Sunday, November 29, 2009

Bute is Beautiful with Fourth Round Knockout


QUEBEC CITY - In an absolutely stunning performance, IBF super middleweight titlist Lucian Bute retained his title with a fourth-round knockout over challenger Librado Andrade here tonight in front of a standing room only crowd of 16,473 at the Colisee Pepsi.

The end came suddenly with a sharp left hook to Andrade's body. It was a shot that the aggressive Andrade never saw coming and he was felled immediately by the punch. It was the second knockdown of the round suffered by the challenger as he was also decked by a left hook to the jaw only moments earlier.

Referee Benji Esteves, Jr. counted out Andrade at 2:57 of the round and a pro-Bute crowd came to their feet and erupted into a roar of open-mouthed glee.

It was a dramatic reversal from their first fight that took place at Montreal's Bell Centre 13 months ago. In that fight, Bute also boxed smartly, but he was nearly knocked out in the waning seconds of the twelfth and final round.

“Everything went my way and it was my night,” said a joyous Bute after the knockout. “I planned for this and I was confident from the sound of the first bell.”

Bute, who upped his undefeated record to 25-0, 20 KOs boxed adroitly from the very beginning. He used crisp right jabs, sneaky hand speed and adept foot movement to keep Andrade on the defensive. Bute let his hands go at every turn and that was the difference as he repeatedly stung the ever advancing challenger before he had a chance to get his punches off.

Bute was a champion firing on all cylinders and everything he tried worked. To say that he was “in the zone” would be the most accurate assessment of his performance here.

There was no comparison between the way the champion looked tonight and the way he fought their first fight last October. Bute won that fight as well, but it was a struggle. Andrade had his moments and he was able to land heavy shots along the way.

Because of the questions that surrounded that fight, a rematch was set-up between he and Andrade in an effort to settle any doubt about who was the better man. All doubt was settled tonight.


Lucian Bute (right) never allowed Andrade into the fight. He completely dismantled his foe in the rematch.

“I haven't felt this good in two years,” said an ebullient Bute. “This was the real Lucian Bute you saw here tonight.”

Andrade, who drops to 28-3, 21 KOs with the loss was extremely disappointed. This was his third shot at a major world title and this was the third time he has come up empty-handed. He was a dejected loser at the post-fight press conference.

“Congratulations, you got me,” said Andrade to Bute regarding the shot that knocked him out. “I never saw it coming. I just want to become a world champion, that's my dream. I used to work at a Jack in the Box and every morning I'd say, 'Welcome to Jack in the Box.' I never thought I would get this far in boxing.”

Then Andrade broke down in tears.

Bute's star continues to shoot across the galaxy here in Quebec. He is undefeated and his popularity will only rise with the victory. He was featured on the front pages of the daily newspapers today here in this French-speaking Canadian province and everyone from waiters in restaurants to disc-jockeys on the radio stations were talking about him.

“I've been working on my left hook for the past two months in the gym,” said Bute at the post fight press conference. “I've been thinking about Librado Andrade for a whole year. I thank him for making me a better boxer.”

Bute, who is as soft-spoken as they come, also thanked Andrade for bringing out the best in him and for becoming his friend.

Librado Andrade is a great person,” he said. “He's a great fighter and he will stay my friend for life.”

If that's how Bute treats his friends – I'd hate to see how he treats his enemies.


Andrade was crippled by a left to the body. He never saw the shot coming and was unable to beat the count of the referee.

The televised opener on the HBO Boxing After Dark card was a spirited fight for the vacant IBF 135-pound title.

Joan “Little Tyson” Guzman, 134 ½, 29-0, 17 KOs, from Santo Domingo the Dominican Republic, went head-to-head against East London, South Africa's Ali Funeka, 134, 30-2-2, 25 KOs.

In an evenly matched fight, Guzman got off to a nice start by winning the first two rounds on my unofficial scorecard. Guzman began the fight very quickly and managed to land some very nice right hands to the head and body. He was really living up to his nickname of “Little Tyson” as he had bad intentions on every shot.

Fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, Guzman showed glimpses of what made him a sensation a few years back as he mixed in heavy punches with speed and quickness.

But after the first two rounds, Funeka began finding his range. In the third, the South African got his jab working and he fought at a more measured pace. He reminded some here in press row of a young Bernard Hopkins as he moved forward behind textbook left jabs and straight right hands. Guzman began bleeding from the nose in the third round and the flow of blood was never able to be stemmed as the bout wore on.

Guzman continued to bleed heavily from the nose as the fourth round began. Sensing the fight was moving out of his hands, he became more aggressive and threw heavier punches. But Funeka did especially well as he landed right hands over Guzman's low left. It was a round that saw Guzman cut badly above the right eye from an unintentional clash of heads.


Ali Funeka (left) and Joan Guzman engaged in spirited 12-rounds. The fight was deemed a draw but Funeka deserved the decision and the title.

The doctor was called in to have a look at the cut at the beginning of the fifth round and after a quick gander he let Guzman continue on. Guzman's corner did a nice job of stemming the blood from the cut, but it was a round that saw Funeka really begin to unload with the jabs and right hands. Guzman's face was a mask of blood in the round as his nose and eye bled heavily There was a beautiful right-left by Funeka near the end of the round which cemented him as the winner.

As the bout wore on, it was mostly Funeka who landed the more effective punches and worked forward behind a potent offense. Guzman often backed to the ropes and he was raked by Funeka's left hooks and right hands. Guzman struggled to see Funeka's punches coming from behind a mask of blood. As the rounds progressed, Guzman's trunks and gloves were soaked in crimson.

On my unofficial scorecard, Funeka rallied in the late rounds and he swept rounds eight through twelve. I tabbed him the winner at 116-112. The small contingent of writers in press row was unanimous in the thought that Funeka had done enough to win.

However, in a dubious decision, Funeka was stymied by the three official judges. They scored the bout 114-114, 116-112 for Funeka and 114-114, which resulted in a majority draw. The IBF lightweight title remains vacant. Both fighters are calling for a rematch and one will likely be immediately ordered.

Funeka's team was very disappointed with the result as it is the second fight in a row and the second title shot in a row that he has just missed out on.


November 2009

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Is Lucian Bute the Super Seventh?


QUEBEC CITY – The arena here is sold out. Over 16,000 loyal Lucian Bute supporters will soon flood the aisles of the Colisee Pepsi in an attempt to usher their man to another victory over rugged challenger Librado Andrade.

Bute, the world super middleweight champion according to the proclamations of the International Boxing Federation, is a franchise unto himself in this French-speaking Canadian province. Born in Romania, but fighting out of Montreal, which is a few hours drive away, the undefeated 29-year-old southpaw has become a proven commodity that continues to yield significant dividends.

InterBox, the entity that promotes and markets him, has done a masterful job in developing the soft-spoken Bute into a powerhouse at the ticket window. With his pristine record of 24-0, 19 knockouts intact, Bute has become such a sensation here that it appears there is some reluctance to let him go elsewhere to display his wares.

Bute's first fight against Andrade last October drew over 16,000 fans to Montreal's Bell Centre. During his career, Bute has fought in that arena, the home of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League, a total of 15 times and his bouts always guarantee a healthy box office. His popularity is such that an open workout for the media and fans at a shopping mall Tuesday drew a fawning crowd of nearly one thousand.

