Floyd Mayweather and his cohorts have just shot themselves on the foot. Their drug testing issue against seven division Champion Manny Pacquiao has definitely backfired. If this is going to be PBF’s “escape goat” then so be it. What can you expect from someone who has dodged quality opposition in the past and recently even went overweight against Marquez on the scales (and paid the fine) despite his size advantage?
Hereunder are just few of the major reasons why it’s a losing battle for PBF:
1. Manny is clean and has “raw power”. I’ve seen and observed Manny fight ever since he was a flyweight. Back in those days he was still fighting under Blow by Blow where his manager and the late Rod Nazario (my former partner in In This Corner-the longest running boxing show in the country) painstakingly built his career. Back then Manny relied much on his raw power as speed was common in the lower weight divisions. His vaunted left straight was already devastating and decked majority of his opponents. It is said that in one sparring session in Cebu he even dropped a former Japanese OPBF welterweight (147lbs) champion, even if he was only 116 pounds then. Manny has since then carried that power as he moved up in weight and can knock you out with either hand. Thanks to Freddie Roach he is now a complete and more dangerous fighter.
2. No other fighter works like Manny. I remember former super flyweight and former bantamweight champion (who happens to be my neighbor) Gerry “Fearless” Penalosa say “Hindi ko kaya ang ginagawa ni Manny” – “I can’t do what Manny does” referring to his brand of training. Both Manny & Gerry train under hall of famer Freddie Roach. The Pacman in training is like a mean unstoppable machine. In his last fight I remember Bob Arum say “ In contrast to Manny’s training Cotto was like taking a vacation…It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen”. Manny trains for 17-20 straight rounds on the mitts with Freddie with no timeout and puts in about 4 hours of training each day. Believe me, no other fighter in the planet trains like Manny Pacquiao.
3. Manny is a Spiritual fighter. Whether you are an atheist or not, one thing’s for sure: Spiritual fighters have made their mark in boxing history. The sport’s entourage of spiritual fighters includes the “Real Deal” Evander Holyfield; George Foreman and the list go on and on. Manny’s discipline goes beyond the physical. He believes in God and fears him. That is why these accusations of doping are really hard to believe. Observe every fight, Manny gives honor to God before the start, during the fight and right at the end of every fight. It is not easy to fight a spiritual fighter as two forces are at work against you. One in the physical and one in the spiritual realm. Some pundits even think that Pacquiao's power is a spiritual one since he fights for both God & Country.
4. His making a mockery of the NSAC. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has a system of checking doping in place. Keith Keizer it’s executive director has stated categorically that: "All I can tell you is that Pacquiao, every time he's fought here (in Nevada,) has been tested, as well as his opponents. He passed every drug test we did to him, every steroid test we did to him." Come on, Floyd is American and he should trust the very institutions that has placed him where he is. Just because somebody has gone beyond every possible expectation doesn’t mean that he has thwarted the system. Floyd, the burden of proof is with you. Do you have any evidence? If you don’t have any then shut up! Don't let people use you to justify why they got defeated.
I have come out of the open to say that Manny is clean based on my experience with him and what I know. Chances are he has never touched and will ever use any performance-enhancing drug. What for? He has already etched himself in the annals of boxing history as one of the greatest fighters ever.
As for Floyd, I must honestly say he is still Manny Pacquiao’s biggest threat. Mainly because he is not as hittable as Manny’s previous opponents. PBF has both the defensive skills and the offensive armament to give Manny a lot of trouble. It is just so sad that he has taken this kind of ill-advised publicity stunt. Floyd, don’t run away from a good fight, although you’ve always been known to be a runner. Take the fight inside the ring where your fists will do the talking.
PBF you can run as much you want but you can never hide.
Friday, January 1, 2010
It's Manny, not Floyd, who's the bigger draw
MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to what Floyd Mayweather Jr. insists, it’s Manny Pacquiao who’s the draw in their now-on-now-off showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on March 13 – if it pushes through at all.
In his field of dreams, Mayweather thinks he’s still the marquee attraction he once was. Pretty Boy ended a 21-month layoff to beat an undersized Juan Manuel Marquez on points last September and despite the physical disparity, couldn’t knock out the gritty Mexican.
Pacquiao is at the peak of his career and with seven world titles in seven weight divisions, nobody doubts he’s the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter except Mayweather and his equally mentally imbalanced father Floyd Sr.
Pacquiao is assured of a $25 million paycheck apiece if the Mayweather fight goes on as scheduled. The guarantee alone matches what Pacquiao signed for in his two fights against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto last year.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum recently said if Mayweather proves difficult, he’ll keep the fight date and move in Paul Malignaggi as Pacquiao’s opponent instead. So Mayweather’s pull-out is no sweat off Pacquiao’s back – it’s his loss, more than anybody else’s.
