Hatton vs Marquez; Ricky Interested if Juan Beats Floyd

It seems Ricky Hatton may take the Shane Mosley route in terms of sitting back and waiting for a major fight to come along. Recently WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and his handlers seemed to have some interest in calling Hatton out for an all-British battle, but Ricky said there was no interest on his end. Hatton has been on the shelf since suffering a brutal two-round knockout at the hands of Manny Pacquiao back in May. If Hatton does decide to return, he told Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer that if he ever comes back - he wants a big fight.

Eric Gomez, Golden Boy's Vice President, told BoxingScene.com's Robert Morales that Juan Manuel Marquez is one boxer that Hatton has a lot of interest in fighting. If Hatton would have beaten Pacquiao back in May, Marquez was being lined up as the fall opponent for Ricky. Things did not go Hatton's way and Marquez signed to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on September 19. If Marquez is able to pull off the major upset, Hatton would like to fight him.

"What he has told Richard in the past is that if he ever comes back, he wants it to be a meaningful fight," Gomez said. "He doesn't want to be anybody's steppingstone. He has expressed interest that if Marquez can pull off the fight against Mayweather, he would want to fight Marquez. And Marquez has been wanting to fight him for a year now. That's a possibility."

Taking the brutal knockout into consideration, Gomez tells BoxingScene that Hatton can still return and be a force in the sport. He used Arturo Gatti and Amir Khan as two examples of fighters who suffered bad defeats and still returned to become major players.

"I know that many fighters have been knocked out cold and they come back and they win titles. So you never know. Amir Khan (is one). You have guys like Arturo Gatti. How many times did he get knocked out? He came back and won big fights. So you can never count anybody out. There are guys that Ricky can still beat," Gomez said.

Top Rank Confirms: Pacquiao vs. Cotto a Done Deal!

LAS VEGAS, NEV. – BOB ARUM, CEO of Top Rank, announced today that the mega-fight between boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound king and the reigning Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Fighter of the Year, MANNY “PacMan” PACQUIAO, and the pride of Puerto Rico and three-time world champion MIGUEL COTTO is official.

“Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have reached an agreement to fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, November 14,” said Arum. The fight will be seen live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Top Rank is working on a major media tour to start right after Labor Day. Further details will be announced as we get closer to kicking off the tour.”

Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, has won six world titles in as many different weight divisions ranging from 112 to 140 pounds. His performance in 2008 was described as “Henry Armstrongesque,” winning world titles at 130 and 135 pounds with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz, respectively, and knocking out and retiring Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds to finish the trifecta. This year, he picked up where he left off last year – winning another world title in a new weight division -- dealing defending junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton a one-punch second-round knockout on May 2.

Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, has sold more tickets at Madison Square Garden in this millennium than any other fighter. He has held a world title every year since 2004. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defending it six times before vacating it to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. He won his second welterweight title in February this year, knocking out Michael Jennings in the fifth round at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO welterweight champion. Notable scalps on Cotto’s belt include Sugar Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Pauli Malinaggi, and Demarcus Corley.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Injured, Latin Fury 10 Still On

LOS ANGELES - Undefeated Top-Five super welterweight contender and The Son of The Legend, JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ, Jr., has been forced off the card for the upcoming "Latin Fury 10" due to a training camp injury. “Latin Fury 10” will proceed as scheduled headlined by the two world championship fights featuring undefeated No. 1 super featherweight contender URBANO ANTILLON (26-0, 19 KOs), of Maywood, Calif. and Top-10 contender MIGUEL "Aguacerito" ACOSTA (25-9-2, 19 KOs), of Caracas, Venezuela battling for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) interim lightweight title and WBA light flyweight champion GIOVANI SEGURA (20-1-1, 16 KOs), of Bell Gardens, Calif., defending his title against SONNY BOY JARO (30-7-5, 19 KOs), of Rizal, Philippines.

Chavez Jr. (39-0-1, 29 KOs), from Culiacan, Mexico, suffered a rib injury last Wednesday during training camp in Big Bear. He has not been able to throw any punches effectively because of the pain and today his doctor ordered a halt of all training until it completely heals. Chavez's return to the ring is expected to be in September or October.

