SOURCE: 8COUNTNEWS.COM
The pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao returns home to 8CountNews and shares his thoughts on his big upcoming fight against Joshua Clottey. Pacquiao pulls no punches in this exclusive interview, he goes right after Floyd Mayweather and questions why he would purposely discredit his good name. Pacquiao also breaks down his fight against Clottey, and touches on his political career as well. Check out what else the pound for pound king had to say ONLY on 8CountNews!
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO INTERVIEW BELOW
8CN - Manny thank you for joining us tonight.
MP - Hello 8CountNews.com how are you doing?
8CN - Doing good, OK let's talk about Joshua Clottey. What does Clottey bring into the ring that gets your attention?
MP - Joshua Clottey is a good fighter and a strong fighter, he can punch. I truly believe that we can bring a good fight, and create a lot of boxing in the ring.
8CN - Are you concerned by how strong Clottey's chin is? He is tough to hurt.
MP - Yes, that's what I am saying, Clottey is tough. He can punch, and he is very strong.
8CN - He is going to be bigger and you are going to be faster. Do you think that he will suffer the same fate as your other opponents? Do you think you will be too fast for him?
MP - My advantage is my speed, but I have to use that properly. I have to use my speed in the fight correctly.
8CN - I was talking to Evander Holyfield, and he said that he noticed that when you punch you use your legs. He said that you use your legs to get leverage on your punches. Do you agree with him?
MP - Yes, you know the power of my punches is from my legs. Evander Holyfield is my idol, I always watch his fights.
8CN - Evander supports you, he said that Mayweather should not have accused you of taking steroids. That must be important for you to hear someone like Evander say that.
MP - Yes, and I don't understand Floyd. Maybe he just doesn't want to fight me. Maybe he needs more time to make a decision to fight me.
8CN - Do you think that was part of Floyd's plan? Do you think he was looking for an out the whole time?
MP - That's right, I believe that.
8CN - Training camp for Clottey is a little bit shorter this time. Do you have any concerns with the camp being shorter?
MP - No, training is good. Right now I have pretty good movement. I am throwing good combinations, and I will be ready for the fight on March 13th.
8CN - I want to get back on the Floyd Mayweather situation. How disappointed are you for the fans and all of boxing that this fight will not happen?
MP - Well I am disappointed actually, I feel bad because if he doesn't want to fight, why get into a big alibi by ruining my name?
8CN - Your reputation could have taken a real hit because of that....
MP - Cutting in - I don't know what his story is. I don't know why he would accuse me like that.
8CN - Put it into your words how important it is for you to maintain your integrity and reputation to all of the boxing fans.
MP - The boxing fans and the Filipino boxing fans believe that Floyd is just making an alibi to cancel the fight, he's not ready to fight.
8CN - Do you think you will ultimately fight Floyd one day?
MP - I think he is scared to lose. I think he knows that if he fights me, he has a good chance to lose.
8CN - I think a lot of fans think that Manny
MP - (Laughs)
8CN - How many more fights do you think you have left in your career?
MP - It's hard to say right now but 3 to 4 more fights.
8CN - If you do win your seat in the election, will you still be involved in boxing?
MP - Maybe I will keep on fighting.
8CN - So you might still fight even if you win the election?
MP - Yes.
8CN - OK, Manny I know you're busy so do you have any closing thoughts for the fans out there?
MP - OK Brad thank you, and to all of the fans I say thank you very much. I hope everyone watches my fight on March 13th in Dallas. Thank you Brad.
Special thanks to our friend Rob Peters
Friday, January 29, 2010
10 questions going into the Pacquiao-Clottey fight
SOURCE: RINGTV.COM
1. Is Clottey a worthy opponent? Short answer: yes. Pacquiao is THE RING’s No. 1-rated welterweight; Clottey is No. 5. That’s a good matchup. The Ghanian is coming off a loss to Miguel Cotto, one of the most-respected fighters in the world, but some believe he did enough to win a close decision. Clottey has never been knocked out and has good defensive skills, which means he’ll probably survive at least until the late rounds. That said, it’s difficult to get excited about Clottey’s chances or the fighter himself. He’s merely a very good boxer with pretty good power, which won’t be enough to stave off a fierce, quick-handed marvel like Pacquiao. The Filipino is roughly a 4-1 favorite for a reason. And Pacquiao went from Floyd Mayweather Jr. to a relative unknown for his opponent. A drop off that enormous will limit the buzz surrounding the fight.
2. Can Pacquiao hurt Clottey? Pacquiao has faced two welterweights. One, Oscar De La Hoya, could barely fight back. The other, Cotto, doesn’t have the best chin in the world. Clottey is different. The reason he has never been knocked out is he can take a punch. He has proved that over and over again. Thus, there is a very real possibility that the Clottey will remain standing for the full 12 rounds. I don’t see that happening, though. I believe Pacquiao has legitimate welterweight power. Plus, Clottey has never seen this kind of hand speed or punches coming from so many unpredictable directions. The punches that hurt opponents most are the ones they don’t see coming. Pacquiao might not take Clottey out with one punch but an accumulation of them should do the job. If not? Doesn’t matter. Pacquiao will just outbox his inferior foe.
3. Are Pacquiao’s last four victories misleading because of the opposition? Pacquiao supporters will roll their eyes when they read this but it’s a legitimate question. Diaz is good but limited; De La Hoya had nothing left; Hatton was overrated and some will argue that Cotto never fully recovered from the beating he took from Margarito. So what does that say about Pacquiao? Not much. As his trainer, Freddie Roach, has pointed out, we thought these opponents were all pretty good going into their meetings with Pacquiao. It was afterward, for the most part, that we began to question to them. Clottey might actually be the most-difficult to criticize even after the fact because he has had a fine career and has shown no signs of decline. Still, some will find serious fault with him and anyone else Pacquiao fights short of Mayweather or Mosley. The bottom line is that he’s destroying whomever they put in front of him. Let’s enjoy it.
4. Has Pacquiao’s reputation taken a hit after the failed negotiations with Mayweather? I don’t think so. Most fans seemed to blame Mayweather for the impasse, insisting that he was out of line to make blood-testing demands outside normal protocol even though Pacquiao has never failed a drug test. I also don’t think many people believe he has taken performance-enhancing drugs. Most adhere to the innocent-until-proven-guilty philosophy, which is the only fair approach to take. Undoubtedly, a small percentage feel strongly that he should’ve taken the blood test two weeks before the fight if he had nothing to hide. And a smaller percentage, those convinced he couldn’t have such success at heavier weights without some help, will accuse Pacquiao of wrong doing. That’s a very small group, though. He is relatively unscathed.
5. Will Pacquiao suffer a letdown after his epic showdown with Mayweather fell through? Not a chance. Pacquiao is the most-focused, most-professional boxer I’ve ever seen in spite of myriad distractions. In part, that’s just how he is. He is so committed that he left his homeland and traveled halfway around the world seeking a good trainer simply because he wanted to tap into what he knew was vast potential. The fact he has the hopes and dreams of an entire nation on his shoulders also is an immensely powerful motivating factor. He knows too much is riding on every fight to let down. And even if he were to slip up, Roach would be there to give him a good kick in the behind. Pacquiao will be as ready as ever on March 13.
6. Could Pacquiao’s demanding schedule the past few years catch up to him? Pacquiao, 31, hasn’t had a particularly hard fight since the rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez in March of 2008. He cruised past David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, although the first few rounds against Cotto were brutal. However, Pacquiao, one of the hardest workers in the world, has been training diligently to perfect his craft for 15 years without a significant break. That includes countless sparring sessions in which he has absorbed considerable punishment. Also, no one has a more hectic and demanding personal schedule than the Filipino idol. It’s not farfetched to wonder whether all of the above will take a toll on him at some point.
7. How many people will attend the fight at the new Cowboys Stadium in Dallas? An estimated 20,000 tickets were sold the first day they were available. That’s probably a tribute to Pacquiao’s growing popularity in the U.S., a large number of boxing-friendly Latinos in the Dallas area, a strong sports culture in Texas and the novelty of the first boxing card there. The stadium reportedly will be configured for 45,000 seats. I doubt that many people will buy tickets but I won’t be surprised to see a large crowd. I suspect the atmosphere will be festive but those in attendance shouldn’t necessarily expect electricity. I attended the Wladimir Klitschko-Ruslan Chagaev fight at a packed 60,000-seat soccer stadium in Germany and the energy dwindled to nothing when it became clear that Klitschko was going to win easily. Then again, the 126,000-seat Estadio Azteca in Mexico City rocked throughout the Julio Cesar Chavez-Greg Haugen fight.
8. How many pay-per-view buys will the fight generate? Pacquiao-Mayweather, featuring the two biggest pay-per-view draws in the U.S., might’ve smashed records by generating a record 3 million-plus buys. Pacquiao-Clottey? I think 800,000-900,000 –- or just shy of the 1 million Pacquiao-Cotto drew -- is realistic. Clottey isn’t nearly the attraction Cotto is in part because he doesn’t have a Latino fan base in the U.S. However, the fascination with Pacquiao is still growing and the unusual venue -– Cowboys Stadium -– adds to the appeal of the event. Plus, Antonio Margarito’s return from suspension would give the show a significant bump if he receives a license in Texas.
9. What if Pacquiao wins? Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, has come up with a fascinating plan to have his star attraction fight Antonio Margarito this year if the disgraced Mexican fighter receives a license in Texas. That would be a very lucrative matchup. The fact Margarito would be returning from his suspension in California –- for illegal hand wraps -– and a large following among Mexicans and Mexican-Americans would make him a hot commodity and the fight much more attractive than Pacquiao-Clottey. Thus, we might be looking at 2011 for the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown. That’s assuming neither of the star participants slips up in the meantime and can get past blood-testing issues in the end.
10. What if Clottey wins? A Clottey victory would turn the boxing world upside down. Suddenly, the sport’s most-popular figure would be exposed as human after all and lose the remarkable momentum that has experts comparing him to the greatest fighters of all time. The landscape would be far less interesting, to say the least. Pacquiao would remain an attraction –- particularly if he could beat Clottey in a rematch -– but he probably would never be quite the same. Pacquiao-Mayweather or Pacquiao-Mosley would still be big but, with a diminished Pacquiao, wouldn’t smash pay-per-view records. Clottey would set himself up for some healthy paydays but will never be a true star. This is fantasy, though: Clottey isn’t going to win.
1. Is Clottey a worthy opponent? Short answer: yes. Pacquiao is THE RING’s No. 1-rated welterweight; Clottey is No. 5. That’s a good matchup. The Ghanian is coming off a loss to Miguel Cotto, one of the most-respected fighters in the world, but some believe he did enough to win a close decision. Clottey has never been knocked out and has good defensive skills, which means he’ll probably survive at least until the late rounds. That said, it’s difficult to get excited about Clottey’s chances or the fighter himself. He’s merely a very good boxer with pretty good power, which won’t be enough to stave off a fierce, quick-handed marvel like Pacquiao. The Filipino is roughly a 4-1 favorite for a reason. And Pacquiao went from Floyd Mayweather Jr. to a relative unknown for his opponent. A drop off that enormous will limit the buzz surrounding the fight.2. Can Pacquiao hurt Clottey? Pacquiao has faced two welterweights. One, Oscar De La Hoya, could barely fight back. The other, Cotto, doesn’t have the best chin in the world. Clottey is different. The reason he has never been knocked out is he can take a punch. He has proved that over and over again. Thus, there is a very real possibility that the Clottey will remain standing for the full 12 rounds. I don’t see that happening, though. I believe Pacquiao has legitimate welterweight power. Plus, Clottey has never seen this kind of hand speed or punches coming from so many unpredictable directions. The punches that hurt opponents most are the ones they don’t see coming. Pacquiao might not take Clottey out with one punch but an accumulation of them should do the job. If not? Doesn’t matter. Pacquiao will just outbox his inferior foe.
3. Are Pacquiao’s last four victories misleading because of the opposition? Pacquiao supporters will roll their eyes when they read this but it’s a legitimate question. Diaz is good but limited; De La Hoya had nothing left; Hatton was overrated and some will argue that Cotto never fully recovered from the beating he took from Margarito. So what does that say about Pacquiao? Not much. As his trainer, Freddie Roach, has pointed out, we thought these opponents were all pretty good going into their meetings with Pacquiao. It was afterward, for the most part, that we began to question to them. Clottey might actually be the most-difficult to criticize even after the fact because he has had a fine career and has shown no signs of decline. Still, some will find serious fault with him and anyone else Pacquiao fights short of Mayweather or Mosley. The bottom line is that he’s destroying whomever they put in front of him. Let’s enjoy it.
4. Has Pacquiao’s reputation taken a hit after the failed negotiations with Mayweather? I don’t think so. Most fans seemed to blame Mayweather for the impasse, insisting that he was out of line to make blood-testing demands outside normal protocol even though Pacquiao has never failed a drug test. I also don’t think many people believe he has taken performance-enhancing drugs. Most adhere to the innocent-until-proven-guilty philosophy, which is the only fair approach to take. Undoubtedly, a small percentage feel strongly that he should’ve taken the blood test two weeks before the fight if he had nothing to hide. And a smaller percentage, those convinced he couldn’t have such success at heavier weights without some help, will accuse Pacquiao of wrong doing. That’s a very small group, though. He is relatively unscathed.
5. Will Pacquiao suffer a letdown after his epic showdown with Mayweather fell through? Not a chance. Pacquiao is the most-focused, most-professional boxer I’ve ever seen in spite of myriad distractions. In part, that’s just how he is. He is so committed that he left his homeland and traveled halfway around the world seeking a good trainer simply because he wanted to tap into what he knew was vast potential. The fact he has the hopes and dreams of an entire nation on his shoulders also is an immensely powerful motivating factor. He knows too much is riding on every fight to let down. And even if he were to slip up, Roach would be there to give him a good kick in the behind. Pacquiao will be as ready as ever on March 13.
6. Could Pacquiao’s demanding schedule the past few years catch up to him? Pacquiao, 31, hasn’t had a particularly hard fight since the rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez in March of 2008. He cruised past David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, although the first few rounds against Cotto were brutal. However, Pacquiao, one of the hardest workers in the world, has been training diligently to perfect his craft for 15 years without a significant break. That includes countless sparring sessions in which he has absorbed considerable punishment. Also, no one has a more hectic and demanding personal schedule than the Filipino idol. It’s not farfetched to wonder whether all of the above will take a toll on him at some point.
