Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Monday, 14 November 2011
Marquez's Strategy =Stepping On Pacquiao's Foot (Photos/caps)
Purely accidental or intentional?
Round and Time Mark;
Foot Step Part 1 = 4th Round last 11 seconds
Foot Step Part 2 = 6th Round last 1:18 seconds
Foot Step Part 3 = 7th Round last 1:49 seconds
Foot Step Part 4 = 8th Round last 1:27 seconds
Foot Step Part 5 = 12th Round last 1:23 seconds
Foot Step Part 6 = 12th Round last 52 seconds
-grsg03/boxlink
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Friday, 11 November 2011
Thursday, 10 November 2011
No More Smiles From Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao and Marquez stare each other down at the final presscon. (Credit: Chris Farina / Top Rank)
Monday, 7 November 2011
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Friday, 4 November 2011
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Sergio Martinez Willing To Fight Pacquiao at 150 Lbs.
Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is desperate to cash in on his current stardom, so much so, that he would be willing to drop 10 pounds to fight Manny Pacquiao.
In an interview with Spanish media outlet Cadena Ser, Martinez acknowledged Pacquiao as the best fighter in the world and his desire to fight the Filipino icon.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter in the world,” said Martinez.
Though Martinez campaigns at a weight limit of 160 pounds, he feels he could make the weight to face Pacquiao at a catchweight.
“One day I woke up and I weighed 150 pounds,” said Martinez. “I told some media and from there the speculation of a Pacquiao fight took off.”
Thought Martinez would lose strength and power, he feels he would gain other fighting attributes.
“I would gain some speed,” said Martinez.
In the same interview, Martinez noted that a fight between himself and Floyd Mayweather would likely be finalized within the next two weeks.
“I am certain that fight will be made,” said Martinez. “Very, very certain.”
Martinez successfully defended his middleweight championship earlier in the month against Darren Barker. (Source: Ricardo Lois / examiner.com)
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Friday, 14 October 2011
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Pacquiao Hints: It's Bradley After Marquez
Some may call it over-confidence or even arrogance, but for people who have keen business sense, it is just simply forward planning.
Five weeks before he defends his world welterweight title against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao hinted Thursday night that his next pugilistic assignment could be the undefeated American Timothy Bradley, Jr., who holds both the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Council (WBC) junior welterweight titles.
That is, of course, if he disproves the boast of the Mexican boxing legend that he will be able to knock out Manny Pacquiao.
Bradley, who is being exposed by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum to Pacquiao fans worldwide in preparation for the match up with the Pacman sometime in the first quarter of next year, will defend his WBO and WBC titles against Cuban Joel Casamayor, a fight whose result is just as foregone as the Pacquiao-Marquez 3.
The undefeated American fighter from Palm Springs, California recently signed up with Top Rank, a move that immediately led to talks about a possible encounter with Pacquiao.
“Bradley is being exposed in your undercard. Is he your next opponent?” I asked Manny when he invited me to share dinner with him Thursday shortly before the awarding ceremonies for a basketball tournament that he sponsored at the Coyeesan sports center in Baguio City.
“Yes, he could be the next,” Pacquiao said.
The word “could” does not signify uncertainty rather a conditional scenario because I still feel that Manny Pacquiao’s camp is hoping fervently that Floyd Mayweather, Jr.would finally take up the challenge to meet the Filipino 8-division champion.
It “could” happen and if that happens, Bradley will have to wait farther down the line.
Bradley, 28, is managed by Cameron Dunkin who also holds a management contract over Fil-Am bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. He is undefeated in 27 fights with one No Contest, a bout against Nate Campbell in 2009.
He won the WBC light welterweight title in May of 2008 when he fought Junior Witter to a 12 round split decision in Nottinghamshire, UK and has successfully defended it five times, the last against Devon Alexander, scoring a technical decision in the 10th round of their January 2011 fight in Michigan.
While he is not considered a big puncher, posting a KO percentage of only 39.29, Bradley is a durable technical fighter capable of winning over tough opponents, like Kendal Holt, on points, and according to available records has never been knocked down.