Khan Willing To Give Hatton a Shot, Says Roach

Now that Amir Khan has dethroned Andreas Kotelnik and captured the WBA junior welterweight title, Khan's trainer Freddie Roach says that his fighter could be on his way to an all-British super fight with Ricky Hatton. Making the fight could be tough. Promoter Frank Warren, who has Khan, had a very nasty split with Hatton years ago.

"I just want to enjoy this for a while!" Roach told Sky Box Office. "We'll probably defend this somewhere down the line, maybe Ricky Hatton down the line. If he decides to continue I am sure he'd want to fight again for a 140-pound title and it'd be a big fight here in England, so I am sure it could happen."

Roach says the new weight of 140 is better suited for Khan. He likes Khan's movement and ability to take a punch.

"This is definitely a better weight for him; he's more resilient, he takes a better shot," said Roach. "Being at 135 I think weakened him and that was part of the reason was beaten by (Breidis) Prescott. But the thing is, he's very strong. Once he learns how to settle down and use his power more, he'll be OK."

Mosley Once Again After Manny Pacquiao, Now at 140

Los Angeles, CA —WBA Welterweight Super Champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley announced today that he is ready to go after Manny Pacquiao’s IBO Junior Welterweight Championship belt and for the first time in his illustrious career , is prepared to fight at 140 pounds.

In a statement, Mosley said:

“There is unfinished business to take care of. I have never fought at t junior welterweight, but I’m ready to fight at 140 now. I am coming after Pacquiao’s belt.

This is the fight the fans want and I’m prepared to give it to them. It’s up to Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao to stop running from me and step up to the challenge. Let’s meet in the ring at 140.

I want to reclaim the title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. First Pacquiao, then Mayweather—I’m ready to put all of the naysayers to rest. “

Mosley last faced Antonio Margartio in January 2009 and delivered a ninth-round knockout. He is the current WBA Welterweight Super Champion and has held titles as a lightweight, welterweight and junior middleweight. Pacquiao is coming off a second-round knock-out victory over Ricky Hatton in May.

Miguel Cotto Sued By Evangelista For $7.5 Million

The family situation between WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto and his uncle/former trainer Evangelista Cotto has just gotten worse. On Thursday Evangelista filed a lawsuit against his nephew in Puerto Rico, looking to recover $7.5 million dollars in damages. The main claim was a breach of contract. He named Miguel's promotional company in the lawsuit as well.

The other part of the lawsuit has to do with the physical altercation between Miguel and Evangelista on April 7 at their gym in Caguas, Puerto Rico. After a heated war or words, Evangelista struck Miguel and the two began to scuffle in the gym. The dispute began when Miguel wanted to move the training camp to Florida and Evangelista refused. Miguel would then fire his uncle and a the brawl began. The two were broken up but they continued their fight on the streets and Evangelista threw a concrete brick through the window of Cotto's new Jaguar. Miguel made claims at the time of the incident that Evangelista trashed his apartment. Evangelista was later taken to a hospital with a damage to his ribs and a broken nose. Miguel suffered some minor scratches.

In the lawsuit papers, Evangelista claims that "Miguel Angel Cotto brutally attacked his uncle and causing serious injuries to him." Miguel would later hire Joe Santiago as the new trainer.

Evangelista claims that Miguel owes him money since April 11, 2004. They had a percentage agreement in place by way of contract. Evangelista would receive 10% of Miguel's purse and another 10% that had to do with Miguel's promotional company and other items. When Miguel became champion, Evangelista claims that his percentage was going to rise to 33%. He says Miguel continued to only pay him 10% and never increased his take. He wants the remaining 23% since April 2004.

Ricky Hatton To Undergo Additional Tests, Says Ray

The father of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton says the former IBF junior welterweight champion has undergone more tests to find out what he is suffering from.

Hatton was taken to Tameside hospital in his hometown of Manchester on Tuesday morning after he complained of feeling weak with stomach cramps and vomiting.

