HIGH LIGHT OF THE FIGHT

MANNY PACQUIAO VS JOSHUA CLOTTEY WEIGH IN

Chat Here

Create a Meebo Chat Room

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Clottey not focused on Pacquiao fight?


DALLAS - Am I confused or is Joshua Clottey having serious problems with everything from possibly losing his trainer to a recent desperation overseas flight home and just today (Saturday) settling into a real training camp just 36 days out from his fight with Manny Pacquiao?

Trainer Godwin Dzainie Kotey isn't being granted a visa from the America Embassy in Accra, Ghana. Vinny Scolpino, Clottey's New York - based manager says a statement will be forthcoming during the week, but as far as training he says everything was just fine and on track.
I don't believe him.

Co-promoter Jerry Jones and company can't afford for Clottey to put forth a half-ass or otherwise distracted effort and have ticket buyers heading for the exits early before making a few runs to the concession stands and soaking up the $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium experience.

Ultimately, Jones needs the fans to have a great time and want to come back.
Actually all of boxing, including Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Golden Boy Promotions, needs Joshua Clottey to if not win outright, to put on a respectable effort.
I wrote when Clottey was just being considered as the opponent that he was the most dangerous guy out there. I guess that makes me what Michael Marley would call an Everlast Einstein.

I need to start hearing Clottey is using up and running off sparring partners and no media is allowed in the gym because they have a top secret weapon and strategy for Pacquiao and a special punch just for him.
I believed it last month but I don't know if I do today.

I remember last summer Clottey pretty much coasted in the final two rounds against Miguel Cotto when most thought the fight was close and winnable for the Ghanaian.

Now I'm not at all saying Clottey would put up anything but a very polished professional effort, but if Pacquiao senses a weakness he would quickly exploit it.

I'm saying Team Clottey better get its act together because this is Manny Pacquiao and it's the big time.

If Bob Arum or any other big shots have a friend in an American Embassy or Port Authority, now would be the time to call in the favor and pull the trigger and make that call or Clottey is going into training today in Fort Lauderdale, FL at less than full speed and a lack of momentum.

Author: Matt Stolow

Q&A: Freddie Roach


Fightnews.com caught up with world class trainer Freddie Roach earlier today to discuss the Pacquiao–Mayweather fiasco, Joshua Clottey, Shane Mosley and the newest addition to Roach’s stable of champions, WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm from Cologne, Germany. The 49-years old Roach also talks about his past as an active fighter, his motivation about being a trainer and his battle with Parkinson disease.

What can you tell us about the whole Manny Pacquiao–Floyd Mayweather, Olympic style drug testing fiasco?

The thing is I am not giving in to Mayweather. He is not running the sport, the commissions do. If you let him run the sport, it’s like giving the first two rounds away. He doesn’t make the rules, the commissions and the sanctioning bodies make the rules. They have been doing that for a long time. Who the hell is Mayweather to tell us what to do? That’s not going to happen.

What are your thoughts on Manny’s new opponent Joshua Clottey?

I have been studying him quite a bit now. He is very strong and has a good chin but he makes too many fundamental mistakes and I think Manny will be the first person to knock him out.

How far along training camp is Pacquiao right now?

He is already in good shape. The first day he came in the gym, he weighed around 147 pounds already. We have to keep the weight up and feed him five meals a day just to keep it up. He is doing great in sparring and we are studying his game plan as we watch Clottey tapes. He’s not ready to fight yet but we have about four and a half weeks till fight night and he will be ready then.

Now that Mayweather signed his contract, what do you think about his upcoming bout against Sugar Shane Mosley?

It is a very good fight. I take Mayweather by decision; I think he will outbox Mosley. But it is a competitive bout and Shane always shows up to fight. Well, I’m glad to see it happen but I am waiting to hear if Mayweather will make him take the drug tests, too. He has a history of drugs. So why would he ask us and not somebody else? It is crazy. I don’t know about this guy.

As far as I know, Mosley agreed to do the testing and they made a statement to the press that both fighters will under-go random blood tests in the weeks leading up to May 1st.

They said it, but they haven’t hired the company to do it yet. So we’ll see.

Is it something special for you to work the corner of a main event fighter in front of 40,000 fans in a football stadium?

No, it’s all the same. I don’t see the crowd; I don’t get caught up in that. It’s natural that all the people come and watch. My job is to take care of the fighter and that’s what I am concentrating on. However, Cowboys Stadium is big and beautiful and it is great to be the first one to fight there. Hopefully, we can do something like this on a regular basis. Vegas is fun, too but Texas has a good commission, it is very professional. But I don’t really care where we fight, in Germany or America or wherever.

Is Manny Pacquiao the best fighter you ever worked with?

No, but Pacquiao is the most dedicated guy I have ever worked with and also the most improved fighter from day one to now.

Who is the best fighter then?

Well, you know, I trained natural fighters like James Toney, I worked with Mike Tyson. I can’t really judge who the best fighter was, technique-wise. But as far as improvement and will-to-win, Manny is probably the best at that.

It was recently announced that you will work with WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm. Why did you choose to train him?

Well, he is a very good fighter. When I trained Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, he was the only one who was coming to me in the gym besides Klitschko and I like him.

How good a fighter is he?

He is a great fighter. I mean, he came to America and basically beat a prime Oscar de la Hoya. He’s got all the skills in the world, I think he needs a little more offense and I am an offensive-minded guy, so I think we will work well together.

How do you want to improve him?

There isn’t really a need for improvement. We have to adjust a couple things, so he can throw more combinations and use his natural skills to their full extend.

Will you stay in Germany before his fights?

Yes, for as long as I can I will.

Isn’t that a problem with your friends, your family or with Wild Card gym?

No, I went to training camp with Manny Pacquiao a couple times already. I go into camp with world champions and special people when I have the time, so it is no problem.

What are your goals with Felix Sturm?

I want to get him back to America, have him fight the likes of Kelly Pavlik and become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

Will you have him spar Pacquiao or other Wild Card boxers in L.A.?