“It’s an honor to represent Quebec,” said the somewhat reserved Bute earlier this week during a chat with reporters. “It’s a real honor.”

Stephan Larouche, Bute's tireless trainer and confidant is not shy about his charge or about telling anyone what he thinks about his fighter and what his future may hold.

“He’s an icon,” states Larouche. “He's learned to speak French and the people here have given back the love and support to him. Lucian wants to give them a good performance. Boxing fans here really enjoy him and he’s in very good hands here in Quebec. He's now going to university to learn to speak English. His next step will be to go to the U.S. and become a big star there.”


Andrade and Bute weighed in on Friday afternoon and both showed they were in great condition.

It would seem that Bute had his chance to become a big star in the American market earlier this year when the Showtime network developed a tournament called the Super Six World Boxing Classic. But it wasn't to be.

Ken Hershman, Vice President of Sports Programming at the network organized a round-robin contest that now includes six of the top 168-pound boxers in the world. Hershman seemed to be grooming Bute to be a major part of the affair. Many of Bute's recent fights (including the first fight against Andrade) were televised by Showtime and Bute was ringside for Carl Froch's destruction of Jermain Taylor in April that was televised on the network.

But during the early negotiations to include Bute, talks apparently broke down with barely a word of explanation as to why. Soon after the framework of the World Boxing Classic was announced, news came that Bute had fled to HBO and that he would meet Andrade in a rematch. The only detail offered by Hershman for Bute's exclusion from the tournament was a terse statement that said Bute “was not invited to participate.”

As the rest of the world's top super middleweights continue on with the high-profile tournament, Bute and his handlers now forge ahead and continue business as usual. Whether their decision to remain outside the tournament will be a smart one remains to be seen. However, it could be that Bute and InterBox made the smartest move of all by remaining outside the confines of the Super Six.


The Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City holds 16,000 for boxing. Every ticket has been sold and Bute's fans will be cheering him on.

During the short time the World Boxing Classic has been going on, it has seen a controversial decision loss by Andre Dirrell to Carl Froch, a possible career-ending loss by Jermain Taylor at the hands of Arthur Abraham and the fall of the tournament favorite Mikkel Kessler to Andre Ward. It has become clear that the losses in the tournament are extremely costly, while the wins are are extremely lucrative.

Make no mistake – the sport of boxing is a business – and business for Lucian Bute in Quebec is very, very good. Instead of taking the Showtime route across the border to the United States market, his appearance on HBO (and future appearances) will likely pave the way for his breakthrough into America.

Should he make it by the come ahead style of Andrade here tonight (which is no given) Bute can continue to make enough money to burn while defending his title on HBO against a deep well of 168-pound contenders.

Meanwhile, the fighters in the Super Six will continue to beat the stuffing out of one another on their way to crowning an eventual overall champion. By not participating in the tournament, it allows Bute the opportunity to bide his time, fight at home, build his bank account, his record and his name. It's a calculated risk, but as long as he can hold onto the IBF title belt and/or keep his unbeaten record intact, he will be the natural choice for the Super Six winner to be matched against.

And here's another fact - as long as Bute remains on track - the winner of the Super Six will not be universally regarded as the best super middleweight in the world. That man, whoever it is, will have to engage Bute in order to silence the doubters. Like the old phrase states, it leaves Bute 'sitting in the catbird seat' which is the most enviable postion of all.


Bute found himself on the floor in the final seconds of the first bout with Andrade. He hopes to avoid a replay of that tonight.

But all of that hinges on getting by Librado Andrade a second time. When asked for his thoughts regarding the Super Six tournament and if he had been watching those matches or whether he would be interested in getting into the tournament, Bute gave his thoughts.

“I watched the fights,” he said. “I thought Froch deserved to win over Dirrell and I saw the Kessler fight. But for me, it's too early to talk about the future because I'm focused on this fight with Andrade. But in terms of the Super Six – I'm number one.”

Bute and Larouche are taking tonight's fight extremely serious. Bute was well on his way to a wide decision victory over Andrade the first time, but with about a minute remaining in the twelfth and final round, a wave of exhaustion overcame him and he was very nearly swamped. Bute was knocked down and a confused referee elongated the count - as well as Bute's recovery time. As a result, he escaped to hear the final bell.

Bute knows he came within seconds of losing his title and his undefeated record so for this fight he and Larouche were meticulous in their preparation. They moved their training camp to Florida to take advantage of the warm weather. One of the fighters they sparred with was former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson who was in training for his rematch against Chad Dawson.

“We had a really, really good training camp,” said Larouche. “He will do better. He will do every little thing he did the last time but a little better. Lucian, without being a slugger, is always a crowd-pleaser. He always pleases the fans the way he fights. Now he is sharper, better and he has crisper punches. He has worse intentions at the end of his punches. His weight is all good and he’s in tremendous shape. They're both great guys, but unfortunately there has to be a winner and a loser and the IBF title is going to stay in Quebec.”


Lucian Bute moved his training camp to Florida in preparation for this fight.

In terms of the first fight against Andrade, Bute offers a simple explanation as to why he became unglued at the end.

“I was tired,” he explains. “After twelve good rounds I was just tired and I just did a little mistake and you know what happened. But I showed a lot of courage to be on my feet before the end of the fight. We didn't make any real changes for this fight. We're just very well prepared, as usual. But for sure you are going to see a different Lucian Bute this Saturday on HBO. The last time I made a little mistake by standing in front of Librado. He was looking to give a show...I was tired...I made a mistake and I got hit. I have a strategy for Saturday. At the post-fight press conference Librado Andrade will tell the people there it was a different Lucian Bute.”

In the Corners

Bute and Andrade made weight on Friday afternoon as each man scaled 166 3/4. Andrade told me earlier this week that he began training camp at 200 pounds. But he also told me that he has no problem in getting down to the super middleweight limit. However, no matter how you look at it, 33 1/4 pounds is a lot of weight to lose and I think that will take something out of Librado as the fight wears on. My money is all on Lucian Bute tonight. He was winning the first fight handily before coming apart in the final minute. The oddsmakers are also on Bute's side and the most likely outcome they envision is for him to decision the iron-chinned and steel-willed Andrade...Lost on the undercard here is what I think will be an excellent fight featuring Joan Guzman of the Dominican Republic versus South Africa's Ali Funeka for the vacant IBF lightweight title. Guzman, who has had weight problems in the past weighed in at 134 1/2 Friday afternoon while Funeka came in at 134. I was very impressed with Funeka's effort against Nate Campbell earlier this year. This will only be Guzman's fourth fight in almost three years and only his second bout as a lightweight. Funeka is an extremely difficult fighter to face because of his height (6'1”) and reach (72”). He is six inches taller than Guzman and has a five inch reach advantage. With his inactivity and age (33) I'll be surprised if the undefeated Guzman doesn't suffer his first loss...Unbeaten Scottish middleweight Craig McEwan is also making an appearance on the card. I met McEwan for the first time a couple of weeks ago at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood and he looks like a contender in the making. Trained by Freddie Roach and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, McEwan, 16-0, 9 KOs will face the undefeated James Parison, 12-0, 3 KOs who hails from San Diego. Oscar De La Hoya is supposed to be in attendance here tonight to show his support for Andrade, Guzman and McEwan.