His father and manager Ray Hatton spoke to BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports at 11:00 p.m. Manila Time on Thursday and said “I’ve just been to the hospital and they are doing tests on him the last two days and later on today we are hoping to get the results. Either way he’s not going to come out before the weekend.”

Hatton said “we are hoping that these extra tests will shed more light on it.”

Hatton’s father said indications are its some form of gastric virus and “we don’t know how long he’s had it..he may have had it for a few days, he may have had it for weeks but we are hoping they’ll tell us more today.”

Ray Hatton said the doctors told him that Ricky may have had the virus but didn’t realize even when he was “feeling a little bit tired" adding " we won’t know until they find out in a few more hours.”

Hatton expressed his gratitude for the interest and concern shown by Filipinos about the former world champion’s condition.

Hatton suffered a brutal 2nd round knockout at the hands of the world’s pound-for pound king and Hero of Asia Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2.

Although many fight people had asked Hatton to retire there were indications in recent weeks that he was thinking about a possible return to the ring but that will now have to be kept on hold at the very least.

Ricky Hatton Remains Hospitalized, Unknown Illness

Former champion and British superstar Ricky Hatton, 30, remains hospitalized in Manchester with an unknown illness. Hatton was admitted early Tuesday to Tameside Hospital after complaining of chest and stomach pains. There was some talk going around that Hatton may have caught the swine flu, but his father, Ray Hatton, told the Manchester Evening News that swine flu had been ruled out by the doctors.

Doctors believe that he may be suffering from a bad case of food poisoning. Additional tests are being conducted.

Pacquiao To Decide On Miguel Cotto Fight This Week

Filipino boxing icon and the acknowledged hero of Asia, Manny Pacquiao, is expected to decide on the proposed fight against WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto within the next two days.

Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz said he and lawyer Franklin "Jeng" Gacal were scheduled to meet with Pacquiao on Wednesday night to go through the proposal forwarded to Pacquiao by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.

Koncz who hand-carried the proposal after meeting Arum in the US felt it was a good proposal but made it clear that the final decision rests with Pacquiao and nobody else.

Koncz said Pacquiao was attending to some matters in Sarangani province from where he plans to run for a seat in the House of Representatives in the May 2010 elections. However, the adviser said "we will have a final closing on the agreement, hopefully by Thursday."

At the same time Arum who is vacationing in Italy is unhappy with Gacal’s statements to the media that should Cotto refuse to drop down in weight there is always Shane Mosley to turn to since Mosley has said he would agree to fight Pacquiao, take a 40 percent share and come down to 143 pounds.

Arum has always maintained in conversations with us "You don’t negotiate through the media."

Should the fight with Cotto push through it would take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 14.

Meantime, Koncz who was in Manila attending to the visa and work permit of Sonny Boy Jaro said he expects to get it within the next couple of days.

Jaro battles Mexico’s WBA light flyweight champion Giovanni Segura in a title fight in Nayarat. Mexico on July 25.The hard-hitting Jaro has a record of 30-7-5 with 19 knockouts while the champion Segura’s record is 20-1-1 with 16 knockouts.

Floyd Jr: "If Manny Wants it, I'll Pay Juan To Step Aside"

If Manny Pacquiao wants a showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr, all he has to do is ask. At least that's what Floyd told The Grand Rapids Press. Mayweather returns for the first time since December 2007 when he takes on Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. If Pacquiao requests the fight, Mayweather says that he will pay Marquez to step aside so the fight can happen. Pacquiao is slated to face WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto on November 14.

"If Manny Pacquiao really wanted the fight with me, all he's got to do is say it," Mayweather said. "We could pay Marquez some step-aside money. Pay him a million dollars, that's nothing. Step aside. Then, my man, me and you can make seven figures. Is you ready? Let me know."

Of course Mayweather once again stood by his position that he is not willing to give Pacquiao an equal slice of the money. He points to selling more pay-per-view buys with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton than Pacquiao did with the same two fighters. He says Pacquiao would have to take less money.

