Watch Ortiz vs Berto 2 Online Free

This time should be a different story – Andre Berto

2012-01-27T00:40:00.000-08:00

Victor Ortiz got caught sleeping on the job last September in the ring against Floyd Mayweather. That cost him a lot of embarrassment, but more than that he was knocked out cold in the fourth round of his first mega fight. Young man and a sportsman, Ortiz could not believe and did not expect to get hit when he was not looking and so he made a passionate claim for a rematch. He did not get it, but he did get a rematch with Andre Berto, a man who Ortiz had to beat to get a fight with Floyd Mayweather.

Their first fight in April of last year was called the fight of the Year in 2011.Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto will do it again on February 11th, 2012 at the Mecca of boxing at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas.

“Last fight I wasn’t up to par,” said Berto when I caught up to him at the Ten Goose gym in Van Nuys, California:” I just didn’t do what I had to do the first time. This time should be a different story.”

Andre Berto did a work out for the media on Tuesday afternoon and looked fast and muscular.” This time I had tremendous training camp and I am in great shape,” continued Berto:” I‘ll use my speed. I’ll use my power. I will do whatever I have to do.” They say rematches seldom produce different results, but Berto is a very confident fighter.

“Either way I can get it, I will get it; if it’s knock out or a decision,” replied Berto when asked how he plans to achieve victory:” But the knock out would be much sweeter.”

Just as great as he looked against Berto last April, Victor Ortiz looked as terrible in September against Mayweather. As long as the fight lasted, which was almost four rounds, Mayweather could not miss with his right hand.

“Mayweather is strong. He knows how to pick his shots,” noted Berto who had to give up his newly won IBF championship belt in order to secure a rematch with Ortiz:” He touched him with a few right hands. I don’t know if he hurt him. I used a right hand too, but I guess, I didn’t use it enough. My right hand put him down a few times. I just didn’t do what I had to do the first time. I wasn’t too focused on the fight because I felt that I probably should be fighting better opposition. I take nothing away from Ortiz. He came to fight and he came up with a win.”

Lack of focus will not be an issue for Berto in a rematch which is destined to produce excitement and high drama and fierce combat.

“Training camp has been pretty good for this fight ,” said Berto(28-1,22KO’S):” The most important thing my health was good, bring my doctors in pretty much every other week to check my levels, make sure my iron levels and things are up.”

This was a strange statement. I don’t remember Andre worrying about his doctors or his iron levels in the past. It sounded like he borrowed these ne words from his new strength and conditioning coach, Victor Conte. So I asked Berto if he used him for this fight.

“Yes, I’ve been using vitamins he’s been providing me for this camp,” replied Berto, 28:” And two or three other doctors have been working with me as well. I am trying to make sure that everything is up to par and ready to go.”

Whether it is with the help of infamous Victor Conte or just a good old fashioned training Andre Berto looked very muscular and strong on Tuesday afternoon; much more muscular than I am used to seeing him. I asked him about it.

“We’ve definitely have been working on strength aspects of things,” replied Berto:” I am just trying to stay lean and strong.”

Despite all the new training methods, the best way to get ready for a fight is with some hard sparring.

“I brought Fernando Guerrero and my man T. He fought on 2008 Olympic team,” said Berto about his sparring partners:” Both of them big southpaws that can punch and they bring pressure. So I’ve had tremendous sparring with them.”

Last time out Victor Ortiz had a perfect game plan; he forced Andre into a shoot out and won convincingly. I asked Andre if he expected anything else from his opponent in February.

“I expect the same old Victor Ortiz,” replied Berto:” I don’t think he will try to switch up and be versatile too much. He could probably come in and try to box, but his natural attribute is to come and get it.” And like they say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I expect Ortiz to do the same thing he did when he won the first fight. What about Andre? Does he plan to do anything differently come fight night?

“Like I said I am in shape and I am ready to go,” Berto said:” I put in a lot of work in training camp and as you guys can see the speed is there, the power is there and I am in shape and ready to go all twelve. This time should be a different story.”

Source: Examiner.com

AL BERNSTEIN TO EMCEE BERTO-ORTIZ AFTER PARTY

2012-01-20T00:12:00.000-08:00

Showtime’s Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein will emcee a special Fight Night Afterparty at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, following the much anticipated rematch between Andre Berto-Victor Ortiz. Bernstein and other boxing celebrities will be on hand at this event presented by Corporate Planners, Unlimited. For information on attending the party log on to www.FightNightAfterparty.com.

Bernstein, who will call the match on television for Showtime Networks, will meet and greet party guests and emcee the post fight program that will include him and other boxing celebrities offering their analysis of the fight. Party attendees will also be able to participate with their questions and opinions. “This kind of interactive, fun experience immediately following a big fight is something that has been missing for boxing fans,” Bernstein said. “I am so happy to be a part of this concept that Corporate Planners, Unlimited has created. CPU is the champion when it comes to creating excellent events. This is an easily accessible and intimate party that will greatly enhance the fans’ experience that night. I am looking forward to meeting the fans and talking to them about this great match right after it happens,” he added.

The Fight Night Afterparty will be held in the MGM Conference Center, just a 3 minute walk from the Grand Garden Arena at the MGM, where the Berto-Ortiz match will be held. The event requires pre-registration by Feb. 4th on www.FightnightAfterParty.com to purchase Event Passes and is open not only to boxing fans who attend the fight, but also all those who simply plan to be at the MGM to share in the big fight atmosphere.

Party attendees can win special prizes and will have the opportunity to take photos with boxing celebrities in attendance. They will also be able to participate in a special videotaping for The Boxing Channel. All fans will leave with a signed photo from Hall of Famer Al Bernstein.

Source: Philboxing.com

PHOTO: ORTIZ-BERTO L.A. PRESSCON

2011-12-20T03:42:00.000-08:00

Former World Champion Victor Ortiz (Left) and former World Champion Andre Berto (Right) pose on December 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California at the press conference to officially announce their February 11, 2012 rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing.