November 2009

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Twilight Phenomenon

Upon Twilight's initial publication, the book generally received positive reviews, which acted as a catalyst to spread its popularity. Some fanatics hailed the book and called hot new teen novel, an iconic love story for a whole generation, and realistic, subtle, succinct, and easy to follow, Twilight will have readers dying to sink their teeth into it. The widespread appeal of the novels and the huge online fan community of the series are often noted, and the author and the series' popularity are often compared with J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. Meyer responds to such comparisons, saying, "It's terribly flattering to be compared to her, but there's never going to be another J.K. Rowling; that's a phenomenon that's not gonna happen again", however noting that "you can compare my fans to her fans more easily [than me to her]. I do think that we both have people who are just really enthusiastic, and will come miles to see you and be involved, and everybody really cares about our characters." A social networking community for Twilight fans has over 200,000 members at the series' official site, and the series has spawned hundreds of fansites. The Twilight series' popularity and enthusiastic fan following have grabbed media attention and been dubbed "The Twilight Phenomenon". Economically, the town of Forks, Washington, the setting for the Twilight series, has improved due to tourism from fans of the books. Forks are visited by an average of 8,000 tourists per month, and have been described as a "Mecca for Twilighters".

Main characters
1. Isabella "Bella" Swan – The protagonist of the series, teenager Bella is a perpetually clumsy "danger magnet", with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She is often portrayed as having low self-esteem and unable to comprehend Edward's love for her. She has immunity to supernatural abilities involving the mind, such as Edward's mind-reading ability. After her transformation into a vampire in the saga's fourth installment, Bella acquires the ability to shield both herself and others from "mental harm" from other vampires.
2. Edward Cullen – Edward is a vampire who lives with a coven of like-minded vampires known as the Cullen family, who feed on animals rather than humans. Over the course of the Twilight series, Edward falls in love with, marries, and has a child with Bella. At first, Edward feels a mutual hatred toward Jacob Black because of his love for Bella, but in Breaking Dawn he comes to see Jacob as a brother and friend. Like some vampires, Edward has a supernatural ability, mind reading; it allows him to read anyone's thoughts within a few miles radius. Bella is immune to his power as a human, but learns how to lower this "shield" after her transformation to a vampire.
3. Jacob Black – A minor character in the first novel, Jacob is introduced as a member of the Quileute tribe. He resurfaces in New Moon with a much larger role, becoming a werewolf and Bella's best friend as she struggles through her depression over losing Edward. Although he is in love with Bella, she initially sees him as just her best friend. In Twilight Saga: Eclipse Bella realizes that she loves Jacob as well, though this love is overpowered by her love for Edward Cullen. In Breaking Dawn, Jacob finds a soulmate in Bella and Edward's baby daughter, Renesmee, ridding him of his heartache for Bella.

The Twilight Phenomenon

Upon Twilight's initial publication, the book generally received positive reviews, which acted as a catalyst to spread its popularity. Some fanatics hailed the book and called hot new teen novel, an iconic love story for a whole generation, and realistic, subtle, succinct, and easy to follow, Twilight will have readers dying to sink their teeth into it. The widespread appeal of the novels and the huge online fan community of the series are often noted, and the author and the series' popularity are often compared with J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. Meyer responds to such comparisons, saying, "It's terribly flattering to be compared to her, but there's never going to be another J.K. Rowling; that's a phenomenon that's not gonna happen again", however noting that "you can compare my fans to her fans more easily [than me to her]. I do think that we both have people who are just really enthusiastic, and will come miles to see you and be involved, and everybody really cares about our characters." A social networking community for Twilight fans has over 200,000 members at the series' official site, and the series has spawned hundreds of fansites. The Twilight series' popularity and enthusiastic fan following have grabbed media attention and been dubbed "The Twilight Phenomenon". Economically, the town of Forks, Washington, the setting for the Twilight series, has improved due to tourism from fans of the books. Forks are visited by an average of 8,000 tourists per month, and have been described as a "Mecca for Twilighters".

Main characters
1. Isabella "Bella" Swan – The protagonist of the series, teenager Bella is a perpetually clumsy "danger magnet", with dark brown hair and brown eyes. She is often portrayed as having low self-esteem and unable to comprehend Edward's love for her. She has immunity to supernatural abilities involving the mind, such as Edward's mind-reading ability. After her transformation into a vampire in the saga's fourth installment, Bella acquires the ability to shield both herself and others from "mental harm" from other vampires.
2. Edward Cullen – Edward is a vampire who lives with a coven of like-minded vampires known as the Cullen family, who feed on animals rather than humans. Over the course of the Twilight series, Edward falls in love with, marries, and has a child with Bella. At first, Edward feels a mutual hatred toward Jacob Black because of his love for Bella, but in Breaking Dawn he comes to see Jacob as a brother and friend. Like some vampires, Edward has a supernatural ability, mind reading; it allows him to read anyone's thoughts within a few miles radius. Bella is immune to his power as a human, but learns how to lower this "shield" after her transformation to a vampire.
3. Jacob Black – A minor character in the first novel, Jacob is introduced as a member of the Quileute tribe. He resurfaces in New Moon with a much larger role, becoming a werewolf and Bella's best friend as she struggles through her depression over losing Edward. Although he is in love with Bella, she initially sees him as just her best friend. In Twilight Saga: Eclipse Bella realizes that she loves Jacob as well, though this love is overpowered by her love for Edward Cullen. In Breaking Dawn, Jacob finds a soulmate in Bella and Edward's baby daughter, Renesmee, ridding him of his heartache for Bella.

Pacquiao Vs Mayweather Jr: Super Fight!

Is it possible to happen the Pacquao Vs Mayweather Jr? My answer is, Yes! Of course, it will happen because the world want it. That's the only reason why people love boxing. It because people want to see the world greatest fight of the century which the Super Fight, Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr..

Speaking of Super Fight, it does'nt mean the fighters are super human but it simply means they are both heroes. They will fight for glory, honor and of course for the crown, the real pound-for-pound king and there can be only one pound-for-pound king. That's the big deal. So, what do you expecting for the negotiation for Pacquiao Vs Mayweather Jr super fight? Promoters, let it happen. So, make the fight for real!!!

The Manny Pacquiao Vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr, both are proclaim to be the pound-for-pound king. So, the only solution for this is to make the super fight happen and let it be on 2010. The world awaits for this to happen. The fight of what the world want to see. The Greatest fight, the super fight and the battle of pound-for-pound crown! So be it!

Bute vs. Andrade II is a KO at the Box Office


With Quebec City serving as the backdrop, Librado Andrade (left) and Lucian Bute will again attempt to prove who is the better man.

On Saturday night in Quebec City, Lucian Bute and Librado Andrade will meet again for Bute’s IBF super middleweight title belt. It’s a rematch of a thrilling fight from Oct. 2008 when, well ahead on the scorecards, Bute was nearly knocked out in the dwindling seconds of the twelfth and final round.

Lost in the ballyhoo of Manny Pacquiao’s dominant victory over Miguel Cotto and the recent talk of Showtime’s Super Six World Boxing Classic super middleweight tournament, is the fact that Bute vs. Andrade II has the set the box office on fire in a chilly Canada.

"The tickets sold out in less than one hour of going on sale," said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, on Tuesday afternoon.

When asked what a sell-out meant and how many people the Pepsi Colisee holds for boxing, "16,000" was Schaefer’s one word answer.