I’m sure he will come over for sparring. I get all kinds of sparring in here. We have a lot of good guys at the gym. In early training stages he might be coming to L.A. and when we get closer to the fight, we will go back to Germany. But it depends on where the fight is. I haven’t tried to get him and Pavlik together and we might not do that yet but I am sure that the fight will be in America when it happens and so he’ll train here for the whole training camp. So it’ll just be back and forth, depending on our schedules.

Tell us something about your own active boxing career.

I was more of a tough guy; I tried really hard and exchanged a lot. It worked well for when I was young but when I got older it wasn’t quite as effective. I fought world champions like Hector Camacho and Bobby Chacon. My career was good; it taught me a lot about boxing. I just found something that I am better at and that’s training fighters. Thanks to my mentor Eddie Futch and my father, they taught me this game and thanks to them I think it is why I’m successful. I was taught by very good people.

What is your motivation about being a trainer?

My motivation is improving people. If I can improve a fighter, I will do it. I probably have too many fighters right now but I have trouble saying no because I want to help anyone if I can. I know the sport very well; I’ve been doing this since I was six years old. It’s all I know, it’s all I do. I don’t have any other hobby because I don’t have time for any of them.

While everyone agrees that you are one of the best boxing trainer’s of the world, your achievements become even more stunning considering your fight with Parkinson disease. How do you keep up such great work with your fighters while suffering from such a bad illness?

The thing is I take my medication; I won’t let it get into my way. Yesterday, I did 50 rounds of mitts in a row with 14 of my fighters and twelve rounds with Pacquiao. I can do this all day long, I’m happy here. I won’t let Parkinson take any of that away and I refuse to even acknowledge it. I’m fine.

Da Flash, Pacquiao celebrate milestones in Elorde Awards


MANILA, Philippines - Two great champions – Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, world champion for seven years in the 60s, and Manny Pacquiao, winner of seven world titles – celebrate milestones when the 10th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards-Banquet of Champions is held March 25 at the Harbour Tent of the Sofitel Hotel.

Elorde will be remembered for his reign as junior lightweight champion from 1960 to 1967.

He won the title via a seventh round knockout of Harold Gomes on March 16, 1960 during the inaugural opening of the Araneta Coliseum. From there he retained the title 10 times before ceding it to Yoshiaki Numata in Tokyo in 1967.

This year also marks the 25th death anniversary and 75th birth anniversary of Da Flash, 50 years after he wrested his first world title.

Pacquiao, considered the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time, has won seven titles in seven weight divisions, was inducted into the Elorde Hall of Fame and, like Elorde, was honored in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.


“This year we celebrate the milestones of the country’s greatest boxers and, with equal importance, the resurgence of the sport through the outstanding performance of other boxers in the international arena,” said Laura Elorde, wife of the boxing legend.

To share honors in the Elorde Banquet of Champions are world champions led by Donnie Nietes (WBO strawweight), Brian Viloria (IBF lightflyweight), Nonito Donaire (IBF flyweight), Marvin Sonsona (WBO flyweight) and Gerry PeƱalosa (WBO bantamweight).

The Elorde Annual Awards, hosted by the Johnny Elorde Management International and Elorde Foundation, will be presented by the Elorde family – wife Laura and children Malou, Bebot and wife Arlene, Johnny and wife Liza, Theresa and husband Amor, Marty, Rita and husband Edmund, and Cucuy.

It is sponsored by the Elorde Sports Center, Department of Tourism, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp., Elorde Boxing Gyms., and Southpaw Bar & Grill.

Source: philstar.com

Injured boxer Gorres to attend Pacquiao’s fund-raising concert


Z GORRES will return to the Philippines earlier than expected, after recovering from a life-threatening head injury in Las Vegas for almost three months.

Gorres is scheduled to leave Las Vegas, where in he is undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation on the left side of his body, this weekend.

“His response to his rehab is remarkable. He is improving very well,” ALA Promotions Michael Aldeguer told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview yesterday.

Click here for stories and updates on the Sinulog 2010 Festival.

This early in his rehabilitation, Gorres can now use a walker and can move his weak left leg.

However, before leaving for the Philippines, Gorres will be attending a fundraising concert put up by fellow Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao on Feb. 14 in either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

“We will still have to finalize that (fundraising concert). I will still have to talk with Manny and (Michael) Koncz,” said Aldeguer.

In earlier reports, Koncz said that Pacquiao wants to raise $500,000 or P23.5 million in their fundraiser for Gorres.

That is expected to be a big aid to Gorres since his hospital bills have reportedly reached $600,000 with only $50,000 covered by the insurance during his fight.

“Manny and Z have known each other for a long time. Manny has always been there for Z,” Aldeguer said.

Aldeguer was supposed to fly to the US and accompany his 27-year-old ward in his return to the Philippines but he opted to stay here and finish the final preparations for Gorres’ arrival.

However, Gorres won’t be alone.

Dr. Benito Calderon, Gorres’ doctor and therapist who is helping him pro bono in his rehabilitation, will be accompanying him to the Philippines to ensure his safety on the flight.

Gorres suffered a subdural hematoma on the right side of his brain after his 10-round unanimous decision win over hard-hitting Colombian Luis Melendez last Nov. 13 at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues in Las Vegas.

He had to undergo emergency brain surgery minutes after he was rushed to the University Medical Center hospital, one of the top trauma hospitals in the US, after the fight.

The injury ended his boxing career but his promoter is now looking at absorbing Gorres either as a trainer or as part of ALA Promotions.

Author: Edri K. Aznar

Battle plans are drawn for Pacquiao - Clottey


Los Angeles - March 13 creeps slowly upon Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey and the game plans for their battle are being developed.
[Click the subscribe button above to receive e-mail alerts of future articles]

Fighting out of the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has hinted at the use of a strategy similar to the one executed in a knock-out victory over Oscar De La Hoya in December, 2008.

On that night, Pacquiao used his amazing speed and power to derail The Golden Boy in eight rounds. The Filipino maneuvered in and out of De La Hoya's punching range, while firing powerful combinations.

“Clottey’s accurate if you stand in front of him,” Roach told AOL Fanhouse. “But we’re going to be in and out and side to side and use our angles on him. He’s not going to be able to catch us.”

As for Clottey, preparing himself in the Bronx, New York without the guidance of regular trainer Godwin Dzaine Kotey due to visa issues in Ghana, has received some special advice from former junior middleweight title holder and trainer John David Jackson.