At 5' 6", he is just as tall at the Filipino boxing icon and could prove to be a more exciting opponent than Joshua Clottey, more durable than Ricky Hatton, less intimidating than Antonio Margarito and more willing than Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (Source: Manny Pinol / www.themanilatimes.net)
Friday, 7 October 2011
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Monday, 19 September 2011
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Floyd Mayweather Announces His Ring Comeback Against Victor Ortiz on Twitter
Floyd Mayweather Jr. announces today on his twitter account that he will face WBC Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17 (check out boxlink's previous post about this rumored fight here: http://grsg03.blogspot.com/2011/05/latest-news-manny-pacquiao-will-fight.html ).
Mayweather made the announcement official to more than 1.25 million followers of his official twitter account. "My fans have been waiting long enough. Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz. Sept 17 2011 for the WBC World Championship."
Floyd's last fight was in May 2010 against Shane Mosley in which Mayweather won via a lopsided Unanimous Decision. Victor Ortiz recently won the WBC belt against former champion Andre Berto last April.
The Mayweather vs Ortiz fight will likely to take place at the Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas where Manny Pacquiao fought twice. -grsg03/boxlink
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Pacquiao Offered $65M To Fight Saul Alvarez in Mexico
MANILA—Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has offered $65 million to Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to fight in Mexico next year with one of Mexico’s up-and-coming fighters.
This was revealed yesterday by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, a long-time confidante of Pacquiao, who said that negotiations with Slim, the world’s wealthiest man, have already started and that Pacquiao was interested in the guaranteed money.
Singson’s report came after Top Rank’s Bob Arum revealed that American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. had turned down a $65 million offer from a Singaporean group to fight Pacquiao.
In a phone interview, Singson said that Slim had told him about his desire to host one of Pacquiao’s fights as a favor to his countrymen who have been looking to see Pacquiao fight on their soil.
The $65 million offer to Pacquiao was guaranteed by Slim, who would pick the Mexican opponent for the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer.
He said Slim is looking at WBC light middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez as likely opponent for Pacquiao.
The unbeaten Alvarez is just 21 and holds an awesome 36-0-1 record with 26 knockouts.
Since 1995, Pacquiao has figured in more than a dozen fights with Mexican or Mexican and Mexican-Americans such as Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez but he has never fought in Mexico.
He added that unlike Mayweather, Pacquiao would not turn down $65 million especially since he still has to find his match in the ring.
“I think Manny is still at his peak,” said Singson. (source: gil c. cabacungan / philippine daily inquirer)
Friday, 3 June 2011
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Shane Mosley Asks His Corner To Stop The Fight After The 10th Round
Source: Show Time Fight Camp 360 Final Episode
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Oscar Dela Hoya in Rehab Clinic
Boxing great Oscar De La Hoya has checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic in California.
De La Hoya went into rehab within the last few weeks, TMZ first reported Saturday. The nature of his substance abuse problem is not known.
“
After doing an honest evaluation of myself, I recognize that there are certain issues that I need to work on. Like everyone, I have my flaws, and I do not want to be one of those people that is afraid to admit and address those flaws.
”
-- Oscar De La Hoya
"He is my friend and I wish him well," Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, De La Hoya's close friend, told ESPN.com at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Saturday night, where he was promoting the Jean Pascal-Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight championship rematch. "I'm sure that all the fans are joining me in wishing him the best."
Schaefer said De La Hoya was still in rehab, which is why he is not at one of his company's biggest fights of the year.
"Throughout my career and my life, I have always met all challenges head-on, and this is no different. I am confident that with the support of my family and friends, I will become a stronger, healthier person.
De La Hoya asked for privacy as he goes through the process.
De La Hoya, a former six-division titleholder, had a career record of 39-6. He retired shortly after losing by technical knockout to Manny Pacquiao in December 2008. (source: espn.com)
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Juan Manuel Marquez Signed The Contract For Pacquiao-Marquez 3
A third fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez took a major step toward becoming reality Tuesday when Marquez signed a contract with Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank, in Los Angeles.
Marquez, who has a draw and a split-decision loss against Pacquiao, reportedly would make a minimum of $5 million to fight Pacquiao on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden. Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 knockouts) would make a minimum of $20 million, and the fight, for Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title, would be fought at a catch weight of 144 pounds.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said the fight remains contingent upon Golden Boy Promotions officially signing off on the terms of the agreement. Golden Boy, which had been Marquez's promoter of record, still has the right of last refusal on any of Marquez's fights until the end of February 2012.