"Everybody knows Pacquiao is not going to get 50-50 with Floyd Mayweather," Mayweather said. "Look at what Pacquiao made his last two fights and look at what I made my last two fights. It's still a business, even though it's a sport."

Mayweather, Marquez, De La Hoya Gang up on Pacquiao

The recent conference call for the September 19 bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez was a jab-fest on pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather, coming out of retirement and fighting for the first time since December 2007, gave Manny some praise but quickly began to launch his verbal attack.

"Pacquiao is a good fighter. I don't take nothing from him," Mayweather said. "He hasn't done nothing I haven't done. Where was he when I was dominating in the '90s? He hasn't called me out. I'm not hard to find. I ain't worried about him. With or without him, I'm comfortable. I'm happy. He don't make me (nothing). I don't chase opponents. Opponents chase me. The biggest fight in boxing is Mayweather versus anybody."

Mayweather used to be promoted by Top Rank. The two had a very bitter breakup several years ago. He took a shot at Top Rank's owner Bob Arum and held nothing back on the contract Manny has with him.

"Manny Pacquiao has the worst contract in boxing with Bob Arum right now - 27 percent," Mayweather said. "I keep 100 percent of my money. Are you serious - 27 percent? Arum tells Manny Pacquiao the same bull he used to tell me."

Mayweather also says Marquez is a better fighter than Pacquiao. The two fought to a draw in 2004 and Pacquiao beat Marquez by way of a close split decision last March.

"I would have to rate him over Manny. For a guy to knock him down three times in the first round and he comes back to get a draw, we know who lost," said Mayweather.

Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, who Pacquiao knocked out last December, is co-promoting the event with Mayweather's company, Mayweather Promotions. He agrees that Mayweather should receive more money than Pacquiao if the two boxers decide to negotiate a fight.

He also said Marquez was the real winner of the two bouts with Pacquiao and Mayweather is the real pound-for-pound king. He said the Marquez-Mayweather winner should be the real pound-for-pound champ, not Pacquiao.

"I'd have to go with Floyd. I felt more skill coming out of Mayweather than I did with Pacquiao," De La Hoya said. "The winner between Mayweather and Marquez is the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. The fans are the ones who speak and we all know Marquez beat Pacquiao."

Marquez joined in too. He said that Mayweather is the best fighter in the sport, not Pacquiao. And said that he beat Pacquiao both times that they fought.

"Mayweather is the best. He retired undefeated. When I fought Manny I thought I beat him both times," Marquez said.

Mayweather Jr: "Pacquiao Fight Won't Happen At 50-50"

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao finally agree on something - their fight will never get made under a 50-50 split. Pacquiao will demand a higher percentage of the money, and it seems that Mayweather will also demand more money. Mayweather returns on September 19 to face Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. HBO PPV will televise. According to NY Newsday, Mayweather said Top Rank's Bob Arum is greedy for even thinking about a 50-50 split.

Mayweather still believes that he is a much better fighter than Pacquiao. He doesn't think Pacquiao has accomplished enough to take over the pound-for-pound throne.

"I feel Manny Pacquiao is a good fighter, he does his job to the best of his ability. Many people forget that Manny Pacquiao got beat by Erik Morales. I am still at the top of my game and I have never been beat. He hasn't done anything that I haven't done," Mayweather said.

"I don't really have anything bad to say about Pacquaio. He never called me out. Everyone knows it's not hard to find me."

Pacquiao Unable To Grab October Date For Cotto Fight

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who was scheduled to leave for Los Angeles Tuesday night to shoot a Nike commercial with NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, can’t get an October date for his planned fight against WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Konz told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that he had spoken to Pacquiao and informed him that “we are not going to have a choice because we don’t have a TV date and we also need ample time to promote the fight.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum had earlier indicated he had a November 14 date for the Pacquiao-Cotto showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Arum is currently not in the US having gone to London for a meeting with plans of visiting Israel after that.

Koncz said he has the proposal with him and Pacquiao will get a chance to study it while he is in the US and then begin negotiations. Koncz said Top Rank will “put a decent offer on the table and more likely than not Manny will reject it and then negotiate a little bit.” However, Pacquiao’s adviser added “we are in the same ballpark. Its up to Manny but I think we can make it happen.”

