Undefeated super-welterweight Shawn Porter, the main sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao, asserted on Wednesday that he wasn’t bothered by the Filipino’s vaunted power but admitted he was awed by the pound-for-pound king’s other inimitable trait.
“Its’ not much about his power, it’s his speed,” Porter told the Bulletin.
The Ohio-bred Porter is said to be a clone of Miguel Cotto, who Pacquiao faces on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Porter, 21, the 2007 US Golden Gloves middleweight champion and alternate on the 2008 Olympic team, battled Pacquiao for three intense rounds at the Shape Up Gym inside the Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City.
In Thursday’s media day, Porter is going to be sent up again to bang with Pacquiao although their session will last for only two rounds since Pacquiao has also to contend with another sparmate, lightweight Urbano Antillon, for two rounds.
“I am looking forward to my second sparring with Manny, who is a great person outside the ring,” said Porter, who flew in last Sunday but only got to Baguio the following day owing to the inclement weather.
Taking center stage as well during Thursday’s open workout for the media is Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, who is arriving this morning from the US. Arum, who heads Top Rank Inc. will be in Baguio until Sunday morning.
In the coming weeks, Pacquiao will have to deal with Porter and Antillon and possibly another one to be flown over if ever Pacquiao decides to extend his training camp in the City of Pines.
Meanwhile, Cotto’s own training camp is doing very well, Bryan Perez, the Puerto Rican’s aide-de-camp revealed on Thursday.
Cotto has been working out at the Fight Factory in Tampa, Florida, the past two weeks.
“Everything is running up pretty well right now,” said Perez, who is also joined there by chief trainer Joe Santiago and conditioning coach Phil Landman.
Comment: Speed kills! But I want to see how well Pacquaio with fare with Shawn Porter. If he does very well then there is a high chance that he will beat Cotto. If Shawn Porter will remain unbothered by Pacquiao's vaunted power then Pacquiao will be in trouble.
Source: Pacquiao’s speed awes sparmate
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Cotto quietly shaping into fighting form under Pacquiao's shadow
Quietly, one of boxing's best and Puerto Rico's number one pugilist Miguel Cotto has been sharpening his knives under the shadow of the same little giant he aims to slay on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. That little giant has been wrecking havoc in the world of boxing, conquering different weight classes and demolishing beloved heroes along the way.
So understandably, despite Cotto's own popularity, he has been overlooked and has been subjected to play second fiddle next to the little giant that is surrounded by myths and legends because of his gargantuan accomplishments in the ring. It's a feeling Cotto isn't used to, as he himself has headlined numerous fights cards in the past and is one of the most popular fighters that has ever laced gloves at the Madison Square Garden in New York. But with the looks of it, Cotto seems not to mind floating under the radar and is focused on nothing but overcoming the challenge at hand. Cotto wrote in his official Twitter page that he feels great and has constantly been updating his followers of how smooth and effective his training has been in the past few weeks. While the media (myself included) have followed his opponent closely and have been distracted by the return of Mayweather, Cotto has been slowly shaping into fighting form.
Cotto started training for his next fight at least a month earlier than his foe. He started doing strength and conditioning and doing some mitt work and hitting the bags to prepare his body for a rigorous camp that is divided into to stages. The first stage is behind him wherein he focused on this body conditioning while in Puerto Rico. Now Cotto has headed to Tampa, Florida to focus on strategy and their game plan on how to defeat his opponent. (In case you just crawled from under a rock, Cotto's opponent is Manny Pacquiao.)
Cotto's team said they will study everything about Pacquiao and analyze their best course of attack against the fast and heavy hitting puncher from the Philippines while in Tampa. In an interview translated from a feature by Primera Hora.com, Cotto's head trainer Joe James, who will work his second bout as head coach after replacing Miguel's uncle Evangelista Cotto after an ugly falling out,
"Up until today we've held several meetings to examine what Manny can bring to the fight," and added, "We are watching many Pacquiao fights. We also saw his two fights where he was defeated, but we are still watching more. Although he has dominated, there is always something we can capitalize on. We do not rule out any fight."
Miguel in his part is aware of what Pacquiao is capable of and chimed in during the New York leg of the press tour for this fight,
"The punch he gave Ricky Hatton, if he hits with this kind of punch, he can throw Mike Tyson to the canvas," said Cotto, and added "But I'll be ready."
Obviously, Cotto is giving Pacquiao all the respect in the world and if his early preparations for Pacquiao isn't indication enough, he is readying himself for the biggest fight of his life. And ironically, Cotto isn't only the bigger and stronger guy, he is also the toughest and best opponent Pacquiao will have to face yet.
Commentary: Cotto is spot on in respecting the power of Manny Pacquiao rather than ignore it and just be in love with his own power and size advantage. Manny Pacquaio is a real giant slayer so Cotto should better be prepared to not become the next goliath in the making.
Source: Cotto quietly shaping into fighting form under Pacquiao's shadow
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao will knock Cotto out, says Roach
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao to beat Miguel Cotto by decision? Trainer Freddie Roach is having second thoughts.
Impressed by the frenetic pace by which Pacquiao is attacking his preparations for his fight against the Puerto Rican, Roach now believes that the Filipino ring icon has what it takes to knock out the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion.
“I picked him to win by decision, but until I started working with him to this camp, the way he’s punching, his speed, we will knock this guy out,” Roach said of Pacquiao, who announced over national television Tuesday that he was donating P1 million to relief drives for the victims of Tropical Storm “Ondoy.”
“I commiserate with the victims of the tropical storm,” Pacquiao told a news station in Filipino, adding that he will try to fly to Manila on Sunday during a break in training to distribute relief goods to victims of the flash sloods triggered by Ondoy. “We will be giving rice, noodles and other relief goods.”
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 knockouts) will battle Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) over 12-rounds for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Both combatants agreed to fight at a catch weight of 145 lb.
Things picked up in Team Pacquiao’s preparation for that bout with sparring sessions kicking off Tuesday.
Pacquiao’s sparring partners Shawn Porter and Urbano Untillon hit the Philippine summer capital yesterday, with Freddie Roach describing Porter as the one who can really mimic the Puerto Rican Cotto.
Porter, who is bigger than Cotto, moves like the Puerto Rican star. Porter, a middleweight, is listed as 5-foot-7 and owns a record of 10-0 record, with eight wins by knockout.
Antillon, a former Pacquiao sparring partner who owns a victory over the Filipino’s younger brother Bobby, owns an impressive record of 26-1, with 19 knockouts.
“Basically we’re going to have a fast start and we’re not going to give [Cotto] any momentum,” said Roach. “The way Manny is really fighting right now, I guess we’re going to frustrate Cotto with his speed.”
Meanwhile, Jeff Mayweather, uncle of undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr., feels that a Pacquiao loss to Cotto will not rub off the luster from a showdown between the Filipino ring icon and the undefeated American.
“Just as long as he doesn’t lose in a devastating manner it would still be the biggest fight out there,” said Mayweather.
Commentary: Whoaaa!!! Folks mortgage your car, house, cats, dogs and wife and bet on Manny Pacquaio. This is not the Ricky Hatton who urged his boxing fans to mortgage their homes and bet it on him only to find out that he bit more than he can chew when he fought against Manny Pacquiao. This is the great coach Freddie Roach who has spot on in his predictions. Call your bookie now!
Source: Pacquiao will knock Cotto out, says Roach
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Impressed by the frenetic pace by which Pacquiao is attacking his preparations for his fight against the Puerto Rican, Roach now believes that the Filipino ring icon has what it takes to knock out the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion.
“I picked him to win by decision, but until I started working with him to this camp, the way he’s punching, his speed, we will knock this guy out,” Roach said of Pacquiao, who announced over national television Tuesday that he was donating P1 million to relief drives for the victims of Tropical Storm “Ondoy.”
“I commiserate with the victims of the tropical storm,” Pacquiao told a news station in Filipino, adding that he will try to fly to Manila on Sunday during a break in training to distribute relief goods to victims of the flash sloods triggered by Ondoy. “We will be giving rice, noodles and other relief goods.”
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 knockouts) will battle Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) over 12-rounds for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Both combatants agreed to fight at a catch weight of 145 lb.
Things picked up in Team Pacquiao’s preparation for that bout with sparring sessions kicking off Tuesday.
Pacquiao’s sparring partners Shawn Porter and Urbano Untillon hit the Philippine summer capital yesterday, with Freddie Roach describing Porter as the one who can really mimic the Puerto Rican Cotto.
Porter, who is bigger than Cotto, moves like the Puerto Rican star. Porter, a middleweight, is listed as 5-foot-7 and owns a record of 10-0 record, with eight wins by knockout.
Antillon, a former Pacquiao sparring partner who owns a victory over the Filipino’s younger brother Bobby, owns an impressive record of 26-1, with 19 knockouts.
“Basically we’re going to have a fast start and we’re not going to give [Cotto] any momentum,” said Roach. “The way Manny is really fighting right now, I guess we’re going to frustrate Cotto with his speed.”
Meanwhile, Jeff Mayweather, uncle of undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr., feels that a Pacquiao loss to Cotto will not rub off the luster from a showdown between the Filipino ring icon and the undefeated American.
“Just as long as he doesn’t lose in a devastating manner it would still be the biggest fight out there,” said Mayweather.
Commentary: Whoaaa!!! Folks mortgage your car, house, cats, dogs and wife and bet on Manny Pacquaio. This is not the Ricky Hatton who urged his boxing fans to mortgage their homes and bet it on him only to find out that he bit more than he can chew when he fought against Manny Pacquiao. This is the great coach Freddie Roach who has spot on in his predictions. Call your bookie now!
Source: Pacquiao will knock Cotto out, says Roach
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Vargas' prediction on Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Pacquiao
Heavyweight Devin Vargas (17-1, 7KO) is set to face off against Terrell Nelson (8-8, 5KO) tomorrow night (Sept 30th). The Heavyweight battle is scheduled for 8 rounds and the venue is set at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Recently Vargas took sometime out of his busy training schedule and spoke out on tons of topics, including Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto which is set for November 14th, as well as his thoughts on Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Pacquiao.
In regards to Manny Pacquiao's showdown with Miguel Cotto, Vargas gave his prediction. Picking Pacquiao to win, Vargas stated: I have to go with Pacquiao. He is one of favorite fighters right now."
Vargas also gave a prediction for Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Manny Pacquiao (if the fight ever happens) Vargas predicts that Pacquiao will be the one to defeat Mayweather Jr., stating: "He (Pacquiao) throws so many punches and has great power. I see him being the one who beats Mayweather, if they can actually come to an agreement on the contract."
Commentary: Agree!
Source: Vargas' prediction on Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Pacquiao
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Recently Vargas took sometime out of his busy training schedule and spoke out on tons of topics, including Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto which is set for November 14th, as well as his thoughts on Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Pacquiao.
In regards to Manny Pacquiao's showdown with Miguel Cotto, Vargas gave his prediction. Picking Pacquiao to win, Vargas stated: I have to go with Pacquiao. He is one of favorite fighters right now."
Vargas also gave a prediction for Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Manny Pacquiao (if the fight ever happens) Vargas predicts that Pacquiao will be the one to defeat Mayweather Jr., stating: "He (Pacquiao) throws so many punches and has great power. I see him being the one who beats Mayweather, if they can actually come to an agreement on the contract."
Commentary: Agree!
Source: Vargas' prediction on Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Pacquiao
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacman's sparring partner tall, tough
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao marked Day One of his sparring sessions yesterday, did three rounds with Shawn Porter and found the young American light-middleweight a tough nut to crack at the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City.
Pacquiao found the 21-year-old Porter, a Golden Gloves champion in 1997, a little too heavy and a little too strong than expected. But give the Filipino icon a few more days of sparring and things will definitely turn around.
“It was a very good sparring,” said Team Pacquiao’s Mike Koncz.
“Shawn has got the power and although obviously he’s not of the same skill level as Manny, he can punch. And that’s good because that would keep Manny’s defense up,” said the Canadian adviser of Pacquiao.
“Manny has got to keep his defense because this kid can punch,” said Koncz of Porter who can hurt his opponents with left hooks to the body, a shot that Miguel Cotto should have plenty of when he faces Pacquiao on Nov. 14.