"Golden Boy was most cooperative," Arum said. "They agreed not to block the fight. So we're planning to move forward.
"When you look at the possible opponents for Pacquiao, the guy who can give him the best fight is Marquez. He's the only one to have two close fights with Manny, and he may be the one guy who has Manny figured out."
Richard Schaefer, Golden Boy's chief executive officer, was traveling to Montreal on Tuesday. His assistant said he would have no comment on Marquez until next week.
Top Rank president Todd duBoef met with Marquez and his attorneys Tuesday at the Beverly Hills Hotel to finalize the deal. Arum said the next step will be to sign a contract with the MGM and find a TV broadcast partner.
Showtime televised Pacquiao's May 7 rout of Shane Mosley. Because of the additional promotional platform provided by CBS, the fight generated 1.3 million to 1.4 million pay-per-view buys, the most for any Pacquiao bout. But Arum said HBO, which had televised Pacquiao's fights through most of his run to world titles in eight weight classes, would be approached to make an offer.
HBO, owned by Time-Warner, has ties to TNT and TBS and could use those channels to promote Pacquiao-Marquez III.
"Whichever network gives us the best deal and the most exposure, that's who we'll sign with,'' Arum said. ''We're looking to take this sport to a new dimension."
Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KOs) last fought Nov. 27 when he stopped Michael Katsidis in the ninth round of their WBO lightweight title fight at the MGM.
Marquez is scheduled to fight former world lightweight champion David Diaz on July 2 in Mexico City, a bout he'll have to win to keep his date with Pacquiao.
If they meet, Marquez will be fighting at the second-heaviest weight of his career; he weighed 146 when he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009.
Marquez and Pacquiao fought at 126 pounds in 2004 at the MGM. Marquez was knocked down three times in the first round, but rallied in the second half of the fight to gain a 12-round draw.
Pacquiao won a 12-round split decision in the rematch, fought at 130 pounds in 2008 at Mandalay Bay. (source: Steve Carp / Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Manny Pacquiao Punches Daniel Tosh in the Face @ Tosh.O
LINK: http://tosh.comedycentral.com/video-clips/uncensored---manny-pacquiao-punch
Monday, 9 May 2011
Pacquiao vs Bradley, Mayweather vs Ortiz
Latest news:
Manny Pacquiao will fight WBC & WBO Light Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley on November 5 or 12. While Floyd Mayweather Jr. will take on WBC Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz on September 17. Sources of these informations were Amir Khan and boxrec.com and we all just need to wait for official confirmations from Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions. -(boxlink/gen)
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Floyd Mayweather Removed from The Ring's P4P Rating
The past weekend was a relatively quiet one in terms of high-profile ring action but it was the anniversary of an event that affects the ratings of the sport‘s elite boxers.
May 1 marked one year since Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Shane Mosley by a one-sided unanimous decision. Mayweather, who was THE RING’s No. 2-rated welterweight and No. 2 in the pound-for-pound ratings, has not fought since the Mosley fight.
The 34-year-old former five-division titleholder has made no serious plans or announcements regarding his immediate future in the ring, and as a result, he has been removed from THE RING’s ratings.
It is THE RING’s ratings policy to drop rated fighters who have been inactive for one year from the rankings unless they have a bout scheduled or they are in serious negotiations for a fight.
“The removal of Floyd Mayweather, who has not fought since May 1, 2010, and has no bout currently scheduled, is not a reflection of Mayweather’s ability,” said Nigel Collins, Editor-in-Chief of THE RING magazine. “However, to keep him ranked at the expense of active fighters is unfair, especially as we have no idea if or when Mayweather will fight again.
"Mayweather has also been dropped from the pound-for-pound ratings for the same reason. If he returns to action, Mayweather’s status will be re-evaluated.”
Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) has been in the magazine’s ratings for 84 weeks, since he ended a near two-year hiatus from the sport with a unanimous 12-round decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in September of 2009.
The dominating victory over his smaller fellow future hall of famer earned him the No. 2 spot in both THE RING’s welterweight and pound-for-pound ratings behind No. 1 Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather assumed the No. 1 welterweight ranking from Pacquiao by out-classing the then-No. 2-rated Mosley last May. However, Pacquiao regained the top 147-pound position after he dominated Antonio Margarito in a 12-round junior middleweight bout in which he weighed under the welterweight limit.