It’s a shocking number considering that more tickets have been sold for this fight than were sold for recent pay-per-view events that featured Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

The number of tickets purchased by Bute’s loyal fans speaks to his amazing popularity in the province of Quebec. While boxing has nearly drowned in the mainstream in the United States – it is alive and thriving in other parts of the globe. It proves, even in a far outpost such as Quebec City, which is located on the often frozen shores of the St. Lawrence River, that if a fighter is developed into a regional attraction before being taken nationwide or worldwide it can result in a lucrative payback.


The brutality of their first fight is evident in this picture. It is one reason this bout is a sensational attraction.

The Romanian born, Montreal-based Bute is a solid as ice superstar in Quebec. His first fight with Andrade also sold in the vicinity of 16,000 tickets and he has filled Montreal's Bell Centre on other occasions.

"It shows you how big Lucian Bute is in Canada," said Schaefer. "It shows you he is one of those fighters that can pack a house."

Andrade is also somewhat of a favorite in the Great White North. Born in Mexico and now a resident of La Habra, Calif., it will be his fourth appearance in Quebec and for this fight he trained in Montreal with trainer Howard Grant who is based in the city.

"Andrade spends a lot of time in Canada," said Schaefer. "He really considers that his second home. This fight is not going to start with round one, it’s going to be round thirteen."

The fight also represents the first time that HBO will broadcast a fight from Canada on its airwaves. It will be televised on "Boxing after Dark" along with the lightweight title fight between Ali Funeka and Joan Guzman.

Interbox CEO Jean Bedard, who promotes Bute, was positively glowing with all of the brilliant positives that are emanating from this fight card.

"We’re very excited about this rematch," he said. "I think that Librado deserved the rematch. The city and fans have been waiting for this for the past year. We’ll have a chance to do it in front of a sell-out crowd of 16,000 people and that will make it extra special."


November 2009

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Sing a Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr Song - Sometimes When We Touch

Do you know the greatest music hits today in boxing world? If you heard about Manny "pacman" Pacquiao had sing a song at Jimmy Kimmel Show. The title of the song is pretty much familiar. It's a bloody song. Now you know Manny Pacquiao is a great singer as great as a fighter :)...

Here's Manny Pacquiao at Jimmy Kimmel Show singing "Sometimes When We Touch"

Now you know Manny Pacquiao is a great singer as great as a fighter or a boxer. But, how about when it comes to Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Here I just want to share to you the new version of "Sometimes when we touch" song by Dan Hill into "Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr Song - Sometimes When We Touch". This is for fun only. One of my commentor at my Pacquiao Vs Cotto blog, shared this lyrics as he commented at my blog post. So, here's the song and let "sing a Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr Song - Sometimes When We Touch". :)

Sometimes When We Tats (Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao Vs. Mayweather Song)

They asked you if you’ll fight me
And you choked on your reply
I’d rather Arum deal with you
Than mislead you with a lie

And who am I to judge you,
On what you say or do
The fans are now beginning
To see the real you..

And someday when we tats
My LEFT will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where do you hide?
I wanna pound you til you’re white
‘Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
‘Til you dream and say, goodnight.

You think you are a strategist
That you can insult my pride
But through your insecurities
You’re ZERO loss seemed right

You’re just another fighter
So far from what is true
An overrated boxer
Who never gives his due

And someday when we tats
My RIGHT will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where do you hide?
I wanna pound you til you’re white
‘Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
‘Til you dream and say, goodnight.

At times I’d like to break you
And drive you to your knees
The fans would like to watch you
And see your first defeat

Your huggers understand you
And we know how hard they try
I’ve watched your Dad protect you
And your Uncle loves to smile

My coach thinks your a loser
Still searching for a break
You think your odds are better
But then the public bets AGAINST!

And someday when we tats
My SPEED will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where can you hide?
I wanna pound you til you’re white
‘Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
‘Til you dream and say, goodnight!

Are You Having Fun? Let's share this to all... :) Watch Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Live! SOON!

Watch Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Live Streaming Online Free Blog

This sports boxing blog naming "Watch Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Live Streaming Online Free" is about the latest boxing news and updates between the two world's greatest and best pound-for-pound fighter of all time of this era, Manny "pacman" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Sports boxing entertainment influenced the world for great sports activities to gather, become sport-minded, enjoy, bring peace, love boxing, be kind sportsmanship, and to bring honor and glory for each country by the fighters or boxers around the world.

Manny "pacman" Pacquiao, the world's greatest fighter who ever lived today that successfully made history of having 7 world title championship belts in different weight division in his career and best known as the "pound-for-pound" king of the world after successfully won the fights against the legendary and champion fighters or boxer. Now, there's nothing to prove if who's the true pound-for-pound king anymore because he is the one and only the king of pound-for-pound in the world of boxing. And now, he's only awaiting for his next opponent in which will be the must-watch fight and what the world want to see. It will be the super fight of the century. Let it happen...

Floyd "money" Mayweather Jr., the undefeated great fighter and formerly known him as the pound-for-pound king. Before, Mayweather quitely retired from boxing when there's no challenger to face him. In that moment, Pacquiao has proclaim to be the pound-for-pound king after the consecutive wins while Mayweather is off in his boxing career. Lately, Floyd Mayweather came back fighting Juan Manuel Marquez and successfully win the fight. Now, it's time to reclaim the crown of pound-for-pound king. Mayweather wants to prove that he is still the king and none of Pacquiao has to own. Let see...

Through this sports boxing "Watch Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Live Streaming Online Free" blog, we will follow the history in the making of this upcoming super fight of the century, the "Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jr." bout. This is the fight of what the world wants to see. So, let this happen for god sake. Amen...

More latest sports boxing news and updates about Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. So, stay tune...

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Privacy Policy

The privacy of our visitors to http://pacquiao-vs-mayweather-live-stream-on.blogspot.com is important to us.

At http://pacquiao-vs-mayweather-live-stream-on.blogspot.com, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information we receive and collect when you use visit http://pacquiao-vs-mayweather-live-stream-on.blogspot.com, and how we safeguard your information. We never sell your personal information to third parties.

Log Files
As with most other websites, we collect and use the data contained in log files. The information in the log files include your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL, Globe Telecoms or PLDT), the browser you used to visit our site (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), the time you visited our site and which pages you visited throughout our site.

Cookies and Web Beacons
We do use cookies to store information, such as your personal preferences when you visit our site. This could include only showing you a popup once in your visit, or the ability to login to some of our features, such as forums.

We also use third party advertisements on YugaTech.com to support our site. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on our site, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense program) information including your IP address, your ISP , the browser you used to visit our site, and in some cases, whether you have Flash installed. This is generally used for geotargeting purposes (showing Makati real estate ads to someone in Makati, for example) or showing certain ads based on specific sites visited (such as showing cooking ads to someone who frequents cooking sites).

You can chose to disable or selectively turn off our cookies or third-party cookies in your browser settings, or by managing preferences in programs such as Norton Internet Security. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites. This could include the inability to login to services or programs, such as logging into forums or accounts.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Super Six Aids Boxing's Continued Revitalization


Pictured in Germany are: Front (l to r) Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham. Back (l to r) is Andre Dirrell, Jermain Taylor and Andre Ward.

For too long in this game they call boxing – the best have not fought the best.

But the tide has slowly begun to change in the sweet science.

Everyone involved in the sport; from the television networks to the sanctioning organizations to the myriad of promoters, managers, booking agents and even the fighters themselves have come to the realization that in order for the sport to prosper – and survive – the best fighters on the planet need to fight one another.