Mayweather, who’ll be 33 on Feb. 24, has been playing mind games lately, obviously trying to unsettle Pacquiao. But his tricks aren’t working. In fact, they’re backfiring. If Arum decides to can Mayweather, Pretty Boy wouldn’t be able to earn as much fighting somebody else – Matthew Hatton just isn’t in Pacquiao’s class and the pay-per-view hits will prove it for sure.
Mayweather is insisting on blood doping tests, which aren’t required by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). His contention is Pacquiao has been using illegal drugs to enhance his power as he moves up in weight. No fighter in history has been able to even remotely duplicate Pacquiao’s feat of winning world titles from flyweight (112 pounds) to welterweight (147) in a period of 11 years.
Arum has reportedly asked the NSAC to conduct a special hearing on the issue and Jan. 19 was mentioned as a target date. Urine tests are required by the NSAC but there are no protocols for blood examinations.
“We’ll go along with what the Nevada commission decides,” said Arum. “We want this fight to go forward.” If Mayweather disagrees with what the NSAC decides as regards blood testing, Arum said he’ll sign up Malignaggi.
Solar Sports chief operating officer Peter Chanliong said the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is what fans want to see.
“It’s great for boxing,” said Chanliong. “Manny doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, he’s a gentle guy and a global icon. Mayweather is a perfect opponent because he’s completely the opposite of Manny. He’s the bad guy. It’s Manny’s time now. His last three fights against Oscar de la Hoya, Hatton and Cotto have established him as the greatest fighter of this era. Against De la Hoya, Manny was exposed globally on HBO’s 24/7. When he took out Hatton, it was clear that Manny had arrived. And when he stopped Cotto, that was his defining moment.”
Chanliong said the top US venues bidding to host the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was an indication of the Filipino’s drawing power.
New York’s Yankee Stadium, the giant Cowboys Stadium in Texas and the Staples Center of Los Angeles were among the sites under consideration. Even the Araneta Coliseum got into the picture with owner Jorge Araneta saying, “All Filipinos have a stake in this fight so it’s only fair that it be held here where even minimum wage earners can afford to watch Manny in action live.”
But in the end, the choice came down to the MGM Grand Garden Arena because Las Vegas is where the money is.
Whoever is Pacquiao’s opponent, Solar Sports has the exclusive TV fight rights for the Philippines. Solar Sports has a contract as Pacquiao’s coveror until 2013.
Chanliong said Arum plans to offer selected seats for $2,500 each. “It’s expected to be the biggest boxing grosser of all time,” he continued. “While only about 300 seats will go for $2,500 apiece, Bob expects a sellout. The pay-per-view sales will go over the record set by De la Hoya-Mayweather in 2007.”
The De la Hoya-Mayweather pay-per-view record is between 2.14 and 2.4 million hits. The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight could go over three million buys.
“Manny’s guarantee of $25 million is something only four or five athletes in the world get,” said Chanliong. “Manny’s been on the cover of Time Magazine and he was interviewed on the Kimmel show. Everyone’s falling over Manny. He’s in rare company with Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and he deserves the recognition. Anyone who’s featured on HBO’s 24/7 walks on rarefied air, that’s a measure of his global status.”
Chanliong said the recent Pacquiao-Cotto fight registered the highest viewership of any bout shown by Solar on the GMA network with at least 80 percent of households tuned in.
“Manny’s rise from his first fight as a 106-pounder in 1995 to his last fight to win the welterweight championship is astounding,” said Chanliong. “And he hasn’t slowed down. He has brought his speed and power with him moving from division to division. That’s what makes him phenomenal.”
In his field of dreams, Mayweather thinks he’s still the marquee attraction he once was. Pretty Boy ended a 21-month layoff to beat an undersized Juan Manuel Marquez on points last September and despite the physical disparity, couldn’t knock out the gritty Mexican.
Pacquiao is at the peak of his career and with seven world titles in seven weight divisions, nobody doubts he’s the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter except Mayweather and his equally mentally imbalanced father Floyd Sr.
Pacquiao is assured of a $25 million paycheck apiece if the Mayweather fight goes on as scheduled. The guarantee alone matches what Pacquiao signed for in his two fights against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto last year.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum recently said if Mayweather proves difficult, he’ll keep the fight date and move in Paul Malignaggi as Pacquiao’s opponent instead. So Mayweather’s pull-out is no sweat off Pacquiao’s back – it’s his loss, more than anybody else’s.
Mayweather, who’ll be 33 on Feb. 24, has been playing mind games lately, obviously trying to unsettle Pacquiao. But his tricks aren’t working. In fact, they’re backfiring. If Arum decides to can Mayweather, Pretty Boy wouldn’t be able to earn as much fighting somebody else – Matthew Hatton just isn’t in Pacquiao’s class and the pay-per-view hits will prove it for sure.
Mayweather is insisting on blood doping tests, which aren’t required by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC). His contention is Pacquiao has been using illegal drugs to enhance his power as he moves up in weight. No fighter in history has been able to even remotely duplicate Pacquiao’s feat of winning world titles from flyweight (112 pounds) to welterweight (147) in a period of 11 years.