Boxing fans, and even casual followers of the sport, have clamored for Mayweather and Pacquiao to settle who’s best in the ring but the two superstars were unable to come to terms on a super fight after two bitterly intense negotiations last year.
It is highly unlikely that Mayweather and Pacquiao will hook up this year or even in 2012 for what would be the richest mega-event in boxing history. That’s because Mayweather’s future -- and even his freedom -- is unclear due to criminal charges.
The Las Vegas resident faces eight felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a domestic violence incident with his former girlfriend. He was charged with felony coercion, grand larceny and robbery, and misdemeanor domestic battery and harassment, among other charges, after a argument with Josie Harris, the mother of three of his children, got out of hand last September.
The court date, which has twice been rescheduled, is currently set for Sept. 1.
Mayweather’s head trainer, uncle Roger Mayweather, awaits his own trial for attacking a female boxer in one of the apartments he owns in August of 2009. His trial for charges of battery strangulation and battery causing substantial bodily harm has been set for August 2.
If either Mayweather is convicted of all of their charges, both could face a significant amount of time behind bars.
Discussion or debate of Mayweather’s pound-for-pound and divisional rankings -- or even his future fights -- is moot until his legal troubles are settled. (source: Doug Fischer / www.ringtv.com)
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Monday, 28 March 2011
"I Fight For Myself & Not For Fans or Boxing" -Floyd Mayweather
On an Espn radio show with Carmen, Junko and Harry, Floyd Mayweather was their guest and of course they spoke about Manny Pacquiao and asked the most obvious question when will Floyd finally fight Manny Pacquiao. (Listen to the interview above)
From what The Superstar heard and the 3 host heard is something quite disturbing for Floyd fans. Floyd Mayweather absolutely has an inferiority complex against Manny Pacquiao. He brought up that he is an American and Americans should not support a foreigner like Manny Pacquiao. Floyd began spouting red, white, and blue colors and feels his birth country is against him. Why is the good ol’ USA against Floyd? Most Americans are against Floyd due to him being such an egotistical, narcissistic self absorbed trash talking foul mouthed SOB. He has never tried to endear himself to the American public. How can anyone be loved when practically every word that comes out of his mouth is laced with profanity especially his favorite word something resembling an Oedipus complex. Someone should tell Floyd making that racist homophobic video against Manny will not get people to give “LOVE” or the support he is trying and begging to get. Floyd doesn’t get it. Don’t beg or demand for support. People will support you when you demonstrate great unselfishness and gratitude.
Then Floyd goes on mentioning of course Manny being defeated 3 times, which is so pointless now. Has Manny’s 3 defeats hindered his growth to becoming the number one pound for pound fighter in the world? Fortunately the Boxing Writers Association of America did not hold the 3 defeats against Manny Pacquiao when they awarded “The Pacman” fighter of the decade. But Floyd obviously will hold that over Manny’s head. It is his only recourse to convince people or the boxing public he is superior to Manny. Fortunately most people with sanity and appreciation for the sport of boxing understand those 3 defeats are so pointless. It is about as pointless as Floyd’s 6 losses in his amateur days.
The next response from Floyd is the most alarming and should really hit the head to all Floyd fans. Hopefully it may knock some sense into them. Floyd clearly made it crystal clear that he fights for himself and not for boxing. Not for boxing fans and that’s including Floyd fans as well. He goes on to say he’s the one who pays his bill not his fans. The private school for which his children go to is not paid by his fans. Which is totally false and also insulting. The fans are the ones who fill his pockets with money and without the fans he won’t be making those huge bets in basketball and football games. He won’t be strutting around with those $500 designer jeans and riding around in his custom Bentley. Without fans, there is no boxing. This is total disrespect to every boxing fan, especially the die hard boxing fans who are doling out money to buy Floyd’s PPV fights. We are all for Floyd to supporting his family but we as boxing fans are just asking Floyd Mayweather to give back to boxing and boxing will pay him well. Boxing is not telling or asking Floyd to fight for free. Boxing is asking Floyd to give back by fighting Manny Pacquiao. But Floyd clearly made his point over again that he is in it only for himself. Not for boxing. Not for his fans. And certainly NOT FOR ALL BOXING FANS. But then Floyd questions why people are so supportive of Manny Pacquiao while they are against him. His answers clearly gave the exact reason why not just Americans but most boxing fans around the world despise Floyd. He wants the support of Americans especially from American boxing fans but he will not fight for American boxing fans and for boxing, PERIOD. Floyd is questioning Americas and boxing fans loyalty but clearly made his point and stand, he doesn’t fight for his fans or for boxing. While Manny’s concern is not so much of his performance but giving great entertainment to all boxing fans. Manny wants to give honor to his country, boxing and it fans. While Floyd doesn’t, and he clearly made that point.