Pacquiao is eager to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr should he win against Juan Manuel Marquez in their September 18 clash at the MGM Grand. There have been reports of efforts to quietly negotiate a fight with Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound king prior the May elections in the Philippines where Pacquiao plans to run for the lone congressional seat in Sarangani province in Mindanao.

Penalosa May Fight Again: Arce, De Leon or Morel?

FORMER two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa is willing to fight again but he made it clear that he will only entertain an offer if there will be a world title on the line.

The 36-year old resident of Paranaque City in Metro Manila in the Philippines was offered to see action on the planned card of Top Rank and Solar Sports in either Araneta Coliseum or Ynares Center in Antipolo City on August 29, not at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City as originally planned.

Penalosa (54-7-2, 36 KOs) confirmed in an exclusive interview yesterday that he was told to prepare for a possible bout, and the three possible options include a rematch against Daniel Ponce de Leon (36-7-2, 31 KOs) of Mexico, a clash against his fellow world champ Eric “Hands of Steel” Morel (41-2, 21 KOs) of Puerto Rico or a collision against another popular Mexican, Jorge “Travieso” Arce (52-5-1, 40 KOs).

“We’ll know the final decision on who will be my opponent next week,” said Penalosa. “I don’t have idea on who will be our next opponent. I only wanted to fight for a title fight.”

Penalosa fought four of his last five fights since 2007 for world championship bouts. He lost two of those bouts against De Leon and the current champion Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez of Puerto Rico with the WBO super bantamweight title were on the lines.

The former WBC super flyweight champ and WBO bantamweight king revealed he keeps on training and staying fit.

“I’m always ready to fight. I maintain my weight at 128 pounds when I don’t have fight,” said Penalosa, who maintains a gym in Kalentong, Mandaluyong City .

DENVER CUELLO VS ERIK RAMIREZ; VILORIA VS LAZARTE

Bob Arum also wants IBF light flyweight champion Brian Viloria and WBC International minimumweight champ Denver Cuello to complete the cast of the planned three-title bout card.

Viloria (25-2, 15 KOs) has on-going negotiations for a title defense against 38-year old Alberto Lazarte (43-9-1, 18 KOs) of Argentina.

Cuello’s team picked Mexican Erik Ramirez, who lost on points in a title fight against WBO minimumweight champ Donnie Nietes in Oaxaca, Mexico .

Ramirez went down four times but managed to go the distance.

The card was originally planned to be staged at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City but Solar Sports executives believe, Manila or nearby province remains the more strategic venue for a huge boxing show.

This writer also reported that WBA No. 10 Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco (17-0, 13 KOs) wants to fight Arce on Sept. 6 at Cuneta Astrome in Pasay City after the Los Mochis-native improved his unblemished 6-0, 4 KOs record against Filipino opponents on June 27 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Francisco’s fight will be for the vacant WBA International super flyweight title.

Every Filipino wants to end Arce’s winning streak against Filipino fighters after he piled up a streak against Jovan Presbitero, Carmelo Caceres, Juanito Rubillar twice, Joma Gamboa and Fernando “Poe” Lumacad.

Margarito Says The Weight Will Hurt Cotto With Pacquiao

Former three time welterweight champion Antonio Margarito told The Record that he believes the agreed upon catch-weight of 145-pounds will be an issue for WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto when he steps in the ring with Manny Pacquiao on November 14 in Las Vegas.

"I think that Cotto is giving away too many advantages to Pacquiao if the fight is done at 145 pounds and even more if fight were to happen at 143 like Pacquiao wants. From the very first round, that advantage would be for Pacquiao because [Cotto] would be dehydrated like Oscar De La Hoya [when he fought Pacquiao last December]," Margarito said.

Margarito is back in camp, training and staying in shape to keep his body ready for a quick ring return. He lost his license in February when the California State Athletic Commission found him liable for an illegal substance found in his hand wraps prior to the January 24 bout with Shane Mosley. Margarito's lawyers are fighting the decision by the CSAC and he hopes to get back in the ring before 2010.