“Pacquiao is not a good inside fighter... and he also can't fight off the ropes. Clottey has to capitalize on that. If he can do that, he can beat him," said Jackson in a recent interview.

Clottey is known for being able to pressure fighters, and some inside boxing circles believe, like Jackson, that if he is bullied into the ropes by a naturally stronger man, an upset victory could be within his grasp.
Mosley is forgiving of Margarito

I for one believe Antonio Margarito should be banished from the sport for attempting to use plastered hand wraps in his January, 2009 fight with Shane Mosley.

As for Sugar, he is much more forgiving.

"I definitely this he should get his licence," Mosley told The Rumble. "The penalty to disappear should to the trainer."

We can see why Mosley is considered as one of boxing's true nice guys and a class act, through and through.

Margarito is scheduled to return on March 13 against Carson Jones on the under card of Pacquiao - Clottey.

Good Karma for Rigondeaux and Caballero on the way

Cuban super bantamweight had announced he would donate half of his Friday night purse to relief efforts in Haiti and was rewarded by knocking out Adolfo Landeros in 28 seconds with a wicked left-handed body shot.

Rigondeaux improved to five wins (four knock-outs), with no losses and is reported to be headed to an April fight with Panamanian Celestino Caballero (#1 ranked super bantamweight by The Boxing Truth) in April at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Author: Ricardo Lois

Source: examiner.com

What Will It Take For Mosley to Beat Mayweather?

You have to admit, Floyd Mayweather Jr. knows how to hype a fight. He’s also a master of engaging in psychological warfare against his opponents.
He’s no stranger to controversy or criticism, and he’s perfectly content with playing the role of the villain. He doesn’t seem to mind the fact that the majority of sweet science fans would consider witnessing a 10 second Mayweather mat-nap to be the sweetest treat of all.

The first key to success for Team Mosley was simply negotiating a deal that Mayweather would actually agree to. That may sound simple enough, but it has proven to be an extremely difficult task for many Mayweather opponents. For other would-be opponents, it has proven to be impossible. In recent history, the likelihood of success in Mayweather negotiations has appeared to be directly related to the perceived threat posed by the opposition. This time circumstances were different.

Boxing fans were unlikely to tune in to another Mayweather exhibition match against an unworthy opponent. He had inadvertently maneuvered himself into a situation that called for a big fight with an opponent who could actually offer him a run for his money.
Ironically, no doping allegations were made toward Mosley—an admitted former steroid user—while Pacquiao had been blatantly accused by members of the Mayweather camp. All reports indicated that the Mayweather—Mosley negotiations went smoothly.

After all the terms of Mayweather vs. Mosley were agreed upon, Mosley immediately signed the deal. Mayweather—on the other hand—delayed in signing the contract. What a shocker.
It’s unlikely that this delay had any significant effect on Mosley, but he surely must have begun to wonder about the reason for the holdup.
As Mayweather allowed days to pass without putting pen to paper, inevitably, boxing fans began to wonder if something fishy was going on. Many writers began to capitalize on the postponement by speculating that Mayweather was looking for a way out.
Was he planning to duck another great fighter? To some it appeared that the stage was being set for the announcement of another mega-fight fallout, and this would have likely been a career-ender for “Money” Mayweather.

As an apparent subscriber to the “all publicity is good publicity” theory— Floyd’s delay could have been a promotional tactic designed to keep boxing fans on the edge of their seats. If that was his intention, the strategy was quite lackluster in comparison to the drama that led to the demise of the Pacquiao—Mayweather bout.

Some of the most loyal members of the he-man Floyd-haters club actually hoped that Mayweather wouldn’t sign, as this would have been perceived as indisputable evidence in support of their claims that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has a history of ducking fighters that he considers to be legitimate threats. Comments sections of boxing articles everywhere would have been immediately flooded with “Kentucky Fraud Gayweather” criticisms. Others recognized his tactics as what they really were—just an attention-seeking ploy to sustain himself as the main topic of conversation in the boxing community. It seems that Mayweather thrives on controversy.

Controversy aside, to the delight of most true boxing enthusiasts, Mayweather didn’t wimp out. He didn’t “retire”, he didn’t ask another lightweight to make the leap to welterweight, and he didn’t pick a fight with some guy that nobody had ever heard of.
Though the older Mosley is considered the underdog, the No. 3 ranked pound-for-pound boxer in the sport is a formidable opponent. How formidable remains to be seen. Can he actually beat Mayweather?

In 1974, people were asking this question: “Can Muhammad Ali beat “Big” George Foreman?” The answer from nearly every boxing fan came in the form of a resounding “Absolutely not!”
Foreman had an immaculate record of 40-0. Let me repeat…40-0. He hadn’t gone past Rnd. 2 in his previous eight fights. He was too young. He was too big. He was too strong. It was impossible for Ali to defeat George Foreman!
Ali didn’t mind. He beat him anyway.

In 1990 some Buster Douglas fan might have asked his friend: “Can Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson?” To which his friend replied: “Who’s Buster Douglas?”
Of course Buster Douglas couldn’t beat Mike Tyson. Tyson was the most feared man in the sport and had a spotless record of 37-0 with 33 KOs. Everybody that faced him was scared to death. He was too vicious, too skilled, too tough, and too powerful. Mike Tyson was invincible!But somebody forgot to tell Buster Douglas.

So, can Shane Mosley beat Floyd Mayweather? The boxing world is saying: “No way!” Floyd’s too slick. He’s too hard to hit, too fast, too smart, too elusive, and he has a perfect record of 40-0.
There are keys to victory against every seemingly unbeatable opponent. For Ali it was to employ his “Rope-a-Dope” technique and allow Foreman to punch himself out.

For Buster Douglass the key was to simply last past the first few rounds and keep punching.
For Shane Mosley the key will be to pressure Floyd Mayweather like he’s never been pressured before. Mosley has always been a busy fighter. In this fight he must be busier than ever.
He’ll need to continually push Mayweather to the ropes the way Jose Luis Castillo did, but he’ll have to do it even better. Granted, that’s easier said than done.
Mosley will need to strengthen his weak jabbing abilities and make every attempt to turn the jab into a useful tool—not just a feeler gage for measuring distance.

