Mayweather vs. Pacquiao set for March 13th?

By Chris Williams: Yahoo sports writer Kevin Iole is reporting that the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout is all but set for March 13th. Iole says that he got the news from one of his sources, so let’s hope that it’s legitimate. The previous rumors that were floating around was that Pacquiao was considering a bout against Yuri Foreman while Mayweather was possibly looking at fighting Matthew Hatton. Not too many boxing fans were interested in seeing Pacquiao and Mayweather fight against those opponents based on the negative comments.

As of now, no site has been set for the location of the bout, but Las Vegas is one of the cities that is being considered.

Diaz-Malignaggi II on December 12th

By Eric Thomas: We very likely could be seeing a rematch between Juan Diaz and Paulie Malignaggi on December 12th, according to the latest boxing news. Contracts have reportedly been sent out for the fight. The bout will either take place in Las Vegas or Chicago, not in Diaz’s home town of Houston, Texas, where their previous controversial fight took place.

In that fight, Diaz won it by a 12 round unanimous decision with two judges scoring it closely and the third giving it to Diaz by a lopsided margin. Malignaggi, who appeared to win the fight by at least two rounds, was infuriated after the bout, complaining that he had been robbed by a bad decision. Diaz, however, felt that he had done more than enough to win the fight and naturally felt quite good about the decision that was handed down by the judges.

Malignaggi’s promoter has been trying to put together a rematch since then, but it’s been slow going because Diaz was looking to go in another direction, wanting to fight Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez. Diaz wants to fight Hatton, but the chances of Ricky deciding to fight Diaz of all opponents would seem very remote at best. Hatton obviously had better options available to him and doesn’t need to fight Diaz, a fighter who stopped by Marquez earlier this year in the 9th round and was also defeated by Nate Campbell last year.

It seems pretty clear that Malignaggi is Diaz’s best option, mainly because HBO is interested in showing the fight and boxing fans are somewhat interested in watching the bout. I say somewhat because this isn’t a championship bout, lets be clear on that. Malignaggi is a good light welterweight, but he’s far from being the best in the division.

That title probably would go to Timothy Bradley. And there are a number of other light welterweights besides Bradley that are better fighters than Malignaggi. Diaz really doesn’t have a place in the light welterweight division because he appears to be too small and not powerful enough to beat the better fighters like Marcos Maidana, Kendall Holt, Ricardo Torres and Victor Ortiz. Even at lightweight, Diaz might not be a championship caliber fighter anymore.

The top guys at that weight class are Marquez, Ali Funeka and Edwin Valero, all of whom would likely beat Diaz if they were to fight. So a fight between Diaz and Malignaggi is more of a kind of a spectacle rather than a fight between future champions.

Diaz might be able to be a champion again if he moves back down and fights strictly lightweights. But if he stays at light welterweight, he’s going to get beaten up again and again by the bigger, stronger fighters in the division. Diaz is a good fighter, talented enough to beat fighters like Michael Katsidis, but not good enough obviously to beat Marquez and Campbell. Diaz would probably have big problems with Valero as well due to his power.

Arum wants Mosley, not Mayweather

source: philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Unless Floyd Mayweather comes to his senses, Bob Arum would rather see himself promoting a fight between Shane Mosley against the winner of the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown on Nov. 14.

Arum, the maker of great fights, has described Mayweather, who insists that he’s still the best out there after coming out of a long retirement to beat a smaller Juan Manuel Marquez, as “delusional.”

He said Mayweather can’t even beat Mosley, Cotto or Pacquiao, and the undefeated ex-pound-for-pound champion is out of his mind to think of getting 60 percent of the purse if he gets to fight the Filipino superstar.

Arum, who was in the Philippines last week to take a glimpse of Pacquiao’s training in Baguio City, told Boxing Scene that Mayweather should fight Mosley, but since the flamboyant American won’t do that, then he better stay on the sideline.

A separate article that came out of SportingNews.com said Arum would “strongly encourage” the winner between Pacquiao and Cotto to fight Mosley instead for a unification of the WBA and WBO welterweight titles.

It was reported recently that the purse split between Pacquiao and Mayweather will keep the fight from happening because neither fighter would settle for anything less than a 50-50 split.

“If I start hearing 60-40 (from Mayweather) that just tells me to hang up and move on to the next guy,” Arum was quoted as saying.

“I think Cotto probably beats Mayweather. I think Manny probably beats Mayweather and I think Mosley beats Mayweather.”

Pacquiao, meanwhile, slugged it out for another six rounds with his sparring mates in Baguio City, raising the total number of rounds to 24 after five sparring days.

Pacquiao has been working out with American Shawn Porter and Mexican Urbano Antillon as he continues to await the arrival of another sparring partner in Jose Luis Castillo.

Castillo, the former WBC lightweight champion who has fought great fights against the late Diego Corrales and Mayweather, was supposed to arrive last Tuesday but until yesterday he was out of the radar.

'Boom Boom' clears the air

source: philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - After nearly a year’s layoff, once world-rated Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista is out for redemption and the first obstacle in his climb back to prominence is Indonesia’s Marangin (Dinamita) Marbun whom he faces in a scheduled 12-round bout for the vacant interim WBC International featherweight crown at the Waterfront Hotel ballroom in Cebu City on Oct. 16.

It remains to be seen if Bautista, 23, will be hampered by the ring rust resulting from an 11-month hiatus. Last February, he underwent surgery to repair the fractured scaphoid – the bone of the thumb side of the carpus that is the largest in the proximal row – in his left hand. The operation was performed by orthopaedic hand surgeon Dr. Tammy de los Reyes at the Manila Doctors Hospital.

In contrast, Marbun has been extraordinarily active, engaging in five fights this year. He is unbeaten in his last eight outings and has a record of 19-5-1, with seven KOs. Of his five defeats, only one came inside the distance when he lost to Duangpetch Saengmorakot in the sixth round in Surat Thani, Thailand, two years ago.

Marbun, 24, is determined to make good in his third Philippine assignment. He previously lost to Glenn Porras in Kidapawan and Ciso Morales in Tubod, both on points.

ALA Gym owner Antonio Aldeguer told The STAR yesterday Bautista is ready to barge back into the world ratings after losing an eight-round decision to Mexico’s Heriberto Ruiz in Las Vegas last November. The loss snapped a streak of three straight wins that followed his first-round knockout setback to Daniel Ponce de Leon in a WBO superbantamweight title bout in 2007.

“After one or two recovery fights, Boom Boom wants a rematch with Ruiz then he’ll go after his old nemesis Ponce de Leon,” said Aldeguer.

More than just beating Marbun, Aldeguer said Bautista wants to clear the air on the status of his career, which critics are saying has reached an ebb.

Aldeguer said Bautista suffered a career-threatening injury in his left hand while sparring with Gerry Peñalosa at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles two years ago.

“Boom Boom was already having pains in his left hand when he fought Ponce de Leon but he never told us for fear of having the fight cancelled,” revealed Aldeguer. “He continued to keep it a secret – again for fear that people might say he was using the injury as an alibi for his first round knockout loss to de Leon.”

Aldeguer said Bautista fought with pain in his next three fights against Antonio Meza, Genaro Camargo and Eden Marquez – whom he beat. “On several occasions during sparring, his trainer noticed that Boom Boom would rarely jab or hardly use his left hand,” related Aldeguer. “An X-ray was then taken of his wrist and the initial finding was just a slight sprain and a pain killer (Arcoxia) was given to ease the swelling and the pain. It worked temporarily but the pain got back and it was worse when he last fought and lost to Ruiz.”

Aldeguer said a series of X-Rays and thorough examination confirmed the non-union of the fractured scahoid. The surgery involved a bone graft and inserting a screw in the left wrist. “It was an agonizing experience for Boom Boom since there was no assurance he could fight again – until a final assessment six months after the operation,” continued Aldeguer.

Last August, Dr. de los Reyes cleared Bautista to resume training but said if the pain recurred, another surgery may be necessary. X-Rays and CT-scans showed a clean repair job. In training, Bautista has felt no pain and doctors attributed it to his dedication in undergoing five months of daily therapy. Aldeguer said the smooth sailing in training camp has given Bautista renewed confidence.

“This only proves how determined he is to get back to his old form and it’s not to gain sympathy,” stressed Aldeguer. “It’s going to be a hard and long way back to gaining his former stature but Boom Boom is going to make it at all costs.”

Bautista was initially pencilled to take on WBC International featherweight titlist Rachamongkol Sor Pleonchit but the Thai was injured in training and was replaced by Marbun who was described by Indonesian matchmaker Temuzin Rambing as a credible opponent.

Bautista’s biggest win so far was a 12-round decision over Argentina’s Sergio Medina in Las Vegas in 2007. He floored Medina in the sixth round and survived a standing eight-count in the 11th to carve out a hard-earned win on points. It was Bautista’s sixth victory on US soil.

Bautista was once ranked No. 1 in the superbantamweight honor roll but because of inactivity, his name no longer appears in the ratings of any world governing body. It’ll be an uphill battle for recognition by Bautista whose record is 26-2, with 19 KOs but Aldeguer said the mission is possible. The first step is to win convincingly over Marbun.

Is Mayweather running scared of Mosley?

By Chris Williams: If it’s already not obvious to all, Floyd Mayweather Jr. seems entirely disinterested in fighting Shane Mosley right now – and possibly forever – if one were to read the tea leaves from Mayweather’s comments made about Mosley, in which Mayweather said “I wish him [Mosley] nothing but the best in his career.”