7. How many people will attend the fight at the new Cowboys Stadium in Dallas? An estimated 20,000 tickets were sold the first day they were available. That’s probably a tribute to Pacquiao’s growing popularity in the U.S., a large number of boxing-friendly Latinos in the Dallas area, a strong sports culture in Texas and the novelty of the first boxing card there. The stadium reportedly will be configured for 45,000 seats. I doubt that many people will buy tickets but I won’t be surprised to see a large crowd. I suspect the atmosphere will be festive but those in attendance shouldn’t necessarily expect electricity. I attended the Wladimir Klitschko-Ruslan Chagaev fight at a packed 60,000-seat soccer stadium in Germany and the energy dwindled to nothing when it became clear that Klitschko was going to win easily. Then again, the 126,000-seat Estadio Azteca in Mexico City rocked throughout the Julio Cesar Chavez-Greg Haugen fight.
8. How many pay-per-view buys will the fight generate? Pacquiao-Mayweather, featuring the two biggest pay-per-view draws in the U.S., might’ve smashed records by generating a record 3 million-plus buys. Pacquiao-Clottey? I think 800,000-900,000 –- or just shy of the 1 million Pacquiao-Cotto drew -- is realistic. Clottey isn’t nearly the attraction Cotto is in part because he doesn’t have a Latino fan base in the U.S. However, the fascination with Pacquiao is still growing and the unusual venue -– Cowboys Stadium -– adds to the appeal of the event. Plus, Antonio Margarito’s return from suspension would give the show a significant bump if he receives a license in Texas.
9. What if Pacquiao wins? Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, has come up with a fascinating plan to have his star attraction fight Antonio Margarito this year if the disgraced Mexican fighter receives a license in Texas. That would be a very lucrative matchup. The fact Margarito would be returning from his suspension in California –- for illegal hand wraps -– and a large following among Mexicans and Mexican-Americans would make him a hot commodity and the fight much more attractive than Pacquiao-Clottey. Thus, we might be looking at 2011 for the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown. That’s assuming neither of the star participants slips up in the meantime and can get past blood-testing issues in the end.
10. What if Clottey wins? A Clottey victory would turn the boxing world upside down. Suddenly, the sport’s most-popular figure would be exposed as human after all and lose the remarkable momentum that has experts comparing him to the greatest fighters of all time. The landscape would be far less interesting, to say the least. Pacquiao would remain an attraction –- particularly if he could beat Clottey in a rematch -– but he probably would never be quite the same. Pacquiao-Mayweather or Pacquiao-Mosley would still be big but, with a diminished Pacquiao, wouldn’t smash pay-per-view records. Clottey would set himself up for some healthy paydays but will never be a true star. This is fantasy, though: Clottey isn’t going to win.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Pacquiao training for Clottey fight
Orthodox stance & Freddie’s birthday gift to Manny, gold boxing gloves.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Pacquiao-Clottey tickets on fire on first day of sales
SOURCE: ESPN.COM
NEW YORK -- Sure, most boxing fans really, really wanted to see pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao fight Floyd Mayweather on March 13. While that fight isn't happening now because of their inability to agree on how to handle drug testing for the bout, the public seems to have accepted with open arms Pacquiao's replacement fight.
NEW YORK -- Sure, most boxing fans really, really wanted to see pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao fight Floyd Mayweather on March 13. While that fight isn't happening now because of their inability to agree on how to handle drug testing for the bout, the public seems to have accepted with open arms Pacquiao's replacement fight.He's going to meet former welterweight titleholder Joshua Clottey on HBO PPV on March 13 in the first boxing event to be held at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, outside of Dallas.
In just the first three hours of public tickets sales (preceded by three days of limited pre-sales) on Saturday, more than 20,000 of the approximately 40,000 available were gobbled up. They ranged in price from $50 to $700.
"Ross Greenburg and I are very gratified that the public has responded like they have, and we are happy for our partner (Cowboys owner) Jerry Jones," Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told me on Saturday night at the Madison Square Garden Theater.
Arum and Greenburg, the president of HBO Sports, were sitting together shortly before the telecast of Top Rank's doubleheader, featuring featherweight title bouts pitting Steven Luevano and Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa and Rogers Mtagwa.
Arum said if the demand for the fight continues the capacity of the stadium, which is 100,000 or so for Cowboys games, can easily be increased.
"It's going to be quite a night," Arum said. "And Jerry isn't just a one-event guy. If he sees this as a success you can be sure he'll do more boxing in that great stadium."
Also Saturday night, junior middleweight titlist Yuri Foreman and former welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto were in the house. Arum, who promotes both, was talking with both sides trying to finalize a June 12 fight between them, which he is planning for in the Madison Square Garden main arena.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Pacquiao Vs. Hatton Fight (Downloadable Video)
AGGRESSIVE ARCHIVE FORCE
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Release Date....: 2009.05.03
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Big up all scene massive!
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HBO.Boxing.Pacquiao.vs.Hatton.Main.Event.PPV.HDTV.XviD-aAF
Release Date....: 2009.05.03
Genre - Boxing
Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton
Minor video glitch 31:07 into it, causing a small video jump
sorry, but nothing vital is missed. you wont even notice )
Big up all scene massive!
RAPIDSHARE.COM
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Pacquiao Vs. Velasquez Fight (Downloadable Video)
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FILEFACTORY
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Pacquiao Vs. Morales Fight (Downloadable Video)
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Pacquiao Vs. Cotto Fight (Downloadable Video)
WBO welterweight Title - Miguel Cotto vs Manny Pacquiao - 14th Nov 2009 - XviD - FreaK
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Pacquiao, Clottey are looking forward to rumbling at Cowboys Stadium on March 13
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Guys wearing jeans and cowboy hats ran through dry ice and past the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, sparklers firing from the tips of the flagpoles they carried.
Michael Buffer gave his signature introduction, the music blared, the highlights rolled and, finally — walking through the same tunnel the Cowboys use to enter and exit their home turf — out came boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.
No, this wasn't a test run for Pacquiao's March 13 welterweight fight against Joshua Clottey in the $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium.
This was merely the news conference kicking off the hype for a bout being billed as "The Event."
"This is going to be the Super Bowl of boxing," said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer.
Not really. That would've been the hoped-for matchup between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which was scuttled after Mayweather outlined a drug testing plan Pacquiao wouldn't accept.
Had that fight come together, it would have been in Las Vegas. So as far as Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is concerned, things worked out just fine.
"It did," Jones said, smiling. "This gave us an opening. We were very aggressive. We were pretty quick to make a deal."
Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum was smitten by the stadium during negotiations for a possible Pacquaio-Mayweather fight. Arum returned for a Cowboys playoff game, sitting near former President George W. Bush in Jones' box.
Arum has promoted fights at the Astrodome and at Yankee Stadium. He predicts Cowboys Stadium "will have a big role in boxing for years to come."
"I have never, ever seen anything like it," Arum said. "There is nothing in the world like this place. It just blows you away."
The stadium is hosting the NBA All-Star Game next month and will host the Super Bowl next year. A Final Four is on the way, as is a Notre Dame football game. It's also in the running as a World Cup soccer site, should that event come to the United States.
Still, for all that it has going for it, the building is right off an interstate highway in a suburb midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. There's a nearby amusement park and some strip centers, none of which will ever be confused with the Las Vegas Strip.
But money talks and Jones believes he can make it financially worthwhile for fighters. His goal is to host up to four or five fights a year, "once we establish that we are the place to fight and have the kind of stature that we want to have." He used Madison Square Garden as a comparison.
For this fight, the Cowboys are planning to sell around 40,000 seats, offering tickets on all but the highest decks.
There's no decision yet on whether they will have the standing-room only tickets that have been so popular for other events since the stadium opened last summer. Considering the HBO pay-per-view will cost $49.95, it would be a heck of a deal to pay that much to watch on the stadium's enormous video boards, while also being in the building.
Jones vowed that fight night will be even splashier than the news conference.
"We're going to make this one of the most interesting fights to view that there's ever been," he said. "It'll have everything to do with the flexibility of this board right above the ring. We're going to have some fun with it."
The fight itself should be pretty good, too.
Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) is widely considered the best fighter, pound-for-pound, in the world. In November, he beat Miguel Cotto, who beat Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs) last summer. However, that fight was a split decision that many felt should've gone to Clottey, a native of Ghana who lives in New York.
The boxers praised each other during Tuesday's event. They also were gushing over the facility and the glitzy news conference.
"I like the introduction," Pacquiao said. "I'm surprised. I feel like I'm a ... football player!"
Soon enough, he looked like one.
Jones presented Pacquiao with a No. 3 jersey featuring his name on the back. Clottey received a No. 13 jersey.
The significance? It's shorthand for the date of the bout: 3-13.
Jones already has gotten ticket requests from former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells. Jones and Barry Switzer have gone to fights together, so he'll probably ask for a seat, too.
Parcells, though, is the biggest fight fan of the bunch. In fact, Jones once looked into investing in Pacquiao's career.
"Bill really encouraged me to meet with the guy who had Pacquiao," Jones said. "I had him come in and sit down and talk about backing Pacquiao. You could see his potential at that time."
Michael Buffer gave his signature introduction, the music blared, the highlights rolled and, finally — walking through the same tunnel the Cowboys use to enter and exit their home turf — out came boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.
No, this wasn't a test run for Pacquiao's March 13 welterweight fight against Joshua Clottey in the $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium.
This was merely the news conference kicking off the hype for a bout being billed as "The Event."
"This is going to be the Super Bowl of boxing," said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer.
Not really. That would've been the hoped-for matchup between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which was scuttled after Mayweather outlined a drug testing plan Pacquiao wouldn't accept.
Had that fight come together, it would have been in Las Vegas. So as far as Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is concerned, things worked out just fine.
"It did," Jones said, smiling. "This gave us an opening. We were very aggressive. We were pretty quick to make a deal."
Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum was smitten by the stadium during negotiations for a possible Pacquaio-Mayweather fight. Arum returned for a Cowboys playoff game, sitting near former President George W. Bush in Jones' box.
Arum has promoted fights at the Astrodome and at Yankee Stadium. He predicts Cowboys Stadium "will have a big role in boxing for years to come."
"I have never, ever seen anything like it," Arum said. "There is nothing in the world like this place. It just blows you away."
The stadium is hosting the NBA All-Star Game next month and will host the Super Bowl next year. A Final Four is on the way, as is a Notre Dame football game. It's also in the running as a World Cup soccer site, should that event come to the United States.
Still, for all that it has going for it, the building is right off an interstate highway in a suburb midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. There's a nearby amusement park and some strip centers, none of which will ever be confused with the Las Vegas Strip.
But money talks and Jones believes he can make it financially worthwhile for fighters. His goal is to host up to four or five fights a year, "once we establish that we are the place to fight and have the kind of stature that we want to have." He used Madison Square Garden as a comparison.
For this fight, the Cowboys are planning to sell around 40,000 seats, offering tickets on all but the highest decks.
There's no decision yet on whether they will have the standing-room only tickets that have been so popular for other events since the stadium opened last summer. Considering the HBO pay-per-view will cost $49.95, it would be a heck of a deal to pay that much to watch on the stadium's enormous video boards, while also being in the building.
Jones vowed that fight night will be even splashier than the news conference.
"We're going to make this one of the most interesting fights to view that there's ever been," he said. "It'll have everything to do with the flexibility of this board right above the ring. We're going to have some fun with it."
The fight itself should be pretty good, too.
Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) is widely considered the best fighter, pound-for-pound, in the world. In November, he beat Miguel Cotto, who beat Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs) last summer. However, that fight was a split decision that many felt should've gone to Clottey, a native of Ghana who lives in New York.
The boxers praised each other during Tuesday's event. They also were gushing over the facility and the glitzy news conference.
"I like the introduction," Pacquiao said. "I'm surprised. I feel like I'm a ... football player!"
Soon enough, he looked like one.
Jones presented Pacquiao with a No. 3 jersey featuring his name on the back. Clottey received a No. 13 jersey.
The significance? It's shorthand for the date of the bout: 3-13.
Jones already has gotten ticket requests from former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells. Jones and Barry Switzer have gone to fights together, so he'll probably ask for a seat, too.
Parcells, though, is the biggest fight fan of the bunch. In fact, Jones once looked into investing in Pacquiao's career.
"Bill really encouraged me to meet with the guy who had Pacquiao," Jones said. "I had him come in and sit down and talk about backing Pacquiao. You could see his potential at that time."
Nightlife, money games over: Busy days ahead for Pacman
FROM PHILSTAR.COM
MANILA, Philippines - Late nights, sleepless nights, are over for Manny Pacquiao.
Because once he lands in Los Angeles, Pacquiao should be eating, breathing and thinking of Josh Clottey until the night they climb the ring and fight at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 13.
For the next seven weeks, there’s nothing else to do but train.
The last few days, Pacquiao had been out partying and engaging himself in his favorite pastime, playing billiards at this special place in Malate, sometimes for as long as the sun rises.
Someone close to Pacquiao said it’s just his way of having “good, clean fun.”
Another source said the 31-year-old pound-for-pound champion, who can easily make $15 million per fight, came home the other day to his Hyatt Hotel suite richer by P3 million ($63,000) through money games.
Pacquiao was scheduled to board a Philippine Airlines flight last night along with his Canadian adviser Mike Koncz, his brother Bobby, his lawyer Jeng Gacal, and trainers Nonoy Neri and Roger Fernandez.
A press conference is up in Dallas on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), and then another one in New York the day after. Pacquiao reports for his first day of training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in LA on Thursday.
Saturday evening, Koncz faced the media at the Hyatt Hotel, gladly announcing the negative results of a drug test which Pacquiao took last Dec. 30, and talked about the coming fight, which is said isn’t going to be easy.
“I don’t think any fight is easy,” he said, not against Clottey, a 32-year-old former world champion from Ghana, who is as big or as popular as Pacquiao’s latest victims, including Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.
“Clottey is hungrier. And he knows that if he beats Manny he becomes a superstar,” said Koncz of the muscular opponent who, for the first time in his 15-year career, will be paid more than $1 million for a single fight.
Clottey has never been knocked out, and in his 39 fights has only lost thrice. They were questionable losses to Carlos Baldomir (disqualification in 1999), Antonio Margarito (2006) and Cotto (2009).
“Clottey is differednt from Cotto or even (Floyd) Mayweather. He’s stocky and muscular. I really think this is going to be a difficult fight. What Clottey has that Cotto didn’t have was a tight defense.
“And the volume of punches that he throws is just great. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. His hands are always up protecting his head and he comes after you with a lot of punches,” said Koncz.
Pacquiao was at ringside when Cotto and Clottey figured in a bloody 12-round duel last June.
“And Cotto hit him with everything he had and he kept on coming. Clottey is a real opponent and there will be no excuses after the fight which is going to be at 147 pounds – no catchweight.” said Koncz.