Finally, the most vital weapon in Mosley’s arsenal should be a steady flow of hard shots to the body. Too much head-hunting early on would be completely futile.
If I had been writing this article in 1974 about Ali—Foreman, I’d be predicting an Ali TKO at the hands of Foreman. If I had been writing this article in 1990 about Tyson—Douglas, I’d be saying “Douglas will be put to sleep in Rnd. 1”.
I would have been wrong both times. Now I’m writing about Mayweather—Mosley and I must admit that I predict another Mayweather victory by decision. That’s the safest bet. However, if we take a look at boxing history, we find that “impossible” things do happen.
Foreman was much more of a favorite over Ali than Mayweather is over Mosley. I didn’t even know who Buster Douglas was when I watched him destroy Mike Tyson. Nobody thought he had a chance.

Nobody is invincible, and Sugar Shane Mosley might just have what it takes to put the first blemish on Mayweather’s coveted, perfect record.

Author: Lorne Scoggins

Friday, February 5, 2010

STEVEN SEGAL, MANNY PACQUIAO DISCUSS FUTURE PROJECTS TOGETHER


HOLLYWOOD, CALIF (February 5, 2010) – STEVEN SEAGAL, one of Hollywood’s most popular box office action heroes and the star of A&E’s wildly-popular reality series Steven Seagal Lawman, was a dinner guest of seven-division world champion and three-time Fighter of the Year MANNY "Pacman" PACQUIAO earlier this week. A 7th degree black belt and Aikido master, as well as an accomplished blues musician with two albums under his belt, Seagal and Pacquiao had plenty of common interests to discuss.

“We had a great time together. The time just flew by,” said Pacquiao. “We discussed the possibility of working together in movies and making joint concert appearances. We also discovered that we share a bond in Asian philosophy and philanthropy. I invited Steven to be with me at Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Stadium on March 13 when I defend my world welterweight title against Joshua Clottey and he accepted..”

Seagal, who has made over 20 motion pictures, grossing over $2 billion in worldwide box office receipts, has also been a fully commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana for almost 20 years. In addition to going out on patrol, Seagal is an expert marksman who has worked with their SWAT team and has instructed Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat. The debut episode of Steven Seagal Lawman attracted a record. 3.5 million viewers, making it A&E’s most-watched original series premiere.

#Promoted by Top Rank, in association with the Dallas Cowboys and Tecate, THE EVENT: Pacquiao vs. Clottey, World Welterweight Championship, will take place Saturday, March 13 and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Remaining Tickets to THE EVENT: Pacquiao vs. Clottey, priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, can be purchased in-person at the Cowboys Stadium box office in Arlington, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

THE EVENT: Pacquiao vs. Clottey pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com or www.toprank.com.

Mosley vs. Mayweather finally a true test

He has taken a real beating from the fans and the writers. Floyd Mayweather Jr has been the subject of many topics. These topics range from being arrogant to cherry picking his opponents in order to stack an undefeated record. When the notion that Mayweather vs. Pacquiao may happen, the fans all got excited and prayed that the fight would get done. Of course everyone knows now that the fight has proven difficult to get done, then throw in a lawsuit filed by Pacquiao against Mayweather for slander, and bam, no fight.

As a result of the fight falling through, the Floyd haters were even more angry and they pulled no punches voicing their opinions throughout the boxing forums. Mayweather's legacy took a hit, and his reputation of taking safe fights grew even worse.

It took a natural disaster in Haiti to finally get Floyd Mayweather Jr to sign a contract against an opponent who has a legitimate chance of beating him. In steps "Sugar" Shane Mosley, who was looking for an opponent after Andre Berto pulled out of the fight. Berto is from Haiti, and as we all know the earthquake hit his nation very hard.

Read more on the Mosley vs. Mayweather signing here - http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m2d3-Knock-me-over-with-a-feather-Heather-as-Mayweather-signs

Shane Mosley has impressive wins over Oscar De La Hoya (twice) Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga, Antonio Margarito, and Luis Collazo, no small pickings. With that said, he does have losses against the late Vernon Forrest (twice) and Wink Wright (twice) and more recently a loss to Miguel Cotto. Mosley will surely give Floyd Mayweather a very difficult test, but he can be beaten.

Mississippians that this writer had spoken to up at the Fitz Casino in Tunica were all hoping that this fight would go through. Super middleweight prospect Jonathan Nelson (13-0) and his assistant trainer both feel as if Mosley has a shot at beating Floyd, " Mosley can win, he's about the only guy in that division that can beat Floyd though." Many of the fans at the casino in Tunica also feels as if Mosley has a shot. I talked to Scott Gordon, a Mosley fan who was attending the fights last Saturday, " Mosley will give Mayweather some trouble, but I have to admit I think Floyd wins this fight. His defense will be tough for Shane to get through, he's a slick fighter. Shane has a shot, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it."

With Floyd's reputation as of late, this fight gives him a chance at some redemption. It's a true test for him, and finally he is fighting an opponent that possess' skills and power. A victory for Mosley and he will have done some damage control to his legacy. A victory for Shane, and he soars toward a showdown against Manny Pacquiao in the near future. Big stakes for both guys.

Author: Brad Cooney

Source: Examiner.com

Manny Pacquiao & Floyd Mayeather JR Move On, Shane Mosley and Joshua Clottey Look to Spoil

Floyd Mayweather – Shane Mosley officially official

The May 1st super fight between undefeated co-pound for pound best in the world, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and “Sugar” Shane Mosley has been signed and sealed and will be delivered. This is not the fight that the people wanted to see, but they will certainly take it. Out of all the opponents out there for Floyd, Shane is the best next to Manny Pacquiao, and there are some things that Mosley can do to be effective.

An early prediction on this bout is easy: Floyd by wide decision. Despite his highlight reel knockout of “Hands of Plaster” Antonio Margarito, Mosley has not been that impressive in his last few outings, struggling badly with the raw yet strong, Ricardo Mayorga. Mayorga was beaten down easily by Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad prior to facing Mosley, and it was an even fight until the final round stoppage.