And that’s a real tragedy if Mayweather chooses not to fight Mosley. I can understand Mayweather’s interest in a fight with Manny Pacquiao, because that is the biggest fight that can be made right now in boxing, but in the absence of that fight, the Mosley-Mayweather fight is the biggest one that can be made.

If there is someone besides Mosley and Pacquiao that Mayweather could be fighting, I’d like to know. Miguel Cotto obviously would be an option, but not if he ends up getting drilled into the canvas next month against Pacquiao. I shudder at the thought of Mayweather choosing a beaten up Cotto to fight, and I doubt that the boxing public would have much interest in seeing Mayweather fight Cotto if Miguel ends up getting taken out by Pacquiao on November 14th.

My real point is, if Mayweather is selecting for fighters that are beneath the talent of Mosley, is that an indication that Mayweather is afraid of Mosley and avoiding him? It’s hard not to see it that way if Mayweather continues to fight smaller fighters in the size of Juan Manuel Marquez.

I know Mayweather’s choice of Marquez is now seen as a genius move by Mayweather because of the large Mexican fan base that purchased the fight on pay-per-view, but there isn’t a lot of popular Hispanic fighters within the grasp of Mayweather unless he wants to dive down to the super featherweight division and try to grab Humberto Soto as an opponent.

At this point, I really wouldn’t put it past Mayweather, but I don’t think that Marquez was chosen because they thought he was going to make for a bigger fight than Mosley. I think they saw it as an easier fight than Mosley, one in which they could get a decent payday against and also serve the purpose of setting up a comparison between Mayweather and Pacquiao’s performances against Marquez.

Mayweather screwed it up by not coming in at the agreed upon catch weight, though, and ended up being heavier than Marquez at 146 to 142. We’re not precisely sure how much heavier Mayweather was the night of the fight because he didn’t let himself get weighed.

If Mayweather goes ahead and continues to fight other fighters in the lower weight classes instead of someone like Shane Mosley, it’s going to give the impression that Mayweather is ducking Mosley. Even if Mayweather says that Mosley turned him down in the past, and essentially blew his chance, I doubt that boxing fans will be paying much attention to this.

They’ll see what I see. A fighter picking from opponents in weight classes beneath him. Mayweather already fought Ricky Hatton and Marquez, both below him weight and now Mayweather is looking to fight Pacquiao, also smaller than him. It would be a breath of fresh air if Mayweather fought at least someone his own size or bigger, but I’m not holding my breath on that happening during the remainder of Mayweather’s career. It may be that this is what we’ll be seeing from Mayweather from now on.

Manny Pacquiao’s Legacy

By Samuel James: Manny Pacquiao’s Nov. 14 dethronement of Miguel Cotto of his WBO Welterweight title will not put a stop to his adventurism in scaling the weights. The Pacman has lots of interests outside the ring–like sports (basketball, golf, chess, billiards, darts), acting, music and politics. But all of his other interests have no historical significance. Boxing has brought him fame and fortune and his number one interest so that a win or loss against Cotto will only inspire him to go on.

The like of Duran, Foreman, Hopkins and Mosley who proved that fighting can still be competitive at “above age” can make Pacquiao continue his boxing career because by nature he is a fighter.

Pacman has bounced back from 3 losses in his career and became a better boxer and I don’t see him quit easily whatever kind of loss awaits him on Nov. 14.

He came, saw and conquered the boxing arena in astonishing fashion that a lot of boxing pundits and experts proven wrong by breezing across opponents who were all previously taunted as too big or too strong for him.

With these in mind, I’m looking past the Cotto-Pacquiao fight whatever will be the result but rather delve of his possible future bouts.

1. Pacquiao vs Mayweather

Will happen only if Paquiao loses to Cotto because Mayweather will not be fighting Cotto who is a natural Welterweight and obviously bigger and stronger than him. If Cotto handles Pacquiao, then there will be enough confidence for him to beat Mayweather. A Pacquiao loss will open the gate for Mayweather fight because the purse split could be easier to resolve and Mayweather will surely agree to it because Pacquiao is the small man and also a blockbuster since it will be an interesting fight between phenomenal aggressive and defensive fighter.

2. Pacquiao vs Jesus Chaves Jr.

Pacman versus Chavez Jr. may happen once Chavez gets a title and Pacquiao wins over Cotto. Pacquiao’s motivation will be for his 8th division world title which may never be duplicated and establish him as the best boxer who ever lived. I see no possibility of trilogy with Marquez or rematch with Hatton or a fight with Amir Khan or Valero.

Pacquiao is being dragged into Politics to boost the stock of the very unpopular government of his native country, the Philippines. The way politics is going on in the Philippines, it is a bad decision for Pacquiao’s career. Filipinos want him to fight in the ring rather than dip his prized hands in the dirty arena of politics; besides Pacquio is too humble and down-to-earth person to dip into politics. If he loses for his quest for congressional seat at Saranggani Province, I’m sure he’ll stay at boxing and more focused.

Sonsona to defend title vs ex-Latino champ

source GMANEWS.TV

Youthful Marvin Sonsona will return to the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada – the site of his career-making conquest – on Nov. 21 (Nov. 22 in Manila) to defend his World Boxing Organization super flyweight title.

The 19-year-old Sonsona will stake his 115-lb belt against Alejandro “Payasito" Hernandez of Mexico, a former WBO Latino flyweight champion, PhilBoxing.com reported Wednesday.

This will be the Filipino teener’s first defense of the crown that we won via a knockdown-aided unanimous decision over veteran warrior Jose “Carita" Lopez of Puerto Rico (114-11, 115-110 and 116-109) last Sept. 4 at the same Canadian venue.

Regarded as “the next Manny Pacquiao," undefeated Sonsona (14-0, 12 KOs) is installed as the favorite against Hernandez (22-7, 11 KOs), the 23-year-old Mexican challenger having come from a failed bid to win the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) flyweight crown in Mexico last September.

Hernandez’s biggest achievement to date was his ascension to the WBO Latino flyweight throne after a 12-round victory on points over Jonathan Perez on Feb 16, 2007. However, he yielded the crown 10 months later after dropping a decision to Carlos Tamara.

Sonsona’s first title defense will take place a week after fellow General Santos City native Pacquiao’s anticipated “Firepower" showdown with WBO welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico over in Las Vegas.

Sonsona and pound-for-pound king Pacquiao, the reigning IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight boss, belong to the elite list of Filipino world boxing champions.

In their company are WBA interim super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire, Jr., IBF light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria, WBO minimumweight kingpin Donnie Nietes and IBA female super bantamweight queen Ana Julaton.

Nietes, according to PhilBoxing.com, is being eyed for a title defense against yet another Mexican rival on Dec. 5 in Manila in a card that might also feature Fil-Am champs Viloria and Julaton. - GMANews.TV

Mayweather vs Pacquiao Eyed For March 13, 2010?

By Mark Vester

Top Rank's Bob Arum told the Manila Bulletin on Monday that Manny Pacquiao's 2010 debut would fall in the second week of March. The working date of March 13 is being tossed around. Arum warned that Pacquiao, and everyone else, should not look past the November 14 clash with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

If Pacquiao is able to beat Cotto, Arum told the paper that he plans to begin negotiations with Mayweather's camp. If Arum is unable to reach a deal within a few weeks, he plans to find another opponent for Pacquiao. The negotiations are going to be very tough. Both Pacquiao and Mayweather have taken a hard line with the money. Both are asking for a bulk of the money. Both of them have refused a 50-50 split.

David Tua Destroys Shane Cameron in Two Rounds

By Mark Vester

After several years of trash talk and multiple postponements, the New Zealand "fight of the century" was held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre. In his first fight in over two years, heavyweight David Tua (50-3, 43KOs) returned to the ring and crushed his hometown rival Shane Cameron (23-2, 20KOs) in two rounds.

Some were afraid the fight might turn into a mismatch, and that's exactly what they got. Tua came out with a fury in the first round, hurting Cameron with a hook and dropping him twice before the round was over. Cameron was saved by the bell but he never recovered. Tua jumped on him with an arsenal of punches in the second round to force the stoppage.

Tua was in shape and looked like the Tua of old. He wants a title shot in 2010.

Nonito Donaire Joins Pacquiao To Help "Ondoy" Victims

By Mark Vester

WBA interim-super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire has come to the aid of victims who were affected by tropical storm “Ondoy." He joins the efforts of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Donaire has donated a cash prize of P1-million to the victims of the storm.

He recently received the prize from Philippines' President Arroyo for the title winning effort over Rafael Concepcion of Panama. He received consent on Thursday to donate the entire amount. Donaire wants to start a housing project for the thousands of victims who were left homeless.

"They have to rebuild," Donaire told GMA News.

Donaire plans to work with the AHON Foundaation and the GMA Artist Center to effectively use the money in the best way possible. Pacquiao has also donated P1-million. Manny plans to take a break from his Baguio City training camp, where he prepares for the November bout with Miguel Cotto, to personally distribute relief goods to victims in Manila

Roger Mayweather Has an Arrest Warrant Issued

By Mark Vester

An arrest warrant has been issued for trainer Roger Mayweather. The trainer failed to appear in a Las Vegas court on Friday to face battery and coercion charges. No legal counsel appeared on Mayweather's behalf.