MANILA, Philippines - Late nights, sleepless nights, are over for Manny Pacquiao.
Because once he lands in Los Angeles, Pacquiao should be eating, breathing and thinking of Josh Clottey until the night they climb the ring and fight at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 13.
For the next seven weeks, there’s nothing else to do but train.
The last few days, Pacquiao had been out partying and engaging himself in his favorite pastime, playing billiards at this special place in Malate, sometimes for as long as the sun rises.
Someone close to Pacquiao said it’s just his way of having “good, clean fun.”
Another source said the 31-year-old pound-for-pound champion, who can easily make $15 million per fight, came home the other day to his Hyatt Hotel suite richer by P3 million ($63,000) through money games.
Pacquiao was scheduled to board a Philippine Airlines flight last night along with his Canadian adviser Mike Koncz, his brother Bobby, his lawyer Jeng Gacal, and trainers Nonoy Neri and Roger Fernandez.
A press conference is up in Dallas on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), and then another one in New York the day after. Pacquiao reports for his first day of training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in LA on Thursday.
Saturday evening, Koncz faced the media at the Hyatt Hotel, gladly announcing the negative results of a drug test which Pacquiao took last Dec. 30, and talked about the coming fight, which is said isn’t going to be easy.
“I don’t think any fight is easy,” he said, not against Clottey, a 32-year-old former world champion from Ghana, who is as big or as popular as Pacquiao’s latest victims, including Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.
“Clottey is hungrier. And he knows that if he beats Manny he becomes a superstar,” said Koncz of the muscular opponent who, for the first time in his 15-year career, will be paid more than $1 million for a single fight.
Clottey has never been knocked out, and in his 39 fights has only lost thrice. They were questionable losses to Carlos Baldomir (disqualification in 1999), Antonio Margarito (2006) and Cotto (2009).
“Clottey is differednt from Cotto or even (Floyd) Mayweather. He’s stocky and muscular. I really think this is going to be a difficult fight. What Clottey has that Cotto didn’t have was a tight defense.
“And the volume of punches that he throws is just great. It’s not going to be a walk in the park. His hands are always up protecting his head and he comes after you with a lot of punches,” said Koncz.
Pacquiao was at ringside when Cotto and Clottey figured in a bloody 12-round duel last June.
“And Cotto hit him with everything he had and he kept on coming. Clottey is a real opponent and there will be no excuses after the fight which is going to be at 147 pounds – no catchweight.” said Koncz.
ESPN Poll: 76% of respondents won’t be watching Pacquiao-Clottey – News
By Sean McDaniel: If the ESPN poll is any guide in which the respondents were asked if they would watch the Pacquiao-Clottey bout shown at the Dallas Cowboy stadium, there could be a general disinterest in the upcoming March 13th bout between WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey at the Dallas Cowboy stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Of 37,000 respondents that have taken part in the poll, 76% of them have voted that they won’t be watching the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. Of course, this is a boxing site that hardcore fans go to more than casual ones.
However, it’s not a good sign when you have that many people showing little interest in wanting to see the replacement fight for the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout. Boxing fans were hoping to see the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on March 13th, but the fight fell apart after Pacquiao and Mayweather couldn’t agree on the blood testing for the fight.
Top Rank, who will be promoting the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, still hasn’t started their promotion of the fight yet. There isn’t much time to promote the fight, but with a strong surge, it’s possible they could drum up interest in the fight with the casualfans if they can make Clottey look good somehow.
They could have to focus on showing bits and parts of his career, and stay away from his disappointing losses to Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. The problem here is that Clottey isn’t well known amongboxing fans, aside from the hardcore fans. He’s not a real flashy fighter either, so it’s going to take some selling to get people to want to fork over big money to watch this on pay-per-view.
As of now, there’s no word which cable network will be showing the fight. HBO would be a big help in selling the Pacquiao-Clottey fight if they can put together one of their 24/7 series for the fight. It’s a little different in this case from their usual 24/7 series, which typically has two big stars facing each other. In this case, it would be one big star –Pacquiao – against an opponent that boxing fans would have scant knowledge of.
That could be good or bad. If HBO or Top Rank can make Clottey look like a monster, instead of a defensive fighter who recently was beaten by Miguel Cotto, it could drumming up interest amongfans. It would be a huge disappointment if the Pacquiao-Clottey fight fails to make 900,000 pay-per view buys.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Pacquiao, but even I have a hard time stomaching this fight. Clottey wasn’t the kind of opponent that I was expecting as a replacement for Mayweather, and depending on how much the fight goes for on pay-per-view, I might not watch it. If it’s $49.95 or more, I’ll save mymoney on other things. I’d like to see it, but just because I want to see Pacquiao fight.
I don’t see the fight as a competitive match, which is why I’m not all that excited about it. I’m sure that Top Rank and/or HBO will do a good job of convincing the casualfans that this will be a competitive fight. However, since I know boxing well, and see this as a mismatch, the PPV price will have to be reasonable for me to want to throw down my money on this.
Of 37,000 respondents that have taken part in the poll, 76% of them have voted that they won’t be watching the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. Of course, this is a boxing site that hardcore fans go to more than casual ones.
However, it’s not a good sign when you have that many people showing little interest in wanting to see the replacement fight for the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout. Boxing fans were hoping to see the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on March 13th, but the fight fell apart after Pacquiao and Mayweather couldn’t agree on the blood testing for the fight.
Top Rank, who will be promoting the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, still hasn’t started their promotion of the fight yet. There isn’t much time to promote the fight, but with a strong surge, it’s possible they could drum up interest in the fight with the casualfans if they can make Clottey look good somehow.
They could have to focus on showing bits and parts of his career, and stay away from his disappointing losses to Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. The problem here is that Clottey isn’t well known amongboxing fans, aside from the hardcore fans. He’s not a real flashy fighter either, so it’s going to take some selling to get people to want to fork over big money to watch this on pay-per-view.
As of now, there’s no word which cable network will be showing the fight. HBO would be a big help in selling the Pacquiao-Clottey fight if they can put together one of their 24/7 series for the fight. It’s a little different in this case from their usual 24/7 series, which typically has two big stars facing each other. In this case, it would be one big star –Pacquiao – against an opponent that boxing fans would have scant knowledge of.
That could be good or bad. If HBO or Top Rank can make Clottey look like a monster, instead of a defensive fighter who recently was beaten by Miguel Cotto, it could drumming up interest amongfans. It would be a huge disappointment if the Pacquiao-Clottey fight fails to make 900,000 pay-per view buys.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Pacquiao, but even I have a hard time stomaching this fight. Clottey wasn’t the kind of opponent that I was expecting as a replacement for Mayweather, and depending on how much the fight goes for on pay-per-view, I might not watch it. If it’s $49.95 or more, I’ll save mymoney on other things. I’d like to see it, but just because I want to see Pacquiao fight.
I don’t see the fight as a competitive match, which is why I’m not all that excited about it. I’m sure that Top Rank and/or HBO will do a good job of convincing the casualfans that this will be a competitive fight. However, since I know boxing well, and see this as a mismatch, the PPV price will have to be reasonable for me to want to throw down my money on this.
Pacquiao-Clottey undercard
By Eric Thomas: As reported by ESPN writer Dan Rafael, the Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey bout could possibly have former World Boxing Association welterweight champion Antonio Margarito fighting in the co-main event.
If this turns out to be the case, it would be the first bout for Margarito in over a year since his 9th round stoppage loss to Shane Mosley in January 2009.
Rafael states that Margarito, who had his license revoked in California for having an illegal substance in his hand wraps before his fight with Mosley, could get licensed by the Texas Athletic Commission for the fight, and wouldn’t need for the California Athletic Commission to renew his license. Margarito’s opponent would be Carson Jones, who recently stopped knockout artist Tyrone Brunson.
Other fights on the undercard, former World Boxing Council lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo (60-9-1, 52 KO’s) vs. fringe welterweight contender Alfonso Gomez (21-4-2, 10 KO’s). This fight has mismatch written all over it. Although Castillo was once one of the best lightweights in the world five years ago, he’s gone downhill since then as he’s moved up in weight to the welterweight division where he seems too small.
The 5’8” Castillo has lost two out of his last seven fights, with his five wins coming against 2nd tier opponents. It would seem likely that Gomez, a good brawling type fighter, will be too much for Castillo and end up dominating him.
Gomez has looked good in some of his fights, beating Jesus Soto Karass recently by a 6 round technical decision in November, and beating Carson Jones, Arturo Gatti, Jesse Feliciano and Ben Tackie. However, Gomez has been beaten when he steps it up a class, getting stopped by Miguel Cotto in 2008 and losing to Peter Manfredo Jr.
Also on the card will be unbeaten super bantamweight prospect Roberto Marroquin (11-0, 8 KO’s)
If this turns out to be the case, it would be the first bout for Margarito in over a year since his 9th round stoppage loss to Shane Mosley in January 2009.
Rafael states that Margarito, who had his license revoked in California for having an illegal substance in his hand wraps before his fight with Mosley, could get licensed by the Texas Athletic Commission for the fight, and wouldn’t need for the California Athletic Commission to renew his license. Margarito’s opponent would be Carson Jones, who recently stopped knockout artist Tyrone Brunson.
Other fights on the undercard, former World Boxing Council lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo (60-9-1, 52 KO’s) vs. fringe welterweight contender Alfonso Gomez (21-4-2, 10 KO’s). This fight has mismatch written all over it. Although Castillo was once one of the best lightweights in the world five years ago, he’s gone downhill since then as he’s moved up in weight to the welterweight division where he seems too small.
The 5’8” Castillo has lost two out of his last seven fights, with his five wins coming against 2nd tier opponents. It would seem likely that Gomez, a good brawling type fighter, will be too much for Castillo and end up dominating him.
Gomez has looked good in some of his fights, beating Jesus Soto Karass recently by a 6 round technical decision in November, and beating Carson Jones, Arturo Gatti, Jesse Feliciano and Ben Tackie. However, Gomez has been beaten when he steps it up a class, getting stopped by Miguel Cotto in 2008 and losing to Peter Manfredo Jr.
Also on the card will be unbeaten super bantamweight prospect Roberto Marroquin (11-0, 8 KO’s)
Roach: “Our [Pacquiao] goal is to knock him [Clottey] out”
By Jason Kim: Freddie Roach, the trainer for World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, says in an article at Fight Hype that “Our [Pacquiao] goal is to knock him [Clottey out.” Its understandable why Roach would want his fighter Pacquiao to try and knock Clottey out, because the longer that he sticks around in the fight the more damage he can inflict upon Pacquiao. The good news is that Clottey is starting to show his age 32 – soon to be 33 in March – and doesn’t have much of a right hand anymore.
Basically, Clottey has a nice left hook, and that’s about it, unlike Floyd Mayweather Jr., who can punch well with both hands equally. Roach thinks that Pacquiao can take advantage of Clottey’s tendency to cover up and defend. However, Roach thinks that Pacquiao will have to “get a little physical” with Clottey. That might not work well if Pacquiao sticks around to admire his work, because Clottey’s left hook is a good weapon early in the fight when he’s using it a lot doubling and tripling up with it.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought anyone with a weapon like that before, and he could get hurt if he walks into one of Clottey’s hard hooks. Clottey has never been knocked out before, and he’s been in with some big punchers like Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. It might not be the best idea for the 5’6” Pacquiao to try and slug it out with Clottey, even if Roach thinks he can take him out. Pacquiao might end up wasting his time and making a fight that would otherwise be one-sided a lot closer than it should be.
Roach says “we have to box this guy [Clottey], in and out, side to side motion, really, and really be tactical, because he’s a very strong and big puncher.” So in other words,Pacquiao will pretty much fight like he always does. I figure that Pacquiao will stick with what has worked for him all along and will use his in and out fighting style to try and score on the 5’8” Clottey.
Joshua isn’t that much taller than Pacquiao, but his frame is a lot bigger and he’s a legitimate welterweight. Pacquiao can’t stay in close with Clottey for any length of time without taking the risk of getting hit with Clottey’s hard hooks. Pacquiao hasn’t been hit all that much in his last three fights against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, but you can figure that he’s going to get hit a lot more in this fight because of Clottey’s speed, power and great chin. He won’t fold early or be on the run like some ofPacquiao’s opponents.
Roach notices that Clottey covers up a lot in his fights. However, Clottey generally starts putting more focus on his defense late in his fights, usually by the 8th or 9th rounds, when he starts to fade. He’s very hard to hit when he’s covering up like that, and I don’t know thatPacquiao will be able to score to the head with Clottey’s gloves glued to his head. Pacquiao should forget about a knockout, and just be satisfied with getting the win.
Basically, Clottey has a nice left hook, and that’s about it, unlike Floyd Mayweather Jr., who can punch well with both hands equally. Roach thinks that Pacquiao can take advantage of Clottey’s tendency to cover up and defend. However, Roach thinks that Pacquiao will have to “get a little physical” with Clottey. That might not work well if Pacquiao sticks around to admire his work, because Clottey’s left hook is a good weapon early in the fight when he’s using it a lot doubling and tripling up with it.
Pacquiao hasn’t fought anyone with a weapon like that before, and he could get hurt if he walks into one of Clottey’s hard hooks. Clottey has never been knocked out before, and he’s been in with some big punchers like Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. It might not be the best idea for the 5’6” Pacquiao to try and slug it out with Clottey, even if Roach thinks he can take him out. Pacquiao might end up wasting his time and making a fight that would otherwise be one-sided a lot closer than it should be.
Roach says “we have to box this guy [Clottey], in and out, side to side motion, really, and really be tactical, because he’s a very strong and big puncher.” So in other words,Pacquiao will pretty much fight like he always does. I figure that Pacquiao will stick with what has worked for him all along and will use his in and out fighting style to try and score on the 5’8” Clottey.
Joshua isn’t that much taller than Pacquiao, but his frame is a lot bigger and he’s a legitimate welterweight. Pacquiao can’t stay in close with Clottey for any length of time without taking the risk of getting hit with Clottey’s hard hooks. Pacquiao hasn’t been hit all that much in his last three fights against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, but you can figure that he’s going to get hit a lot more in this fight because of Clottey’s speed, power and great chin. He won’t fold early or be on the run like some ofPacquiao’s opponents.
Roach notices that Clottey covers up a lot in his fights. However, Clottey generally starts putting more focus on his defense late in his fights, usually by the 8th or 9th rounds, when he starts to fade. He’s very hard to hit when he’s covering up like that, and I don’t know thatPacquiao will be able to score to the head with Clottey’s gloves glued to his head. Pacquiao should forget about a knockout, and just be satisfied with getting the win.