Pacquiao, as usual, had wanted a couple of extra rounds, and would have called in the other sparring partner on tap, Urbano Antillon, up on the ring. But this time, chief trainer Freddie Roach had his way in holding him back.
“Manny was asking for a couple more rounds but Freddie said, ‘No,’” Koncz told The STAR. He added that given a few more rounds, Pacquiao will definitely be all over Porter or anyone else thrown at him in sparring.
“In a few weeks this kid won’t be able to find Manny.”
Pacquiao was out of the gym by 3 p.m. and from there he went straight up to his hotel room for a short nap.
Porter, undefeated in 10 fights, with six knockout wins coming in the first round, raised some eyebrows when he climbed the ring to spar with Manny. He seemed too big for Pacquiao, who will fight Cotto at 145 lb.
“He was much bigger but that’s good because he got to push Manny around. I also think he’s the heaviest puncher Manny has ever sparred with. But a few more sessions and I don’t think he can last with Manny,” said Koncz.
The doors to the boxing gym where Pacquiao will train for the next four weeks were closed to the media and fans yesterday, particularly since it was the first day of sparring for the reigning pound-for-pound champion.
On Thursday, however, Pacquiao will let them in when he holds a media workout. His promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, will be around on that day, and will spend the weekend in Baguio to see how things are going.
Commentary: If Manny Pacquiao can handle this guy then Manny would be very prepared to face Cotto because Porter is a middleweight. I give credit to coach Freddie Roach for finding the best sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao. Unlike the camp of Miguel Cotto.
Source: Pacman's sparring partner tall, tough
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao found the 21-year-old Porter, a Golden Gloves champion in 1997, a little too heavy and a little too strong than expected. But give the Filipino icon a few more days of sparring and things will definitely turn around.
“It was a very good sparring,” said Team Pacquiao’s Mike Koncz.
“Shawn has got the power and although obviously he’s not of the same skill level as Manny, he can punch. And that’s good because that would keep Manny’s defense up,” said the Canadian adviser of Pacquiao.
“Manny has got to keep his defense because this kid can punch,” said Koncz of Porter who can hurt his opponents with left hooks to the body, a shot that Miguel Cotto should have plenty of when he faces Pacquiao on Nov. 14.
Pacquiao, as usual, had wanted a couple of extra rounds, and would have called in the other sparring partner on tap, Urbano Antillon, up on the ring. But this time, chief trainer Freddie Roach had his way in holding him back.
“Manny was asking for a couple more rounds but Freddie said, ‘No,’” Koncz told The STAR. He added that given a few more rounds, Pacquiao will definitely be all over Porter or anyone else thrown at him in sparring.
“In a few weeks this kid won’t be able to find Manny.”
Pacquiao was out of the gym by 3 p.m. and from there he went straight up to his hotel room for a short nap.
Porter, undefeated in 10 fights, with six knockout wins coming in the first round, raised some eyebrows when he climbed the ring to spar with Manny. He seemed too big for Pacquiao, who will fight Cotto at 145 lb.
“He was much bigger but that’s good because he got to push Manny around. I also think he’s the heaviest puncher Manny has ever sparred with. But a few more sessions and I don’t think he can last with Manny,” said Koncz.
The doors to the boxing gym where Pacquiao will train for the next four weeks were closed to the media and fans yesterday, particularly since it was the first day of sparring for the reigning pound-for-pound champion.
On Thursday, however, Pacquiao will let them in when he holds a media workout. His promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, will be around on that day, and will spend the weekend in Baguio to see how things are going.
Commentary: If Manny Pacquiao can handle this guy then Manny would be very prepared to face Cotto because Porter is a middleweight. I give credit to coach Freddie Roach for finding the best sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao. Unlike the camp of Miguel Cotto.
Source: Pacman's sparring partner tall, tough
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Sparring partners give Pacquiao edge over Cotto
As Manny Pacquiao's sparring partners Urbano Antillon and Shawn Porter arrived in Baguio city, the Pac Man has been busy training at the only pace he knows how to train- relentless, almost maniacal.
Perhaps that's why Pacquiao's handlers have told the sparring partners to be prepared as Pacquiao himself said he is excited to start sparring.
Shawn Porter has been described by Freddie Roach and some who have seen him fight as a Miguel Cotto clone. Porter is a little bit bigger than Cotto and moves and pops like Pacquiao's Puerto Rican foe. Boxrec.com lists Porter as 5'7 light middleweight with a 10-0 record, 8 of which coming by knockout.
Antillon on the other hand is a regular Pacquiao sparring partner and provides a gauge for Pacquiao's development. Incidentally, Antillon is responsible for knocking out Pacquiao's younger brother Bobby in 2008. Antillon is coming off the first loss of his career and boasts an impressive record of 26-1 with 19 wins coming by KO.
David Rodela, another regular Pacquiao sparring partner and Raymond Tito Serrano, a Puerto Rican champion who could match the moves of Cotto, round up the list of Pacquiao's spar mates.
All of the sparring partners were selected masterfully by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and should give Pacquiao and edge against Cotto in preparations.
Other than Cotto not having his uncle and old trainer Evangelista in his corner, he will also be watched over by Joe Santiago who is more of a conditioning coach and nutritionist than an expert trainer. Reports said that Cotto started sparring with Ivan Calderon a few weeks back to mimic Pacquiao's speed and movement.
I can see how Calderon can try and mimic Pacquiao's speed but Cotto is definitely at a disadvantage in the preparation department. Not only is Calderon smaller at 5'0, he doesn't have the punching power, aggressiveness and relentless movement Pacquiao brings to the ring. And the hardest part of all, Cotto may have trained earlier than Pacquiao, but how can he train his chin that's been questionable in the past, to take the devastating blow of a Pacquiao left cross? Maybe his best shot might be preparing to come in overweight the way Floyd Mayweather Jr. did against Marquez. Based however on the character Cotto has displayed which is definitely more honorable than Mayweather, I don't think he would resort to something like that just to give him an edge.
On a side note, it's funny how the Mayweathers accuse Pacquiao of bogus steroid allegations just for him to get an edge against his opponents while their boy breaks catch-weight clauses and would be willing to pay extra money just to gain an edge over his opponents.
Somehow I am reminded of a quote one of my basketball coaches used to tell me,
"Real winners play fair, and real cheaters are those who are first to accuse others of cheating."
As they say, it takes one to know one.
Commentary: From the way things look, Pacquiao already has the edge in training camp even if Miguel Cotto started early.
Source: Sparring partners give Pacquiao edge over Cotto
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Pacquiao sparring mate Shawn Porter relishes the opportunity
Jr middleweight prospect Shawn Porter (10-0-8KO) has the biggest opportunity of his young career at hand. He was selected to be one of Manny Pacquiao's sparring mates. This experience will be invaluable to this young man, to say the least. Porter touched down in the Philippines with Pacquiao's other preferred sparring partner, Urbano Antillon.
This writer has had the opportunity to watch the young Porter fight on a few occasions. He is trained by his father Kenny Porter, out of "Old School Gym" located in Cleveland, Ohio.
The first thing that I noticed from ringside in August was just how fast the kids hands were. The second thing that I noticed was how fast he knocked out his opponent in the 1st round.
Promoted by Prize Fight Promotions, Shawn Porter is undefeated and not only has those fast hands, but he has some power to go along with it. His last bout took place in Tunica, MS back in August, where he systematically took apart Lamar Harris in 2:18 seconds of the first round. This kid is the perfect sparring partner for Pacquiao, he is a little bit bigger, fast, and can pop.
Prize fight Promotions owner Russ Young is thrilled for his young prospect, " This is a great opportunity for this kid. He has the chance to see what it takes to become pound for pound the best fighter in the world. This is an achievement that he would like to accomplish himself one day, so to get this chance to see what it takes is a wonderful opportunity."
Boxing trainer Barry Hunter, who trains both Lamont Peterson (WBO interim Jr welterweight champ) and Anthony Peterson (#1 ranked lightweight), worked Porter's corner for his last fight. Hunter believes this opportunity is second to none, " The first thing that I noticed when working Shawn's corner was his speed, and his power. He is a very good selection to help out Pacquiao, he's a little bit bigger than Cotto and he can move and pop. This opportunity goes without saying, he will take this experience and only benefit from it."
So, Porter will spend his coming days sparring with the great Manny Pacquiao. He will no doubt benefit from this experience, in fact, probably a lot more than Pacquiao will benefit from it. That's no knock at the young porter, but come on now, sparring with Manny Pacquiao? An opportunity of a young fighters lifetime.
Commentary: Indeed this is a great opportunity for Porter to learn from the great Pacquiao. But I don't see Pacquiao kayoing this kid. His just too big.
Source: Pacquiao sparring mate Shawn Porter relishes the opportunity
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
This writer has had the opportunity to watch the young Porter fight on a few occasions. He is trained by his father Kenny Porter, out of "Old School Gym" located in Cleveland, Ohio.
The first thing that I noticed from ringside in August was just how fast the kids hands were. The second thing that I noticed was how fast he knocked out his opponent in the 1st round.
Promoted by Prize Fight Promotions, Shawn Porter is undefeated and not only has those fast hands, but he has some power to go along with it. His last bout took place in Tunica, MS back in August, where he systematically took apart Lamar Harris in 2:18 seconds of the first round. This kid is the perfect sparring partner for Pacquiao, he is a little bit bigger, fast, and can pop.
Prize fight Promotions owner Russ Young is thrilled for his young prospect, " This is a great opportunity for this kid. He has the chance to see what it takes to become pound for pound the best fighter in the world. This is an achievement that he would like to accomplish himself one day, so to get this chance to see what it takes is a wonderful opportunity."
Boxing trainer Barry Hunter, who trains both Lamont Peterson (WBO interim Jr welterweight champ) and Anthony Peterson (#1 ranked lightweight), worked Porter's corner for his last fight. Hunter believes this opportunity is second to none, " The first thing that I noticed when working Shawn's corner was his speed, and his power. He is a very good selection to help out Pacquiao, he's a little bit bigger than Cotto and he can move and pop. This opportunity goes without saying, he will take this experience and only benefit from it."
So, Porter will spend his coming days sparring with the great Manny Pacquiao. He will no doubt benefit from this experience, in fact, probably a lot more than Pacquiao will benefit from it. That's no knock at the young porter, but come on now, sparring with Manny Pacquiao? An opportunity of a young fighters lifetime.
Commentary: Indeed this is a great opportunity for Porter to learn from the great Pacquiao. But I don't see Pacquiao kayoing this kid. His just too big.
Source: Pacquiao sparring mate Shawn Porter relishes the opportunity
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao's Boxercise
To me the two most marvelous exhibitions of boxing training amongst current fighters are Floyd Mayweather’s work on the jump rope and focus mitts, and Manny Pacquiao’s shadowboxing. Yes, neither of them is a clear indication of what they can do in the ring, but they show what kind of athletes these guys are and what they do in the gym.
The short clip below, starting at twenty seconds, shows that Pac’s hands are as blazing fast as ever, nearly two months before the fight. I’ve heard people say that Manny’s hands are no faster than those of Shane Cotto or Zab Judah, and that may be true for a single punch, but there is no fighter in the sport who can put punches together with the speed, ferocity, and power that Pacquiao can. Whether Cotto’s power can compensate for Manny’s gifts is unclear, but Cotto has clearly never faced anyone like Pacquiao before.
While that is a discussion perhaps best left for another day, check out the footage at 2:00 minutes in for some true hilarity. How would you like to have that little monster standing next to you in boxercise class? It’s impossible not to love the guy, and a good thing he knows how to pull his punches.
Commentary: Wow! This video clip shows that Manny Pacquiao is very popular in Baguio. The down side to this is that, can he concentrate on his training with all these distractions? I mean for an ordinary guy like me, it's even difficult to think when somebody is looking at me, let alone perform. But then again, Manny Pacquiao may not be ordinary or really? Let's see the effect of this distraction come Nov. 14.
Source: Pacquiao's Boxercise
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
The short clip below, starting at twenty seconds, shows that Pac’s hands are as blazing fast as ever, nearly two months before the fight. I’ve heard people say that Manny’s hands are no faster than those of Shane Cotto or Zab Judah, and that may be true for a single punch, but there is no fighter in the sport who can put punches together with the speed, ferocity, and power that Pacquiao can. Whether Cotto’s power can compensate for Manny’s gifts is unclear, but Cotto has clearly never faced anyone like Pacquiao before.