Arum has reportedly asked the NSAC to conduct a special hearing on the issue and Jan. 19 was mentioned as a target date. Urine tests are required by the NSAC but there are no protocols for blood examinations.
“We’ll go along with what the Nevada commission decides,” said Arum. “We want this fight to go forward.” If Mayweather disagrees with what the NSAC decides as regards blood testing, Arum said he’ll sign up Malignaggi.
Solar Sports chief operating officer Peter Chanliong said the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is what fans want to see.
“It’s great for boxing,” said Chanliong. “Manny doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, he’s a gentle guy and a global icon. Mayweather is a perfect opponent because he’s completely the opposite of Manny. He’s the bad guy. It’s Manny’s time now. His last three fights against Oscar de la Hoya, Hatton and Cotto have established him as the greatest fighter of this era. Against De la Hoya, Manny was exposed globally on HBO’s 24/7. When he took out Hatton, it was clear that Manny had arrived. And when he stopped Cotto, that was his defining moment.”
Chanliong said the top US venues bidding to host the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was an indication of the Filipino’s drawing power.
New York’s Yankee Stadium, the giant Cowboys Stadium in Texas and the Staples Center of Los Angeles were among the sites under consideration. Even the Araneta Coliseum got into the picture with owner Jorge Araneta saying, “All Filipinos have a stake in this fight so it’s only fair that it be held here where even minimum wage earners can afford to watch Manny in action live.”
But in the end, the choice came down to the MGM Grand Garden Arena because Las Vegas is where the money is.
Whoever is Pacquiao’s opponent, Solar Sports has the exclusive TV fight rights for the Philippines. Solar Sports has a contract as Pacquiao’s coveror until 2013.
Chanliong said Arum plans to offer selected seats for $2,500 each. “It’s expected to be the biggest boxing grosser of all time,” he continued. “While only about 300 seats will go for $2,500 apiece, Bob expects a sellout. The pay-per-view sales will go over the record set by De la Hoya-Mayweather in 2007.”
The De la Hoya-Mayweather pay-per-view record is between 2.14 and 2.4 million hits. The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight could go over three million buys.
“Manny’s guarantee of $25 million is something only four or five athletes in the world get,” said Chanliong. “Manny’s been on the cover of Time Magazine and he was interviewed on the Kimmel show. Everyone’s falling over Manny. He’s in rare company with Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and he deserves the recognition. Anyone who’s featured on HBO’s 24/7 walks on rarefied air, that’s a measure of his global status.”
Chanliong said the recent Pacquiao-Cotto fight registered the highest viewership of any bout shown by Solar on the GMA network with at least 80 percent of households tuned in.
“Manny’s rise from his first fight as a 106-pounder in 1995 to his last fight to win the welterweight championship is astounding,” said Chanliong. “And he hasn’t slowed down. He has brought his speed and power with him moving from division to division. That’s what makes him phenomenal.”
Mayweather has until Monday to take Pacquiao’s drug testing deal
Mayweather has until Monday to take Pacquiao’s deal. Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum told Sports Illustrated this week that Floyd Mayweather has until Monday to take the deal currently on the table.
Pacquiao has agreed to submit to unlimited urine tests, and a blood test in January, and no more than 2 blood tests 30 days before the fight, according to Sports Illustrated. Pac has never tested positive for a drug test, but Mayweather requested Olympic style drug testing that would require additional blood tests.
Bob Arum has asked for a January 19th, 2010 hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission to determine whether additional blood tests would be necessary.
"This is unprecedented," said Arum. "Our expert says blood tests are ridiculous. But we will let the commission decide. They are the governing body," Arum told Sports Illustrated.
Arum said if Mayweather doesn’t agree or respond then he will arrange a March 13, 2010 fight for Pacquiao and Paulie Malignaggi. For more on the Malignaggi fight, click here.
The Nevada Athletic commission does not require blood tests before a fight, but does require urine tests before and after each fight. The test checks for 40 different types of steroids, masking agents and diuretics.
Pacquiao’s lawyer filed lawsuit paperwork in Las Vegas on Wednesday for a defamation suit against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sr.
Pacquiao has agreed to submit to unlimited urine tests, and a blood test in January, and no more than 2 blood tests 30 days before the fight, according to Sports Illustrated. Pac has never tested positive for a drug test, but Mayweather requested Olympic style drug testing that would require additional blood tests.
Bob Arum has asked for a January 19th, 2010 hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission to determine whether additional blood tests would be necessary.
"This is unprecedented," said Arum. "Our expert says blood tests are ridiculous. But we will let the commission decide. They are the governing body," Arum told Sports Illustrated.
Arum said if Mayweather doesn’t agree or respond then he will arrange a March 13, 2010 fight for Pacquiao and Paulie Malignaggi. For more on the Malignaggi fight, click here.
The Nevada Athletic commission does not require blood tests before a fight, but does require urine tests before and after each fight. The test checks for 40 different types of steroids, masking agents and diuretics.