"I am training for anything that comes up, any opportunity. [My lawyers] told me that they are going to speak me during the following week to give me a new report. I don't know anything right now but I have faith that everything can be solved quick," Margarito said.

Pacquiao-Cotto: Gacal Says Deal Has To Be 65-35

A proposed deal for a welterweight showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, for November 14 in Las Vegas, is inching closer to a deal. The bout, scheduled for a catch-weight of 145-pounds, is being negotiated by Bob Arum of Top Rank, who promote both fighters.

Most of the details have been hammered out with Cotto and his team, and now it's Pacquiao's turn to review the listed terms for the fight. Pacquiao’s adviser Mike Koncz, went over the details with Arum and plans to review the terms with Pacquiao this weekend.

Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, said the deal should not be any less than a 65-35 split in Pacquiao's favor. He says the final decision will come down to Pacquiao.

“We haven’t seen it but if we don’t like it we make a counter-proposal,” said Gacal to ABS CBN News. “It’s Manny who will make the final decision. He will decide on the weight but regarding the purse it shouldn’t be lower than 65 percent for Manny,” said Gacal.

Florante Condes Has Yet To Receive His Purse

Former IBF minimumweight champion Florante Condes hasn’t received his purse for his title eliminator against Nkosinathi Joyi as yet, nearly one week after the fight at the Orient Theater in East London, South Africa.

Condes lost a lopsided bout but was hailed for his courage and fighting heart against a bigger, taller and stronger Joyi who retained his unbeaten record and is now in line for a mandatory title shot against Mexico’s Raul "Rayito" Garcia who won the title from Condes in June last year.

Internationally respected promoter Branco Milenkovic told us that the purse of Condes was paid by the supervisor amidst indications that the money was collected by Condes’ manager Dante Ortiz since Filipino promoter Sammy Gello-ani who accompanied Condes to South Africa left some three days before the fight telling Milenkovic he had to return to the Philippines because an unspecified problem.

However, that was not the case as Gello-ani flew to Atlantic City for the Fernando Lumacad – Jorge Arce fight that same weekend although Condes said Gello-ani told him he had to leave to watch the Lumacad fight since he had arranged the fight against Arce for which the Filipino who quit in the third round after being dropped by a right reportedly received $20,000.

Condes was still waiting for his money which Gello-ani said should arrive in a day or two after Condes arrived last Monday. Condes said that before he left South Africa, Ortiz gave him $1,000.

The Games and Amusements Board is quietly investigating the circumstances under which Condes was virtually abandoned by Gello-ani three days before a crucial fight and why his trainer Joven Jimenez was left behind in Manila.

Boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz said Gello-ani and Jimenez went to the GAB office to file the fight contract and that Gello-ani had told him Jimenez would accompany the boxer which is one of the requirements of the GAB.

Floyd Mayweather Jr Investigation Reveals Huge Debts

When Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced that he was returning to the sport, he swore the comeback had nothing to do with money. There were numerous reports that Mayweather was in heavy debt. Reports that he owed millions to the IRS, among others. Mayweather and his best friend/CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leonard Ellerbe, denied these claims.

The Associated Press started their own investigation and dug up a lot of outstanding debt. The AP believes that Mayweather is returning for his Sept. 19 bout with Juan Manuel Marquez to get a big payday in order to satisfy his debts.

The AP found that Mayweather owes

1. $6.17 million to the IRS. The placed a lien on Mayweather in the Clark Country Recorder in Las Vegas and the bill stems from unpaid taxes in 2007.

2. According to a New Jersey Superior Court judgment, also from 2007, he owes that state $193,000 in taxes.

3. Unresolved debts worth $9,400 to three homeowners associations.

4. $3,900 to a contractor who programmed electronics at one of his homes.

5. Even $320.10 to his trash collector.

Ellerbe, despite the lien and the hard documents, denies that Mayweather owes any type of money to the IRS or any other party.