SOURCE: philboxing.com

SATURDAY! VICTOR ORTIZ VS. ANDRE BERTO II TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR FEB. 11 FIGHT AT MGM GRAND

2011-12-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

TWO DAYS UNTIL VICTOR ORTIZ VS. ANDRE BERTO II TICKETS GO ON SALE

Explosive Rematch Set for February 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

LAS VEGAS (December 15)...Since the final bell of rang on April 16, 2011, boxing fans and the media have been clamoring for a rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto. Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment are proud to announce that it's now official and tickets for "Ortiz vs. Berto II" will go on sale this SATURDAY, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. PST. The 12-round welterweight fight is set for Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The fight will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 10 p.m. EST/PST (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50 go on sale Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. PST. and will be sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 . Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

SOURCE: Philboxing.com

Antonio Margarito vs Miguel Angel Cotto Results Online

2011-12-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

Cotto vs Margarito: Time Date Live Streaming Results Replay

Date: Sunday 04/12/2011 Time: 9.00pm EST, 2.00am GMT, 3.00am CET

Competition: Boxing – Light Middleweight

Watch Miguel Angel Cotto Vs Antonio Margarito Boxing Live Stream here. Recently Top Rank finally made the fight between Antonio Margarito vs. Miguel Angel Cotto official. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday December 3 2011 at the newly renovated Madison Square Garden for the 2nd time.

Miguel Angel Cotto with stats 36-2, 29 KO’s has been eagerly awaiting this fight to avenge the loss he had to bear against Antonio Margarito in their first fight in 2008 which took place in Las Vegas. Cotto took an unfortunate pounding from Margarito and has since then been looking for a fight for vengeance. That fight later on was shrouded in controversies and allegations from the Miguel Angel Cotto camp have never stopped since then.

In a later revelation it was found that Antonio Margarito had fought Shane Mosley for the WBA welterweight title with gloves that were said to be tainted with hand wraps similar to a type of plaster. That was used by the Miguel Angel Cotto camp to explain the badly battered face of Cotto after the fight. Accusations have been flying fast and furious since then.

Miguel Angel Cotto has fought 38 fights winning 36 competitive bouts out of which 29 were won by scoring knockout decisions. He is currently the reigning WBA Super Welterweight Champion and also the WBA World Light Middleweight champion.

Miguel Angel Cotto won the super welterweight and light middleweight championship title when he won a technical knockout decision against Yuri Foreman n June 5, 2010 at the Yankee Stadium in New York. Scoring another technical knockout decision Miguel Angel Cotto made another successful defense of his title against Ricardo Mayorga on December 3, 2010 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Cotto has fought against Antonio Margarito in the ring before this in 2008 in Las Vegas where he lost due to a technical knockout decision causing his first loss in his professional boxing career. Antonio Margarito was the accused of having a plaster like substance in his gloves in his match against Shane Mosley which was identified and removed by Mosley’s coach.

GMA 7 Airs Pacquiao-Marquez III Review

2011-11-26T03:08:00.000-08:00

Television network GMA 7 which carried the epic third fight between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and great Mexican counterpuncher Juan Manuel Marquez will air on Sunday, Nov. 27, from 5 to 6 p.m., the first of two parts of the replay and review of the world welterweight championship whose result was disputed by the Mexican’s camp and its followers.

The first part, which will be shown as part of the TV sports show “Game” hosted by Chino Trinidad and Christine Jacobs on GMA News Channel 11, involves the review of the rules of boxing, specifically that of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) which sanctioned the championship fight, and the scoring system in boxing.

International boxing judge and referee Danrex Tapdasan, a WBO accredited official, and I were invited by GMA 7 to shed light on the finer points of boxing scoring and judging.

Danrex, a young lawyer, brought with him a diagram of the legal punching areas in a boxer’s body to help explain that not all punches that connect will be scored because some of these punches land outside of the scoring area.

In the fight between Pacquiao and Marquez, for example, I pointed out that not all of the punches delivered by Marquez to Pacquiao’s midsection were scored by the judges because a closer review of the video of the fight showed that many of these were parried by the arms of the Filipino champion or landed below the waistline.

Marquez’s punches which hit Pacquiao in the nape were not also scored by the judges because those were not legal hits, never mind if referee Tony Weeks failed to warn the Mexican challenger about those “rabbit” punches.

Danrex emphasized that as a judge, he observes four rules in scoring the fight, namely: 1) effective aggression; 2) clean and hard punching; 3) ring generalship; 4) defense.

Outside of these four rules widely adopted by all world boxing sanctioning bodies, there is the unwritten rule that the challenger must take the fight to the champion and must prove that he deserves to be installed champion by convincingly defeating the defending titlist.

Chino, who earlier agreed to my idea of two panels discussing the fight and providing their perspective on the scoring of each round, said the “Game” episode to be aired tomorrow is a prelude to the replay of the fight next week.

“Let this be an opportunity to educate boxing fans on the finer points of boxing and the rules covering the scoring of the fights,” Chino said.

Next week, Pacquiao-Marquez III will be replayed and reviewed in full but it is a must that boxing fans watch tomorrow’s prelude and listen to the explanations of Danrex, who by the way admits that while he saw the fight as a draw, he could have scored it differently had he been at ringside and fully focused on the fight.

This was precisely the point raised by American boxing writer Don Donatello in an article published in his website which was posted by www.philboxing.com.

Donatello, in a well-written and well-analyzed article, asked those who thought they saw Marquez win: “On what basis?”

He then said how can somebody who was watching the fight while drinking beer, eating peanuts or popcorn and exchanging high fives as the fighters traded punches be more focused that the three people at ringside.

Two of the three judges saw the fight in favor of Pacquiao while the third judge scored it a draw. The Compubox, an instrument operated by two people which recorded the number of punches thrown and landed, including power punches, also had the Filipino boxing icon ahead.

That Pacquiao performed poorly in his third meeting against the brilliant counterpuncher Marquez is a view shared by everybody.

But the claim that Marquez won is simply a denial of available statistics and a defiance of logic.

SOURCE: philboxing.com

The Secrets of Moringa and Urine: Pacquiao and Marquez’s drugs

2011-11-25T00:38:00.000-08:00

Two warriors, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the current pound for pound king and Juan Manuel Marquez, the WBC/WBO lightweight titleholder are accused to be using performance enhancing drugs or PEDS because being undisputed and weight gaining a short span of time. No one has proved that they really used PEDS but I am introducing you the great vitamins of these two fighters that makes them really mighty.

In the Philippines “malunggay” or moringa is a common vegetable that is one of the favorite veggie of the Filipinos.

The Moringa Oleifera is from the horse raddish tree and it is usually found in Asia. This vegetable is also called the miracle tree since this contains lots and lots of vitamins compared to fruits. It provides calcium and phosphorus, protein, iron and vitamin A which a child really needs.

