By Lem Satterfield
Seven-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, will receive his milestone third, consecutive Fighter Of The Year Award, as well as his first honor as Fighter Of The Decade, on Friday night at the 85th annual Boxing Writers' Association of America Awards Dinner at The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
In victory, the 31-year-old Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 knockouts) ties three-time heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali, and, four-time heavyweight titlist, Evander Holyfield, as three-time recepients of the designation, whose official name is "The Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter Of The Year" award.
Also being honored on Friday is Pacquiao's Hall Of Fame chief cornerman, Freddie Roach, who will be named Trainer Of The Year for a record fourth consecutive time. Trainer Of The Year is named after the late Eddie Futch, who is Roach's mentor.
Also being recognized is February's 2009 Fight Of The Year between Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz, which ended with Marquez coming from behind to score a ninth-round knockout for the vacant WBO and WBA lightweight (135 pounds) titles.
The Fight Of The Year Award has been renamed in honor of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, the latter of whom is expected to attend the event.
Pacquiao is 12-0, with eight knockouts since his last loss, a March of 2005 unanimous decision setback against Mexican great, Erik Morales.
A recent winner of a congressional seat in his native Philippines, Pacquiao's cross-over appeal has transformed him into an international superstar.
"Muhammad Ali was a beloved figure in his prime, but also a reviled figure. There were people on both sides of the political spectrum, particularly regarding the war in Vietnam. The ones that opposed it loved Ali, and the ones who were in favor of it didn't," his promoter, Bob Arum, has told FanHouse.
"But until he was long-retired, Ali was never the universally admired figure in this country and around the world like Manny Pacquiao, who is someone different," said Arum. "Anybody who is aware of Manny Pacqiao loves him, admires him, and there are no haters. There is no right or left when it comes to Manny Pacquiao. That's made him a more universally revered figure than Muhammad Ali."
Pacquiao's winning streak includes consecutive knockouts in four straight fights over former world champs, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and, Miguel Cotto, respectively, in nine, eight, two, and, 12 rounds before earning a March unanimous decision over former titlist, Joshua Clottey.
The run also comprises having twice avenged the loss to Morales, whom he stopped in 10, and, three rounds, in January and November 2006.
Pacquiao's winning spree also includes 12-round triumphs over Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, as well as an eighth-round knockout of Jorge Solis, who entered their matchup unbeaten at 33-0-2, with 24 knockouts.
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Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
After loss to Manny Pacquiao Miguel Cotto takes on Yuri Foreman
Just call Yuri Foreman the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the boxing world - he “just can’t get no respect”. Despite holding the WBA light middleweight title, few people consider him to be an elite-level fighter. Much of this comes from his lack of pedigree before winning the title - before beating Daniel Santos for the title in November 2009, Foreman had a lack of wins against quality opponents. Also hurting him in gaining respect in the boxing community is his lack of power. He has a perfect 28-0 record but has racked up just 8 KOs during his career - hardly numbers that make him considered to be a dangerous opponent.
So it’s clear that Foreman has a lot of gain and also a lot to lose in his fight on June 5 against Miguel Cotto. The sheer nature and location of the fight automatically elevates its importance - it’s the first fight held at the new Yankee Stadium since it was opened two years ago. But the bout clearly means much more to Foreman’s career than the historical footnote that would come with opening boxing at the site with a win.
Beating Cotto would finally give Foreman a signature victory against a world-class opponent. Beating Cotto would make it very difficult for critics to claim that Foreman is a one-trick pony or a champion created by careful selection of opponents. Unlike Foreman, Cotto is one of the most highly-respected fighters of his generation. He’s considered a warrior who has fought his share of battles over the years and is ready for any obstacle. A victory over Cotto would proven to many people that Foreman’s blazing hand speed and defensive prowess can lead him to victory against even the toughest opponent.
Despite having a distinguished career and place in the Hall of Fame already cemented, Cotto also has a lot on the line in this fight as well. His last fight was a brutal contest against Manny Pacquiao which saw him battered like never before. Although he showed the heart of a champion and refused to quit, he was unable to deal with the speed and precision of Pacquiao’s punches, leading to the fight being stopped by referee Kenny Bayless in the 12th round. It was an embarrassing defeat for one of the proudest fighters in the sport.