Arum: “This [Pacquiao-Clottey] is going to be one of the biggest events...”
By Chris Williams: To read what Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is saying about the March 13th fight between Joshua Clottey vs. Manny Pacquiao fight at the Dallas Cowboy stadium, you would think that Arum found the cure for cancer or something. In an article by Dan Rafael of ESPN, Arum said “This is going to be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing. This is the most incredible stadium setting I have ever seen. It is absolutely unbelievable. This is going to be much, much more than just aboxing match. A lot of things that happen are ordained by God.” Oh brother.
Pacquiao is going to fight another Top Rank fighter, one that was beaten only last year by recent Pacquiao victim Miguel Cotto and we’re supposed to get excited about this fight? I don’t mind watching a mismatch every now and then, but I’m not going to label it as gold. The way I see it, thisPacquiao-Clottey fight is a poor replacement for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and I’m a huge fan of Pacquiao.
I’m no fan of watching Pacquiao pitted against an opponent like Clottey who was recently beaten by Cotto. It’s nice that Arum was able to line up the Dallas Cowboy stadium for the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, but that doesn’t mean anything to me. That’s something that would only make people who stand to benefit from it happy.
I don’t get anything by the fight taking place in a stadium or a barn. As long as they fight, that’s all I care about. I’m pretty sureboxing fans see it like me. So what if they can squeeze in 20,000 to 30,000 extra fans for the fight. How is that important to me? If they were talking about lowering the price of thePacquiao-Clottey fight to $25, then I’m good with that.
I’m not excited about paying $49.95 to see Pacquiao fight Clottey. If Clottey was beating everyone in sight, then yeah, I’d pay big money to see the fight, but he’s not.
Arum says “When people see this event and how it will be presented, nothing in the past will ever compare to it.” What is he talking about? We’re still talking aboutPacquiao vs. Clottey, right?
What on earth can Arum do to make the fight anything more than what it is, a mismatch in my view. He can hire clowns, jugglers and a live band, but that doesn’t interest me. It’s just going to be more people sitting in seats in theDallas Cowboy stadium, and that benefit me. So why should I get any more excited about this fight than I would watching any other mismatch?
I frankly don’t care a fig if Pacquiao was fighting Mayweather in the Dallas Cowboy stadium. Why should that mean anything more to me than it would be if they were fighting in a small arena? As long as they’re fighting, that’s all that matters.Boxing fans don’t get anything out of watching a fight that’s being held in a large stadium. It just means more noise and more money for the promoters, the fighters and their training team. I’m not promoter, trainer or fighter, so why should I be excited about the fight taking place in a huge stadium? If they cut the price of the pay-per-view because of this, then we’re talking. Somehow, I doubt they’ll lower the price of this fight on PPV.
Pacquiao is going to fight another Top Rank fighter, one that was beaten only last year by recent Pacquiao victim Miguel Cotto and we’re supposed to get excited about this fight? I don’t mind watching a mismatch every now and then, but I’m not going to label it as gold. The way I see it, thisPacquiao-Clottey fight is a poor replacement for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and I’m a huge fan of Pacquiao.
I’m no fan of watching Pacquiao pitted against an opponent like Clottey who was recently beaten by Cotto. It’s nice that Arum was able to line up the Dallas Cowboy stadium for the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, but that doesn’t mean anything to me. That’s something that would only make people who stand to benefit from it happy.
I don’t get anything by the fight taking place in a stadium or a barn. As long as they fight, that’s all I care about. I’m pretty sureboxing fans see it like me. So what if they can squeeze in 20,000 to 30,000 extra fans for the fight. How is that important to me? If they were talking about lowering the price of thePacquiao-Clottey fight to $25, then I’m good with that.
I’m not excited about paying $49.95 to see Pacquiao fight Clottey. If Clottey was beating everyone in sight, then yeah, I’d pay big money to see the fight, but he’s not.
Arum says “When people see this event and how it will be presented, nothing in the past will ever compare to it.” What is he talking about? We’re still talking aboutPacquiao vs. Clottey, right?
What on earth can Arum do to make the fight anything more than what it is, a mismatch in my view. He can hire clowns, jugglers and a live band, but that doesn’t interest me. It’s just going to be more people sitting in seats in theDallas Cowboy stadium, and that benefit me. So why should I get any more excited about this fight than I would watching any other mismatch?
I frankly don’t care a fig if Pacquiao was fighting Mayweather in the Dallas Cowboy stadium. Why should that mean anything more to me than it would be if they were fighting in a small arena? As long as they’re fighting, that’s all that matters.Boxing fans don’t get anything out of watching a fight that’s being held in a large stadium. It just means more noise and more money for the promoters, the fighters and their training team. I’m not promoter, trainer or fighter, so why should I be excited about the fight taking place in a huge stadium? If they cut the price of the pay-per-view because of this, then we’re talking. Somehow, I doubt they’ll lower the price of this fight on PPV.
Pacquiao vs. Clottey to take place at Cowboy stadium – News
By Dave Lahr: According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, the bout between World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and challenger Joshua Clottey will be taking place at the Dallas Cowboy stadium, in Arlington, Texas. Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboy football team and Dallas Cowboy stadium, was very eager to land the Pacquiao-Clottey fight for his large stadium in Texas. Jones reportedly offered up $25 million site fee for the bout.
As such, the Pacquiao vs. Clottey bout will move ahead to March 13th. Floyd Mayweather was supposed to be Pacquiao’s opponent, but he made the mistake of asking for random blood tests to take place before he would fight Pacquiao. Although Manny was willing to take three of the tests, Mayweather wanted them to take place within the last 30 days before the fight. Pacquiao agreed on taking the last test at 24 days, but Mayweather wanted 14 days.
The Dallas Cowboy stadium would have been perfect for the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight, but it’s unclear whether they will be able sell it out or even come close to selling it out with the Pacquiao-Clottey match up. The stadium seats 100,000. Arum, however, thinks it’s going to be a huge event, even though Clottey isn’t a big star.
“This is going to be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing,” Arum says. It also might be a disappointment. Pacquiao has done well recently with big pay per view bouts, but he’s been blessed by a big name star opposing him. Clottey, good but flawed fighter, isn’t well known to casual boxing fans of the sport. He’s not an Oscar De La Hoya or Floyd Mayweather.
This fight will be a good test to see how popular Pacquiao is. If he can sell out the Dallas Cowboy stadium against Clottey, there would be no reason for Pacquiao to waste time fighting a big named star like Mayweather in the future, even if Mayweather is agreeable to fighting Pacquiao without blood tests for PEDs. Pacquiao could then pick and choose and fight anyone in the top 10, and still do well.
As such, the Pacquiao vs. Clottey bout will move ahead to March 13th. Floyd Mayweather was supposed to be Pacquiao’s opponent, but he made the mistake of asking for random blood tests to take place before he would fight Pacquiao. Although Manny was willing to take three of the tests, Mayweather wanted them to take place within the last 30 days before the fight. Pacquiao agreed on taking the last test at 24 days, but Mayweather wanted 14 days.
The Dallas Cowboy stadium would have been perfect for the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight, but it’s unclear whether they will be able sell it out or even come close to selling it out with the Pacquiao-Clottey match up. The stadium seats 100,000. Arum, however, thinks it’s going to be a huge event, even though Clottey isn’t a big star.
“This is going to be one of the biggest events in the history of boxing,” Arum says. It also might be a disappointment. Pacquiao has done well recently with big pay per view bouts, but he’s been blessed by a big name star opposing him. Clottey, good but flawed fighter, isn’t well known to casual boxing fans of the sport. He’s not an Oscar De La Hoya or Floyd Mayweather.
This fight will be a good test to see how popular Pacquiao is. If he can sell out the Dallas Cowboy stadium against Clottey, there would be no reason for Pacquiao to waste time fighting a big named star like Mayweather in the future, even if Mayweather is agreeable to fighting Pacquiao without blood tests for PEDs. Pacquiao could then pick and choose and fight anyone in the top 10, and still do well.
Arum: “This [Pacquiao-Clottey] is a better fight” [than Mayweather bout]
By Chris Williams: In an article at the Daily Mail, World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum seems to be under the impression that Pacquiao is better off taking the alternate fight against former International Boxing Federation welterweight champion Joshua Clottey instead of unbeaten star Floyd Mayweather Jr., saying “This is a better fight. [Clottey’s] a real strong, aggressive and hard punching African from Ghana and he poses a real test for Manny.”
That’s nice to hear. However, it’s hard to buy what Arum is saying about Clottey being a better fight than Mayweather. If Arum means better, as in easier, then I can agree with him on that. I thinkPacquiao can actually win this fight, although Clottey is going to beat him up a little in the process. No one beats Clottey without taking an enormous amount of punishment in the process.
Pacquiao will beat Clottey, I have little doubts, but Manny is going to take an awful amount of head shots in the process of getting the win. Because of his fast hands and good power, Clottey will be able to givePacquiao a lot of problems. Clottey will be the bigger fighter and will come into the fight against Pacquiao at 160 or so the night of the fight.
It’s probable that Pacquiao’s management will have a high penalty in place so that if Clottey comes in overweight for the fight, he’ll have to pay a lot for it. However, Clottey doesn’t come in overweight for his fights, so this won’t have any effect on the fight.
The location of the fight hasn’t been determined as of yet, but there is talk about it taking place at the Dallas Cowboy stadium in Texas. It’s hard to see the huge stadium, which can accommodate as many as 100,000 fans, selling out, as least not for this fight. There are lot ofPacquiao fans in the United States, but it would be asking a lot for them to travel all the way to Texas to fight Clottey, a non champion, who was defeated only last year by recentPacquiao victim Miguel Cotto.
Mayweather is still interested in making the fight with Pacquiao. However, it doesn’t seem likely unless Mayweather is willing to forgo the random blood tests for Pacquiao. Arum says “There’s always later in the year and there’s next year, it’s up to Mayweather. But if he starts this nonsense again with testing or anything than let him take a walk.” That sounds like if Mayweather wants to fightPacquiao, he will have to forget about blood testing or else he won’t get the fight with him. As things stand, Pacquiao didn’t want to have blood testing to take place any closer than 24 days before the fight. Mayweather asked for 14 days, but it was not accepted.
The Clottey fight will be a good test to see how much money and fan interest can be generated for a Pacquiao fight without facing a major star. Pacquiao’s popularity has surged in the past year with wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, all popular fighters. Clottey isn’t nearly as well known as any of those fighters.
That’s nice to hear. However, it’s hard to buy what Arum is saying about Clottey being a better fight than Mayweather. If Arum means better, as in easier, then I can agree with him on that. I thinkPacquiao can actually win this fight, although Clottey is going to beat him up a little in the process. No one beats Clottey without taking an enormous amount of punishment in the process.
Pacquiao will beat Clottey, I have little doubts, but Manny is going to take an awful amount of head shots in the process of getting the win. Because of his fast hands and good power, Clottey will be able to givePacquiao a lot of problems. Clottey will be the bigger fighter and will come into the fight against Pacquiao at 160 or so the night of the fight.
It’s probable that Pacquiao’s management will have a high penalty in place so that if Clottey comes in overweight for the fight, he’ll have to pay a lot for it. However, Clottey doesn’t come in overweight for his fights, so this won’t have any effect on the fight.
The location of the fight hasn’t been determined as of yet, but there is talk about it taking place at the Dallas Cowboy stadium in Texas. It’s hard to see the huge stadium, which can accommodate as many as 100,000 fans, selling out, as least not for this fight. There are lot ofPacquiao fans in the United States, but it would be asking a lot for them to travel all the way to Texas to fight Clottey, a non champion, who was defeated only last year by recentPacquiao victim Miguel Cotto.
Mayweather is still interested in making the fight with Pacquiao. However, it doesn’t seem likely unless Mayweather is willing to forgo the random blood tests for Pacquiao. Arum says “There’s always later in the year and there’s next year, it’s up to Mayweather. But if he starts this nonsense again with testing or anything than let him take a walk.” That sounds like if Mayweather wants to fightPacquiao, he will have to forget about blood testing or else he won’t get the fight with him. As things stand, Pacquiao didn’t want to have blood testing to take place any closer than 24 days before the fight. Mayweather asked for 14 days, but it was not accepted.
The Clottey fight will be a good test to see how much money and fan interest can be generated for a Pacquiao fight without facing a major star. Pacquiao’s popularity has surged in the past year with wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, all popular fighters. Clottey isn’t nearly as well known as any of those fighters.
Pacquiao has agreed to fight Clottey, says Roach
By Peter Wells: Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is officially off now and as we all know Pacquiao is likely to fight former International Boxing Federation welterweight champion of the world Joshua Clottey on March 13th. Pacquiao has now agreed to the fight and I’m sure Clottey has to. Promoters are now trying to get an arena for the fight, and Las Vegas would be the most logical, but Dallas is the most likely state to host the event. Bob Arum doesn’t like the sound of it, but he doesn’t like the sound of much does he.
Well, Pacquiao isn’t to take any tests as far as we know and let’s hope this fight shall be fought at the real Welterweight limit. Clottey will be much bigger on fight night, and maybe this could be Manny’s toughest test of his career. Clottey can give Manny one hell of a challenge and will be extremely hard to stop, soPacquiao will have to be ready for a 12 rounder. Clottey is coming back from a vacation in his birth place of Ghana to continue with negotiations.
Well, Pacquiao isn’t to take any tests as far as we know and let’s hope this fight shall be fought at the real Welterweight limit. Clottey will be much bigger on fight night, and maybe this could be Manny’s toughest test of his career. Clottey can give Manny one hell of a challenge and will be extremely hard to stop, soPacquiao will have to be ready for a 12 rounder. Clottey is coming back from a vacation in his birth place of Ghana to continue with negotiations.
Pacquiao to face Clottey instead – news!
by Daniel Ciminera: Top Rank Boxing have tonight announced that Pacquiao will instead now face the experienced Ghanaian, Joshua Clottey (35/3/0). Top Rank released he following statement via their Facebook page. “Sorry Floyd…you had numerous chances to make the fight of the century happen. We are no longer waiting around for you! Top Rank is pleased to announce that Manny Pacquiao will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight championship title in a bout with Joshua Clottey, Saturday March 13, 2010! It’s on!”
It seems Pacquiao and his camp are fed up with not being able to reach an agreement despite further concessions being made at mediation with former judge, Daniel Weinstein. They hope the Mayweather fight can still go ahead at some point in the future but, there has to be a line drawn andPacquiao wanted an opponent willing to take him on come March 13th.