This weekend will see another bout in Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic super middleweight tournament in which a couple of the sport's top fighters will square off. Tonight at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California has WBA titlist Mikkel Kessler facing off against 2004 Olympic gold medal winner Andre Ward.

Denmark's Kessler, who has a ledger of 42-1, 32 KOs, is the odds-on-favorite to be the last man standing when the dust settles and all of the fights in the six-man tournament have been completed. Ward, an improving and evolving young fighter with a record of 20-0, 13 KOs is the true wild card in the series. He has demonstrated flashes of possible brilliance, but questions linger regarding his ability and whether he can live up to his potential.

As Kessler and Ward prepare to duke it out, one fact is obvious - without this high-profile tournament - tonight's fight and others like it, are ones that likely would never have been made. Ward's promoter, the magnanimous Dan Goossen, agrees with that sentiment.


Promoter Dan Goossen is happy to be one of the promoters involved in the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

“It's always been the promoters that usually have caused big fights from being made,” Goossen declared. “Because they don't want to risk their titleholder against their competitor's titleholder and lose control, possibly, of that championship. That has definitely hurt our sport.”

The World Boxing Classic is an innovative (some say radical) idea within the sport. Its development helped to foster an environment which motivated all-involved to realize the long-term benefit of matching titleholders and contenders against one another in significant bouts. In the recent past, the notion of an undefeated fighter risking a pristine record in a match-up they were not guaranteed to win was considered heresy. A promoter or manager that would ever have advocated such a strategy was considered a misinformed miscreant.

It was protectionism at its worst.

“These are the best fighters at 168-pounds and the winner is just going to be the winner,” explained Goossen, who is taking a big risk tonight with Ward, whom he has promoted since he became a professional. “No matter who's the promoter, no matter who's the manager, no matter who's the trainer - it's going to be one single champion out of this World Boxing Classic - and that's the beauty of it.”

With so many competing self interests in the sport, it has been the fighters and boxing fans that have been ignored the most. By nature, most elite fighters have always desired the opportunity to match skills with their peers in an an effort to prove themselves. Boxing fans have always craved the mega-fights that involve the most well known stars.


Kessler and Ward weighed in on Friday afternoon and both were in tremendous physical condition.

But what became the norm in the sport of boxing is that the collective pleas of fighters and the fans often fell on deaf ears. For years, promoters and managers moved their fighters like pieces on a chess board – very carefully with much debate and anxiety. It created gridlock and essentially paralyzed the sport. It alienated those that were once mainstream followers. The toxic mess allowed the UFC to flourish and pretty soon when half empty arenas and casino ballrooms began to become routine, the boxing powers-that-be recognized they had a crisis on their hands.

There is no question that the five different promoters participating in the World Boxing Classic, especially Americans Lou DiBella, Gary Shaw and Goossen realized that their extremely conservative strategy of risk management was leading down a ruinous path. The sanctioning organizations reached the same conclusion and they also signed off on the idea and promised not to impede with the progression of the series of fights.

It is unprecedented that this many of the sport's top power brokers could come together in agreement. Quite simply, their egos are not accustomed to self-inflicted bruises and over the years they have always done everything in their power to ensure they emerge from any negotiation unscathed. But there is no question that in this tournament - one or more of them will advance their agenda while others will be relegated to the back of the line.

“Having these five promoters working together, having the fighters willing to move forward with this – there's no options, there's no gimmicks, there's no trick weights, there's no trick sizes. These are the best,” claims Goossen. “That's the beauty of it and that's what the fans are going to get behind.”



Goossen made a nice analogy when he compared the World Boxing Classic to the structure that exists in major league and college sports. The eventual outcome is such that the cream will rise to the top. Something akin to a Super Bowl champion or a World Series champion or a conference champion will be crowned. As a result, by the time the tournament concludes, the real winners will be the fans and the entire sport.

“You take a tournament like this and you've got that same type of set-up,” Goossen said. “That's what the fans get excited about, that's what the fighters get excited about. And that's why I think you've got six of the best super middleweights in this tournament – because they all realize the consequences of being able to win something like this.”

For the first time in a long time, those that control boxing are doing what they should always do - place the collective interests of the sport ahead of self preservation. Not only do the fighters realize the consequences of this tournament – we all do.


November 2008

Friday, November 20, 2009

Roy Jones, Jr. Believes He Has More to Prove


Jones has been fighting for two decades and is destined for the hall of fame. But he fights on in an effort to accomplish more.

Because of the recent preoccupation by the boxing media with Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto and this weekend's upcoming fight between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward in Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic – many other promotions and somewhat newsworthy events have been relegated to the back burner.

One of the events neglected from coverage is that Roy Jones, Jr. will fight outside the friendly confines of the United States for the first time when he meets Australia's Danny Green for a minor cruiserweight title on Dec. 2 in Sydney.

Jones, 40, turned pro way back in 1989. Yet despite several attempts over the years by various promoters, managers and fighters to lure him overseas, Jones never made the journey. In fact, the furthest he has performed from his native Pensacola, Florida was a 2002 bout versus Clinton Woods that took place in Portland, Oregon.

“It's going to be unchartered territory for me,” says Jones in regards to fighting on a different continent. “It's a big event for me because it's the first time I will have ever fought as a pro abroad. This will be a fight that is virgin territory for me.”

After being robbed of the gold medal in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea – Jones vowed to never fight overseas again. But he claims one of the reasons for the decision to fight halfway around the world after all these years is to quell the critics and settle a question in his own mind.

“I'm still hungry and I've still got things to prove,” said Jones. “I want to prove that I can go outside the country and win. My job is to try and knock Danny Green out.”

Jones has struggled since 2003 when made history by thrashing Johnny Ruiz for the WBA heavyweight title. He became the first middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in over 100 years, but since that victory he has lost 4 of his last 10 fights and was knocked out twice.

“To me, fighting in Australia is very exciting,” said Jones of his continued motivation. “Some people asked why I still fight and it's to participate in events like this and also because I wanted to get my body back to being right. I wanted to get back to being my old self...get back to where I was with my body.”

Jones attributes his losses and lackluster performances to the fact that his body was somehow damaged by the weight fluctuation he endured in between his 2003 fights against Ruiz and Antonio Tarver. Jones weighed 193 for Ruiz. But eight months later struggled mightily to scale 175 for the first Tarver fight – a fight he barely won. He then lost his next three fights in a row.

“I really feel right now that I'm back...my body is back and I feel good,” said Jones. He has scored two stoppage wins in a row over Omar Sheika in March and Jeff Lacy in August. He has rebounded nicely since a decision loss to Joe Calzaghe last November. The Sheika win was the first time Jones had stopped an opponent in almost seven years and he was impressive in his recent dismantling of Lacy.

“I really needed to bet back to being right,” says Jones. “I needed to get my old self back. Once I get to feeling like this, if somebody can beat me when I feel like this I can accept it. But until I got back to being my old self I wasn't able to accept those defeats because I knew I wasn't right. If someone can beat me when I feel like this, then I could accept it and walk away.”

Should Jones prove victorious against Green, he is tentatively scheduled to face Bernard Hopkins early next year in a rematch of their 1993 bout.