Continue reading here
So it’s clear that Foreman has a lot of gain and also a lot to lose in his fight on June 5 against Miguel Cotto. The sheer nature and location of the fight automatically elevates its importance - it’s the first fight held at the new Yankee Stadium since it was opened two years ago. But the bout clearly means much more to Foreman’s career than the historical footnote that would come with opening boxing at the site with a win.
Beating Cotto would finally give Foreman a signature victory against a world-class opponent. Beating Cotto would make it very difficult for critics to claim that Foreman is a one-trick pony or a champion created by careful selection of opponents. Unlike Foreman, Cotto is one of the most highly-respected fighters of his generation. He’s considered a warrior who has fought his share of battles over the years and is ready for any obstacle. A victory over Cotto would proven to many people that Foreman’s blazing hand speed and defensive prowess can lead him to victory against even the toughest opponent.
Despite having a distinguished career and place in the Hall of Fame already cemented, Cotto also has a lot on the line in this fight as well. His last fight was a brutal contest against Manny Pacquiao which saw him battered like never before. Although he showed the heart of a champion and refused to quit, he was unable to deal with the speed and precision of Pacquiao’s punches, leading to the fight being stopped by referee Kenny Bayless in the 12th round. It was an embarrassing defeat for one of the proudest fighters in the sport.
Continue reading here
Friday, May 21, 2010
Pacquiao vs Mayweather : Americans Crucified Pacquiao
By : Ricky Bobby
Pacquiao – Mayweather fight is one of the biggest and expected fight of the year. But it seems the ball is still rolling and unsure if this fight will happen. Let me stand first on my title, sorry but I’m not being a racist here or something. I just want to clarify and see why people in the US now doubts Manny Pacquiao on using PEDs.
For me Pacquiao is right when he filed a lawsuit against Mayweather and his camp on the issue of using PEDs. Manny Pacquiao runs in boxing for almost 15 years and he has a clean record. I don’t know why Floyd Mayweather pull this string of making some allegation that the number 1 pound for pound fighter is on PEDs.
This is the trend and people now thinks and doubt Pacman because of Floyd’s allegation.
After reading some post from other writer they seem to side on Mayweather now, look at the boxing industry on this point. For me it’s better to watch a UFC pay per view event more than watching a boxing match but unless if Pacman is fighting then make sure I will be watching his fight.
Boxing is now getting boring fights, some says Boxing is not just only knock outs because it’s a sweet science.
On the other why the Sports commission is allowing Mayweather to dictate the fight? The NSAC should be looking also on this point if Mayweather cut this crap on insisting a “CLEAN SPORT” then NSAC should be doing it also in other boxing fights.
Now some of the people hates and even doubt Pacman on his career but the Filipino Pride is not moved because of this issue regarding his performance.
Right now I have to agree on the blood testing but I’m not really into it just to make the fight happen. NSAC is doing there job for decades now and Floyd is trying to make a move that the commission is not doing their position well enough.
Well if Mayweather insists more than 14 days then I suggest that Pacquiao should stop negotiating with Mayweather, he better hang up his gloves and serve the people.
Me, agreeing on Mayweather’s antics of blood testing is just to have Pacquiao a chance of beating Floyd Mayweather’s face badly.
Article Source: http://worldailynews.com/pacquiao-vs-mayweather-americans-crucified-pacquiao/1221/
Pacquiao – Mayweather fight is one of the biggest and expected fight of the year. But it seems the ball is still rolling and unsure if this fight will happen. Let me stand first on my title, sorry but I’m not being a racist here or something. I just want to clarify and see why people in the US now doubts Manny Pacquiao on using PEDs.
For me Pacquiao is right when he filed a lawsuit against Mayweather and his camp on the issue of using PEDs. Manny Pacquiao runs in boxing for almost 15 years and he has a clean record. I don’t know why Floyd Mayweather pull this string of making some allegation that the number 1 pound for pound fighter is on PEDs.
This is the trend and people now thinks and doubt Pacman because of Floyd’s allegation.