Clottey, 32, is a seasoned professional who has been in with the best of the era including Cotto, Corrales, Margarito, and Judah. Clottey is one of those fighters who you have to fight, not one you’d choose to fight. He is certainly an awkward customer, and to look good against himPacquiao is certainly going to have to bring his A-game.
In choosing Clottey then, Pacquiao is simply continuing on the path he walked in 2009, fighting the best and only the best. As Mayweather wont agree terms at this time,Pacquiao will just want to keep fighting and keep busy. He could have taken an easy bout against Paulie Malignaggi, however, he knows he will have to stay in top shape against a higher quality of fighter to maintain focus in case a bout with Mayweather materialises in the future.
It seems Pacquiao and his camp are fed up with not being able to reach an agreement despite further concessions being made at mediation with former judge, Daniel Weinstein. They hope the Mayweather fight can still go ahead at some point in the future but, there has to be a line drawn andPacquiao wanted an opponent willing to take him on come March 13th.
Clottey, 32, is a seasoned professional who has been in with the best of the era including Cotto, Corrales, Margarito, and Judah. Clottey is one of those fighters who you have to fight, not one you’d choose to fight. He is certainly an awkward customer, and to look good against himPacquiao is certainly going to have to bring his A-game.
In choosing Clottey then, Pacquiao is simply continuing on the path he walked in 2009, fighting the best and only the best. As Mayweather wont agree terms at this time,Pacquiao will just want to keep fighting and keep busy. He could have taken an easy bout against Paulie Malignaggi, however, he knows he will have to stay in top shape against a higher quality of fighter to maintain focus in case a bout with Mayweather materialises in the future.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Pacquiao, Floyd Jr. both negative for drug use
FROM GMANEWS.TV
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., came out negative during the random-style urine testing procedure conducted on them, before negotiations for their projected 12-round mega-bout fell apart two weeks ago.
Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Keith Kizer announced that the urine samples taken from the two boxing icons “came back negative for all prohibited substances."
Pacquiao and Mayweather were ordered to undergo the procedure as part of a random out-of-competition drug-testing practice of the commission, since both fighters are licensed in Nevada.
The two provided samples last Dec. 28.
Pacquiao was tested in his hometown in General Santos City, the sample of which was taken in Malaysia, while Mayweather underwent the same process in his hometown in Las Vegas.
A disagreement in the drug-testing procedure to be conducted on Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. hindered what many believe could have been the richest and biggest fight ever in the history of boxing.
That gave way to a Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey 12-round showdown on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where the Filipino’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt will be at stake. – GMANews.TV
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., came out negative during the random-style urine testing procedure conducted on them, before negotiations for their projected 12-round mega-bout fell apart two weeks ago.
Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Keith Kizer announced that the urine samples taken from the two boxing icons “came back negative for all prohibited substances."
Pacquiao and Mayweather were ordered to undergo the procedure as part of a random out-of-competition drug-testing practice of the commission, since both fighters are licensed in Nevada.
The two provided samples last Dec. 28.
Pacquiao was tested in his hometown in General Santos City, the sample of which was taken in Malaysia, while Mayweather underwent the same process in his hometown in Las Vegas.
A disagreement in the drug-testing procedure to be conducted on Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. hindered what many believe could have been the richest and biggest fight ever in the history of boxing.
That gave way to a Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey 12-round showdown on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where the Filipino’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt will be at stake. – GMANews.TV
Viloria engaged but focused on fight
MANILA, Philippines - IBF lightflyweight champion Brian Viloria is engaged to be married to long-time girlfriend Erika Navarro late this year but even as he’s floating on air in Cloud 9, the “Hawaiian Punch” is sharply focused on his fight against Colombian challenger Carlos Tamara at the Cuneta Astrodome this Saturday.“Tamara’s a dangerous opponent and he’s as determined as me to win,” said Viloria. “He’s slightly taller and I expect him to use his reach advantage. He’s got respectable power. I’ll try to get inside his defense, work the body and slow him down. He’ll run and box so I’ve got to stay on top of him, put a lot of pressure. I’ll adjust as the fight goes on, depending on what he brings to the table. I don’t know if it’s going the distance but you can be sure I’ll be in there loading up and throwing bombs.”
Viloria, making the second defense of the IBF crown he wrested from Ulises Solis here last April, promised an explosive display of fireworks.
“The old Brian is back,” he said. “I remember firing a thousand punches a round and being very aggressive when I started out. That’s what you’ll see against Tamara. Anything can happen in a fight like this. So I’ve got to take the initiative. I now know what it’s like being down, to be in a slump. I don’t ever want that to happen to me again. That’s my motivation. It’s so easy to lose, to fall off. And it’s so hard to get to the top. Now that I’m back as a world champion, I’m making sure I stay a world champion.”
A celebrated Sydney Olympian, Viloria won his first title, the WBC 108-pound crown, on a sensational one-round knockout over Mexico’s Eric Ortiz in 2005. Then he lost the title in his second defense to Omar Niño Romero. A rematch with Romero ended in a majority draw that was later declared a no-contest after the Mexican tested positive for drugs. Viloria failed to regain the crown, losing by majority decision to Edgar Sosa for the vacant throne after Romero was stripped of the title for drug use. He rebuilt his career by winning five in a row in small-time arenas before facing Solis last April.
It was after attending midnight Mass last Christmas when Viloria popped the question during an exchange of gifts with friends in Los Angeles.
“I got Brian’s present and it was a DVD with a note stuck on it, saying play me,” recalled Navarro, a full-blooded Filipina born and raised in Hawaii - she’s in town with Viloria. “It was a video showing pictures and film clips of us together, our trips, our happy moments. At the end of the slide show, there was this letter that read: ‘I want to continue on this journey with you not as my girlfriend but as my wife.’ Then, Brian got on his knees and asked, ‘will you marry me?’ I was in tears. I never expected it. He’d been in training six days a week and I couldn’t imagine him doing this video. It was really sweet of Brian, something that came from the heart.”
Viloria’s other surprise was giving Navarro a two-karat canary yellow diamond engagement ring.
“Whenever Erika and I would pass by this jewelry store in L. A., she’d look at the ring - she must have looked at it in about eight different trips to the mall,” said Viloria. “When I finally went to the store to buy it without her knowing of course, the ring was gone. Someone had put it on hold for three months. I offered to buy it right there and then. At first, it was difficult to convince the storekeeper I was for real. I just came from training. I was in a sweat suit. The guys in the store all wore suits. I looked like a bum from the streets. But I got it. I understand a canary yellow diamond ring is rare - I think it’s the same kind of diamond Ben Affleck gave to Jennifer Lopez.”
Producing the video was another task. Viloria had to squeeze in the time during camp.
“We plan to get married in Hawaii in November or December,” said Viloria. “Maybe, we’ll honeymoon in the Philippines.”
Navarro, 28, is a University of Hawaii nursing graduate and traces her roots to Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Viloria and Navarro have known each other since their school days but began dating seriously only five years ago.
But first things first. Viloria has Tamara to hurdle and his mindset is to take Navarro to the altar as a world champion.
“Tamara’s more like a Jesus Iribe (his second challenger whom he outpointed) than a Solis,” said Viloria. “He’s a former Olympian like me. I can’t take him lightly. I’m not looking beyond Tamara although it’s tempting to talk about a unification with Ivan Calderon. I just want to make sure Tamara is over and done with before thinking about future plans.”
Tamara, 26, is ranked No. 7 by the IBF and has won his last three outings. His record is 20-4, with 14 KOs, and he holds a win over Alejandro Hernandez, the rugged Mexican who battled Marvin Sonsona to a draw in Ontario last November.
Viloria, 29, has not lost in his last seven outings. His record is 26-2, with 15 KOs.
Fighting in Manila is special for Viloria but it really doesn’t make a difference where he performs.
“It’s the same ring wherever I fight,” said Viloria. “Of course, it’s special for me to fight in Manila just like it’s special for me to fight before my family in Hawaii. It was in Manila where I won my IBF title in a very emotional victory. But I also remember fighting in an open-air makeshift arena in a bad part of LA once under pouring rain. I had to be carried into the ring because my guys didn’t want my feet to get wet with three inches of rain on the ground. That was when I was down in the dumps and trying to pick up the pieces. That was also special for me. I don’t really care where I fight. I just want to put on an exciting show for the fans and prove that the old Brian is back for good.”
The creation of a Super Heavyweight division is being considered
By Sam Gregory: Boxing once again will be diminished even further when what used to be the cornerstone of boxing, the heavyweight division, will be hacked apart to add the new “Super heavyweight” division.
In recent years the heavyweight division in boxing has been reduced to a fragment of what it used to be in times as recent as the Ali, Foreman and Frazier era. Many of long time boxing fans biggest fear is going to happen, the creation of the “Super Heavyweight” division; yes money speaks and these days it seems like money is all that matters when the most cherished title in boxing, the heavyweight crown, will be diminished even further.
Adding a super heavyweight division to boxing is one of the items that will be on the agenda when members of the IBF, WBAW and WBC meet in Cancun, Mexico.
People in attendance at this meeting will be WBC president Jose’ Sulaiman, WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC legal advisor Gabriel Penagaricano, IBF president Marian Muhammad, IBF advisor Larry Hazzard, WBA executive vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and WBAW ratings director Oliver Gomez.
Mendoza Jr said, “My expectation would be to continue with the good and close inter-organization relations for the benefit of boxing.” Mendoza also plans to address the main threats to world boxing, such as alternative sports, the economic crisis, and the lack of boxing figures as ambassadors to the sport.
The agenda at the meeting in Mexico will include:
1. Unification of titles
2. Inter-organizational classifications of box0ing
3. Working with local and national boxing commissions
4. Creation of the super heavyweight division
5. Proposed McCain legislation in the USA
In recent years the heavyweight division in boxing has been reduced to a fragment of what it used to be in times as recent as the Ali, Foreman and Frazier era. Many of long time boxing fans biggest fear is going to happen, the creation of the “Super Heavyweight” division; yes money speaks and these days it seems like money is all that matters when the most cherished title in boxing, the heavyweight crown, will be diminished even further.
Adding a super heavyweight division to boxing is one of the items that will be on the agenda when members of the IBF, WBAW and WBC meet in Cancun, Mexico.
People in attendance at this meeting will be WBC president Jose’ Sulaiman, WBC executive secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC legal advisor Gabriel Penagaricano, IBF president Marian Muhammad, IBF advisor Larry Hazzard, WBA executive vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza and WBAW ratings director Oliver Gomez.
Mendoza Jr said, “My expectation would be to continue with the good and close inter-organization relations for the benefit of boxing.” Mendoza also plans to address the main threats to world boxing, such as alternative sports, the economic crisis, and the lack of boxing figures as ambassadors to the sport.
The agenda at the meeting in Mexico will include:
1. Unification of titles
2. Inter-organizational classifications of box0ing
3. Working with local and national boxing commissions
4. Creation of the super heavyweight division
5. Proposed McCain legislation in the USA
Roger Mayweather to go to Court January 25th; Pacquiao stripped of IBO title
By Peter Wells: Roger Mayweather, uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and father of two children, will arrive on January 25th in front of the jury on the charge of allegedly assaulting of female boxer Melissa St Vil. Mayweather was caught with his arms around the boxer, but has said that she had attacked him first. If she was to have attacked Roger, then Mayweather will get off with maybe just a fine or a few months in prison.
Unfortunately if he’s found guilty then he could get a prison term of 3-16 years. Yes, it is a ridiculous amount of time, but this is only something I read that has been said. Firstly he is raising two small children and secondly is training one of the best boxers around.
Roger has trained his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr to become the unbeaten best fighter on the planet, stepping in for Mayweather Sr. It wasn’t the best thing to do, but why would you do something like that when you have so much to lose. I’m not saying he’s innocent or guilty. Only he and the St Vil know what really happened.
It would be a great loss in boxing and for a very long time. Mayweather will get his father Floyd Sr. to train him, but still he has children and would not like to end up like Floyd Sr and Floyd Jr were like before being back together.
***
Pacquiao stripped of IBO Light Welterweight title
Manny Pacquiao as we all expected to happen sooner or later has been stripped of his International Boxing Organization Light Welterweight crown which he took off Ricky Hatton in just 2 rounds last May. Manny Pacquiao has only fought once since for the WBO and WBC Diamond Welterweight titles and is scheduled to defend against Joshua Clottey in March. The IBO title is now up for grabs as a vacant title. I doubt we will get a good fight out of it, but the IBO can’t have Manny keeping hold of it for as long as he likes if he doesn’t plan on fighting at light welterweight.
Unfortunately if he’s found guilty then he could get a prison term of 3-16 years. Yes, it is a ridiculous amount of time, but this is only something I read that has been said. Firstly he is raising two small children and secondly is training one of the best boxers around.
Roger has trained his nephew Floyd Mayweather Jr to become the unbeaten best fighter on the planet, stepping in for Mayweather Sr. It wasn’t the best thing to do, but why would you do something like that when you have so much to lose. I’m not saying he’s innocent or guilty. Only he and the St Vil know what really happened.
It would be a great loss in boxing and for a very long time. Mayweather will get his father Floyd Sr. to train him, but still he has children and would not like to end up like Floyd Sr and Floyd Jr were like before being back together.
***
Pacquiao stripped of IBO Light Welterweight title
Manny Pacquiao as we all expected to happen sooner or later has been stripped of his International Boxing Organization Light Welterweight crown which he took off Ricky Hatton in just 2 rounds last May. Manny Pacquiao has only fought once since for the WBO and WBC Diamond Welterweight titles and is scheduled to defend against Joshua Clottey in March. The IBO title is now up for grabs as a vacant title. I doubt we will get a good fight out of it, but the IBO can’t have Manny keeping hold of it for as long as he likes if he doesn’t plan on fighting at light welterweight.
And what if Pacquiao is `CLEAN`?
By Dezzie Lightbulb: Boxing has always been plagued with `what ifs`. What if Ali and Tyson had met in the ring, each in his prime? What if Cotto`s team had properly checked Margarito`s gloves before their fight? What if such and such a judge had bought himself a new pair of spectacles the day of yet another crazy decision? What if, what if, what if! These questions can never be fully answered. They can haunt us, and remain as cruelly tantalizing after twenty years as they were the first day. The latest `what if` to storm the boxing world is; `what if Pacquiao has been using PEDs or steroids?` Even longtime, faithful Pacquiao fans must have asked themselves, although probably in the privacy of their most inner selves, what if it`s true. What if Pacquiao has always been a cheat, his whole boxing career nothing more than a second-rate, shabby sham?All boxing fans, must have given at least some thought to this question. The press has written what must amount to the equivalent of 100 War and Peaces exploring the possibility of Pacquiao juicing. In this article I wish to explore another, different `what if`. Because by now, we must all have some level of doubt as to Pacquiao`s fair play, I think that it is in the interest of a balanced and open-minded view that we have a closer look at the alternative scenario. What if Pacquiao is clean?