While that is a discussion perhaps best left for another day, check out the footage at 2:00 minutes in for some true hilarity. How would you like to have that little monster standing next to you in boxercise class? It’s impossible not to love the guy, and a good thing he knows how to pull his punches.
Commentary: Wow! This video clip shows that Manny Pacquiao is very popular in Baguio. The down side to this is that, can he concentrate on his training with all these distractions? I mean for an ordinary guy like me, it's even difficult to think when somebody is looking at me, let alone perform. But then again, Manny Pacquiao may not be ordinary or really? Let's see the effect of this distraction come Nov. 14.
Source: Pacquiao's Boxercise
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao raring to mix it up with his sparmates
Manny Pacquiao’s sparmates Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon had their work perfectly cut out for them.
Upon arriving in Baguio City where Pacquiao is currently holding training camp for his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Antillon and Porter immediately climbed the ring and worked out a sweat.
Good for the two of them, according to assistant trainer Roger “Flash" Fernandez.
“Pinag-ensayo na agad namin para hindi masakit ang bugbog nila sa sparring," said the brother of long-time Pacquiao Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez while flashing a big wide grin.
Can’t wait to see them (sparmates Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon). 
– Manny Pacquiao
A day after taking a rest from training, Pacquiao was back to his relentless ways, working on the mitts, speed ball and double-end ball, while doing shadow-boxing and abdominal crunches for three straight hours.
“Ayaw paawat," said Fernandez.
Both Antillon and Porter, along with his dad Ken, arrived in the country last Sunday, but owing to the inclement weather, didn’t travel to the City of Pines until early Monday morning.
“We’re ready to go," said Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate every time he has a fight.
Nonoy Neri, another Pacquiao assistant trainer, said Pacquiao is expected to spar four rounds Tuesday at the Shape Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguillan road, two rounds each with Antillon and Porter, a 2007 National Golden Gloves middleweight champion.
Neri said Pacquiao has been getting better and better as training camp in the summer hideaway enters its second week.
“Maganda na ang kilos," he pointed out. “Lumalabas na `yung bilis niya. Sa power wala namang problema kasi nandun na yun."
Pacquiao, as usual, is looking forward to the start of sparring session in training camp.
Informed of the arrival of Antillon and Porter, Pacquiao smiled and quipped, “can’t wait to see them."
Sparring will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the number of rounds gradually increasing by the day until it reaches a full 12 rounds per day.
As the 12-round fight nears, sparring gradually tapers off.
Commentary: Bakbakan na! At least in the gym...I wonder what will happen this time. Will there be broken nose or cuts on the part of the sparring partners?
Source: Pacquiao raring to mix it up with his sparmates
To get more boxing news, fight updates and commentary between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. click on Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Boxing News.
Upon arriving in Baguio City where Pacquiao is currently holding training camp for his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Antillon and Porter immediately climbed the ring and worked out a sweat.
Good for the two of them, according to assistant trainer Roger “Flash" Fernandez.
“Pinag-ensayo na agad namin para hindi masakit ang bugbog nila sa sparring," said the brother of long-time Pacquiao Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez while flashing a big wide grin.
Can’t wait to see them (sparmates Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon). “Ayaw paawat," said Fernandez.
Both Antillon and Porter, along with his dad Ken, arrived in the country last Sunday, but owing to the inclement weather, didn’t travel to the City of Pines until early Monday morning.
“We’re ready to go," said Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate every time he has a fight.
Nonoy Neri, another Pacquiao assistant trainer, said Pacquiao is expected to spar four rounds Tuesday at the Shape Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguillan road, two rounds each with Antillon and Porter, a 2007 National Golden Gloves middleweight champion.
Neri said Pacquiao has been getting better and better as training camp in the summer hideaway enters its second week.
“Maganda na ang kilos," he pointed out. “Lumalabas na `yung bilis niya. Sa power wala namang problema kasi nandun na yun."
Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao strolls on Burnham Park in Baguio City as part of his light training exercises. Dave Leprozo
Informed of the arrival of Antillon and Porter, Pacquiao smiled and quipped, “can’t wait to see them."
Sparring will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the number of rounds gradually increasing by the day until it reaches a full 12 rounds per day.
As the 12-round fight nears, sparring gradually tapers off.
Commentary: Bakbakan na! At least in the gym...I wonder what will happen this time. Will there be broken nose or cuts on the part of the sparring partners?
Source: Pacquiao raring to mix it up with his sparmates
To get more boxing news, fight updates and commentary between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. click on Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Boxing News.
Roach not looking past Cotto, Mayweather
MANILA, Philippines - If famed American trainer Freddie Roach has his way, it would be wise for Manny Pacquiao to end his illustrious career with victories over Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“If he retires after this (Cotto) fight I’ll be fine with that also,” Roach told the Inquirer over breakfast at the Manor Hotel in Baguio City Monday.
“If negotiations with Mayweather fail and Manny wins against Cotto, he’ll be having seven world titles. Nobody has done that before, so there’s nothing else to prove.”
Pacquiao is preparing to challenge Cotto for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. And Mayweather, a recent winner over Juan Manuel Marquez, looms as the Filipino superstar’s possible next foe next year.
Roach, who considers Pacquiao not only as his best fighter ever but a true friend, said his fame as a trainer is strengthened by his association with the General Santos lefty.
“Even though I’d be losing my best fighter, I would love to see him retire on top of the world,” said Roach. “A lot of people tried to get rid of me along the way but not Manny Pacquiao.”
“He’s been very loyal to me and I to him. We’ve had a great relationship and we’re going to be friends for life, that’s for sure.”
Recently, American promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao will be raking in more money if the Filipino ring icon wins a congressional seat in Saranggani province in next year’s elections.
The astute promoter even plans to christen Pacquiao “The Fighting Congressman,” a moniker which doesn’t excite Roach any.
Arum named Venezuelan knockout artist Edwin Valero, up-and-coming Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and Sugar Shane Mosley as potential foes of Pacquiao next year.
“There are lots of good fighters out there,” said Roach. “And the way Manny’s going right now, I think he has maybe a year or two in him if he really wants to do that.
“But the thing is, if he wants to get into politics, he needs to do that full time because as a politician there’s a lot of work in there. That’s why I don’t need him to do both.”
Another concern for Roach—who endures Parkinson’s disease as a result of an extended ring career—is seeing Pacquiao end up being the springboard to fame of young, up-and-coming boxers.
“I’ve seen many sad stories about fighters staying around too long and end up getting beat and being the stepping stone [of others]. I won’t allow that to happen because he is such a great kid,” added Roach.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s sparring session is expected to start Tuesday with the arrival of sparring partners Shawn Porter, an undefeated American welterweight campaigner and Mexican-American Urbano Antillon over the weekend.
Commentary: Manny Pacquiao is very lucky to find a coach like Freddie Roach. He is not only after the winning but also considers the health of his fight. Unlike the promoter Bob Arum who still keeps on dreaming fights for Pacquiao even though Manny already expressed his interest to retire soon. Kudos to Roach!
Source: Roach not looking past Cotto, Mayweather
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
“If he retires after this (Cotto) fight I’ll be fine with that also,” Roach told the Inquirer over breakfast at the Manor Hotel in Baguio City Monday.
“If negotiations with Mayweather fail and Manny wins against Cotto, he’ll be having seven world titles. Nobody has done that before, so there’s nothing else to prove.”
Pacquiao is preparing to challenge Cotto for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. And Mayweather, a recent winner over Juan Manuel Marquez, looms as the Filipino superstar’s possible next foe next year.
Roach, who considers Pacquiao not only as his best fighter ever but a true friend, said his fame as a trainer is strengthened by his association with the General Santos lefty.
“Even though I’d be losing my best fighter, I would love to see him retire on top of the world,” said Roach. “A lot of people tried to get rid of me along the way but not Manny Pacquiao.”
“He’s been very loyal to me and I to him. We’ve had a great relationship and we’re going to be friends for life, that’s for sure.”
Recently, American promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao will be raking in more money if the Filipino ring icon wins a congressional seat in Saranggani province in next year’s elections.
The astute promoter even plans to christen Pacquiao “The Fighting Congressman,” a moniker which doesn’t excite Roach any.
Arum named Venezuelan knockout artist Edwin Valero, up-and-coming Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and Sugar Shane Mosley as potential foes of Pacquiao next year.
“There are lots of good fighters out there,” said Roach. “And the way Manny’s going right now, I think he has maybe a year or two in him if he really wants to do that.
“But the thing is, if he wants to get into politics, he needs to do that full time because as a politician there’s a lot of work in there. That’s why I don’t need him to do both.”
Another concern for Roach—who endures Parkinson’s disease as a result of an extended ring career—is seeing Pacquiao end up being the springboard to fame of young, up-and-coming boxers.
“I’ve seen many sad stories about fighters staying around too long and end up getting beat and being the stepping stone [of others]. I won’t allow that to happen because he is such a great kid,” added Roach.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s sparring session is expected to start Tuesday with the arrival of sparring partners Shawn Porter, an undefeated American welterweight campaigner and Mexican-American Urbano Antillon over the weekend.
Commentary: Manny Pacquiao is very lucky to find a coach like Freddie Roach. He is not only after the winning but also considers the health of his fight. Unlike the promoter Bob Arum who still keeps on dreaming fights for Pacquiao even though Manny already expressed his interest to retire soon. Kudos to Roach!
Source: Roach not looking past Cotto, Mayweather
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Pound-4-Pound: Mayweather, Pacquiao, and company ask "who's the man"?
The WBC has recently created a "Diamond Belt" which is supposed to be the belt of all belts, reserved for those smaller conquerors who can go up in weight and dethrone the best competition of other divisions.
Sounds good in theory, but no question, there will never be a true substitute for authentic P4P honors. In an effort to measure the worth of each man, today, we take a look at the front-runners by analyzing each man separtely. (In no special order).
The Case for Manny Pacquiao:
Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37KO's) is arguably the most spirited fighter in the sport today. Based on his resume, many view him as a Mexican slayer, however, it's the heart he employs in the ring which resembles their warrior-esque ability most, ultimately making him a fan fave, even amongst the proud Mexican nation. Few in the history of the sport have been able to rise through 7 weight classes and bring not only speed and power, but results. This major accomplishment puts Pacquiao not only in the P4P debate, but according to many, the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all-time) debate as well.
The Case for Floyd Mayweather jr.:
Floyd Mayweather jr. (40-0, 25KO's) is viewed by many as easily the most talented fighter of this era. Speed, good, although not great power, amazing stamina, and a ring IQ that parallels the greatest to ever lace up in the history of the sport. Mayweather's claim to fame is his diversity, as the flamboyant fighter has been known to deliver the goods whether it be in-fighting, outside fighting, moving forward or backing up. Mayweather's ability has already placed him in the G.O.A.T. discussion, and according to some, his performance in his return bout against a man Pacquiao failed to defeat decisively in two attempts thoroughly cemented his status of today's P4P king. Pacquiao is clearly the more exciting to watch, Mayweather is purely the more talented of the two. Perhaps a showdown between he and Pacquiao will one day settle the score, as few could deny the fact that the two of them stand at the top of this debate.
The Case for Bernard Hopkins:
Bernard Hopkins (49-5-1, 32KO's) is the closest the sport has to a throwback type oldschool fighter, other than Mayweather. Few have ever seen Hopkins bruised, let alone hurt in a fight, simply because his amazing defense rarely allows one to land a flush shot on him. A resume that boast the legendary Felix Trinidad, ODH, Glen Johnson and others can never be denied. A pending matchup against the only man to ever truly dominate him may very well close the chapter of his book. A win would be an emphatic punctuation, while a loss would open the door to more questions. All-time great....yes. P4P king, definitely amongst the discussion.
The Case for Paul Williams:
The name of Paul Williams (37-1, 27KO's) rarely comes up in this debate, but for years I've rated this guy a 'dark horse', and in recent times, many have began to see what I saw quite a while back. Most guage P4P status on ability to excite and put cheeks-in-seats, but Williams has been an ambassador for the term P4P in a rather literal fashion, jumping weight class to weight class and seeking out the best available competition with little luck. There's a great reason why we never hear anyone call his name out. Standing at 6'2", throwing over 100 punches per round, and having a wingspan like that of Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, there are very few strategies one could employ to disengage this terminator. Resume strength prevents him from being the clear and concise P4P king, but a solid victory over Kelly Pavlik in his pending fight will certainly help.
