Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao - World's Greatest Boxer

The Republica Strikes Back: Chronicling the past 10 years of boxing’s best (part 4)

2009-06-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

by Dennis dSource Guillermo

"The Republica Strikes Back"

After shocking the boxing world and making his name known especially among the Mexican fight fans, Manny Pacquiao was on cloud nine. He went back home and was greeted like a conquering hero in the Philippines as he was honored by the Phillipine government for his accomplishment. The Mexican fight community also honored Pacquiao by giving him the distinction of being hailed as the nation's "Republica Enemy No.1" for destroying Barrera the way he did in November of 2003.

Pacquiao definitely became a marked man among the Mexican boxing community which boasted the best the lower weight classes had to offer and hailed Barrera as one of their most revered fighters for his exploits inside the ring. The way Pacquiao manhandled the future Hall of Famer left a bitter taste in Mexico's mouth but at the same time, Pacquiao's come-forward and fighting nature also earned their respect. It is after all why they love Barrera so much and is the trademark "Mexican Warrior" fighting style- because he comes in and fights and leaves everything in the ring the way the likes of Julio Caesar Chavez did before him.

Pacquiao became a hot commodity overnight. Everybody wanted a piece of Pacquiao, and Pacquiao promoter Murad Muhammad was more than ambitious and eager enough to take on all comers and cash in on his newfound pot of gold. Muhammad announced that Pacquiao will be coming for Mexico's two other greats in Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales. During that time, the three Mexicans including Barrera, had a chokehold on the division and were considered the cream of the crop. And so they went on their quest to slay Mexico's three-headed monster.

Next in line was Juan Manuel Marquez. At that time, Marquez was the lesser known of the three Mexican legends and was also said to have been the most avoided because of his skill but did not have that star power and Mexican following like Barrera and Morales to lure opponents with a big payday. Muhammad and Pacquiao however were on a mission and Marquez was simply the next challenge in their quest.

The fight was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 8, 2004. A raucous crowd of more than 7,000 showed up attributing to Pacquiao's rising popularity. People came, hoping for different results but one thing they expected after seeing the little tiger from the Philippines fight was that there would be a lot of action. And from the get-go, Pacquiao did not disappoint.

Pacquiao came out of the gates like a house on fire. HBO commentator Jim Lampley narrated how Pacquiao's aura has been surrounded by much fanfare the way only last seen from figthers like Mike Tyson. Stories of sparring partners coming home with broken ribs, knockouts coming day after day at the Wild Card Gym where Pacquiao trained started spreading like wildfire adding to Pacquiao's mystique. And as if on cue, after Lampley's elaborate description of the mythology that surrounded the Filipino slugger, Pacquiao floored Marquez in the 1:31 mark of the opening round. A second knockdown would follow shortly as Marquez seemed beffudled and did not know what hit him. Pacquiao's killer left was landing at will as if it had a homing device to Marquez's face. Whatever skill Marquez boasted off prior to the fight seemed to have been lost in his dazed and confused state as the only thing he did well in the ring at that moment was to block Pacquiao's punches with his face.

A third knockdown came at the 35 second mark and at this point, people were just wondering how Marquez was still able to get up and survive the onslought Pacquiao was putting on him. The round ended with Marquez still eating Pacquiao's punches and willing his body to stay up while back pedalling until the bell sounded. Marquez showed a tremendous amount of heart and resolve just to survive the round. A lesser man would've definitely quit. Looking back, Pacquiao seemed the smaller man against Marquez on this night. It's amazing in a sense because today Pacquiao has fought a lot of bigger fighters like Oscar De la Hoya and Ricky Hatton and to see not too long ago he was fighting with a much smaller frame is mind boggling.

Marquez would slowly bounce back after the first round as he was starting to get familiar with Pacquiao's assault. Pacquiao was looking more and more predictable and towards the late rounds, Marquez was starting to read him like an open book. Amazingly, Marquez was able to regroup and make the fight competitive as the rounds went on and what seemed to have been a one-sided affair in the beginning, was turning out to be a hellacious back-and-forth blood bath between two gladiators. Pacquiao was still edging Marquez out for most of the rounds but the dramatic comeback Marquez displayed made an impression everyone who witnessed it. How could it not? The fight displayed the best of both spectrums boxing can offer. Pacquiao showed the ferocious and violent side of a beat down while Marquez displayed the technical brilliance of the sweet science.

The fight went the full 12 rounds and ended in a disappointing draw. One of the judges would issue an apology and admission of error in scoring when he inappropriately scored the first round 10-7 instead of 10-6 because of the three knockdowns Pacquiao had on Marquez. The point would've given Pacquiao a split-decision victory. Personally I felt Pacquiao did deserve the win although a draw wasn't such a travesty either. I can't say Marquez won that fight however contrary to some people say. I think the dramatic comeback Marquez put on and the impressive way he was able to stay up and mount a comeback gave him a moral victory and earned the respect of any person who saw the fight. If you try to look closer though round by round, it's hard to find enough rounds for Marquez to clearly win the fight. There were a lot of rounds that can go either way but I felt Pacquiao still had the edge but because of the way Pacquiao dominated in the beginning and how Marquez was performing better may have swung people's favor to Marquez direction. It's unfair to judge something because of a replay though, but then again, I have the luxury to review it so I'm just calling it how I saw it. Hindsight is 50/50 however so ultimately, the draw I think was for the best. Pacquiao and Marquez would just have to do it again if they truly wanted to prove who was the better man.

After the fight Pacquiao and Marquez were quoted in an article by USA Today,

"I thought I won and I didn't think it was close," Pacquiao said. "I thought I took his fight away from him. If they want a rematch, no problem."

Said Marquez, "I think he won the first round and maybe one another round. I thought I won the fight. I don't need a rematch but if everybody wants it, let's go."

The fight would be hailed as 2004's Fight of the Year. After the draw, Pacquiao returned to the Philippines and was greeted by more fans and bigger motorcades. The draw and the perception of being "robbed" of a victory endeared Pacquiao more to his countrymen who themselves know how it is to be handed the shorter end of the stick on a daily basis. The sensational performance did not make Pacquiao any more beloved in Mexico however as his notoriety grew and added to his label as the nation's "Republica Enemy No.1".

There was still another Mexican legend waiting in the sidelines however and he was indeed paying attention. Erik Morales would be next, and he would give Pacquiao the biggest challenge and put him to the test. Manny Pacquiao has definitely come far from where he started. Check back tomorrow for part five of this article as I chronicle the next few years of Manny Pacquiao's career, as he struggles through adversity and meeting the man who would make him taste defeat in "El Tirreible" on top of personal and managerial conflicts that almost destroyed his career.

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Manny Pacquiao: Chronicling the past 10 years of boxing’s best (part 3)

2009-06-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Guillermo

"Defining Moment"

After Manny Pacquiao’s four impressive knockout victories since the draw against Agapito Sanchez in San Francisco, Pacquiao was not only starting to make boxing fans look, he was also starting to catch the attention of big names in the sport. One of those big names was Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera noticed Pacquiao and said to have seen something in the explosive Filipino that reminded him of himself.

The only difference was that Pacquiao isn’t Mexican. Barrera at that time had just signed with Golden Boy Promotions had requested Richard Shaeffer to arrange a fight against Pacquiao as the Mexican legend did not enjoy watching Pacquiao demolish his Mexican countryman Emmanuel Lucero.