Pacquiao’s lawyer filed lawsuit paperwork in Las Vegas on Wednesday for a defamation suit against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sr.
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Made for each other. This fight needs to happen!
Once upon a time in the late 60’s, there was a man named Muhammad Ali, the heavyweight champion of the world, undefeated, claimed to be the greatest heavyweight champion of all time. But he was stripped off his championship title because he refused to accept the draft to join the military due to his religious belief. His boxing license was also revoked.
At those times, a fierce fighter named Joe Frazier was cleaning up the heavyweight division and captured the heavyweight title. He was knocking out the best opponents available after the other. He too was undefeated. Joe Frazier at that time also had a legitimate claim to the heavyweight championship title. The atmosphere in the boxing world back then was charged with anticipation. Everybody wanted to see the fight between two unbeaten heavyweight champions. Everybody wants to know who’s “O” gotta go. Everybody wants to find out who is the real heavyweight champion of the world.
The problem back then was Ali didn’t have a license to fight in the USA. There have been many suggestions, including fighting outside USA like Japan or Europe, or fighting on board a flying aircraft. But everytime the promoters try to make that fight happen something comes up and prevent the fight from happening. Until on March 8, 1971 when the two heavyweight champs faced each other in the ring.
Almost 36years later, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was considered the pound for pound best boxer in the world. He has fought and defeated tough fighters, and avoided the best fighters available, protecting an undefeated record of 39-0, before his false retirement.
During Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s reign as the pound for pound champ, Manny Pacquiao was considered the number 2, spot, and the pound for pound most exciting fighter. During Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s absence, Manny Pacquiao heard the mythical title pound for pound world’s best boxer by defeating the best of the best, hall-of-famers after hall-of-famers, capturing 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.
After almost 2years of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement, due to financial reasons, he had to come back and chose to fight Manny Pacquiao’s toughest nemesis in the persona of Juan Manuel Marquez, at the catchweight limit of 144lbs. Marquez had to move up two weight divisions for this fight. Although Marquez was considered one of the best boxers at that time, he was the smaller, slower and older fighter in this match-up. Coming in two pounds heavier than the contracted weight limit, Floyd Mayweather Jr. came back with a masterful display of defensive skills and shutting out Marquez for the whole twelve rounds, winning an easy unanimous decision.
On the other hand, Manny Pacquiao moving to the welterweight division after winning the lineal title at Jr. Welterweight, he faced the WBO welterweight world champion in the character of Miguel Cotto. There were many questions about Manny’s ability to take a punch from a full-blown welterweight and if he can bring up his speed and power fighting the best welterweight at that time. And on November 13, 2009, Manny Pacquiao answered all those questions with a “Yes he can!” by stopping the Puerto Rican champion in an amazing display of speed, power and durability. Again, Manny Pacquiao had shocked the world!
And now, the boxing atmosphere is super-charged once again with anticipation! People are clamoring for a Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight. Everybody wants to find out, who is the king of the ring, the true pound for pound best fighter in the world. And a win would give the victor a chance to be considered one of the best boxers of all time.
1971, people were intrigued by the contrasting personalities of the two heavyweight champions. Muhammad Ali was the outspoken, braggart and showman outside the ring; While Joe Frazier was the humble, mild-mannered guy.
Fast forward to 2010, again people are amused by differing personalities; we have the trash-talking, ballroom dancing and WWE wrestling, a villainous character of Floyd Mayweather Jr. And on the other hand, is the humble, karaoke singing and the superhero persona of Manny Pacquiao.
Looking back in 1971, the contrast in fighting styles is also very interesting. Muhammad Ali was the dancer, master boxer who likes to fight from a distance which favors his taller frame. And Joe Frazier, is the one who bobs and weaves to move in closer and slug it out with his head on his opponents’ chest, which favors his much shorter frame.
Fast forward again in 2010, you got Floyd Mayweather Jr. a master defensive counter-puncher. With his shoulder roll technique, he deflects and slips through his opponent’s punches, giving him the perfect position to counter-punch. And on the other hand, you got the incarnation of the Tazmanian Devil in the ring, Manny Pacquiao, with blazing speed he keeps coming with his combinations, pulverizing his opponents to submission.
Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in the ring, are each others’ equal. If there’s somebody who had beaten Muhammad Ali, that’s Joe Frazier. If there’s somebody who had beaten Joe Frazier, that’s Muhammad Ali. Their styles meshed perfectly, and gave us three unforgettable ring wars that shall be talked about even long after these two legends are gone. These three wars against each other are what defined them, and solidified their status as legends in boxing. They are simply made for each other. They are match made in boxing heaven.
In my mind, what we have here in Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is something truly rare, which only comes once in a generation. I believe that if there’s somebody who can beat Floyd Mayweather Jr., that is Manny Pacquiao. On the other hand, if there’s somebody who can beat Manny Pacquiao, that is Floyd Mayweather Jr. And everybody is hoping to witness something as exciting if not more, than that of Ali vs. Frazier in a fight between Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao.