After reading some post from other writer they seem to side on Mayweather now, look at the boxing industry on this point. For me it’s better to watch a UFC pay per view event more than watching a boxing match but unless if Pacman is fighting then make sure I will be watching his fight.
Boxing is now getting boring fights, some says Boxing is not just only knock outs because it’s a sweet science.
On the other why the Sports commission is allowing Mayweather to dictate the fight? The NSAC should be looking also on this point if Mayweather cut this crap on insisting a “CLEAN SPORT” then NSAC should be doing it also in other boxing fights.
Now some of the people hates and even doubt Pacman on his career but the Filipino Pride is not moved because of this issue regarding his performance.
Right now I have to agree on the blood testing but I’m not really into it just to make the fight happen. NSAC is doing there job for decades now and Floyd is trying to make a move that the commission is not doing their position well enough.
Well if Mayweather insists more than 14 days then I suggest that Pacquiao should stop negotiating with Mayweather, he better hang up his gloves and serve the people.
Me, agreeing on Mayweather’s antics of blood testing is just to have Pacquiao a chance of beating Floyd Mayweather’s face badly.
Article Source: http://worldailynews.com/pacquiao-vs-mayweather-americans-crucified-pacquiao/1221/
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pacquiao relents on pre-fight tests
By Roy Luarca
MANILA, Philippines—This time, Manny Pacquiao is giving Floyd Mayweather Jr. little room to reject their proposed megabuck bout on Nov. 13.
After thumbing down Mayweather’s demand for Olympic drug testing and canceling their fight set on March 13, congressman-elect Pacquiao is now willing to deviate from his hard-line stance.
Pacquiao, intent on forging what could be boxing’s biggest showdown ever, said he is now amenable to undergo random drug and urine testing 14 days before the fight.
Originally, Pacquiao wanted the tests to be held at least 24 days before the fight, saying blood extraction procedures made him weak.
The 31-year-old Pacquiao said he felt weak when he fought and lost by unanimous decision to Erik Morales the first time they met in March 2005 as a result of the late tests.
Pacquiao went on to beat the Mexican great in their next two bouts.
“Whatever is agreed upon, it’s OK with me,” Pacquiao said in Filipino. “I trust Mr. (Bob) Arum on this matter.”
Pacquiao, who’s been proclaimed as winner of Sarangani’s lone congressional district, flew in from Gen. Santos City on Tuesday to meet with President-apparent Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The seven-division champ shot a Ginebra commercial on Wednesday and visited his commercial building in Manila’s Quiapo district Thursday night with confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud.
Pacquiao, who will take a crash course on governance at the University of the Philippines, said he’s willing to be tested two weeks before fight night provided that the amount of blood to be taken would be minimal.
Projected to enrich both fighters by at least $40 million, the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was almost sealed before a last-minute demand by the American for random testing derailed negotiations.
Known for his intense focus when in training, Pacquiao said he sees no conflict in his duties as a congressman and as a fighter.
Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/professional/professional/view/20100521-271181/Pacquiao-relents-on-pre-fight-tests
MANILA, Philippines—This time, Manny Pacquiao is giving Floyd Mayweather Jr. little room to reject their proposed megabuck bout on Nov. 13.
After thumbing down Mayweather’s demand for Olympic drug testing and canceling their fight set on March 13, congressman-elect Pacquiao is now willing to deviate from his hard-line stance.
Pacquiao, intent on forging what could be boxing’s biggest showdown ever, said he is now amenable to undergo random drug and urine testing 14 days before the fight.
Originally, Pacquiao wanted the tests to be held at least 24 days before the fight, saying blood extraction procedures made him weak.
The 31-year-old Pacquiao said he felt weak when he fought and lost by unanimous decision to Erik Morales the first time they met in March 2005 as a result of the late tests.
Pacquiao went on to beat the Mexican great in their next two bouts.
“Whatever is agreed upon, it’s OK with me,” Pacquiao said in Filipino. “I trust Mr. (Bob) Arum on this matter.”
Pacquiao, who’s been proclaimed as winner of Sarangani’s lone congressional district, flew in from Gen. Santos City on Tuesday to meet with President-apparent Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The seven-division champ shot a Ginebra commercial on Wednesday and visited his commercial building in Manila’s Quiapo district Thursday night with confidant Rex “Wakee” Salud.