Pacquiao in his early days was a very different fighter to the one we see before us today. He was a light, slight southpaw, had a truckload of confidence and self-belief, and a devastating straight left punch that put an early end to many a boxers` ambitions. Yet his confidence cost him dearly. His two early defeats can be put down to overconfidence. He lost to less talented fighters who caught him unawares as he played `cock of the ring`. While he definitely had talent, his losses underlined his need for more boxing skills, and more importantly, the need for a really good trainer. Both came to him later when he teamed up with Freddie Roach.
Roach took the raw diamond that was Pacquiao, and with all the skills and attention to detail of a master jeweler, shaped him to become the brilliant jewel of a boxer we see today. Pacquiao`s boxing arsenal has been transformed from a `one-shot-wonder` to that of an all-round, great boxer. Today it seems he can do just about anything in the ring. As far as I know there is no drug that can give you skills you don`t have. That is the work of a trainer.
There is a very good reason why Pacquiao and Roach get along so well. At some stage in his career Pacquiao must have admitted to himself that he was simply not a good enough boxer to become a legend. While most boxers would rather die than to have to admit to a shortcoming, Pacquiao is obviously able to put himself to question. He knows he needs Roach, and he respects him enough to listen to every word he says. How many times, while watching a fight, have you heard a trainer telling his fighter in the corner between rounds to double up his jab or keep his hands up or some such, only to find that in the following round the obviously good advice has fallen on deaf ears? The boxer goes right on doing what he should not be doing. More than once or twice I have been pleasantly surprised to hear Roach telling Pacquiao to do something different in the next round, and lo and behold, Pacquiao does exactly what he has been told. The best trainer in the world will achieve nothing with a boxer who won`t listen to him. Roach is as a brilliant trainer as Pacquiao is a trainee.
So, back to the `what ifs`; what if` the reason Pacquiao defeated Hatton had nothing to do with drugs, but was because he had learned to use both left and right hooks, neither of which he used in his early years? And `what if` the only PED that Pacquiao has ever used is Mr. Freddie Roach, one of the best Performance Enhancing Dudes in the business? `
Michael Moorer gives us valuable insight into boxing, and particularly into training in an article at Fight Hype; I see these guys that half-ass fight, and some of them down here in training, they half-ass train, and that`s not how I was brought up. For Moorer training is obviously the key to success in boxing. He goes on to tell us how unbelievably hard Pacquiao trains. I witnessed him go 26 rounds, nonstop hitting the mits. That`s phenomenal. He just strives to be the best. He also tells us of Pacquiao`s work ethic and his will to win, all in the most flattering of terms. Moorer was a world champion and is now a trainer, so his thoughts on the subject definitely carry weight. He has proved himself to be an honest, straight-talking guy with loads of integrity. That`s good enough for me.
So `what if` Moorer is right, and Pacquiao`s success comes from such a high level of hard work, discipline, and dedication, that steroids are simply unnecessary?
In many ways Pacquiao`s hunger for success in not as surprising as it may seem. In Pacquiao we have all the elements of the ultimate fairytale, `rags to riches` story. The lowly street urchin who makes it big in a world he may never even have dreamed of as a child. It is a well known fact that a disproportionate number of self-made success stories find their roots in deprived backgrounds. Could it be that the sting of near starvation once felt will forever haunt and drive a man, and may even drive him to exceptional greatness? Perhaps being born into abject poverty gives the lucky ones who manage to escape a sense of steely, stubborn self-determination that makes them fight every second of their existence to never have to return. Can we conceive that Pacquiao feels that he has a sacred `duty` to pay back for his own good fortune by being the greatest boxer he can, and then to use his fame and fortune to help his fellow countrymen get a fairer deal than he got as a child? Could that be what has driven him to the top? Why not?
`What if` Pacquiao`s success is a result of an exceptional drive inherited from his background, and not some `two-day-washout` designer drug?
So why did Pacquiao refuse to take the damned tests? Pacquiao knows, the rest of us can only speculate. I feel that it is a combination of things. First and foremost he refused point-blank to get pushed around by Mayweather. Understandable! Secondly he did not want his all important training schedule interrupted by unannounced, invasive blood takes which could have weakened him at a time he needs all his strength. Thirdly he may believe that Mayweather needs this fight more than he does, and is playing poker not boxing. Mayweather is reportedly close to broke. Even if Pacquiao only makes 10 million dollars from his fight with Clottey, 10 million dollars in Pacquiao`s hands in the Philippians is probably the equivalent of 100 million dollars in Mayweather`s hands in the US. Pacquiao took the best welterweight challenge available for March 13, leaving Mayweather with very little choice of landing himself a convincing match. This could all be part of a plan so that team Pacquiao can dictate terms if, and when negotiations are reopened between the two teams.
To those who claim that Pacquiao`s refusal to take the random blood tests is conclusive proof of his guilt, I ask you, `what if` one or all of the above are the real reasons why Pacquiao refused the tests, not because he is dirty?
It is very easy to understand why so many people have jumped on this `Manny`s a juicer` bandwagon. Our world has evolved into a cynical, dark place. In recent years we have been repeatedly betrayed by our elected leaders who have been serving their own nasty little agendas rather than serving the common good. Some of the Churches we worshiped in have fallen into damnable disgrace. Huge pharmaceutical companies have been caught doing far more harm to people`s heath than good. Soulless corporations bloody-mindedly and shamelessly rape our world. These days nothing more is sacred. Nothing is as it seems. Honesty has become rarer than the finest gold.
And yet, `what if`, `WHAT IF` for once something was as it should be? `WHAT IF` Manny Pacquiao is simply the best boxer of his generation, no drugs required? Is that really so hard to believe? I hope not, and, call me a helpless romantic if you will, but I actually find it easy to believe the beautiful, magical, amazing story of the skinny little slum-kid who conquered the world.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mayweather-Mosley for May 1st?
By Peter Wells: In the latest news Floyd Mayweather Jr 40-0 was still scheduled to fight on March 13th at the MGM Grand. This was to compete with World Boxing Organization Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Joshua Clottey, which wouldn’t have happened, as Manny would surely have plenty more fans watching his fight. Now the news is that Mayweather is interested in fighting Shane Mosley as long as Mosley beats Berto later this month. Shane Mosley confronted Floyd after Mayweather’s point’s victory over Juan Manuel Marquez. Both Mosley and Bernard Hopkins took it upon themselves to call Mayweather out. Floyd said that Mosley was disrespecting him and also had a go at HBO commentator Max Kellerman.
With Mayweather-Pacquiao off Floyd is looking like a coward to some people, and has to prove them he isn’t and that would be the reason for this fight happening. Shane Mosley would not want to screw up against Andre Berto now, finally after all those years of waiting he finally gets one of the pound-for-pound best. And when I say best I mean like number 2 or above, and obviously if Mayweather hadn’t have retired he would probably still be number 1, but a win over Mosley wouldn’t push him ahead of Pacquiao. If Pacquiao were to lose to Clottey then Mayweather would be number 1 and Mosley would probably move to 2nd, which would make for another great superfight, the two best in the world.
This would be a real good fight, kind of the same as it would have been with Pacquiao, as Mosley would be really pushing Floyd like never before and same would go for Manny. This could be really good news for boxing fans around the globe and I’m sure most people on this site will be rooting for Mosley. As for me I’m not bothered either way, as long as it’s a good and enjoyable fight.
With Mayweather-Pacquiao off Floyd is looking like a coward to some people, and has to prove them he isn’t and that would be the reason for this fight happening. Shane Mosley would not want to screw up against Andre Berto now, finally after all those years of waiting he finally gets one of the pound-for-pound best. And when I say best I mean like number 2 or above, and obviously if Mayweather hadn’t have retired he would probably still be number 1, but a win over Mosley wouldn’t push him ahead of Pacquiao. If Pacquiao were to lose to Clottey then Mayweather would be number 1 and Mosley would probably move to 2nd, which would make for another great superfight, the two best in the world.
This would be a real good fight, kind of the same as it would have been with Pacquiao, as Mosley would be really pushing Floyd like never before and same would go for Manny. This could be really good news for boxing fans around the globe and I’m sure most people on this site will be rooting for Mosley. As for me I’m not bothered either way, as long as it’s a good and enjoyable fight.
Mayweather could face Cintron, Malignaggi, Campbell or Bradley next – News
By Eric Thomas: According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be facing a number of potential boxing opponents such as Nate Campbell, Paulie Malignaggi, Kermit Cintron and Timothy Bradley. One opponent that Mayweather won’t be fighting is Matthew Hatton. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said there was no truth in the rumors that Mayweather was considering a fight with the younger Hatton brother.
What could be a bit of bad news for Manny Pacquiao and his promotional team is that Mayweather could fight on the same night, March 13th, as Pacquiao. If that happens, Mayweather could draw away many of the fans that otherwise would have purchased the Pacquiao-Clottey fight on pay-per-view.
Of course, it would take a good opponent for Mayweather for that to happen. He can’t just fight anyone and expect to take away viewers from Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey. Schaefer says that they could fight on March 14th, a Sunday night so that they don’t compete with the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. That wouldn’t be an ideal night for a fight, however. HBO would have to go along with this idea for that date to work.
The list that is being considered by Mayweather might not be good enough for him to take away a large percentage of fans from the Pacquiao bout, however. Bradley would seem to be the best fighter of the bunch, but he’s not well known by casual boxing fans, even though he’s got the best record and is considered to be the best fighter in the light welterweight division by many boxing fans at this time.
Mayweather is bigger than both Campbell and Malignaggi, and it’s hard to see these fights as anything more than a dreadful mismatch. Cintron would give Mayweather some problems with his power, but Cintron looked bad in his fight with Sergio Martinez last year, and he was destroyed by Antonio Margarito in 2008. Cintron might be the best opponent out of that list, apart from Bradley, but I’d much prefer to see Mayweather considering fighters like Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams or Carlos Quintana to fight instead of Cintron, Campbell and Malignaggi.
If Mayweather gets by his March opponent, then he will be looking to fight the winner of the Andre Berto vs. Shane Mosley fight which takes place on January 30th of this month. Although Pacquiao reportedly wants to fight the winner of that fight as well, you would have to think that Mayweather would have the edge in getting the winner – if it’s Mosley – because he and Mosley are both with Golden Boy Promotions.
What could be a bit of bad news for Manny Pacquiao and his promotional team is that Mayweather could fight on the same night, March 13th, as Pacquiao. If that happens, Mayweather could draw away many of the fans that otherwise would have purchased the Pacquiao-Clottey fight on pay-per-view.
Of course, it would take a good opponent for Mayweather for that to happen. He can’t just fight anyone and expect to take away viewers from Pacquiao’s fight with Clottey. Schaefer says that they could fight on March 14th, a Sunday night so that they don’t compete with the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. That wouldn’t be an ideal night for a fight, however. HBO would have to go along with this idea for that date to work.
The list that is being considered by Mayweather might not be good enough for him to take away a large percentage of fans from the Pacquiao bout, however. Bradley would seem to be the best fighter of the bunch, but he’s not well known by casual boxing fans, even though he’s got the best record and is considered to be the best fighter in the light welterweight division by many boxing fans at this time.
Mayweather is bigger than both Campbell and Malignaggi, and it’s hard to see these fights as anything more than a dreadful mismatch. Cintron would give Mayweather some problems with his power, but Cintron looked bad in his fight with Sergio Martinez last year, and he was destroyed by Antonio Margarito in 2008. Cintron might be the best opponent out of that list, apart from Bradley, but I’d much prefer to see Mayweather considering fighters like Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams or Carlos Quintana to fight instead of Cintron, Campbell and Malignaggi.
If Mayweather gets by his March opponent, then he will be looking to fight the winner of the Andre Berto vs. Shane Mosley fight which takes place on January 30th of this month. Although Pacquiao reportedly wants to fight the winner of that fight as well, you would have to think that Mayweather would have the edge in getting the winner – if it’s Mosley – because he and Mosley are both with Golden Boy Promotions.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight is Still On!
By Kirk Jackson: I have been informed from a few reliable sources, the much anticipated mega boxing show down between Pound for Pound Kings Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still on.
It seems like there have been recent developments everyday, going into a range from drug testing disputes, to whatever else the two camps choose to disagree on, and deadlines to come to an agreement have been tossed everywhere.
The main problem with the recent disputes between the two camps, have been trying to come up with an agreement in regards to the random urine and blood testing for performance enhancing drugs. The camp of Floyd Mayweather wants a 14 day cut off, while the camp of Manny Pacquiao wants a longer extended period. From what I have been informed, both camps have scheduled yet another meeting to salvage this fight.
The meeting for the final arrangements are to talk place this Sunday, with the fight still being scheduled for the tentative date of March 13 of this year. It looks like both sides will compromise and agree to a cut off period of 14 – 20 days for the random drug testing.
This will leave them with an opportunity to get off quick press tour before their historic show down in March.
It seems like there have been recent developments everyday, going into a range from drug testing disputes, to whatever else the two camps choose to disagree on, and deadlines to come to an agreement have been tossed everywhere.
The main problem with the recent disputes between the two camps, have been trying to come up with an agreement in regards to the random urine and blood testing for performance enhancing drugs. The camp of Floyd Mayweather wants a 14 day cut off, while the camp of Manny Pacquiao wants a longer extended period. From what I have been informed, both camps have scheduled yet another meeting to salvage this fight.
The meeting for the final arrangements are to talk place this Sunday, with the fight still being scheduled for the tentative date of March 13 of this year. It looks like both sides will compromise and agree to a cut off period of 14 – 20 days for the random drug testing.
This will leave them with an opportunity to get off quick press tour before their historic show down in March.
Pacquiao vs. Clottey/Mayweather vs. Malignaggi = A Disappointment
By Shaun Campbell: Boxingnews24 today reported that Manny Pacquiao is likely defend his WBO welterweight title against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey. The former International Boxing Federation champion Clottey will no doubt be thrilled with the announcement that Pacquiao’s proposed “super fight” with Floyd Mayweather fell through. For boxing fans though it’s a totally different story. A disappointment, a letdown, a disgrace. Why pick an opponent who, while putting in a good effort again Miguel Cotto was eventually beaten. And the world saw what happened when Cotto faced the “Pac-man”.
Is Pacquiao vs Clottey the most attractive fight Bob Arum could find? They may as well have staged a 3rd contest between Pacquiao and Marquez, which would have probably been a more competitive fight than this one. This bout looks set to be happening on March 13th. With no disrespect to Clottey, what chance does he have to beat a man who so convincingly outclassed Miguel Cotto? It seems as if the bout will have to happen in March, which rules out the chance of Pacquiao facing the winner of Mosley vs Berto, which is a shame but the winner of that fight surely has to fight Floyd Mayweather.