This fight needs to happen!
At those times, a fierce fighter named Joe Frazier was cleaning up the heavyweight division and captured the heavyweight title. He was knocking out the best opponents available after the other. He too was undefeated. Joe Frazier at that time also had a legitimate claim to the heavyweight championship title. The atmosphere in the boxing world back then was charged with anticipation. Everybody wanted to see the fight between two unbeaten heavyweight champions. Everybody wants to know who’s “O” gotta go. Everybody wants to find out who is the real heavyweight champion of the world.
The problem back then was Ali didn’t have a license to fight in the USA. There have been many suggestions, including fighting outside USA like Japan or Europe, or fighting on board a flying aircraft. But everytime the promoters try to make that fight happen something comes up and prevent the fight from happening. Until on March 8, 1971 when the two heavyweight champs faced each other in the ring.
Almost 36years later, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was considered the pound for pound best boxer in the world. He has fought and defeated tough fighters, and avoided the best fighters available, protecting an undefeated record of 39-0, before his false retirement.
During Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s reign as the pound for pound champ, Manny Pacquiao was considered the number 2, spot, and the pound for pound most exciting fighter. During Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s absence, Manny Pacquiao heard the mythical title pound for pound world’s best boxer by defeating the best of the best, hall-of-famers after hall-of-famers, capturing 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.
After almost 2years of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement, due to financial reasons, he had to come back and chose to fight Manny Pacquiao’s toughest nemesis in the persona of Juan Manuel Marquez, at the catchweight limit of 144lbs. Marquez had to move up two weight divisions for this fight. Although Marquez was considered one of the best boxers at that time, he was the smaller, slower and older fighter in this match-up. Coming in two pounds heavier than the contracted weight limit, Floyd Mayweather Jr. came back with a masterful display of defensive skills and shutting out Marquez for the whole twelve rounds, winning an easy unanimous decision.
On the other hand, Manny Pacquiao moving to the welterweight division after winning the lineal title at Jr. Welterweight, he faced the WBO welterweight world champion in the character of Miguel Cotto. There were many questions about Manny’s ability to take a punch from a full-blown welterweight and if he can bring up his speed and power fighting the best welterweight at that time. And on November 13, 2009, Manny Pacquiao answered all those questions with a “Yes he can!” by stopping the Puerto Rican champion in an amazing display of speed, power and durability. Again, Manny Pacquiao had shocked the world!
And now, the boxing atmosphere is super-charged once again with anticipation! People are clamoring for a Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight. Everybody wants to find out, who is the king of the ring, the true pound for pound best fighter in the world. And a win would give the victor a chance to be considered one of the best boxers of all time.
1971, people were intrigued by the contrasting personalities of the two heavyweight champions. Muhammad Ali was the outspoken, braggart and showman outside the ring; While Joe Frazier was the humble, mild-mannered guy.
Fast forward to 2010, again people are amused by differing personalities; we have the trash-talking, ballroom dancing and WWE wrestling, a villainous character of Floyd Mayweather Jr. And on the other hand, is the humble, karaoke singing and the superhero persona of Manny Pacquiao.
Looking back in 1971, the contrast in fighting styles is also very interesting. Muhammad Ali was the dancer, master boxer who likes to fight from a distance which favors his taller frame. And Joe Frazier, is the one who bobs and weaves to move in closer and slug it out with his head on his opponents’ chest, which favors his much shorter frame.
Fast forward again in 2010, you got Floyd Mayweather Jr. a master defensive counter-puncher. With his shoulder roll technique, he deflects and slips through his opponent’s punches, giving him the perfect position to counter-punch. And on the other hand, you got the incarnation of the Tazmanian Devil in the ring, Manny Pacquiao, with blazing speed he keeps coming with his combinations, pulverizing his opponents to submission.
Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in the ring, are each others’ equal. If there’s somebody who had beaten Muhammad Ali, that’s Joe Frazier. If there’s somebody who had beaten Joe Frazier, that’s Muhammad Ali. Their styles meshed perfectly, and gave us three unforgettable ring wars that shall be talked about even long after these two legends are gone. These three wars against each other are what defined them, and solidified their status as legends in boxing. They are simply made for each other. They are match made in boxing heaven.
In my mind, what we have here in Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is something truly rare, which only comes once in a generation. I believe that if there’s somebody who can beat Floyd Mayweather Jr., that is Manny Pacquiao. On the other hand, if there’s somebody who can beat Manny Pacquiao, that is Floyd Mayweather Jr. And everybody is hoping to witness something as exciting if not more, than that of Ali vs. Frazier in a fight between Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao.
This fight needs to happen!
PACQUIAO WANTS NO COMMENTS FROM TEAM PACQUIAO MEMBERS
Pound-for-pound king and the acknowledged “Hero of Asia” Manny Pacquiao wants Team Pacquiao members to refrain from making any comments on the allegations of his using performance-enhancing drugs or the lawsuit filed by crack lawyer Daniel Petrocelli against the Mayweathers, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.