November 2009

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Wrestlemania 26 in Arizona

Wrestlemania 26 in Arizona
It was announced via an official press conference that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Wrestlemania 26 Pay-Per-View will be held in Glendale, Arizona. The state of Arizona had begun the bidding process several years ago to get the event in 2010. Wrestlemania 26 will most likely start at 7 PM EST on Sunday, March 28, 2010. Wrestlemania 26's location will be held at the University of Phoenix stadium which hosted Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and New England Patriots in 2007. The Arizona venue which can be arranged to hold over 71,000 fans should be just as jam-packed and it should bring a week's worth of great events to the Glendale area including superstar appearances, interactive exhibits and autograph signings. Wrestlemania 26 is sure to include many of the same great wrestlers and more exciting matches. Fans are already speculating who will be the defending champions as the event approaches. There's early speculation that the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony would be held right down the road at US Airways Arena. The arena in downtown Phoenix is currently the home of the NBA basketball franchise, the Phoenix Suns. As for possible names to go into the 2010 Hall of Fame for WWE, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Honky Tonk Man and "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase have all been mentioned as rumors. 2009's ceremony saw the Texas Rattlesnake, Stone Cold Steve Austin inducted along with Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and longtime WWE announcer Howard Finkel.

Wrestlemania Tickets
You can purchase WWE Wrestlemania 26 Tickets at Ticketmaster.
Wrestlemania 26 Ticket prices are

* Floor Seating: US $150.00 - US $750.00
* Club Level Seating: US $75.00 - US $95.00
* Lower Level Seating: US $55.00 - US $75.00
* Upper Level Seating: US $20.00 - US $55.00

Wrestlemania 26 in Arizona

Wrestlemania 26 in Arizona
It was announced via an official press conference that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Wrestlemania 26 Pay-Per-View will be held in Glendale, Arizona. The state of Arizona had begun the bidding process several years ago to get the event in 2010. Wrestlemania 26 will most likely start at 7 PM EST on Sunday, March 28, 2010. Wrestlemania 26's location will be held at the University of Phoenix stadium which hosted Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and New England Patriots in 2007. The Arizona venue which can be arranged to hold over 71,000 fans should be just as jam-packed and it should bring a week's worth of great events to the Glendale area including superstar appearances, interactive exhibits and autograph signings. Wrestlemania 26 is sure to include many of the same great wrestlers and more exciting matches. Fans are already speculating who will be the defending champions as the event approaches. There's early speculation that the 2010 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony would be held right down the road at US Airways Arena. The arena in downtown Phoenix is currently the home of the NBA basketball franchise, the Phoenix Suns. As for possible names to go into the 2010 Hall of Fame for WWE, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Honky Tonk Man and "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase have all been mentioned as rumors. 2009's ceremony saw the Texas Rattlesnake, Stone Cold Steve Austin inducted along with Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and longtime WWE announcer Howard Finkel.

Wrestlemania Tickets
You can purchase WWE Wrestlemania 26 Tickets at Ticketmaster.
Wrestlemania 26 Ticket prices are

* Floor Seating: US $150.00 - US $750.00
* Club Level Seating: US $75.00 - US $95.00
* Lower Level Seating: US $55.00 - US $75.00
* Upper Level Seating: US $20.00 - US $55.00

The Twilight Series: Eclipse

Eclipse
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse will hit theaters in 2010. This is the third sequel of Twilight series, the second sequel is New Moon which come out this November. The Eclipse Plot: The vampire Victoria (James's mate from Twilight) has created an army of "newborn" vampires to battle the Cullen family and murder Bella for revenge. Meanwhile, Bella is impelled to choose between her relationship with Edward and her friendship with Jacob. Edward's vampire family and Jacob's werewolf pack join forces to successfully destroy Victoria and her vampire army. In the end, Bella chooses Edward's love over Jacob's and agrees to marry him. The story is set primarily in the town of Forks, Washington, where Bella and her father, Charlie Swan, live. Other cities in Washington briefly appear in the series or are mentioned, such as Port Angeles, Olympia, Seattle and La Push. Some events in Twilight take place in Phoenix, Arizona, where Bella was raised. Volterra, Italy, is featured in New Moon, when Edward travels there to commit suicide and Bella rushes to save him. Jacksonville, Florida, is mentioned first in Twilight and second in Eclipse, when Edward and Bella visit Bella's mother, who has moved there with her new husband. Twilight is a series of four vampire-based fantasy/romance novels by American author Stephenie Meyer. It charts a period in the life of Isabella "Bella" Swan, a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington and falls in love with a 104-year-old vampire named Edward Cullen. “Twilight Series: Eclipse” hits theaters on June 30, 2010, and “Twilight Saga: New Moon” comes out on November 20, 2009. I am just as ANXIOUS to see Eclipse, but I wouldn't want them to rush through it and not get it right! They need to take the time they need to do it right for the fans!

The Twilight Series: Eclipse

Eclipse
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse will hit theaters in 2010. This is the third sequel of Twilight series, the second sequel is New Moon which come out this November. The Eclipse Plot: The vampire Victoria (James's mate from Twilight) has created an army of "newborn" vampires to battle the Cullen family and murder Bella for revenge. Meanwhile, Bella is impelled to choose between her relationship with Edward and her friendship with Jacob. Edward's vampire family and Jacob's werewolf pack join forces to successfully destroy Victoria and her vampire army. In the end, Bella chooses Edward's love over Jacob's and agrees to marry him. The story is set primarily in the town of Forks, Washington, where Bella and her father, Charlie Swan, live. Other cities in Washington briefly appear in the series or are mentioned, such as Port Angeles, Olympia, Seattle and La Push. Some events in Twilight take place in Phoenix, Arizona, where Bella was raised. Volterra, Italy, is featured in New Moon, when Edward travels there to commit suicide and Bella rushes to save him. Jacksonville, Florida, is mentioned first in Twilight and second in Eclipse, when Edward and Bella visit Bella's mother, who has moved there with her new husband. Twilight is a series of four vampire-based fantasy/romance novels by American author Stephenie Meyer. It charts a period in the life of Isabella "Bella" Swan, a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington and falls in love with a 104-year-old vampire named Edward Cullen. “Twilight Series: Eclipse” hits theaters on June 30, 2010, and “Twilight Saga: New Moon” comes out on November 20, 2009. I am just as ANXIOUS to see Eclipse, but I wouldn't want them to rush through it and not get it right! They need to take the time they need to do it right for the fans!

Pacquiao's Star Shines Brighter Than Ever


The magnificent Manny Pacquiao celebrates after stopping Miguel Cotto in the 12th and final round of their welterweight championship bout.

LAS VEGAS – In a night that saw big Hollywood stars from Mickey Rourke to Mark Wahlberg to Will Ferrell turn out for one of the most anticipated fights of the decade - it was Manny Pacquiao's star that shone brightest of all.

In a brilliant display of speed, precision punching, movement and determination, Pacquiao scored another in a long line of big wins with a 12th round stoppage of WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. The end came at 55 seconds of the final round before a sell-out crowd of over 16,000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Referee Kenny Bayless stepped in to halt the the bout and save Cotto from further punishment. At the time of the stoppage, Pacquiao was ahead on the three official scorecards by 109-99, 108-99 and 108-100.

CompuBox had Pacquiao ahead in punches thrown 780 to 597 and punches landed 335 to 172. In the most telling statistic, Pacquiao landed 49% of his power punches to 31% for Cotto.

Cotto's only bright spot was in the first round, but after that it was all Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino spitfire dominated from the second round on and although he was hit with some solid punches by Cotto, there was never a point in the fight that Pacquiao appeared to be in any sort of danger.