This nutritious leaf is taken by Manny that is why he is healthy and he remains solid in every fight he takes. This is more than steriods but this is legal, its a vegetable.

On the other hand, Marquez or “el dinamita” drinks urine or “piss” in a modern language. Urine is a liquid that is taken out of our body. All of the human body’s dirt or the bad elements is taken out and it is called urination which produces urine.

The food we intake converts into molecules and passes thrugh the blood stream and these carry other elements such as microscopic proteins, enzymes, plasma, antibodies and other nutrients.

In China they call it urine theraphy, the people believes urine is a good medicine and a sports drink. The urine can help human body be healthy.

There is something called a Law of Similarity which you will intake a bad element mixed with a base(water) to fight of diseases. Example if you have a hard flu, you get 99% of water and 1% of flu virus to fight off the ugly infection in your body.

So urine is not drugs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is so wrong calling these two boxers “PEDS addicts”.

SOURCE: mirosport.net

Pacquiao Marquez III, the aftermath

2011-11-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

“Boxing is like a beautiful woman,” pondered Big Steve during our Saturday morning coffee at Starbucks on Western Avenue:” They both ask the same question – what have you done for me lately? Two weeks ago they fed supposedly washed up Kirkland to Mexican stud, El Perro Angulo. They said Kirkland was washed up, because he got knocked out in the first round by an unknown Japanese fighter. So Angulo punches himself out and gets knocked out. All of a sudden Kirkland is a beast and El Perro is in a dog house, no pun intended. Last week Pacquiao wins a close fight and because he was expected to blow right through Marquez and didn’t; now he is in the dog house. ESPN and Yahoo Sports even took away his number one pound for pound ranking. Did you watch the fight on TV again?”

“Yes, I had it a draw when I saw it live,” I replied:” But when I watched it on TV I had it even after ten and Pacman sweeping championship rounds. I felt Marquez had the fight in his hands and has nobody to blame but himself and his trusted coach, Nacho Beristain for giving it away in the last two rounds. He didn’t do enough to win the fight.”

True to himself, immediately following the fight, Juan Manuel Marquez cried robbery, only this time he had a lot more support from fans and media.

“I understand. We have to accept that, because half of the fans are Filipinos and half of the fans are Mexicans,” said Pacquiao addressing crowd reaction to his majority decision win:” Of course, fans of Marquez are really disappointed, but we have to accept that. It’s just part of the game. The fight was close, but it’s very clear that I won the fight even if you watch a replay. This is just a sport.”

I watched a replay and agree with Manny; he won a close fight. A fighter can not win the title going backwards. However, a lot of pundits disagree and feel that Marquez not only won this fight, but dominated it while teaching Pacquiao a boxing lesson. Marquez went as far as contemplating retirement, because of what he felt was a poor judging.

Manny Pacquiao did admit to having problems during the fight such as leg cramps. “Starting from the fourth round, I felt so bad,” said Pacquiao:” My balance was gone, that’s why I was flying every time I threw a punch. It was not the fight that I wanted.” But the intrepid warrior, pride of Philippines fought on in the face of adversity and pulled out a close win during championship rounds, at least that’s the way Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach saw it.

“I thought Manny pulled it out in the last two rounds,” he said:” I had him winning by one point at the fight. I had him winning by three points on TV. It was a very close fight, but I thought Manny pulled it out. It’s hard for me to give it to a guy who doesn’t come forward.”

However, eleven to one favorite on fight night, Manny Pacquiao was convicted of loosing his touch in a court of public opinion. Under heavy fire Pacquiao’s fans decided to retaliate by spreading rumors on the internet about Marquez drinking colored liquid during the fight, insinuating performance enhancement drugs. There was also a video illustrating how Juan Manuel kept stepping on Manny’s foot during the fight. In all fairness, the liquid was approved by Nevada State Athletic Commission. To address the second issue: Marquez employed boxing 101 strategy when conventional fighter faces a south paw; move to your left to avoid getting hit by a straight left. Marquez did it successfully, but while doing so tangling of feet was bound to happen. Now, I do not know if Juan Manuel stepped on Pacquiao’s foot on purpose, but if he did it was a veteran move that was not penalized by the referee. No foul, no harm. One other thing Marquez did successfully was to make Manny Pacquiao think in the ring and therefore hesitate. He who hesitates…

“He is always backing up. He is waiting for me to create action and is waiting to counter,” said Pacquiao about unsolved riddle, Juan Manuel Marquez:” It’s not easy to create action when he is also looking for a good shot. I am very careful, because he is a good counter puncher. I have to accept that it’s not that easy to fight Marquez.”

Super Manny is human after all. May be this is the right time to put Mayweather Pacquiao together.

“I think, commercially speaking, it will be a huge fight,” said Marquez when asked to give his take on Pacquiao Mayweather:” But boxing is about styles and I think style of Mayweather will get very complicated for Pacquiao.” Could this be the reason why ESPN and Yahoo Sports have revised their pound for pound lists and now have Mayweather as a number one ahead of Pacquiao? All of a sudden team Mayweather is claiming that Manny’s promoter, Bob Arum is a major obstacle to putting together a fight the world has been dying to see for several years. Are we ever going to see it?

Whatever it is, super star many Pacquiao realized that his performance fell below expectations. “I know I did my best,” Pacquiao said:” But the expectation of the people was not the fight that happened.”

SOURCE: examiner.com

Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3: Foot Stopper Trick? by Juan Manuel Marquez

2011-11-15T03:31:00.000-08:00

Stay tune for the live coverage of the fight

2011-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Stay on this page to watch Pacquiao vs Marquez full fight for free, November 12, 2011 we will see who will be the legendary inside the ring. We get together to witness the event in the planet.

PHOTO: PACQUIAO WORKS OUT IN VEGAS

2011-11-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

November 8, 2011, Las Vegas, Nevada -- Superstar Manny Pacquiao shadow boxes during final preparations in Las Vegas on Tuesday for his upcoming third mega-fight against three-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions,Marquez Boxing,Tecate and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Marquez III will take place, Saturday, Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and be produced and distributed by HBO Pay Per View.

SOURCE: philboxing.com

Pacquiao set to light up Vegas

2011-11-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS– With challenger Juan Manuel Marquez already in town, it is the champion Manny Pacquiao’s turn to arrive here as the countdown for Act III of their trilogy starts. Like Marquez, who blew into town Monday amid hundreds of his Mexican fans, the World Boxing Organization welterweight titleholder will be accorded a Grand Arrival ceremony at Porte Cochere at the front lobby of the MGM Grand where they will meet in a showdown that is most likely their last.