At the time, Pacquiao was being promoted by Murad Muhammad. Muhammad had lofty goals for Pacquiao as he had envisioned for “The Destroyer” to run through the best Mexico and the weight class had to offer and become a household name. Although in hindsight the plan might have been too hasty and ambitious, it proved indeed beneficial for Pacquiao’s career since not only did it give him recognition, it also gave him valuable experience that pushed him to become the fighter he is today. And so the Barrera fight was set for November 15, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.

Pacquiao entered the ring donning a San Antonio Spurs home Tim Duncan jersey as Pacquiao is a big basketball fanatic. The predominantly Mexican crowd in any case wasn’t having any of it as the numbers dramatically favored Barrera. Pacquiao started the first round focused and determined as he should for the biggest fight of his career yet.

It’s hard to stress enough how significant this fight was for Pacquiao’s career. His determination however would be quickly put to test as he fell victim to another bad case of officiating when he slipped in the beginning of the first round but was ruled a knock down. Pacquiao knew coming in that he was going against the odds and his camp did not expect him to win a decision in Barrera’s backyard. The knockdown ruling only amplified what Pacquiao already knew he was up against as he knew he needed to get a knockout victory in order for him to come out of San Antonio with a win. And that he did.

As if sensing his opportunity quickly slipping away from him before he can even taste it, Pacquiao put forth an inspired effort since the slip. He went for the jugular and laid everything on the line and made no secret of his intentions. He was going to knock Barrera out. Pacquiao constantly attacked Barrera with his right jab and left straight combinations. Pacquiao landed 31 out of 63 power shots in round 2 as his reach, speed and constant motion seemed to have been bothersome for Barrera. Pacquiao’s punches, as skinny as he was then, had that devastating pop usually reserved only for fighters in the heavyweight division. He was throwing haymakers, crosses and straights at Barrera like he was Roger Clemens throwing fast balls in his prime- without the juice of course.

In round 3 Pacquiao carried his momentum from the previous rounds and was able to even the playing field when he floored Barrera with a spine busting hard left straight on the button. Barrera had that befuddled look as he sat on the canvas that seemed to say “what the hell did I get myself into?” As Jim Lampley commented, it was the most desperate he had ever seen Barrera look but the way the fight played out, Pacquiao kept fighting like the desperate man in total disregard of the scorecards.

He just kept going after Barrera as if Barrera was the person who ate his dog as a child. (All kidding aside, one of the incidents that allegedly got Pacquiao into boxing was when he ran away from home back when he was young kid because his father ate his dog) Pacquiao grew up in poverty with challenges and struggles not a lot of people have had to go through. Floyd Mayweather Jr. asked what Pacquiao was doing during the times he was dominating the sport in his teens, well my answer to that would probably be that he was in Manila just trying to find ways to put food in his belly while trying to sustain a career in boxing. The fact that Pacquiao did not have the tools and head start most boxers here in America get just makes his accomplishments all the more impressive.

Pacquiao relentlessly continued his assault on Barrera. He was marking Barrera similar to the way he was reconfiguring oscar De la Hoya’s face last December. Round after round, Pacquiao was looking more and more like the sport’s next superstar. He was throwing combinations straight from a Bruce Lee movie and smiling in the process like he was dealing with a sparring partner. And round after round, Barrera was looking older by the minute. Although Barrera would see better days after this fight like his victory over Morales in the third installment of their trilogy and climbing up as the linear champ of the 130 division, as well as being one of the pound for pound best of the sport, against Pacquiao that night in 2003 however, he looked like a man who needed to hang it up.

Barrera kept fighting though, exposing some chinks in Pacquiao’s armor in the process like leaving himself open whenever he goes for the kill as Barrera tagged him with several good counters. Barrera tried every trick in the book and resorted to some rough tactics when he tried to head butt Pacquiao, but the man from the Philippines was simply too strong, too fast and too good for him that night. He went to war with his AK-47 against a soldier who carried Optimus Prime’s artillery on his back. Barrera was simply outgunned.

The end came in round 11 as Pacquiao kept fighting like he wanted to go 30 more rounds, bombarding Barrera with punches from all angles that seemed to hit every single time. Pacquiao threw jabs, devastating left crosses, straights, upper cuts and the kitchen sink at Barrera. Barrera’s corner in return had to throw in the towel. The night belonged to Pacquiao. From that night on, Pacquiao’s star was born.

Manny Pacquiao has definitely come far from where he started. Check back tomorrow for part four of this article as I chronicle the next few years of Manny Pacquiao's career, as he struggles through adversity fighting the other 2 Mexican legends on top of personal and managerial conflicts that almost destroyed his career.

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Manny Pacquiao: Chronicling the past 10 years of boxing’s best (part 2)

2009-06-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Guillermo

"The Exodus"

Five months after Manny Pacquiao burst in the American boxing scene by annihilating Lehlohonolo Ledwaba at the MGM in Las Vegas and capturing the IBF super bantamweight belt, Pacquiao faced the rugged and game WBO super bantamweight champion Agapito Sanchez at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California. It was the Bay Area’s first live glimpse of the Pac Man who is now beloved and has throngs of fans in the area as evidenced by the massive crowd that showed up and cheered Pacquiao just a little over a month ago when Pacquiao threw the ceremonial pitch at the San Francisco Giants’ game against the San Diego Padres.

Pacquiao entered the ring with his now signature smile and joyful demeanor and although it pales in comparison to his current fan base, there were already some Filipino fans that came out with their Philippine flags in support of Pacquiao at that time. Speaking of the Bay Area, if you watch the old videos of this fight, Pacquiao’s body and frame reminded me so much of Nonito Donaire Jr. who is from the bay area and also has Filipino blood running through his veins. He was skinnier and obviously a lot smaller and younger than he is today. Reasons why comparing the old Pacquiao to the current one is not only unrealistic in terms of his skill set, but his physical level as well. It's just like comparing a picture of LeBron James from high school compared to today.

Visible in the Pacquiao entourage was his then promoter Murad Muhammad whom I will be discussing more later on. And speaking of Donaire and promoters, Pacquiao and Donaire actually share another similarity that seems to have been forgotten by a lot of people. Both fighters were once promoted by Gary Shaw. Of course most people that followed Donaire are aware of his bitter break-up with Shaw in 2007, but in 2005, Gary Shaw inked Pacquiao to a promotional contract replacing Muhammad.

Pacquiao started strong in his fight against Sanchez but definitely struggled with Agapito’s roughing tactics. Pacquiao’s defense and boxing skills were definitely light years from what it is today but his tenacity, explosiveness and his willingness to trade blows and take his opponent’s head off definitely caught the eyes of a lot of boxing fans.

Despite lacking defense, Pacquiao’s perpetual movement proved to be a quagmire for the Dominican as Sanchez resorted to some dirty tactics to keep Pacquiao at bay during moments where the Filipino seemed to be turning the tide in his favor. At the end of the first round, Pacquiao landed one of his patented vicious left cross on Sanchez’s jaw that almost floored Sanchez similar to Pacquiao’s devastating KO punch over Hatton.