"Floyd Mayweather does not have a problem with the IRS," Ellerbe told the AP. "He doesn't owe the IRS $6.1 million ... I don't (care) what a lien says. When you have a problem with them, you ain't hard to find — ask Wesley Snipes. You go to jail, they come take your (stuff). He doesn't have a problem."

"(Mayweather) is free to move and do anything and everything he wants to do with no problems at all. None whatsoever."

Mayweather vs Marquez Bumped Up To 147-Pounds?

The rumors are out there again. A few weeks ago, there were rumors that Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, scheduled to take place at the catch-weight of 143/144-pounds [depending on who you ask], was going to get bumped to the full welterweight limit of 147. The weight changed was disputed by those who are close to the fight. Then the fight got pushed back due to an injury to Mayweather's rib and the new date of September 19 has been locked down.

This time the weight change talk is coming from Nacho Beristain, the manager and trainer of Marquez. He says people are saying the weight got bumped to 147 and that would put them at a bigger disadvantage if it proves to be true.

"They are saying that they changed it to 147 pounds. Juan is eager to fight Mayweather and does not care about that, but if the fight is allowed to take place at that weight, Floyd could rise to 160-pounds by the time he enters the ring, or more. The chances of that taking place if he weiged 143 are far less because he would have to work a lot harder to make the weight. I need to speak to Juan about this," Beristain told The Record.

GAB To Investigate The Abandonment of Florante Condes

Games and Amusements Board boxing division chief Dr. Nasser Cruz says the GAB will investigate the reported abandonment of former IBF world minimum weight champion by promoter Sammy Gello-ani three days before Condes’ crucial title eliminator against undefeated Nkosinathi Joyi in South Africa.

Dr. Cruz said “we will review what really transpired and do our part.”

Gello-ani, in an interview with T.J. Manotoc of ABS-CBN claimed he was merely trying to help Condes and had nothing to do with arranging the fight.

However, Dr. Cruz told us that “actually Sammy Gello-ani was the one who arranged the fight” and that when he went to the GAB office “he was accompanied by the trainer (Joven) Jimenez. There were supposedly three of them who would travel there” – Condes, Jimenez and Gello-ani. He also confirmed that it was Gello-ani who filed the fight contract with the GAB.

Trainer Joven Jimenez corroborated the statements of Dr. Cruz and said he was hoping to accompany Condes so he could work the corner and make sure the fighter who in the end put up a courageous fight and won the hearts of the South African media for his gallant stand against a superior fighter in Joyi.

Dr. Cruz told us that under GAB rules “there must be at least the trainer. That’s the most important. The trainer must go not even another trainer. ”

He also pointed out that Dante Ortiz who was in the corner of Condes speaking English and Condes is not conversant with the language.

Respected South African “International Promoter of the Year” Branco Milenkovic informed us he was not given the name of the trainer of Condes with a request for his airfare and that when Gello-ani left three days before the fight he told Milenkovic he had to leave for Manila because of a “problem” while telling Condes he had to go to Atlantic City for the fight of Fernando Lumacad vs Jorge Arce because he had arranged that fight.

Condes hasn’t received his purse for the fight against Joyi as yet and Gello-ani claimed that the money was with Dante Ortiz and that Condes will receive it within the next couple of days. Ortiz himself hasn’t responded to any of our inquiries on what happened.

Condes did say however that prior to his departure from South Africa, Ortiz had given him $1,000.

Arum Waiting On Pacquiao To Close Cotto Deal

Top Rank's Bob Arum is waiting to speak with Manny Pacquiao to finalize the details of a proposed bout with WBO welterweight champon Miguel Cotto for November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The two will meet at a catch-weight of 145-pounds. Arum has been able to wrangle out the terms of the fight with Cotto and his team. Now he wants to see if the terms are acceptable to Pacquiao.

"There is a huge problem. And it's not so much concerning the weight, or money going to to the two of them, or the percentages - no, this is not the problem. My problem is that I need to speak with Manny Pacquiao," Arum told The Record.

Arum, who promotes both fighters, says the two boxers want the fight, and so does the public.