Pacquiao, the undisputed pound-for-pound best fighter in this era, will set foot here in a custom-built luxury bus along with chief trainer Freddie Roach and the rest of their team. The ceremony is at noon.

Both the Pacman and the Mexican “Dinamita” have broken their respective camps and their long-drawn out preparations for the much-awaited encounter set Saturday with the eight-division champion starting his in Baguio City before transferring to the Roach-owned Wild Card Boxing Gym in downtown Los Angeles.

The 38-year-old Marquez opened up camp in his hometown Mexico City before moving to California in a bid to dethrone the Filipino icon of his crown and justified his three-year claim that he won their first two fights despite a draw decision in 2004 and a split verdict in favor of Pacquiao four years later.

Both promised to come up with convincing results to erase the doubts created by their twin showdown that has been the subject of debate the past three years. The following day (Wednesday in Manila), the main event press conference will take place at 12:30 p.m. following a media luncheon at noon. The undercard news conference is scheculed Thursday at the media center, which opened Tuesday after Marquez’a arrival.

The official weigh-in is scheduled Friday November 11 at 2:30 p.m. Doors will be opened to the public at 1 p.m. Magna Media International which handles the fight’s media accreditation, also announced that distribution of the temporary credentials to media also started Tuesday at the main lobby of the hotel. The fight week media center will be transferred at the Studio A & B of the MGM Grand.

The credential desk will move to the Hollywood Theatre for the convenience of media men attending the press conference. Fight night credentials will be available at the “Old VIP Box Office” location on Saturday, continuing until 7:00 p.m.

SOURCE: philboxing.com

Coach Depends Himself Marquez's Controlversial Strength

2011-11-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

Marquez will challenge for the WBO welterweight belt owned by Pacquiao in the HBO Pay Per View-televised clash. I have never intended... s exercise science program who believes that his state of the art techniques are better suited for helping Marquez to gain weight. ve never been banned from coaching. I have the curriculum.

Marquez also addressed any suspicion of subterfuge on the HBO segment. said Marquez. m ready to take a test any time that they want." s 24/7 series, Hernandez went by his real name, Angel Heredia in May of 2008. s when he testified in a San Francisco Court that he supplied former track stars Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery with illegal substances, according to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Hernandez is similarly attempting to gain traction in the sport by helping Marquez, a winner of three straight fights, including the last two by knockouts, since debuting in his lone welterweight bout -- a one-sided unanimous decision loss to present Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KOs) in September of 2009. s methods will make a difference against Pacquiao. Juan is not using. re not doing anything illegal. s fighting clean. Mr.

Pacquiao has battled to a draw and a split-decision victory over Marquez as a featherweight and as a junior lightweight in May of 2004 and March of 2008, respectively. s since-vacated junior middleweight belt in November. s undefeated streak to 14-0 with eight knockouts since losing to four-division beltwinner and current WBC junior welterweight titleholder Erik Morales (51-7, 35 KOs), of Tijuana, in March of 2005.

Marquez thought he acquired victory

2011-11-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

On both instances, even though, Marquez thought he acquired victory. ‘Now it’s time to shed doubt over who the best fighter is,’ Marquez said while wrapping up his training camp in Mexico. ‘I want to win this fight because I believe I won the first two fights. ‘We are not the only ones saying that we won those first two fights.

While Pacquiao states he was insulted through such fashion statement, Marquez thinks he’s equally as much motivation for their 3rd as well as last encounter. ’It is personal for me too,’ said the 38-year-old Mexican, who has a career record of 53-5-1 with 39 knockouts said. ‘If he is upset about me saying that I won the first two fights, I am upset that I haven’t got the decisions. ‘I am just as motivated as he is.

Marquez, a three-division world champion, is in the twilight of his glittering career and will go into next week’s bout as a 9-1 underdog against one of the best offensive fighters of all time. ‘(Odds) don’t do anything for me,’ said the Mexican, who recovered from three knockdowns in the opening round to earn a draw when they first clashed in May 2004. ‘People can bet what they want, people can put the odds how they want them.

Pacquiao, who has won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, has become a far superior fighter to the somewhat raw, all-action Filipino who faced Marquez in 2004 and 2008. ‘Pacquiao has definitely become a better technical fighter than he was,’ said Marquez’s trainer Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain.

He has learned a lot of techniques and a lot of new things and he is doing them better, especially the right hook. ‘Beristain knows Marquez can no longer simply focus on the Filipino’s lethal left hand. ‘When we fought the first couple of times, his (Pacquiao’s) left hand was always the big one, the one we had to worry about, the one that we tried to nullify,’ Beristain said. ‘We see that he has a better right hand now.

Floyd Mayweather Jr on live radio was throttled by radio personality Jude Anthony Angelini.

2011-11-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

Mayweather called into the station claiming somebody had been disrespecting him. who accused Mayweather of ducking Pacquiao and beating up old guys and smaller guys. and hung up. t rally around him like Pacquiao fans rally around their guy. Well, this is why. the black man always gets it the hardest way.''

Mayweather and Angelini several times just talked over one another, but at the end of the day, it was Mayweather who got beat up in this interview. He accused Mayweather of using the steroids topic as a way to duck Pacquiao. Mayweather who I happen to think is a great fighter acted like a very insecure person during this interview.

Marquez willing to take doping tests

2011-11-04T03:05:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES – Juan Manuel Marquez’ strength and conditioning coach is no angel, and the Mexican fighter Wednesday challenged everyone to a test.

“All this info on Angel is news to me. I worked very hard and I will do any test they want as long as Manny does, too,” Marquez said during a conference call drumming up his Nov. 12 fight with Manny Pacquiao.

Marquez faced questions regarding his hiring of Angel “Memo” Hernandez, who admitted in court in 2008 selling illegal substances and steroids to Olympic stars Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery.

The 38-year-old Marquez, who’s in for a third fight with Pacquiao, raised a lot of eyebrows a couple of weeks ago when he was shown on video with muscles he’d never grown before in his life.

Pacquiao’s own strength and conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, sounded surprised how and why Marquez had grown so big in such a short time, saying Marquez must be working with “a good team.”

Marquez said it has nothing to do with Hernandez. And he’s willing to take the extra step to prove it.

“I’ve never taken banned substances. You know, when I met him, I knew his background with athletes. It’s a shame, all my hard work, being thrown into the trash can by Conte, by Ariza,” said Marquez.