In round 2, Pacquiao sensing blood, jumped out the gates but suffered a nasty cut on his right eye in what was ruled as an accidental head butt when he tried to swoop in on Sanchez. The cut bothered Pacquiao for a little bit although he would not be denied as he kept laboring on and landing big shot after big shot. Sanchez started resorting to some dirty tactics however as he tagged Pacquiao with a low blow in the 3rd round and was roughing Pacquiao up. In the 4th, Sanchez would again hit Pacquiao with a couple of low blows that floored Pacquiao for a few seconds. Pacquiao was given time to rest by the referee but to his credit, kept his composure and kept fighting on.

More than anything, the class Pacquiao displayed and the fighting spirit for bouncing back and not playing into his opponent’s dirty tactics truly symbolized how he has won over fans from all over the globe with not only his courage and skill but also his heart, determination and the fact that he is a clean fighter. Pacquiao is definitely a rare breed, not just in terms of his greatness as a boxer but also his character as a person.

Sanchez kept applying his rough tactics on Pacquiao as the ref could not see a lot of it. In the 6th round however, the cut Pacquiao suffered in the 2nd round got worse to the point that the ringside doctor has to stop the bout. The fight was called a draw to the dismay of the crowd and amid boos as both fighters retained their respective belts. It wasn’t the sensational follow-up performance most of his fans had hoped for coming from the Ledwaba victory, but Pacquiao definitely won over a lot of fans and boxing experts and analysts as well for the way he conducted himself and fought til’ the end. A signature highlight from this bout was when Pacquiao started licking his own blood from his gloves caused by the cut eye on his eye.

    An African-American friend of mine who saw the fight with me on TV remarked, "Damn! I Wouldn't want to fight that guy. He's crazy, look at him licking his own blood from his gloves!" I shot back at him and replied "If you fought him, that would be your blood!" And he just shook his head. It was somewhat of a moral victory for Pacquiao as he earned the respect of a lot of people for the heart he displayed and class despite being placed in an unfavorable position.

After the tough draw with Sanchez, Pacquiao went on a roll. He defended his title 3 times against the likes of Jorge Eliecer Julio, Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym and Emmanuel Lucero and another victory in his home country against Serikzhan Yeshmagambetov. All victories ended in either a KO or a TKO. None of it though would compare to the next challenge Pacquiao would have to overcome.

About two years after his fight against Sanchez, Pacquiao would again step in the ring with another boxer who also had a reputation of using dirty tactics. That boxer was Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera’s skills and accomplishments were far beyond Sanchez can ever wish to become though and almost everyone outside Pacquiao’s camp were already writing Pacquiao off. Justifiably so, Barrera was already considered one of the greatest boxers to ever come out of Mexico at that time. It would be Pacquiao’s biggest challenge and Barrera would be the best he’d ever had to face at that stage of his career.

Manny Pacquiao has definitely come far from where he started. Check back tomorrow for part three of this article as I chronicle the next few years of Manny Pacquiao's career, from looking back at his epic battles against 3 Mexican legends to his managerial and personal conflicts and his emergence as a “National Treasure” In his homeland.

Quotes:

    "From General Santos City Philippines, the reigning, defending IBF junior featherweight champion of the world, Manny "The Destroyer" Pacquiao!!!" -- Michael Buffer (Pacquiao vs. Julio)

    (When Jim Lampley discussed Pacquiao's previous fight against Sanchez, his co-commentator responded) "I can't imagine anybody fouling me, when I was fighting, that many times without getting one back. He must be a really good kid."

    "This is some prospect Bobby. To me he's just every bit as exciting as Prince Naseem Hamed." -- Jim Lampley (Pacquiao vs. Julio)

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Manny Pacquiao: Chronicling the past 10 years of boxing’s best (part 1)

2009-06-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Guillermo

"Introduction"

Around 10 years ago in September of 1999, Manny Pacquiao was at a crossroads of his career. He had just lost his WBC flyweight belt to Medgoen Singsurat in Thailand after getting knocked out by a body shot. Pacquiao had stayed too long at the 112 division and was dehydrated and struggled to make weight for his title defense. It was Pacquiao’s last campaign below 120 pounds as he jumped 10 pounds for his next fight and captured the WBC international super bantamweight belt.

It was a wise career decision for Pacquiao as it marked the beginning of what would be boxing’s most impressive run in the past decade. Pacquiao would go on to make five successful defenses of his title until he got his big break in 2001.

Enter Freddie Roach.

When Pacquiao first came to America in 2001 and knocked on the boxing gyms looking for someone to take him in, he received the cold shoulder most Filipino boxers before him got from trying to crack into the American boxing scene. Let’s be real, there was little to no interest from this side of the globe when it came to boxers from that other side of the globe at that time. You just didn’t see too many Asians, especially Filipino boxers with much success here in the states back then. For whatever reason, that was the case. Manny saw more shut doors than the Jehovah’s Witnesses… well maybe not more but you know what I mean. But one fateful day, Manny walked inside the now hallowed doors of 1123 Vine Street in Hollywood- address of what is more known to the boxing world as the gym of the Wild Card Boxing Club- and the rest is history. I guess it’s just as they say. “If you want to be a star, come to Hollywood.”

It was supposedly Manny’s second to the last stop before he goes back to Manila and bid his American dreams goodbye. It’s then when Freddie Roach first saw Manny Pacquiao’s potential. He must’ve seen something that the rest did not have, for him to want to take on trainer number one, two, six and thirty six’s sloppy seconds. He saw a diamond in the rough. He gave the unknown kid from General Santos city Philippines a home.

And now General Paulino Santos must be rolling in his grave in fears of his name getting permanently deleted from the map of the Philippines because as all Filipinos know, General Santos City, Philippines is really Manny Pacquiao City, Philippines.

From that point on, Freddie and Manny built a solid trainer-boxer relationship. Manny worked his tail off from day one, and Freddie responded by sharing and giving his all to help the boy reach his potential. And boy did he reach and surpass his potential! Can you imagine now, how things would’ve been without a Manny Pacquiao? Think about it. What if Freddie Roach overslept that day or got his car towed or something and that meeting never happened?

I’m pretty sure Juan Manuel Marquez has thought of a world without a Manny Pacquiao a few times before but let’s get real. I know Halloween is a ways away but do I really have to put on my Larry Merchant costume to stress out how big of an impact Manny Pacquiao has made for the sport of boxing? He singlehandedly resuscitated a sport gasping for air. He not only kicked the door open for Filipinos and Asian boxers alike, he also helped reacquaint the boxing public to the lower weight classes- not to mention spawning a newfound passionate boxing fan base that is the Filipino boxing fans.

Pacquiao's break came not too long from the fateful day when Pacquiao and Roach first met. Just a few months after, Pacquiao would jump in as a replacement to fight the then oft-avoided IBF super bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba at the MGM in Las Vegas. It was Pacquiao’s first ever taste of the big time, fighting for the first time under the bright Vegas lights. Nobody really knew who Pacquiao was nor did they have reason to, but from the get go, Pacquiao relished and took full advantage of his opportunity as he destroyed Ledwaba in sensational fashion, knocking out the champ in the sixth round and introducing his name to boxing fans around the world in the process.

Manny Pacquiao has definitely come far from where he started. Check back tomorrow for part two of this article as I chronicle the next few years of Manny Pacquiao's career, from his boxing exploits, his managerial and personal conflicts to his emergence as a national figure in his home country, the Philippines.