The final words from Floyd, Floyd said Manny is a media creation. Media creation? Like it was the media who elected Manny as a Congressman? Was it the media who created Manny’s poverty stricken background? Was it media creation when young Manny was living homeless? Was it media creation when Manny was only eating one meal a day? Was it media creation when Manny had to leave home because according to Dionisia Pacquiao “Manny left home because he believed I could not afford to take care of him”. The fact is, Manny has gotten attention by his accomplishment in and out of boxing. From growing up in a poverty stricken land to becoming and acknowledged by his peers as the best fighter in the world. While Floyd may have some champion belts and money in his bank account, he still doesn’t hold a simple High School Diploma. While Manny was able to get his high school equivalency. Furthered his education by getting a college degree in Business Economics and also an honorary degree in Humanities. Now Manny Pacquiao is spearheading the first hospital in his province of Sarangani. Is that media creation? No it is not. This creation was created by Manny’s hard work, sacrifice, and dedication. And from God. It is so interesting Floyd is so consumed with Manny’s accomplishments. How come Floyd is so compelled to question Manny’s accomplishments? How come Floyd feels the need to discredit Manny? Manny is not the one who laces is comments with extreme profanity. Why is Floyd expending so much energy trying to taint Manny’s legacy? Manny Pacquiao is not taking money out of his pocket. Manny Pacquiao is not the one who is attacking or making offensive racist videos. In fact, Manny has not done anything to offend Floyd. While contrary to Floyd, who is clearly the one making all the noise. The ugly green monster has finally reared its head on Floyd Mayweather Jr. (source: www.nowboxing.com/superstar billy graham)
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Floyd Mayweather vs Paul Spadafora?
After reportedly pricing himself out of a showdown with rival Manny Pacquiao last week, the latest rumor concerning a ring return for Floyd Mayweather is that he could take on Paul 'The Pittsburgh Kid' Spadafora this summer.
Spadafora (45-0, 19KOs) was once a good fighter, perhaps with the potential to become a great fighter if not for his out of the ring issues.
Sadly drug and alcohol problems, as well as a conviction for shooting his then girlfriend and a couple of stints in jail, meant that Spadafora never lived up to his potential.
It should come as little surprise then that aside from holding the IBF lightweight title back in 2003 and maintaining his unbeaten record since, the 'Pittsburgh Kid' has realistically done very little to warrant a fight with someone on Mayweather's level.
In fact the only reason anyone might be remotely interested in seeing Spadafora fight Mayweather is due to a ten year old sparring video in which a clearly out of shape Mayweather is put through the mill by a prime and in fighting shape Spadafora.
Hardly enough to market an entire fight from, or so you would think. (source: www.examiner.com/scott heritage)
Thursday, 24 March 2011
$100 Million is Too Much -Floyd Mayweather Sr.
8CN sat down with renowned boxing trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. Floyd as usual pulled no punches, and once again insinuated that Pacquiao is using steroids. On a surprising note, big Floyd did say on the record that the 100 million dollar demand fo fight Manny by his son was too much money. Big Floyd talked about how with today's economy, 100 million dollars is just too much to ask for.
Big Floyd also said that if the lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao against the Mayweathers does push through, that there would definitely NOT be a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. (source: www.8countnews.com/brad cooney)
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Cong. Manny Pacquiao Deleted His Twitter Account
MANILA, Philippines – After trying to fend off criticism online, Manny Pacquiao has apparently deleted his Twitter account.
If one visits Twitter, Pacquiao's confirmed username "@CongMP" is—as of posting time—nothing but history.
"Sorry, that page doesn’t exist!" the social networking site states.