Conte is no other than Victor Conte, described as a former musician and founder and president of BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative), a sports nutrition center in California.

Conte is no angel himself. He served time in prison in 2005 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering, according to Wikipedia.

Marquez stressed that what people see in him these days are the results of plain hard work. Nothing more, nothing less.

“My physical condition is thanks to the hard work that I’ve put in. In my 18 years as a pro boxer, I’ve never trained like this, with three daily sessions – running, weights and training very hard in the gym.

“I don’t care what Pacquiao’s team has to say. My mind is focused on making an intelligent fight and to secure the knockout,” Marquez, according to The Examiner’s Michael Marley, also said.

Also on Wednesday, Pacquiao’s biggest opponent outside of the ring – Floyd Mayweather Jr. – made news, noise actually, by saying he’s returning to action on May 5.

“We’re looking to make the biggest fight possible and everyone knows what that fight is, the little fella,” Mayweather’s adviser, Al Haymon, told Dan Rafael of ESPN.

And there could be no other “little fella” out there than Pacquiao.

“Floyd made it very clear to us, what he wanted to do. He told us he is looking to make the biggest fight that is out there and to make it in May,” said Ellerbe.

SOURCE: philstar.com

Marquez lets thirst for validation motivate him vs Pacquiao

2011-11-03T04:22:00.000-07:00

HOLLYWOOD—Manny Pacquiao has made the third chapter of his feud history with Juan Manuel Marquez personal. His trainer, Freddie Roach, has done the same thing.

“I think payback is going to be a bitch,” said Roach.

The noted trainer was referring to Team Marquez showing up for a promotional event in the Philippines wearing shirts with the words “We Were Robbed” emblazoned on them.

All those verbal volleys, however, have failed to shake the knees of Team Marquez, which is growing confident by the day that the Nov. 12 showdown between two fierce rivals in Las Vegas will produce one of the most stunning upsets in boxing.

“We are not the only ones who felt that we won the other two fights,” Marquez said during a media conference call Wednesday. “We are prepared to win this one as well.”

The two punch-heavy combatants collide in a trilogy-capping match that is far from your garden-variety decider. Pacquiao knocked down Marquez thrice during their first meeting and wound up with a controversial split draw.

Their second fight was even more argument inducing. Leaning on a third round knockdown of his counter-punching foe, Pacquiao narrowly hammered out a split decision that Marquez felt should have gone his way.

In a sense, a Marquez victory will hardly settle the score between the two rivals. Both will still own a victory each while sharing a draw. Team Marquez, however, feels that this third match will validate who is the better fighter.

Pacquiao will defend the WBO welterweight crown he snatched from Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto two years ago and Marquez feels that winning the crown will put him one up on the current pound-for-pound king.

“Now it’s time to shed doubt as to who the best fighter is,” Marquez said.

While Pacquiao has kept saying the fight is personal—a change of tone from a fighter who has made it a point to stay away from word games—Marquez also upped the ante from his corner, saying he will treat the fight the same way because he felt he deserved favorable decisions in their first two meetings.

“I’m upset I didn’t get the decisions,” said Marquez. “This fight is going to be good because we both want to win it badly. The clear winner this time will be the fans.”

If anything about the fight can be guaranteed, it’s that fans won’t want for action. Marquez said Pacquiao brings something to the table that not even Floyd Mayweather Jr., the Filipino’s pound-for-pound rival, can bring.

“Floyd does not let you fight,” Marquez said. “We know Manny will fight.”

The Mexican will go into the match a heavy underdog, but Marquez doesn’t care about the odds.

“Odds don’t do anything for me, they don’t have anything to do with the fight,” he said. “If the opportunity comes, if I hurt him, I’ll go for the knockout.”

SOURCE: sports.inquirer.net

Juan Manuel Marquez is cosmetic Hercules sculpted by steroid dealing rat

2011-11-02T00:34:00.000-07:00

Juan Manuel Marquez will beat Manny Pacquiao.

Not in their Nov. 12 Trifecta fight at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, he won't because Pacquiao will close their always fun, always highly competitive series by extending his dominance to two victories and a draw and likely by scoring his fifth and maybe sixth knockdown against the Mexican counterpuncher.

Cosmetically, Marquez IS already the prefight winner.

You see, the "sucker bait" being offered out of Marquez's gym in Mexico City Tuesday was chum for fistic fools.

An admitted steroid dealer and a "rat" who testified against athletes he supplied illegal steroids to named Angel "Memo" Heredia is the person who sculpted the New Juan Ma.

Despite his name, Heredia is no Angel. He's more like a two legged rodent and a squealer to boot. When the feds came calling on drug and money laundering charges, Heredia was turned into--voila--a BALCO witness against jocks.

Look at the flicks, check the videos. See how big, strong and ferocious the 38 year old Marquez looks.

He doesn't look anything like the tiny tot who was completely befuddled by Floyd Mayweather, Jr., does he?

No, he doesn't. He looks like a 147 pound Hercules, cut in all the right places and sporting a nifty six pack where a normal stomach used to be.

If it was a muscleman posedown contest rather than a fight in a 20-foot inside ring, I'd switch my pick and tell you that Juan Ma will win just on barbell strength.

But, in crafting this snazzy bod, Marquez had to sacrifice something. Come on, the man is almost age 40 and he's fighting an almost 33 year old (Pacman's birthday is Dec. 17).

You don't have to be Victor Conte or Alex Ariza to figure it out.

The rippling muscles, the puffed up physique...Juan Ma only got all that by losing the hand and foot speed he had as a magnificent lightweight.

The tradeoff has been made and Marquez will pay the price in the Chapter III bout. The counterpunching skills won't be there as they were four years ago and eight long years ago agsainst an unfinished Manny.

Yeah, Marquez's "guns" are awesome.

Too bad he will only be able to shoot blanks.

SOURCE: examiner.com

Pacman shows sparmates no mercy

2011-10-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao has been almost merciless in his sparring sessions at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, something his Canadian adviser believes will bring about a smashing success come Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

“He could have killed his sparring partners,” said adviser Mike Koncz from Los Angeles, two weeks before Pacquiao faces Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time in front of a capacity crowd of more than 16,000 at the MGM Grand.

Koncz said Pacquiao “will put an exclamation point” to his performance with a resounding victory.

“Manny has said that this fight will put an end to all the doubts and I do believe he will.”