Speaking of Mayweather, it is possible he will be fighting either Paulie Malignaggi or Britain’s Matthew Hatton. Both fighters a genuinely nice guys and no disrespect to them, but the difference in class is staggering. Malignaggi and Mayweather and two defensively minded fighters would like to hit and move, therefore their styles probably wont result in an exciting fight. Mayweather is a master of making exciting fighters, fight an ordinary fight. People will eventually lose interest in the dream match Pacquiao/Mayweather and focus on other fights which could possibly be made. Every day that passes where Pacquiao and Mayweather don’t fight, they’ll be losing money.
Clottey and Malignaggi are decent fighters, but they aren’t in the class of Pacquiao or Mayweather. So whether this is promotional hype or genuine problems that can not be settled, it is a disgrace.
Is Pacquiao vs Clottey the most attractive fight Bob Arum could find? They may as well have staged a 3rd contest between Pacquiao and Marquez, which would have probably been a more competitive fight than this one. This bout looks set to be happening on March 13th. With no disrespect to Clottey, what chance does he have to beat a man who so convincingly outclassed Miguel Cotto? It seems as if the bout will have to happen in March, which rules out the chance of Pacquiao facing the winner of Mosley vs Berto, which is a shame but the winner of that fight surely has to fight Floyd Mayweather.
Speaking of Mayweather, it is possible he will be fighting either Paulie Malignaggi or Britain’s Matthew Hatton. Both fighters a genuinely nice guys and no disrespect to them, but the difference in class is staggering. Malignaggi and Mayweather and two defensively minded fighters would like to hit and move, therefore their styles probably wont result in an exciting fight. Mayweather is a master of making exciting fighters, fight an ordinary fight. People will eventually lose interest in the dream match Pacquiao/Mayweather and focus on other fights which could possibly be made. Every day that passes where Pacquiao and Mayweather don’t fight, they’ll be losing money.
Clottey and Malignaggi are decent fighters, but they aren’t in the class of Pacquiao or Mayweather. So whether this is promotional hype or genuine problems that can not be settled, it is a disgrace.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mayweather vs Pacquiao: It’s Still Not Over
By Frank Car: Contrary to news circulating that the Floyd Maywather vs. Manny Pacquiao bout is off once again. I still believe it’s not over. “It’s off” is something we have heard, what, three or four times now? Although my optimism is somewhat fading, there is still time for what a source called a “business deadline” for the Mega-Fight to be made.
There is not that much to say, other than we need to wait for more official news to surface, from both camps. It has been Pacquiao’s camp to once again say it’s off. That is no surprise seemingly how it has been Pacquiao’s camp to be quick to say it’s off numerous times in the past. It could be a negotiations tactic, but how many times you cry wolf. This time though, things seem to be a bit more serious for there is not much time left to strike a deal, but there is some time left.
When Mayweather’s camp gives a official statement, we hear about the contract negotiations themselves, and find out why they were unable to come to an agreement. We can start assume this thing is officially off. And then, the finger of blame will be coming out in full force, looking for just who is at fault for botching the one of the most anticipated match-ups ever. But it may not come to that, for once again there is still time.
You know in most negotiations, either side would probably be glad to take any type of drug test if they could chose, say the glove size. Pacquiao wanted 8 ounce gloves Mayweather wanted 10, they are using 8. Or say the weight, Pacquiao wanted 147 Mayweather wanted 154, they are going at 147. Or perhaps the date, Pacquiao wanted March, Mayweather wanted May; they are doing it in March. The only real demand I have seen Mayweather make is for Pacquiao to take the random blood test, but there has been hinting of Pacquiao using PEDs which probably didn’t help that any.
In any case a Olympic-style random blood test would take 3-5 random blood tests and 4-9 random urine tests or so. And in each of those blood tests, you would probably lose more blood if you got a bloody nose then they would require. A random drug test (which is almost the only way it can be effective) to seal the deal for the fight of the century is really and truly not that big of a deal in my view.
Pacquiao has always shown class and integrity in and outside the ring. On this one though, I am not seeing eye to eye with him. However I do understand him not enjoying being bombarded with accusations of doping, but denying a state-of-the-art drug test isn’t helping it any.
For a fun fact, if you donate an entire pint of blood you get paid $0. If you donate plasma – which is a part of blood and about a 2 hour process – you get paid around 25$. But a few random drops may keep some from making millions.
Each side may be waiting until the final seconds to see if the other side gives in until they themselves do. (That can make sense if you read it a few times)
If this bout doesn’t proceed, each boxer would be walking away from about $40 million each… I would think someone is going to turn around and pick it up.
There is not that much to say, other than we need to wait for more official news to surface, from both camps. It has been Pacquiao’s camp to once again say it’s off. That is no surprise seemingly how it has been Pacquiao’s camp to be quick to say it’s off numerous times in the past. It could be a negotiations tactic, but how many times you cry wolf. This time though, things seem to be a bit more serious for there is not much time left to strike a deal, but there is some time left.
When Mayweather’s camp gives a official statement, we hear about the contract negotiations themselves, and find out why they were unable to come to an agreement. We can start assume this thing is officially off. And then, the finger of blame will be coming out in full force, looking for just who is at fault for botching the one of the most anticipated match-ups ever. But it may not come to that, for once again there is still time.
You know in most negotiations, either side would probably be glad to take any type of drug test if they could chose, say the glove size. Pacquiao wanted 8 ounce gloves Mayweather wanted 10, they are using 8. Or say the weight, Pacquiao wanted 147 Mayweather wanted 154, they are going at 147. Or perhaps the date, Pacquiao wanted March, Mayweather wanted May; they are doing it in March. The only real demand I have seen Mayweather make is for Pacquiao to take the random blood test, but there has been hinting of Pacquiao using PEDs which probably didn’t help that any.
In any case a Olympic-style random blood test would take 3-5 random blood tests and 4-9 random urine tests or so. And in each of those blood tests, you would probably lose more blood if you got a bloody nose then they would require. A random drug test (which is almost the only way it can be effective) to seal the deal for the fight of the century is really and truly not that big of a deal in my view.
Pacquiao has always shown class and integrity in and outside the ring. On this one though, I am not seeing eye to eye with him. However I do understand him not enjoying being bombarded with accusations of doping, but denying a state-of-the-art drug test isn’t helping it any.
For a fun fact, if you donate an entire pint of blood you get paid $0. If you donate plasma – which is a part of blood and about a 2 hour process – you get paid around 25$. But a few random drops may keep some from making millions.
Each side may be waiting until the final seconds to see if the other side gives in until they themselves do. (That can make sense if you read it a few times)
If this bout doesn’t proceed, each boxer would be walking away from about $40 million each… I would think someone is going to turn around and pick it up.
Mayweather-Pacquiao: It’s Off – Breaking News!
by Jason Alcairo: According to news from Yahoo sports and as also reported in the Las Vegas Review Journal, the oft-cancelled potential mega fight between top ranked Pound for Pound fighters world Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr is once again off. Mediation went on for 9 hours yesterday but no conclusion was reached and this morning, neither fighter was present at the actual mediation. A revised proposal was given to both fighters, with Mayweather being the one to disagree. The stipulations in the new proposal is at the time unknown.
The underlying issue was the drug testing demands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. The former top rated fighter in the world wanted random blood tests of the Filipino champion based pretty much entirely on the suspicions of Floyd Mayweather Sr. and despite him never failing a drug test. Though they would both be going through the same tests, Pacquiao would only agree to 3 blood tests and unlimited urine tests.
This leaves both fighters to take on 2 opponents in the meanwhile until they can decide when they finally want to get together and fight. Pacquiao is more than likely going to be taking a fight with WBA Jr Middleweight champion Yuri Foreman, with Mayweather potentially facing either Matthew Hatton of the UK (chuckle) or former IBF Jr. welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi.
Many boxing fans feel that the blood test demand by Mayweather is unwarranted. What is also grinding the gears of the same fans is that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer gave very vocal support to the blood tests after refusing to agree to Shane Mosley undergoing blood tests for a potential fight against Zab Judah that never materialized in 2008. According to a press release at the time, Pacquiao can be found in an interview following his 2005 loss to Erik Morales discussing the mental effects of having his blood drawn within 48 hours of the bout. According to him, he was informed that his blood documentation had been lost and he would have to give another sample.Having his blood removed in such an artificial way left him feeling weak. Even Morales had said that his punches didn’t hurt after beating Pacquiao by decision.This lead to the disagreement between the frequency and cutoff date for the blood tests.
This author’s personal opinion is riddled with frustration and a little bit of confusion. First off, if this is some sort of terribly conceived plan to keep on hyping up the fight, I’d rather they didn’t. This fight has continually demonstrated that it sells itself. If the lawsuit or PED allegations were meant to increase the drama, then I would consider it overkill. However, if this fight really, really, REALLY is off, then the lawsuit should go on as planned. Manny’s honor was besmirched by baseless accusations, and no, he doesn’t have anything to hide by refusing to take the tests no matter what the Floyd fan boys tell you. Manny’s refusal to test isn’t an attempt to hide any potential chemical transgressions so much as it’s his way of standing his ground and refusing to bend to Mayweather’s will and demands. All too often, people will throw the basic right to innocence until proven guilty out the window. The Mayweathers haven’t so much as presented a single shred of evidence to support their allegations, and the minute that the whispers of steroid use surround an athlete,the results could be costly. Pacquiao wasn’t like a baseball player who could barely hit the fence and then suddenly started crushing balls over the stadium walls left and right. He stopped shrinking himself down to make the lower weights and trained himself against pain while fully optimizing his body’s ability to produce his destruction of Ricky Hatton last May and Miguel Cotto in November. Simply put, Pacquiao is a killing machine powered by rice and fish.
Mayweather’s refusal to accept any sort of compromise leads me to believe that his 0 truly is more important to him than 40+ million dollars. To think that both sides have been capable of blowing through several months of anticipation with nothing to show for it is downright aggravating. I hope Pacquiao would pick a better opponent than Foreman,but perhaps in the future he can take on the winner of Mosley-Berto.
The underlying issue was the drug testing demands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. The former top rated fighter in the world wanted random blood tests of the Filipino champion based pretty much entirely on the suspicions of Floyd Mayweather Sr. and despite him never failing a drug test. Though they would both be going through the same tests, Pacquiao would only agree to 3 blood tests and unlimited urine tests.
This leaves both fighters to take on 2 opponents in the meanwhile until they can decide when they finally want to get together and fight. Pacquiao is more than likely going to be taking a fight with WBA Jr Middleweight champion Yuri Foreman, with Mayweather potentially facing either Matthew Hatton of the UK (chuckle) or former IBF Jr. welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi.
Many boxing fans feel that the blood test demand by Mayweather is unwarranted. What is also grinding the gears of the same fans is that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer gave very vocal support to the blood tests after refusing to agree to Shane Mosley undergoing blood tests for a potential fight against Zab Judah that never materialized in 2008. According to a press release at the time, Pacquiao can be found in an interview following his 2005 loss to Erik Morales discussing the mental effects of having his blood drawn within 48 hours of the bout. According to him, he was informed that his blood documentation had been lost and he would have to give another sample.Having his blood removed in such an artificial way left him feeling weak. Even Morales had said that his punches didn’t hurt after beating Pacquiao by decision.This lead to the disagreement between the frequency and cutoff date for the blood tests.
This author’s personal opinion is riddled with frustration and a little bit of confusion. First off, if this is some sort of terribly conceived plan to keep on hyping up the fight, I’d rather they didn’t. This fight has continually demonstrated that it sells itself. If the lawsuit or PED allegations were meant to increase the drama, then I would consider it overkill. However, if this fight really, really, REALLY is off, then the lawsuit should go on as planned. Manny’s honor was besmirched by baseless accusations, and no, he doesn’t have anything to hide by refusing to take the tests no matter what the Floyd fan boys tell you. Manny’s refusal to test isn’t an attempt to hide any potential chemical transgressions so much as it’s his way of standing his ground and refusing to bend to Mayweather’s will and demands. All too often, people will throw the basic right to innocence until proven guilty out the window. The Mayweathers haven’t so much as presented a single shred of evidence to support their allegations, and the minute that the whispers of steroid use surround an athlete,the results could be costly. Pacquiao wasn’t like a baseball player who could barely hit the fence and then suddenly started crushing balls over the stadium walls left and right. He stopped shrinking himself down to make the lower weights and trained himself against pain while fully optimizing his body’s ability to produce his destruction of Ricky Hatton last May and Miguel Cotto in November. Simply put, Pacquiao is a killing machine powered by rice and fish.
Mayweather’s refusal to accept any sort of compromise leads me to believe that his 0 truly is more important to him than 40+ million dollars. To think that both sides have been capable of blowing through several months of anticipation with nothing to show for it is downright aggravating. I hope Pacquiao would pick a better opponent than Foreman,but perhaps in the future he can take on the winner of Mosley-Berto.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Mayweather may have to apologize and drop the random blood test demands if he wants negotiations to resume
By Eric Thomas: If Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants his negotiations with World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao to get back on schedule, Floyds might possibly need to issue a public apology and agree to drop the random blood testing demands for his March 13th fight with Pacquiao. Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, said he wants the random blood testing dropped and some kind of public apology from Mayweather, according to news from the Sports.inquirer.
Pacquiao filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer. However, with the defamation lawsuit in process, it’s unclear what Mayweather’s lawyer would say about him giving a public apology, if Mayweather would even consider doing this. Currently, Mayweather’s management team and Top Rank will be meeting with a mediator Daniel Weinstein tomorrow to try and solve the impasse in the negotiations.
If Mayweather drops his demand for the random blood tests and issues a public apology to Pacquiao this will likely be all that is needed to get the fight back in motion. However, if Mayweather gives in to all of these points, it would appear that he would be caving in on everything without Pacquiao’s team meeting him halfway. Would Mayweather be able to give on these issues? It would give him a shot at making between twenty five and forty million if he can somehow get past all this mess with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao could face WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman next as an alternate opponent in March if the Mayweather talks fail to move forward.
Pacquiao filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer. However, with the defamation lawsuit in process, it’s unclear what Mayweather’s lawyer would say about him giving a public apology, if Mayweather would even consider doing this. Currently, Mayweather’s management team and Top Rank will be meeting with a mediator Daniel Weinstein tomorrow to try and solve the impasse in the negotiations.
