is also some talk of moving the August show from Houston, Texas to a venue in California, where Robert Guerrero [also slated for the card] would be a bigger draw and the likely headliner. David Diaz was another opponent in the mix to fight Juan. Top Rank [who have David Diaz] plans to put on a show for the same date and they don't want their fighter to go against their card.

Paulie Malignaggi was an opponent who was mentioned early on. At the time he was more interested in fighting Mike Alvarado. That fight fell apart. Now Malignaggi would like to fight Diaz. HBO wants a triple-header for that date but I heard the network is not offering a lot of money to make the card competitive. There have been reports that Michael Katsidis will also see action on the card, but strong sources in Australia tell me that Katsidis will NOT appear on the show.

Source: boxingscene.com

Mosley-Pacquiao Needs to Happen in October

2009-06-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

It is a great rarity when all the stars align within the world of boxing.

It only happens when a match-up looks fight fans dead in the eyes and says, "Yes, I am Pay-Per-View worthy and... No! This is not a fabricated fight!"

We've seen plenty of fabrications over the past several years such as De la Hoya-Pacquiao, Jones-Calzaghe, and Vargas-Mayorga. On the other hand we've also witnessed the absolute best within each division square off such as the Pavlik-Taylor I, Kessler-Calzaghe, and Cotto vs. Margarito scraps.

When you have two men facing one another after having performed spectaculary in their most recent prize fights, it signifies all that is intriguing about this pugilistic art form known as "boxing".

Shane Mosley entered the ring as more than a 3-1 underdog against Antonio Margarito this past January. It was a bout that few if any gave "Sugar" a chance to pull off the monumental upset. The Mexican cheater (Margarito) had recently defeated the highly touted Puerto Rican sensation, Miguel Cotto in a "Fight of the Year" candidate for 2008 and had garnered the momentum and adoration from the Mexican contingent rivaling that seen of recent greats such as Erik "El Terrible" Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

The veteran Mosley utilized a blend of speed, power, and well-timed (albeit excessive) clinches to destroy the myth of the "Tijuana Tornado". It was a result that left the boxing world in awe as a fighter who had been written of as "shot" showed the public that you can never count out a throwback fighter with the grit, heart, and resolve to strive for greatness.

We've all seen how the saga of Manny Pacquiao has played out over the past three fights so there's no need to delve into that history.

The question I ask of all of you is... why not have Manny Pacquiao face off against "Sugar" Shane Mosley this October?

It would pit two guys coming off sensational knockout victories which always sets the stage for a mild hydrogen bomb explosion inside the ring.

Instead of creating fights off the top of one's cranium, it'd create the ultimate intrigue by setting up a true super bout for March of 2010 between the winner of Pacquiao-Mosley against the potential clash between either Floyd Mayweather Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Joshua Clottey, or Miguel Cotto. Yes... as a purist of the sport, I always believe that winners should fight winners regardless of followings.

We must remember, it is perhaps the only way... the only way... once again... the ONLY way Bernard Hopkins would have ever gotten a shot at Felix "Tito" Trinidad back in 2001.

Hopkins had very little exposure leading up to his showdown with Trinidad but due to the "bracket" system of a tournament, there was no way for the Puerto Rican superstar to avoid facing off against the best middleweight of this era.

Boxing needs to go back to this system of competition rather than continuing to rely on the relationships between promoters, managers, advisors, shoe shiners, and the hanger-ons that plague the sport.

Shane Mosley has already openly stated that he's ready and willing to meet the "Pacman" at his requested catch-weight so at this point in time, there are no clear obstacles to stop the super fight from happening.

So what gives?

Source: theboxingtruth.com

Floyd Sr: "Mayweather Batters Marquez Like Gatti"

2009-06-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

Trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. views the July 18 showdown between his son Floyd Mayweather Jr, and WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, as a one-sided mismatch. He compares the fight to his son's one-sided beatdown of Arturo Gatti from 2005. Mayweather pounded Gatti for six rounds before the fight was stopped. He says the fight is so one-sided that he can't believe HBO placed it on pay-per-view. Marquez moves up be nearly two weight divisions to meet Mayweather at and agreed-upon weight of 144-pounds.

“The Marquez fight is going to be nothing more than what you have seen before. Do you remember the Arturo Gatti fight? Well then if you can remember the Gatti fight, you’ve already seen the Marquez fight in advance. It is going to be the same thing all over again," Floyd Sr told John Martinez of DogHouseBoxing.com.

"They should not be telling the public to pay up extra money for this fight. It should be on regular HBO instead of PPV. There is a bad economy out there and we all know what is going to happen already.”

He says Marquez is going to make the fight and get caught by the counter-punching ability of Floyd Jr.

“Marquez is a Mexican. He doesn’t want to look bad. He is going to come forward and make the fight. Mexicans always come to fight. But when he does, he is going to get clipped. He isn’t going to counter punch. Trust me. This is a tune up fight for my son,” Floyd Sr said.

Source: boxingscene.com

Bob Arum Calls Mayweather Jr. "Delusional," Says No Way Will He Get Even A 50/50 Purse Split For Pacquiao Fight

2009-06-21T18:30:00.001-07:00

It seems there will be a long, hard road of tough negotiating ahead if we are ever to get the much sought after modern day dream fight that is Manny Pacquiao Vs. Floyd Mayweather Junior. Both fighters and their teams feel that they are the star attraction and the greater fighter, thus both Manny and Floyd argue they should be paid the lion's share of the bout's purse when and if the match-up takes place.

Reportedly, Mayweather Junior has said it will be "a cold day in hell" before he agrees to a 50/50 split with the man who took over his reign atop the pound-for-pound rankings. And Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum have rejected all talk of a 50/50 fight, Arum going as far as to say Mayweather would have to take much less. This may not be a case of greed, more a case of ego. Will this ongoing feud stop one of the best and most important bouts of the decade from taking place?

Usually in boxing, common sense comes to the fore in the end, when all parties concerned realise that the fight has to happen due to the sheer size of the event and of the money to be made from it. Let's hope this turns out to be the case with Pacquiao-Mayweather just as it was with Hatton-Pacquiao - another fight that looked to be off for a while due to disagreements over the monetary share the two fighters were to be paid. In the end, both sides came to their senses, but in an interview today with The Philippine Star, Arum made it clear Mayweather and his team will have to make a big concession if the fight we all want to see is actually made.

"You can tell Floyd Mayweather that Bob Arum says he's delusional," Arum said. "Floyd is not the attraction. Manny is the attraction. Floyd's got no idea what he's talking about. Floyd must be hallucinating when he said he wants the bigger purse and wouldn't agree to a 50/50 split. Even a 50/50 split with Floyd Mayweather is nonsense."

As firm as he is with his refusal to budge, Arum is basically putting the ball in Mayweather's court; but will Floyd ever allow himself to be paid less than any fighter he feels he is superior to? No date has been mentioned for the huge fight, but it won't be happening this year according to Arum.

In the article, Arum said Pacquiao will likely fight either Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto or Edwin Valero in his next fight, scheduled for October 17th. Arum also confirmed that Julio Cesar Chavez, once a possibility for "Pac-Man," has been ruled out.

"But I'm not gonna come up with a name until after June 13th (the date of Cotto-Joshua Clottey)," Arum said. "Then he'll [Manny] be back in Los Angeles and I will meet him and Freddie [Roach] there. We will discuss all the options, and get everybody's input. There's no rush. There's Cotto, Mosley and Valero. We're not including Julio Cesar Chavez Junior because of the weight (Chavez Jr. can get no lower than 150) and he's fighting soon."

Despite the long series of negotiating ahead, as long as Pacquiao and Mayweather win their next fights the demand will go on for a clash between the two greats. Hopefully this demand will be satisfied.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Manny and Floyd: Boxing's Bernadette Peters and Tom Wopat

2009-05-31T11:49:00.007-07:00

Those are lyrics to Bernadette Peters and Tom Wopat’s classic song “Anything you can do (I can do better”) as popularized in the Broadway play "Annie Get Your Gun". And for the past year since Floyd Mayweather Jr. walked away from the sport of boxing, he and Manny Pacquiao have been trying to sing their own rendition of the classic tune.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated De la Hoya via close split decision; Manny Pacquiao beat up De la Hoya in 8 one sided rounds prompting for De la Hoya make the decision to pull a Duran and say “No Mas”. Mayweather knocked Ricky Hatton down twice in the tenth round en route to a 10th round TKO victory. Pacquiao knocked Hatton down twice in the first round and probably forever in the second round when he unleashed his lethal left on the Englishman’s mug. Just about anything Mayweather Jr. has done, Pacquiao has done better- well not everything, just like Floyd’s stint in the TV show “Dancing with the Stars” but Pacquiao’s mom Dionicia may give Floyd a run for his money on that one. Surely Madame Dionicia can tear up the rug with his D.I. (Dance Instructor) as evidenced in Pacquiao's 30th birthday bash.

In response, Mayweather Jr. has come out of retirement to try and pull one on Pacquiao as he aims to better Pacquiao’s performances against Juan Manuel Marquez. It’s common knowledge in the world of boxing that the one person that has given Pacquiao fits is Marquez and by nitpicking the smaller Mexican as his next foe, it is clear where Mayweather’s intentions play along. He wants his sexy back like Justin Timberlake. Like Ludacris, he’s coming for the number one spot. And just like Tom Wopat in the song, it’s his way of responding “No you can’t!” (Do better than me).

And there’s more of that response that came verbally from Mayweather. He has repeatedly pointed out the blemishes in Pacquiao’s record and his Pay-per-View numbers stating how he still is better than Pacquiao. Floyd has repeatedly said Pacquiao is not the best and that he definitely still is number one. Pacquiao on the other hand has responded in a more subtle manner when asked by a local TV station and said, “Floyd’s time is done. It’s my time now.”

It will take a lot of work for this fight to come to fruition. Mayweather has already said that Pacquiao will never get a 50/50 split from him, posturing his early negotiation stand. Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum countered by saying they want 60/40 in favor of Pacquiao since the Filipino is now the draw and have outdone Mayweather as the sport’s best since the latter retired. It doesn’t help both either that Mayweather and Arum already hates each other’s guts after they parted ways a few years ago. I guess even in the negotiating table, Pacquiao and Mayweather will still be doing their rendition of the classic song. Don’t count out Juan Manuel Marquez from stepping in though and pull an upset over Mayweather and doing his song and dance rendition of Britney Spears’ “(Hit me) Baby One More Time” for Pacquiao. One thing is certain though, if and when Pacquiao and Mayweather do agree to make music together inside the boxing ring, just like the song, their tandem will definitely be a classic. Ahh yes, boxing is indeed alive!

Source: examiner.com

Nervous Mayweather Enlists Slim Shady for Pacquiao Bout

2009-05-31T11:49:00.005-07:00

BREAKING NEWS: Eminem and his supposedly tough crew ran out of Sunday's MTV Awards because the rapper got scared when he thought it was Megamanny Pacquiao coming out of the sky and landing on his lap. It turned out to be jokester Sacha Baron Cohen.

Impeachable, highly impeachable, sources who indulge in various sauces are telling me that an insecure and nervous Floyd Mayweather Jr. is seriously reaching out to bring a new key member into his burgeoning entourage.

“L’il Floyd is going crazy about the attention being paid to Pacquiao. In London, he says he doesn’t care if people say Pacman is the Pound for Pound King, that’s it’s just an opinion and everybody’s got one.

“Then Li’l Floyd turns into L’il Flip and says he is upset because no one ever refers to the Pinoy Idol as L’il Manny,” the inflamed source on the flammable sauce said.

Mayweather has been palling around with top rapper Fifty Cent for some years. Fitty has been a regular visitor to the Mayweather Mansion in Las Vegas which is now being closely eyed by the Infernal Revenue Service for payment of millions of dollars in back taxes.

Li’l Floyd’s tax bill is not a L’il bill.

“Now Mayweather is thinking he might need to bring in Marshall Mathers, his fellow Michigander, for moral support in the runup for a showdown against Pacman. You know, the guy better known to millions as Eminem whose alter ego is Slim Shady,” the source said.

The same source said that, if Money May Pay does enlist Eminem for the Pacquaio fight, that Em’s musical sidekick and producer, Dr. Dre, will also come aboard.

“Mayweather wants to get a, pardon the expression, gang of rappers in his corner,” the source said. “He thinks they can all join his walk to the ring and that Manny might be intimidated if he saw the thuggish crew.”

Meanwhile, reaction to the PBF Rap Brigade was muted in the Manny camp.

“Rap?” said promoter Bob Arum. “Rap is crap, I am an Old School Motown man myself. Mayweather may need a mental crutch like this. He should call his little troupe, NWA. That stands for Nerds With Attitude. Who cares, because Manny will destroy this vulgar little runner!”

Secretive Pacman adviser Michael Koncz, who fancies himself a James Bondish type in boxing, was tight-lipped but the crafty Canadian did reveal that he and Coach Freddie Roach had a scheme to outflank Mayweather and his rap cronies.

“Not many people know this but Freddie used to coach the chess team over at Compton High School in his spare time,” Koncz said. “Freddie is nobody’s pawn, either. By hanging out in the LB-CPT, meaning Long Beach-Compton area, Freddie got very friendly with Snoop Dogg. He and Snoop used to roll down Compton Boulevard on Sunday afternoons.

“We’ve got the D-o-double-g on lock for the Pacquiao team. So they can have Marshall Blather and his whole weak ass D-12 posse. Detroit is for losers and so is Flint, Michigan. The whole state is Loserville except for the hockey Red Wings.”

Koncz also revealed that Team Packy may be bringing in noted plastic sturgeon Dr. Hayden Kho as its new videographer.

“Just make sure Manny’s lovely wife, Jinkee, doesn’t hear that part,” Koncz said. "It gets boring in training camp some days if you know what I mean."

Then Koncz landed a crushing blow to the Mayweather Crew.

“I used to skate on a frozen pond up in Flin Flon, Manitoba, with Tupac,” Koncz said. “And I know for a fact that, before his untimely death, Tupac predicted that Mayweather would get knocked out by a Filipino.

“Let Floyd, Fitty and Slim Shady put that in their crack pipes and smoke it!”

Source: http://www.examiner.com

Mayweather - Can Anyone Really Beat The Best Fighter Of His Generation?

2009-05-31T11:49:00.003-07:00

By Conor Ward - Many have tried – all of them have failed. A few lucky lesser lights met their end early on in proceedings, caught out and flattened by the blinding speed of a sharp right hand or a stinging left hook. Others fared a little better, forced to hit the showers midway through the schedule after a brutal and unrelenting accumulation of punishment. Some managed to reach the sanctity of the final bell, though they too arrived at that same inevitable fate and had that big eye-soaring ‘L’ chalked up next to their name. And so after a pro career which spanned eleven years the first time around, that ‘L’ remains nowhere to be seen on the ledger of one Floyd Mayweather Junior / “Pretty Boy Floyd” / “Money Mayweather.” Call him whatever you like, but just call him the best while you’re at it.

And so on July 18th at the MGM Grand, it falls to Mexico’s best current fighter and pound-for-pound number two Juan Manuel Marquez to take a stab at a task which is - if not quite in the impossible category – at the top end of the difficulty scale in matters sport.. However, there has been a notion touted around that Floyd has taken a bit of a soft option in facing Marquez on his ring return.

Everyone who is involved or takes more than a passing interest in the fight game knows well that the 35-year-old from Mexico City is nobody’s fool. Yes, he is moving up from lightweight to welterweight to face Mayweather, a considerable step up, and that places him at a disadvantage. But this is no easy “warm-up” for Floyd to take on his return. “Dinamita’s” two stellar performances against current pound-for-pound top dog Manny Pacquiao - whether you take the view that he was the rightful winner of those fights or not – are proof enough of that.

But as for Marquez actually winning the fight, well, that’s another matter. He’s a fine technician, but he’s not a massively explosive hitter. Could he really deliver a knockout punch, or even a very damaging shot, against a defence as watertight as Floyd’s? That would seem a big ask. The size difference is obviously against him, so he certainly won’t be bossing Floyd around the ring. Then again Marquez is fast-handed, but as fast as Floyd? Highly doubtful. He’s skillful too, but more skilled than Floyd? I think not.

Marquez does have the strategy, skill and will to ask any opponent lots of questions, but we’ve seen this before, haven’t we. If Floyd doesn’t know the answers to those questions before the fight, he invariably figures them out along the way with the aid of good old Uncle Roger. Whilst he has not always dominated his opponents right from the off, his remarkable natural stamina, along with his ability to stay relaxed and pace himself throughout a 12-round contest, gives him a quite distinct advantage in the championship rounds. To use Floyd’s own words from previous verbal wars, he might just “take him to deep waters and then drown him.”

And if Marquez can’t do it, then who can? The obvious answer screaming back now is that Pacquiao can. That is undoubtedly the fight we are all craving to see, but I still can’t avoid the feeling that the euphoria being generated by his meteoric and undeniably impressive rise to superstardom will ultimately be quietly crushed by the cool crafty skills and calculating mind of Mayweather.

He’s already widely - though not universally - regarded as the best fighter of his generation, though his critics always choose to talk up the credentials of the fighter he hasn’t faced in order to detract from his record. But Money talks too – never shy about referring to himself in the most reverend of tones, though his best talking is always done inside the ropes.