Koncz said that Pacquiao has been all business ever since he started training at the Wild Card since early this month.

“He’s been early for morning roadwork and early for his afternoon workouts. Never seen him this serious although I am not saying that he’s not during his previous training camps,” said Koncz.

I just saw changes in the way he trained for this fight with Marquez.”

Marquez’s claims that he was robbed by the judges in his first two fights with Pacquiao has apparently incensed the Filipino pound-for-pound king into thinking that he won’t leave any doubt this time.

The last time Pacquiao was this serious was during the runup to the Oscar De La Hoya superfight in Dec. 2008.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said Marquez won’t go beyond six rounds.

More than Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown, on the line on Nov. 12 will be the mythical title of pound-for-pound king.

Pacquiao is an 8-1 favorite to repulse the 38-year-old Marquez’s challenge.

The Marquez bout will be at a catchweight of 144 lbs.

SOURCE: mb.com.ph

Manny Pacquiao & the Rules of the Sequel

2011-10-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

By Gina L. Caliboso

If you’ve been reading my articles lately, I’m on a tirade of the notion of “unfinished business.” And for all you movie and boxing buffs like me, movie sequels, or subsequent boxing matches, seem to always either raise more questions or put to rest the idea of a comeback. Sadly, the film “The Expendables” which starred a cast of stellar B-movie has-been (sorta) status, did not quite fit my particular idea of a comeback. But in some of my favorite films and some of my favorite boxing matchups, the notion is a live and recent one. Movie storylines, and even boxing storylines for that matter, never quite end. Instead, as movie fans and boxing fans alike, we are always trying to put to rest the “what-ifs” of dramatic story lines.

So, to get you in the mood, or at least align my idea of the sequel, I’m putting down some ground rules for my idea of the sequel. First and foremost, I am only thinking of those sequels that I absolutely love and can immediately recall. Don’t hate if I fail to mention horror movie sequels because I don’t watch them. And second, I seem to have chosen those sequels that I feel were perhaps better than the first because the story lines just came to an ending I could ideally wrap my head around without thinking it was too trite to try and tie up loose ends. And don’t worry, there is a correlation to boxing. No order intended here, RSR fans.

Empire Strikes Back, Episode V – I watch this when I can’t quite get a grip on stillness – that and my faith. I love Yoda in this film – truly. Remember fans? “Try or try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” And what does Yoda say after Luke says, “I don’t believe it.” Yoda answers, “That is why you fail.” Okay, I suppose there is an order here. I can watch “Empire” over and over. I can’t necessarily watch the 3 prequels before Episodes IV, V, and VI.

Kill Bill, Vol. 2 – For obvious homage reasons, Vol. 2 of the Tarantino saga of the blood-splattered bride named Beatrix Kiddo had a subtle edge to the story. The film names her, obviously, as well as bringing in some background on her training with Pai Mei. The sequel also explains Elle Driver’s eye and well, the two are related (I’d wink but it would be a poor reference to an eye here). I’d have to say that I loved Carradine’s discussion on comic book heroes in reference to Superman. Fight scene between Elle and Beatrix – loved it!

Rocky II – Boxing writer here. The film shows the post title fight drama quite well. Both Rocky and Apollo were trying to get over their last matchup and each fighter experiences the post fight quite differently. This film shows the inevitable of the boxer’s life – what to do after a fight? Apollo didn’t want to fight anyone but Rocky. Rocky didn’t want to fight because of his growing family responsibilities. What is a fighter supposed to do after one shot at a title? Apollo’s trainer makes it clear that he doesn’t need the fight because Rocky still came back for more and he couldn’t beat him. The film is truly an example of “unfinished business.”

Godfather II – Robert DeNiro as a young Vito Corleone. The rise of the Godfather and the rise of the son of the Godfather. Enough said. Poor Fredo.

So, as far as my love for movie sequels, I again point out that these films fulfill a promise of something better than the first storyline. Each of these sequels ties up loose ends, unfinished business, and answer previous questions about the details of the 1st tale. Sequels provide a “do-over” a fresh perspective and if whether or not it will lead to further drama or perhaps close the door on any lingering doubts. Just please, don’t let me get started on prequels – I’m not there yet.

Now, stay with me here. Boxing has its sequels. In the history of boxing, there are rivalries. Sagas of clashes and rivalries that forever remain as unfinished business, unresolved issues, lingering doubts that on a given night in a boxing ring in Vegas, the fighter defeated another fighter and simply did what needed to be done. Even more importantly, a decision over 12 rounds is one that hurts a fighter’s psyche. Below are my takes on boxing’s unfinished business. And, RSR fans, I believe there is definite possibility in some future matchups that might absolve boxing of any recent travesties of judging and matchups.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez – In November, the Filipino champion goes up against Marquez in the third installment of their beloved fight trilogy. I must say, I rather enjoyed Return of the Jedi and even Rocky III. However, Godfather III left a strange ‘eh’ in my head. My point? Pacquiao and Marquez first fought each other as featherweights. How they’ve changed over the course of their perspective career paths. In a recent episode of “24/7” Marquez looks at his bouts with Pacquiao as being the pivotal fights in his career. However, Marquez looks at this with hindsight. He believes that had he beaten Pacquiao both times, his career would be where Pacquiao is right now. I don’t necessarily see that comparison – but see what I mean? A lingering doubt.

Chad Dawson vs. Bernard Hopkins – Recently I saw the replay of how Dawson got under Hopkins and lifted him and threw him to the canvas. With a little more finesse, it could have been a mark of a double leg tackle in MMA. Rematch? Of course. The fight result was ridiculous. Chad Dawson needs to work on his grace. But this is the business of boxing. We need more bad guys it seems.

Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams – I’ve always been intrigued by Paul Williams. He, at one point, was the most avoided boxer in the light middleweight division, but we all know who claims that title now. When Martinez and Williams fought for the first time, the judging discrepancy was off the chart. It’s as if that judge had been watching a different fight. But again, whether or not Martinez did enough to show he BEAT Williams, perhaps not. Regardless, when the two fought again, Martinez caught Williams perfectly with a KO punch and Williams was down. Since then, Martinez has been on a winning streak, however, I feel as if the alphabet soup of title divisions – WBO, WBA, what have you – find technicalities to take Martinez’s titles away. A 3rd fight between these two would settle something for Williams. Williams allowed a shorter, less experienced boxer (to a degree), but a talented athlete, defeat him with a KO in the second bout AND barely scraped by in their first matchup. Williams needs to fight Martinez again.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao – As when George Lucas or Steven Spielberg make a comment that they plan to reveal never before seen footage or enhanced versions of their beloved films, all of us seem to be held hostage about seeing anything that could be better than what we have been used to. Do you know what I mean here? Mayweather vs. Pacquiao I feel has been held in front of us for a while now – so much that it would be sheer shock that the fight would ever happen. But more importantly, we’d still tune in, buy the PPV, buy the Blu-Ray, buy the 3-D in hopes we can see something worth the cost, worth the wait so to speak. And well, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao would be awesome and worth the wait.