Cotto was down in the third and fourth rounds of the fight and as the bout progressed he was gradually broken down. By the end of the fight he was swollen, bleeding from cuts around the eyes and he was spitting blood. Cotto was clearly attempting to survive as he backed and moved away. As the fight wore on, he often refused to engage Pacquiao in meaningful exchanges.


Pacquiao used speed, quickness and a potent right hand to usurp Cotto's WBO welterweight title.

By all accounts, the fight will be a financial blockbuster. A standing-room only crowd roared in approval for both fighters and it is estimated the fight will exceed 1 million pay-per-view buys.

“There was approximately 18,000 closed-circuit sales in Las Vegas,” said promoter Bob Arum. “Pay-per-view tracking is extremely, extremely strong. We'll have to wait until Tuesday to get an accurate number.”

Cotto was never really in the fight and he landed only sporadically. It was Pacquiao who was more consistent, busier and who came ahead for most of the bout. Pacquiao fired right jabs from his southpaw stance and mixed in uppercuts and hooks to keep Cotto on the defensive.

While Pacquiao was marked slightly after the fight, Cotto was taken to University Medical Center for a complete body scan. The Nevada State Athletic Commission erred on the side of caution in demanding that he be fully checked out before being given the all clear.

Pacquiao, who improves to 50-3-2, 38 KOs and adds the WBO welterweight title to his list of championships said, “I was looking for a knockout shot.”

In a statement released by Lee Samuels and Ricardo Jimenez of Top Rank, Cotto, who drops to 34-2, 27 KOs said: “I'm cut, I'm swollen, but that's what I'm supposed to do. I did my best. I fought the best fighter I have ever fought. I hope the fans enjoyed a great fight.”

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, who was outspoken for his man in the weeks and months leading up to the fight said, “I thought we had to break him down, which we did. I was worried. He fought a great fight. But Manny was fighting very smart and once he started getting into his rhythm it was no problem.”


Prior to the fight, Cotto was thought to be the stronger man. But it was Pacquiao that bullied Cotto to the ropes and punished him.

Bob Arum and HBO sports television network chief Ross Greenburg indicated that negotiations will begin immediately for a 2010 bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. In fact, both men expected that very scenario to play out in the coming days and weeks.

What is clear is that after this win, Manny Pacquiao should be cemented as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport. Without question - in any potential negotiations in a fight with Mayweather – it is Pacquiao that will have the upper hand in the talks.

“It all depends what we can get Mayweather for,” said Arum.

What has now become crystal clear is that Pacquiao is far and away the most exciting fighter in the sport – and perhaps the most exciting athlete in all of sports.

“It was amazing and I can't believe it,” said Pacquiao of his win.

Pacquiao was delayed in making it to the post-fight press conference because he had to have his right ear drained of blood. He had a large bandage wrapped around his ear.

“Another great night,” said Roach. “After the first couple of rounds he had me worried because he wasn't sticking to the game plan. But after that he settled down and you all saw what happened.”

Indeed we did.


November 2009

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Pacquiao-Cotto Las Vegas Notebook


LAS VEGAS - Lots of activity here in the city in the run-up to the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto title fight that will happen tonight.

What is clear is that Miguel Cotto is clearly playing second fiddle in this big fight. The talk around here is all about Manny Pacquiao. He is in the newspapers, the newscasters are talking about him on on television and the disc-jockeys love him on the radio. While there is no scientific evidence to support the number of people that have come here to see the fight – it appears most that are milling about are here to see Manny.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – then Pacquiao must be a happy man. There was a Manny Pacquiao impostor walking around the MGM Grand immediately after the weigh-in and he looks remarkably like Pacquiao. He was a close enough representation of the real thing to fool fans and one television network from the Philippines. He even fooled me for a second. Uncanny.

Pacquiao didn't have any problem making weight on Friday afternoon. He was ripped and ready at 144 pounds and he looked very healthy. His skin had a healthy glow to it and he was energetic and pumped. I was only a few feet from him and he looks very, very strong. I was surprised at how easygoing he is. He doesn't appear to be suffering from any case of the jitters.

Here's a tidbit of information for you regarding how easy it was for Manny to make weight: On Wednesday night, two days before the weigh-in, the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper reported that Pacquiao was at the Picasso restaurant the Bellagio and he was eating like a king. Dining with camp members he put away a large lobster, some Kobe beef and a host of vegetables as well as an entrée. Clearly, there was no concern whatsoever that he was not going to make the 145-pound weigh limit.


Pacquiao and Cotto are fit and ready to go for tonight's big fight in Sin City.

Rumors abound in the days leading up to a big fight here. The one bit of information that continues to make whispers around the MGM Grand is that Miguel Cotto has had to strain quite a bit to make the 145-pound catch-weight. Cotto weighed in on the button.

I was witness to his weigh-ins against both Zab Judah and Joshua Clottey and to me, Cotto looks a bit washed out. Just a bit, nothing drastic, but he does not have the same muscle tone and mass that Pacquiao did, which is surprising considering he is universally regarded as the bigger man. I would say he dried out to make the weight and when he spoke afterwards his voice sounded somewhat forced.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach and Cotto trainer Joe Santiago nearly came to blows at the weigh-in. Santiago looked at Roach and said, “145-pounds, asshole” which was in reference Cotto making the weight. A fight very nearly ensued as the two trainers appeared very close to exchanging punches. My money would have been on Roach in that one.

In terms of the betting odds around town, Pacquiao is the favorite no matter which sports book you decide to visit. He opened as the favorite when the fight was first announced and he is still the favorite – overwhelmingly so for a fight that is believed to be a competitive one.

At the MGM he is a minus 330 favorite which means that you would have to risk $3.30 to win $1 with a bet on Manny. Cotto is listed as a plus 250 underdog. There are other lines around town that offer slightly better odds for Cotto. The over/under will-go/won't/go is 9 1/2 rounds.

Shane Mosley who will fight Andre Berto here on Jan. 30 at Mandalay Bay said Friday morning that of all the weight divisions he has fought in “that 147 pounds is perfect for me, just with my height and everything. '54 is too big for me.”

In terms of tonight's big fight, Mosley is going against the grain and picking the Puerto Rican destroyer to upset Pacquiao.

“I think Cotto is the bigger person, the bigger welterweight and I think he'll give Pacquiao a lot of trouble. I think Cotto is going to be a little bit too big for him and walk him down and probably beat him.”

Mosley also gave his thoughts on the Wednesday incident involving Mike Tyson at LAX airport in which Tyson was arrested after being involved in a minor skirmish with a photographer.

“Mike is a real good person,” said Shane who has known the former heavyweight champion for a number of years. “I think lot of times paparazzi and people with the camera mess with him a little bit. It's hard for him to walk away, you know, being where he's from and what he's been through. I've known him and he's not vicious or aggressive. It's usually the people with the camera trying to get something out of him or get a reaction out of him. He feels disrespected and feels as though he has to respond. Mike does a lot for a lot of people, with charity.”

The line of fans to witness the weigh-in at the MGM Grand began forming Friday morning just after 6:00am, which was nine hours before Pacquiao and Cotto hit the scales.

I spoke to an MGM security guard who was flustered at the mass of people.

“Something has to be done here,” he said. “This is crazy and this is going to get out of hand. There's too many people and they're all going to be fighting for a place in line. It's crazy is what it is. And the rest of the security doesn't show up until noon-time.”