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Forbes: Pacquiao world's 6th highest-paid athlete

2009-06-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao made it to Forbes magazine's list of highest-paid athletes in the world, tying for the sixth spot with basketball phenom Lebron James and golfer Phil Mickelson.

According to Forbes, Pacquiao is the highest-ranking among four newcomers to the list, raking in a total of $40 million in the past 12 months. The boxing star is among the eight non-Americans on the list, which had golf icon Tiger Woods ($110 million) at the top.

"Pac-Man hogged the boxing spotlight over the past year with victories in two blockbuster fights against Oscar De La Hoya in December and Ricky Hatton in May that combined for more than $100 million in pay-per-view revenue in the US," Forbes said in a brief write-up.

"The two blockbuster fights garnered more than 2 million pay-per-view buys in the US and earned Pac-Man $30 million combined."

The reputable business magazine cited the General Santos City-based southpaw’s endorsements with giant firms.

"Pacquiao's massive popularity in his native Philippines is why companies like Nike and San Miguel beer have signed him to endorse their products. Pacquiao intends to use that popularity to run for political office when his ring career is over," Forbes added.

Among those ranking above Pacquiao include basketball stars Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and Formula One star Kimi Raikkonen at No. 2 ($45 million each), and football standout David Beckham at No. 5 ($42 million).

Forbes has earlier listed Pacquiao as the 57th most influential celebrity in the world. The Filipino spitfire was also included in Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People.

Pacquiao is reportedly returning to the ring in November, possibly against welterweight star Miguel Cotto.

Click here to view the complete Forbes "World's Highest-Paid Athletes" list. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

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Forbes ranks Pacquiao No. 57 celebrity

2009-06-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

By BEN R. ROSARIO

Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has been ranked by Forbes magazine as 57th among the 100 most powerful celebrities in the world today, putting him just eight notches below US President Barack Obama who was ranked no. 49.

Pacquiao’s name was placed in the magazine’s so-called Celebrity 100 which also saw popular actress Angelina Jolie bumping off top television host Oprah Winfrey at no. 1, a position that became the latter’s home for several years in the past.

The list of most powerful international personalities is a “measure of power based on money and fame”, Forbes.com declared in its June 8 website.

At no. 57, Pacquiao was deemed more powerful and popular than Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnet, no. 62; Nascar racer Jeff Gordon, no. 63 and tennis stars Serena Williams (67) , Maria Sharapova (76); Venus Williams (77) and Ana Ivanovic (90).

First woman Indy car race champion Danica Patrick was placed at no. 100.

Pacquiao was described by the website as being “widely regarded at the best pound-for-pound” who had two blockbuster fights which he both won. He TKO’d Oscar de la Hoya last year and against British boxer Ricky Hatton in May.

Pacquiao’s reported plans to run for congressman next year was also cited by the magazine.

Making up the top ten aside from Jolie and Winfrey are singers Madonna and Beyonce Knowles, golf genius Tiger Woods, US pop idol Bruce Springsteen, award-winning director Steven Spielberg, actress Jennifer Aniston, Jolie’s husband, actor Brad pitt and Los Angeles Lakers star cager Kobe Bryant.

In terms of earnings in millions of dollars, Pacquiao’s ranked no. 40 among the 100 celebrities.

Those who ranked higher in the list among the sports stars are retired Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan (18), National Basketball Association MVP Lebron James of Cleveland Cavaliers (19) , recently-crowned French Open tennis champion Roger Federer (27); famous British soccer player David Beckham (33); golfer Phil Mickelson (36) Formula 1 topnotch earner Kimi Raikonnen; and Brazilian soccer idol Ronaldinho (55).

Pacquiao’s political plans have been announced recently by no less than the Chiongbian’s , the political kingpins in Sarangani province in Mindanao.

It is believed that the Chiongbian family, headed by Rep. Erwin Chiongbian, will no longer field a candidate to run against the boxing icon.

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Cotto fight details still to be cleared

2009-06-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

By NICK GIONGCO

Before parting ways in New York on Sunday, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum left word that he’ll come up with something concrete in two week’s time regarding the Filipino’s Nov. 14 fight.

While Arum has temporarily booked Pacquiao to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in an all-Top Rank affair at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, there are major issues to be resolved, tops on the list are the revenue split and the catch weight.

“Bob told us he will connect the dots in two weeks time,” said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal, who arrived in Manila with Pacquiao late Monday night via Northwest Airlines.

Cotto is coming off a hard-earned 12-round split decision over Joshua Clottey and the shaven-skulled puncher told the Puerto Rican press upon arrival at the Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan that negotiations have yet to start.

“Nothing is concrete right now,” said Cotto. “But if terms are accepted, I will accept the fight (with Pacquiao).”

The Puerto Rican press also asked Cotto if reports are true that Emanuel Steward, the discoverer of Thomas Hearns, is being eyed to join his training team.

Cotto did not deny or confirm the report, saying he is open to anything that will help enhance his future performances.

If there is one sure thing at the moment, Gacal said it is the fact that “Manny won’t fight Cotto at 147 lbs. He’s just too big (at that weight class).”

Arum said that “reason will (eventually) prevail” and the two will likely meet halfway, say 143 or 144 lbs.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that Shane Mosley is also being looked at as a possibility despite his supposedly lack of a fanbase.

If Arum fails to match Pacquiao and Cotto, “we’ll reach out to Shane,” Arum told Lance Pugmire. Golden Boy Promotions said Mosley is “willing to make concessions.”

Meanwhile, Pacquiao flew to Bohol late Tuesday afternoon to reunite with his kids and from picturesque province, the pound-for-pound will proceed to General Santos City using the private plane of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson.

Pacquiao left his kids there for the whirlwind visit to New York and promised them that he’ll be back shortly for some more bonding time after it was cut short by his quick trip to the Big Apple.

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Manny Pacquiao Sets His Sights On Miguel Cotto

2009-06-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Poland, Doghouse Boxing

Manny Pacquiao, the pound for pound king of boxing has given out the orders to promoter Bob Arum to get him a mega fight with WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao was ringside for Cotto’s hard fought victory over Joshua Clottey and has immediately told Arum to make the fight happen. Has Pacquiao seen a weakness that he will be able to exploit?

It was thought Pacquiao would hold out to fight the winner of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez fight on July 18th, but a Mayweather injury has postponed the fight till September and it looks as though The Pac Man doesn’t want to wait that long before making a decision.

Shouts for a fight with "Sugar" Shane Mosley have died down, so it does look as though it will be Cotto in the opposite corner. Pacquiao was scheduled to fight in October but November 14th is the proposed date.

After twelve hard rounds against Clottey where Cotto found himself with a nasty cut above the left eye, you would think a long deserved break would be in order but the Welterweight champion will once again find himself in the lion's den when he meets the Filipino sensation.

It is reported that Cotto’s Welterweight title will be on the line but the fight will be fought at a catchweight of 144-143 pounds. Bob Arum is hoping to close the deal on the fight this week.

The prospect of watching this mega fight is really making my heart race and what is more exciting is the prospect of the winner potentially fighting Floyd
Mayweather next year.

Source

Forget about Pacquiao-Mayweather Jr. Dream Match in 2009

2009-06-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s injury has been identified. “Money” has been reported to have damaged cartilage in his ribs and will not be able to train for his comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez until approved by a doctor.