Pacquiao who is known for his humility in the face of adverse comments told us when the accusations about using performance-enhancing drugs first came out that he didn’t wish to dignify such unsubstantiated allegations and give the Mayweathers and Golden Boy the publicity and attention they were looking for.
Never an aggressive or abrasive individual outside the ring, every fighter who has met Pacquiao in the ring in the past such as David Diaz, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and even De La Hoya have commended Pacquiao for his humility and his refusal to put his opponents down or engage in trash talk.
It was only recently when the baseless allegations continued to be repeated in public that he got terribly upset and saying enough is enough directed Arum to ask his lawyers to file a lawsuit.
Now that the lawsuit has been filed Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told us that “some of the statements attributed to Manny in the recent past by media were either inaccurate or misunderstood and from now on Pacquiao has no more comments to make on the allegations or the lawsuit itself and this applies to all members of Team Pacquiao “
Koncz informed www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that Pacquiao “ has instructed us that any and all questions on the issue of performance-enhancing drugs or steroids and the lawsuit should be directed to Atty. Petrocelli. “
Pacquiao who is known for his humility in the face of adverse comments told us when the accusations about using performance-enhancing drugs first came out that he didn’t wish to dignify such unsubstantiated allegations and give the Mayweathers and Golden Boy the publicity and attention they were looking for.
Never an aggressive or abrasive individual outside the ring, every fighter who has met Pacquiao in the ring in the past such as David Diaz, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and even De La Hoya have commended Pacquiao for his humility and his refusal to put his opponents down or engage in trash talk.
It was only recently when the baseless allegations continued to be repeated in public that he got terribly upset and saying enough is enough directed Arum to ask his lawyers to file a lawsuit.
Now that the lawsuit has been filed Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told us that “some of the statements attributed to Manny in the recent past by media were either inaccurate or misunderstood and from now on Pacquiao has no more comments to make on the allegations or the lawsuit itself and this applies to all members of Team Pacquiao “
Koncz informed www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that Pacquiao “ has instructed us that any and all questions on the issue of performance-enhancing drugs or steroids and the lawsuit should be directed to Atty. Petrocelli. “
LARRY MERCHANT STANDS BY PACQUIAO
One of the most respected boxing analysts, veteran Larry Merchant who once described pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao as a storm roaring across the Pacific says he hasn’t seen anything to suggest that Pacquiao is using any performance enhancing drugs.
USA Today quoted Merchant saying “I see no indications that Pacquiao is anything but an exceptional, elite fighter. There are many precedents in boxing of smaller fighters to move up in weight division and be successful later in their careers. Oscar De La Hoya himself started out as a 130-pound titleholder and wound up fighting middleweights which is 30 pounds north of that.”
Merchant said he thinks that the demand of the Floyd Mayweather camp that Pacquiao undergo Olympic-style random drug tests “ seems like its some sort of ploy."
The veteran boxing analyst said "I thought it was just some gamesmanship by Mayweather who has a certain talent for mind games with opponents, creating conflict to help promote events. It appears that it has spiraled out of control. I couldn't imagine why. First of all, since he thinks he's going to win the fight and second of all because he's going to make upwards of 30 million or 40 million dollars, how could you take it seriously?" –
Merchant added, “They seem serious about it. Almost as if they were saying Pacquiao can't be this good on his own. Now it's seems like it's a bloodbath. There's no precedent for fighters who have already decided how to divide the money then find issues that would break up a huge event. It's hard to take seriously even if it appears to be serious."
USA Today quoted Merchant saying “I see no indications that Pacquiao is anything but an exceptional, elite fighter. There are many precedents in boxing of smaller fighters to move up in weight division and be successful later in their careers. Oscar De La Hoya himself started out as a 130-pound titleholder and wound up fighting middleweights which is 30 pounds north of that.”
Merchant said he thinks that the demand of the Floyd Mayweather camp that Pacquiao undergo Olympic-style random drug tests “ seems like its some sort of ploy."
The veteran boxing analyst said "I thought it was just some gamesmanship by Mayweather who has a certain talent for mind games with opponents, creating conflict to help promote events. It appears that it has spiraled out of control. I couldn't imagine why. First of all, since he thinks he's going to win the fight and second of all because he's going to make upwards of 30 million or 40 million dollars, how could you take it seriously?" –
Merchant added, “They seem serious about it. Almost as if they were saying Pacquiao can't be this good on his own. Now it's seems like it's a bloodbath. There's no precedent for fighters who have already decided how to divide the money then find issues that would break up a huge event. It's hard to take seriously even if it appears to be serious."
The Year of Pacquiao
Near the end of every calendar year, boxing fans and pundits a like look back and attempt to determine who was the sport’s top fighter. Sometimes we are faced with the difficult task of dissecting multiple fighters’ accomplishments over the last year to decide who best represented the sport by fulfilling two key criteria. The first being that they challenged themselves against the game’s best, and the second being that they fought on a big enough stage to warrant the attention of the pugilistic world. Without a doubt the fighter of 2009 is Manny Pacquiao, who seared his brand of pugilism on the collective consciousness of the American sporting public with a pair of brilliantly devastating performances against two of boxing’s best.