As a big admirer of what he’s all about as a fighter, I’m personally just hoping to see Floyd in as many fights as possible against the very best opponents. After Marquez, give him Pacquiao, give him Mosley, give him Cotto, even give him Paul Williams and Kelly Pavlik. My bet is that he can beat any and all of them, simply because he’s the best in so many ways – quicker, smarter, more skilled, superior (That old Carly Simon number “Nobody does it better” comes to mind!)

Oft-maligned but still untarnished, Mayweather’s second coming may prove even more impressive than his first. Let all the detractors come out again with sharpened critical blades, pens and keyboards. Let all the other top pugilists lace on the gloves and give it their best shot.

And what’s to say that the 0 still won’t go?

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Manny Pacquiao doesn't need Floyd Mayweather, but what about Shane Mosley?

2009-05-31T11:49:00.001-07:00

To this corner, Manny Pacquiao is in the driver's seat. He's on top, he should dictate terms. He is wildly popular at home and in the States. If he fights Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Sugar Shane Mosley or Miguel Cotto, it's big business.

Let's try to make some sense of all the talk, internet posts and news reports.

1. Manny Pacquiao wants to fight again in October. We suggested here that Pacquiao should fight that bout in the Philippines. One thing for certain, Mayweather -- win or lose in July -- won't be ready to fight Pac Man in October.

2. Making a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight even more difficult to happen is PBF's demand that he get a 60-40 split. Bob Arum told the Philippine Star, “You can tell Floyd Mayweather that Bob Arum said he’s delusional... Floyd is not the attraction. Manny is the attraction. Floyd’s got no idea what he’s talking about... Even a 50/50 split with Floyd Mayweather is nonsense.”

OK, moving right along.

3. A Miguel Cotto (should he get by Joshua Clottey) and Pac Man fight is very intriguing. They are both promoted by Arum so there would be few obstacles. When you add the Latino market to the PPV audience, numbers should jump. The catch here is that Cotto has already intimated he's not too interested in fighting at a catch weight of say, 144. Remember, he was more than happy to leave 140 and stop sucking weight, so why go back? Well, money will do that to you.

4. Now enter Sugar Shane Mosley. Dan Rafael quoted Sugar Shane on ESPN.com as saying,
"I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now," Mosley said. "I'm willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen. I know this is what [Pacquiao trainer] Freddie Roach wants as well, as he has previously stated this to press. I am the best fighter in boxing and I am ready to reclaim the title of No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter."

The bottom line is that Mosley needs either Mayweather or Pac Man. Yes, the obvious fight is Pac Man vs. Mayweather. But how many times has the obvious fight not been made? Too many. Mosley has also attempted to bait Mayweather into a fight, but PBF has never seemed interested in fighting Shane. Why is that?

Which leads us to ... October 17, 2009, Manila, Manny Pacquiao vs. Sugar Shane Mosley.

Neither of these guys are ever in a dull fight. Please, someone make it happen.

Source: http://weblogs.newsday.com

Ranking Possible Pacquiao Foes In Terms Of The Level Of Danger To The Pound For Pound King

2009-05-31T11:48:00.014-07:00

Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol – The date has already been set, but the opponent is still yet to be determined. Universally recognized pound for pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) of the Philippines, who stands at a meager 5’6” and a reach of 67”, will continue to turn the pages of his storied boxing career, as he faces yet another tough challenge come October 17th.

Hereunder is a list of possible opponents ranked according to the risk-level on the planet’s best fighter. Please take note that factors such as money-matters and promotional concerns were not taken into consideration in generating this list.

1. “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-5-0, 39 KOs) – This 37-yr-old boxing freak has had battles with some of the biggest names in the sport. The list includes Ronald “Winky” Wright, Vernon Forrest, Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Miguel Cotto, Ricardo Mayorga, and Antonio Margarito, just to name a few. It’s pretty amazing how he stayed in front of these guys, took a few good shots, and yet still stayed on his feet. Shane is way too young than his age would suggest. His granite chin – an uncanny ability to take a punch, coupled with an extra long reach (74 inches) and sweet boxing skills, makes Shane the most dangerous challenger for Pacquiao’s throne. And by the way, did I already mention that he also packs a punch in both fists? Check his knockout ratio out.

2. “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39-0-0, 25 KOs) – Some may argue that this self-proclaimed best fighter should be atop the list. But his safety-first attitude and not-so-imposing size advantage over Pacquiao puts him below Mosley on the most dangerous list. Zab Judah showed us that Floyd is also vulnerable. I’m not saying that Mosley hasn’t been hurt in the past. We should, however, consider the guys he was against and realize that Floyd’s resume certainly pales in comparison. Come to think of it… Floyd can’t beat Shane if they fought now, but of course, that’s another story. Nevertheless, Floyd is undefeated and as long as he stays so, he’d still be taken with much due respect.

3. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) – Style-wise, this gritty Mexican is the worst matchup for Pacquiao. JuanMa’s exceptional patience and discipline in sticking to his age-old waiting game, better known as counterpunching, are a nightmare to Pacquiao’s aggressive, come forward style. Their first two encounters are still the subject of debates up to this very moment. Okay, let’s try to lay those debates to rest. Marquez won more rounds than Pacquiao did in their first encounter, the second one, well… it was pretty even. But the 3 knockdowns in the first fight and the lone knockdown in the 3rd canto of the 2nd encounter won Pacquiao both fights. Yes, Pacquiao also won the first fight, had it not been for the arithmetic incompetence of Burt Clements who scored the first round 10-7 instead of 10-6 for Pacquiao. Anyhow, there’s still no better way to settle the score than to do a 3rd face-off.

4. Miguel Angel “Junito” Cotto (33-1-0, 27 KOs) – This Puerto Rican welterweight champion poses the least threat for Pacquiao among the four ring gladiators mentioned in this list. His 5’7” frame and 67” reach is perfect for the Pinoy firebomb that stands just an inch shorter and shares the same reach. Antonio Margarito, regardless of him cheating or not, somehow erased or at least diminished Cotto’s once indomitable persona. The exceptionally fast Pacquiao, albeit considerably smaller, has enough power to hurt him. Cotto also has knockout power in both knuckles, but Pacquiao doesn’t have a glass chin either. Their styles are perfect for each other. A Pacquiao-Cotto showdown is probably the most exciting, most competitive, and most explosive among the prospective future Pacquiao fights, as well as the fight that will most likely happen next.

Source: philboxing.com

Ticket Sales Show “Cash Cow” Floyd Is Really Just A Box Office Goat

2009-05-31T11:48:00.013-07:00

If you have the patience to sit through one of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s self serving diatribes you will undoubtedly hear him tell you that when it comes to ticket sales and PPV buys he is the “Cash Cow” in boxing.

So far ticket sales for his upcoming fight with Juan Manuel Marquez tell us otherwise.

Tickets for “Number One/Numero Uno” went on sale this past Friday morning and as I sit to write this article late Monday night, a quick check of Ticketmaster reveals that there are plenty of tickets left for the Las Vegas battle….PLENTY!

Oh sure all the 150 dollar tickets are gone, and one could easily argue that Marquez fans are the ones who gobbled up those low priced seats. But in every other price range there a tickets-o-plenty. In fact if someone wanted to snag 10 ringside seats up (most allowed in one transaction) right now…they could. The only way all the ringside and other expensive seats sell is if Floyd buys them himself, goes to his favorite night club and throws them up in the air the way he does fake hundred dollar bills. But unlike the counterfeit hundreds (allegedly), most of these tickets will lie on the floor for the janitor to sweep up.

When Super Fights and/or Mega Fights tickets go on sale we were getting used to the promoter announcing in the first 2 hours that tickets have been “SOLD OUT” but arrangements have been made for closed circuit venues to open up on the night of the fight so everyone will be able to witness the battle.

No such announcement was made last Friday and it’s highly doubtful we will be receiving one anytime soon or at all for that matter.

In fact, the only times in recent history that announcement was made either the names De La Hoya, Hatton or Pacquiao were attached. Not coincidentally, the only time Floyd has been involved in a box office bonanza is when he had a dance partner like Oscar and Ricky. Floyd may be a whizz on Dancing With the Stars, but he’s got two left feet when it comes to waltzing with the Benjamins.

The fact is Floyd Mayweather Jr. was not a pay-per-view star before his 2007 fights with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, the numbers speak for themselves:

Mayweather, already a two-division Champ when he took on Arturo Gatti for a super lightweight title in his first pay-per-view fight in June 2005 did 365,000 buys, and you could plausibly argue that it was the vastly more popular Gatti who pulled in the majority of the buyers.

Floyd’s fight with Zab Judah for a 147 pound strap in April 2006 sold 375,000 PPV buys even though Floyd’s promoter at that time, Bob Arum, predicted it would do more than the 1.4 million buys De La Hoya-Felix Trinidad Jr. did in 1999.

Mayweather’s “fight” against flavor of the moment Carlos Baldomir in November 2006 did a paltry 300,000 buys.

The numbers don’t lie and the truth will be revealed when anemic PPV numbers come in after the fight.

In this “mega-fight” with Juan Manuel Marquez – which HBO somehow decided was worthy of the 24/7 treatment – Floyd won’t get any help from his dance partner, because Marquez, for all his accomplishments, has never been a box office PPV star. Even when he fought Manny Pacquiao in a very highly anticipated rematch, HBO reported 400,000 buys, which was good numbers for the little guys back then, but this a new day and age. The majority of the seats at the house for the Pacquiao-Marquez fight were filled by Filipinos, not Mexicans. And it’s fair to assume Pacquiao fans generated the lion’s share of the PPV purchases as well.

In their efforts to generate sales for this fight, the press tour was taken to England in a desperate venture to try and bolster PPV buys. But the Brit tabloid “The Sun” laid to rest any hopes this promotion was going to be a hit in England. The Sun said bluntly, “Floyd Mayweather was in London with Juan Manuel Marquez to promote his fight on July 18. It’s a fight Mayweather is expected to win. He will be too big for Marquez. The reason they are in Britain? The promoters believe it will generate big pay-per-view numbers here! At 4.30am in the morning! Dream on.”

Given the state of the economy and the slow start to ticket sales it is very realistic to believe this fight may do only 400,000 in PPV buys and if it breaks the 500,000 mark everyone involved should consider themselves lucky at best.

Everyone but HBO, the promoters and the fighters that is. :)

If the PPV numbers come in far lower than expected, HBO will certainly be second-guessing its decision to pour time and considerable money into another one of their 24/7 series. Time-Warner, which owns HBO, might also get on the horn to the network president Ross Greenburg and ask him how he so misjudged the potential of this fight.

Fact is, any boxing industry analyst could have told HBO that given Marquez’s anonymity beyond the Mexican community, and the over-inflated value Mayweather has given himself as a PPV draw, going for a 24/7 on what would seem to be a tune-up – albeit a difficult one – for “Money May” was a very questionable proposition. If HBO had said no to Floyd on the 24/7, what would he have done, gone to Showtime? This was probably seen as an investment by HBO in a huge Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown, but given Floyd’s aversion to be being hit, that fight may never take place.

The biggest losers on this fight will be the promoters.

It’s very conceivable that Golden Boy and the respective Mayweather and Marquez promotional companies, who like all promoters had to pay the purses on a PPV fight – are going to lose their proverbial butts on this one. The fighters also lose, too, because their contracts include a percentage of the PPV revenue.

Sorry, but there is no way in hell anybody who speaks only Spanish gives a darn about Mayweather, and in my humble opinion we’ve seen way too much 24/7 of all the Mayweather’s, especially Floyd Jr.

But Mayweather Jr. probably demanded it, and HBO invested the money just to make him happy, not to mention it’s a good way to suck up to “Pretty Boy” just in case he does grow a set of cajones and fights Pacquiao somewhere down the line. (I’ve already predicted he won’t).

Bottom line here, Mayweather is throwing around HBO money like the dollar bills he tosses around at strip clubs and he is getting away with it.

Nevermind what you are reading elsewhere that Mayweather is boxing’s true reality star and that we can hardly wait for HBO’s 24/7 to begin. That’s just more sucking up to HBO and Mayweather by the Fat Man.

The numbers speak for themselves and right now the dismal ticket sales are pointing to Mayweather vs. Marquez being one of the biggest PPV busts of all time.

Source: pound4pound.com

Arum Scoffs At Floyd's 60/40 Offer

2009-05-31T11:48:00.012-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Floyd Mayweather Jr. must be hallucinating when he said he wants the bigger purse and wouldn’t agree to a 50/50 split with Manny Pacquiao if ever they get to meet.

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, made this observation after Mayweather said “it will be a cold day in hell” before he agrees to a 50/50 split with the Filipino.

“You can tell Floyd Mayweather that Bob Arum said he’s delusional,” the legendary promoter, who once had Mayweather under his fold, told The STAR yesterday morning.

“Floyd is not the attraction. Manny is the attraction. Floyd’s got no idea what he’s talking about,” added Arum, stressing that it’s Pacquiao who should get more.

And the Harvard lawyer means “more.”

Arum said a while back that whoever faces Pacquiao next should be happy with 30, 32 or 35 percent of the purse, and that may include Mayweather who hasn’t fought in 17 months.

“Even a 50/50 split with Floyd Mayweather is nonsense,” he said.

Pacquiao, coming off big wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Oscar dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton, is scheduled to return to the ring on Dec. 17.

Arum said the Mayweather fight isn’t going to happen this year, and so they’re looking at welterweights Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley, and the smaller guy, Edwin Valero.

Trainer Freddie Roach said Pacquiao will fight Cotto or Mosley at 142 lb, and so far only Mosley, the WBA champion at 147 lb, is biting the bullet, saying he wants to face Pacquiao “now.”

“But I’m not gonna come up with a name until after June 13,” Arum added on the phone, saying Pacquiao will be in New York on that day to watch Cotto against Josh Clottey.

“Then he’ll be back in Los Angeles and I will meet him and Freddie (Roach) there. We will discuss all the options, and get everybody’s input. There’s no rush,” Arum said.

“There’s Cotto, Mosley and Valero. We’re not including Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. because of the weight (he wants to fight Pacquiao at 150 lb) and he’s fighting soon.”

Mayweather, the undefeated ex-pound-for-pound king, is on a comeback, and previous reports said he stands to get $15 million against Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18.

Mayweather is favored to win the fight and stretch his record to 40-0. But this early, people are already talking about Mayweather vs Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king.

The American champion, as outspoken as his father, trainer Floyd Sr., said he wants a bigger share if he fights Pacquiao. He wants 60/40, and won’t fight at 50/50.

Don’t tell that to Arum. – Abac Cordero

Source: philstar.com

No Mayweather Vs Manny This Year - Arum

2009-05-31T11:48:00.011-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Bob Arum is still pushing for Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley as Manny Pacquiao’s opponent on Oct. 17.

Arum said he doesn’t believe that Floyd Mayweather Jr., the comebacking ex-pound-for-pound king, will be available by then.

“I think Mayweather would not really be available this year,” Arum told boxingscene.com, referring to the undefeated American who will climb the ring on July 17 against Juan Manuel Marquez, the counter-puncher from Mexico.

Assuming that he wins that fight, as fight fans see him doing, it may be too difficult for Mayweather to fight Pacquiao three months after, even if he rests for a month and trains for two months.

It may be possible, but Arum doesn’t think Mayweather would do it.

“Because he’s Mayweather,” the Top Rank chief told Robert Morales of boxingscene.com in a recent interview.

“And obviously we’re not going to wait until after the Marquez fight. There have been no discussions whatsoever with the Mayweather people at this particular point and as far as I know nobody is pushing the Mayweather fight,” said Arum.

Arum went on to say that the final decision comes from Pacquiao, and his trainer, Freddie Roach, regarding the next fight.

Mayweather saying there’s no way Pacquiao can get a 50/50 split if they fight isn’t going to help as well in putting up the fight because Arum, like most people, believe that the Filipino southpaw is now the sport’s biggest draw, and not a fighter coming out of retirement.

Arum even said a while back that whoever Pacquiao faces next should be treated like someone Oscar dela Hoya faced when the Olympic champion from the US, who is now retired, was still the pay-per-view king.

Roach said 60/40 for Pacquiao against Mayweather can make the fight, and not 50/50.

“It will be a cold day in hell before that happens,” said Mayweather of an even purse split with Pacquiao.

Some boxing minds say Pacquiao is dodging Mayweather because he is afraid of African-American fighters, but in the same breath they should think that Mayweather is dodging Pacquiao by asking for the moon.

That’s why Arum is still looking at Cotto or Mosley who are both bigger and heavier but beatable as well.

Source: philstar.com

Beating Mayweather Like Strolling Through Hell In Gasoline Suit

2009-05-31T11:48:00.010-07:00

I guess I can be permitted to disagree with the sagacious Coach Freddie Roach maybe once a year.

I know that my Boston homeboy is a paragon of pugilistic pontification perfection—try saying that five times fast—but when he says that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be easy work for Manny Pacquiao, I beg to differ.

Now Fly Fly Freddie can’t get too mad at me because I am begging,

If fighting speed demon Floyd Mayweather is easy then why have opponents tried and failed to beat him in 39 bouts?

Sure, he had some less than difficult prey along the way but the man did become universally recognized, which he was before he quit and Pacman went on a vicious tear, as the Pound for Pound King of the Ring.

He fought some chopped liver, as we say in New York, but make no mistake. Mayweather is not chopped liver. He is a slick and quick boxer with marvelous skills that pay all but his tax bills.