Contrary to previous reports however, Floyd doesn’t have a broken rib, but the injury he sustained is serious just the same.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo injured his rib cartilage during the team's final game against the Philadelphia Eagles last year, when Romo fumbled and was sacked then benched. His coach Wade Phillips said a flare-up of the pain caused Romo to collapse in the shower afterward.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, told The Associated Press on Monday that Mayweather has been in tremendous pain since suffering the injury during training on Thursday.

"He tried to work through it. He really did not want to postpone the fight, but it came to the point where he could barely sit," Schaefer said. "He could not train, he could not move and there was really not much of a choice."

Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) was scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but because of the injury, had to postpone the fight.

Schaefer said both fighters have agreed and intend to reschedule their fight to somewhere around September if they can get a “go” from the doctors by then. Some have speculated that the silent response from fight fans in the box office contributed to the postponement of the fight and that promoters will move the fight to a more favorable, later day date like the Mexican Independence day around August to help sell tickets.

Golden Boy and the Mayweather camp insists though that it’s Floyd’s physical condition that is stopping the fight from happening at the originally scheduled July 18 date. Cartilage connects the ribs to the sternum, and can tear away after direct blows to the chest, other trauma or particularly violent coughs and sneezes.

"Right now he cannot go and train, he cannot work out, he cannot run, he cannot hit the heavy bag and the speed bags and jump ropes and all these kinds of things," Schaefer said. "He definitely will need some additional training but again, Floyd is such an amazing athlete and really on top of his game — that I think it will be relatively easy for him to get right back into it."

If all of these reports are indeed 100% true then it’s safe to say that the dream match everyone has been clamoring for between Floyd and Manny Pacquiao will definitely not happen this year. With Pacquiao’s desire to run in his country’s 2010 political race, and speculations abound about his retirement after one last fight, there’s a big possibility that if the fight does not happen in 2009, that it may never happen at all.

There are still a lot of factors though and anything can happen, so I’m leaving my doors and windows open for a fight between Floyd and Manny to happen- I’m just not counting on it. As of now, Pacquiao looks like he’s ready to face Miguel Cotto on November 14 and Golden Boy promotions seems to be intent on shoving Shane Mosley some way some how in Pacquiao's throat.

Once Floyd realizes that he isn't as big as he thinks he is and Bob Arum and Pacquiao come up with a reasonable cut for Floyd to bite, then the dream match fans have been asking for with remain just that. Here's hoping this won't end up like the Roy Jones Jr.-Bernard Hopkins rematch saga.

As a fight fan, I’d rather Pacquiao fight Cotto though, since Cotto is the younger fighter and holds a win over Mosley himself. Cotto’s lone loss also has an asterisk on it since the guy he lost to, Antonio Margarito, got busted for juicing up his fists in his next fight. A fight against Cotto will make better sense for Pacquiao financially too since both of them are under the same promotional company, Top Rank.

Pacquiao can even try and demand for the fight to happen in his hometown in Manila if he truly wants to boost his political chances. At the end of the day, I just hope Floyd and Manny meets on top of the ring eventually.

It’s the fight that makes the most sense cause honestly, either of them can fight Marquez and Cotto next, but what the world wants is to see Mayweather and Pacquiao now.

Source

Pacquiao okays Cotto as next foe

2009-06-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Impressed by the tremendous amount of fan support Miguel Cotto generated in his welterweight fight yesterday, Manny Pacquiao has given promoter Bob Arum the go signal to arrange a fight between the two stars.

Speaking to Michael Marley of The Examiner, Arum -- who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto -- said he already has penciled November 14 as the targeted date for the Pacquiao-Cotto showdown.

Pacquiao sat ringside with Arum as Cotto carved out a hard-fought split decision win over the tough Joshua Clottey to retain his WBO welterweight strap yesterday at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Puerto Rican fought on despite sustaining a deep gash in the left eyebrow.

"Manny told me what to do. Manny told me 'Go ahead, make that fight.' So it will go Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand here in (Las) Vegas," Arum told Marley. "He (Pacquiao) was impressed by Cotto's fan support and told me it reminded him of how the British fans stand with Ricky Hatton."

A proposed Pacquiao-Cotto bout became more likely after Floyd Mayweather -- one of Pacquiao's targeted opponents -- announced he is calling off his comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez because of a rib injury he sustained while training.

Mayweather is originally slated to face Marquez on July 18. With the injury, however, their fight is reportedly being rescheduled to September 19 -- making a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout unlikely to happen within the year.

Arum, meanwhile, assured that Cotto is enthusiastic with the prospect of a Pacquiao bout.

"Miguel is delighted to get a fight against Manny, trust me. Miguel very much wants this fight. It will be a sensational fight (with) the way they attack," Arum said. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

US writers honor Pacquiao as 2008 Fighter of the Year

2009-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao, who received the 2008 Fighter of the Year award Friday evening in New York, will join the ranks of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield if he continues to shine in 2009.

Ali, Frazier, Leonard and Holyfield are so far the only fighters to have won the award three times since the Boxing Writers Association of America started giving the award in 1938, the year heavyweight Jack Dempsey won it.

Pacquiao was BWAA top fighter in 2006, when he knocked out Erik Morales twice, and was named the best for 2008, the year he defeated Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar dela Hoya in different weight classes.

No fighter in history has won the BWAA top plum four times.

Listed as two-time winners are Carmen Basilio, Floyd Patterson, Dick Tiger, George Foreman, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Pernell Whitaker, James Toney and Pacquiao, now the reigning IBO light-welterweight champion.

Ali won the award in 1965, ‘74 and ’75, sharing it with Frazier following their classic Thrilla in Manila battle. Frazier also won it in 1969 and ’71. Leonard was tops in 1976, ‘79 and ’81, and Holyfield in 1990, ’96 and ’97.

BWAA president Jack Hirsch, in a report that came out of philboxing.com, said Pacquiao’s sensational victory over Ricky Hatton last May 2 just made him an early candidate for the 2009 award.

Pacquiao is scheduled to fight in October, and whether it’s against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley, another victory may just seal it for the 30-year-old pound-for-pound champion.

Pacquiao has also talked about retirement, and philboxing.com added that Roach, who received his third Trainer of the Year award (after 2003 and ’06), had said two more fights and that should be it.

Pacquiao almost missed gracing the BWAA awards night at the Capitale in New York, and had to take a late flight to the Big City from Manila Friday morning. He was in New York just hours before the 7:30 p.m. affair.

In his acceptance speech, where he spoke fluently in English, aided by a teleprompter, Pacquiao said it was “a great honor” to be chosen as the top fighter for 2008.

“It is for this reason that I chose to travel half across the globe to personally receive this award tonight,” said Pacquiao in his classic dark suit and gray tie. He came with his wife, Jinkee.

Pacquiao praised the BWAA for its “long existence” and looked at the members in saying “you have passed the test of time.” He was given a standing ovation as he prepared to accept the award.

“Choosing me as the fighter of the year in 2006 was the highest accolade in my boxing career. Giving it to me for the second time leaves me with no words to express the joy and how grateful I feel.

“It would surely pain me not to come accept this prestigious award personally. I want to let you know that it is a privilege to personally receive this award and thank everybody for their trust and confidence you have given me,” he added.