I spoke to Zab Judah's father, Yoel on Friday morning and asked him for his opinion on who was going to win on Saturday. Remember that Zab fought Cotto in June 2007 at Madison Square Garden in New York and that he put up a strong performance before ultimately being knocked in the 11th.


Roach, Pacquio and Arum pictured at the annual Boxing Writers Association of America dinner this past June in New York City.

“I think that Pacquiao will look real good early in the fight,” said Yoel, who was wearing a T-shirt with Zab's picture on it. “But I think Cotto is going to come on late and stop Pacquiao. He's too big, he's too strong and he punches too hard.”

Alfonso Gomez was posing for pictures with fans outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Friday morning. Gomez will face Jesus Soto-Karass as the opening bout on the pay-per-view undercard tonight . Gomez looks to be in phenomenal physical condition at 145 ½ pounds and he has really boiled himself down to fighting trim. He looks very light, chiseled and ready to go.

In the main lobby of the MGM Grand Hotel they have a ring set-up with a gold plated lion parked right in the middle. Next to that is a booth that is hawking all kinds of Pacquiao-Cotto fight memorabilia and trinkets. Everything from key chains to T-shirts to posters to gloves with the likeness of each fighter painted on them. I asked one of the ladies working at the booth how sales were going.

“It's as busy as all the other big fights,” she claimed. She has worked the booth for other fights. They began selling the merchandise on Tuesday and things have changed since then.

“At first it was all Manny Pacquiao stuff,” she said. “But now there's a lot more Cotto stuff that is moving and selling. It's as busy as it has been for other big fights – maybe busier,” she said.

How big a star is Bob Arum? Well, Arum showed up at the MGM media room on Friday morning and as he walked by fans waiting in line for the weigh-in he was swarmed with picture and autograph requests from Pacquiao fans.


Earlier in the week, the two fighters displayed the hardware they will be fighting for.

“Oh my God! It's my birthday!” shrieked one young lady as she rushed to get her arm around Arum so her friends could snap a picture. Then more fans began to swarm and crowd around the 77-year-old idol. Security eventually had to usher Arum to a side door to avoid the crush.

An informal poll of sportswriters and others that are here to cover the fight reveals that most are picking Pacquiao to win. However, most are guarded in their predictions and can see things going for Cotto, too.

For my money, I'll say Pacquiao by decision. Most of the talk here has already begun to center around a Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight for next year. There is too much money and too much to be lost if a close decision goes to Cotto. I don't think Pacquiao can hit hard enough to knock Cotto out and I think Cotto is too far past his best to put Manny away. I think Pacquiao can win enough early rounds to come out ahead in the end. But it will be close.

Inside the press room at the MGM also saw Arum and HBO shot-caller Ross Greenburg gazing over recent Pacquiao-Cotto fight coverage in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times print editions.

Arum and Greenburg were positively glowing that The New York Times finally found it's way to cover a big fight in their pages. I sat beside The Times Sports Editor Tom Jolly at the weigh-in and he seemed to be enjoying himself. As Arum and Greenberg looked at the paper they looked like two kids who had just opened a package that contained what they always wanted for Christmas - or Hanukkah.


November 2009

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Roach Developing Khan to Fill Pacquiao's Void


Freddie Roach and Amir Khan work on the finer points of throwing a straight right hand at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

LOS ANGELES – If it is true that Manny Pacquiao will only fight one more time after facing Miguel Cotto, then the sport of boxing will have a huge void to fill.

Pacquiao is the recognized world's best pound-for-pound boxer and he is beginning to transcend the sport in a way that few do. When he leaves boxing for a career in politics in the Philippines, his absence will be felt from the casinos of Las Vegas to the halls of HBO to the steps of Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym.

In boxing, as in the entertainment industry that thrives only a few blocks from Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym here in Hollywood, the sport is always on the lookout for the next big star.

Enter Amir Khan.

Khan is poised to one day step into the role that Pacquiao currently fills. He is a 2004 Olympic silver medal winner and currently holds the WBA junior welterweight title. Still a youngster at age 22, with a record of 21-1, 15 KOs, Khan still has a long way to go to ever match what Pacquiao has accomplished.

However, Khan is a developing and improving fighter. And perhaps the biggest ace he has up his sleeve is that he and Pacquiao share the same trainer - Freddie Roach.

Roach is considered the finest trainer in the sport. Fighters from around the world seek him out for the answers that he can help bring them when it comes to the complexities of strategy and training that will take them to the next level.

It is why Khan has come all the way to Hollywood, California from his home in Bolton, England. It is inside the small, crowded gym up above a laundromat, that Khan hopes he will find the answers that will lead him to the notoriety, fame and fortune currently enjoyed by Pacquiao.

“He has a long way to go, but anything is possible,” said Roach on Monday morning when asked if he thought there was a chance for Khan to match what Pacquiao has accomplished. “He's a young kid, still. But when Manny walked in here few years ago there wasn't too many people that thought he would go on to become what he is now.”

Khan has already developed quite a following in his native Great Britain. He will meet Dmitriy Salita on Dec. 5 in Newcastle, England and with only a few weeks to go before that fight happens, the arena where the fight will be held is virtually sold out.

Khan has the type of popularity that routinely makes headlines in the British newspapers and television crews from England have followed him here to California. Frank Warren, the most influential and well-known promoter in Great Britain is helping to direct his career.

Certainly all of the pieces seem to be in place for Khan to one day achieve what Pacquiao has. The biggest piece is of course whether Khan will ever develop the skills and the tenacity that has seen Pacquiao become a superstar in the sporting world.

“Most people don't know the type of dedication that it takes to get to the level that Manny is at,” said Roach. “People come in here to the gym everyday and they look around and they don't think this stuff looks that difficult. But they try it and they see how hard it is. Guys like Manny, obviously, are at the top and he's different. Amir is below him in terms of ability. But when I say he has a ways to go, some people think I'm crazy.”

Khan worked out Monday at the Wild Card. After he was finished, he stood outside on the steps of the gym to talk to a news crew from Sky Sports. It was a bright and warm day and he mingled with fans and others that were coming and going.


Khan has a chance to one day become an elite fighter. However, it will mean many more hours spent in Roach's gym.

Khan certainly has the personality to become a star. He is friendly and engaging and he likes to talk, joke with fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs. One day, after Pacquiao is gone, it is easy to envision Khan as the next big thing in the sport. He has all of the components in place outside the ring.

However, inside the ring can often be a different story. Khan was starched in the first round by the unknown Breidis Prescott last year. The critics say that he doesn't have the chin to take a world-class punch and ultimately that will prove to be his undoing.

While that point is still yet to be proven - Khan is dedicated to his craft. He has sacrificed an easier life in England for a more Spartan existence here in Los Angeles. It is here, half a world away, that Khan and his advisers believe he needs to be. Here is the place, they are certain, that will take him to the next step in a career that is at a stage where he could soon fill arenas on this continent, too.

“If you're asking me do I think Amir can do what Manny has done, I think he can,” says Roach. “Manny has shown anything is possible. Nobody would have thought that a guy from the Philippines, a little guy, could ever do what he has done. He couldn't even speak English when he first got here. Now he's beat De La Hoya. He beat Hatton. A little guy, who used to be a flyweight. If Manny could do all that, maybe Amir can, too."


November 2009