There’s more than a little of the sweetness of Sugar Ray Leonard in his fight game although I don’t see any Wilfred Benitez, Thomas Hearns or Marin Hagler level names on his ring resume.

Roach is talking loud and labeling Mayweather “easy” not because he truly believes that. Coach is just using the media bullhorn as a megaphone to Manny, to buoy his superstar fighter’s psyche.

If you think for a millisecond that Pacman considers Li’l Floyd any day at the Boracay Beach then you are no Everlast Einsten. Quite the opposite, you should be reading Hebrew Housecat Matt Stolow’s soon to be released book, “Boxing for the Mentally Challenged.”

Fighting and losing to Mayweather, I guess you could say that is easy enough.

But climbing into the ring and beating the unbeaten Money May is whole other kettle of tasty balut.

Drinking 12 cases of my new favorite beer, the Pacman endorsed home country brew San Miguel, could not make me say that Mayweather is facile work.

Knowing that savvy Republicans, and there are some, won't risk alienating the Hispanic voters by barbecueing eminently sualified Obama Supreme Court pick, Sonia Sotomayor. Knowing that this Puerto Rican will punch her way through in a style which would compliment Miguel Cotto, now that is easy. (Shame she's a Yankee fan or I might woo her like I tried to do with Pacmom.)

Chinese geometry could be easy.

Rocket science might be easy.

Creating peace in the Middle East may be easy.

Sedating that Kim Il Jong, the nut case who runs North Korea, may not be too hard.

Shutting up right wing loudmouth and illegal pill popper Rush Limbaugh may not be difficult.

Discovering the cure for Big Papi David Ortiz’s miserable batting slump might not be backbreaking work.

Being Tom Brady and hanging out with super model Gisele Bundschen must be easy.

Realizing that Rihanna won’t be Chris Brown’s speed bag any longer is easy.

Knowing that LeBron James, if he and the Cavaliers don’t get crowned as NBA champs after all the hype this season, will be a historic NBA flop, that is simple.

Watching the salacious videos of Pinoy plastic sturgeon Dr. Hayden Kho cavorting with lovelies would not be difficult for the typical redblooded male.

Figuring out that the stock market will continue to fluctuate, that’s not hard.

Deciphering that Coach Roach looks at adviser Michael Koncz as Bob Arum’s pool boy that is not hard to do.

Knowing that constant consumption of tuna will send your mercury level skyrocketing that is not difficult.

Sensing that the Taliban moves around Pakistan as quickly as Mayweather romps about the ring is not so problematic.

Realizing that inhaling a case of sugary Mountain Dew each day is not lowering Floyd Mayweather Senior’s glucose levels, that is not so hard.

But for any boxer in the world, including the awesome Pacquiao, beating this gloved wizard named Mayweather, now that is not easy.

You might be able to count the number of ROUNDS he's lost in 39 fights on one hand, my friends.

If you think it is easy, then you should take a leisurely stroll through the lowest depths of hell wearing a flammable jacket, a gasoline suit, and then report back to us.

I will only have one question for you if you survive. No, make that two.

Was it hot enough for you? Or was it just easy like Sunday morning?

Source: examiner.com

Mayweather Won't Bow To Pacquiao, Hits Marquez Critics

2009-05-31T11:48:00.009-07:00

If negotiations ever come about, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not planning to cave in and give Manny Pacquiao the lion's share of the money. Viewed as the richest fight in boxing, most insiders see the monetary negotiations as the biggest issue with making the fight come together in the future.

Mayweather faces Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Marquez is moving up from 135 to 144-pounds for the fight. Mayweather is coming down a few pounds from 147. Most critics have said Marquez is too small.

Speaking with BoxingScene.com's Luis Sandoval, Mayweather said the critics are just making excuses.

"I'm always in a no-win situation. Every time I fight a guy they say the guy is over the hill or I'm too big or I was too fast. They are always going to have an excuse. Marquez is a good fighter. To beat a fighter like that it takes hard work, dedication and preparation and belief in a good team, and I have a great team," Mayweather said.

Top Rank's Bob Arum, promoter of Pacquiao, has gone on the record several times and takes the position that his fighter deserves more money than Mayweather. Speaking with BoxingScene, Mayweather says the money will have to swing in his direction and he sees no reason for Pacquiao to get more money.

"I don't have to go out there and chase fighters. I earned my spot. I beat Oscar De La Hoya two years ago, just like I beat Ricky Hatton two years ago," Mayweather said.

"You just ask yourself, in 2007 I total grossed $250 million in one hour. And with my fight with Hatton, Hatton was never on pay-per-view before and my numbers with Hatton did better than Pacquiao's numbers with Hatton. That's for Leonard Ellerbe and Bob Arum to negotiate who gets the lion's share."

Source: boxingscene.com

Is Marquez Really Outdoing Manny?

2009-05-31T11:48:00.007-07:00

Manny Pacquiao is considered Pound for Pound the greatest boxer in the world today. Juan Manuel Marquez is widely considered the second best fighter in the world today according to Ring Magazine. During their two fights, Manny has won one and they have drawn one. The first fight being a draw with scores of Judge John Stewart 110-115 for Manny, Judge Burt Clements 113-113 and Judge Guy Jutras 115-110 for Marquez. Marquez being knocked down three times early in the first fight came back to force a draw. With the second fight being scored by Judge Duane Ford 112-115 for Manny, Judge Jerry Roth 115-112 for Marquez and Judge Tom Miller 113-114 for Manny; clearly the knockdown early in this fight was the difference..

When one looks at the scorecards between the 24 hard fought rounds between the two, Marquez clearly won the majority of the rounds, but the flash knockdowns has since hurt his chances of being the true pound for pound champion of the world. But since their last fight, has Manny been outdone fight after fight by Marquez?

After the two clashed at Super Featherweight, Manny went up to lightweight and challenged David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight title for his next fight. Winning heavily on all scorecards Manny managed to TKO the former champion Diaz in nine rounds; in what seemed like a great feat at the time. But was Diaz truly considered a great champion after being given the full WBC belt after beating unproven Jose Armando Santa Cruz for the Interim WBC Lightweight Championship? His only defense of his title was a hard fought battle against an over the hill Erik Morales; a fighter whom Manny had already defeated convincingly twice before.

Meanwhile Juan Manuel Marquez also went up to Lightweight following his fight with Manny, And scored a TKO over a very formidable opponent in Joel Casamayor who was coming off a TKO victory over the previously unbeaten Michael Katsidis for the Interim WBO Lightweight Championship. Casamayor wasn’t on the losing end of a fight since 2004; a fight for the WBC title, in which he lost a close split-decision against Jose Luis Castillo.

After the David Diaz fight Manny went on to fight Oscar De La Hoya at welterweight. Oscar was defeated by TKO by a more faster and hungrier fighter. Clearly Oscar was weight drained coming down to welterweight for the first time in twelve years. Before the fight Manny was clearly the underdog; mainly because of the size disadvantage that Oscar presented. Manny showed his speed and quickness over the much larger man, but we all know Oscar hasn’t been in his prime since dinosaurs roamed the earth, coming off a lackluster effort against another smaller foe, Steve “2 pounds” Forbes.

Marquez continued at Lightweight and fought a prime 25 year old Champion in Juan Diaz. This fight was very entertaining and still could be Fight of the Year. This showed Marquez adjust to a much younger fighter who was willing to brawl for the entire fight. Marquez brawled a little and boxed even more en-route to a ninth round TKO win for the WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine titles.

Manny Pacquiao then fought Ricky Hatton and quickly knocked him out in the 2nd Round for the 140lb title. But just before the fight occurred Juan Manuel Marquez stole the show once again and showed that he should be considered for the top Pound for Pound spot, when he signed on to fight the undefeated former P4P king, Floyd Mayweather Jr. two weight classes above at welterweight. We must remember that Marquez has only recently fought above 130lbs twice and if Marquez should win this fight, he has officially outdone Manny fight after fight since his lost to him early last year. A win for Marquez over Mayweather shall definitely catapult him to “Number One/Numero Uno,” regardless of his two losses against Manny.

Source: eastsideboxing.com

Mayweather, Marquez Clinching Already As Lying Liars Lie

2009-05-31T11:48:00.005-07:00

Biggest Liars, Lies Told In Boxing Today:

1. Pound or Pound King is Floyd Mayweather Jr. Lightning bolt of truth must have hit Mayweather on his trans Atlantic flight to London because, on that side of the pond, PBF gave it up, saying “it’s just an opinion” as to who the P4P King of the ring really is. Smart move by Li’l Floyd because haughty arrogance doesn’t play as well in the UK as it does in the USA.

2. Oscar De La Hoya, serial liar, pumps up Juan Manuel Marquez by saying that “you can beat Mayweather with the jab." Oh, really, O’Reilly? You are bigger and stronger than tiny Marquez but you couldn’t do it. Flip the script to July 19 when Oscar will be oohing and aahing over how great Floyd is and how he will slap Manny Pacquiao around.

3. Big Gary Shaw badmouths light heavyweight contender Tavoris Cloud as not a suitable challenger to Bad Chad Dawson. Pardon me, Big Gar, but what great fighters did Dawson beat to get to the top of the queque for his title shot? Just because HBO won’t pay for Dawson-Cloud does not mean that Cloud did not do what he was supposed to become the top IBF contender. Truth and Shaw are seldom in the same zip code.

4. Roger Mayweather. Fortunately, because there were no English language subtitles for his trip to England, the British media could not understand a word Snaglepuss said while there.

5. Mayweather Mafia. What kind of a Godfather lets Ricky Hatton last for 10 rounds? It took Pacquiao’s lightning and thunder assault to turn Hitman into Hurtman.

6. Yes, it is true that comic book Archie Andrews shook up Riverdale by choosing to marry sultry hottie Veronica over good girl Betty but the only change in the character of Archie pal Jughead is that Floyd Mayweather wants to play him in the forthcoming movie. Btw, the over/under on Veronica cheating with Reggie is four days.

7. Hayden Kho. Let's leave him in the garbage can from whence he came. But may I ask this question. When Senator Ramon Revilla labeled the plastic sturgeon "a pervert of the highest kind" was that praise or an insult? And, did this guy go to the Horndog School of Medicine?

Source: examiner.com

Manny Pacquiao Should Demand To Fight In The Philippines

2009-05-31T11:48:00.003-07:00

It has been three years since Manny Pacquiao defeated Oscar Larios in Araneta Coliseum, in Manila. A lot has happened in those three years. Manny Pacquiao has become the best fighter in boxing and a brand name that has gone global.

Now, it's time for him to defend his junior welterweight belt and pound-for-pound title in front of his loyal fans in the Philippines. Pacquiao has fought at home before, but has not engaged in a world title fight in the Philippines since 2002.

Pac Man has expressed a desire to fight in October, which creates a window of opportunity for Manny because there is no way Floyd Mayweather Jr. (if he beats Juan Manuel Marquez) will fight JMM in July and then turn around and fight again in October. Odds are, Floyd won't fight in the Philippines anyway.

Every great Filipino champion -- Pancho Villa, Ceferino Garcia, Flash Elorde, Luisito Espinosa -- has defended the strap on their home turf in their prime. The great Jack Dempsey even refereed one of Garcia's title fights in the Philippines. Now it's Pac Man's turn. Can you imagine the job HBO will do profiling Manny in his hometown? Imagine how the atmosphere of the fight will translate on television? Remember how atmosphere was always such a big deal to the TV executives?

Pacquiao also has expressed a desire to run for political office. What says more to his potential voters -- following the lure of money back to Las Vegas, or demanding a fight in the Philippines before his people?

Source: weblogs.newsday.com

Floyd Mayweather: No Even Split For Pacquiao Fight

2009-05-31T11:48:00.001-07:00

For his next opponent, current pound-for-pound champ Manny Pacquiao told the Bangkok Post he'd rather climb inside the ropes for a superfight against former pound-for-pound champ Floyd Mayweather than face Miguel Cotto, Edwin Valero, Shane Mosley or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

If that's true, it's gonna cost him.

Mayweather, a six-time former world champion from Grand Rapids, proclaimed loud and clear in a recent interview with FightHype.com that Pacquiao must take less than 50 percent of the purse split if their much-speculated matchup is ever going to happen.

"Pacquiao will never get 50/50. It'll be a cold day in hell before that happens," he said.

A tale of the tape of pay-per-view numbers featuring Mayweather and Pacquiao against common opponents -- Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton -- shows Mayweather has the upper hand.

"We deal with facts," the undefeated Mayweather said in an article appearing on Philstar.com. "When he fought with Oscar, he did 1.24 (million buys). When I fought Oscar, we did 2.5 (million). Against Hatton, they did 800 (thousand) and change. I did 930 (thousand) for the same fight.

"I did over a million in the (United Kingdom for the Hatton fight) and they did less than half of that," he added.

Of course, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, who calls Mayweather a "boring fighter," thinks differently.

"So now Floyd Mayweather says he wants 60 percent (to fight Pacquiao)," Arum said in the same Philstar.com article. "That's nonsense. Even 50 percent is nonsense. You can make a deal with Mayweather if Mayweather takes a much smaller percent."

Seems doubtful.

Mayweather isn't likely to budge from his demands either.

"He's a very good fighter who has a promoter and trainer that are doing all the talking for him," he said of Pacquiao. "I ain't heard Pacquiao mention my name one time. Why? He knows that he would get his (expletive) torn out of the frame fighting me.

"His promoter is jockeying for position to set this guy up, but that would never work with us."

Source: mlive.com

JMM & PBF: Masters Of The Waiting Game

2009-05-31T01:13:00.001-07:00

Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol – Two of arguably the world’s smartest and most patient pugilists (not necessarily the best) set their sights at each other, as the come-backing “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39-0-0, 25 KOs) of the United States tests his mettle against hardnosed Mexican Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) at the MGM Grand Hotel, in Las Vegas, Nevada on the 18th of July.

Most boxing scribes and pundits expect Marquez to initiate the fight and come forward. Former junior welterweight champ Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi from Brooklyn, New York even predicted the same approach. This, however, is a big mistake, should Marquez deviate from his tried and tested counterpunching strategy, which, in layman’s term, basically means “waiting”. Speed, size, and effective reach are integral aspects that he doesn’t have an advantage of. If Marquez opts to fight aggressively, he consequently diminishes his most potent weapon – his nearly impenetrable defense. The extremely fast, accurate-punching, and undefeated Mayweather is the guy he should least have his guard down on.

Marquez cannot impose his power on Mayweather as much as he definitely cannot outmaneuver and outpace his exceptionally speedy and superbly conditioned opponent. The best he can do to at least make this fight interesting is to do just exactly what he has been doing throughout his boxing career. Marquez should let Mayweather come to him and wait for the slightest openings. He wouldn’t stand a chance if he tries to make Mayweather play the “matador’s role”. He needs to be patient, enormously patient, at that.

If one of these two fighters needs to abandon his counterpunching style to make this showdown fan-friendly and exciting, it should be the undefeated American. Mayweather, being the bigger guy, ought to play the bully’s role in this classic match-up between two great counterpunchers. It is him and certainly not Marquez that should claim the responsibility of making this face-off into an exciting fight that fans would love to see. If this scrap turns out to be a drag – a boring waiting game, much of the criticism should fall on Floyd.

A mediocre performance even in victory would cost Mayweather a major bargaining drawback when he and his management goes to the negotiating table in a potential blockbuster bout with six-time world titlist, four-division lineal champ, and pound-for-pound best fighter of this era Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) of the Philippines later this year.

Meanwhile, nobody should count Marquez out. He has a decent chance at a major upset and earn a third encounter with his Filipino arch-nemesis. Floyd is undefeated, but previous bouts against Jose Luis Castillo, Zab Judah, and Oscar de la Hoya have also shown his vulnerable side.

The Mexican master boxer has less to lose in this showdown than Floyd would if he looks past Marquez. The pressure is on Floyd to score a dominant victory. Anything less would only be very disappointing for him and an approval for the huge underdog in Marquez.

Source: philboxing.com

Pacquiao Can Handle Floyd, Says Roach

2009-05-31T01:11:00.002-07:00

Freddie Roach sees Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the least troublesome among fighters being groomed to face Manny Pacquiao.

"The easiest fight out of those three, in my opinion, is Mayweather," Roach told ace fight scribe Robert Morales in boxing scene. "The other two guys are way stronger, way more physical. Look at Mayweather; he struggled against (Oscar) De La Hoya and his fight with (Ricky) Hatton was competitive."

"And Manny killed both of those guys. I don’t care what the excuses are. A fact is a fact. He (Mayweather) won a split decision against De La Hoya. We didn’t lose a round to either," Roach said.

Pacquiao has been penciled to return on Oct. 17 against a foe yet to be named following an easy two-round destruction of Hatton last May 2.

Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, Shane Mosley of the US and Mayweather are frontrunners although Top Rank chief Bob Arum believes a Mayweather fight with Pacquiao is not very likely to happen within the year.

Cotto fights Joshua Clottey on June 13 in New York, while Mayweather meets Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on July 18 in Las Vegas and Team Pacquiao should be able to reach a decision as to who and where Pacquiao’s fight will be immediately afterwards.

Mayweather is being represented by Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon in the negotiating table, while Mosley is under the promotional banner of the De La Hoya-owned Golden Boy Promotions and Cotto is with Top Rank like Pacquiao.