He also promised that boxing fans “will see a more exciting Manny Pacquiao, every round, every minute, every second I fight on the top of the ring.”

Pacquiao thanked the Filipino nation, his family, his promoter Bob Arum, trainer Freddie Roach, and members of Team Pacquiao.

“I also hope that this award will serve as an example and an inspiration for the young fighters to believe in themselves and keep on dreaming big. Always remember, your dreams will always be inside you. No one can take it away.

“Having this award now is really larger than life; having to follow in the footprints of the legendary fighters. But I didn’t do it all by myself. I had the help and support of many people,” he added. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Cotto keeps focus on Clottey as Pacquiao comes calling

2009-06-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (AFP) - – Manny Pacquiao will be sitting at ringside to watch Miguel Cotto defend his welterweight crown Saturday against Ghana's Joshua Clottey, the Filipino superstar sizing up his potential next opponent.

Puerto Rican star Cotto, 33-1 with 27 knockouts, will face Clottey, 35-2 with 20 knockouts, on the eve of the annual Puerto Rican Day parade in New York - a date that has become a fight tradition for Cotto at Madison Square Garden.

Pacquiao is considered boxing's pound-for-pound champion after knocking out Britain's Ricky Hatton in the second round last month at Las Vegas.

"It was very good and a very strong moment for Pacquiao in that fight," Cotto said.

While fight fans hunger for a Pacquiao showdown against unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who ends his retirement next month against Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez, it might be Cotto who climbs into the ring with "Pac-man" next.

"I cant tell you about anything the rest of the year or next year because I'm preparing for Clottey," Cotto said. "The only person I have on my mind right now is Joshua Clottey."

Pacquiao and Cotto each have Bob Arum as promoter while Mayweather has often worked with Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, which can offer veteran US fighter Shane Mosley as a possible next opponent if Pacquiao-Mayweather does not materialize quickly.

Clottey is a major obstacle in Cotto's path, however.

Cotto suffered his first loss last July to Mexico's Antonio Margarito but bounced back to win the lightly regarded World Boxing Organization crown, the one he risks Saturday, from Britain's Michael Jennings in February.

"It was good coming off my first loss," Cotto said. "After that fight I felt pretty good to be ready for this fight now. This fight is important.

"No matter what Joshua brings to the ring, I will be fine. If he wants to move, I am ready for him. If he wants to face me in the middle of the ring, I am ready for that, too.

"I don't know what's going to happen. The only thing I know is I am going to be the winner."

Clottey knows the crowd will be with Cotto.

"When I come to the ring I'm a very deaf guy. I see people but I don't hear what they're talking about," Clottey said. "I don't know how tough he's going to be, but anybody who chooses me to be the winner, they will win, because that's what I'm going to do. I will win the fight."

Clottey won the International Boxing Federation welterweight crown by beating US veteran Zab Judah last August but was stripped of the title in April for refusing to fight South African mandatory challenger Isaac Hlatshwayo in favor of Cotto.

Now Clottey figures if he defeats Cotto, he will have a place in the conversation about whom Pacquiao fights next.

"Cotto is going to fight Pacquiao if he wins - thats what Ive been hearing," Clottey said. "Cotto is going to get his. Even if he wins it is not going to be easy at all. Hes not going to be able to fight somebody else."

Source

Pacquiao flying to New York after all

2009-06-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - After burning the lines with his promoter, his adviser and an emissary from Malacañang, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao agreed to cut short his scheduled family vacation, fly straight to the Big Apple and receive his Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Pacquiao reportedly had second thoughts on personally receiving his second Fighter of the Year award from the BWAA, and in fact flew to Bohol yesterday morning after spending a night in Cebu City with his family, including wife Jinkee and kids Jimuel, Michael, Princess and Queen Elizabeth, and close friends.

Pacquiao said in a TV interview last Tuesday his trip to New York has been postponed, raising speculations that he had decided to skip the glittery night for boxing at the Capitale in New York.

But a lot of people felt it wouldn’t be a nice move for him to skip the BWAA awards, and probably antagonize those behind the affair. Pacquiao found reason in the appeal of his promoter Bob Arum, adviser Wakee Salud and a high-ranking government official for him to take today’s 8 a.m. direct flight to New York.

Pacquiao will arrive there Friday morning, and can still afford a few hours of rest before gracing the BWAA dinner. The following evening he is also scheduled to watch the Miguel Cotto-Josh Clottey fight at Madison Square Garden along with Freddie Roach, who will receive the Trainer of the Year for the third time.

An insider said President Arroyo had wanted to personally talk to Pacquiao but the chief executive decided against it. Instead, a Cabinet official was tasked to try and help convince the boxer that skipping the affair “may not be good for the country’s image.”

It all worked, and Pacquiao said he never really wanted to snub the affair, and only wanted to take his family to Bohol, leave them behind, go to New York to accept his award, and fly back home as soon as possible to rejoin the family vacation.

“Manny will be back in Manila on Monday, and should be back with his family as soon as possible,” said Salud who wasn’t sure if the boxer would still get the chance to watch the fight of Cotto, one of the many fighters being considered as Pacquiao’s next opponent.

Pacquiao left Bohol yesterday afternoon and was scheduled to be in Manila at around 6 p.m.

According to the official Major League website, Pacquiao is also scheduled to throw the ceremonial pitch in the LA Dodgers game against the Oakland As on June 17. But they may never get to see the boxer throw that pitch as he did for the San Francisco Giants last April and the California Angels two years ago.

The family vacation for the Pacquiao’s had long been delayed, and this latest twist apparently left Jinkee disappointed. They had planned to go to Australia last June 1, and then to New York, Los Angeles or even Mexico. Now they’re in Bohol, and Pacquiao had to leave them once more to honor a big commitment.

Michael Marley of The Examiner yesterday wrote that it was Arum who managed to convince Jinkee to let Pacquiao go for just a couple of days.

“I spoke to Manny first and I then spoke to Jinkee. I told them the reasons I felt strongly that Manny should show up. I mentioned that the American public and the media have been good to Manny and he should acknowledge their great support,” Arum was quoted as saying.

The MLB website said Pacquiao’s visit to Dodger Stadium is aimed at helping the sales for the Dodgers’ upcoming Filipino Heritage Night on Aug. 18. On select nights throughout the season, the Dodgers will honor fans from all over the world and the Los Angeles community in special sections that will celebrate culture through food and a commemorative limited edition “Dodgertown, Philippines” t-shirt. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Uncovering the 'new' Pacquiao

2009-06-16T10:34:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - “We’ve found the new Manny Pacquiao,” gushed promoter Sammy Gello-ani as teenaged “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona sent Thai veteran Wandee Singwancha to dreamland with a vicious left uppercut at 1:49 of the second round to claim the vacant WBO Oriental flyweight crown before 2,000 believers at the Cebu Coliseum two weeks ago.

“Sonsona has Pacquiao’s power and the moves of (IBF flyweight titlist Nonito) Donaire,” said Gello-ani. “I never expected him to dispose of Wandee so easily. He may be skinny and lanky at 5-7 but he hits like a mule. He’s mature for his age. He’s ready for a world title shot.”