You add the possible ring wear along with being out of the ring nearly a year and a half, and the age of Shane, it’s a tall order here. There is bad blood between the two and Mosley will not roll over and die, but does he still possess the speed to make this fight competitive? The likely answer is no.

The thing going in Mosley’s favor and what makes this so interesting is that he is very smart. He will stick to a game plan. He also has a great chin and tremendous strength. To win though, he would have to be flawless and fight the fight of his life. Past performances against boxers like Vernon Forrest and Winky Wright certainly make a bet on him a risky one, but at least we are not seeing Floyd vs. Matthew Hatton, a fight that was proposed.

March 13th Quickly Approaching

Despite the fallout of the showdown with Floyd Mayweather, JR., Manny Pacquiao carries on and will be facing Joshua Clottey on March 13th, a date once reserved for his showdown with Money Mayweather.

Pacquiao’s recent track record make him the modern day Mike Tyson, a warrior that comes at his opponent relentlessly with power in both hands. He has destroyed some very big names in boxing: Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and most recently, Miguel Cotto. He is the real deal, but Joshua Clottey is a strange choice for an opponent.

Clottey is the sort of guy that would give Manny trouble with his tight defense and consistency. He barely lost in his last outing to Miguel Cotto, and stood tough with Antonio Margarito, winning before injuring his hands, and playing survival for the last half of the fight. Clottey is tough and takes a good shot, but there is a weakness. He is susceptible to straight punches…Manny’s specialty. The plan has to be to launch the straight punches early and often and hope for the best. Manny has every edge in this bout with the possible exception of toughness. Clottey might make this a battle of wills and although Manny has been through battles before, the late aggression from his challenger may be too much for him. We’ll see.

Without question, Manny is the big favorite going in, but Clottey has proven difficult for everyone he has faced. Will this be another spectacular KO win for the Filipino superstar or will we get a shocker on our hands. Most likely, this bout will lead to a showdown between Mayweather and Pacquiao. They will eventually iron everything out and get into the ring together. The public demand is far too high for them not to fight.

Super Six Leftovers

One guy that belonged in the Super Six Tournament, IBF Super Middleweight Champ, Lucian Bute, will be featured on HBO’s World Championship boxing when he squares off against Edison Miranda, a fighter that has seen better days.

When Jermain Taylor was rumored to be dropping out of the tournament, the Miranda camp rallied to get him into that spot. It was apparently a race between Allan Green and Edison Miranda to see who would get it should “Bad Intentions” pull out. Well, he did, and thankfully, Green has filled in.

Miranda’s record is impressive at 33-4, 29 KO’s, and he always brings that puncher’s chance to the ring, but his boxing life changed after May 19th, 2007, when Kelly Pavlik dominated and destroyed him in seven rounds. He wasn’t the monster anymore, and his next defeat at the hands of Arthur Abraham was more proof that he wasn’t at the top of his game anymore. Miranda looked for redemption at the expense of Andre Ward in May of 2009, but couldn’t pull the trigger. Now he goes after the IBF crown against Bute.

Bute, 25-0, 20 KO’s, is the best super middleweight not in the Showtime tournament. He is an incredible puncher and is at the top of his game. His last fight, a rematch with Librado Andrade, was brilliant. He stopped him easily in four rounds…a man that had given him a life and death battle just one year prior to the rematch. He will have zero to little problem with Miranda.

Jesse Brinkley, the Contender star that just scored an upset over Curtis Stevens on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, which put him in line for a crack at Bute, but he has to wait in line behind Miranda. A Bute-Brinkley bout was proposed to HBO, but the network did not see it as competitive, according to sources close to the situation, and demanded Miranda as the opponent. HBO is somewhat correct with their assessment. It’s hard to imagine Brinkley being competitive with Bute. Miranda should be easy for Bute as well, but at least he brings the big punch and could win should he land. He only needs one opportunity.

Under the Radar

This weekend has some decent fights, headlined by the Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco bout, but a heavyweight collision in New Jersey is going unnoticed. Top rated heavyweight, Tomasz Adamek, 39-1, 27 KO’s, fresh off his stoppage of former title challenger Andrew Golota, is taking on the capable and upset-minded Jason Estrada, 16-2, 4 KO’s.

Adamek has held the light heavyweight and cruiserweight titles and has now followed the path set by David Haye, moving up to the heavyweight division. He packs a big punch and seems to be punching harder with the move up. He could be a true force in the division and is on a collision course with HBO favorite, Chris Arreola, if he can get passed the challenge of Estrada.

What does Estrada bring to the show?

Estrada is a good boxer with a decent jab, and has beaten some recognizable competition. He out-boxed Lance “Mount” Whitaker in 2008, took a wide decision over Derek Bryant later that year, before taking on top rated challenger Alexander Povetkin. Estrada could not keep the aggressive Povetkin off and lost a wide decision, but rebounded with a knockout over Zuri Lawrence. With only 4 knockouts, he is not a huge threat to stop Adamek, but he is a legit heavyweight with skill and should prove difficult in this fight, coming up Saturday night.

Author: Geno McGahee


Source: ringsidereport.com

Golden Boy Promotions doing major ‘spin control’ on the Mosley vs. Mayweather fight


Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley have both signed on the dotted line and will meet on May 1st in Las Vegas.
It was less than 48 hours ago when Golden Boy Promotions had serious concern over whether or not the fight between Mayweather and Mosley would even happen. Richard Schaefer, CEO of GBP, went on a public tirade about the fight not being finalized, missed opportunities for PR, serious concerns, and having no idea why Floyd Mayweather Jr hadn’t already signed the contract.

Fast forward 24 hours and Schaefer has completely forgotten all about the serious concern and frustrations he publicly aired. In fact, he and the rest of GBP are now pretending like it didn’t happen and thus the “spinning” has begun. Let’s take a look at some of Schaefer’s quotes over the last 48 hours and see through his own words how GBP is already “spinning” this fight.

February 2nd – source for the following quotes: Dan Rafael of ESPN.com

* "At this point, I don't know," he said. "We want to do some big PR, so this is frustrating. I read Leonard's quotes that it was agreed to and that it was just a matter of time to get it signed, but if it's all done, why isn't it signed?" ..
* "It will only be done when Floyd signs, and that hasn't happened yet. I don't know of any deal terms that are not agreed to. I don't understand it."