Pacquiao, who will take a crash course on governance at the University of the Philippines, said he’s willing to be tested two weeks before fight night provided that the amount of blood to be taken would be minimal.
Projected to enrich both fighters by at least $40 million, the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was almost sealed before a last-minute demand by the American for random testing derailed negotiations.
Known for his intense focus when in training, Pacquiao said he sees no conflict in his duties as a congressman and as a fighter.
Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/professional/professional/view/20100521-271181/Pacquiao-relents-on-pre-fight-tests
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Pacquiao visits Aquino, offers support
By Maila Ager
MANILA, Philippines – World Boxing champion and now Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao visited Senator Benigno Aquino III in his home Tuesday night, a spokesman for the winning presidential candidate said Wednesday.
“Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to Aquino at his home in Times street last night together with his wife Jinkee and his entourage. They talked about the situation in Sarangani and he expressed his support for the President as a member of the House [of Representatives],” said Edwin Lacierda.
Aquino, in a text message to INQUIRER.net on Wednesday, confirmed the meeting, saying, "We met last night."
It was Pacquiao who sought the meeting with Aquino, according to sources who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media.
The first source said the meeting lasted for only less than an hour.
But during the meeting, the same source said, Pacquiao made no explanation or offered no apologies to Aquino as to why he supported his rival in the presidential race, Senator Manny Villar.
"Walang paliwanag kung bakit nag Villar o nagpaumanhin. It was a friendly meeting [He did not offer any explanation or apology as to why he supported Villar]," said the source.
During the campaign, Pacquiao came out with a television advertisement criticizing Aquino, saying "Laban ng Laban wala namang napatunayan [Always fighting but has not proven anything]."
But this issue, the source said, did not crop up in the meeting.
The second source confirmed Lacierda’s statement, saying the discussion was only about Pacquiao's concerns in his province.
"Nakikipagkaibigan lang siya [Pacquiao]...He's reaching out," said the first source.
Asked why Aquino entertained Pacquiao despite his support for Villar during the elections, the source said, "He's just very polite."
Article Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100519-270907/Pacquiao-visits-Aquino-offers-support
MANILA, Philippines – World Boxing champion and now Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao visited Senator Benigno Aquino III in his home Tuesday night, a spokesman for the winning presidential candidate said Wednesday.
“Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy call to Aquino at his home in Times street last night together with his wife Jinkee and his entourage. They talked about the situation in Sarangani and he expressed his support for the President as a member of the House [of Representatives],” said Edwin Lacierda.
Aquino, in a text message to INQUIRER.net on Wednesday, confirmed the meeting, saying, "We met last night."
It was Pacquiao who sought the meeting with Aquino, according to sources who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media.
The first source said the meeting lasted for only less than an hour.
But during the meeting, the same source said, Pacquiao made no explanation or offered no apologies to Aquino as to why he supported his rival in the presidential race, Senator Manny Villar.
"Walang paliwanag kung bakit nag Villar o nagpaumanhin. It was a friendly meeting [He did not offer any explanation or apology as to why he supported Villar]," said the source.
During the campaign, Pacquiao came out with a television advertisement criticizing Aquino, saying "Laban ng Laban wala namang napatunayan [Always fighting but has not proven anything]."
But this issue, the source said, did not crop up in the meeting.
The second source confirmed Lacierda’s statement, saying the discussion was only about Pacquiao's concerns in his province.
"Nakikipagkaibigan lang siya [Pacquiao]...He's reaching out," said the first source.
Asked why Aquino entertained Pacquiao despite his support for Villar during the elections, the source said, "He's just very polite."
Article Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100519-270907/Pacquiao-visits-Aquino-offers-support
Monday, May 17, 2010
Pacquiao: Political win won't affect my ring performance
abs-cbnNEWS.com
MANILA, Philippines – Seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao assured his fans that he can still fight in blockbuster bouts even if he takes on a new role as congressman of Sarangani Province.
In an Agence France-Presse article, Pacquiao said: “It just needs discipline. You just need time management.”
Pacquiao was proclaimed congressman-elect of Sarangani Province after scoring a landslide victory over Roy Chiongbian.