If Mayweather drops his demand for the random blood tests and issues a public apology to Pacquiao this will likely be all that is needed to get the fight back in motion. However, if Mayweather gives in to all of these points, it would appear that he would be caving in on everything without Pacquiao’s team meeting him halfway. Would Mayweather be able to give on these issues? It would give him a shot at making between twenty five and forty million if he can somehow get past all this mess with Pacquiao.
Pacquiao could face WBA light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman next as an alternate opponent in March if the Mayweather talks fail to move forward.
Arum: “They don’t care who Manny [Pacquiao] fights” – News
By Dave Lahr: In an article at Tempo.com.ph Manny Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum says “It’s unbelievable. They don’t care who Manny fights.” Arum is speaking about Pacquiao’s popularity with stadium owners and boxing fans around the world many of who can’t get enough news about the Filipino star. Pacquiao and unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. are currently stuck in their negotiations with the random blood testing being the sticking point in the negotiations.
On Tuesday, an outside mediator, Daniel Weinstein, will be meeting with Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions to try and rectify the stalled negotiations. As for Arum’s claim that boxing fans don’t care who Pacquiao fights, that remains to be seen. Arum wants to match Pacquiao up next with World Boxing Association light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman if the mediator fails at reviving the Mayweather-Pacquiao talks.
A fight against Foreman, a fighter only known among hardcore boxing fans, would be a big test for whether casual boxing fans would be interested in paying for to see Pacquiao fight an unknown fighter. Pacquiao wants another title, and Foreman would appear to be the easiest way for Manny to accomplish that.
A much harder task, perhaps even impossible, would be for Arum to match Pacquiao up with WBC light middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, who is considered by many boxing fans to be the best fighter in the light middleweight division. That fight would be a much more interesting fight than to see Pacquiao fight Foreman, who is a fighter with weak punching power and a history of being a runner in his fights.
To be sure, it doesn’t give one a sense of well being to see Arum so upbeat about the stadium owners not caring who Pacquiao fights.
That gives me the impression that there may not be any budging in the negotiation process by Pacquiao’s management team. I hope I’m wrong about this, because I really want to see Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. But if Arum believes like he says that people don’t care who Pacquiao fights, then there is no real reason for Pacquiao’s team to give in and meet Mayweather halfway.
I think some fans would interested in seeing Pacquiao fight Foreman, but nothing like the same amount of fans that have watched Pacquiao’s recent fights against Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya. It takes two good fighters to make a mega fight, and if you match Pacquiao against a fighter that many casual boxing fans have never heard of in their life, I doubt they’ll willing to pay big money to watch Pacquiao on pay-per-view no matter who is packaged together on the undercard.
On Tuesday, an outside mediator, Daniel Weinstein, will be meeting with Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions to try and rectify the stalled negotiations. As for Arum’s claim that boxing fans don’t care who Pacquiao fights, that remains to be seen. Arum wants to match Pacquiao up next with World Boxing Association light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman if the mediator fails at reviving the Mayweather-Pacquiao talks.
A fight against Foreman, a fighter only known among hardcore boxing fans, would be a big test for whether casual boxing fans would be interested in paying for to see Pacquiao fight an unknown fighter. Pacquiao wants another title, and Foreman would appear to be the easiest way for Manny to accomplish that.
A much harder task, perhaps even impossible, would be for Arum to match Pacquiao up with WBC light middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, who is considered by many boxing fans to be the best fighter in the light middleweight division. That fight would be a much more interesting fight than to see Pacquiao fight Foreman, who is a fighter with weak punching power and a history of being a runner in his fights.
To be sure, it doesn’t give one a sense of well being to see Arum so upbeat about the stadium owners not caring who Pacquiao fights.
That gives me the impression that there may not be any budging in the negotiation process by Pacquiao’s management team. I hope I’m wrong about this, because I really want to see Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. But if Arum believes like he says that people don’t care who Pacquiao fights, then there is no real reason for Pacquiao’s team to give in and meet Mayweather halfway.
I think some fans would interested in seeing Pacquiao fight Foreman, but nothing like the same amount of fans that have watched Pacquiao’s recent fights against Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya. It takes two good fighters to make a mega fight, and if you match Pacquiao against a fighter that many casual boxing fans have never heard of in their life, I doubt they’ll willing to pay big money to watch Pacquiao on pay-per-view no matter who is packaged together on the undercard.
Miguel Cotto comments on the sad loss of his father
By Peter Wells: A man whom was deeply involved in his son’s career has passed away, suffering a heart attack yesterday. That man was Miguel Cotto Sr, father of former World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Cotto Sr pledged his son’s corner to stop the fight against Manny Pacquiao where he was witnessing his son taking a brutal battering. Cotto Sr and Jr were close, and we all offer our deepest sympathies to the Cotto family.
Miguel Cotto Sr was suffering from Asthma and was driving in Caguas town centre when he felt ill, he then stopped the car and asked a local Liquor store owner to call an ambulance. Douglas Melendez told press that he called the hospital 4 times, and the last call was too late.
Evangelista Cotto was one of the first to the scene and was too upset to speak. Cotto’s former trainer and uncle hadn’t talked to Cotto Sr since Evangelista filed a complaint about Miguel Cotto and Cotto Sr took to his son’s side.
Felix Trinidad Sr father of 3 division world champion Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad said that the news saddened him very much as he knew the Cotto family very much and gave his condolences to the Cotto family.
Miguel Cotto didn’t have much to say but said, “We appreciate all the tokens of affection and sympathy. It is a very painful moment for me and for my entire family. I hope that everyone respects our request for space to overcome this difficult moment”.
Cotto was saddened but strong about the sudden loss of his father and we respect his wishes and even though it has been a terrible start of the year for him we all hope things get better.
Miguel Cotto Sr was suffering from Asthma and was driving in Caguas town centre when he felt ill, he then stopped the car and asked a local Liquor store owner to call an ambulance. Douglas Melendez told press that he called the hospital 4 times, and the last call was too late.
Evangelista Cotto was one of the first to the scene and was too upset to speak. Cotto’s former trainer and uncle hadn’t talked to Cotto Sr since Evangelista filed a complaint about Miguel Cotto and Cotto Sr took to his son’s side.
Felix Trinidad Sr father of 3 division world champion Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad said that the news saddened him very much as he knew the Cotto family very much and gave his condolences to the Cotto family.
Miguel Cotto didn’t have much to say but said, “We appreciate all the tokens of affection and sympathy. It is a very painful moment for me and for my entire family. I hope that everyone respects our request for space to overcome this difficult moment”.
Cotto was saddened but strong about the sudden loss of his father and we respect his wishes and even though it has been a terrible start of the year for him we all hope things get better.
Mayweather and Pacquiao camps to meet with mediator on Tuesday
By Sean McDaniel: In a last ditch effort to save the March 13th mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, an outside mediator, retired judge Daniel Weinstein, will meet with Top Rank, and Mayweather’s management team to try and overcome the stalemate in the negotiations for the fight. Weinstein, who previously helped work out a problem between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions in 2007, has to find a way to solve the dispute over the drug testing.
Mayweather, 32, wants random blood tests during the training period before the fight, but Pacquiao only wants three separate blood tests – one at the kickoff for the fight this month, another 30 days before the fight and a final one after the bout.
Mayweather asked for blood testing to be done for the fight despite the Nevada Athletic Commission, who oversees the bout, only asking for urine tests. Pacquiao and Top Rank feel as if they’re being pushed around by Mayweather with the extra blood tests, and don’t want to take more than the three blood tests that Pacquiao has already agreed upon. Unfortunately, this is the sticking point.
Mayweather hasn’t shown any signs of backing down on his request for blood tests inside the 30 day window, and Pacquiao is just as firm not to take any more than those three. Both fighters agree to the random urine tests. At stake for the fight is a possible $40 million for each fighter if they can come to an agreement.
In addition to the problems with the blood testing methods, Pacquiao has filed a lawsuit filed against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Floyd Sr., Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer for defamation. If this fight is to go forward, the mediator will likely have to work on getting this suit dropped, because it might make it difficult for the two fighters to come to an agreement if this lawsuit is still pending.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has a back-up plan of matching Pacquiao against World Boxing Association light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman if the mediation process fails. This obviously would be a huge letdown for boxing fans who were hoping that Pacquiao would face Mayweather or at the very least a better known fighter like Shane Mosley. However, Pacquiao wants to try and collect an 8th world title, and if he can beat Foreman, this would give Pacquiao’s his 8th title. Many boxing fans on the internet have been less than thrilled with the prospect of seeing this fight, because many of them see Foreman as the weaker of the light middleweight champions. They also wonder whether Foreman, the champion, would have to fight Pacquiao at a catch weight while still having his title on the line for the bout.
As for Mayweather, there has been talk about him facing British fringe welterweight contender Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of Ricky Hatton. That, too, hasn’t been a fight that boxing fans have been thrilled about.
Mayweather, 32, wants random blood tests during the training period before the fight, but Pacquiao only wants three separate blood tests – one at the kickoff for the fight this month, another 30 days before the fight and a final one after the bout.
Mayweather asked for blood testing to be done for the fight despite the Nevada Athletic Commission, who oversees the bout, only asking for urine tests. Pacquiao and Top Rank feel as if they’re being pushed around by Mayweather with the extra blood tests, and don’t want to take more than the three blood tests that Pacquiao has already agreed upon. Unfortunately, this is the sticking point.
Mayweather hasn’t shown any signs of backing down on his request for blood tests inside the 30 day window, and Pacquiao is just as firm not to take any more than those three. Both fighters agree to the random urine tests. At stake for the fight is a possible $40 million for each fighter if they can come to an agreement.
In addition to the problems with the blood testing methods, Pacquiao has filed a lawsuit filed against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Floyd Sr., Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer for defamation. If this fight is to go forward, the mediator will likely have to work on getting this suit dropped, because it might make it difficult for the two fighters to come to an agreement if this lawsuit is still pending.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has a back-up plan of matching Pacquiao against World Boxing Association light middleweight champion Yuri Foreman if the mediation process fails. This obviously would be a huge letdown for boxing fans who were hoping that Pacquiao would face Mayweather or at the very least a better known fighter like Shane Mosley. However, Pacquiao wants to try and collect an 8th world title, and if he can beat Foreman, this would give Pacquiao’s his 8th title. Many boxing fans on the internet have been less than thrilled with the prospect of seeing this fight, because many of them see Foreman as the weaker of the light middleweight champions. They also wonder whether Foreman, the champion, would have to fight Pacquiao at a catch weight while still having his title on the line for the bout.
As for Mayweather, there has been talk about him facing British fringe welterweight contender Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of Ricky Hatton. That, too, hasn’t been a fight that boxing fans have been thrilled about.
Merchant: “Maybe he [Mayweather] thinks that he won’t” [win]
By Scott Gilfoid: HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant doesn’t understand why Floyd Mayweather Jr. has created such a big deal about the random drug testing in recent weeks, saying to Boxing Fanhouse “If it’s not gamesmanship [by Mayweather], then what they’re really saying is that ‘Nobody can be as good as Manny Pacquiao unless he’s helped by something.’ Maybe it reflects on Floyd Mayweather. Even if he believes he’s going to win, maybe he thinks that there’s a change he won’t.” This makes a lot of sense. Mayweather appears to have a doubt in his mind that he won’t be able to beat Pacquiao.
Why else would he make a huge production about the random blood testing for his March 13th bout against World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Pacquiao? That looks like a fear-based move to me. If Mayweather was really as confident as he portrays himself, he probably wouldn’t be worrying so much about the drug testing. After all, it isn’t like Pacquiao is going to come into the fight out-weighing him like Mayweather did against his last opponent Juan Manuel Marquez in September.
If he’s the same weight as Pacquiao, if not heavier, than why should Mayweather be worrying so much about the drug testing? It just seems to me that Mayweather has doubt in his mind about whether he can beat Pacquiao, and by having him drug tested numerous times, it would somehow quiet Mayweather’s self doubt.
Merchant doesn’t understand the logic behind Mayweather calling so much attention to drugs for this fight, remarking “I thought that it was gamesmanship, because I didn’t see anything to be won by this. If you think that he’s [Pacquiao] been using illegal substances, do you want him called out before the fight and revealed, and blow the whole deal? I never got the point of all this.”
I don’t understand that either. By doing that, Mayweather is basically talking down the fight, because many boxing fans might be turned off about a fight if they think one of the participants is using illegal performance enhancers. What good is it to mention that kind of thing if you want boxing fans to get excited about the fight and purchase it in droves by pay-per-view?
If anything, Mayweather should be keeping his trap shut and trying to talk up Pacquiao or at least say how he’s going to beat him. The worse thing, I think, for Mayweather to do is to put so much emphasis on the drug testing methods for the bout. That’s like a huge turn-off, at least for me.
I don’t think Mayweather has clearly thought this issue out and seen what kind of adverse effect it would have in drumming up ticket sales and pay-per-view buys. I’m just left with the impression that Mayweather is afraid about this fight about losing and ending up with his first defeat on his record.
Why else would he make a huge production about the random blood testing for his March 13th bout against World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Pacquiao? That looks like a fear-based move to me. If Mayweather was really as confident as he portrays himself, he probably wouldn’t be worrying so much about the drug testing. After all, it isn’t like Pacquiao is going to come into the fight out-weighing him like Mayweather did against his last opponent Juan Manuel Marquez in September.
If he’s the same weight as Pacquiao, if not heavier, than why should Mayweather be worrying so much about the drug testing? It just seems to me that Mayweather has doubt in his mind about whether he can beat Pacquiao, and by having him drug tested numerous times, it would somehow quiet Mayweather’s self doubt.
Merchant doesn’t understand the logic behind Mayweather calling so much attention to drugs for this fight, remarking “I thought that it was gamesmanship, because I didn’t see anything to be won by this. If you think that he’s [Pacquiao] been using illegal substances, do you want him called out before the fight and revealed, and blow the whole deal? I never got the point of all this.”
I don’t understand that either. By doing that, Mayweather is basically talking down the fight, because many boxing fans might be turned off about a fight if they think one of the participants is using illegal performance enhancers. What good is it to mention that kind of thing if you want boxing fans to get excited about the fight and purchase it in droves by pay-per-view?
If anything, Mayweather should be keeping his trap shut and trying to talk up Pacquiao or at least say how he’s going to beat him. The worse thing, I think, for Mayweather to do is to put so much emphasis on the drug testing methods for the bout. That’s like a huge turn-off, at least for me.
I don’t think Mayweather has clearly thought this issue out and seen what kind of adverse effect it would have in drumming up ticket sales and pay-per-view buys. I’m just left with the impression that Mayweather is afraid about this fight about losing and ending up with his first defeat on his record.
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