Pacquiao did the move amid maddened online users who have criticized the boxer's casual tweet on a national issue late last night.
In a deleted tweet, the Sarangani congressman called the impeachment trial of embattled Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez a "very interesting topic."
It upset Twitter users who asked why Pacquiao even ran for Congress in the first place.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, fired back at his critics, tweeting "e di mag reklamo ka sa lolo mong panot" as a reply.
Shortly after the flurry, the lawmaker, who is currently training in Baguio City for his upcoming fight against American fighter "Sugar" Shane Mosley, declared that he is terminating his account.
"Sorry everyone but hanggang dito nalang delete ko na account ko thank you very much to all your support," he had said.
Ever since joining Twitter late last month, Pacquiao, particularly his online presence, has been one of the site's hottest topics.
Early March, he was also hit by online users due to his grammar mistakes, to which he attempted to blast back.
For the Twitter-verse, nonetheless, Pacquiao's brief stint certainly doesn't make him less a remarkable "tweep" to remember. – By Barry Viloria, abs-cbnNEWS.com; with a report from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Demands $100 Million for Pacquiao Fight
Bob Arum's statement on Mayweather-Pacquiao is on the 12th minute of this video.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Nonito Donaire The Ring's P4P no.3 & Bantamweight no.1
Most fans who witnessed Nonito Donaire’s chilling second-round knockout of Fernando Montiel on Saturday consider the budding Filipino star to be the sport’s top bantamweight.
That was a forgone conclusion for the editors of THE RING, which rated the vanquished Mexican veteran No. 1 among bantamweights going into Saturday’s fight. Donaire (26-1, 18 knockouts), who won the WBO and WBC 118-pound belts with his sensational HBO-televised KO, is now recognized as the No. 1-rated bantamweight by THE RING magazine.
However, figuring where Donaire ranks in the mythical (and very subjective) pound-for-pound ratings is not such an easy decision.
THE RING ranked Donaire No. 5 in its pound-for-pound rankings, behind far-more accomplished elite veterans Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Sergio Martinez and Juan Manuel Marquez prior to the Montiel fight. Some fans and boxing writers believed that ranking was too high for a young up-and-comer whose only victory over an elite fighter was his knockout of Vic Darchinyan, which was THE RING’s 2007 KO of the Year.
Even Donaire admitted that he needed another high-profile victory against a fellow-pound-for-pound-ranked fighter in order to justify THE RING‘s lofty ranking. The 28-year-old Filipino got one with Montiel (who the magazine ranked No. 7, pound for pound, going into Saturday’s fight) and he exceeded expectations.
Donaire was so impressive, THE RING advanced him from No. 5 to No. 3, ahead Marquez and Martinez.
It wasn’t a simple choice for the magazine’s editorial board, which read the views and opinions of dozens of members of THE RING Ratings Panel before making their decision.
Martinez, THE RING middleweight champ and 2010 Fighter of the Year, is coming off a breath-taking second-round KO of the Year of Paul Williams. Marquez, THE RING lightweight champ, is coming off a ninth-round stoppage of No. 1 contender Michael Katsidis in a 2010 fight-of-the-year candidate.
“It took more time to discuss where Nonito Donaire would be rated in the pound-for-pound rankings than it did to update the entire divisional rankings,” said Nigel Collins, Editor-in-Chief of THE RING magazine. “Advancing him to No. 3 means that he overtakes middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez (No. 3 last week) and world lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (No. 4 last week).
“The decision was made even more difficult because both Martinez and Marquez have recently defended their titles via knockout against top-notch challengers. In the end, however, it was impossible to ignore Donaire’s overpowering performances in his last 10 fights, nine of which he won via knockout or TKO. The ‘Filipino Flash’ is on a helluva roll, one that could conceivably see him climb even higher in future months.”
Collins, who recognized Donaire’s vast potential years ago, is probably right. Donaire has repeatedly stated on record that he would like to face the winner of Showtime’s bantamweight tournament final before climbing in weight to face the best fighters in the 122- and 126-pound divisions, including Puerto Rican star Juan Maneul Lopez.
If Donaire gets his wish and continues his winning ways, his idol Pacquiao, who’s taken on huge underdogs in his recent bouts, and Mayweather, who has nothing scheduled in 2011, better start looking over their shoulders.