However, he said that boxing will have to take a back seat for the moment.
“For now, I will focus on service,” he declared.
“I am happy that I won and that people voted for me but it is also a great responsibility and so I must help my countrymen.”
The Ring Magazine pound-for-pound king said he plans to help his constituents by providing them with medical assistance, education and livelihood programs.
Fight for the country
Two sports analysts also believe that Pacquiao’s newfound job will not have much effect on his performance inside the boxing ring.
Bill Velasco and Boyet Sison, co-hosts of ANC’s “Hardball,” both think that even as Pacquiao functions as representative of Sarangani Province, the boxer will remain focused once he starts training again for a possible fight in November.
Velasco, who is also a sports columnist for The Philippine Star, said the boxing superstar can designate some of his work to his men. Continue reading here...
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MANILA, Philippines – Seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao assured his fans that he can still fight in blockbuster bouts even if he takes on a new role as congressman of Sarangani Province.
In an Agence France-Presse article, Pacquiao said: “It just needs discipline. You just need time management.”
Pacquiao was proclaimed congressman-elect of Sarangani Province after scoring a landslide victory over Roy Chiongbian.
However, he said that boxing will have to take a back seat for the moment.
“For now, I will focus on service,” he declared.
“I am happy that I won and that people voted for me but it is also a great responsibility and so I must help my countrymen.”
The Ring Magazine pound-for-pound king said he plans to help his constituents by providing them with medical assistance, education and livelihood programs.
Fight for the country
Two sports analysts also believe that Pacquiao’s newfound job will not have much effect on his performance inside the boxing ring.
Bill Velasco and Boyet Sison, co-hosts of ANC’s “Hardball,” both think that even as Pacquiao functions as representative of Sarangani Province, the boxer will remain focused once he starts training again for a possible fight in November.
Velasco, who is also a sports columnist for The Philippine Star, said the boxing superstar can designate some of his work to his men. Continue reading here...
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Saturday, May 15, 2010
Khan overpowers Malignaggi in US boxing debut
Former British Olympian Amir Khan fashioned a stunning American debut, easily stopping Paulie Malignaggi in the 11th round of a one-sided fight .
The 23-year-old Khan retained his World Boxing Association super lightweight title with a technical knockout of Brooklyn native Malignaggi.
Khan (23-1, 17 KOs) was clearly the better fighter, landing jabs and head shots. Referee Steve Smoger finally stopped the bout at 1:25 of the 11th round after the 29-year-old Malignaggi failed to put up a defence.
"I think with my speed I can catch any fighter," Khan said. "I knew I was going to catch him and I could see him getting his head knocked back. I could see him get frustrated."
Malignaggi's face was swollen and he had to plead with the ringside doctor before the 11th round just to let him continue.
Malignaggi (27-4) didn't argue with the decision, tapping his chest and congratulating Khan on the win.
Up next in the 140 pound class for Khan could be fighters such as Marcos Maidana and fellow titleholders Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander.
This was the second title defence for Khan, who landed 132 more punches than the American.
"He knows how to win rounds, man," Malignaggi said. "He has a lot of ability."
Read more at news.smh.com.au
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The 23-year-old Khan retained his World Boxing Association super lightweight title with a technical knockout of Brooklyn native Malignaggi.
Khan (23-1, 17 KOs) was clearly the better fighter, landing jabs and head shots. Referee Steve Smoger finally stopped the bout at 1:25 of the 11th round after the 29-year-old Malignaggi failed to put up a defence.
"I think with my speed I can catch any fighter," Khan said. "I knew I was going to catch him and I could see him getting his head knocked back. I could see him get frustrated."
Malignaggi's face was swollen and he had to plead with the ringside doctor before the 11th round just to let him continue.
Malignaggi (27-4) didn't argue with the decision, tapping his chest and congratulating Khan on the win.
Up next in the 140 pound class for Khan could be fighters such as Marcos Maidana and fellow titleholders Timothy Bradley and Devon Alexander.
This was the second title defence for Khan, who landed 132 more punches than the American.
"He knows how to win rounds, man," Malignaggi said. "He has a lot of ability."
Read more at news.smh.com.au
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