Before his premature retirement in 2008, Mayweather was universally recognized as the best fighter in the world pound-for-pound.

Pacquiao is now the holder of that mythical title after a string of impressive wins against Marquez, David Diaz, De La Hoya and Hatton.

Pacquiao will be at ringside at Madison Square Garden when Cotto slugs it out with Clottey since he will root for Filipino title challenger Rodel Mayol in the undercard.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/node/202721

"The easiest fight out of those three, in my opinion, is Mayweather," Roach told ace fight scribe Robert Morales in boxing scene. "The other two guys are way stronger, way more physical. Look at Mayweather; he struggled against (Oscar) De La Hoya and his fight with (Ricky) Hatton was competitive."

"And Manny killed both of those guys. I don’t care what the excuses are. A fact is a fact. He (Mayweather) won a split decision against De La Hoya. We didn’t lose a round to either," Roach said.

Pacquiao has been penciled to return on Oct. 17 against a foe yet to be named following an easy two-round destruction of Hatton last May 2.

Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, Shane Mosley of the US and Mayweather are frontrunners although Top Rank chief Bob Arum believes a Mayweather fight with Pacquiao is not very likely to happen within the year.

Cotto fights Joshua Clottey on June 13 in New York, while Mayweather meets Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on July 18 in Las Vegas and Team Pacquiao should be able to reach a decision as to who and where Pacquiao’s fight will be immediately afterwards.

Mayweather is being represented by Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon in the negotiating table, while Mosley is under the promotional banner of the De La Hoya-owned Golden Boy Promotions and Cotto is with Top Rank like Pacquiao.

Before his premature retirement in 2008, Mayweather was universally recognized as the best fighter in the world pound-for-pound.

Pacquiao is now the holder of that mythical title after a string of impressive wins against Marquez, David Diaz, De La Hoya and Hatton.

Pacquiao will be at ringside at Madison Square Garden when Cotto slugs it out with Clottey since he will root for Filipino title challenger Rodel Mayol in the undercard.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph

Marquez Owes Pacquiao A Heartfelt Thanks

2009-05-31T01:11:00.001-07:00

After a stunning technical knockout victory over Barrera in 2003, Pacquiao traded punches with Marquez. Pacquiao knocked him down three times, yet Marquez fought him to a draw in their first bout at 126 pounds.

Boxing writers and experts then began to recognize the talents of Marquez, who lurked behind the shadows of his fellow Mexican greats, Morales and Barrera, for a long time.

Marquez felt he won the fight and refused a rematch with the Pacman because of a purse disagreement with Arum. Instead, he went to Indonesia and lost his belt against the equally talented Chris John.

Marquez fought his way back into the spotlight by beating Juarez and Barrera before meeting Manny for the second time. In the rematch at 130 pounds in 2008, Pacquiao escaped with a hotly debated split-decision. After 24 rounds, the difference between them is one point on the scorecards.

Once again, Marquez and his trainer, Beristain insisted that he won the fight. He even flew to the Philippines to challenge Pacquiao for another fight. He keep telling the media in Manila that Manny is afraid of him and how he was robbed of a victory in their second encounter.

Pacquiao moved up in weight in his next three fights and went on to win titles at 135 and 140 lbs. Marquez chased Pacquiao by fighting top calibre opponents at 135 lbs and in the process, collected different belts including the prestigious Ring Magazine lineal championship.

It cannot be denied that the Pacquiao encounter and the act of chasing the ‘Mexican Assassin’ made Marquez into a boxing superstar. He is now considered to be one of Mexico’s elite fighters to ever lace a glove. He can easily belong to the top five Mexican greats along side Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Olivares, Salvador Sanchez and Ricardo Lopez.

The Pacquiao chase has not stopped. The best way Marquez can gain a second rematch with the 140 Ring Magazine champ is to challenge the former pound for pound champion. Mayweather accepted the bait and Marquez is in a position to solidy his claim as one of Mexico’s great.

The thorn that is Pacquiao has been both a bane and a boon for Dinamita. Marquez once pronounced that “ he could never the best boxer if he fails to beat Pacquiao.” But Marquez has to realize that without Pacquiao, he would not be where he is now as a champion in three different weight divisions. Marquez should stop complaining about his loss to Pacquiao. It is high time that Marquez show appreciation to what Manny has done to his boxing career. He definitely owes Manny Pacquiao a hearfelt thanks.

Source: digitaljournal.com

It's Official: Pacquiao Wants Mayweather

2009-05-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

It’s the fight that everybody in the boxing world wants. Even casual fans of the sport – hell, even people who don’t know the first thing about boxing – seem to want this fight.

And now it appears that Manny Pacquiao wants it too. After weeks in which there has been a revolving list of potential opponents for Pacquiao’s next fight that included Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Edwin Valero and even Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the fighter himself has set his focus on the superfight with Floyd Mayweather that the public is clamoring for.

According to this piece over at Boxing Scene, Pacquiao recently told the Bangkok Post that he isn’t interested in facing either Cotto or Mosley and that he will wait to announce his next fight until after the Mayweather/Juan Manuel Marquez fight on July 18th. He also stated that he expects Mayweather to win that fight, and that if he does, a Mayweather fight is his primary aim for the fall.

“Mayweather has a lot of advantages,” Pacquiao said. “He is faster than Marquez and should be able to win. If he does, then I’d like to fight him, although that is down to my promotional team.”

That promotional team, headed by Bob Arum and Top Rank, has seemed to be actively avoiding the Mayweather morass since Pacquiao destroyed Ricky Hatton on May 2nd, the reason being Arum’s longstanding feud with Mayweather (he was once Floyd’s promoter) and in particular, Floyd’s business manager, Al Haymon.

To avoid that tortured negotiation, Arum has been aggressively pushing Cotto in the press for Pacquiao’s next fight. Making the Cotto fight obviously would be a less prickly and more remunerative endeavor for Arum, in that Cotto is promoted by ... Bob Arum.

From the get-go, this has been a blatantly self-serving public stance for Arum to take, as he’s pushing aside the biggest and best fight he could make for his fighter in the interests of a far less lucrative and arguably more dangerous opponent with only one upside – it’s an easier and more profitable deal for Arum himself.

Thankfully, it looks like Arum’s self interest is only going to get him so far. He can talk Cotto until he’s blue in the face, but it’s becoming more and more clear that neither Cotto nor Pacquiao are much interested in making that fight, primarily because Pacquiao doesn’t want to fight Cotto at 147 pounds, and Cotto doesn’t want to go below 145.

One imagines that there will be similar weight problems in negotiating with Mayweather (let’s face it – there will be so many problems in negotiating with Mayweather), but the fact is that Floyd, while comfortable at 147, casts far from the imposing welterweight shadow size-wise that Cotto does. Floyd has agreed to fight Marquez at 144, and I can envision the Pacquiao fight getting made for the same catch-weight.

So now it all comes down to that Mayweather/Marquez fight, with the gigantic Mayweather/Pacquiao extravaganza hanging in the balance. One expects Floyd to beat Marquez, and yet ... there are necessarily doubts when dealing with a fighter of Marquez’s caliber. In the estimation of most boxing insiders, Juan Manuel Marquez is either the best or the second best pound-for-pound boxer in the sport, depending on how one feels about his controversial fight with Pacquiao in March of last year. But Marquez is fighting way out of his weight class against Floyd, and on paper, all the advantages – size, speed, defense – are with Mayweather.

Marquez just can’t be dismissed, however, especially when there is so much at stake. Though Pacquiao clearly is gearing himself up for a big fight with Floyd, he has also said that he would fight Marquez again rather than Mosley or Cotto should Marquez defeat Mayweather on July 18th. When you consider the fact that getting himself a third fight with Pacquiao has seemed to be Marquez’s sole purpose in waking up in the morning for the last year or so, to say that Marquez will be motivated to beat Mayweather is to understate the case considerably.

In conclusion, given Pacquiao’s recent statements, it now looks like the only person left standing in the way of a Mayweather/Pacquiao fight is an undersized Mexican with an oversized heart. Given what I’ve seen of Mexican fighters in my lifetime, I say, to put it mildly, that’s no small obstacle.

Source: sportingnews.com

Let the Games Begin - the Setup for Mayweather-Pacquiao Negotiations

2009-05-31T01:09:00.000-07:00

As Scott reported earlier today, Pacquiao has come out and said he has no interest in facing Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley, and he wants the Mayweather-Marquez winner. Elsewhere, Floyd Mayweather has said that "it will be a cold day in hell" before he lets Manny Pacquiao get a 50/50 split of their purse.

While Mayweather is preparing for a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, everyone and their mother knows that this fight is actually part of the buildup of what could be a megafight between Mayweather and Pacquiao. Unfortunately, Mayweather seems to be the only one behaving like it.

Negotiating a contract is all about getting leverage, and being able to effectively exercise that leverage on your opponent. It's much like a boxing match in itself - you play to your strengths, and try to expose your opponent's weaknesses. The party that is able to more effectively carry out this strategy will, more often than not, get the better of the negotiations.

Mayweather is already setting up for the negotiations that will inevitably take place. While it takes bravado to come straight out and say you'll win the negotiations before they even start, it shows us where Mayweather's mind is, and it lets us know that he's not going to lay down just to get the fight made. In addition, in putting out his 'hit list', he's shown that there are a number of opponents he's willing to face. None of them are as big of a draw as Pacquiao, but it's also true that none of them will ask for a 50/50 split, and most of them aren't as big of a threat to take away Mayweather's shiny zero as Pacquiao is.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, hasn't done much to set up the negotiations. First, Bob Arum made a huge blunder in announcing a record PPV gate for Pacquiao-Hatton, only to see the final numbers come in lower than for Mayweather-Hatton and back off from publishing numbers at all. Now, Pacquiao has backed himself into a corner by saying he doesn't want to face Cotto or Mosley, who would be the second and third biggest money options after a Mayweather fight. Thus, as I see it, here's the current negotiating landscape:

* Mayweather can point to the fact that he drew better in pay-per-view against Hatton and De La Hoya than Pacquiao did. A couple months from now, he'll likely be able to say the same about Juan Manuel Marquez. While there are intervening factors (like a recession and Mayweather's overall lack of activity), this plays heavily into Mayweather's favor.
* If there is no fight against Pacquiao, he can still take on Shane Mosley or try to take on Miguel Cotto. He would make much more against Pacquiao than either of those guys, but if he beats either one of them, then Mayweather further improves his negotiating position, and he still probably gets $15 - 20 million richer in the process.
* If there's no fight against Mayweather, Pacquiao will probably be stuck with facing Edwin Valero. While it's a fight the diehards want to see, it's a MUCH smaller fight than either Mosley or Cotto.
* If he does face Mosley or Cotto, he's much more likely to lose to them than Mayweather is, considering size and styles. So even if he backs off his statement that he doesn't want them, there's a risk that he kills the fight completely if he loses to either of them.
* Bob Arum does hold one wild card, in that he promotes Miguel Cotto. As such, he might be able to prevent a Mayweather-Cotto fight or force a Pacquiao-Cotto fight, although he isn't going to want to do too much to piss off his second biggest cash cow.

Already, Top Rank and Manny Pacquiao have made a pair of devastating tactical blunders in their future negotiations with Mayweather - backing out of the Pacquiao-Hatton pay per view buy numbers, and foreclosing on Pacquiao's other most profitable options. Mayweather, on the other hand, has played his hand perfectly so far, saying there are a number of other big money names he'd like to face.

While a 50/50 split might be the most equitable outcome, I have to believe Floyd on this one - the fight won't happen if Mayweather doesn't get the bigger share of the purse, at least nominally. Pacquiao hasn't been one to swallow his pride in the past, several times threatining to back out of fights to get more of the purse. Either way, for Pacquiao to get this big payday, he'll need to swallow something, hopefully his tongue. If he's not willing to take less than half, he can bide his time fighting the Edwin Valeros of the world for smaller paydays.

Source: badlefthook.com

Cotto, Mosley, Mayweather: Pacquiao Chooses Next Opponent

2009-05-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

The camp of newly crowned world junior welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is currently training their eyes on other possible opponents for the Filipino superstar aside from Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The names of Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico and US boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley were mentioned as possible alternatives for Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound (P4P) king.

Cotto is the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion while Mosley is the World Boxing Association welterweight king.

According to InsideSports.ph, Top Rank chief Bob Arum was reportedly pushing for a Cotto fight since the Puerto Rican is one of his fighters.

”I would think that if Miguel wins his fight against whomever it is in June, and Manny Pacquiao beats Ricky Hatton, why wouldn’t I try to make a match between two of my best fighters?” Arum earlier said.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said that a Cotto fight is plausible if the Puerto Rican agrees to fight at the catch weight. That or they go to Mosley.

“If Cotto wants to come down a few pounds we can make that happen or we can go with Shane Mosley,” Roach told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times.

Veteran sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz earlier said Cotto would be a dangerous opponent for Pacquiao.

“Cotto hits very hard to the body, he hooks to the body. So, delikado yan, medyo delikado,” he said.

Team Pacquiao is reportedly looking for other alternatives should things fail to work out with Mayweather Jr., the former P4P king.

Mayweather Jr., who retired undefeated, went back to the game to announce his fight with another Pacquiao foe, Juan Manuel Marquez.

The former P4P champion reportedly wanted to get back his status as the top fighter by eventually arranging a match with Pacquiao.

Check out this clip from abs-cbn news:

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Junior: No 50-50 Purse Split For Me And Pacman

2009-05-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Show me the money.

This early, Floyd “Money" Mayweather, Jr. shot down an even purse split with Manny Pacquiao should they eventually forge a showdown, claiming it’s him who would bring the money to the blockbuster card in the first place.

“Pacquiao will never get 50-50 (share). It’ll be a cold day in hell before that happens," Mayweather was quoted to have said in a report by fighthype.com.

Money matters have been the primary consideration ever since the idea of pitting the comebacking fighter and Pacquiao, widely recognized as the pound-for-pound king, was first hatched.

Pacquiao’s camp, particularly promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach, had previously stated that the Filipino ring icon deserves the lion’s share (60-40) in his next fights, being boxing’s top draw.

But Mayweather, who chose lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez as his opponent for his return bout, pooh-poohed the Pacman’s claim to a bigger pie.

“He’s a very good fighter who has a promoter and trainer that are doing all the talking for him. I ain’t heard Pacquiao mention my name one time. Why? He knows that he would get his ass torn out of the frame fighting me. His promoter is jockeying for position to set his guy up, but that would never work with us," he said.

Mayweather went on to rattle off his PPV resume vis-a-vis Pacquiao’s showing against two common rivals, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

“We deal with facts. When he fought with Oscar, he did 1.24 (million buys). When I fought Oscar, we did 2.5 (million). Against Hatton, they did 800 (thousand) and change. I did 930 (thousand) for the same fight. I did over a million in the UK and they did less than half of that," he said.

Pacquiao is said to be considering the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez duel for his next outing tentatively set October 17, although other marquee names have popped up like Sugar Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto, as well as Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.

Source: gmanews.tv

Mayweather Out To Reclaim Mantle As Boxing's Best

2009-05-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Love him or hate him, the mere mention of Floyd Mayweather's name elicits a strong reaction from boxing fans. His mainstream profile has also grown bigger than any other fighter's because of a run on the popular reality series "Dancing With the Stars," a heavily hyped wrestling appearance at last year's WrestleMania, not to mention starring in a ubiquitous AT&T commercial that seems to be on television every 10 seconds.

But after 17 months out the ring in a retirement virtually nobody thought would last, the former five-division champion indeed finally announced his comeback earlier this month.

On July 18 (HBO PPV) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) will face lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs), the pound-for-pound star who will jump two divisions for the fight at a maximum weight of 144 pounds, nine more than where Marquez is champion.

"I'm not overlooking Juan Manuel Marquez, and I hope he's not overlooking me," Mayweather said. "He knows I've been off awhile so he might think I'm rusty, but I'm not. I'll be ready."

When Mayweather walked away, he was on top of the sport, the universal choice as pound-for-pound king and the reigning welterweight champion. His final two fights in 2007 against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton generated a staggering 3.4 million pay-per-view buys in the United States.

Now, Mayweather says he is back to reclaim the mantle of No. 1 that Manny Pacquiao now holds, even though, as Mayweather says, he never lost his status in the ring.

"One day, somebody may shut my mouth. As of right now, I'm the top dog," Mayweather said. "I'm the king. I'm here to stay. I left on top, came back on top. I'm here to fight and reclaim what's mine. Nobody has ever took my throne. So how am I not the king if nobody ever took my throne?"

With his impending ring return, Mayweather, who is in London with Marquez wrapping up this week's six-day, three-city, two-country media tour to promote the fight, brings an avalanche of publicity to boxing.

"He crossed over to being a mainstream star," said Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's close friend and adviser and CEO of Mayweather Promotions, which is working with Golden Boy on the fight. "He will bring more fans to the sport and overall that will uplift the sport."

Mayweather certainly injects a jolt into the sport like no other and he's more than happy to tell you all about it.

CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images

Floyd Mayweather and Co. believe that when it comes to the biggest fights in boxing, all roads lead through them.
"When you talk boxing, you talk Floyd Mayweather," he said. "I'm back because the sport of boxing needs Floyd Mayweather. The sport truly needs me and the fans really want me. Wherever I go, they go crazy. I'm the most controversy in the sport."