The charges stem from Mayweather's August assault on female boxer Melissa St. Vil. Mayweather was the former trainer of St. Vil and the two had a falling out. He showed up at an apartment [he owned and was renting out] and found St. Vil staying there. When he tried to physically remove her, she defended herself and a violent brawl broke out. When police arrived on the scene, St. Vil was being choked and spitting up blood. She told police that Mayweather harassed her after she ended the training arrangement with him.

Ivan Calderon Willing To Accept Ulises Solis' Call

WBO junior flyweight champion Ivan Calderon is ready and willing to answer the challenge of former IBF champion Ulises Solis of Mexico. Calderon vs. Solis was a hardcore fan's dream but Solis was never interested in making the fight. In April, Solis was upset by Brian Viloria via knockout. After suffering his first loss since 2004, he returned on September 15 to dominate Dirceu Cabarca over eight. Now he wants a crack at Calderon.

Calderon is still recovering from the bad cut he suffered in September's technical decision win over Rodel Mayol. Calderon plans to visit a plastic surgeon to get a better on when he is able to return to the ring.

"The twists that you are given in this world. Now Ulises is the one who wants to fight me. I am willing to fight him if there is good money. I'm not afraid, "said Calderon to Primera Hora. "I will visit the plastic surgeon this week to check the cut and then I will know what I'm going to do. Depending on that, then I will know when I plan to fight again, either with Ulises or whoever."

Weights: David Tua 237.7, Shane Cameron 228.2

New Zealand heavyweights David Tua (53-3, 49KOs) and Shane Cameron (24-1, 20KOs) have officially weighed in for their Saturday showdown at the Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand.

In what will be his first fight in over two years, Tua tipped the scales at 237.7. He was rumored to have been close to 300 pounds prior to entering training camp and surprised a lot of people with his weigh-in number. Cameron weighed-in at 228.2.

The fight is being billed as the biggest bout in New Zealand boxing history. Tua and Cameron have been rivals for the last few years. The winner has been promised a title shot at some point in 2010.

Malignaggi Vicious, Attacks Diaz Over Rematch Tumble

BoxingScene.com was advised that a rematch between former champions Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz is now a dead issue. Diaz, and his manager Willie Savannah, were unhappy with the presented terms and turned down the fight. The two main issues were the money and the weight. From what I was able to find out, Diaz was going to make a little less than what he had earned for the August fight with Malignaggi. He wanted to make more. The problem with making more money is the date of the event. The fight falls at the end of the year and there is only so much money left in HBO's budget. They were not happy about the proposed weight of 140-pounds. They wanted the fight to take place at 138.5; the same catch-weight as the August bout.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and Lou DiBella was close to placing the fight at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago on December 12. The fight was going to be an HBO televised main event. Junior welterweight Victor Ortiz was going to be the co-feature. Diaz will not see action on the December card. He was offered Malignaggi with no other alternatives. Ortiz will probably still return on the December date. Super featherweight champion Robert Guerrero, who was originally going to fight on that particular HBO date, could return to the card.

HBO tried their best to make the rematch happen. They offered $750,000 for the fight. Diaz won a controversial twelve round decision over Malignaggi in the first fight, which took place in Diaz's hometown of Houston, Texas. The majority of the television audience had viewed Malignaggi as the winner. The scoring of the fight was a hot topic. Fans were upset, resulting in a growing demand for a rematch.

When reached for a comment, Savannah didn't sugar coat his response. He said the money, and the weight, were the cause for the rematch falling through. Savannah confirmed that his fighter will not see action in December and because there were no alternatives offered, Diaz's next fight is in limbo for the moment. Under the circumstances, he is unlikely to return before 2010.

"We just didn't agree on the purse and I think it would have been a problem as far as the weight is concerned too," Savannah said.

Malignaggi contacted BoxingScene in a fury. Overcome with emotion, Malignaggi held nothing back when discussing the entire situation.

"We tried everything we could to make the rematch. They f*cked me the first time and they tried to f*ck me the second time. They tried everything in their power not to make it happen. They never wanted the rematch. Every time we solved one problem, they came back with another problem. F*ck Willie Savannah. .F*ck Juan Diaz. They could suck my d*ck. They are going to sit on the f*cking shelf. Nobody gives a f*ck about watching Juan Diaz fight. Fighters get punched in the face for a living. Well this kid really gets punched in the face for a living. Nate Campbell beat the sh*t out of him. Marquez beat the sh*t out of him and then I beat the sh*t out of him," Malignaggi said.

"He can't look in the mirror and tell himself that he beat Paulie Malignaggi. Nobody thinks he beat me. Nobody. I'm sick and tired of all the bullsh*t that I have to deal with in boxing. He never had any intention of making the rematch. They tried everything to make it a f*cking mismatch in the first fight and tried everything to win - and they still had to rob me. F*ck them. We'll see how far he goes. He makes exciting fights but he gets his ass beat. At some point you have to win. They put us in the ring on equal terms and I will beat the f*cking brakes off of this kid. If he was a man, he would tell his manager to make this fight. He will still get his ass beat but at least he can collect one last payday and then he can go become a lawyer or whatever the f*ck he wants to do."

Malignaggi told Ross Greenburg, president of HBO Sports, to match him against any of the top fighters at [or around] junior welterweight, including Juan Manuel Marquez.

"I have faith in Ross Greenburg and HBO. The fans are being denied this rematch because of Juan Diaz and Willie Savannah's petty games. I have faith in Ross to come up with something for me. I told him to put me in a fight against anyone. I know Marquez wants to come back against a name, I'll fight him. I have a lot of faith in HBO to do the right thing with me," Malignaggi said.

Pacquiao Could Retire Without Mayweather, Says Roach

If Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are unable to reach a deal for a 2010 clash, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach says the Filipino fighter should retire and walk away from boxing while he's still on top. He admits that he would rather have Pacquiao beat Miguel Cotto to capture the WBO welterweight title on November 14 - and then beat Mayweather in a career-ending fight.

“If he retires after this (Cotto) fight I’ll be fine with that also,” Roach told Dennis Principe of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “If negotiations with Mayweather fail and Manny wins against Cotto, he’ll be having seven world titles. Nobody has done that before, so there’s nothing else to prove.”

“Even though I’d be losing my best fighter, I would love to see him retire on top of the world. A lot of people tried to get rid of me along the way but not Manny Pacquiao. He’s been very loyal to me and I to him. We’ve had a great relationship and we’re going to be friends for life, that’s for sure.”

Roach will not allow Pacquiao to hang around for too long and become a gatekeeper for younger fighters who are coming up in the ranks. A scenario that happens to some of the best fighters near the end.

“I’ve seen many sad stories about fighters staying around too long and end up getting beat and being the stepping stone [of others]. I won’t allow that to happen because he is such a great kid,” said Roach.

Pacquiao Will Beat Mayweather, Says Amir Khan

WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan has backed Manny Pacquiao to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. Khan and Pacquiao share the same trainer in Freddie Roach and often spar. Roach plans to use Khan for Pacquiao's training camp to prepare the Filipino warrior for the November 14 clash with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Khan has trained in the past with Mayweather. Going by his experience of working with both, he says Pacquiao would come out on top.

"I've trained with both of them, and I have to back my guy - my guy is Manny Pacquiao and I think Manny might take the fight with his speed," Khan said to STV. "A lot of people forget that speed is power. You can't take it away from Mayweather, who is a fast fighter. But when you take speed, with amount of punches you throw - Manny throws a lot of punches with speed, whereas Mayweather is more a single-shot fighter.

"He's still quick, but I don't think single shots will keep Manny Pacquiao away from Mayweather, whereas I know combinations will push Mayweather back. I would say the fight looks 60% towards Manny's favour, and he's been more active, in the ring more."

Hatton-Marquez Showdown Being Discussed, Says Nacho

According to manager/trainer Nacho Beristain, Golden Boy Promotions is trying to put together a fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricky Hatton in Manchester. There are several options being discussed for Marquez, with Hatton at the top of the list. Marquez could also defend his WBA/WBO lightweight titles against mandatory Michael Katsidis.

"There is nothing concrete. Right now there are several potential fights being discussed for Juan Manuel, and one of them is against Hatton in Manchester," said Nacho, speaking to ESTO from the Romanza Gym in Mexico.

Two weeks ago Marquez was dominated by Floyd Mayweather Jr. for a twelve round decision loss. Nacho says Marquez will take a vacation for the rest of the year and come back strong in 2010. Hatton doesn't want to discuss a comeback at the moment. By time 2010 comes around, Hatton may be ready to fight and Marquez will be waiting.

"What Juan Manuel wants to do at the moment is forget about boxing. He had an intense year from September of 2008 until now, having three strong fights, for which he worked hard. Against Joel Casamayor, who he knocked out in eleven rounds, Juan Diaz, who he knocked out in nine, and now Mayweather," said Nacho.

Vitali Klitschko Dominates Chris Arreola, TKO in Ten

At Staples Center in Los Angeles, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (38-2, 37KOs) stopped previously undefeated Chris Arreola (27-1, 24KOs) after ten rounds of action.

Klitschko was strong in the first as Arreola could not find a way to get inside. Klitschko used the jab, moved around the ring and hit Arreola with some good rights. Arreola put a lot of pressure on Klitschko in the second round. Vitali was always on the move and trying to land his right hands down the middle. Arreola made him move but he couldn't land much. Arreola began to get closer in third round. The two would trade some hard puncehs at the midway point of the third. Klitschko continued with the jab to end it off.