The Case for Miguel Cotto:
Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27KO's) is a perfect example of a fighter who literally stands on the brink of both goodness and greatness. The good in him is always on display, but the greatness hasn't always found the same level of consistency. An example of this was losing to a less than talented Antonio Margarito, while defeating a very credible Shane Mosley - a fighter who later dismantled Margarito. Cotto is one of the few fighters in today's money driven era of the sport that has taken on all comer's, and looked relatively good while doing it. His past resume has been amazing (Judah, Mosley, Margarito, Malignaggi and more), but it's the fights of his immediate future (Pacquiao and potentially a Mayweather showdown) which will dictate exactly how high he stands on this list.
Falling in the "honorable mention" circle would be a number of fighters (Mosley, John, Dawson) who have the potential to be P4P greats, but not always the results. Shane Mosley is a perfect example. A loss in head-to-head competition with Cotto nullifies an otherwise solid victory over Cotto conqueror Antonio Margarito. In the case of Chris John and Chad Dawson, their records show no losses, but their resume's also show that the same amount of test have not been encountered.
Arguably any of the men listed today stand a chance, but considering that the mythical P4P strap is more opinion than fact, the operative question here is "WHO DO YOU LIKE"?
Commentary: Pacquiao!
Source: Pound-4-Pound: Mayweather, Pacquiao, and company ask "who's the man"?
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
'Fireball' Manny Pacquaio duly adopted by US fans, Merchant says
A capsule description of Vitali Klitschko's complete battering over game but overmatched Chris Arreola on HBO Saturday night from the Staples Center in Los Angeles would be this: It was like Marquez-Mayweather but without the excitement.
Seriously, this one would ended up 11-1 in rounds in favor of the BC heavyweight champion from the Ukraine as Arreola's most effective technique was bawling like a baby in defeat.
Come on, Cristobal (or "La Quesadilla" as he had Michael Buffer jokingly introduce him), you know there is no crying in boxing.
The slaughter was ended at the close of the 10th round, a round in which VK hammered the Mexican American challenger with both hands. Arreola's head was beginning to look like a well used speed bag.
More compelling than the bout was the closing commentary of HBO's Three Wise Men, Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant and Manny Steward.
Here's their verbal shots:
In reference to Vitali and heavyweight champ brother Wladimir not being wildly popular in America, Merchant made reference to Manny Pacquiao being "a fireball" who style endears him the US audience so much that it has "adopted" the Pinoy Idol.
Lampley took a wicked shot at the careless preparation of Good Time Charley Arreola and mentioned, without mentioning Arreola by name, that no fighter who goes out partying for 10 days when he is supposed to be training will beat anyone named Klitschko.
As for Steward, he put in a plug for the K Brothers to fight each other. He would profit nicely as he trains younger brother Wlad and mentioned that they used to have vicious sparring sessions.
After the replay of Marquez-Mayweather, Floyd was interviewed by satellite from his Big Boy Mansion in Las Vegas.
Mayweather continued his new Nice Guy routine complete with kind words about Pacquiao, about Shane Mosley and continuing apologies to their HBO announce crew of Lampley, Merchant, Steward and also Max Kellerman.
Commentary: It's good to hear that Pacquiao is now an adopted by the US boxing fans. Pacquiao and Mayweather are really an opposite of each other.
Source: 'Fireball' Manny Pacquaio duly adopted by US fans, Merchant says
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
How Manny Pacquiao beats Miguel Cotto…strict gameplan
Freddie Roach is concocting a strict gameplan for Manny Pacquiao to follow against Miguel Cotto, the Puerto Rican whom the Filipino faces in an American ring in Las Vegas in 6 and a half weeks’ time.
Ten days into training camp in the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City, in The Philippines, a departure from his previous dozen camps, there are positive noises emerging. That said, Roach is concerned by local distractions, while in the same breath remains amazed once again by Pacquiao’s conditioning and appetite for training.
Roach, Pacquiao’s celebrated trainer always talks of ‘letting his fighter go’, letting his charge off the leash, at a certain point in a championship contest. Is it unlikely that Pacquiao will be released from a clear game plan in this one.
It has to be a tight, masterful performance. It will have to be, in order to defeat Cotto and capture his WBA welterweight gong. The fistic silhouettes of the dance between these two fighters suggests Pacquiao will be outgunned if he stands toe to toe with a fighter who has to be considered if not the most skilled, then certainly one of the most durable fighters on the planet.
The fairytale is for Pacquiao to win. Then, only then, will the boxing world be able to ready itself for the superfight the sport needs between Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao, likely to be in the early spring of next year. In spite of Pacquiao insisting this week that he “wishes to campaign in the elections” and that he has “nothing left to prove”, let us forget the idea of Pacquiao running in the elections for a moment.
A clear battle plan is developing, and it involves a 12-round strategy in which Pacquiao will have to win on points. As ever, Roach has pinpointed the fact that Pacquiao must box against Cotto, use his speed, move in and out, win the early rounds and outbox this teak tough champion who has lost only once in 35 professional fights and has campaigned at welterweight since 2006.
There are those in the UK, like former world champion Barry McGuigan, who cannot see Pacquiao dethroning Mayweather. Indeed, McGuigan, who has been around in the game long enough to see many a great in action, believes even Cotto may be a step too far for Pacquiao, again giving away size and weight.
McGuigan said in his weekend column in The Daily Mirror. “Roach was not impressed with Mayweather’s victory over Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight was there for the taking, he said. Mayweather just did not have the balls to finish him off.
I like and respect Roach but I think he is whistling in the dark here. I am the first to agree that Mayweather could take more risks, that he could be more exciting.
That does not detract from the fact that he is an awesome fighter. At welterweight there is not a boxer alive who can take him in my view.
There is a danger in Roach and Pacquiao looking too far over the fence into the future. They have enough on their plate in November with Miguel Cotto.”
I disagree. Pacquiao could defeat Cotto on points. He could also get caught in the late rounds. Cotto is now a systematic campaigner at 147lbs, and has knocked out 27 of his 35 opponents.
But a step too far ? I don’t think so. Having seen Pacquiao up close in training, how he goes 5 hours without a break, how he possesses an almost fixated instinct in the ring, his special qualities could see him to another remarkable victory. If so, he really then does have to weigh-up his options. Election campaign or Mayweather ?
Ten days into training camp in the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City, in The Philippines, a departure from his previous dozen camps, there are positive noises emerging. That said, Roach is concerned by local distractions, while in the same breath remains amazed once again by Pacquiao’s conditioning and appetite for training.
Roach, Pacquiao’s celebrated trainer always talks of ‘letting his fighter go’, letting his charge off the leash, at a certain point in a championship contest. Is it unlikely that Pacquiao will be released from a clear game plan in this one.
It has to be a tight, masterful performance. It will have to be, in order to defeat Cotto and capture his WBA welterweight gong. The fistic silhouettes of the dance between these two fighters suggests Pacquiao will be outgunned if he stands toe to toe with a fighter who has to be considered if not the most skilled, then certainly one of the most durable fighters on the planet.
The fairytale is for Pacquiao to win. Then, only then, will the boxing world be able to ready itself for the superfight the sport needs between Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao, likely to be in the early spring of next year. In spite of Pacquiao insisting this week that he “wishes to campaign in the elections” and that he has “nothing left to prove”, let us forget the idea of Pacquiao running in the elections for a moment.
A clear battle plan is developing, and it involves a 12-round strategy in which Pacquiao will have to win on points. As ever, Roach has pinpointed the fact that Pacquiao must box against Cotto, use his speed, move in and out, win the early rounds and outbox this teak tough champion who has lost only once in 35 professional fights and has campaigned at welterweight since 2006.
There are those in the UK, like former world champion Barry McGuigan, who cannot see Pacquiao dethroning Mayweather. Indeed, McGuigan, who has been around in the game long enough to see many a great in action, believes even Cotto may be a step too far for Pacquiao, again giving away size and weight.
McGuigan said in his weekend column in The Daily Mirror. “Roach was not impressed with Mayweather’s victory over Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight was there for the taking, he said. Mayweather just did not have the balls to finish him off.
I like and respect Roach but I think he is whistling in the dark here. I am the first to agree that Mayweather could take more risks, that he could be more exciting.
That does not detract from the fact that he is an awesome fighter. At welterweight there is not a boxer alive who can take him in my view.
There is a danger in Roach and Pacquiao looking too far over the fence into the future. They have enough on their plate in November with Miguel Cotto.”
I disagree. Pacquiao could defeat Cotto on points. He could also get caught in the late rounds. Cotto is now a systematic campaigner at 147lbs, and has knocked out 27 of his 35 opponents.
But a step too far ? I don’t think so. Having seen Pacquiao up close in training, how he goes 5 hours without a break, how he possesses an almost fixated instinct in the ring, his special qualities could see him to another remarkable victory. If so, he really then does have to weigh-up his options. Election campaign or Mayweather ?
Commentary: I am really worried with the distraction in Baguio.
Source: How Manny Pacquiao beats Miguel Cotto…strict gameplan
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao doing well in training, impresses Roach
MANILA, Philippines - Day after day, Manny Pacquiao continued to impress his chief trainer Freddie Roach as they stepped up the preparations for the big showdown against WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.
“Freddie Roach is not only pleased. He’s amazed at how the camp is going,” said Pacquiao’s Canadian adviser, Mike Koncz, yesterday after another impressive workout at the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City.
Some people were let into the gym but under certain restrictions. Due to the infux of fans and media, Team Pacquiao had to close the doors to the gym the other day, but yesterday they were a little generous.
“It was a small crowd and it was a very nice crowd. Training went very well,” said Koncz, adding that Roach, who came in last Tuesday, almost can’t believe what he’s seeing in Pacquiao who’s moving like he’s been at the gym for a month now.
Koncz said no decision yet has been made whether training in the country’s summer capital would run for four weeks or even more. If it goes five weeks, then Pacquiao may skip Los Angeles and head directly to Las Vegas.
“We’re taking it one week at a time. No decision yet,” said Koncz, who earlier discussed the possibility of training five weeks in Baguio, and straight to Las Vegas for the last three weeks before the fight.
“If all goes well, then we’re staying in Baguio and skip Los Angeles totally. Besides we’re gonna lose a couple of days if we leave Baguio after four weeks, train three weeks in LA and do another week in Las Vegas,” he said.
After the first full week of training, Pacquiao takes a rest today. He might run in the morning depending on the weather but will stay away from the gym.
Koncz said Pacquiao has also decided to skip the trip to Manila for him to be at the wake of his former business manager, Rod Nazario, who died three days ago after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.
“The decision was made the other day. For a number of reasons, he decided not to come to Manila anymore, and focus on his training. We’re sure the Nazario family would understand,” said Koncz.
The very bad weather should also keep Pacquiao up in Baguio since it would be quite dangerous for him to take a private plane out or take the five-hour trip by land.
Meanwhile, HBO has announced that the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez fight at the MGM Grand last Sunday drew a remarkable pay-per-view sales of one million.
The number exceeded expectations of PPV sales of 600,000 to 700,000 and turned in sales of $52 million. It also meant that Mayweather, who came out of retirement to beat Marquez, remains a very hot commodity.
Pacquiao’s fight with Oscar dela Hoya last December drew 1.25 million buys and the one against Ricky Hatton last May came in with 900,000 hits.
“I am truly humbled by the numbers, and I appreciate all of the sports fans who either came to the fight or bought it on pay-per-view. It felt great to be back in the ring and next time I will be even better,” said Mayweather in an ESPN.com report.
Mayweather still holds of the record PPV sales of 2.44 million buys in his 2005 split decision victory over Dela Hoya, and all these numbers he could use if ever he lands on the negotiating table with Pacquiao next year.
Commentary: So far so good. Not much distraction or is this really true?
Source: Pacquiao doing well in training, impresses Roach
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Coach forbids talk of politics, other distractions around Pacquiao
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — As if Miguel Cotto's left hook wasn’t worrisome enough, Team Pacquiao is also concerned about a slew of other distractions which might throw off Manny Pacquiao's training for his Nov. 14 fight in Las Vegas.