If you buy the rap, the good news for boxing is that Mayweather is back for the long haul. A source with direct knowledge of his deal with Golden Boy Promotions told ESPN.com that Mayweather's deal is for five fights.

That ought to give him ample time to face boxing's biggest names, including an eventual showdown with Pacquiao, the fight the public is already demanding. If Mayweather gets past Marquez, which he is expected to do as a 3-1 favorite against the smaller man, there are several potential megafights for him: Pacquiao, Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto among them.

So what about it, Floyd?

"The thing you got to realize about Floyd Mayweather is I don't need to call out no fighters," he said, making it clear that he thought Marquez deserved to win both of his controversial fights with Pacquiao [a draw and split decision].

Ellerbe made Mayweather's plans after Marquez a bit more clear.

"I can tell you this right now that we're gonna line all these guys up, whoever the so-called best guys are, whoever they say they, and we'll line up," he said. "Obviously, he can't fight them all in one night. But one by one, so whoever it is. He left the best, he's coming back the best. All roads lead to Floyd Mayweather."

Besides Pacquiao and Cotto, difficult bouts to make because of Mayweather's terrible relationship with Top Rank's Bob Arum, his former promoter, there is also Mosley.

"Mosley had a good win with [Antonio] Margarito," Ellerbe said. "We can't fight him right now, but he's one of the top fighters. We recognize he's one of the top fighters. He can get it too."

The time off was something Mayweather said he needed after several major fights in a row. He said he returned because he missed boxing. He also undoubtedly returned for the money, even though he doesn't want to acknowledge the millions he owes to the IRS.

"Floyd truly needed a break away from the sport and he had to realize that he missed the sport," Ellerbe said. "I think by him taking the time off and doing some other business ventures, he realized it. He's well rested."

Said Mayweather, flashing his million-dollar smile, about his return: "Somebody got to keep the sport up and running, so why not me?"

Source: sports.espn.go.com

‘Pacquiao Keeps Running From Me’—Marquez

2009-05-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez claimed Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao is afraid of facing him for a third time.

“Pacquiao keeps running from me,” said Marquez in a report by PhilBoxing.com’s Granville Ampong. The “Dinamita” is currently the No.2 pound-for-pound boxer, according to the latest Ring Magazine rankings.

“And he does not want to face me a third time. He just keeps running away,” remarked Marquez during a fan rally in Los Angeles, California.

The “Dinamita” and “The Pacman” first faced off in 2004 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Their bout ended in a draw. They clashed again in 2008’s “Unfinished Business” at the Mandalay Bay, where Pacquiao won via split decision.

“So, I decided to fight the very, very best and that is Floyd Mayweather,” the Mexican proclaimed.

The Marquez-Mayweather match-up called “Number One/Numero Uno” will take place on July 18 at the MGM Grand.

The fight was announced hours before Pacquiao’s May 2 fight against Ricky Hatton.

Marquez’s fan rally at the “Placita Olvera” (Olvera Street) on May 17 was attended by almost 300 people. The fan event is part of the Los Angeles leg of the bout’s promotional tour.

The “Dinamita” signed autographs and granted photo opportunities for the boxing fans. He even showed off his musical prowess by playing a few notes on the violin with the Mariachi Band and singing a Spanish song “in an oratorical fashion,” as stated on PhilBoxing.com.

From Los Angeles, the promotional tour will proceed to New York.

Various reports note that whoever wins on July 18 will face Pacquiao in his next fight. Team Pacquiao has said that other possible opponents for "The People's Champ" are Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather To Lay ‘Blueprint On Beating Pacquiao’ If Fight Materializes

2009-05-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Comebacking Floyd “Money" Mayweather, Jr. firmly believes that if there’s one fighter who could put an end to the Manny Pacquiao’s juggernaut, it would be him.

In London to promote his July 18 fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Mayweather said he would beat the Filipino pound-for-pound king with his ring skills and IQ if ever their dream showdown eventually materializes.

"If the Pacquiao fight presents itself after this one (Marquez bout), then I'll lay the blueprint on how to beat him," Mayweather said, as quoted by Eastside Boxing’s James Slater.

"Pacquiao's a good fighter but he can be got. He was knocked out twice before and I'm a slick, smart boxer. I would tie him up. There's a science to this game and I could adapt to any style," he added.

If Mayweather (39-0) can easily figure out a “how-to-beat Pacquiao" formula, the Pacman, he boasted could not find one for him.

“I take nothing away from Manny Pacquiao. He’s gone out there and done what he’s had to do as a fighter. I respect him for what he’s done and I respect him in the fight game. He’s one of the premiere top fighters in the game, but I’ve never been defeated," he said in a separate report posted by fightfan.com.

“Nobody has the antidote to beat Floyd Mayweather. As far as I’m concerned there is an antidote to beat Manny Pacquiao because he’s been out boxed before. Eric Morales out boxed Manny Pacquiao a few years ago but people seem to forget that," he added.

The 32-year-old fighter said Pacquiao’s most recent foe, Ricky Hatton, has been presented with a pretty good idea on beating the Pacman, only that he did not follow the game plan. Hatton, who was trained by his father Floyd Sr., was knocked out by Pacquiao in two rounds.

"That fight wasn't my father's gameplan. I know my father and that wasn't his gameplan," he was quoted by Manchester Evening News. "I don't want everyone over here ripping my father to shreds. It wasn't his fault. My dad told him to go out, relax, use his jab and be smart. It wasn't my dad's fault."

Floyd Jr. also joined his dad and others in telling Hatton to call it a day already – like what he should have after their 2007 welterweight fight.

"He was knocked out bad twice - by me and Pacquiao. They were two devastating defeats. He's been in a lot of tough fights and taken some big shots. Against me he was macho because he was undefeated and had his whole country behind them but he still took some big shots," he told MEN, noting that Hatton’s lifestyle of gaining weight and drinking is also taking its toll.

"I don't think Ricky should fight again. I wouldn't fight him again, even at Wembley. It would be like picking on a guy that we call `gun-shot, gun-shot'. Once you've been knocked out in the way he was by me, it's always in the back of your mind that it can happen again. His head won't be the same," he added.

Mayweather Jr. is among the notable names being considered as Pacquiao’s rival for his next fight. Others in the mix are Marquez, Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, Sugar Shane Mosley and even Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Edwin Valero.

Pacquiao is currently savoring his annihilation of Hatton and is set to resume his hosting chores for Pinoy Records and star in an upcoming sitcom with Onyok Velasco and Lito Camo on GMA. He reportedly intends to climb the ring again on October 17.

Source: gmanews.tv

Random Thoughts: Mayweather-Marquez presser in NY

2009-05-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

Friend of The Neutral Corner, Gary Morgan, was our eyes and ears at the Empire State Building for the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez presser. Here are some observations from Gary, addendums by us and quotes fed to us by the good folks who work for Kelly Swanson:

* The fight was billed as Number 1 vs Numero Uno. Number 1 refers to Floyd as number one in the world and Numero Uno refers to how the Mexican fans feel about Marquez, who is their number one fighter. Measure that up against such classics as the Thrilla in Manila, Judgement Day, the Brawl in Montreal and it just doesn't have the same ring to it.

* There is no love lost between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. It was clear he wants Marquez to win, saying his way to victory is to "jab, jab and jab." Easier said than done. Just because Oscar had some success against Floyd, doesn't mean Marquez will have the same kind.

* Paulie Malignaggi picks Mayweather stating that "not to take anything away from Marquez but he is dealing with someone with better skill and size"

* Marquez stated that "he had no problem taking the fight" ...that "he does not like easy fights"... "I am expecting the best from Floyd Mayweather, I am thinking like he has never retired"... "He picked me to fight because I earned it."

* We love that Marquez's strength training consists of working out with rocks and boulders.

* Anytime Floyd Mayweather was asked if he wanted to fight any other fighter by name, Floyd replied "all roads lead to Floyd, I am the cash cow. I hold the record for PPV. I hold the record for the sport." The only problem with that quote is that Floyd would not be part of a record-setting pay-per-view if the other fighter involved was not named Oscar De La Hoya. Floyd is a great talent, but Oscar was the draw in their mega fight.

* Floyd: "I expect a great fight. If Marquez is aggressive it could turn into a brawl and that is exactly the type of fight fans love to see." It may be the type of fight fans loves to see, but Floyd's never been involved in a brawl. He doesn't fight that way. Primarily because he doesn't have to. He's that good.

* Floyd: "I want to be the best. They say to be the best you have to beat the best and Marquez is one of the best in this sport." Very true. Which is why, if he wins this fight, he will have to then fight Manny Pacquiao.

* JMM: "I have a tough fight with Floyd, I'm training right now and will go up to the mountains to build muscle for the fight. It isn't exactly my weight but that only means I'll have to eat more Tacos, Burritos and Carnitas." All I can say is, Wow. Breakfast of champions?

* Roger Mayweather: "The best boxers in the world come from where I'm from, the Midwest. Floyd is also from there so you know he's one of the best." Interesting statement. Perhaps Roger forgot about Julio Cesar Chavez, who hammered him twice, and happens to be from Mexico. Oh, just like Marquez. Last time I checked, Floyd Patterson, Emile Griffith and Sugar Ray Robinson -- all New York fighters -- were in the Hall of Fame. (OK, Robinson moved from Detroit to New York at the age of about 10. He learned to fight here though).

Source: weblogs.newsday.com

Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Man of Many Contradictions

2009-05-22T02:48:00.001-07:00

Last March, as Floyd Mayweather Jr. was getting set for his starring role in the WWE's WrestleMania 24, the wrestling site I write for wanted someone to do a piece explaining to non-boxing fans why having Money participate was a big deal.

To give my article more credibility, I sought out some help from two respected boxing journalists: Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports and Dougie Fischer, then of MaxBoxing and now with ringtv.com. I appreciated their perspective on what made Floyd a great fighter, but I was even more interested in their insights into his character.

Their opinions couldn't have been more different. Iole felt Mayweather was basically a good guy who played the villain to help hype his fights. Fischer said just the opposite, calling Floyd an egomaniac (among other things) who could only hide it for brief periods before his true nature came to the forefront.

In the 14 months since, we've seen Mayweather retire and announce his return to the sport. And we're no closer to really figuring him out than we were before.

Is he a stand-up guy who says things to get a rise out of people because it's good for business? Or is he a jerk who occasionally can play nice with others for the same reason?

It might be easier to decipher the truth if Mayweather ever stuck to his guns for more than a few days at a time, but he's been busy churning out contradictory statements since he's returned to the sport.

As soon as he announced he was back, Floyd said all the right things about wanting to fight the best opponents he could face. BoxingScene.com even reported that he gave a hit list of targets to Golden Boy that included the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Victor Ortiz. An impressive list, to be sure.

Yet Mayweather has already made comments that suggest he has little intention of following such an ambitious schedule. He scoffed at the idea of facing Mosley in his recent interview with ESPN's Brian Kenny, stating that Sugar Shane already had five losses and wasn't a pay-per-view draw.

He left himself a little wiggle room to avoid facing Pacquiao down the road by bringing up his differences with Bob Arum. Oh yeah, Cotto is promoted by Arum too, so if that fight never gets made, Money doesn't even need to think up a new excuse.

Unlike many observers, I actually believe that Floyd wants to fight "all the top guys." It's just that he has his own personal definition of who those guys are, and that definition, like most things Mayweather, is subject to change.

And on and on it goes. Mayweather wants full credit for defeating Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton but sees nothing impressive about Pac-Man doing the same thing. He praises Larry Merchant after finally winning over boxing's most famous curmudgeon but chides Kenny for not knowing anything because he "never laced up the gloves."

Floyd flaunts his dough but is rumored to be coming out of retirement due to tax problems. His self-centered image doesn't jibe with stories of him quietly giving back to his community.

Here's what I know: Mayweather is an awesome boxer, someone I count (along with Pacquiao and Bernard Hopkins) as no worse than top three pound-for-pound over the last decade or so.

He's also grown increasingly savvy about how to sell himself. Once he figured out that his talent wasn't always going to speak for itself, he went all-in to become a star.

Thanks to his constant stream of contrary statements, anything else I think I know about Floyd is just guesswork. I'm pretty sure that's by design.

Thinking back, maybe Mayweather's seemingly odd dalliance with the WWE made perfect sense. In pro wrestling, after all, it's sometimes difficult to determine where the character ends and the real person begins.

Until he demonstrates some consistency, that is and will remain a perfect description of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Marquez's Dreams of Pacquiao are Riding on a Floyd Win

2009-05-22T02:46:00.000-07:00

Since 2004, Juan Manuel Marquez has been focused for the most part on a single fighter - Manny Pacquiao. After getting knocked down three times in the first round and battling his way back to a controversial draw, the Mexican champion was convinced that he should have won a decision and chased the rematch. He got his wish in 2008, fighting Pacquiao to a close split-decision loss, and this time many thought he should have won.

Since the rematch Marquez has done everything is his power to land the trilogy bout. He flew to the Philippines and confronted Pacquiao at a local show - demanding a trilogy fight. Marquez would then follow Pacquiao to the lightweight division and cleaned house by knocking out Juan Diaz and Joel Casamayor to capture two of the four major titles at the weight. After Pacquiao jumped to 147 for De La Hoya and then dropped to 140 for Hatton, Marquez would quickly announce plans to move up to 140.

When Floyd Mayweather Jr. was making plans to return, with an obvious clash with Pacquiao as the clincher. Marquez knew the only way to block that fight, and force a third meeting with Pacquiao, was to face Mayweather. He called Floyd out, Floyd accepted, and they clash on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Top Rank's Bob Arum says the only way a trilogy bout would take place, is if Marquez beats Mayweather. He doesn't give Marquez a big shot to win and doesn't see a trilogy bout ever taking place if Mayweather gets his hand raised. Marquez has given Pacquiao more trouble than any other opponent.

"This fight [Mayweather-Marquez] is not seen as particularly competitive," said Arum to the Los Angeles Times. "If Marquez, by some stroke of luck, beats Mayweather, then sure it'll happen. But if Marquez loses, why fight him? It won't be a mega-fight. And that's what Manny wants."

Source: boxingscene.com

A Premature Prediction On Floyd Mayweather Jr VS Juan Manuel Marquez

2009-05-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."- Michael Corleone

With our second super mega fight just less than two months away boxing is back in the lime light. The return of Floyd Mayweather Jr, the undefeated American former pound for pound boxer in the world is returning to the ring to reclaim his throne.

Mayweather is not yet stepping into the ring with the widely popular current number one pound for pound fighter Manny Pacquiao, but he is fighting another top pound for pound fighter in Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. A man that many thought defeated Pacquiao in their previous fights.

Marquez is giving up a significant weight advantage to Mayweather for agreeing to come up in weight two weight classes to meet at a catch weight within the welter weight limit.

Despite a large excited population that firmly believes that Pacquiao is indeed the current number one pound for pound fighter in the world, there is also a significant amount of people who feel a legitimate case can be made that both Floyd Mayweather or Juan Manuel Marquez is actually the rightful owner of the pound for pound title as well.

So without confusing the casual fight fan any further lets just say this fight on July 18th will clear up some confusion on who is indeed on the top three spots of the pound for pound rankings.

Now on paper right away the safe answer would be that Mayweather will win this fight come July 18. But if one were to take a deeper analysis on the many factors involved with this particular fight then one must include the many variable factors involved as well, such as: How will Mayweather's year and a half hiatus from the ring affect his performance come fight night? How much will the weight advantage affect Juan's ability to do significant damage to Floyd? How will the politics of boxing affect the decision of this fight with the biggest super mega ultra fight in all of our radars? Yes, Pacquiao vs Mayweather.

When you break down this fight with how these fighters have fought in their most recent fights, considering their fighting styles, strengths and weaknesses it is interesting to note that Mayweather and Marquez are very similar in many ways.

Both Mayweather and Marquez are naturally counter punchers. Meaning they tend to fire only when their opponent opens up or makes a mistake. Marquez is probably the best counter puncher in the sport right now. Juan also will be willing to actually trade and stand toe to toe more so than Floyd will be willing to. Floyd is probably the most precise puncher in the game. When he sees an opening he hits his target so clean and accurately that he often does not even waste a single punch.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Could an Interim Fight Ruin Floyd Mayweather Jr. Vs Manny Pacquiao?

2009-05-22T02:42:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has returned.

The former Ring Magazine pound for pound champion has decided to end his "retirement" and fight Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather is the undefeated former pound-for-pound champion, and five division titleholder.

Marquez is the current Ring Magazine lightweight champion, and currently No. 2 pound for pound. Some in boxing see this as a case of a good big guy against a good smaller guy.

While Marquez certainly has his work cut out for him on July 18, a win by the Mexican warrior is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Both fighters are looking past this fight to a proposed bigger matchup with Manny Pacquiao down the road.

For Mayweather, it will be the chance to reclaim the pound for pound spot he lost only due to his retirement and inactivity. For Marquez, it will be the opportunity to finally get a win over an opponent he has lost to twice.

For both fighters, a loss takes the luster off any matchup with Pacquiao later in the year. For Mayweather, this is seen as his version of a tuneup fight. It also perfectly fits his M.O. of finding the best non threat to fight.

Mayweather sees this as an "easy fight." Looking at it from his point of view, he has valid points. Marquez would be moving up in weight, is 35, and just went life and death with Juan Diaz.