While 2009 was Pacquiao’s year, the truth is that his latest campaign began in December of 2008. In that month, boxing’s current box office and pound-for-pound king fought the former face of American boxing, Oscar de la Hoya. What followed was an eight round pummeling, that saw the six-division champion beaten from pillar to post by a whirling dervish of fistic energy. Using a combination of exceptional speed, an unpredictable arsenal of punches, and fight-changing power, Pacquaio was able to bruise, batter, and ultimately break de la Hoya. Oscar, who had only been stopped once before by long-time middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, was now slumped in his corner between rounds and made the decision to call it a career on his stool. With that singular image, a swollen eye, sagging shoulders, and a look of dejection on Oscar’s face, the torch was passed from the ‘Golden Boy,’ to the ‘Pac-man.’
Manny would not disappoint, but he would have to wait. Pacquaio’s historically staunchest rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, would begin 2009 with a bang. After following Manny to lightweight with a win over Joel Casamayor last year, Marquez would take on Juan Diaz in February. The following action packed nine rounds eventually saw Marquez take command and knockout the former lightweight champion. At this point many were making the argument that Marquez should be considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, supplanting Pacquiao atop boxing’s mythical rankings. Manny, despite having defeated Marquez in 2008, was in need of a win that would erase all doubt as to his place in pugilism.
Enter Ricky Hatton, the once-beaten junior welterweight champion. Hatton, who was defeated by then welterweight champion Mayweather at 147 in 2007, had moved back down to his weight and reeled off two dominating performances against Juan Lazcano (UD 12), and current titleholder Paul Malignaggi (TKO 11), becoming the first man to stop the teak tough Brooklynite. The stage was set as boxing’s two biggest draws would come head-to-head in Las Vegas.
What many thought might have been an exciting clash of styles, ended up becoming one of the most emphatic victories of Pacquiao’s career. From the first bell on it was clear that Hatton did not have the speed, mobility, skill, or power to keep up with his Filipino foe. In the first round, Hatton, who had stood up to the power of Kostya Tszyu, would visit the canvass twice. While Manny controlled the second round, it appeared as if Hatton had found his footing, and would be able to weather the storm. Then it happened, a Pacquiao jab just missed Hatton, who moved towards his left exposing his chin, with perfect timing Manny fired a lightning fast left cross that shattered Ricky’s chin. As Hatton fell to the floor it was clear that the man from Manchester had been separated from his senses thanks to the most spectacular single punch of Pacquiao’s career. With the win Manny claimed his fourth lineal title, and sixth belt in as many weight divisions, but more importantly Pacquiao reaffirmed his standing as the sport’s mythical king.
Without a doubt the rise of Pacquiao, combined with his financial troubles, forced former pound-for-pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather back into the sport. Floyd would secure a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, the then penultimate fighter in the world, at what was supposed to be a 144 pound catch weight fight. Floyd came in at 146 and proceeded to embarrass the game, but severely undersized Marquez, in a performance that some found impressive but many others found shameful. Still there were those who argued, despite Marquez clearly fighting two-divisions higher than he should have, that this win should automatically install Floyd as the sport’s number one man.
Pacquiao would silence these critics once again with a timeless victory against then reigning WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. The two were to meet at a catch weight of 145 pounds, with Manny now making a second trip to welterweight to fight arguably one of the top three fighters in the division. Cotto, who’s only blemish came against the now tainted Antonio Margarito, had rebounded with two wins, including one against divisional stalwart Joshua Clottey. This fight, unlike the de la Hoya encounter, would see Pacquiao face a fast, powerful, and skilled welterweight in his prime. Once again pundits believed that this fight would be a nip-and-tuck affair, very few could honestly see Manny dismantling such an accomplished fighter.
While the first three rounds seemed to confirm the belief of many that this fight would be close, save for a flash knockdown of Cotto in the third, the fourth round saw Pacquiao take control and never look back. Utilizing his frenetic arsenal of punches, Pacquiao was able to land a crunching uppercut on Cotto’s chin, emphatically planting the Puerto Rican on his back. While Cotto survived the round he would not survive the fight. Increasingly reluctant to engage, Cotto would begin to retreat as Pacquiao surged forward. Finally, in the twelfth round, the referee did what Cotto’s corner could not, and mercifully ended the fight. With the win Pacquiao captured his seventh title in as many weight divisions, and left no doubt that he is not only the fighter of the year, but may very well be one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Next year could be an even bigger year, if a proposed clash with Mayweather does come to fruition. If it does not come to pass that Manny will meet Mayweather, it is without a doubt that the twelve month run from de la Hoya to Cotto is one of the best this sport has seen, and is certainly worthy of all the praise that has been bestowed upon Pacquiao this year. Between the big names, emphatic victories, and far reaching impact he has had on a sport, without a doubt this was the year of Pacquiao.