February 3rd - source of the following quotes: David Mayo of The Grand Rapids Press

* "We know each other well, we respect each other, and that is a great start for any negotiation”
* “In a way, the promotion for Mayweather and Mosley started right in the ring after Mayweather's victory against Juan Manuel Marquez, when Shane Mosley grabbed the microphone and started things going,”
* "With these megafights, they sort of have dynamics of their own in place. Sometimes, they fall apart. And sometimes, they come together unexpectedly.”
* "It's certainly one of the most anticipated fights of this generation,”


Like Bill O’Reilly always says, this is the “No SPIN Zone”. Stan Richardson Sacramento, CA “Did GBP just completely forget that they were crying all day Tuesday over the unsigned fight?” Yes Stan, they did. In fact, Schaefer is acting like he wasn’t bitching to Dan Rafael about Floyd not signing just the day before. It’s hilarious how GBP is “Spinning” this around. We are seeing some major spinning that would make the Democrats and Republicans proud.

It’s like Schaefer miraculously understands the complexity of contracts all of a sudden; Yet the day before, he was crying that he “just doesn’t understand it”. Andy Wallace Sacramento, CA “Hey Rick, is Schaefer bi-polar?” Andy, I’m not sure. Perhaps we can get him to sign a release of medical records and then we can find out. However, I can tell you this; if this extreme 24 hour turn-around is any indication of things to come then we are in for a long 3 months of major hype and monumental spinning.

Author: Rick Rockwell

Source:
examiner.com

Have Golden Boy created a monster in Floyd Mayweather?















From there the fight that makes the most sense in the division at the moment is to have the winner face the winner of Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey, which takes place in Dallas on March 13th.

In fact Freddie Roach went on the record with BoxingScene today to say just that, although it being the fight that needs to happen and it actually happening are two different things.

The problem with the winners of the two fights meeting it that Mayweather is still insisting on extra testing on all his future opponents and that Pacquiao will no doubt refuse to give in to his demands. Effectively keeping the two best fighters in the world from ever meeting. It's unlikely that Bob Arum and Top Rank would allow one of their fighters to be subjected to extra testing either if they are happy for Pacquiao not to want it.

There is an outside chance that Mosley or Clottey could win, but they are both decent underdogs, and outside of wishful thinking from the Mayweather haters and the people of Ghana respectively, not many give either much of a chance.

David Ellis, Bradford PA: "Because of two fighters, one stubborn about blood and the other with his demands, Top Rank and Golden Boy are going to lose millions of dollars, not just with their fight, but with every other fight that might have happened if not for them"

Sure there are two sides to every story, but it's Mayweather who wants the extra testing that the commission doesn't require. Any other fighter is happy to fight without these extra testing, and most wouldn't push for them to the point of canceling a $40 million dollar fight.

(Photo:Bret 'The Threat' Newton)

As his acting promotional agents, Golden Boy are required to back Mayweather and whatever stipulations he wants added to his fight contracts, but the wider implications could prove damaging to them rather than Mayweather.

After the fallout of the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather negotiations, Golden Boy backed their fighter and said that in the future, Pacquiao would require extra testing to fight any Golden Boy fighter.

More recently Mayweather was missing in action when Golden Boy wanted the Mosley fight signed and ready to start promoting. Most other fighters would be reprimanded for keeping a promoter of this size waiting, but Mayweather, publicly at least was not. There was also the rather embarrassing tirade from Roger Mayweather where he accused Pacquiao of being on 'A-side Meth'.

Obviously this could potentially cost both companies a lot of money, but worse than that, it would leave one of the biggest rivalries in the history of the sport unfinished. As usual the fans were vocal about Mayweather and where he will be after the Mosley fight.

Danny Wallis, Harrisburg PA: "Mayweather thinks he can take the place of the commission and make up his own rules as he goes along, that's why he gets so much hate around here"

Freddie Maynard, Pittsburgh PA: "Mayweather has signed to fight Mosley, which you and others said he wouldn't, he's still undefeated and he's the biggest fighter in the sport. Anyone who doubts him needs their heads examined"

Sweetpea, USA: "Manny's been exposed. After May 1 Mayweather will once again be the undisputed p4p champ. Of course Manny will never fight Floyd; he will never fight Mosley either. Mosley already offered to fight at 143 and give Manny a 60/40 split, but Manny "balked" at fighting Mosley. That is a fact. No one even cares about March 13, while the whole sports world is eagerly awaiting May 1. Mayweather is giving the fans the fights they want to see, and Manny is ducking all boxers and all top welterweights. Mayweather, Mosley, and Williams are the only credible opponents for Manny and he won't fight any of them, because he knows he doesn't have a chance!"

While May 1st will do a lot for Mayweather's ranking, this won't put him back into the number one pound for pound spot. Sure Mosley is a better opponent than Clottey, but Pacquiao is coming off a win over Cotto, while Mayweather is coming off a win over Marquez. Also to be fair to Manny, when he was looking for an opponent, Mosley was still scheduled to fight Andre Berto, so he wasn't an option at the time anyway.

Author: Scott Heritage

Source:
examiner.com

Manny Pacquiao Says Shane Mosley Is Next On My Radar

The reigning pound for pound king has revealed to reporter from Manila Violito Tanamor during an interview he thinks Sugar Shane will win.

When asked how he seen the fight playing out Manny gave of a cheeky smile before revealing his thoughts wearing a serious expression.

“Shane like myself will force pressure on Floyd for every minute of every round”. “Shane has fought the best in the welterweight division for over a decade and has faced the best the division has to offer” said Pacquiao”. “I think he will be too much for Mayweather and will stop Floyd”.

Pacquiao stated he is not looking beyond his date with Ghanaian Joshua Clottey on March 13th, at the Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas. “I feel honoured and privileged to be fighting in such a venue” he said.

Training seems to be going well for the WBO welterweight Champion, conditioning coach Alex Ariza started strength preparation on Monday, after a week of sparring.

Pacquiao’s renowned trainer Freddie Roach was less vocal on his thoughts of the outcome of the bout between Mayweather vs. Mosley, but did say they were expecting to be back in the ring again as soon as July to face the winner.