In the early rounds against Diaz, it seemed the bigger Diaz was able to muscle and hit Marquez with solid shots before Marquez's accurate counter punching and ring I.Q. set in.

Mayweather is planning to use Marquez to get his timing and accuracy back down against a game, skilled, smaller opponent.

On Marquez's end, this is a great opportunity. If he loses, he can blame it on the size difference. If he wins, he gets a third fight with Pacquaio. In addition, there is the layoff factor. If Mayweather's rusty, Marquez can win rounds with his vast array of offense.

Mayweather is no pressure fighter like Diaz, and will not use his size to muscle Marquez. For Marquez to win, he will need to press the action, and not let Floyd lay back and pot shot him. If he can do this enough to win seven out of twelve rounds on two scorecards, we just may see the first loss on Mayweather's record.

In the meanwhile, word out of Pacquiao's camp is they are also looking for an interim fight. Names being throw in the hat have included Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley.

Recently, it has come down to Cotto and Mosley. Cotto has a tough fight coming up on June 13th, against Joshua Clottey. Should he get past Clottey, a fight with Pacquaio would be a very intriguing fight, but it would have to be at welterweight to make sense.

Cotto struggled to get down to 140 his last few fights at that weight, and it showed in his performances. Freddie Roach wants to keep Pacquiao as close to 140 as possible, in order to protect his fighter. If the weight isn't a dealbreaker, this would be a good fight, albeit one Manny should be able to win.

For all of Cotto's body punching prowess, Manny has the speed and boxing ability to keep this fight at distance, where he could test Cotto's chin. I used to think Cotto was too big for Pacquiao. That was before I saw Pacquiao almost decapitate Ricky Hatton, who was also supposed to be too big.

The other name is probably the most likely. Shane Mosley currently is left without an upcoming fight, and would make for a very fan friendly fight. The weight would be a big issue for this fight, as it is highly unlikely Shane could get down to 142 or so to make this fight happen.

At welterweight, this is must-see tv. Shane always brings it, and Pacquiao has rarely disappointed. This would be a dangerous fight for Pacquaio, as Mosley would be the hardest puncher Manny has stepped into the ring with.

Mosley also has a solid chin, and has a great trainer in Nazim Richardson. Mosley's style would be polar opposite to that of Mayweather Jr. What Mosley has dubbed "power boxing" would certainly result in a war which could result in a short night for either fighter.

A win by Mosley over Pacquiao would likely force a Mayweather fight or Cotto rematch. A win by Cotto over Pacquiao would likely land him a fight with Mayweather Jr. A win by Marquez or Mayweather Jr would land either the fight with Pacquiao later in the year.

Confused? So am I. Good thing this will all be sorted out in the ring, starting July 18th on HBO PPV.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Mayweather-Marquez: NYC Press Conference

2009-05-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

Floyd “Money” Mayweather has returned to the sport to recapture what was once his, the status as the number one pound for pound fighter in the world.

In hopes of regaining that ranking, Mayweather wasted no time on that hope s when he signed on to face who many consider the number two pound for pound fighter in the world, Juan Manuel Marquez.

The two will meet July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where tickets are scheduled to go on sale Friday. They'll fight at a catch-weight of about 143 pounds, eight more than Marquez has ever fought and the lightest that Mayweather has been since 2005.

After two days of media activities in Los Angeles, today was the first of two days worth of appearances in the Big Apple that is on tap, which included today’s press conference at the tallest building in New York: The Empire State Building.

Mayweather, who is the King Kong of boxing, stood with Marquez on the 80th floor of the world's most renowned skyscraper to discuss their mega-fight.

“"I'm expecting the best Floyd Mayweather ever," Marquez said Tuesday, at the news conference. "I'm putting in my mind that he never retired, so I'm expecting the best."

Marquez is coming off one of his most impressive wins of his career when he stopped Juan ”Baby Bull” Diaz in the ninth round in one of 2009’s best fights so far.

With the win, Marquez captured the WBO and WBA 135-pound titles to his resume in the process.

But Juan Diaz is no Floyd Mayweather and with the move up in weight against one of the best boxers of our time, Marquez knows this will not be a walk in the park.

He has done some hardcore training in the mountains of Central Mexico. He has been packing on muscle and doing a brutal regimen, which included 25 days of weight training. With this kind of training, Marquez feels he can pull the upset.

“I don’t like easy fights. This fight is very important for my life and career,” said Marquez. “I always prepare myself to win, he's not a machine, he's a human being, and human beings can be beat."

Floyd Mayweather already has been in the gym for a few months and claims he's at 147 pounds and pronounced himself fit after a run through Central Park in the morning.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Mayweather Sets Crosshairs on Pacquiao

2009-05-22T02:33:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Returning former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. has set his sights on Manny Pacquiao, a boxing website reported today.

Boxingscene.com’s Luis Sandoval quoted Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, as saying that the flamboyant Mayweather has Pacquiao on his hit list — which also includes welterweight stars Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto.

“Yes he has a hit list. The same thing with [Juan Manuel] Marquez. Both guys want to fight the best. Mayweather, should he win that fight [against Marquez], he wants to go on and [continue to] fight. There is Pacquiao on the list, there is Shane Mosley on the list, there is potentially a Miguel Cotto on the list and maybe somebody like Victor Ortiz,” Schafaer told boxingscene.com.

The undefeated Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) is slated to face Marquez on July 18 in his first fight since knocking out Ricky Hatton in December 2007.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is also reportedly eyeing a bout with the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez fight.

Source: philstar.com

Floyd Mayweather Set for Return to Ring Against Manuel Marquez

2009-05-22T02:31:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK — When Floyd Mayweather Jr. walked away from boxing, he was widely considered the pound-for-pound king, the mythical mantle bestowed upon the best in the game.

Now that he's back, at least one person believes Mayweather still is: lightweight champ Juan Manual Marquez, whom he'll face in his highly anticipated return.

"I'm expecting the best Floyd Mayweather ever," Marquez said Tuesday, at a news conference on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building to help launch the fight. "I'm putting in my mind that he never retired, so I'm expecting the best."

The two will meet July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where tickets are scheduled to go on sale Friday. They'll fight at a catch-weight of about 143 pounds, eight more than Marquez has ever fought and the lightest that Mayweather has been since 2005.

Neither believes the weight will make much difference.

Mayweather already has been in the gym a couple of months, ever since giving his adviser Leonard Ellerbe the green-light to screen potential opponents. Mayweather claims he's close to 147 pounds and pronounced himself fit after a run through Central Park on Tuesday morning.

Marquez has been packing on muscle while training in the mountains of central Mexico.

He said the brutal regimen, which has included several weeks of lifting boulders, has given him confidence that he'll be the one to finally dethrone the king.

"I always prepare myself to win," Marquez said quietly, sitting a few feet from where the outgoing Mayweather held court with dozens of reporters. "He's not a machine, he's a human being, and human beings can be beat."

Mayweather, the former five-division champ, hasn't stepped in the ring since knocking out Ricky Hatton in December 2007, when he was still basking in the aura of his transcending victory over Oscar De La Hoya. He'd cashed in his "Pretty Boy" nickname for one more befitting his agenda - "Money" - and was showing up everywhere from "Dancing with the Stars" to WrestleMania.

That's when Mayweather abruptly called it quits, turning his attention to show business.

Mayweather's year away from the ring opened the door for Manny Pacquiao to step through, and the charismatic Filipino icon did it in destructive fashion. Where Mayweather needed 12 rounds to beat De La Hoya, Pacquiao needed eight; where the flamboyant welterweight needed 10 rounds to stop Hatton, the smaller Pacquiao needed only two earlier this month.

Now, much to Mayweather's chagrin, many consider Pacquiao the best.

"I respect him for what he does, I respect him in the fight game, but I've never been beat," Mayweather said of Pacquiao, who's lost three times, the last in 2005. "Nobody has the antidote for Floyd Mayweather."

While most presume the two will eventually settle the pound-for-pound dispute in the ring, Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) must first deal with Marquez, his hand-picked opponent.

Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) lost a slugfest by close split-decision to Pacquiao in 2008, a bout that Mayweather and many others believe the Mexican fighter won. Five years ago, Marquez rallied from three first-round knockdowns to earn a bloody draw with Pacquiao in their first bout.

Marquez's stunning knockout of Joel Casamayor last year and his brutal knockout of Juan Diaz in February entrenched him as one of the most electrifying fighters available. More importantly, they produced an opponent that intrigued Mayweather enough to return to the ring.

"Marquez is a warrior," he said, conferring rare praise upon one of his foes. "He's a hell of a fighter. I don't have to come here and bad-mouth anybody."

Mayweather paused for a moment, then added: "They say to be the best, you got to beat the best. I think they got Marquez in the dark and somebody has to give him a shot. Why not me?"

Source: google.com

Late L.A. Lunch with Mayweather Jr. and Marquez

2009-05-22T02:27:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his July 18 opponent, Juan Manuel Marquez, will conduct a public news conference today at 2 p.m. at the Los Angeles Central Library's outdoor plaza.

Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) hasn't fought since knocking out England's Ricky Hatton in the 10th round of their December 2007 bout in Las Vegas. He was in negotiations to have a rematch against Oscar De La Hoya last summer when he opted to retire.

In his absence, Manny Pacquiao became the 2008 fighter of the year, according to the boxing writers, and claimed the mythical title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Pacquiao's second-round destruction of Hatton on May 2 affirmed that title.

But now Mayweather has the opportunity, in a welterweight bout expected to be fought at a 144-pound catch weight, to defeat the man who has fought Pacquiao tougher than anyone in recent years. Marquez, a world lightweight champion, fought Pacquiao to a draw in 2003 after surviving three first-round knockdowns, and then lost in a narrow split decision in March 2008.

Marquez violin The popularity of Mexico's Marquez was obvious at Sunday's public appearance at Olvera Street, and his toughness gained even more credibility when he defeated the younger Juan Diaz by ninth-round TKO in February. It should be a pro-Marquez crowd today at the library, 630 W. 5th St.

The question is how Marquez will handle another move up in weight (he fought Pacquiao last year at 130 pounds) and deal with the brilliant speed of Mayweather. And how will the layoff affect Mayweather?

Source: latimes.com

Mayweather/Marquez 24/7 - Full Information and Times

2009-05-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured seven Sports Emmy® Awards, will return with MAYWEATHER/MARQUEZ 24/7, an all-new four-episode, all-access series, it was announced today by Ross Greenburg, president, HBO Sports. Debuting SATURDAY, JUNE 27 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), the series spotlights a host of intriguing storylines, with Floyd Mayweather, the sport’s most irrepressible superstar, returning after a year-and-a-half absence to face Juan Manuel Marquez, one of boxing’s most accomplished performers, as they prepare for their July 18 welterweight pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas.

Noted Greenburg, “This latest edition of ‘24/7’ features all the ingredients that we look for in greenlighting the ‘24/7’ franchise: big-time boxing stars, engaging storylines and in Floyd’s case, a larger-than-life personality that is tailor-made for reality television. This fight is sure to generate a lot of interest, and we hope to present another compelling television program.”

Episodes two and three of MAYWEATHER/MARQUEZ 24/7 debut on subsequent Saturdays – JULY 4 (9:45-10:15 p.m.) and 11 (10:00-10:30 p.m.) – while the finale debuts FRIDAY, JULY 17 (9:30-10:00 p.m.), just one night before the fight. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand.

MAYWEATHER/MARQUEZ 24/7 will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as these determined warriors prepare for the second mega-fight of 2009. This is Mayweather’s third “24/7” appearance, while Marquez is making his HBO reality series debut. Regarded as the best boxer of his era, the undefeated Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) is back at full speed both in and out of the ring after a brief self-imposed retirement.

Marquez is a dynamic fighter (50-4-1, 37 KOs) from Mexico City who shares at least one thing with his flashy opponent: They’re both willing to fight anybody in the sport, regardless of division. Marquez is moving up from the lightweight ranks to the talent-rich welterweight division to challenge boxing’s most provocative star.

Storylines for this fast-paced series will include the interaction between Mayweather and his uncle/trainer, Roger Mayweather, and Marquez’s rock-solid relationship with his longtime trainer Ignacio Beristain.

MAYWEATHER/MARQUEZ 24/7 is the latest installment of the widely acclaimed “24/7” franchise that began in 2007 on HBO with “De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7” and “Mayweather/Hatton 24/7.” The series continued in 2008 with “Calzaghe/Jones 24/7” and “De La Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7,” and resumed in 2009 with “Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7.”

Newsday.com has observed, “HBO’s 24/7 series is the best sports program on television. Bar none.”

At the 2009 Sports Emmy® Awards, “De La Hoya/Pacquiao 24/7” was honored in the category of Outstanding Edited Sports Series/Anthologies, while “Calzaghe/Jones 24/7” was honored in the categories of Outstanding Edited Sports Special, Outstanding Editing and Outstanding Post Produced Audio/Sound. At the 2008 Sports Emmy® Awards, “De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7” was honored in the category of Outstanding Edited Sports Special, while “Mayweather/Hatton 24/7” was honored in the categories of Outstanding Camera Work and Outstanding Writing.

On Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), HBO Pay-Per-View presents “Mayweather vs. Marquez,” live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The executive producers of MAYWEATHER/MARQUEZ 24/7 are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer, Dave Harmon; producers, Thomas Odelfelt and Abtin Motia. Liev Schreiber narrates.

Source: blogcatalog.com

Mayweather-Marquez NYC Presser

2009-05-22T02:21:00.000-07:00

Floyd “Money” Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO’s) and Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO’s) met at the Empire State Building on Tuesday in the second leg of their three-city tour announcing their July 18, 2009 welterweight mega-fight which will be televised on HBO Pay-Per-View. Each fighter respectfully acknowledged that this will be a hard fought bout between two of the best pugilists in the world. “I know I have a tough fight ahead,” stated Marquez, “but I’m preparing very hard mentally and physically for this fight.” Mayweather, appearing uncharacteristically low-key throughout the event, also stated that Marquez is a formidable opponent: “It’s not gonna be an easy task. He’s a hell of a fighter, a true warrior and he’s a guy who’s been around the sport for a long time, so I don’t have anything bad to say about him. He represents Mexico to the fullest. There’s nothing but respect.”

The bells and whistles that are typical of the “Floyd Mayweather experience” during a promotion may not be necessary in order for this fight to succeed commercially. Why? Because this bout pits Marquez, a soft-spoken but proud and fierce technical fighter who has finally reached the well-deserved acclaim and attention that has eluded him for years against Mayweather, one of the most gifted pure boxers of this generation, who is intent on reasserting his position as the pound for pound champ after a year and a half away from the sport. Besides, Floyd’s uncle Roger will most likely handle the bulk of the trash talking while he prepares his nephew for his latest challenge.

WEIGHTY ISSUES
This match-up is another in a series of recent super-bouts between elite fighters from different natural weight classes. In fact, the exact weight for this bout is a particularly intriguing question due to the fact that Mayweather has fought as high as 154lbs while Marquez has engaged in only two Lightweight bouts. “This will be a welterweight fight,” insists Mayweather, accurately stating the weight class but carefully avoiding the contracted weight in one sentence. The answer seems fitting from an exceptional fighter who is simultaneously able to land sharp, accurate punches while evading his opponent’s best flurries. Rumors are that this bout will take place at 144lbs, which does make this a “welterweight” fight, since any fight taking place above 140lbs. is technically in the welterweight division.

The weight issue is expected to affect Marquez more than Mayweather, as this is not only “Dinamita’s” first attempt at the welterweight division, but he is also making the two-division leap against the lineal champion and one of the best fighters in the world: “Mental preparation is key, because not only is this a tough fight, but I also have to prepare for a new weight class,” explained Marquez as he described his efforts to build muscle mass without sacrificing speed.

IS THIS A MISMATCH?
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, stated that the media should not be so quick to judge who will win this contest, citing recent upsets including Pacquiao-De La Hoya, Hopkins-Pavlik and Mosley-Margarito. Indeed, as much as one is inclined on picking Mayweather over Marquez due to the obvious size disparity, it is difficult to dismiss the proud Mexican after reviewing his accomplishments.

Juan Manuel Marquez began his career as a featherweight, fighting at 126lbs for fourteen years and partially unifying the division in wins against Manuel Medina and Derrick “Smoke” Gainer. He fought for years on the undercards of better known Top Rank fighters while waiting for his chance to shine. Marquez finally received that opportunity in the form of two grueling battles with Manny Pacquiao, the man widely regarded as the pound-for-pound champion. In those contests, Marquez engaged Pacquiao at the highest level, first to a draw after being dropped three times in a dramatic performance, and later to a split-decision loss in another highly competitive match-up. Despite coming up short, his brave stand and impressive performances in those bouts elevated his stature in the sport to career heights. “The people saw who won those fights against Manny Pacquiao and I have accomplished a lot in the ring. Floyd chose me because I’ve earned it,” states Marquez.

Indeed, Marquez has been on a tear ever since his first bout with the “Pac-man”: he won a super featherweight title against fellow Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera and he is the first and only man to knockout both Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz in thrilling bouts while winning a pair of lightweight titles. Marquez is not only considered the best Mexican boxer fighting today, but he is also the last standing of the three Mexican greats that ruled and electrified the lower weight divisions for the last decade (the others being Barrera and Erik Morales).

These facts are not lost on Mayweather, who has also experienced the highs and lows of a sport that is often equates success with popularity: “I feel that Marquez has been kept in the dark for a long time and someone has to give him that opportunity, so why not it be me?”