Arreola came out game in the fourth, landing two good shots to make Klitschko stumble at the start. He continued to come forward and land some good punches but took many more than he landed. Klitschko was once again on the move in the fifth, running and trying to stay away from an incoming Arreola. Arreola worked on Klitschko's body well when he pinned him against the ropes. Klitschko stood on the move and landed straight punches with Arreola coming forward with pressure. Klitschko dominated the action in the sixth. Arreola managed to land some decent shots. Not enough with Klitschko landing many more.

During the seventh round, Klitschko continued to pound on Arreola who never stopped coming. Arreola was taking a beating for nearly the entire three minutes. He landed two good punches in the closing seconds. Arreola closed the gap in the eight round. He landed several good shots to the head and body of Klitschko. Arreola's nose and mouth began to bleed. It appeared as if Arreola's nose may have been broken.

Klitschko dominated the ninth round. He battered Arreola with rights, lefts, jabs and combinations to the chin. After another round of taking a beating for nearly the entire tenth, the fight was stopped by Arreola's corner and ref before the start of the eleventh round.

Juan Diaz-Paulie Malignaggi Rematch is Back on Track

BoxingScene was advised that a rematch between former champions Paulie Malignaggi and Juan Diaz is back on track. Golden Boy Promotions and Lou DiBella want to place the fight on the HBO date of December 12. The fight appeared to be dead when HBO offered $750,000 for the entire doubleheader that was planned for the December date. The network has since come back and offered $750K for the main event.

Another sticking point was the co-promotion of the event. When reached for verification early this morning, Malignaggi's promoter DiBella confirmed that deal has been reached with Golden Boy CEO Richard Shaefer to co-promote the card. Nothing is done until the fighters actually sign the contracts.

Diaz won a controversial twelve round decision over Malignaggi in August. The first fight took place in Diaz's hometown of Houston, Texas. The rematch won't take place in Texas and it won't take place in New York. Atlantic City is very high on the list. As previously reported, Golden Boy had planned to showcase Victor Ortiz and Robert Guerrero on that date in a doubleheader. Ortiz will probably still appear on the show in the co-feature slot. As for Guerrero, he will get shipped to another HBO date.

Roy Jones-Bernard Hopkins II is Signed For 2010

It only took sixteen years to make. Both Golden Boy Promotions and Square Ring have confirmed that Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins have signed an agreement to fight each other in early 2010. Jones won a decision over Hopkins back in 1993 to capture the vacant IBF middleweight title.

Dan Rafael was advised that a 50-50 deal is in place - but if there is a knockout, then the loser receives 40% and the winner gets 60% of the pot. The fight will only happen if Jones is able to beat IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green on December 2 in Australia.

Over the years, there were numerous negotiations to make a rematch between them. For one reason or another, the talks always fell apart.

Mayweather-Mosley is The Target For De La Hoya

The fight Oscar De La Hoya wants to make is a welterweight clash between WBA champion Shane Mosley and comeback kid, Floyd Mayweather Jr. De La Hoya says Mayweather-Mosley is the fight that has to be made. Mayweather returned last Saturday in Las Vegas to dominate Juan Manuel Marquez. After the fight was over, Mayweather and Mosley exchanged words before a live pay-per-view audience. The hype for the two of them to fight is heavy.

De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, tells BoxingScene.com's Luis Sandoval that Mosley has the best shot to beat Mayweather. If Mayweather turns the fight down, Mosley will likely face WBC champ Andre Berto on January 30 on HBO.

"Mosley and Mayweather is the fight that has to be made because that will be the all-American showdown. It will be a tremendous, tremendous fight. It's going to be difficult to dethrone Mayweather but the one guy that I think can do it sprinkles "sugar" all over everybody," De La Hoya said.

Pacquiao's Former Manager Rod Nazario Passes

Rod Nazario, the man who was largely responsible for steering the career of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao passed away early Thursday morning after a lingering illness. He was 74.

Nazario’s close associate Moy Lainez told us, Nazario died a very happy man because Pacquiao had visited him more than once recently and was at the 9th anniversary celebration of Nazario’s weekly TV boxing show “In This Corner” at the Wild Card Gym in Sucat, Paranaque.

Lainez told us Nazario was very pleased when Pacquiao granted his request to feature talented Filipino bantamweight Eden Sonsona on the undercard of his “Fire Power” showdown with WBO champion Miguel Cotto on November 14.

It was Nazario who took over the task of handling Pacquiao’s career from his original manager, the late Polding Corea, and steered him to his first world title – the WBC flyweight championship which Pacquiao won with a spectacular 8th round knockout of Thai hero Chatchai Sasakul in December 1998.

Nazario took Pacquiao to the US where he signed up with promoter Murad Muhammad when no other promoter was interested in the Filipino southpaw and within two weeks Pacquiao got a title shot at IBF super bantamweight champion Lelohonolo Ledwaba from whom he won the title with a stunning 6th round TKO.

When Pacquiao fought Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in November 2003 in San Antonio, Texas only a handful of Filipinos gave Pacquiao a chance against the hard-hitting Barrera. Among them were Nazario and Lainez. Pacquiao annihilated Barrera in eleven rounds.

Their relationship soured somewhat after the first encounter with Erik “El Terrible” Morales when some individuals around Pacquiao fed him false information that Nazario was in cahoots with Murad Muhammad in getting more than their fair share from Pacquiao’s earnings.

Pacquiao junked Murad and signed up with Shelly Finkel while Nazario decided to step aside.

Pacquiao later realized his mistake and went out of his way to make amends to the gentleman who had helped him carve a name for himself early in his career in the United States, inviting him to the US as his special guest for his more recent fights and often visiting him either at his Wild Card Gym in Paranaque or at his home as well as in hospital.

Nazario’s wife is Supreme Court Justice Minita Nazario.

Roach: "Floyd Needs Pacquiao, We Don't Need Him"

If Manny Pacquiao beats Miguel Cotto on November 14, the stage will be set for what may be the toughest fight negotiations in the current era of the sport. Both Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao believe they deserve the much bigger piece of the money. Neither guy is willing to budge from their position and neither guy wants to do an 50-50 even split.

Roach says Mayweather needs to get off his high horse because Pacquiao doesn't need him. He predicts a very tough negotiations process.

“It’s what the world wants to see. But the thing is, can you get him sign the contract? I don’t know. It’s going to be difficult because he thinks he’s going to get all the money,” said Roach to Dennis Principe of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “If he thinks he’s going to get equal money with us, he’s crazy. He needs us, we don’t need him.”

Roach said the crowd for last weekend's fight in Las Vegas is a prime example of Mayweather's lack of drawing power. Pacquiao would bring in the entire crowd if the two of them fought.

“Let’s face it, the guy that puts asses on the seats is Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather doesn’t draw. Against Marquez the venue was 80% Mexican,” said Roach.

Online polls show Pacquiao still No.1

source: philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao remains the world’s pound-for-pound king in an online survey of a popular sports website despite Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s impressive win in his comeback fight over the weekend.

Poll results posted by Yahoo! Sports had Pacquiao comfortably ahead of Mayweather as boxing’s current pound-for-pound king. The survey was made just after Mayweather’s domination of Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday in Las Vegas.

In Yahoo! Sports’ poll – which fielded the question “Who is boxing’s pound-for-pound king?” – 66 percent voted for Pacquiao, while only 31 percent went for Mayweather. Three percent, meanwhile, opted for other boxers.

Over 82,000 votes were cast at presstime.

Pacquiao inherited the mythical pound-for-pound title from Mayweather after the latter retired in 2008.

Mayweather, however, came back from a 21-month layoff to face Marquez in an attempt to reclaim the pound-for-pound throne from Pacquiao.

The Filipino soutpaw, on the other hand, has done his part in firming up his No. 1 status with impressive wins over David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

“Pacquiao solidified his claim on the top spot after stopping David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton in spectacular fashions. Mayweather couldn’t simply return to boxing after 21 months and overthrow the true king – no matter what happened on Saturday night,” The Ring, a partner of Yahoo! Sports, said in a brief commentary.

“Mayweather might very well be the best fighter in the world. The pound-for-pound title must be earned, though. And, hopefully, Mayweather will get his chance or chances to do that,” it said.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has started training in Baguio City for his megafight with Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. A victory over the Puerto Rican will likely set up the General Santos City-based fighter against Mayweather early or midway next year. – STAR contributor Dino Maragay

Marquez vs Katsidis To Be Enforced By The WBO

BoxingScene has learned that the WBO has informed the necessary parties that it plans to enforce the lightweight clash between full champion Juan Manuel Marquez and interim-champion Michael Katsidis. Marquez also holds the WBA's version of the lightweight title. Katsidis picked up the interim-title last weekend when he grabbed a twelve round decision over Vicente Escobedo on the Mayweather-Marquez undercard.

Mayweather Sr: "Pacquiao is Not in My Son's League"

Floyd Mayweather Sr. is confident that his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr., showed the entire boxing world last Saturday that he is on another level in comparison to the skills of Manny Pacquiao. In his first fight in nearly two years, Mayweather dominated Pacquiao's rival Juan Manuel Marquez for an easy twelve round decision.

The win by Mayweather sets up a big debate on who is the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Pacquiao returns on November 14 against WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

"I want him to fight Pacquiao. He don't have no skills -- he ain't got skills like my son.. He's not in Floyd's league -- that's so plain to see that Ray Charles can see it," Mayweather Sr. told AOL FanHouse.