Manny Pacquiao will make the first defence of his WBO welterweight title against Joshua Clottey on March 13. Both have the common opponent of Miguel Cotto in their last outing. Clottey lost a close decision to the Puerto Rican on June of 2009. Five months later Manny Pacquiao stopped Cotto in the last round of a one sided fight.

Source: theboxinghistorian.com

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Insider Notebook: Pacquiao Talks Steroids, Mayweather Jr.


Fear is one emotion that can be detected in someone's eyes. Honesty is another, and the look in Manny Pacquiao's eyes in his dressing room Tuesday at his training camp in Hollywood makes his claim of being drug-free very believable.

Pacquiao, sitting next to one reporter while another stood in front of him, was asked how much the insinuations of alleged steroid use hurt him in his heart.

"I feel bad," said Pacquiao, who is training at the Wild Card gym owned by his trainer, Freddie Roach, for his March 13 fight against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium. "I'm really disappointed because I sacrifice and train hard and focus for what I have achieved in boxing.

"I mean, going for the allegations that I'm taking steroids. I don't even know what a steroid is. I don't have any idea what that is."

Pacquiao was supposed to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13, but the fight was not made because Mayweather demanded Olympic-style testing for both fighters. It includes random blood and urine tests, and Pacquiao has said he doesn't want to take blood tests close to a fight.

This all began when Floyd Mayweather Sr. said Pacquiao must be on something because of all his wondrous achievements. Then, as we all know, it snowballed.

"I think I understand Floyd," Pacquiao said to BoxingScene.com. "He just can't say, 'Oh, I don't want to fight. I'm not ready for the fight.' He's just making alibis to cancel the fight. He's not ready."

When asked, Pacquiao said he is not necessarily angry at Mayweather.

"I just felt bad that he doesn't want to fight," he said. "He's making a lot of allegations and alibis, allegations that can ruin my name."

Thus the lawsuit Pacquiao has filed against the Mayweathers and Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions. Pacquiao intimated if Mayweather is everything he says he is, he wouldn't have come up with this demand in the first place.

"If you are a true champion, no alibis, just fight," he said.

During all this time, the look in Pacquiao's eyes never changed. Sincerity is what they had in them. Either he was being completely forthcoming, or he's one heck of a con man. The latter is difficult to fathom.

Pacquiao said he could take some solace in knowing that he was recently chosen Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

"When I heard that, I'm happy because there are a lot of people believing in my capabilities and my achievements in boxing," he said. "For me, it's boxing and God. I think what I have done in boxing is because of my sacrifices and my faith in God."

Pacquiao said a fight with Mayweather remains possible, and that he would like for it to happen. But he said it won't if Mayweather sticks to his guns about the Olympic-style testing.

"I agree for blood-testing one month before the fight and right after the fight," said Pacquiao, who would also agree to random urinalysis.

Freddie Roach Chimes In

Roach predicted Tuesday afternoon Mayweather was not going to sign his contract to fight "Sugar" Shane Mosley on May 1, that he would wait for Pacquiao to get past Clottey. Turned out he was incorrect in that regard as Mayweather signed on Wednesday.

Either way, Roach told BoxingScene that Mayweather came up with his demand for Olympic-style testing for one reason.

"We don't need Mayweather, but the thing is I do feel he's doing all this to make the fight bigger," Roach said. "I think that he's trying to make the Manny Pacquiao fight ... a bigger fight, because he's that crazy. And it'll work. It'll be bigger."

Whatever the case, Roach said he will never relent and allow Pacquiao to adhere to Mayweather's demands.

"No, because that's like giving the first two rounds away, giving him momentum," Roach said. "I wouldn't let Manny do that. No way. The thing is commissions run these rules, not him (Mayweather). If we had history of steroid abuse and he (Mayweather) had some scientific evidence, mood swings and stuff like that, I can see him going to the commission and doing it correctly and bringing it to the commission's attention and let them deal with it if they feel there's an issue because they're professional people.

"The Nevada and California commissions, that's what they're there for and they've been doing this a long time. But I refuse to let Mayweather call the shots. That's like giving him momentum and he's going to get bigger and bigger and he'll be running the sport, next thing you know."

Roach was reminded that Mayweather has said many times he won't fight Pacquiao unless Pacquiao does indeed cave in on the aforementioned demand. Roach suggested Mayweather will do something like this: "He'd do it professionally and go to the commission and do it right. The commission will make the decision. If they want something done, then we have to do it. If the commission does."

What about Pacquiao-Mosley?

Roach said that if Mayweather-Mosley does take place and Mosley wins, a fight between Pacquiao and Mosley would be the next logical move.

"I don't see any other fight in the world that we would take," he said. "We'd have to take that fight because that would be the right thing to do."

Scouting Clottey

Roach doesn't seem too concerned about Clottey, who gave Miguel Cotto a heck of a time last June at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Cotto won a split decision, but not without difficulty. Of course, Pacquiao dominated Cotto in November, stopping him in the 12th round of a one-sided fight in Las Vegas.

"If Manny fights the fight we're planning on fighting, one with the strategy we're planning on, I have no problems with Clottey at all," Roach said. "I think he's too slow for us. He's very predictable; he does the same things in a lot of situations.

"He fights all southpaws the same. He says he's never lost to a southpaw and never will. But he's never fought Manny Pacquiao. He will lose this fight. I feel he'll get knocked out for the first time in his life."

Pacquiao wasn't quite as bold. But, hey, he's only the guy who's going to be doing the fighting.

"Clottey, he has good defense and he can take a punch and he's strong," Pacquiao said.

Valero Still Wants Pacquiao

Edwin Valero, who will defend his lightweight world title against Antonio DeMarco (23-1-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico, has said for some time he would like to fight Pacquiao. During a telephone interview last week, he reiterated that.

"The Pacquiao fight would be an explosive one, so I have to say there is not going to be another fight that I ask for other than Pacquiao," Valero said. "But I'm tired of always asking for it because I've been asking for that fight for a long time.

"All the fans want to see that. They know it will be explosive and they know there will be a lot of blood and it will be an all-out battle."

Pacquiao kind of laughed when told about the blood.