Gello-ani said yesterday he is close to finalizing negotiations for Sonsona to challenge WBO superflyweight champion Jose (Carita) Lopez of Puerto Rico on the Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez undercard at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on July 18. An offer has been made by Golden Boy Promotions, he disclosed.

Gello-ani said he expects the fight contract to be sent this week. Once the deal is confirmed, Sonsona will apply for a US visa. Gello-ani noted that Sonsona recently gave up his WBO Oriental title to pave the way for his recognition as Lopez’ challenger.

Lopez, 37, has a 39-7-2 record, with 32 KOs, and is a crafty veteran. No doubt, he’ll use his experience to thwart Sonsona who has never fought outside the country.

Sonsona, 18, hails from Pacquiao’s hometown General Santos City but the similarity doesn’t end there. A southpaw like Pacman, Sonsona has lightning hand-speed and packs dynamite power in both fists. Due to his frame, he could move up all the way to lightweight over time. Sonsona might just be able to duplicate Pacquiao’s rise as a world champion in six weight divisions.

The win over Wandee raised Sonsona’s record to 13-0, with 12 KOs. He turned pro in 2007 and is clearly one of the country’s hottest boxing prospects. Last October, Sonsona knocked out Joel Rafols in the second round to win the vacant WBO Asia-Pacific Youth flyweight crown and defended it via a fourth round stoppage of Liempetch Sor Veerapol of Thailand three months later.

But the masterful demolition of Wandee, a former WBC interim minimumweight and lightflyweight titleholder, was a strong statement that Sonsona is headed for big things. A smashing combination capped by a left uppercut left Wandee sprawled on the canvas where he lay motionless for several minutes.

Wandee, 29, was no slouch. In 2000, he lost a majority 12-round decision to Mexico’s Jose Antonio Aguirre for the WBC 105-pound diadem and three years later, engaged now undisputed superflyweight champion Vic Darchinyan twice in Australia.

New Zealand referee Bruce McTavish, who worked the fight in Cebu, was impressed by Sonsona’s crisp and accurate punching.

“I didn’t think anyone so frail-looking could hit so hard but he puts a lot of body weight behind his punches,” said McTavish. “He’s got speed and accuracy. His combinations are jarring. This boy is a heckuva fighter. When Sonsona threw that left uppercut, Wandee was out like a light. I didn’t bother to count. I called for the doctors right away because he was out cold.”

McTavish, a veteran of over 130 world title fights as a referee or judge, said Sonsona reminds him of a young Pacquiao. “He’s got the makings of a future world champion,” added McTavish.

Curiously, Sonsona didn’t like fighting at first. His father, a former pro, taught him the rudiments and bribed him with a soda just to get him to lace up the gloves in the gym when he was 12. Before long, Sonsona developed a liking for the sport and racked up over 200 amateur bouts.

Sonsona is trained by local hand Jun Agrabio but Gello-ani said he’s prepared to bring him to someone who can take him to the next level. He raised the possibility of Sonsona training at the Wild Card Gym, if Freddie Roach agrees.

Sonsona’s manager is Dr. Rajan Yraola, a Manila dentist who assigned the fighter’s promotional rights to Gello-ani. - By Joaquin Henson (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

MGM hosts Manny's next fight

2009-06-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – While things are on hold as to who fights Manny Pacquiao next, what looks certain is that MGM, for the third straight time, will host the fight of the Filipino superstar.

“I’m pretty sure it will be MGM,” Bob Arum told The STAR over the telephone.

Pacquiao has fought his last two fights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, packing the venue as he demolished Oscar dela Hoya last December and Ricky Hatton a month ago.

Arum said it’s always good to keep the fight in Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world.

“It’s a good place because of all the casinos there,” said Arum.

Pacquiao has fought five times at the MGM, and has gone 3-1-1 with another victory over Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001, a draw with Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004 and a loss to Erik Morales in 2005.

Las Vegas has also been good to Pacquiao, who’s actually 8-1-1 in Sin City with two victories over Morales at the Thomas and Mack Center in 2006, and big wins over Marco Antonio Barrera (‘07), Marquez (‘08) and David Diaz (‘08) at the Mandalay Bay.

A month ago, right after Pacquiao stormed past Hatton in two rounds, Arum said he got a lot of calls from people wanting to host the next fight of the charismatic Filipino pound-for-pound champion.

Arum mentioned Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, as one of those who wanted to host the fight at The New Stadium, as well as offers from Abu Dhabi, San Francisco and New York.

But it seems that MGM has got a lock on Pacquiao’s next fight – unless somebody offers the moon to stage it elsewhere.

Arum also welcomed news that Shane Mosley, the WBA welterweight champion, has aired his desire to fight Pacquiao at a catch weight of under 147 lb.

“Yes, I understand. But I don’t know,” said Arum, who’s also looking at Miguel Cotto, another welterweight champion, and Edwin Valero, the knockout artist from Venezuela, as candidates.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, who will square off on July 18 in Las Vegas, are also in the mix.

“It will all depend on Manny. It depends on what (or whom) he wants,” said Arum, who added that the decision might come in the days after Cotto fights Josh Clottey at the Madison Square Garden on June 13.

The night before that, Pacquiao will be in New York to receive his 2008 Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America. His trainer, Freddie Roach, will receive the top award, on the same night.

“After June 13, we will get to it seriously,” said the Top Rank president.

“I won’t come up with any name until after June 13,” he added. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Pacquiao-Mosley at 144 lb not advisable, says Wakee

2009-06-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao should avoid falling into the trap being laid out for him by Shane Mosley.

One of Pacquiao’s advisers – Rex “Wakee” Salud – issued the warning after Mosley said he’s ready to stake his WBA welterweight crown if he gets to face the Filipino champion at a catch weight of 144 lb on Oct. 17.

It was also reported that Mosley has agreed to a 60/40 split in favor of the reigning pound-for-pound champion, and on the inclusion of a rematch clause in the fight contract, in case he wins over Pacquiao.

Salud said it’s all too good to be true.

“Manny may be too small for Mosley if he agrees to fight at 144 pounds. Baka naman makawawa tayo (We may end up short-changed),” said the boxing figure from Cebu.

“It’s Mosley who needs Manny so he should agree to what Freddie Roach (Pacquiao’s trainer) wants and that’s 142. Or at least, maybe they can make 143. But not 144,” added Salud.

Mosley, a 37-year-old American, can stake his WBA title if he fights Pacquiao at a catch weight of anywhere from 140.1 lb to 147 lb which is the welterweight limit.

Salud said Pacquiao should only agree to fight Mosley if it’s 142 or 143 lb. The Pinoy icon is also looking at Miguel Cotto as his next opponent, and the decision may come later this month.

Even Gerry Peñalosa, the former world bantamweight champion, said it wouldn’t be wise for Pacquiao to fight Mosley at 144 lb.

“Baka mahirapan masyado si Manny kay Mosley kapag 144 (Manny may have a very difficult time with Mosley at 144),” said Peñalosa.

He said Mosley, who started his career in 1993 at 136 lb (Pacquiao made his pro debut in 1994 at 106 lb), can make 144 for the weigh-in and climb the ring a monster at 154 or even more.

“Baka mapiga ng kaunti sa pagkuhang timbang sa 144 pero madali makaka-recover (He might squeeze himself a bit to make weight but can easily recover),” said Peñalosa of Mosley.