All that being said RSR Readers, I think I’ve given you more than enough to read in my article. I’ve been inspired of late – I’ve been reminded about how much film means to me and in our everyday lives, we need some form of an escape and perhaps enter into a little drama – either through the love of our favorite films or in my case, my love of boxing and films and I see the obvious patterns of triumph and tragedy. With me and my unending optimism, I feel the need for a happy ending somewhere. Be prepared RSR Readers, I just may find a way to connect my favorite romantic comedies to boxing.

SOURCE: ringsidereport.com

Op-Ed: Will Pacquiao surpass Mayweather's pay-per-view numbers for 2011?

2011-10-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

The controversial and bizarre fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz last September 17 has generated at least 1.25 million in pay-per-view buys which translates into $78.44 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue.

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, the revenue generated by the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight was the second-highest in non-heavyweight fight in history.

Although Pacquiao's fights with de la Hoya and Mosley got almost the same numbers, the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight beat them all because subscriptions were sold higher than the rates for the Pacquiao fights, Rafael explained.

After the announcement by Golden Boy Promotions on the official PPV numbers, Mayweather said he appreciates the tremendous support of the fans.

"My motto is 'hard work and dedication' and I have shown this throughout my entire career, which has allowed me to go out and perform each time I step in the ring," Mayweather said in a statement. "I give the fans everything I have with the best competition and exciting fights. I must be doing something right as they keep buying my fights and I appreciate their tremendous support. It feels good to be able to generate such a great interest in the sport."

Mayweather's record as the undisputed PPV king has not been challenged in past years after raking in 2.4 million PPV buys during his fight with Oscar de la Hoya back in 2007.

The Mayweather vs. de la Hoya fight was a tandem that was hard to beat at that time because they were both stars in their own right.

Although it remains the highest-grossing fight in terms of PPV buys, a great number of boxing fans believe the number was achieved because of de la Hoya's star power.

The question is— will his PPV numbers surpass what Pacquiao and Marquez can generate on November 12, considering Marquez has his own circle of PPV supporters?

Starting out with Oscar de la Hoya in 2007, Pacquiao has maintained over a million in PPV buys for every fight except for his hastily-staged match with Ghana's Joshua Clottey in 2010.

For the upcoming trilogy between Pacquiao and Marquez, Top Rank officials said the fight could generate more than 1.4 million in PPV buys.

“It has the potential to be the most watched Pacquiao fight on pay-per-view,” said Top Rank executive event producer Brad Jacobs Tuesday at the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s U.N. Avenue in Manila.

“Were looking to surpass but I can’t put any numbers to that. Our goal is to exceed the expectations – get to 1.4 million and go past it,” he said. “These are two great champions getting into the ring for the third time. And a lot of people think it’s even at this point. So we have this trilogy.”

And with Marquez helping out with his own hordes of Mexican loyalists, it is possible that the Pacquiao-Marquez tandem will emerge as the top grosser in PPV buys this year.

SOURCE: digitaljournal.com

MANNY ADDRESSES U.S. TROOPS

2011-10-29T03:01:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2011, Los Angeles, Ca. --- Superstar Manny Pacquiao(R) and chief trainer Freddie Roach (L) make a special Skype internet call to talk with US Army soldiers of Task Force Duke, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division from Ft. Knox, Kentucky, currently stationed in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Paquiao is preparing for his upcoming third mega-fight against three-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Marquez Boxing, Tecate and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Marquez III will take place, Saturday, Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and be produced and distributed by HBO Pay Per View.

SOURCE: philboxing.com

POTENTIAL FIGHT EXPLOSIVENESS IN PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ III

2011-10-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez is a uniquely different contender to fling down the gauntlet against eight-division title-holder Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao cannot afford to hyperbolize his presumed advantages against Marquez. He doesn’t have an assurance to warrant “presumptuousness” heading to a “star war” against the boxer who made him stagger in the air and gave him some real hurting blows in their first two encounters. Only the Marquez camp knows for certain at this juncture who Pacquiao would be up against on fight night.

The room for improvement has no restrictions. Every person has equal opportunity and access to it. Pacquiao went through that room and has emerged a complete boxer. So does a “better” Marquez approaching destiny. But as to what type of a fighter Marquez has evolved to this day against Pacquiao since they last figured in a brawl, the odds makers can only play their familiar game (to guess), wildly as they please.

Marquez is confident and already in a fighting mood as he exuded readiness and determination during a recent interview: “This third fight would be just like the two-closely- fought fights and very much a war... the smarter, better-conditioned fighter will win this fight.”

The Filipino champion has found his match in the Mexican counter-punching specialist who knows how to get up twice each time he falls down. Unlike Pacquiao’s previous opponents, Dinamita has the resilient “distinct style” suitable to challenge the Pacman dynamo (in every round and angle), good enough to cause “shiver” in the heart of Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez, the reason being why they tried to avoid making the trilogy happen. For styles indeed make fights, and make fights intense and classic.

All being invariable in the equation of both fighters’ strength and weakness in style and ability, there is going to be fierce exchange of punches again between Marquez and Pacquiao come November 12, but on one condition. This time, though, it’s going to be a knockout win for either of the two champions, but, again on the same one condition. Other than that, there will be nothing much different in the vaunted upcoming welterweight contest in Las Vegas except that Pacquiao is not the same static, single-dimensional and “less-powerful” fighter anymore from his two previous bouts against Marquez. Thus it would be a great undoing for Marquez to engage Pacquiao exactly the way he did before if he doesn’t pass the test.

Hence the requisite: Unless Marquez catches up with the big improvements of Pacquiao, the outcome of the Pacquiao-Marquez III would be a one-sided sensational and devastating knockout victory within seven rounds in favor of the Filipino sports icon.

Pacman continues to soar. He “lightly” calls the fight to be “personal” to him, a simple- sounding harmless word that carries a lot of weight to what it means and something that the team Marquez ought to take cautiously, and with much preparedness.