"There are too many distractions. Everybody wants a piece of Manny Pacquiao," said American trainer Freddie Roach who has banned all talk of politics while the Filipino ring icon trains at the Shape Up Boxing gym here.
But during the courtesy call on Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. at City Hall on Thursday, Pacquiao was mobbed by reporters and employees and the question about his political plans cropped up.
“I have decided to run in the next elections and I’m willing to leave boxing,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.
But he quickly added that foremost on his mind is his coming showdown with World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Cotto.
“I have nothing else to prove,” he said.
There is, however, the much vaunted fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. waiting for Pacquiao supposedly in March to decide who the real pound-for-pound champion is.
And should Pacquiao decide to run in the 2010 elections, March will throw him in the middle of the campaign period.
Roach is already excited about the Mayweather fight but insists Pacquiao should be rewarded well in that encounter.
“I have no problem fighting him. But if he thinks he’s going to get equal money with Pacquiao, he’s crazy,” Roach said of Mayweather.
“We already have a perfect game plan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao said that he is pursuing his defamation suit against Mayweather’s father, Floyd Sr., for saying that Pacquiao used steroids.
“He has probably lost his mind,” Pacquiao said of Mayweather Sr.
“He must have been embarrassed,” he added, referring to the successive losses of his wards against Pacquiao.
Aside from political distraction, Roach has closed the gym to the public and the media so Pacquiao can concentrate on his training for his fight against Cotto.
Other aspects of the Mayweather fight may be cleared up when boxing promoter Bob Arum, founder and chair of Top Rank, Inc., comes to Baguio on Oct. 1.
Pacquiao will be in Manila this weekend to attend the wake of Rodolfo Nazario, a long-time boxing promoter and manager, whom he considers as "his loving friend, father and manager."
Nazario, 74, died on Thursday due to a lingering illness.
Comment: “I have nothing else to prove.” Pacquaio
Uhoh...Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is singing this line for the first time. This could be a not so good sign for him as a boxer. If he thinks like this while preparing for the Cotto fight, I am afraid that come fight night he will realize that he was wrong.
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Source: Coach forbids talk of politics, other distractions around Pacquiao
"There are too many distractions. Everybody wants a piece of Manny Pacquiao," said American trainer Freddie Roach who has banned all talk of politics while the Filipino ring icon trains at the Shape Up Boxing gym here.
But during the courtesy call on Baguio Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. at City Hall on Thursday, Pacquiao was mobbed by reporters and employees and the question about his political plans cropped up.
“I have decided to run in the next elections and I’m willing to leave boxing,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.
But he quickly added that foremost on his mind is his coming showdown with World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Cotto.
“I have nothing else to prove,” he said.
There is, however, the much vaunted fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. waiting for Pacquiao supposedly in March to decide who the real pound-for-pound champion is.
And should Pacquiao decide to run in the 2010 elections, March will throw him in the middle of the campaign period.
Roach is already excited about the Mayweather fight but insists Pacquiao should be rewarded well in that encounter.
“I have no problem fighting him. But if he thinks he’s going to get equal money with Pacquiao, he’s crazy,” Roach said of Mayweather.
“We already have a perfect game plan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao said that he is pursuing his defamation suit against Mayweather’s father, Floyd Sr., for saying that Pacquiao used steroids.
“He has probably lost his mind,” Pacquiao said of Mayweather Sr.
“He must have been embarrassed,” he added, referring to the successive losses of his wards against Pacquiao.
Aside from political distraction, Roach has closed the gym to the public and the media so Pacquiao can concentrate on his training for his fight against Cotto.
Other aspects of the Mayweather fight may be cleared up when boxing promoter Bob Arum, founder and chair of Top Rank, Inc., comes to Baguio on Oct. 1.
Pacquiao will be in Manila this weekend to attend the wake of Rodolfo Nazario, a long-time boxing promoter and manager, whom he considers as "his loving friend, father and manager."
Nazario, 74, died on Thursday due to a lingering illness.
Comment: “I have nothing else to prove.” Pacquaio
Uhoh...Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is singing this line for the first time. This could be a not so good sign for him as a boxer. If he thinks like this while preparing for the Cotto fight, I am afraid that come fight night he will realize that he was wrong.
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Source: Coach forbids talk of politics, other distractions around Pacquiao
Don't Worry Freddie, Miguel Cotto Will Make 145
During a recent interview, trainer Freddie Roach voiced his concern about the possibility of Miguel Cotto not making the contract weight of 145-pounds for the November 14 clash with Manny Pacquiao. Roach is not taking any chances. He wants to make sure Cotto doesn't pull a Floyd Mayweather Jr, who weighed 146-pounds for last Saturday's fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight was contracted for 144. As punishment, Mayweather had to pay Marquez $600,000.
“We will make sure that Cotto cannot use his weight to his advantage,” Roach told The Philippine Star.
Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago says Roach, or anyone else for that matter, should worry about Cotto's weight. They don't plan on having to pay Pacquiao any weight penalties. He guarantees that Cotto will weigh 145-pounds.
"There is no doubt, Cotto will weigh 145-pounds," Santiago told El Nuevo Dia.
Comment: I don't think Cotto has the ugly guts like that of Floyd "Money" Mayweather to pull out the same stunt.
Source: Don't Worry Freddie, Miguel Cotto Will Make 145
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
“We will make sure that Cotto cannot use his weight to his advantage,” Roach told The Philippine Star.
Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago says Roach, or anyone else for that matter, should worry about Cotto's weight. They don't plan on having to pay Pacquiao any weight penalties. He guarantees that Cotto will weigh 145-pounds.
"There is no doubt, Cotto will weigh 145-pounds," Santiago told El Nuevo Dia.
Comment: I don't think Cotto has the ugly guts like that of Floyd "Money" Mayweather to pull out the same stunt.
Source: Don't Worry Freddie, Miguel Cotto Will Make 145
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao ahead of training sked
Manny Pacquiao is surprisingly ahead of his training schedule, which is four days old, that he is now ready for sparring, the boxer’s American trainer said on Friday.
“This is our best start ever,” trainer Freddie Roach told The Bulletin on Friday after presiding over Pacquiao’s training at the Shape Up Boxing Gym at the Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City.
Roach is convinced that the Filipino is fit enough that he can start sparring sessions on Tuesday.
“Manny is going to be ready (to spar),” said Roach, who, in the past had to wait until 10 days or two weeks after the start of training camp before letting Pacquiao do some sparring.
Two sparmates -- unbeaten welterweight prospect Shawn Porter and lightweight star Urbano Antillon -- are arriving in the country tomorrow morning from Los Angeles and motor direct to Baguio from the airport.
While there is still seven-and-a-half weeks to go before Pacquiao faces Miguel Cotto on November 14 in Las Vegas, Roach believes they are not only right on track but a little bit ahead of schedule.
For the third straight day, Roach let Pacquiao hit the mitts for ten rounds after doing nine rounds on Tuesday, just hours after Roach landed in Manila from a 15-hour flight from Los Angeles and less than an hour after arriving in Baguio.
Pacquiao and Roach are camping out in the City of Pines possibly until the third week of October.
Meanwhile, over in Tampa, Florida, site of Cotto’s training camp, top trainer Joe Santiago expressed the belief that on fight night at the MGM Grand, the sheer size advantage of Cotto as well as his natural strength will prove to be very tough for Pacquiao to overcome.
“We have great respect for his speed and we take our hats off to what he’s done for boxing, but on the day of the fight, Miguel is going to be the stronger man in the ring,” Cotto taskmaster Joe Santiago told the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia.
Commentary: This is the very best camp start ever for the team Pacquiao. If this is true then Manny really knows what he is doing when he tried to pacify his worried fans for not starting early in his preparations. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has really seen the light.
Source: Pacquiao ahead of training sked
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
“This is our best start ever,” trainer Freddie Roach told The Bulletin on Friday after presiding over Pacquiao’s training at the Shape Up Boxing Gym at the Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City.
Roach is convinced that the Filipino is fit enough that he can start sparring sessions on Tuesday.
“Manny is going to be ready (to spar),” said Roach, who, in the past had to wait until 10 days or two weeks after the start of training camp before letting Pacquiao do some sparring.
Two sparmates -- unbeaten welterweight prospect Shawn Porter and lightweight star Urbano Antillon -- are arriving in the country tomorrow morning from Los Angeles and motor direct to Baguio from the airport.
While there is still seven-and-a-half weeks to go before Pacquiao faces Miguel Cotto on November 14 in Las Vegas, Roach believes they are not only right on track but a little bit ahead of schedule.
For the third straight day, Roach let Pacquiao hit the mitts for ten rounds after doing nine rounds on Tuesday, just hours after Roach landed in Manila from a 15-hour flight from Los Angeles and less than an hour after arriving in Baguio.
Pacquiao and Roach are camping out in the City of Pines possibly until the third week of October.
Meanwhile, over in Tampa, Florida, site of Cotto’s training camp, top trainer Joe Santiago expressed the belief that on fight night at the MGM Grand, the sheer size advantage of Cotto as well as his natural strength will prove to be very tough for Pacquiao to overcome.
“We have great respect for his speed and we take our hats off to what he’s done for boxing, but on the day of the fight, Miguel is going to be the stronger man in the ring,” Cotto taskmaster Joe Santiago told the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia.
Commentary: This is the very best camp start ever for the team Pacquiao. If this is true then Manny really knows what he is doing when he tried to pacify his worried fans for not starting early in his preparations. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has really seen the light.
Source: Pacquiao ahead of training sked
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao's sparmates arriving on Sunday
Manny Pacquiao’s physical conditioning will be further put into test as two tough sparmates are set to arrive in Baguio this weekend.
Sparring for the Filipino champion starts by Tuesday as promising welterweight Shawn Porter and preferred choice Urbano Antillon are flying over here Sunday from the U.S.
Coming over from Los Angeles, the two will be immediately whisked to the country’s summer hideaway, giving them at least two days to get accustomed to Baguio City’s high-altitude weather, located some 1,500 meters above sea level.
The 30-year old Pacquiao has been in the City of Pines for almost a week now as he tries to get in the best shape of his career for a November 14 date with Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt.
Through with the first week of the camp, trainer Freddie Roach believes the boxing champion is now ready for sparring.
“He’s ready to spar," said Roach after engaging Pacquiao for 10 rounds with the mitts Friday.
Antillon has been a regular Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, the last of which came when he fought Briton Ricky Hatton last summer for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior-welterweight title.
“Urbano is definitely the toughest sparring partner for Manny," said Roach of the Mexican lightweight now based in Maywood, California. “He gets hit a little too much, but he always comes back with his own."
Manny Pacquiao does the mitts with assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez. Dave Leprozo
The 27-year old Antillon has a ring record of 26-1, with 19 KOs, and has sparred with some of boxing’s best fighters today including Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valero.
“A very good and strong fighter," Pacquiao said of Antillon after one of their sparring sessions for the Hatton fight at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.
Just as impressive is the unbeaten 21-year old Porter from Akron, Ohio.
Porter is a natural welterweight who holds a perfect 10-0 record, with eight KOs. He is a 2007 Golden Gloves champion and an alternate with the U.S. men’s boxing team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
After spending a few sparring sessions at the Wild Card gym, Roach tapped Porter as Pacquiao sparmate as he reportedly has the same built and fighting style of Cotto.
Commentary: Hopefully this sparmates can help Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
Source: Pacquiao's sparmates arriving on Sunday
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Sparring for the Filipino champion starts by Tuesday as promising welterweight Shawn Porter and preferred choice Urbano Antillon are flying over here Sunday from the U.S.
Coming over from Los Angeles, the two will be immediately whisked to the country’s summer hideaway, giving them at least two days to get accustomed to Baguio City’s high-altitude weather, located some 1,500 meters above sea level.
The 30-year old Pacquiao has been in the City of Pines for almost a week now as he tries to get in the best shape of his career for a November 14 date with Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt.
Through with the first week of the camp, trainer Freddie Roach believes the boxing champion is now ready for sparring.
“He’s ready to spar," said Roach after engaging Pacquiao for 10 rounds with the mitts Friday.