Salud recalled that for the Oscar dela Hoya fight last December, Pacquiao only weighed 142 or five lb lower than the weight limit agreed upon.

And for the Ricky Hatton fight last month, Pacquiao only weighed 138 or two lb lighter than the limit.

“That’s Manny’s comfort zone, to weigh in at 138, 140 or 142 lb. If he agrees to 144, that will give Mosley all the comfort he needs,” Salud said.

Mosley said he can try and make 144 and then he plans to climb the ring against Pacquiao at 154 lb or anywhere he’s comfortable at without sacrificing his speed.

Mosley asked Roach why they can’t fight him at 147 lb just like Dela Hoya and the three-time Trainer of the Year simply said Mosley is not Dela Hoya.

Mosley is coming off a big win over Antonio Margarito last January. In that fight, the fighter from Pomona, California looked like a budding superstar, showing great speed and power to win inside nine rounds.

“Iba si Mosley kay Oscar (Mosley is not Oscar),” Salud added. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Manny Pacquiao accepts Fighter of the Year award

2009-06-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao accepts his Fighter of the Year award at the Boxing Writers Association of America dinner in New York. In the photo above, he is joined by trainer Freddie Roach, his wife, promoter Bob Arum and BWAA president Jack Hirsch. Below, he poses with Joe Calzaghe, who won the Manager of the Year award. Photos by Gary D. Morgan.

Source

Manny Pacquiao versus Miguel Cotto? It's tentative for Nov. 14 in Las Vegas

2009-06-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

By Lance Pugmire

Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have each told their promoter they want to fight each other next.

Now that promoter, Bob Arum, is working out the details to make a bout that is penciled in for Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.

"I hope to put it together this week, to get an agreement on terms," Arum told The Times on Monday in a telephone interview from his Top Rank headquarters in Las Vegas.

Arum identified the two major points of negotiation as weight and the purse split.

Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 knockouts) watched from ringside Cotto's dramatic split-decision world welterweight title victory over Joshua Clottey on Saturday in New York after picking up his award for 2008 fighter of the year across town.

Cotto sustained a deep cut to his left eyebrow late in the third round, forcing him to wipe blood from his eye as he out-punched Clottey in the final rounds. Afterward, Pacquiao expressed confidence to associates that he could beat Cotto. Arum said Pacquiao told him later that night that his first preference was to fight Cotto.

Pacquiao fought Oscar De La Hoya at the welterweight limit (147 pounds) in December, but was back at junior-welterweight (140) in his second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton last month.

Pacquiao, whom many experts consider boxing's best pound-for-pound boxer, will dictate at what weight a potential Cotto bout would be fought. Sources say it will probably be around 142 pounds, though Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) hasn't fought below the welterweight limit since June 2006.

Pacquiao also will determine how the purse is split.

Shane Mosley, the world welterweight champ from Pomona, has announced he'd agree to fight Pacquiao for a 60-40 split, and Arum made it clear Cotto also would receive a minority share.

"Shane's a terrific fighter, but for now he's the second choice," Arum said. "If we can't put together a Pacquiao-Cotto fight, we'll reach out to Shane."

Mosley's promoter, Richard Schaefer, called the push for a Pacquiao-Cotto bout "ridiculous" since Mosley knocked out Antonio Margarito in January and Margarito knocked out Cotto last summer. (Cotto beat Mosley by decision in 2007.)

"Cotto has a deep cut; Shane's ready to go," Schaefer said. " 'Sugar' Shane Mosley is the best fighter in that division. He can punch more, he has more speed. Shane really wants this fight and is willing to make concessions. This is the fight people want."

There would even be more interest in a Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout, and Pacquiao's interest in maximizing revenue makes that bout a near certainty in the future. Mayweather's camp reported Sunday, however, that he'd suffered a rib injury last week training for his comeback fight July 18 against Juan Manuel Marquez, forcing a postponement.

The timing was curious and brought up the question of whether it might be a way for Mayweather to get out of a fight that was struggling to reach sellout status.

But Schaefer, who is also the promoter for Marquez, said Mayweather is locked into a contract to fight Marquez and asserted, "It's absolutely not a ploy. It's a legitimate injury, he's in a tremendous amount of pain."

Schaefer said he'd like to reschedule the fight in September.

Source

Who is Manny Pacquiao?

2009-06-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao (pronounced /ˈpækjaʊ/; born December 17, 1978), known as Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao is a Filipino professional boxer, part-time actor and recording artist.

He is the former WBC Lightweight world champion, WBC Super Featherweight world champion, IBF Super Bantamweight world champion, and champion. He has also held the Ring Magazine titles for WBC Flyweight world Featherweight, Super Featherweight, and Light Welterweight divisions.

For his achievements, he became the first Filipino and Asian boxer to win five world titles in five different weight divisions. He is currently the IBO and Ring Magazine Light Welterweight champion and is rated by the Ring Magazine as the #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

He is also the first boxer to win the lineal championship ("the man who beat the man") in four different weight classes.

Statistics

Real name: Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao

Nickname(s): Pac-Man, The Destroyer, The Mexi-cutioner, The People's Champion, Pambansang Kamao ("National Fist")

Rated at: Light Welterweight

Height: 5 ft 6.5 in (1.69 m)

Nationality: Filipino

Birth date: December 17, 1978

Birth place: Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines

Stance: Southpaw

Boxing record

Total fights: 54

Wins: 49

Wins by KO: 37

Losses: 3

Draws: 2

Personal life

Pacquiao was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Mindanao and currently resides in his home town General Santos City, South Cotabato, Philippines. He is married to Jinkee Pacquiao and they have four children.

Early career

Pacquiao started his professional boxing career at the age of 16 at 106 lbs (Light Flyweight). His early fights took place in small local venues and were shown on Vintage Sports' Blow by Blow, an evening boxing show.

His professional debut was a 4-round bout against Edmund "Enting" Ignacio on January 22, 1995, which Pacquiao won via decision, becoming an instant star of the program. Close friend Mark Penaflorida's death in 1994 spurred the young Pacquiao to pursue a professional boxing career.

His weight increased from 106 to 113 lbs before losing in his 12th bout against Rustico Torrecampo via a third-round knockout (KO). Pacquiao had not made the weight. So he was forced to use heavier gloves than Torrecampo, thereby putting Pacquiao at a disadvantage.[7]

Shortly after the Torrecampo fight, Pacquiao settled at 112 lbs, winning the WBC Flyweight title over Chatchai Sasakul in the eighth round only to lose it in his second defense against Medgoen Singsurat or Medgoen 3K Battery, via a third-round knockout on a bout held at Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Technically, Pacquiao lost the belt at the scales as he surpassed the weight limit of 112 lbs (51 kg).

Following his loss to Singsurat, Pacquiao gained weight anew. This time, Pacquiao went to the Super Bantamweight division of 122 lbs (55 kg), where he picked up the WBC International Super Bantamweight title. He defended the title five times before his chance for a world title fight came.

Pacquiao's big break came on June 23, 2001, against IBF Super Bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba.

Pacquiao stepped into the fight as a late replacement and won the fight by technical knockout to become the IBF Super Bantamweight champion on a bout held at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

He defended this title five times and fought to a sixth-round draw against Agapito Sánchez in a bout that was stopped early after Pacquiao received 2 headbutts.

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