"Well, yeah, I think so," said Pacquiao, when asked if that fight could happen in the future. "We can do a lot of boxing in the ring, but to say blood or whatever..."

A publicist standing in the background suggested the blood would be mostly Valero's. But Roach said he really likes Valero, who is 26-0 with 26 knockouts.

"I've always liked that fight," Roach said. "Valero, a lot of people don't give him credit because he looks like a raw guy out there, like he has no rhyme or reason. But he sets things up. He's a lot smarter than people think.

"He's dangerous, he's a southpaw. He's not just a strong guy who goes in there and swings. He's become a good fighter over the years."

Two things: Valero would have to move up to welterweight, and the big money would have to be there for everyone. Both fighters are promoted by Bob Arum.

"Manny's going to stay at welterweight and if he wants to come up to welterweight and the promoters decide they can make some money, I'm sure we'd fight him," Roach said. "But not at 140 (junior welterweight). Manny's a welterweight now."

A Career-Changing Victory

It has been 2 1/2 years since Nonito Donaire stopped Vic Darchinyan in the fifth round of a flyweight title fight in July 2007 in Bridgeport, Conn. It was a coming out party of sorts for Donaire, who was relatively unknown at the time but suddenly became an important name after that stunning upset win.

"It turned my world upside down," said Donaire, who a week from Saturday will defend his interim super flyweight title when he takes on Gerson Guerrero (34-8, 26 KOs) of Mexico City at the Las Vegas Hilton. "It helped me out in my life financially and it helped me get my name out there and everything else.

"It's been a roller coaster and it's been something good for me and it really did change my life."

Donaire (22-1, 14 KOs) defended the title he took from Darchinyan three times before moving up to super flyweight and winning the interim belt with a unanimous decision over Rafael Concepcion in August at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

But nothing Donaire has done has come close to what he did against Darchinyan. Many expected Donaire to be just another fighter the hard-hitting Darchinyan would walk through. That's not to mention the joy Donaire must have gotten out of stopping a fighter who talks as big as he hits.

"It still lingers when I think about it," said Donaire, 27, of San Leandro, Calif., via the Philippines. "It was the first time I fought for a world title and the first time I won a world championship. It still is the best feeling."

Perhaps the only way for Donaire to get a similar rush would be for him to again square off with Darchinyan, who has been hopeful of a chance at redemption.

"I know that both camps want to make it happen," Donaire said. "I know Darchinyan wants to fight me and I want to fight him. It is up to the promoters and managers to come to terms and make the fight happen. There have been negotiations for it to happen already.

"Whatever happens, I want to go for it."

Donaire said he believes the rematch will take place this year.

"I think so," he said. "First they were saying in June, now they're saying in August."

A return fight with Darchinyan would further fatten Donaire's bank roll. It would also put to rest any remaining thoughts some might have about his win over Darchinyan being some kind of chance occurrence.

"I wouldn't be where I'm at right now if it was a fluke," Donaire said. "He made his way up (to super flyweight) to make the fight happen. I'm more than eager to make it happen, to prove once and for all it wasn't a fluke. I dominated that fight in every way. I almost took him out in the third, and I took him out in the fifth."

Darchinyan (33-2-1, 27 KOs) is scheduled to defend his two super flyweight belts against Rodrigo Guerrero (13-1-1, 9 KOs) of Mexico on March 6 at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Author: Robert Morales

Mayweather, Jr. vs. Pacquiao is similar to the 1991 Holyfield vs. Tyson fight that didn't happen


Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Shane Mosley are in essence semi-final fights; with the final mega-fight Mayweather vs. Pacquiao the one the media and public really want to see.

While there are now officially signed contracts, I didn't take into account the rematch clauses which could tie these four fighters up for another six months after their respective fights if Pacquiao or Mayweather, Jr. were to lose.

Last week I wrote that I thought Mosley would lead Mayweather, Jr. directly to Pacquiao. I still believe that.

http://www.examiner.com/x-11372-Dallas-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m1d31-Mosley-will-lead-Mayweather-directly-to-Pacquiao-next

Any combination of the four would be great, but Mayweather, Jr. vs. Pacquiao is the one that the public and media won't let go of. A month ago it was this generation's "Fight of the Century," our version of the 1971 Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali fight that they are still writing books about.

I have a full-sized, full-color (black and gold) poster of the last "Fight of the Century" challenger. Except it never happened.

It was the November 8, 1991 original fight between Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson that didn't happen because of a rib injury suffered by Tyson just three weeks before the fight.

Holyfield had just knocked out James "Buster" Douglas and was unbeaten, while Tyson had beaten journeymen Alex Stewart and Henry Tillman and twice beat Razor Ruddock after suffering the Tokyo upset loss to Douglas.

The stunned media and public had no choice but to believe that the Mike Tyson they thought they knew just got lazy and didn't train for Douglas. Nobody dared say Tyson was swiftly going down hill.

Nobody would ever believe Tyson wasn't the mythological figure, the modern-day Jack Dempsey fighter of their era. Tyson was granted the free emotional pass to fight Holyfield based on delusion and illusion.

Twenty years later and the Mike Tyson we knew before the Douglas fight has never found his way home.

Tyson did eventually fight Holyfield twice, but six and seven years later respectively. The first fight was entertaining and the second was the horrible ear-biting fight. But both were well out of their fighting primes.

So we don't really know what we will be getting if both Mayweather, Jr. and Pacquiao win their next fights and go directly into the mega-fight. But it would be as close as they will ever get their primes ever again.

If either loses or draws or a delay or rematch for any reason and we don't know if they are the same fighters anymore.

On February 24, Mayweather, Jr. will be 33. On August 24 he will be out of his mythical prime. "The Fight" had to happen March 13. While I blame Mayweather, Jr. for not taking the fight March 13, I believe they will fight in 2010. 33 1/2 years old and you can still fight but you're an old fighter.

All we know is the original Mayweather, Jr. vs. Pacquiao March 13 non-fight is the 21st Century's first major non-fight of the century.
If you have any art work from the fight that so far hasn't happened and it's dated March 13, it might be valuable. I'd stick it on ebay or in a safe-deposit box.

Author: Matt Stolow

Source: examiner.com
Related Posts with Thumbnails

AddThis

Bookmark and Share