Antillon has been a regular Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, the last of which came when he fought Briton Ricky Hatton last summer for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior-welterweight title.
“Urbano is definitely the toughest sparring partner for Manny," said Roach of the Mexican lightweight now based in Maywood, California. “He gets hit a little too much, but he always comes back with his own."
Manny Pacquiao does the mitts with assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez. Dave Leprozo
The 27-year old Antillon has a ring record of 26-1, with 19 KOs, and has sparred with some of boxing’s best fighters today including Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valero.
“A very good and strong fighter," Pacquiao said of Antillon after one of their sparring sessions for the Hatton fight at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.
Just as impressive is the unbeaten 21-year old Porter from Akron, Ohio.
Porter is a natural welterweight who holds a perfect 10-0 record, with eight KOs. He is a 2007 Golden Gloves champion and an alternate with the U.S. men’s boxing team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
After spending a few sparring sessions at the Wild Card gym, Roach tapped Porter as Pacquiao sparmate as he reportedly has the same built and fighting style of Cotto.
Commentary: Hopefully this sparmates can help Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
Source: Pacquiao's sparmates arriving on Sunday
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Fighter Flashback: The Early Evolution of Miguel Cotto
With his father and Uncle Evangelista watching over him, young Miguel would start what would eventually be one of the most decorated amateur careers in Puerto Rican history. His boxing skills and apparent ring savvy at such a young age were said to be striking and he began getting noticed internationally in 1997. He would go on to represent his country in the both the Lightweight and Jr. lightweight divisions at various international events including the 1998 Junior World Championships, the 1999 Pan American Games, and the 2000 Summer Olympics. After being eliminated earlier than expected in Sydney, Cotto would embark on his professional career.
On February 23rd, 2001 Cotto would stop Jason Doucet in the first round at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. From that point forward Cotto would be guided by his promotional company, Top Rank, accordingly. Cotto would end up fighting again in Texas as well as Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and four times in Puerto Rico as he compiled a 9-0 record with 7 knockouts. The first name fighter on his resume was former Ugandan world title challenger Justin Juuko, whom he met on the undercard of the Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales rematch.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
URBANO ANTILLON ALL SET FOR THE LONG GRIND AS PACQUIAO’S SPARMATE
Freddie Roach, the guru of the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood did not select Urbano Antillon to be one of the three sparmates of Manny Pacquiao out of a whim.
He knew that Antillon has plenty to offer in so far as being a sparring partner of Pacquiao is concerned. Antillon is fast and can pack a wallop.
Antillon is no push-over. Although the young man from Namiquipa, Mexico who now makes Maywood, California his home is far cry from being a Miguel Cotto, he holds a very respectable record of 26-1-0 and he is quite a well-rounded boxer.
Antillon is better known amongst Fiilipino fight fans as the Mexican boxer who knocked-out Bobby Pacquiao in one round at the Hard Rock Casino Resort at Las Vegas back in March 2008.
Since that win, he continued on to win four more fights, two by KO’s and another two by TKO’s. Then this past July, he run into a brick wall named Miguel Acosta at Nayrit, Mexico. Acosta KO’d Antillon in the 9th round to win the WBA Interim Lightweight title.
Antillon is now over that KO lost and is back in the gym full time in an effort to rebound and re-gain his former glory days.
To achieve that, nothing can be better than training and sparring with the world’s best pound4pound boxer, Manny Pacquiao. And, the money is good as well.
“I know it will be a very hard grind to be training with Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines but I'm ready for it as I know it will be a good experience for me,” Antillon stated to this writer.
Antillon happenned to bump with David Rodela, a long time favorite training partner of Manny Pacquiao yesterday morning at our offices. Rodela, just like Antillon was at our offices to be fitted new mouthguards in anticipation of their sparring with Pacquiao.
Rodela however is not going to the Philippines. He is training at Oxnard for an anticipated fight next month in the Nokia Night Fight card promoted by Golden Boy. He will spar with Pacquiao when the Filipino spitfire continues on with his training at the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood late next month.
Antillon leaves for the Philippines on Friday LA time and will arrive in the Philippines early Sunday. He is excited about the prospect of training with Pacquiao but a little bit perturbed by the 13-hour or so flight to Manila and then a five our drive to Baguio.
Antillon hopes that Team Pacquiao provides him with a “business class ticket” on PAL so he can rest comfortably on the long ride to the islands.
The little anxiety that Antillon understandably feels was however sort of watered down after talking to Rodela . Rodela assured him that the whole experience will be very good.
Rodela told Antillon about the experiences he had when he flew to Manila then to Cebu to spar with Pacquiao. “The country is great, the people are very warm and the food is beyond compare. And Manny is such a great host. He will push you to the limit during sparring but he will make sure that after that you are well taken cared of,” Rodela told Antillon.
Commentary: I believe Urbano Antillon helped Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao prepare for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight. Hopefully with his help, the same result will be achieved by team Pacquiao. Go Pacquiao vs. Hatton!
Source: URBANO ANTILLON ALL SET FOR THE LONG GRIND AS PACQUIAO’S SPARMATE
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
He knew that Antillon has plenty to offer in so far as being a sparring partner of Pacquiao is concerned. Antillon is fast and can pack a wallop.
Antillon is no push-over. Although the young man from Namiquipa, Mexico who now makes Maywood, California his home is far cry from being a Miguel Cotto, he holds a very respectable record of 26-1-0 and he is quite a well-rounded boxer.
Antillon is better known amongst Fiilipino fight fans as the Mexican boxer who knocked-out Bobby Pacquiao in one round at the Hard Rock Casino Resort at Las Vegas back in March 2008.
Since that win, he continued on to win four more fights, two by KO’s and another two by TKO’s. Then this past July, he run into a brick wall named Miguel Acosta at Nayrit, Mexico. Acosta KO’d Antillon in the 9th round to win the WBA Interim Lightweight title.
Antillon is now over that KO lost and is back in the gym full time in an effort to rebound and re-gain his former glory days.
To achieve that, nothing can be better than training and sparring with the world’s best pound4pound boxer, Manny Pacquiao. And, the money is good as well.
“I know it will be a very hard grind to be training with Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines but I'm ready for it as I know it will be a good experience for me,” Antillon stated to this writer.
Antillon happenned to bump with David Rodela, a long time favorite training partner of Manny Pacquiao yesterday morning at our offices. Rodela, just like Antillon was at our offices to be fitted new mouthguards in anticipation of their sparring with Pacquiao.
Rodela however is not going to the Philippines. He is training at Oxnard for an anticipated fight next month in the Nokia Night Fight card promoted by Golden Boy. He will spar with Pacquiao when the Filipino spitfire continues on with his training at the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood late next month.
Antillon leaves for the Philippines on Friday LA time and will arrive in the Philippines early Sunday. He is excited about the prospect of training with Pacquiao but a little bit perturbed by the 13-hour or so flight to Manila and then a five our drive to Baguio.
Antillon hopes that Team Pacquiao provides him with a “business class ticket” on PAL so he can rest comfortably on the long ride to the islands.
The little anxiety that Antillon understandably feels was however sort of watered down after talking to Rodela . Rodela assured him that the whole experience will be very good.
Rodela told Antillon about the experiences he had when he flew to Manila then to Cebu to spar with Pacquiao. “The country is great, the people are very warm and the food is beyond compare. And Manny is such a great host. He will push you to the limit during sparring but he will make sure that after that you are well taken cared of,” Rodela told Antillon.
Commentary: I believe Urbano Antillon helped Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao prepare for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight. Hopefully with his help, the same result will be achieved by team Pacquiao. Go Pacquiao vs. Hatton!
Source: URBANO ANTILLON ALL SET FOR THE LONG GRIND AS PACQUIAO’S SPARMATE
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Rankings: Mayweather edges Pacquiao
It’s amazing how many people think size was the difference between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez in their fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last week.
Mayweather won 33 of the 36 scored rounds on the judges’ cards in one of the most impressive victories of a Hall of Fame career.
Who is the best pound-for-pound boxer? Floyd Mayweather Jr. Manny Pacquiao Other View Results
Yet, Mayweather’s legion of critics dismissed his victory as simply a matter of picking on a smaller man.
And while it’s true that Marquez was a smaller man, size had little to do with the outcome of this fight. One would expect, particularly at the highest level of the sport, that the smaller man would be quicker and faster. Instead, however, it was the bigger man who had the quicker hands and feet, the faster reflexes and the superior boxing sense.
More From Kevin IoleWith a win, Arreola could become superstar Sep 23, 2009 Mailbag: Heavyweight delivery anticipated Sep 22, 2009 ADVERTISEMENT
Mayweather expertly walked Marquez into shots. He used his blazing speed to pop off combinations that had ended before Marquez had even begun to react. And he used his phenomenal reflexes and exceptional ring savvy to hold Marquez to a ridiculously low 12 percent connect rate.
Mayweather has reclaimed his position atop the monthly Yahoo! Sports pound-for-pound rankings, one he was forced to vacate upon his announced retirement in June 2008, by virtue of the victory.
He grabbed first by the smallest of margins. He earned 266 points and gained 15 of the 28 first-place votes. Manny Pacquiao, who had been No. 1, received 13 first-place votes and gained 265 points.
To keep the top spot, though, Mayweather isn’t going to be able to avoid men like Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Paul Williams.
His first priority should be to fight Pacquiao, assuming Pacquiao defeats Cotto when they meet Nov. 14.
A fight with Mosley would be excellent, but Mosley lacked class by bumrushing Mayweather in what appeared to be a pre-planned move while Mayweather was being interviewed postfight by HBO’s Max Kellerman.
Mayweather and his team, led by manager Leonard Ellerbe, were extremely agitated by Mosley’s actions. Ellerbe said, “I haven’t forgotten being down in [Carson, Calif.,] last year and seeing barely 3,800 people in the place to watch Shane struggle to beat [Ricardo] Mayorga.”
And be sure that Mayweather remembers full well challenging Mosley in 2006 and having Mosley decline the fight and go on vacation instead.
Mayweather has phenomenal physical gifts, but where he lacks compared to recent all-time greats like Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns is the top-caliber opponents.
There has been nobody so far who can give him the kind of fight that Hearns gave Leonard or that Leonard gave Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He needs to make certain to include at least the Pacquiao-Cotto winner and either Mosley or Williams on his 2010 dance card.
Mayweather is joined as a newcomer to the top 10 by International Boxing Federation/World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who slipped to the 10th spot.
Dropping out of the top 10 were Ivan Calderon and Rafael Marquez.
Mayweather won 33 of the 36 scored rounds on the judges’ cards in one of the most impressive victories of a Hall of Fame career.
Who is the best pound-for-pound boxer? Floyd Mayweather Jr. Manny Pacquiao Other View Results
Yet, Mayweather’s legion of critics dismissed his victory as simply a matter of picking on a smaller man.
And while it’s true that Marquez was a smaller man, size had little to do with the outcome of this fight. One would expect, particularly at the highest level of the sport, that the smaller man would be quicker and faster. Instead, however, it was the bigger man who had the quicker hands and feet, the faster reflexes and the superior boxing sense.
More From Kevin IoleWith a win, Arreola could become superstar Sep 23, 2009 Mailbag: Heavyweight delivery anticipated Sep 22, 2009 ADVERTISEMENT
Mayweather expertly walked Marquez into shots. He used his blazing speed to pop off combinations that had ended before Marquez had even begun to react. And he used his phenomenal reflexes and exceptional ring savvy to hold Marquez to a ridiculously low 12 percent connect rate.
Mayweather has reclaimed his position atop the monthly Yahoo! Sports pound-for-pound rankings, one he was forced to vacate upon his announced retirement in June 2008, by virtue of the victory.
He grabbed first by the smallest of margins. He earned 266 points and gained 15 of the 28 first-place votes. Manny Pacquiao, who had been No. 1, received 13 first-place votes and gained 265 points.
To keep the top spot, though, Mayweather isn’t going to be able to avoid men like Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Paul Williams.
His first priority should be to fight Pacquiao, assuming Pacquiao defeats Cotto when they meet Nov. 14.
A fight with Mosley would be excellent, but Mosley lacked class by bumrushing Mayweather in what appeared to be a pre-planned move while Mayweather was being interviewed postfight by HBO’s Max Kellerman.