Felix Trinidad To "Officially" Announce Retirement

Felix Trinidad Sr, father and trainer of Felix "Tito"" Trinidad, says that his son will soon announce his retirement. Trinidad has been out of the ring since last January's decision loss to Roy Jones Jr. The fight with Jones was his first in nearly three years. Trinidad has retired twice in the past. The first time was in 2002. He returned in 2004 and retired again in 2005 after his loss to Winky Wright.

"He is going to announce [his plans] to everyone in Puerto Rico, but I understand that retirement should be the decision. The truth is that "Tito" has not visited the gym since he fought with Roy Jones. Tito does not have anything left to show. He has done it all. He fought with the best, he was champion in three divisions," Trinidad Sr. told Primera Hora.

Shane Mosley: "I Wasn't Impressed By Mayweather"

There has been a lot of talk about the post-fight incident between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley. After Mayweather's win over Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday in Las Vegas, Mosley entered the ring and had a war of words with Mayweather on the live HBO pay-per-view broadcast.

Speaking with BoxingScene's Ernest Gabion and Luis Sandoval, Mosley said that in order to be considered as the best, Mayweather needs to accept his challenge.

"Floyd has a big ego. If he wants to be the best, to be considered the best. You can't just say 'oh, I'm the best,' and then have the crowd and the reporters say 'you're the best.' You have to get in there and prove it. He knows in his heart that he has to come in the ring and fight me to be the best. When he does it is a different story. Maybe he's trying to wait until I'm 40 years old, I don't know," Mosley said.

He doesn't stay quiet about Mayweather's decision to fight a much smaller man in Marquez. He said Mayweather was given two options for his return - Mosley or Marquez. Mayweather made a decision to go with Marquez. Mosley was not impressed with Mayweather's win over a much smaller man.

"Mayweather chose to fight Marquez. There were two options out there. There was Mosley and Marquez. He chose Marquez. [He was asked] 'which one do you want?' [He said] 'I want Marquez.' Why? You tell me," Mosley said.

"I wasn't impressed with the whole fight. I didn't agree with this fight. Marquez is a great fighter. He is a world class fighter. He showed a lot of heart. I just didn't agree with the fight. It's not the right fight. When you have the welterweight champ and the lightweight champ calling you out, and you go on ESPN and say I want to steal some money [by fighting Marquez] and the writers agree with this and let this happen, then yeah I have a problem with that."

Berto vs. Mosley for Jan. 30th? Unless 'Money' Steps In

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, has told BoxingScene.com that there is a tentative deal in place for a welterweight unification bout to take place on Jan. 30 between WBA titlist Shane Mosley and WBC belt-holder Andre Berto.

That is unless Floyd Mayweather, Jr. decides that he may want to face either of the two fighters in the meantime.

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's advisor and CEO of Mayweather promotions, told BoxingScene.com that he believes a bout between his man and Shane Mosley is one that will take place.

“I think they will eventually fight,” said Ellerbe. “If you're asking me when, I don't know.”

At last night's post fight press conference after his unanimous decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez, Mayweather said, “All roads lead to me.”

It is doubtful that Mayweather and his promotional team are going to wait around to decide on their next opponent until the winner of Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto is decided on Nov. 14.

Of his future, Mayweather told the assembled media last night, “I will sit down in the next couple of weeks with Al [Haymon] and Leonard and my team, my father and we'll talk about what's next.”

Show Me Da Manny Episode 4 Video

photo: gma.tv | video: www.pacquiaovideo.com

GMA Network brings back their forte in comedy with 'Show Me Da Money- featuring no less than world-renowned boxing champ Manny Pacquiao - who will be delivering his punch lines in his first-ever comedy show - and primetime queen Marian Rivera, who is out to unveil her funny side.

Sure to add more fun and excitement are Paolo Contis, Benjie Paras, John Lapus, Rochelle Pangilinan, Lovi Poe, Kevin Santos, Tuesday Vargas, Mike 'Pekto' Nacua, AJ Dee, Lito Camo, Karl Acosta, and 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco, together with Dionisia 'Pacmom' Pacquiao in a very special role.

'Show Me Da Manny' tells the hilarious yet heartwarming story of amateur boxing champ Manny Santos (Manny Pacquiao) who runs his own boxing gym, Gym Santos.

All is well with Manny and his gym until the opening of the classy and modern Gym Paredes Fitness Center owned by the beautiful Ella Paredes (Marian Rivera), who is the only person in their community who dares to challenge the boxing champ. Helping Ella manage her gym are her two brothers - Eric (Paolo) and Oscar (Benjie) - who have been knocked out by Manny inside the ring.

Will Manny’s Gym Santos survive the challenge presented by Ella’s Gym Paredes Fitness Center ? But more importantly, what will happen when Manny discovers that aside from his gym clients, Ella has also won his heart? Will he be able to bring his business back and conquer the heart of his competitor at the same time? And can he remain funnily victorious until the bell rings?

Show Me Da Manny Episode 4 Video

De La Hoya Praises Pacquiao's Speed, Not His Power

Oscar De La Hoya says the speed of Manny Pacquiao is unbelievable. Pacquiao stopped the retired former champion last December in what was considered a major upset. Pacquiao battered De La Hoya during the fight, using his fast hands and quick movement to overwhelm the much bigger opponent. The win made Pacquiao a mega-star in the sport.

“Pacquiao is good, there’s no doubt about it,” De La Hoya said to Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports. “And he’s fast. I thought there were 10 of him in there. I’m looking here and he’s over there. And I’m reacting to a punch from this way and there’s another coming at me from that way.

While he praises Pacquiao's speed, he says the Filipino fighter does not hit hard and never seriously hurt him during the contest.

“Truthfully, he didn’t hit hard. He didn’t really hurt me. But the punches were so fast and they were coming from everywhere, it felt like there were 10 of him, seriously,” De La Hoya said.

Pacquiao Denies Steroid Use, Roach Blasts Floyd

As previously reported, trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. made some rather controversial comments during a recent interview with the Grand Rapids Press. He alleged that pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao was likely taking illegal supplements. He said the supplements were contributing factors to Manny's success in the ring. The comments created outrage among boxing fans.

"I believe he's on some type of supplements. I'm convinced about a lot of (boxers)," Mayweather Sr. said. "That's what they're doing right now. Everybody should be checked a little bit more thoroughly. Sometimes people know what's going on but they ain't saying nothing. I don't think he can beat Lil' Floyd with steroids in him or not. He don't have that kind of talent. He don't have that kind of skill, whatever he has in him.

"I think they're pushing Pacquiao a little too much, even if he's got 'roids in his body. The steroids aren't going to make him no faster. It's going make him relentless and hit strong, but that's it. It ain't going to put no knowledge in your head."

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach spoke with AOL FanHouse and blasted Mayweather Sr. over the comments. Roach and Floyd Sr. have been rivals for the last few years. Mayweather trained Ricky Hatton for the May bout with Pacquiao, which the Filipino fighter won in two rounds with a knockout.

"Well, we have taken him a couple of times to be tested, and we haven't tested positive yet. I think he's wrong, but all Manny's on is white rice. Steroids? Where in the hell did that come from? You know, these guys, they had to come up with a reason why they lost. They lost because [Floyd Sr.] sucks as a trainer and I had the better fighter," Roach said.

Pacquiao denied any type of steroid use. He said a lot of boxers may be using steroids but he is not one of them.

"Maybe all of them -- they're using the steroids, and not me," said Pacquiao. "You know what? I don't even know what a steroid is. I've never done that."

Mayweather Sr. Accuses Pacquiao of Steroid Use

Trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. tends to go over the top in his interviews - and then some. In his latest, he accuses pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao of using supplements and steroids. Comments that are sure to draw outrage in the boxing community and may be grounds for a legal action.

During a recent interview with the Grand Rapids Press , Mayweather Sr. says a lot of boxers are using illegal supplements. He believes Pacquiao is one of them.

"I believe he's on some type of supplements. I'm convinced about a lot of (boxers)," Mayweather Sr. said. "That's what they're doing right now. Everybody should be checked a little bit more thoroughly. Sometimes people know what's going on but they ain't saying nothing."

Pacquiao returns to the ring on November 14 against WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. If the younger Mayweather, Floyd Jr., beats Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand on Saturday, and Pacquiao beats Cotto - the two of them may fight in 2010. Steroids or no steroids, Mayweather Sr. says it's a fight that Pacquiao will lose.

"I don't think he can beat Lil' Floyd with steroids in him or not," Mayweather Sr. said. "He don't have that kind of talent. He don't have that kind of skill, whatever he has in him.

"I think they're pushing Pacquiao a little too much, even if he's got 'roids in his body. The steroids aren't going to make him no faster. It's going make him relentless and hit strong, but that's it. It ain't going to put no knowledge in your head."

Manny Pacquiao Says Mayweather Fight Should Be Next

If Manny Pacquiao can overcome the tough challenge of WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, he says the next logical fight would be a clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao challenges Cotto on November 14, while Mayweather goes against Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Both boxers would have to win their fights for their bout to stay on course.

"If me and Mayweather prevail, then it should be us,” said Pacquiao to ABS-CBN News.

There is still a lot of doubt over the two sides reaching a deal for a future fight. A lot of it comes down to the actual split of the money. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao want more than 50% of the money. Neither is willing to do a 50-50 split. Mayweather feels he is the bigger pay-per-view draw, creating his opinions on the fact that his pay-per-views with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton did much higher numbers than what Pacquiao was able to produce with the same two fighters.