The excitement, therefore, of the forthcoming third matchup between a “Superman” and a “Spiderman” is laid heavily on the shoulders of the Mexican “swinging” hero; for him to do enough in training and conditioning to gain grounds in areas where Pacquiao has made adequate strides and has effectively put in place significant “adjustments” to become versatile and stronger inside the ring, or in space.

If Marquez improves just the way he should, he has the chance to pull an “upset” in a surprising fashion or he could be the toughest foe that the current top pound-for-pound pugilist would have ever fought and will ever likely face in the future which may include Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Sergio Martinez.

The ultimate “finale” between Pacquiao and Marquez ought to be suspenseful and very explosive as both fighters could be aptly described in their long-running rivalry as Dynamo vs. Dinamita. Though if not, it is going to be just another “fireworks” exhibition hit-show on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena amid the rousing applause of the entertained “happy” crowd.

SOURCE: Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez is a uniquely different contender to fling down the gauntlet against eight-division title-holder Manny Pacquiao.

SOURCE: philboxing.com

The parallelism of Victor Ortiz and Manny Pacquiao

2011-09-18T03:12:00.000-07:00

Victor Ortiz and Manny Pacquiao are in some ways alike, in their experiences outside and inside the ring. As fighters, both are southpaws. Both produce explosive punching power with their hands. Both are current welterweight champions and both are exciting to watch in the ring.

Outside of the ring, both men are product of a not so easy life. Both came from a family devastated by abandonment and separation. Their fathers left them at a young age, Pacquiao and Ortiz both 12 at that time. Ortiz though, suffered the abandonment early when his mother left them at the care of their father five years earlier. Both became men at a tender age because of the circumstances that they face in their young life. Pacquiao left his home of General Santos City when he was 14 and sailed away 600 miles to the capital city of Manila in search of a job, any job to help support his mother and five other siblings. Pacquiao sold doughnuts and worked construction to earn money. Ortiz at 12 would carry a hoe and work the cornfields of Kansas to earn his living. He even admitted that he dealt drugs in the streets of his home city of Garden City, Kansas as a teenager. Ortiz and Pacquiao grew and hustled in their own "streets of life" thousands of miles apart in the early years of their life.

That is why when Ortiz was called upon by Freddie Roach to provide sparring work with Pacquiao in 2008, the result was a rough one between the two boxers. Ortiz fought toe to toe with Pacquiao who was then preparing for his lightweight battle against David Diaz. A clash between two street bred fighters will always end up into a good one even if it is just sparring. This is the same attitude that is in born of the two fighters; aggressive, forthcoming and without any care in the world. At least this was the Pacquiao of old. Victor Ortiz was like that in his last fight against Andre Berto. He attacked the then welterweight champ like a man possessed. He threw punches with bad intentions at all times in that rainy evening in April of this year. Ortiz rampaged into the stunned Berto with all he had, nixing any semblance of defense which he paid for when he got knocked down by the Berto. He got up from his second knockdown in round six and retaliated with a knockdown of his own merely seconds apart of the two. Ortiz scored the upset on the favored champion in Andre Berto to win his first world title.

Manny Pacquiao was the underdog too on his first venture to win his first world title belt in 1998. This was in the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand against Chatchai Sasakul for the WBC flyweight belt. Sasakul was 33-1 and the more experienced fighter of the two, having been a veteran of seven years. Pacquiao is 23-1 and has a mere three year stint in the ring back then. It was at Sasakul's home turf and was also, only his second fight out of the Philippines. But Pacquiao made up for his lack of experience and technical skill with speed, power and aggression that left Sasakul face first in the canvass in round eight of that fight. Again, the similarity with Victor Ortiz comes into mind on the manner they won their first world title belt.

Pacquiao has developed into the sport's best thirteen years after that fight in Thailand. He is also its top draw after he forced Oscar dela Hoya into retirement in 2008. He has become a more complete and thinking fighter as the years passed. More so, he has accumulated a record seven additional title belts at seven other weight classes after winning the WBC flyweight belt in 1998. A feat no one has ever accomplished in the past. Pacquiao is clearly the top dog of the boxing world. On the other hand, Victor Ortiz is the sport's newest sensation with his victory against Berto last April and now in his mega fight tonight against Pacquiao's close rival to the throne, Floyd Mayweather Jr. His performance against Berto catapults him to this spotlight with Mayweather tonight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. An underdog against Berto, Ortiz is once again an underdog against the unbeaten Mayweather. And a huge 8-1 underdog at that. Tonight as he fights the biggest fight of his young career before the eyes of millions all over the world, Victor Ortiz should look at a tape of Manny Pacquiao when he fought Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in 2001.

Like Ortiz, Pacquiao then was the underdog. It was Pacquiao's first fight in the big lights of Las Vegas, similar to the ones that will shine on Ortiz tonight. It was Pacquiao's launch pad to stardom after his upset win over the South African super bantamweight champ. If Ortiz continues to defy the odds and beat Mayweather tonight, this will be more than his launching pad. It will rocket launch him at the top of the boxing world, side by side with where Manny Pacquiao is now. Because when all similarities between him and Pacquiao are accounted for, the one glaring difference that will stand out is that Floyd Mayweather Jr. opted to fight him instead of Pacquiao. And if he wins, the similarities end there.

SOURCE:

2011-09-04T02:25:00.001-07:00

Kicking off the official press tour for his November 12th fight with Manny Pacquiao, lightweight champion Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez is confident he will defeat the Filipino.

“The challenge is difficult,” said Marquez. “That is why I prepare myself, in all aspects of training and will win the fight.”

The press tour kicked off Saturday in Manilla, Philippines to a crowd of 70,000 fans supporting their hero Pacquiao. For Marquez’s part, he would like to return to the Philippines after the fight.

“Of course I would like to come back,” said Marquez, “but as the world champion.”

Marquez admits Pacquiao has improved from the first two times they fought – a split decision lose for Marquez and a draw.

“I expect an evolved Pacquiao,” said Marquez. “But I will be putting forth the best effort possible to win. After two fights, it is my turn to win and I am confident I will.”

Marquez and Pacquiao will be fighting for the WBO welterweight championship, though Pacquiao has fought as a junior middleweight in recent years – their first two fights were at the featherweight and super featherweight limits.

Pacquiao – Marquez III will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and aired on HBO Pay Per View within the United States.

SOURCE: examiner.com