Mayweather and his team, led by manager Leonard Ellerbe, were extremely agitated by Mosley’s actions. Ellerbe said, “I haven’t forgotten being down in [Carson, Calif.,] last year and seeing barely 3,800 people in the place to watch Shane struggle to beat [Ricardo] Mayorga.”
And be sure that Mayweather remembers full well challenging Mosley in 2006 and having Mosley decline the fight and go on vacation instead.
Mayweather has phenomenal physical gifts, but where he lacks compared to recent all-time greats like Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns is the top-caliber opponents.
There has been nobody so far who can give him the kind of fight that Hearns gave Leonard or that Leonard gave Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He needs to make certain to include at least the Pacquiao-Cotto winner and either Mosley or Williams on his 2010 dance card.
Mayweather is joined as a newcomer to the top 10 by International Boxing Federation/World Boxing Organization heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who slipped to the 10th spot.
Dropping out of the top 10 were Ivan Calderon and Rafael Marquez.
Nazario's dying wish to Pacquiao: KO Cotto
Even at his death bed, long-time ring promoter Rod Nazario had nothing but boxing in his mind.
Nazario made two major wishes to boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao days before he passed away after a year-long bout with lung cancer.
The 74-year old boxing man admonished Pacquiao to often use his powerful left hand in his coming Nov. 14 title fight with reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, and then requested that Eden Sonsona – cousin of WBO super-bantamweight king Marvelous Marvin Sonsona – be added in the undercard of his bout against the Puerto Rican.
Manny Pacquiao and Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. walk down the Baguio City Hall stairs after the boxing icon made a courtesy call Thursday. - Thom Picana
“Alam mo namang pag si Dolfo ang humiling kay Manny, hindi tumatanggi yun," Moy Lainez, Nazario’s long-time associate, said hours after Nazario passed away Thursday morning at the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas.
“Bago umakyat si Manny sa Baguio, nagbilin na siya (Nazario). Yung isang usapan nila tungkol sa laban niya nga kay Cotto. Sabi niya tandaan mo, `yung kaliwa mo ang siyang magna-knockout kay Cotto," Lainez recalled of the conversation between the two.
"Hiniling niya (Nazario) rin na sana mapasama si Eden Sonsona sa undercard ng laban niya against Cotto," said Lainez, whose friendship and association with Nazario extend back to more than four decades.
Pacquiao has since made special arrangement for the inclusion of Sonsona, a boxer of Nazario, in the boxing card for his coming fight with Cotto.
Nazario’s death came four days after Pacquiao entered training camp at the country’s Summer Capital.
A somber atmosphere shrouded Pacquiao’s training Thursday at the Shape Up gym at the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan Road as Nazario had been like a second father to the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, according to Lainez.
In a statement, the 30-year old pride of Genera Santos City deeply consoled the loss of his former handler.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Nazario, who was not only a loving father and husband, but a great loss to me and the sport of boxing. I will forever cherish our fondest memories in and outside the ring. We will terribly miss him," said Pacquiao.
“Si Buboy (Fernandez) nga raw iyak ng iyak," Lainez said of Pacquiao’s close buddy and Freddie Roach’s assistant trainer, who got his big break in boxing while working errands with the group of Nazario, Lainez and Lito Mondejar in the old L&M gym.
Gerry Garcia, another close friend of Nazario and partner in the top rating boxing show In This Corner also with Lainez and Mondejar, said Pacquiao is likely to take a break in training and pay his last respects to the late boxing manager by Sunday.
A day upon arriving from his whirlwind press tour for the Nov. 14 title fight with the 28-year old Cotto, Pacquiao visited the Wild Card gym in Paranaque, where he sweat it out for about an hour, before proceeding to the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas to check on Nazario’s condition, who had been confined there shortly after celebrating his 74th birthday last Sept. 12.
The following day, the boxing star visited his former manager once again prior to his trip to Baguio City.
Nazario handled Pacquiao from 1995 to 2005, and was the one responsible for giving the Filipino his U.S. break in 2001 when he stunned Lehlo Ledwaba to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight title.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bago umakyat si Manny sa Baguio, nagbilin na siya (Nazario). Yung isang usapan nila tungkol sa laban niya nga kay Cotto. Sabi niya tandaan mo, `yung kaliwa mo ang siyang magna-knockout kay Cotto.' Hiniling niya (Nazario) rin na sana mapasama si Eden Sonsona sa undercard ng laban niya against Cotto.
– Moy Lainez, Rod Nazario associate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was also under Nazario’s tutelage when Pacquiao became a legitimate world champion after bagging the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight crown in 1998, scored his biggest win with an 11th round technical knockout of Marco Antonio Barrera, and cemented his status as a rising boxing star following that controversial draw with Juan Manuel Marquez in their memorable 2004 title fight in Las Vegas.
The two parted ways shortly after Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision against Mexican warrior Eric Morales.
Despite going their separate ways, the two remained close to each other, with Nazario and Co. even traveling to the U.S. last summer to watch Pacquiao demolish Briton Ricky Hatton inside two rounds for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight crown.
By that time, Nazario – who also undergone by-pass operation three years ago – had already been undergoing chemo-therapy for his lung cancer.
Commentary: I hope Cotto is reading this article. The killer punch that will send Cotto to dreamland come Nov. 14 is already laid out byt the dying man. What is scary for the Cotto camp is that Rod Nazario, made a dying man's wish -- to KO Cotto. I know Manny will take this request very very seriously.
Source: Nazario's dying wish to Pacquiao: KO Cotto
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Nazario made two major wishes to boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao days before he passed away after a year-long bout with lung cancer.
The 74-year old boxing man admonished Pacquiao to often use his powerful left hand in his coming Nov. 14 title fight with reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, and then requested that Eden Sonsona – cousin of WBO super-bantamweight king Marvelous Marvin Sonsona – be added in the undercard of his bout against the Puerto Rican.
Manny Pacquiao and Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. walk down the Baguio City Hall stairs after the boxing icon made a courtesy call Thursday. - Thom Picana
“Alam mo namang pag si Dolfo ang humiling kay Manny, hindi tumatanggi yun," Moy Lainez, Nazario’s long-time associate, said hours after Nazario passed away Thursday morning at the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas.
“Bago umakyat si Manny sa Baguio, nagbilin na siya (Nazario). Yung isang usapan nila tungkol sa laban niya nga kay Cotto. Sabi niya tandaan mo, `yung kaliwa mo ang siyang magna-knockout kay Cotto," Lainez recalled of the conversation between the two.
"Hiniling niya (Nazario) rin na sana mapasama si Eden Sonsona sa undercard ng laban niya against Cotto," said Lainez, whose friendship and association with Nazario extend back to more than four decades.
Pacquiao has since made special arrangement for the inclusion of Sonsona, a boxer of Nazario, in the boxing card for his coming fight with Cotto.
Nazario’s death came four days after Pacquiao entered training camp at the country’s Summer Capital.
A somber atmosphere shrouded Pacquiao’s training Thursday at the Shape Up gym at the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan Road as Nazario had been like a second father to the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, according to Lainez.
In a statement, the 30-year old pride of Genera Santos City deeply consoled the loss of his former handler.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Nazario, who was not only a loving father and husband, but a great loss to me and the sport of boxing. I will forever cherish our fondest memories in and outside the ring. We will terribly miss him," said Pacquiao.
“Si Buboy (Fernandez) nga raw iyak ng iyak," Lainez said of Pacquiao’s close buddy and Freddie Roach’s assistant trainer, who got his big break in boxing while working errands with the group of Nazario, Lainez and Lito Mondejar in the old L&M gym.
Gerry Garcia, another close friend of Nazario and partner in the top rating boxing show In This Corner also with Lainez and Mondejar, said Pacquiao is likely to take a break in training and pay his last respects to the late boxing manager by Sunday.
A day upon arriving from his whirlwind press tour for the Nov. 14 title fight with the 28-year old Cotto, Pacquiao visited the Wild Card gym in Paranaque, where he sweat it out for about an hour, before proceeding to the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas to check on Nazario’s condition, who had been confined there shortly after celebrating his 74th birthday last Sept. 12.
The following day, the boxing star visited his former manager once again prior to his trip to Baguio City.
Nazario handled Pacquiao from 1995 to 2005, and was the one responsible for giving the Filipino his U.S. break in 2001 when he stunned Lehlo Ledwaba to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight title.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bago umakyat si Manny sa Baguio, nagbilin na siya (Nazario). Yung isang usapan nila tungkol sa laban niya nga kay Cotto. Sabi niya tandaan mo, `yung kaliwa mo ang siyang magna-knockout kay Cotto.' Hiniling niya (Nazario) rin na sana mapasama si Eden Sonsona sa undercard ng laban niya against Cotto.
– Moy Lainez, Rod Nazario associate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was also under Nazario’s tutelage when Pacquiao became a legitimate world champion after bagging the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight crown in 1998, scored his biggest win with an 11th round technical knockout of Marco Antonio Barrera, and cemented his status as a rising boxing star following that controversial draw with Juan Manuel Marquez in their memorable 2004 title fight in Las Vegas.
The two parted ways shortly after Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision against Mexican warrior Eric Morales.
Despite going their separate ways, the two remained close to each other, with Nazario and Co. even traveling to the U.S. last summer to watch Pacquiao demolish Briton Ricky Hatton inside two rounds for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight crown.
By that time, Nazario – who also undergone by-pass operation three years ago – had already been undergoing chemo-therapy for his lung cancer.
Commentary: I hope Cotto is reading this article. The killer punch that will send Cotto to dreamland come Nov. 14 is already laid out byt the dying man. What is scary for the Cotto camp is that Rod Nazario, made a dying man's wish -- to KO Cotto. I know Manny will take this request very very seriously.
Source: Nazario's dying wish to Pacquiao: KO Cotto
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
'Pacquiao can match Floyd Jr. with speed'
MANILA – A highly respected boxing analyst said he thinks Manny Pacquiao will pose a tougher challenge against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. should a “mega-fight” be arranged between the two boxers.
Teddy Atlas, a well-known boxing trainer and ESPN sports analyst, believes Pacquiao can match Mayweather with speed, at least better than Juan Manuel Marquez did during the “Number One vs Numero Uno” match.
“Pacquiao is able to bring things in a better way than Marquez was able to bring. Pacquiao is a lot faster than Marquez and will probably match Mayweather with speed,” Atlas told David Tyler of DogHouse boxing.com.
Mayweather defeated Marquez by a lopsided decision. The former pound-for-pound king used his quickness to outbox the "smaller" Mexican, who was hampered by the climb in weight.
Atlas also cited that Pacquiao is different compared to Marquez in terms of boxing styles.
“Pacquiao is busier than Marquez and does a lot more than just put his hands together. I just think that Pacquiao does more things than Marquez does as a smaller guy going up in weight,” said Atlas.
A Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown is considered by many boxing fans as a “fight for the ages” because it would mean pitting the best pound-for-pound boxers in recent years.
Pacquiao is currently the top pound-for-pound and one of the most exciting fighters boxer today. Mayweather, on the other hand, is now ranked No. 2 in the P4P list owing to his "destruction" of Marquez.
Atlas, however, said that the possibility of a Pacquiao-Mayweather match up will depend on the outcome of the Filipino’s “Firepower” showdown with Miguel Cotto.
The Filipino champ will try to win Cotto’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title when they face off at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on November 14.
“I think a lot will have to do with how he gets through the Cotto fight, if he gets through the Cotto well, then I think all systems will be going perfect and I think all systems must be working perfect for him to go into the biggest fight of his life against Mayweather,” said Atlas.
Pacquiao is currently training in the highlands of Baguio to prepare himself against Cotto.
Commentary: Very good article! What many so-called boxing expert failed to realize is that the reason Floyd "Money" Mayweather looked so fast is because Juan Manuel Marquez was so slow. Why? Because he moved up in weight plus the fact that historically Marquez is not a speed merchant. Marquez main weapon is his timing and accuracy which means nothing if your opponent like the chicken Floyd Mayweather refused to engage. I've seen the sleeper Oscar dela Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and I believe that Manny has got what it takes to match speed with the chicken Mayweather.
Source: 'Pacquiao can match Floyd Jr. with speed'
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Teddy Atlas, a well-known boxing trainer and ESPN sports analyst, believes Pacquiao can match Mayweather with speed, at least better than Juan Manuel Marquez did during the “Number One vs Numero Uno” match.