Mayweather's weekend bout is very important. If the numbers fall below expectations, don't expect Pacquiao to budge a bit from his position. Pacquiao's pay-per-view with Cotto is expected by most insiders to generate a much higher number than Mayweather's upcoming fight with Marquez. Their pay-per-view numbers will play a big role in the negotiations.

Pacquiao-Mayweather gig cooked up for next year?

source: gmanews.tv

Don’t look now, but a mega-buck fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is reportedly looming in the horizon.

In the event both boxing superstars hurdle their respective coming fights, the path to a multi-million showdown is expected to be sealed and delivered in what could yet be the biggest ever fight in the rich history of prize fighting.

A highly-reliable source within the Pacquiao camp confirmed that the unbeaten Mayweather is now within the radar of the Filipino ring icon, provided of course, he gets past tough Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in their WBO welterweight showdown on Nov. 14.

Mayweather also has to make his side of the bargain by beating durable Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez when they tangle next week in a 12-round non-title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Pag nanalo kami parehas ni Mayweather, kami na ang next na maglalaban," the source quoted Pacquiao as saying shortly after the small entourage of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter arrived in San Francisco to promote his title fight with Cotto.

“May mga pag-uusap na," added the same source on the possibility of a mega-buck match to be held by 2010.

Cotto first

First things first, Pacquiao needs to concentrate on the 28-year-old Cotto, whom he considers as the biggest and hardest fight of his career.

“Focus muna tayo kay Cotto," the “Pacman" was quoted as saying.

Pacquiao is guaranteed to earn $13 million in the Cotto fight, plus a lucrative cut in the pay-per-view earnings.

The amount is expected to double in the event he collides with Mayweather, whose highly-anticipated match with the great Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 generated a record pay-per-view of 2.5 million buys.

A bronze medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Mayweather is coming off a two-year retirement. He was generally regarded as the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world until he hung up his gloves in 2007.

Pacquiao’s eight-round demolition of De La Hoya last December was a big hit as well with 1.25 PPV.

Following a whirlwind promotion of his fight in Cotto’s hometown in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Pacquiao was flown in by Top Rank Promotions in Los Angeles, where the week-long, five city tour is expected to end Tuesday (Manila time).

He and Cotto dropped by the AT& T Park in San Francisco to hype the fight and at the same time, watch the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The two protagonists will meet each other for the last time at the Beverly Hills Hotel Monday (Tuesday in Manila) for the final conference of the press tour. - GMANews.TV

Bangoyan Decisions Sermona For WBC Int'l Title

The “Davao Hitman” Balweg Bangoyan has won the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title with a majority decision over slow but hard-hitting Raymond Sermona on a rainy night at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

The action-packed fight card was promoted by Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr. in cooperation with the City of Manila headed by Mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Sports Council chairman Niño dela Cruz.

Bangoyan regained the title he lost when he failed to defend it within the specified period.

Aware of the punching power of Sermona, Bangoyan moved in and out to pile up points with quick combinations even as Sermona stalked him all night long and did connect with some big shots to the body but which were few and far between.

Two of the three judges scored the fight for Bangoyan. Rey Danseco had Bangoyan the winner by a margin of 115-113, Epi Almeda scored it for the new champion by a wider 116-112 margin while Amerucan judge Gene del Bianco saw the fight even at 114-114.

Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain awarded the WBC International Championship belt to Bangoyan who retained his undefeated record, moving up to 14-0 with 5 knockouts.

In the WBC International bantamweight title fight , Batangas based Vicente “Popeye” Palicte scored a convincing unanimous decision over Carlo Magale with all three judges turning in identical scorecards of 116-112. With the win Palicte’s record improved to 10-1-1 with 5 knockouts.

In other fights veteran southpaw and perennial world title challenger Juanito Rubillar outclassed the much younger Jason Geda, scoring a 3rd round TKO with the fight being stopped on the advice of the ring physician. BJ Dolorosa scored a unanimous decision against Allen Matugas, who suffered a knockdown in the 4th round and a point deduction for a low blow in the 5th.

Cavite’s pride, Kid Balongcas stopped Jaypee Otilla in the 5th round when referee Sammy Bernabe called a halt at 1:54 of the round to protect Otilla from further punishment, Dado Cabintoy was held to a split draw by Christian Maas while Datu Dave Day escaped with a close split decision win over Vergel Nebran and Renan Trongco scored a 3rd round knock out victory against Henry Benito.

Gorres and Nietes Win, Mayol Lose

3 Pinoy Boxers Fight today and below are the results:

Z GORRES WON BY TKO
Carbajal quit after the 5th round

NIETES WON BY SPLIT DECISION
116-110 (Nietes), 112-116 (Vargas), 118-110 (Nietes)

CALDERON WON BY TECHNICAL SPLIT DECISION
68-65 (Calderon), 68-65 (Mayol), 68-65 (Calderon) - Round 7

Z GORRES WON BY TKO
Carbajal quit after the 5th round

Moving up in weight and giving away hometown advantage did little to discourage the rhythm of Z Gorres, who looked solid in his injury-induced stoppage win over former bantamweight titlist Cruz Carbajal. The bout served as the televised opener to the “Latin Fury 11” pay-per-view telecast aired live from El Palenque de la Feria in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.

Gorres, a southpaw from Cebu, Philippines, weighed in at a career-high 123 lb for the bout, after having spent the majority of his eight-year career two divisions below. Though at a natural size disadvantage, Gorres still proved to be the aggressor throughout the contest, which featured several exchanges and seemingly as many accidental headbutts.

Momentum remained mostly in Gorres’ favor, though Carbajal certainly had his moments. The heavy-handed Mexican veteran was effective with his straight right, though a weapon he threw and landed far too infrequently.

A brief scare came in round three, when a cut opened just about Gorres’ right eyelid, as the result of one of several butts.

It was a round largely dominated by Gorres after a back-and-forth second, though the cut hardly proved worrisome. He went on to own the fourth and fifth round. Carbajal tried his hardest to make a fight out of it, but quickly found himself outgunned by the Filipino challenger eight years his junior.

The fight was no longer a matter of if Gorres would win, but in what fashion. Carbajal’s corner removed the mystery after the fifth round, when their fighter revealed an injured left arm while sitting on his stool.

Referee Alberto Ramos wasted no time in waving off the fight, allowing Carbajal to received immediate medical attention.

Gorrez improves to 30-2-2 (17KO) with the win, his third straight since his controversial 12-round draw against Vic Darchinyan more than 18 months ago. The bout also marked his debut in Mexico, as well as his third fight in as many weight classes, with this bout taking place one pound about the super bantamweight limit. < Where his next fight comes remains to be seen, or whether or not he is done as a player in the super flyweight division. Gorres seemed filled out at super bantamweight, though a title run at bantamweight would most likely prove to be the best fit. As for Carbajal, a long and hard career examination could be in order. The 35-year old veteran drops his second straight as he falls to 29-17-2 (25KO), and no longer capable of fighting competitively with, never mind beating, the best fighters in and around his weight class.

NIETES WON BY SPLIT DECISION
116-110 (Nietes), 112-116 (Vargas), 118-110 (Nietes)

Donnie Nietes made it two straight on the evening for the budding Philippines-Mexico rivalry, taking a well-deserved, though strangely scored, split decision over Manuel Vargas in televised preliminary action on the “Latin Fury 11” pay-per-view telecast from El Palenque de la Feria in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. Both fighters weighed 104 ¾, just below the 105 lb strawweight limit. Giving away considerable height and reach advantages to his Mexican challenger, Nietes’ best chance of winning was to force a firefight. Such was precisely how he spent the opening round, immediately taking the fight to Vargas, firing with right hands and uppercuts whenever he was within punching range, which was often. The tactic clearly gained the attention of Vargas, who responded in the second round. Nietes was standing his ground, but forced to play a little more defense than expected as Vargas repeatedly landed to the body and head. His newfound aggression drew a raucous cheer from his countryman in attendance, who chanted his nickname “Chango” (“monkey) in approval. Nietes quickly transformed from puncher to boxer in search of the best course of action to fend off a suddenly highly motivated Vargas. The jab became the Filipino’s weapon of choice, though doing little to disrupt Vargas’ rhythm, as he closed the round with a flurry while Nietes was trapped in the corner. It was a different tale in the fourth, as Nietes rediscovered his power game. The uppercut returned to his offensive attack, to which Vargas had few answers even on the occasions when he was able to block the punch. Both fighters enjoyed success to the body when trading on the inside, though it was a round in which Nietes was clearly the busier fighter. Vargas showed a world-class chin in the fifth, though all it means is that he took way too many punches. Nietes landed several bombs in the round, including a left hook and several straight rights. To his credit, Vargas took all of the shots well and found enough energy to offer a shoeshine in the final 15 seconds, though hardly enough to atone for the 2:45 he all but gave away in order to get to that point. Chants of “Chango!” resurfaced in the sixth, another furiously paced round which saw a ferocious body attack by Vargas. Nietes hardly took kindly to the incoming, offering very little in return, save for an uppercut and left hand late in the round. He appeared to punch himself out as he slowed down considerably in the seventh, allowing Nietes to regain momentum, though opening up in the final 30 seconds of the round. Momentum continued to shift back and forth seemingly round-by-round, with the eighth no exception. After taking off for most of the seventh, Vargas picked up the pace in the eighth, continuing to target the body and also coming back upstairs. As had been the case in every round prior, Vargas attempted to pick up the pace at the end of the round, though Nietes was now keen to the tactic, immediately reacting before his opponent could get off his punches. Action slowed in the ninth, understandably so considering the heavy volume of punches thrown to that point. Nietes spend most of the round boxing, while Vargas kept his sights affixed on the body. One shot strayed well below the border seconds before the bell to close the round, with Vargas drawing a warning from the referee. The low blow appeared to awaken Nietes, who came out invigorated in the tenth. The Filipino resumed his earlier role of aggressor, landing to the body while Vargas was far too passive at a point in the fight when every remaining round was crucial. Such urgency was expressed in the Mexican’s corner, as his handlers demanded he win the last two rounds if he wanted to win the fight. Nietes wasn’t too keen on giving away rounds, outworking the Mexican in the 11th, though a Vargas left hand momentarily stunned him, much to the delight of the partisan crowd. The Filipino employed a similar tactic in the 12th and final round, this time with a twist: throw combinations and then clinch before Vargas could let his hands go. The crowd didn’t like it, nor did the ridiculously biased broadcast team (particularly Top Rank homer and former junior middleweight titlist Raul Marquez), but it allowed Nietes to cross the finish line, with hopes of escaping the Mexican bullring with his alphabet title still in tow. Much to the crowd’s (and Marquez’) dismay, the judges picked the right winner, although their scorecards were all over the place. Vargas won on one scorecard by a margin of 116-112, but was overruled by absurd margins of 116-110 and 118-110. Nietes moves to 25-1(13KO) with the win, his 12th straight and also his third successful title defense. It also marked his second consecutive decision win in Mexico, with both of his ring appearances in 2009 taking place South of the Border. Vargas sees a modest two-fight win streak come to an end, falling to 26-4-1 (11KO).