"I think Manny wants that fight, Cotto wants this fight, the public want this fight, I want that fight and the whole world wants that fight because in a ring are the two best fighters on the planet," said Arum.

Arum told the paper that if Antonio Margarito is able to regain his boxing license, he would be a future option for both Cotto and Pacquiao.

Z Gorres May End Up With a Deal Under Top Rank

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum wants to sign up classy Z "The Dream" Gorres because he believes Gorres is "a terrific fighter."

Gorres who has a record of 29-2-2 with 16 knockouts is one of the mainstays of the famed ALA Gym of respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer and is currently ranked No. 3 bantamweight by the WBO and No. 7 by the IBF.

Fighting as a super flyweight Gorres lost a hugely controversial split decision to WBO champion Fernando Montiel in February 2007 in Cebu and later fought Vic Darchinyan to a draw also in Cebu.

Arum told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that he had told matchmaker Bruce Trampler "we want to make contact with the manager and I want to see if we can sign this boy. "

He said that Trampler had called Golden Boy Promotions vice president and international matchmaker to check whether it was true that Gorres was no longer under contract with Golden Boy. Arum said Gomez confirmed that they "had no contract with Gorres any longer. "

Trampler himself told us "we’re very excited about working with Tony and Michael Aldeguer and their stable of fighters including Z Gorres."

There is a possibility that should Top Rank sign up Gorres in the near future he may figure on the scheduled August 29 fight card at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu headlined by IBF light flyweight champion Brian Viloria’s first defense of the title he won with a spectacular, one-punch 11th round knockout over the tough Mexican Ulises Solis last April 19.

Viloria, the former WBC champion has a record of 25-2 with 15 knockouts and will face tough and rugged Luis Alberto Lazarte of Mexico who has a record of 43-9-1 with 18 knockouts to his name and gave WBC champion Edgar Sosa a rough time before being disqualified in the 10 round for low blows in a decision Lazarte vehemently protested.

In a deft move the astute Arum appears to be outsmarting Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions by capitalizing on the fierce rivalry between Filipinos and Mexicans who are guaranteed crowd pleasers and is pushing the concept of Pinoy Power.

Trampler said Filipinos are "outnumbered by Mexicans who are in effect the home team, so like Manny (Pacquiao) did before them, the Pinoys have to beat Mexicans on their way to the top. I think your guys are going to do it. "

Everything is Fine For Pacquiao vs. Cotto, Says Arum

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says "everything is fine" in terms of the scheduled showdown between Filipino boxing icon and hero of Asia Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rico’s WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on November 14.

Arum said Pacquiao only has to look at the numbers in his proposal which is being hand-carried by Pacquiao’s adviser and Arum’s friend Michael Koncz. Koncz delayed his scheduled return to Manila on Tuesday until Friday so that he could accompany world-rated Bernabe Concepcion to the "Pinoy Power 2" press conference at the Artists Hall in the Convention Center of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday, Manila Time.

The Press conference will feature former International Boxing Federation (IBF) / International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion NONITO "The Filipino Flash" DONAIRE, Jr., World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion STEVEN LUEVANO, former World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight champion RAFAEL "El Torito" CONCEPCION and the WBO's No. 1 featherweight contender and mandatory challenger BERNABE CONCEPCION of the Philippines who will join promoter BOB ARUM at the luncheon news conference.

They will be announcing "Pinoy Power 2," the world championship extravaganza, headlined by two world title rumbles. Promoted by Top Rank, "Pinoy Power 2" will take place Saturday, August 15 and will be broadcast Live on Pay-Per-View from the new Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Arum said "there was no problem" and that Koncz had "some personal stuff to attend to so he’s been delayed." At the same time both Arum and Koncz said while there were no hitches to the Cotto fight, Pacquiao had to look at and approve the terms which both men had said were good, without elaborating.

The Top Rank promoter claimed that Golden Boy Promotions continued to push for a Shane Mosley- Manny Pacquiao fight because "they got such a crushing blow with this (Victor) Ortiz kid whom they were all banking and he got his ass kicked on Saturday that they haven’t recovered yet from that defeat" and that’s why they are pushing Mosley.