While Marquez was busy building on his legacy, Mayweather took a badly needed break from the sport that he once dominated. Nagging hand and shoulder injuries, years of sacrifice, and perhaps complacency after reaching the pinnacle of the sport convinced Floyd to temporarily walk away: “I needed a break. I needed a break as a human being after doing this from ’87 all the way to 2007. I needed a break, and that’s it.” Floyd shared that the time off gave his body a chance to recover from years of wear and tear. “Everyone I fought, from Oscar de la Hoya all the way down, I was never 100%.” Some believe that inactivity will be a major factor in why this bout will be more competitive than it may seem on paper. “Money” Mayweather discourages those notions: “I was able to recharge and let my body recuperate.”

MENTAL WARFARE
Both Mayweather and Marquez believe that this bout is going to come down to which of the fighters has the higher ring IQ and the stronger will to win. To cope with the speed and size disadvantages Marquez will face against Mayweather, Marquez and trainer Nacho Beristain are crafting a game plan geared towards emphasizing Dinamita’s excellent technique and sharp counterpunching skills: “This battle will simultaneously be about aggression and strategy,” states the lightweight champion. “I can either lead if he runs or box if he stands with me. Either way, it will take intelligence, speed, and technique to win this fight.”

While Marquez employs his impeccable technique to break down opponents and make them wilt under pressure, Mayweather is a master boxer who is no stranger to waging mental warfare before the physical war begins: “I beat fighters mentally. And once I beat them mentally, I beat them physically so they’re never the same. Look at what happened to DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, how many losses he had after that [fight], look at what happened to Zab Judah, Angel Manfredy, Diego Corrales, may he rest in peace. Look at what happened to De La Hoya, even in the Stevie Forbes fight, he wasn’t the same.”

In assessing Juan Manuel, Mayweather notes that “Marquez is a warrior, but when I look at him, I see a lot of scar tissue.” That analysis leads Floyd to conclude that “[Marquez is] offensive-minded, he’s got to become a bit more defensive-minded to fight me.”

Floyd shared that during his time away from the ring, he was able to find time to work on a few new moves that Marquez will have to prepare for in addition to the physical disadvantages: “I’ve been working on a lot of different things that I know other fighter’s ain’t working on. Like, you see how all fighters want to use the slick jab to the body now? You see how all fighters try to roll their shoulder? I have nothing but respect for fighters. I’m not knocking them, but I set the pattern.” These words seem to indicate that sooner or later, the flashy and flamboyant Floyd will emerge, setting this quieter version aside while Mayweather goes on an all out verbal assault. “I didn’t have to come back. But when you talk boxing, you’re talking Floyd Mayweather. I am boxing.”

One thing is for sure – while respectful of Floyd’s accomplishments and talent, Marquez will not be daunted by the task at hand nor will he be intimidated by his opponent’s taunts: “He seems like a nice guy, but every once in a while, his ego comes out,” stated Juan Manuel. “I’ve always said that where there’s no risk, there’s no reward, so when Golden Boy asked me ‘Juan, do you want to fight Floyd?’ I immediately said ‘yes, let’s do it, no problem.’ I don’t like easy fights, and this means too much for my career and my life for me to turn it down.”

Then, with a final resolute look, Marquez concluded: “I don’t like to talk much outside the ring; I’d rather talk in the ring with my fists. I always prepare myself for victory – he’s not a machine, he’s a human being and we’re coming to win on July 18th.”

“Number One / Numero Uno” is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Mayweather Promotions and Marquez Promotions. The fight can be seen live on HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, July 18 at 9pm ET / 6PM PT.

Source: fightnews.com

‘Money’ Floyd pooh-poohs Pacquiao’s Draw, P4P Status

2009-05-22T02:14:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Comebacking Floyd “Money" Mayweather, Jr. maintains he is still boxing’s top moneymaker and the pound-for-pound king, not Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao.

In an ESPN video interview posted at doghouseboxing.com, Mayweather said the numbers of his PPV buys and unblemished ring record alone speak for this.

“They don’t call me Floyd "Money" Mayweather for nothing. You already know that I’m gonna raid the bank everytime I go out there," the outspoken fighter said.

He boasted that Pacquiao’s PPV showing pales in comparison to his.

“I don’t recall Pacquiao in two fights doing 3.5 million homes and generate $250 million in one hour? I’ve done more in my Hatton fight!" he said.

Mayweather is climbing back into the ring after over a year of “retirement," battling Mexican warrior and Pacquiao’s old rival Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18.

“In this fight (with Marquez), I’m making more than they (Pacquiao and Hatton) made together (in their last fight," he said.

Mayweather Jr. retired after disposing of Hatton in 2007 and since then, the Pacman has taken reign as the new mythical pound-for-pound king.

With Mayweather’s return, the debate for the P4P top dog is now raging.

To “Money" Floyd, it’s still his, just compare their records.

“Who beat me?" an irked Mayweather said. “Have Pacquiao ever been beaten? He’s been beat three times and knocked out two times and had 2 draws. I was champ for 10 years; when he was getting knocked out I was dominating."

In the end, Mayweather said he didn’t care whether people consider the Filipino superstar, not himself, as the best fighter in the planet.

“Pacquiao can be called the best pound-for-pound, you can just call me the cash king. You know stats don’t lie. I don’t fight for bragging rights, I fight for checks!" he said.

A blockbuster showdown between P4P superstars Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. has been highly-anticipated by fight fans and experts. But business considerations may spoil this dream duel as both Pacquiao and Mayweather would likely ask for the bigger share of the purse.

And Mayweather would not hesitate to walk away if Pacquiao insists on getting the lion’s share.

“I’m the cash cow and I’m not out there chasing no fights, man," he said. “All roads lead to Floyd Mayweather. I’m not here to chase Pacquiao. Pacquiao needs me, I don’t need him. With or without Pacquiao, my legacy is I’m going on as one of the best."

Source: gmanews.tv

Mayweather-Marquez L.A. Presser

2009-05-22T02:11:00.000-07:00

With the recent announcement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. coming out of retirement, it has become a big buzz with boxing fans not only that he coming back to the sport but also that he is immediately putting his undefeated record on the line by facing the dangerous highly touted five-time world champion in three weight divisions Juan Manuel Marquez in a 12 round bout entitled “Number One/Numero Uno.” The first stop of the media tour for the mega fight took place Monday in downtown Los Angeles to announce their battle taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV on July 18. “That’s right. I’m back and you can all get ready for another chapter of the Mayweather experience!,” said Mayweather. “I told my CEO Leonard Ellerbe from the start that I wanted to come back fighting the best fighters out there and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the best in boxing today.”

When asked what made him come back to the sweet science he simply answered.

“I missed the sport.”

“I am not overlooking Marquez so I hope he doesn’t overlook me either. Just because I have been retired doesn’t mean I will be rusty,” proclaimed ‘Money’ Mayweather. “I am not here to rate myself. I let the fans and the media to decide that.”

There were rumors circulating the Internet about Mayweather getting a high $15 million dollar payday for his return, negotiations with Don King for future bouts and a possible fight with Manny Pacquiao.

“It doesn’t matter how much I make. We fight for checks not bragging rights.”

“Yeah! I talked to Don King, he’s a well-respected guy. It’s not a crime to talk to someone.”

“Manny is good but people are forgetting Erik Morales was able to beat him. He has gotten knocked out before so anything is possible but right now I am focusing on Marquez, he’s a top notch fighter. This is no tune up fight.”

In the era of great Mexican fighters such as Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, Mexico City’s Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) has made it clear over the last few years that he may be the greatest of the bunch.

“This is the most difficult fight for me, but is not impossible,” said Marquez as he addressed the media. “I am training in the mountains of Mexico, this is one of the strategies we’re using to help with my weight. I am also lifting rocks to build strength.”

When asked what techniques one can use against the undefeated (39-0, 25 KOs) Mayweather Jr.

“Luis Castillo was one of the few who almost defeated Mayweather. Nacho Beristain is studying the fight and we have determined that being aggressive and gaining speed is the key to beat Floyd.”

“Floyd is the number one pound for pound and that is why I agreed to fight him at welterweight. I am very happy with the results of my career and I am happy for this opportunity but most of all I am confident I could beat Mayweather.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. and are priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150. Tickets can be purchase at all Ticketmaster outlets and MGMGrand.com.

Source: fightnews.com

Marquez Continues Rant Versus Pacquiao

2009-05-22T02:08:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez continues to go at it against nemesis Manny Pacquiao even while he’s pitching for his upcoming fight with comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr., PhilBoxing reported Tuesday.

During Monday’s fan rally in Los Angeles, “Dinamita" renewed his dig at Pacquiao, whom he had fought in two close contests, escaping with a draw despite three knockdowns in their first gig and dropping a close split decision in his super-featherweight title defense last year.

Feeling he truly won the last fight, Marquez had since embarked on a chase for Pacquiao, to the point of coming over to the Philippines to challenge the Pacman for a third gig. The Mexican warrior had also moved up in weight like Pacquiao, beating lightweight biggies Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz.

“Pacquiao keeps running from me," a confident Marquez said before fans and the media, as quoted by PhilBoxing’s Granville Ampong. “And he does not want to face me a third time; he just keeps running away."

With Pacquiao saying their business is over, new undisputed lightweight champ Marquez instead challenged then retired Mayweather Jr, whom he described as the real pound-for-pound king apparently to spite current P4P holder Pacquiao.

“I decided to fight the very, very best and that is Floyd Mayweather," Marquez said.

A three-division titlist, Marquez is set to duke it out with Mayweather on July 18 in Las Vegas in a catch weight of 143 pounds.

Pacquiao, who is fresh from his eye-popping two-round KO of erstwhile light-welterweight boss Ricky Hatton to cement his claim to the P4P throne, is said to be interested in fighting the winner of the Marquez-Mayweather showdown.

The Filipino ring icon is also reportedly eyeing a duel with Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and even Edwin Valero for his next outing, possibly in October.

Source: gmanews.tv

Mayweather-Marquez Reviewed By Mexican Boxing Figures

2009-05-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

The upcoming fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, scheduled for July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is a topic of hot debate in the boxing industry. Marquez moves up by nearly two weight divisions to meet Mayweather at a catch-weight of 143-pounds. Several well-known figures in the Mexican boxing scene take a look at the biggest fight of Marquez's career.

Tiburcio Garcia, who trained Jose Luis Castillo for both fights against Mayweather, says Marquez is more than able to pull off the upset.

"He has to be focused, and have discipline in the ring. Against Manny Pacquiao he showed a lot. For him to beat Mayweather is not impossible. Juan Manuel should take advantage of Floyd's inactivity. Both of them have a good a boxing technique but if Márquez arrives without fear, he is going to win", Garcia said to The Record.

Rudy Perez, who trained Marco Antonio Barrera, among others, says the experience of Marquez will be the key.

"Without a doubt this will be a battle of strategies but Marquez can beat him because he is more intelligent," Perez said.

Former champion Erik Morales, who wants to fight Marquez down the road, says the fight will be a tough one for his countryman.

"Although I think it's difficult, I believe Marquez can get the upset. I would for him to win. It took him a lot to get to this level and now he is here. It would be very good for him and for Mexican boxing, if he won. But Mayweather is a natural welterweight and Marquez is a natural super featherweight. If he can handle the weight, he should be able to win," Morales said.

Younger brother Rafael Marquez, doesn't think the weight will be a problem.

"I don't believe the weight will influence the fight. The two are more or less the same in stature and that is important. I believe that the experience of my brother will get him the victory over a slippery opponent such as Mayweather," Marquez said.

Source: blogcatalog.com

Money Matters may Hinder Pacquiao-Mayweather Gig

2009-05-18T00:56:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Business considerations might hinder the blockbuster fight that every boxing aficionado longs for.

In a report posted by The Sweet Science Sunday, trainer Freddie Roach revealed that while Manny Pacquiao versus comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr remains on high demand, financial arrangements could spoil the possible megafight between the two pound-for-pound superstars.

“Both fighters have egos," Roach told the Sweet Science’s David Avila. “Mayweather wants a 60-40 split. He’s not going to get that with Manny. I know for sure Manny won’t accept anything like that."

The same problem initially stalled Pacquiao’s recent showdown with Ricky “Hitman" Hatton, wherein the Pacman refused a 50-50 split on the pay per view shares. It was later slashed to 52-48 for Pacquiao but there were reports it was reverted back to an even split after a separate financial arrangement with promoter Top Rank.

Now the biggest draw in boxing, Pacquiao would not even consider a 50-50 share with Mayweather, Jr., said Roach.

“Fans like the way Manny fights," Roach said. As to Mayweather, Roach sort of let it drift in the air, wrote Avila.

But before everyone could think about a Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr shindig, the un-retiring fighter should first hurdle the challenge of lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez in their July 18 bout.

Roach admitted Marquez, who had fought Pacquiao in two close encounters which resulted to a draw and a win for the Pacman, would be one tough customer for Mayweather.

The Hall of Fame trainer told the boxing site that he expects Marquez to “jump ahead at first because of his more aggressive attitude" but eventually Maywather would “grind him down with his size and strength."

While Mayweather may be “bigger," Roach also said “Marquez seems to be hitting a lot harder as he moves up in weight. He was probably fighting at featherweight too long. He’s knocking guys out. Good guys."

Most fight fans prefer Pacquiao to take on Mayweather Jr or if he prevails, Marquez, for his next fight in October although the names of Sugar Shane Mosley and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr are also being floated as possible foe should they agree to go down in weight. A duel with unbeaten KO artist Edwin Valero is likewise said to be another possibility.

Source: gmanews.tv

Freddie Roach Talks Mayweather, Marquez, Mosley & More

2009-05-18T00:52:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD, CA.-On a warm Friday in Hollywood, we spent the late afternoon at the Wild Card Gym to see a number of fighters, including England’s Amir Khan and of course elite trainer Freddie Roach.

The drive to Hollywood from Riverside is a 70-mile trek, but it's worth it when you know that you can see first hand what a boxer like Khan is looking like in terms of sharpness and technique.

Other reasons exist too, like chatting with Roach about the travails of boxing and the opportunities that await his many fighters.

The amiable Roach spoke about Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley on this Friday afternoon before he made the trip to Primm, Nevada to assist junior middleweight contender Vanes Martirosyan.

Inside the gym where temperatures drifted in the upper 80s, only a few prizefighters were working the boxing equipment. Two large fighters stood near the windows and were undistinguishable because of the sunlight behind them. Once they got out of the shadows it was plain to see one was former heavyweight world champion Michael Moorer and the other former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski.

“He’ll be having his first pro boxing fight at the Staples Center,” said Roach of Arlovski, who began training the MMA star, coming off the loss to MMA super star Fedor Emelianenko of Russia, last year. “He has a lot of fans.”

Arlovski had planned to make his boxing debut last September but circumstances didn’t allow him time to prepare. Now the large MMA fighter looks fit and ready for a dip into the heavyweight boxing world.

“We don’t have an opponent yet but we’re looking around for someone,” said Roach.

Speaking of fighters from the eastern part of Europe, two featherweight sized prizefighters began exiting the gym when Roach pointed them out to me. One was Slava Gusev, a featherweight, and Alisher Rahimov, a junior lightweight.

“They’re both very good boxers,” Roach said of the pair. “I’m training and managing both.”

As the Russian fighters departed almost simultaneously Amir Khan and his brother and father walked into the boxing gym. All had smiles and were dressed appropriately for the 80-degree temperatures.

The Hall of Fame trainer asked me if I wanted to interview Khan before he began his workout so I agreed and we chatted outside the stairwell.

Khan will be fighting in several weeks as a junior welterweight challenging for the WBA title against champion Andriy Kotelnik of Ukraine on June 27 at the O2 Arena in London.

“I feel great at this weight. I’m not so weak,” said Khan who did look much bigger than in his previous fight against Marco Antonio Barrera. He’s more than a month away from the title match. “My punches are quicker.”

Inside Khan shows off the speedy combinations that Barrera just couldn’t time in the five rounds it lasted. Though Barrera landed a few punches he couldn’t stop the blitzkrieg that forced the referee to stop the fight.

“He landed a few hard punches but I was so focused in that fight,” said Khan of Barrera. “He couldn’t deal with my speed.”

During the workout Khan’s smooth footwork and lightning combinations were accented by the more pronounced defensive shields now implemented by the former lightweight. Defense is paramount for Khan.

It reminded me of watching Manny Pacquiao a few months earlier. The speedy combinations are similar but the unorthodox foot movement by the pound for pound champion are not.

Roach said that Khan’s promoter Frank Warren seeks a match with Pacquiao if the young British speedster wins.

Hmmm. That’s asking quite a lot at this juncture especially when there are elite fighters like Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Floyd Mayweather staring at Pacman. That’s where the big money lies.

Roach said that though a “Mosley fight is probably the most exciting because they both like to fight,” it's all about making the fight on even terms.

“I have to protect my fighter,” said Roach, who administered the terms for Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya last year. “I spoke to Shane and told him that we would fight him at 142. He said he can’t make that weight.”

Mosley asked why not 147, as Manny/Oscar was set at 147? Roach said that Mosley is not De La Hoya in terms of setting a weight handicap.

In looking at the upcoming fight between Marquez and Mayweather, the savvy trainer says he expects Marquez to jump ahead at first because of his more aggressive attitude. But later, he expects Mayweather to grind him down with his size and strength.