Bob Arum Unloads: "The UFC is Junk, It's Garbage"

During a recent talk with MMA Fanhouse, Top Rank's Bob Arum unloaded some big shots at the UFC and Mixed Martial Arts. Arum's recent comments land on the eve of UFC president Dana White's recent negative comments about boxing and the Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view.

"I've been to an MMA fight night and it's terrible. I admire Dana White and all the UFC guys as they've done very well. But for me it's junk, it's garbage. You've got guys rolling around on the ground and it's not a sport that shows great, great talent. The guys can't throw punches to save their ass and when a punch lands they've got no chin. They're not like boxers and aren't trained like them," Arum said.

Arum says the UFC audience and the boxing audience are entirely different. His characterization of the UFC audience and the UFC fighters are off by a mile. Instead of watching a UFC event, Arum must have been watching the movie American History X.

"I look at the UFC audience and boxing audience as entirely different. Boxing's audience is largely ethnic and includes the hardcore fans who, like me, can't watch UFC. UFC's a bunch of skinhead white guys watching a bunch of people in the ring who also look like skinhead white guys. Ninety per cent of the MMA audience have tattoos — and I don't care because that's up to them," Arum said.

"But they aren't people who will have any interest in boxing. The only guy they might want to see is Kelly Pavlik. For me, and people like me, MMA is not something that they ever cared to see. It's horrible."

He won't deny the UFC's drawing power and their ability to market, sell and promote their events.

"They've made us adapt as they do an unbelievable job in certain aspects — and we're trying to duplicate that. They're sensational promoters and are class guys who have built a good business. But I think the majority of my generation agree that it's junk," Arum said.

Show Me Da Manny Episode 3 Video

GMA Network brings back their forte in comedy with 'Show Me Da Money- featuring no less than world-renowned boxing champ Manny Pacquiao - who will be delivering his punch lines in his first-ever comedy show - and primetime queen Marian Rivera, who is out to unveil her funny side.

Sure to add more fun and excitement are Paolo Contis, Benjie Paras, John Lapus, Rochelle Pangilinan, Lovi Poe, Kevin Santos, Tuesday Vargas, Mike 'Pekto' Nacua, AJ Dee, Lito Camo, Karl Acosta, and 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco, together with Dionisia 'Pacmom' Pacquiao in a very special role.

'Show Me Da Manny' tells the hilarious yet heartwarming story of amateur boxing champ Manny Santos (Manny Pacquiao) who runs his own boxing gym, Gym Santos.

All is well with Manny and his gym until the opening of the classy and modern Gym Paredes Fitness Center owned by the beautiful Ella Paredes (Marian Rivera), who is the only person in their community who dares to challenge the boxing champ. Helping Ella manage her gym are her two brothers - Eric (Paolo) and Oscar (Benjie) - who have been knocked out by Manny inside the ring.

Will Manny’s Gym Santos survive the challenge presented by Ella’s Gym Paredes Fitness Center ? But more importantly, what will happen when Manny discovers that aside from his gym clients, Ella has also won his heart? Will he be able to bring his business back and conquer the heart of his competitor at the same time? And can he remain funnily victorious until the bell rings?

Show Me Da Manny Episode 3 Video

Show Me Da Manny Episode 2 Video

Get ready to rumble as the wackiest situational comedy hits the screen with the world-renowned boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who is ready to deliver his punch lines in his first-ever comedy show. Joining Manny in his KiliTV debut is prime time queen Marian Rivera, who is out to unveil her funny side.

Making the program more fun and exciting are Paolo Contis, Benjie Paras, John Lapus, Rochelle Pangilinan, Lovi Poe, Kevin Santos, Tuesday Vargas, Mike "Pekto" Nacua, AJ Dee, Lito Camo, Karl Acosta and 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyo Velasco, together with Dionisia "PacMom" Pacquiao, in a very special role.

Show Me Da Manny tells the hilarious and heartwarming story of amateur boxing champ Manny Santos (Manny Pacquiao) who runs a boxing gym called "Gym Santos", a gym he inherited from his parents.

All is well for Manny until the opening of the sophisticated and modern "Gym Paredes Fitness Center," a new fitness center owned by the only person in the community who can dare challenge the boxing champ—Ella Paredes (Marian Rivera).

Show Me Da Manny Episode 2 Video

Show Me Da Manny Episode 1 Video

What happens when 'Pound-for-Pound' King Manny Pacquiao team up with the Queen of Primetime TV Marian Rivera? The result - a totally hilarious show that is sure to tickle the hearts of Filipinos anywhere.

GMA Network brings back their forte in comedy with 'Show Me Da Money- featuring no less than world-renowned boxing champ Manny Pacquiao - who will be delivering his punch lines in his first-ever comedy show - and primetime queen Marian Rivera, who is out to unveil her funny side.

Sure to add more fun and excitement are Paolo Contis, Benjie Paras, John Lapus, Rochelle Pangilinan, Lovi Poe, Kevin Santos, Tuesday Vargas, Mike 'Pekto' Nacua, AJ Dee, Lito Camo, Karl Acosta, and 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco, together with Dionisia 'Pacmom' Pacquiao in a very special role.

'Show Me Da Manny' tells the hilarious yet heartwarming story of amateur boxing champ Manny Santos (Manny Pacquiao) who runs his own boxing gym, Gym Santos.

All is well with Manny and his gym until the opening of the classy and modern Gym Paredes Fitness Center owned by the beautiful Ella Paredes (Marian Rivera), who is the only person in their community who dares to challenge the boxing champ. Helping Ella manage her gym are her two brothers - Eric (Paolo) and Oscar (Benjie) - who have been knocked out by Manny inside the ring.

Will Manny’s Gym Santos survive the challenge presented by Ella’s Gym Paredes Fitness Center ? But more importantly, what will happen when Manny discovers that aside from his gym clients, Ella has also won his heart? Will he be able to bring his business back and conquer the heart of his competitor at the same time? And can he remain funnily victorious until the bell rings?

Show Me Da Manny Episode 1 Video

Nonito Donaire Sees No Sense in Fighting Sonsona

WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire see no sense in fighting newly crowned WBO champion Marvin Sonsona or any other Filipino world champion when there are other champions to fight or challengers to defend his title against.

Donaire who is resting at home in Alabang with wife Rachael is recovering from dengue and his wife is at present concerned with his full recovery and not who he’s going to fight next.

Ms. Donaire told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that while her husband “is feeling better he still has a little headache.” She said doctors had told Donaire “not to resume running for at least a week.”

At the same time she said that Donaire believes a supposed fight against Sonsona “doesn’t’ uphold the integrity of the sport and Nonito respects other Filipino world champions and won’t want to engage them when there are others to fight.”

Rick Reeno of boxingscene.com reported that Sonsona, in a post fight press conference said he was prepared to fight anyone including Donaire and that the estranged father of Donaire, Nonito Donaire Sr said Sonsona was ready to fight Donaire (his son) now.

Donaire Sr was brought in to help train Sonsona after his regular trainer Jun Agrabio had helped Sonsona score a string of victories ending with a sensational 2nd round knockout of former champion Wandee Singwancha . The elder Donaire who trained Nonito and was in his corner when he scored a stunning 5th round demolition of Vic Darchinyan parted ways with his son after two title defenses against Luis Maldonado and Moruti Mthalane.

Filipino trainer Sammy Gello-ani who promoted Sonsona in recent years where the 19 year old was regularly featured on the top rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” tapped the services of Donaire Sr to put the finishing touches to Sonsona prior to the title fight against Jose “Carita” Lopez.

Prominent and respected boxing people such as WBC founding secretary general Rudy Salud and ALA Gym patron Tony Aldeguer have consistently stated that it was unnecessary for Filipinos to fight each other when there are so many world titles and opportunities available.