The Filipino Flash is coming and closing in fast. (source: doug fischer/ringtv.com)
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
WBC Vacates Manny Pacquiao Junior Middleweight Title
Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, who extended his record by winning a world title in an eighth weight class on Nov. 13, had his junior middleweight title vacated by the WBC on Tuesday.
Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KOs) still holds the WBO version of the welterweight title, which he will defend against Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) on May 7 (Showtime PPV) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The national media tour promoting that fight begins Thursday in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao's 154-pound title was "declared vacant, following the unanimous voting of the WBC board of governors, due to the inability of the champion to defend his WBC title," according to a statement from the Mexico-based organization.
Pacquiao had no intention of defending the title, which was vacant when he won it by easily outpointing Antonio Margarito at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
According to Top Rank's Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, Pacquiao sent a letter to the WBC to let the organization know that he did not plan to defend the title and that he had no plans to campaign in the junior middleweight division.
Boxing organizations do not permit fighters to hold belts in multiple weight classes at the same time. The WBC usually gives a fighter two weeks after winning a title in a second weight division to make a decision. In Pacquiao's case, he was given about three months before the title was vacated.
Pacquiao has also won alphabet organization or lineal titles at flyweight, junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight. Pacquiao had previously broken the record held by Oscar De La Hoya, who won titles in six weight divisions.
In line to fight for the now-vacant junior middleweight belt are mandatory challenger Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and a contender to be appointed by the WBC. (Dan Rafael/espn.com)
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Floyd Mayweather Jr. With Bob Arum
Floyd Mayweather Jr, Top Rank's Bob Arum and Jamie Foxx were seen watching this weekend's Superbowl XLV in Jerry Jones' private suite at Cowboy Stadium. Mayweather versus Pacquiao in the making? -grsg03/boxlink
Friday, 4 February 2011
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Monday, 24 January 2011
Pacquiao Loses To Sergio Martinez As "Fighter Of The Year"
Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao, three-time winner of the “Fighter of the Year” award has lost out to world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez in this year’s poll by the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America.
BWAA president Jack Hirsch informed the Inquirer that the BWAA voted Martinez over Pacquiao, the fighter who achieved an incredible record of eight world titles in eight different weight divisions.
Hirsch said “while his star pupil Pacquiao was runner-up in the “Fighter of the Year” award, trainer Freddie Roach maintained his perennial position as “Trainer of the Year” to win the award for the third time in a row and the fifth time overall. The award has always had special meaning for Roach as it is named after his mentor Eddie Futch.”
Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told the Inquirer that Pacquiao wished to “congratulate Martinez and all the other winners and nominees for the efforts they put in, especially all of the winners. They deserve it.”
Koncz said “its not upsetting that somebody else had a chance. Manny has received so many accolades that he is not one to be disappointed if he doesn’t win something. He appreciates them when we do but he’s not disappointed when we don’t.”
WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan who was pushed to the limit in winning a unanimous twelve round decision over Marcos Maidana last December shared the “Ali-Frazier” award for “Fight of the Year.”
Khan trained alongside Pacquiao as the Philippines national sports hero prepared for his vacant WBC light middleweight/super welterweight title fight against Antonio Margarito last November at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas . Pacquiao pulverized Margarito to win by a twelve round shutout.
The award itself is linked to the Philippines as it was at the Araneta Coliseum on October 1, 1975 that Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in an epic battle considered the greatest heavyweight championship fight of all-time.(philboxing.com)
Floyd Mayweather Jr: "I Will Fight Manny Pacquiao"
Speaking to his fans over UStream, Mayweather - in an irritated and agitated tone - addressed his followers:
"I want to talk to my fans. Okay, I got y'all . . . . I'm never gonna let my fans down. Not me. That's the reason why I'm 41 - 0."
The boxer spoke of a potential showdown with the Filipino legend:
"Don't worry we're gonna beat Poochie-iao's ass. Stop asking the same question. 'When are you gonna fight Poochie-iao?' I'm gonna fight the Pacman. Do me a favor . . . . I'm gonna fight the Pacman when he is off the power pellets."
With the statement, Mayweather seemed to continue to voice his suspicions that Pacquiao's historic winning streak against much larger opponents is aided by performance-enhancement drugs (PEDs). (examiner.com)
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