“He’s much bigger,” said Roach, adding that the weight requirement may hurt Marquez and Mayweather. “Marquez seems to be hitting a lot harder as he moves up in weight. He was probably fighting at featherweight too long. He’s knocking guys out. Good guys.”

If Mayweather beats Marquez as the odds and Roach suggest, the expected match with Pacquiao is not a done deal warns Roach.

“Both fighters have egos,” said Roach, who said that the Hatton-Pacquiao fight had problems too because of the financial dealings. “Mayweather wants a 60-40 split. He’s not going to get that with Manny. I know for sure Manny won’t accept anything like that.”

Roach said that Pacquiao would probably want the bulk of the purse and not settle for a 50-50 split.

“Fans like the way Manny fights,” said Roach. When he mentioned Mayweather’s name he kind of let it drift in the air.

The fight Roach likes is Many/Mosley, if the Pomona fighter can make the weight. The world can only wait to see what transpires. Another match that could have consequences also takes place in June when Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey fight. If the Puerto Rican slugger wins, he would be asked to drop to 140 to fight Pacquiao.

Of course Cotto may not beat Clottey.

“You have a good point,” said Roach. “We’ll have to see.”

Source: thesweetscience.com

Mayweather-Pacquiao Would Boost Boxing

2009-05-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

They'll be calling it “The Fight to Save Boxing,” just as they did two years ago when Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. squared off in Las Vegas.

I'll laugh, just as I did then.

Boxing doesn't need saving. It may not be particularly healthy, but it isn't going anywhere.

Nothing has been able to kill boxing over the years. Not death, not scandal. Not even a heavyweight division that just might be at its all-time worst.

But boxing is always in need of help. And nothing helps it like a megabout that for one night, at least, draws attention to the sport from mainstream America.

Like De La Hoya-Mayweather.

Like Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao.

Some things have to happen for the latter to occur. Mayweather, who just announced — to no one's surprise — that he's returning to the ring, must beat Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18. No small task.

Marquez is one of the toughest hombres in the sport, with a granite chin and punches that rarely miss their mark.

But if Mayweather wins, as he should, it paves the way for the fight people are already talking about.

Between the two best fighters, pound-for-pound, in boxing today.

You have to wonder just how big the fight would be.

Would it eclipse De La Hoya-Mayweather? That fight turned out to be the highest-grossing boxing match in history, with 2.4 million pay-per-view buys and a live gate of $19 million.

But it also was a fight that we now know featured one fighter — De La Hoya — who was well past his prime.

Mayweather-Pacquiao is a legitimate megafight featuring two fighters in their prime, not just a marketing creation — a fight that could rekindle memories of a Leonard-Duran or a Leonard-Hearns.

That's saying something.

The fight wouldn't restore boxing to its glory days. Only a vibrant heavyweight division could possibly accomplish that.

But for a sport hurting in a time of economic distress, with its reigning box-office star, De La Hoya, now in retirement, it couldn't come at a better time.

So start saving that allowance. We're looking at a showdown by early 2010.

No one, of course, is hotter right now than Pacquiao, who has supplanted Mayweather as boxing's pound-for-pound best. His latest victory only confirmed this.

In the biggest fight of the year to date, Pacquiao blew out Ricky Hatton in two rounds on May 2, becoming the first fighter in history to win four lineal titles.

It was his fourth consecutive victory in a different division. Pacquiao seems unbeatable right now, the best fighter in the sport.

Mayweather, on the other hand, has been idle since beating Hatton in December 2007. He's remained in the public eye somewhat, participating on “Dancing With the Stars” and competing at Wrestlemania 24 last year.

The question will be, can he regenerate the momentum he built before he retired?

His fight against Marquez will provide some answers. A good performance will re-ignite his fan base heading into a showdown with Pacquiao.

Unlike Pacquiao, Mayweather needs the fight to cement his boxing legacy, which will remain unfulfilled without opponents like Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto or Pacquiao on his résumé.

Even so, until he retired following the Hatton fight, Mayweather had become a boxing celebrity, a dominant fighter without peer.

Sort of like what Pacquiao is right now.

The fight to save boxing? Hardly. But it could give the sport a tremendous boost.

jwhisler@express-news.net

JOHN WHISLER'S VIEW FROM THE CORNER
Top 10 pound-for-pound boxers

1. Manny Pacquiao
Record: 49-3-2, 37 KOs
Title/division: Ring jr. welterweight
Comment: Consensus No. 1 now following destruction of Ricky Hatton.

2. Juan Manuel Marquez
Record: 50-4-1, 37 KOs
Titles/division: WBA, WBO, Ring lightweight
Comment: Win over Floyd Mayweather Jr. would set up rematch with Pacquiao.

3. Bernard Hopkins
Record: 49-5-1, 32 KOs
Division: Light
heavyweight
Comment: Showdown with Chad Dawson would be compelling.

4. Paul Williams
Record: 37-1, 27 KOs
Title/division: Interim WBO, jr. middleweight
Comment: Back in top 10 after beating Winky Wright.

5. Shane Mosley
Record: 46-5, 39 KOs
Title/division: WBA
welterweight
Comment: Wants to fight Pacquiao or Mayweather next.

6. Miguel Cotto
Record: 33-1, 27 KOs
Title/division: WBO
welterweight
Comment: Should command big fight if he can beat Joshua Clottey on June 13.

7. Vic Darchinyan
Record: 32-1-1, 26 KOs
Titles/division: WBA, WBC, IBF super flyweight
Comment: Powerful southpaw hoping to hold titles in three weight classes.

8. Nonito Donaire
Record: 21-1, 14 KOs
Title/division: IBF
flyweight
Comment: Destruction of San Antonio's Raul Martinez cemented status.

9. Juan Manuel Lopez
Record: 25-0, 23 KOs
Title/division: WBC
super lightweight
Comment: Power puncher is one of sport's exciting young stars.

10. Chad Dawson
Record: 27-0, 17 KOs
Title/division: IBF light heavyweight
Comment: Still undefeated but delivered lackluster performance against Antonio Tarver.

Straight shots
UFC 98: The main event at UFC 98 on Saturday in Las Vegas has light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans (18-0-1) vs. challenger Lyoto Machida (14-0). It's an incredibly good fight, pitting two of the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters in MMA. But fans are just as excited about the co-main event, where light heavyweights Matt Serra and Matt Hughes continue their feud.

Mayweather-Marquez tour: Mayweather Jr. and Marquez will hit the road for a six-day, three-city tour to promote their July 18 welterweight showdown on pay-per-view. The tour kicks off Sunday in Los Angeles, followed by stops in New York City on Tuesday and London on Thursday.

College graduate: Former lightweight champ Juan Diaz of Houston graduates from the University of Houston-Downtown today with a bachelor's degree in political science. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for Minute Maid Park.

“This feels like I'm becoming a world champion for the first time. It's that big of an accomplishment to me,” Diaz said.

Pacquiao future: Top Rank boss Bob Arum told ESPN.com that Pacquiao, fresh off a two-round thrashing of Hatton, likely will fight again in October. Possible opponents include Cotto, if he beats Clottey on June 13, or Mosley.

Arum said Pacquiao still could fight the winner of Mayweather-Marquez, but that fight wouldn't happen until early 2010.

Source: John Whisler, mysanantonio.com

Mayweather vs. Marquez Press Conference Quotes

2009-05-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

On his comeback:
“Credentials don’t lie and my record speaks for itself. I was in the sport 11 years and I was a champion for 10 years. I left on top, and I am coming back on top. I am ready to reclaim what’s mine.

“I am the king and no one has taken my crown.

“I am back because the sport of boxing needs me and the fans want me to. Everywhere I go, they go crazy.

“Some day someone might shut my mouth, but right now I am going to talk. I am the top dog and I am back in the spotlight.

“I am Pay-Per-View king. Oscar has some great numbers. But since I won that fight, so I get to count those.

“People keep asking me, who do you think is going to win tonight? Pacquiao or Hatton? Tonight any man can win. It’s a gamble. If you want some ‘for sure money,’ just put it under your mattress until July 18th and bet on Money Mayweather.

“When I go to the gym and lace my gloves, I think about both of my sons, both of my daughters and my mother and I try to be the best that I can be. I go out there and focus on what I’ve got to do. I am in tremendous shape. I have been running seven to eight miles a day. I am ready physically and mentally.

“If you lost before you can lose again. If you have never lost, than fighters don’t have the anecdote to beat you.

“I have to adjust. If you are a real fighter you will adjust and adapt. I am going to be smart. I have dominated every fighter they have put in front of me from 130 pounds on up. There have been fighters who are bigger than me, but I have made smart moves. My body has good chemistry and I am able to equal every fighter I fight.

“I don’t change for fighters, fighters change for me.”

On Marquez:
“He is a good small man but I am a great big man.

“I have never seen another fighter get knocked out three times and come back for a draw and honestly, in my opinion, Juan Manuel Marquez beat Manny Pacquiao twice.

“You know he is going to bring his A game and I am going to bring my A game.

“You can’t claim you are one of the best without fighting Mexican fighters.

“We want to show the world what you can do in a recession. De la Hoya- Pacquiao showed you what they could do in a recession.”

On Boxing:
“To everyone who is coming out and supporting boxing, we really appreciate it. Boxing is number one and the sport is here to stay.

“The main thing in boxing is that it takes skills. We have other sports that think they are bigger and better than us, but we make the most money. In other sports, you can come off of the street and be the best. In boxing you must dedicate yourself.”

JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ

“I am very excited for this fight. I want to thank Floyd Mayweather for giving me the opportunity to fight against him.

“Right now I want to be the best fighter and to be the best you have to fight the best.

“Pacquiao keeps running from me. And he doesn’t want to face me a third time he just keeps running away. So, I decided to fight the very very best and that is Floyd Mayweather.

“Mayweather has been out for almost two years and obviously I feel that I have an advantage. That is a long layoff.

“In those two years, I have had three very important wins against three very important fighters. That gives me the ultimate advantage.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“The king is back. This is truly one of the most anticipated returns in boxing for quite some time.

“Floyd is the face of boxing, the best fighter in the world. He left the best, and he is returning as the best.

“Floyd has been recognized as a global champion for a number of years. No matter where he goes, people always say the same thing, ‘Champ, when are you coming back?’

“With all of the achievements Floyd had achieved over the years, he is the only fighter who has truly transcended the sport. Starting out with Dancing with the Stars, the WWE (WrestleMania) and now we have the number one commercial out in the country. He has done so many things as a boxer, and now he is a true entertainer.

“Floyd has always had a tremendous amount of respect for all of the fighters out there. I know he has a lot of respect for Mr. Marquez.

(To Marquez) “You have to be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

“I am getting used to being a promoter. It is fun and it doesn’t hurt.

“Let me tell you one thing when I fought Pacquiaio, the media kept saying ‘The bigger man is going to win.’ Can we believe now that the bigger man is always going to win?

“When I fought Floyd it was a competitve fight. When I fought Pacquiao he stopped me. When Pacquiao fought Marquez, Marquez beat him. I don’t care what people say. Don’t believe that the bigger man is always going to win.

“Juan Manuel Marquez can never ever be counted out, even if he is facing the number one pound-for-pound fighter.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Floyd Mayweather’s back and he’s back to fight the best. He is coming back not just to fight someone, but to fight the one numero uno, Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Marquez, who beat Manny Pacquiao not once but twice is right there at the top of the pound-for-pound list. Not to mention he owns the title of being called numero uno, simply the best.

“I am going to start calling Mayweather ‘Triple M’ which stands for Mainstream Money Mayweather. He has become not only one of the most recognizable fighters in the sport of boxing, but one of the most recognized athletes in the world.”

Source: 15rounds.com

Mayweather Out to Prove He's Better than Pacquiao

2009-05-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr. came out of retirement with the hope of regaining the pound-for-pound title he formerly holds when he last fought and defeated Ricky Hatton in 2007.

Manny Pacquiao is currently rated as the best pound-for-pound fighter after dominating boxing in the past three years and not losing a match in his last 10 fights.

But to get to Pacquiao, Mayweather Jr. needs to get past Juan Manuel Marquez, who is another fighter aching for a rematch with the Filipino ring idol.

“I don’t really know too much on Pacquiao. I’ve seen the guy fight five or six times. He is a pretty good fighter," said Mayweather Jr. in an interview with 24 Oras.

“You know what I have done in the sport of boxing. I have never been beaten. I left the sport on top, I come back on top. I am the highest paid guy in the sport of boxing."

However, Pacquiao’s achievements can not also be ignored. Last year, Pacquiao fought and won in three different weight divisions and silenced all doubters after his quick two-round demolition of Hatton.

Pacquiao is ranked second only to boxing legend Henry Armstrong, who in 1937 won three belts in different weight divisions in one year.

Fans are eagerly waiting for a Mayweather Jr.-Pacquiao fight that could raise pay-per-view buys to the roof and give both fighters their biggest paycheck, if both parties can agree with the revenue split.

Asked what makes a pound-for-pound king? Mayweather Jr., who made his announcement of coming out of retirement to face Marquez on July 18 the same day of the Pacquiao-Hatton bout, said “A guy who already has 16 or 17 fights and was only a professional for one year and became a champion for two years. A six-time world champion in five different weight classes without loss."

However, the pound-for-pound title is not official and it is not even included in the list of titles that are up for grabs by the five boxing organizations that sanctions official matches – IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBF.

It is a make-believe award given to a boxer that has proven himself against the best fighters and is one of the sport’s top attractions.

Source: gmanews.tv

Mayweather or Pacquiao? Who's the Real Pound for Pound King?

2009-05-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao, fresh off his two-round destruction of Ricky Hatton, is widely considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the consensus pound-for-pound king when he elected to take a sabbatical from boxing after stopping Hatton in ten rounds in December 2007.

Well, Mayweather is done doing whatever he was doing while 'retired' and will face Juan Manual Marquez in Las Vegas on July 18. The hope and expectation of everyone in and around the fight game is that Mayweather will beat Marquez (no easy feat) and then face Pacquiao to decide - in the ring - who is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.

Until then, fight fans will have to decide for themselves who they consider to be the pound-for-pound king . . .

The 30-year-old Pacquaio is unquestionably in his prime as he appears to continue improving under the tutelage of trainer Freddie Roach. Mayweather is a low-mileage 32 and there's no reason to believe he won't be able to return to the form that allowed him to compile a perfect 39-0 record between 1996 and 2007.

Both fighters share Oscar De La Hoya and Hatton as their two most recent ring opponents. Pacquaio's overwhelming victories have The Golden Boy and The Hitman questioning whether they will ever fight again. What's important to remember about Mayweather's wins over Oscar and Ricky is that - while they were less impressive than Pacman's blowout victories - they both came first. In other words, Mayweather arguably beat better versions of both Hatton and De La Hoya than the ones that entered the ring against Pacquiao.

So who do you rate as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today? Mayweather or Pacquiao?

Source: boxing.about.com

Pacquiao or Mayweather: Who's the Best of the Decade?

2009-05-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

We may well get an actual fight before the end of the decade (which comes this year -- feeling old?) to truly hash it out, but for now, the debate rages on.

Recently, RING Magazine's Michael Rosenthal put up a "Greatest fighters by decade" post on their blog. For the 2000s, he put Pacquiao in the top spot, with Mayweather as the runner-up.

Rosenthal says that he got a lot of mail about it, and not all of it was kind. He then makes his case for Pacquiao, and it's quite the impassioned plea:

I think this is a great, great argument, and yes I put Pacquiao ahead of Mayweather as it stands now, too.

The difference, I think, is in a lot of what Rosenthal is saying: Pacquiao went out and sought the greatest challenges. Mayweather makes a show now of fighting men he admittedly deems "too small" to beat him. What kind of fighter is that?

I am not discounting Mayweather's skills, nor am I a hater. The man is absurdly talented, and he can be poetry to watch perform. He is a brilliant tactician who seems like he's generally two steps ahead of his opponents. And he is more than deserving of being called one of this decade's two best.

If Mayweather does it for you over Pacquiao, then I won't argue. But if the two of them finish out their careers as the two have gone so far, ask yourself this: Who's going to be revered for decades? It's Pacquiao. Mayweather will be respected (and I think respect will even grow over time for his skills). But Pacquiao has inspired, become a hero in both his native Philippines and in the sport worldwide.

He has become the beacon of light for a sport that has seen a depressed decade, if not the wasteland or cemetery it has been made out as by the misinformed. Mayweather doesn't have that sort of fire, that passion in him. He could have never been That Guy.

In some ways, I question if it's not plainly related to the fact that relatively speaking, boxing came easy for Mayweather. His father was a fighter, his uncle a better one. He was born, as they say, with boxing gloves on. And both his father and uncle are great teachers. Pacquiao fought his way out of poverty, going from scrawny flyweight world champion to ripped, fully formed junior welterweight champion of the world. It has not been "easy" for Pacquiao to get where he is. He wasn't backed from the moment he entered an amateur ring, groomed for success. He fought. Mayweather performed as a great artist might, rarely missing a note on stage.

It's all sports romance, really; cold, hard skill is very debatable, and no doubt Mayweather's has been at the highest level for longer. But that's not all we're talking about. Yngwie Malmsteen can shred; Stevie Ray Vaughn bled through his guitar. The comparison here is similar.

Source: badlefthook.com