While 2009 was Pacquiao’s year, the truth is that his latest campaign began in December of 2008. In that month, boxing’s current box office and pound-for-pound king fought the former face of American boxing, Oscar de la Hoya. What followed was an eight round pummeling, that saw the six-division champion beaten from pillar to post by a whirling dervish of fistic energy. Using a combination of exceptional speed, an unpredictable arsenal of punches, and fight-changing power, Pacquaio was able to bruise, batter, and ultimately break de la Hoya. Oscar, who had only been stopped once before by long-time middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins, was now slumped in his corner between rounds and made the decision to call it a career on his stool. With that singular image, a swollen eye, sagging shoulders, and a look of dejection on Oscar’s face, the torch was passed from the ‘Golden Boy,’ to the ‘Pac-man.’
Manny would not disappoint, but he would have to wait. Pacquaio’s historically staunchest rival, Juan Manuel Marquez, would begin 2009 with a bang. After following Manny to lightweight with a win over Joel Casamayor last year, Marquez would take on Juan Diaz in February. The following action packed nine rounds eventually saw Marquez take command and knockout the former lightweight champion. At this point many were making the argument that Marquez should be considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, supplanting Pacquiao atop boxing’s mythical rankings. Manny, despite having defeated Marquez in 2008, was in need of a win that would erase all doubt as to his place in pugilism.
Enter Ricky Hatton, the once-beaten junior welterweight champion. Hatton, who was defeated by then welterweight champion Mayweather at 147 in 2007, had moved back down to his weight and reeled off two dominating performances against Juan Lazcano (UD 12), and current titleholder Paul Malignaggi (TKO 11), becoming the first man to stop the teak tough Brooklynite. The stage was set as boxing’s two biggest draws would come head-to-head in Las Vegas.
What many thought might have been an exciting clash of styles, ended up becoming one of the most emphatic victories of Pacquiao’s career. From the first bell on it was clear that Hatton did not have the speed, mobility, skill, or power to keep up with his Filipino foe. In the first round, Hatton, who had stood up to the power of Kostya Tszyu, would visit the canvass twice. While Manny controlled the second round, it appeared as if Hatton had found his footing, and would be able to weather the storm. Then it happened, a Pacquiao jab just missed Hatton, who moved towards his left exposing his chin, with perfect timing Manny fired a lightning fast left cross that shattered Ricky’s chin. As Hatton fell to the floor it was clear that the man from Manchester had been separated from his senses thanks to the most spectacular single punch of Pacquiao’s career. With the win Manny claimed his fourth lineal title, and sixth belt in as many weight divisions, but more importantly Pacquiao reaffirmed his standing as the sport’s mythical king.
Without a doubt the rise of Pacquiao, combined with his financial troubles, forced former pound-for-pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather back into the sport. Floyd would secure a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, the then penultimate fighter in the world, at what was supposed to be a 144 pound catch weight fight. Floyd came in at 146 and proceeded to embarrass the game, but severely undersized Marquez, in a performance that some found impressive but many others found shameful. Still there were those who argued, despite Marquez clearly fighting two-divisions higher than he should have, that this win should automatically install Floyd as the sport’s number one man.
Pacquiao would silence these critics once again with a timeless victory against then reigning WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. The two were to meet at a catch weight of 145 pounds, with Manny now making a second trip to welterweight to fight arguably one of the top three fighters in the division. Cotto, who’s only blemish came against the now tainted Antonio Margarito, had rebounded with two wins, including one against divisional stalwart Joshua Clottey. This fight, unlike the de la Hoya encounter, would see Pacquiao face a fast, powerful, and skilled welterweight in his prime. Once again pundits believed that this fight would be a nip-and-tuck affair, very few could honestly see Manny dismantling such an accomplished fighter.
While the first three rounds seemed to confirm the belief of many that this fight would be close, save for a flash knockdown of Cotto in the third, the fourth round saw Pacquiao take control and never look back. Utilizing his frenetic arsenal of punches, Pacquiao was able to land a crunching uppercut on Cotto’s chin, emphatically planting the Puerto Rican on his back. While Cotto survived the round he would not survive the fight. Increasingly reluctant to engage, Cotto would begin to retreat as Pacquiao surged forward. Finally, in the twelfth round, the referee did what Cotto’s corner could not, and mercifully ended the fight. With the win Pacquiao captured his seventh title in as many weight divisions, and left no doubt that he is not only the fighter of the year, but may very well be one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Next year could be an even bigger year, if a proposed clash with Mayweather does come to fruition. If it does not come to pass that Manny will meet Mayweather, it is without a doubt that the twelve month run from de la Hoya to Cotto is one of the best this sport has seen, and is certainly worthy of all the praise that has been bestowed upon Pacquiao this year. Between the big names, emphatic victories, and far reaching impact he has had on a sport, without a doubt this was the year of Pacquiao.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)