Both men have steadfastly said it would be unfair of one Filipino to deprive another of a chance at winning a world title and keeping it. Salud said “why should we even let that happen? Besides, Donaire Sr hasn’t any say. I know, Donaire Sr knows that his son has a big edge over Sonsona because of experience and other things. They should not fight against each other ever, especially when times have changed. It was alright when there was only one world organization and there was no choice. But now there are several so why deprive another Filipino of a world title? Salud branded the suggestion as "mean."

In the case of Donaire and Sonsona they are both champions and the country has two world titles. Should they ever meet, which is certainly unlikely, it would deprive the Philippines of one of its world titles merely to satisfy the pique of a father, Nonito Donaire Sr, over a difference with his son which is not in the character of Filipinos.

It was also noted that despite hundreds of people calling and sending text messages with get-well wishes, flowers and cakes and offering prayers for Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, none of the members of his family reportedly even called or emailed to check on his condition.

Even the extremely popular TV host Kris Aquino called to inquire about Donaire’s condition and said her family was prepared to donate blood if the world champion ever needed any.

Brian Viloria Says Sonsona is The Whole Package

IBF light flyweight champion Brian Viloria has described newly crowned WBO super flyweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona as “the whole package,” agreeing with the observation that Sonsona has power and speed and moves well.

Viloria told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that Sonsona “is a great fighter for his age and how many fights he’s had he looked like a real seasoned veteran in there the way he took care of (Jose ‘Carita’) Lopez.”

Viloria who successfully defended his title with an impressive twelve round decision over Mexico’s Jesus Iribe in Honolulu last August 29 said that Sonsona is likely to “fill in like Manny (Pacquiao) and go up to 130-135 pounds.”

Viloria said Sonsona “still needs to know how to pace himself for twelve rounds but considering the fact that he’s only gone five round twice and not gone the distance like that, I think he carried himself really well.” At the same time the IBF world champion said “he is still young and he’s going to get better as he grows older and the more fights he gets.”

Viloria remarked that “there is a lot of potential in the kid. He’s already a world champion at nineteen . He is really at the top of his game and to think that he’s got more to learn and that’s a scary thought when you really think about it.”

He noted that Sonsona didn’t back off against Lopez and added, “to be a world champion you’ve got to be aggressive and the aggressors are the ones that are going to be winning world titles. Hopefully we will have more world champions within the next year or two and it’s a great run right now (for the Philippines).

The IBF light flyweight champion indicated he’ll “keep going as long as I can and as long as I love the sport and as long as I’m still healthy I want to win more world championships titles and just take over the division and maybe move up in weight. Right now I feel great. I’ll get back in the gym as soon as I can and I’m at the peak right now.”

Sonsona vs Donaire? The Pinoy Mayweathers?

BoxingScene spoke with numerous sources who were present in Ontario last Friday night for the post-fight press conference for Marvin Sonsona's decision win over Jose Lopez. Sonsona captured the WBO super flyweight title.

From what I heard, a local reporter asked Sonsona if he would be willing to fight Nonito Donaire in the future - or - would he turn the fight down because Donaire was a fellow Filipino fighter. Sonsona answered that he "would fight anyone" that his promoter would line up. Donaire populates the same weight division and recently won the WBA's interim-super flyweight title.

In response to the same question, I hear Nonito Donaire Sr., currently the co-trainer of Sonsona, chimed in and said "[Sonsona] is ready to fight him [Nonito Doniare] now."

Donaire and his father have a very strained relationship. Donaire Sr. used to train his son until the two had a bad falling out in 2008. Donaire replaced his father with Dodie Boy Penalosa, who is the brother of former champion Gerry Penalosa. According to several sources in the Philippines, the two began to drift apart when Donaire's wife Rachel became more involved in her husband's career. The father/son dispute has divided the Donaire family. Several members of the family are siding with the father.

If the two Filipinos were positioned to fight each other, it would be very interesting to see if Donaire Sr. would actually train Sonsona for the fight - or would he stand back and allow co-trainer Jun Agrabio to handle the entire camp. Donaire Sr. told reporters that he would train Sonsona to "fight anyone."

The angle is somewhat similiar to the on and off dispute between Floyd Mayweather Sr. and his son, Floyd Mayweather Jr. There were two occasions when father was nearly pitted against son. The first occasion, Oscar De La Hoya dropped longtime trainer Floyd Sr. over a monetary dispute. Oscar then hired Freddie Roach to train him for the May 07 fight with Mayweather Jr. When De La Hoya and Floyd Jr. were planning to have a rematch last September, Floyd Sr. had already reached an agreement to train De La Hoya for the fight. The rematch and the father/son battle never happened. Floyd Jr. unexpectedly withdrew from the fight and announced his short-lived retirement.

Manny Pacquiao Elated Over Sonsona's Title Win

Fight Replay: Marvin Sonsona vs Jose Lopez

Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao was elated over the victory of 19 year old Marvin Sonsona who hammered out an impressive twelve round unanimous decision over veteran Puerto Rican Jose “Carita” Lopez to win the WBO super flyweight title in an action-packed battle at Casino Rama, Ontario, Canada Saturday Manila Time and become the youngest Filipino world champion.

BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports followed the action on the Solar Sports telecast over CS/9, informed Pacquiao about the results of the fight and gave him a short rundown of what happened while he was on the set of his latest movie.

Pacquiao said he was “elated” over Sonsona’s victory and that this is what he was actually talking about in a press conference on Friday where he predicted other Filipino fighters would take advantage of his having opened the doors for them and go on to become world champions.

Pacquiao announced the setting up of a new promotional and TV production company he is forming with Solar Sports, to further enhance boxing in the Philippines and internationally and to provide opportunities for more Filipino boxers to demonstrate their talent at home and abroad.

Pacquiao who has served as an inspiration for Filipino boxers and a model of dedication and commitment in training said later at a dinner he hosted for the media on Saturday that “I know Sonsona is a courageous fighter. He is strong and not afraid. These are the fighters I want to help. I have been eyeing him for some time now.”

Pacquiao asked for a DVD of the fight from Solar Sports Wilson Tseng who also celebrated his birthday and handed the world’s pound-for-pound king two copies of the fight which Pacquiao said he would watch when he got home.

Sonsona was originally discovered and managed by the son of Pacquiao’s first business manager Rod Nazario, Rommel Nazario, and made his debut on the weekly boxing show “In This Corner” which is promoted/ produced by Nazario, Moy Lainez, Lito Mondejar and Gerry Garcia before he moved to the south where promoter Sammy Gello-ani chartered his career successfully along with Sonsona’s manager Dr. Rajan Yraola who secured his release from the young Nazario.

A regular on the Viva Sports top-rated weekly boxing show “The Main Event” with his fights promoted by Gello-ani and telecast over CS/9, Sonsona scored his biggest win in a spectacular 2nd round knockout of former world interim champion Wandee Singwancha last May 28 which earned him a title shot, with international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz arranging the title shot at Lopez in cooperation with Gello-ani.

It was Lewkowicz who advised Murad Muhammad to sign up Pacquiao when no other promoter in the US paid any attention to the southpaw during a visit to the US along with Nazario in 2001. It resulted in Pacquiao’s sensational 6th round TKO demolition of Lelohonolo Ledwaba to win the IBF super bantamweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 23, 2001 after a mere two weeks notice.

In an overseas telephone conversation right after Sonsona’s rousing win, Lewkowicz said “I told you Ronnie that I discovered Pacquiao when nobody gave a sh*t about him and today I told you I did the right thing for this kid (Sonsona). He fought perfectly and he deserved the victory."

Then, in a moment of exuberance, Lewkowicz added “I am a ‘Picasso’ and now I am a ‘great Picasso .”

Sonsona himself expressed his thanks for the support of “The Main Event” even as he complained about the “terrible low blows and head-butts” of Lopez who lost one point for the infraction even as he admitted he was “hurt by them. It was terrible but I am okay.”

WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire who is recovering from dengue in the Asian Hospital in Alabang was also overjoyed over the fifth world title won by a Filipino and congratulated Sonsona on his victory.

In a reflection of the fighting heart of our world champions it was noted that Pacquiao, Sonsona and Donaire were effectively all from General Santos City.

Sonsona who dropped Lopez with a cracking counter left straight in round four and then rocked him a couple of times with left and right combinations had to withstand a withering body assault by the hard-hitting champion in the middle rounds . But the lanky southpaw came back to win the last two rounds to seal the deal.

In the eleventh round caught Lopez with a stinging left and as the champion appeared to get desperate he connected with another of the several low blows he threw in the fight but Sonsona cracked him with a good right to open up a cut over Lopez’ eye.

The teenaged Sonsona piled up the points in the final round as he nailed Lopez with a right uppercut and followed it up with a left .

Promoter Alan Trembley in a post fight interview said “a few days ago we were talking about this fight being potentially a ‘fight of the year’ candidate. This is now a definite candidate. What a fight . One of the best in Canada for a while.”

Trembley noted that Sonsona “dominated the amateurs in the Philippines and it comes with that pro package and in combination he delivered what we thought he would deliver and we thought he might take Lopez out. But Lopez is a great champion with a tough chin and everybody should recognize that he is a great champion and Sonsona beat one tonight.”

Trembley said he was going to huddle with his partners and “work on a November date to bring back Steve Molitor (the former world champion) on the big stage and bring back Marvin Sonsona to defend his title.” Molitor scored a 4th round TKO overt Argentina’s Dario Azuaga whose corner threw in the towel after Molitor dropped Azuaga in a heap following a flurry of punches.