“Pacquiao is able to bring things in a better way than Marquez was able to bring. Pacquiao is a lot faster than Marquez and will probably match Mayweather with speed,” Atlas told David Tyler of DogHouse boxing.com.
Mayweather defeated Marquez by a lopsided decision. The former pound-for-pound king used his quickness to outbox the "smaller" Mexican, who was hampered by the climb in weight.
Atlas also cited that Pacquiao is different compared to Marquez in terms of boxing styles.
“Pacquiao is busier than Marquez and does a lot more than just put his hands together. I just think that Pacquiao does more things than Marquez does as a smaller guy going up in weight,” said Atlas.
A Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown is considered by many boxing fans as a “fight for the ages” because it would mean pitting the best pound-for-pound boxers in recent years.
Pacquiao is currently the top pound-for-pound and one of the most exciting fighters boxer today. Mayweather, on the other hand, is now ranked No. 2 in the P4P list owing to his "destruction" of Marquez.
Atlas, however, said that the possibility of a Pacquiao-Mayweather match up will depend on the outcome of the Filipino’s “Firepower” showdown with Miguel Cotto.
The Filipino champ will try to win Cotto’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title when they face off at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on November 14.
“I think a lot will have to do with how he gets through the Cotto fight, if he gets through the Cotto well, then I think all systems will be going perfect and I think all systems must be working perfect for him to go into the biggest fight of his life against Mayweather,” said Atlas.
Pacquiao is currently training in the highlands of Baguio to prepare himself against Cotto.
Commentary: Very good article! What many so-called boxing expert failed to realize is that the reason Floyd "Money" Mayweather looked so fast is because Juan Manuel Marquez was so slow. Why? Because he moved up in weight plus the fact that historically Marquez is not a speed merchant. Marquez main weapon is his timing and accuracy which means nothing if your opponent like the chicken Floyd Mayweather refused to engage. I've seen the sleeper Oscar dela Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and I believe that Manny has got what it takes to match speed with the chicken Mayweather.
Source: 'Pacquiao can match Floyd Jr. with speed'
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Mayweather Return Successful, Time to Step Up Against the Real Welterweights
Floyd Mayweather Jr. returned to the ring successfully against Juan Manuel Marquez after an almost two year hiatus. However, not everyone was impressed with his virtuoso near shutout of Marquez, best known as Manny Pacquiao’s ring rival.
From the sound of the first bell, it was quite apparent that Mayweather was far too big, strong, fast, young, you name it, for the game but overmatched Mexican legend.
There were times during the bout when you got the sense that Mayweather was going to step it up and take out the shopworn, undersized veteran.
That moment never came.
Mayweather supporters are now raving that their man is back and he without a shadow of a doubt has reclaimed the top spot in the subjective p4p rankings. Detractors argue that Mayweather only selected Marquez because he knew the smaller great would pose no threat. They further argue that Mayweather purposely came in overweight a few pounds to secure yet more of an advantage over the already overmatched Mexican.
I can’t say I disagree.
From the sound of the first bell, it was quite apparent that Mayweather was far too big, strong, fast, young, you name it, for the game but overmatched Mexican legend.
There were times during the bout when you got the sense that Mayweather was going to step it up and take out the shopworn, undersized veteran.
That moment never came.
Mayweather supporters are now raving that their man is back and he without a shadow of a doubt has reclaimed the top spot in the subjective p4p rankings. Detractors argue that Mayweather only selected Marquez because he knew the smaller great would pose no threat. They further argue that Mayweather purposely came in overweight a few pounds to secure yet more of an advantage over the already overmatched Mexican.
I can’t say I disagree.
Pacquiao is a Blown-Up Featherweight, Says Santiago
Miguel Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago is under the impression that Manny Pacquiao is a blown-up featherweight. He says the streak of Pacquiao has been impressive so far, but everything will come to an end when Pacquiao steps in the ring with Cotto on November 14 in Las Vegas. He says Cotto's strength is going to be one the key factors in their victory.
"Manny Pacquiao is a blown-up featherweight. He started at 108-pounds and will now fight at 145. He's dared to go up and so far everything has turned out well for him but November 14 is a different story. We respect what he's done in boxing but on that day, Miguel is going to be the strongest man in the ring. That is going to be one the advantages in our favor," Santiago told El Nuevo Dia.
Santiago says they are not focusing on any of headlines regarding Pacquiao's late start in training or the internal problems between members of his team. He says the bad cut Cotto suffered above his left eye [against Clottey in June], which required 22 stitches, has presented no problems during camp.
"We heard they didn't start training, that there were problems in the training camp, but that is their problem. Everything is going very well with us. The work by the plastic surgeon was excellent and there have been no problems with the injury. I do not believe that is something that we have to be worried about. It's not the first time where Miguel was cut and none of those previous cuts have been re-opened [in a fight]," Santiago said.
Commentary: Finally Cotto's camp has spoken. From statement of Cotto's coach, I believe they are banking on the size and strenth of Cotto. I don't think this is enough to offset the foot and hand speed plus the power of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
Source: Pacquiao is a Blown-Up Featherweight, Says Santiago
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
"Manny Pacquiao is a blown-up featherweight. He started at 108-pounds and will now fight at 145. He's dared to go up and so far everything has turned out well for him but November 14 is a different story. We respect what he's done in boxing but on that day, Miguel is going to be the strongest man in the ring. That is going to be one the advantages in our favor," Santiago told El Nuevo Dia.
Santiago says they are not focusing on any of headlines regarding Pacquiao's late start in training or the internal problems between members of his team. He says the bad cut Cotto suffered above his left eye [against Clottey in June], which required 22 stitches, has presented no problems during camp.
"We heard they didn't start training, that there were problems in the training camp, but that is their problem. Everything is going very well with us. The work by the plastic surgeon was excellent and there have been no problems with the injury. I do not believe that is something that we have to be worried about. It's not the first time where Miguel was cut and none of those previous cuts have been re-opened [in a fight]," Santiago said.
Commentary: Finally Cotto's camp has spoken. From statement of Cotto's coach, I believe they are banking on the size and strenth of Cotto. I don't think this is enough to offset the foot and hand speed plus the power of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
Source: Pacquiao is a Blown-Up Featherweight, Says Santiago
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Reflection: Mayweather Jr/Juan Manuel Marquez
By John Lumpkin: After watching the Mayweather Marquez contest, HBO questioned the wisdom of jumping weight classes and began to rethink Pacquiao’s chances against Cotto. It is valid question and one that probably should have been asked a long time ago, but there are critical differences which make Pacquiao far more likely to succeed at a higher weight class than Marquez.
In the fight with Mayweather, we knew the outcome the instant Mayweather established where the fight would be fought. Mayweather effectively used his accurate jab, footwork, and superior hand speed to keep Marquez at bay. It completely eliminated Marquez as a threat because none of his vast array of skills could be put into play as long as he remained too far from Mayweather to land.
The issue for Marquez was not so much that Mayweather was two pounds heavier than expected, although this did not help because it probably enabled Mayweather to better handle any punches that did land and improved his stamina. Nevertheless, the results would have likely been the same at whatever weight they fought. Marquez needs a fighter to enter his wheelhouse to be effective and Mayweather just does not fight that way.
Marquez has never been nimble on his feet and does not have great hand speed. While he has been more aggressive lately, his temperament is that of a counter puncher and thus you do not see him using his strength to bully an opponent. His bread and butter are his skills and timing. As long as a fighter is of similar size, they will eventually have to engage him.
When Pacquiao fought Marquez, he was a much more aggressive fighter who willingly walked straight into Marquez’s wheelhouse which is what made those fights as thrilling as they were. If they were to fight again today with Pacquiao’s new style of darting in and out, Pacquiao would likely take a unanimous decision because Marquez would have to deal with an added element of surprise in conjunction with less opportunities to land. It would still be an entertaining fight and there is a possibility that Marquez could tame Pacquiao, but the odds are longer now.
Pacquiao moves up in weight better than Marquez because he brings along extreme speed as an asset. Bigger fighters do not usually have to deal with the kind of speed Pacquiao possesses, so they are not practiced in defending against it. The speed Pacquiao delivers comes from a combination of his fleet feet and is hands which are what makes him so dangerous. Hatton was obliterated because he had no idea when Pacquiao was going to strike from what angle and then could not react in time to defend against the punch once Pacquiao launched into position.
In the fight with Mayweather, we knew the outcome the instant Mayweather established where the fight would be fought. Mayweather effectively used his accurate jab, footwork, and superior hand speed to keep Marquez at bay. It completely eliminated Marquez as a threat because none of his vast array of skills could be put into play as long as he remained too far from Mayweather to land.
The issue for Marquez was not so much that Mayweather was two pounds heavier than expected, although this did not help because it probably enabled Mayweather to better handle any punches that did land and improved his stamina. Nevertheless, the results would have likely been the same at whatever weight they fought. Marquez needs a fighter to enter his wheelhouse to be effective and Mayweather just does not fight that way.
Marquez has never been nimble on his feet and does not have great hand speed. While he has been more aggressive lately, his temperament is that of a counter puncher and thus you do not see him using his strength to bully an opponent. His bread and butter are his skills and timing. As long as a fighter is of similar size, they will eventually have to engage him.
When Pacquiao fought Marquez, he was a much more aggressive fighter who willingly walked straight into Marquez’s wheelhouse which is what made those fights as thrilling as they were. If they were to fight again today with Pacquiao’s new style of darting in and out, Pacquiao would likely take a unanimous decision because Marquez would have to deal with an added element of surprise in conjunction with less opportunities to land. It would still be an entertaining fight and there is a possibility that Marquez could tame Pacquiao, but the odds are longer now.
Pacquiao moves up in weight better than Marquez because he brings along extreme speed as an asset. Bigger fighters do not usually have to deal with the kind of speed Pacquiao possesses, so they are not practiced in defending against it. The speed Pacquiao delivers comes from a combination of his fleet feet and is hands which are what makes him so dangerous. Hatton was obliterated because he had no idea when Pacquiao was going to strike from what angle and then could not react in time to defend against the punch once Pacquiao launched into position.
Pacquiao ready for heavier Cotto
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - Boxing coach Freddie Roach believes Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto would "do a Floyd Mayweather" and said he has prepared Manny Pacquiao for that.
"I'm prepared for that possibility," Roach said about Cotto, the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, going two pounds heavier than the required catch weight of 145 pounds when he fights Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 14.
Mayweather Jr. weighed 146 pounds, instead of the agreed catch weight of 144 pounds, when he pummeled Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday.
Roach said that in the contract they had with Cotto, the Puerto Rican would not be heavily penalized financially if he went beyond the catch weight.
Boxing analyst Frank Lotierzo, writing for sweetscience.com, said "emulating Mayweather" is the Puerto Rican's only realistic chance of beating Pacquiao.
Lotierzo said Pacquiao could easily handle fighting boxers above his normal weight.
"The truth is Pacquiao has handled the move up in weight much better than Marquez. In fact, Manny is one of the few fighters who's carried his big punch into the higher divisions he's fought," Lotierzo said.
Mayweather paid Marquez $600,000 for weighing two pounds over the catch weight.
"But that's no problem," Roach said. "I'm not worried."
"One or two pounds heavier, we are not worried. We have the best fighter here," he said.
Roach did not even remind reporters gathered at the Shape Up Boxing Gym at Cooyeesan Mall here that the last time Pacquiao fought, his opponent (Ricky Hatton) was also two pounds heavier than Pacquiao during their weigh-in last May.
Hatton weighed in at 140 pounds, the catch weight for the light-welterweight division, while Pacquiao weighed 138 pounds. Pacquiao demolished Hatton in only two rounds.
At this early stage, Pacquiao weighed in at 151 pounds. Roach said that the way Pacquiao is training now, it would be an easy time for him to get to the proper weight.
Commentary: It's good to hear Freddie Roach confident that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will win his match against Miguel Cotto. As far as I remember, Roach was near 100% in his prediciton against's Manny's opponent.
Source: Pacquiao ready for heavier Cotto
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto goto Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
"I'm prepared for that possibility," Roach said about Cotto, the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, going two pounds heavier than the required catch weight of 145 pounds when he fights Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 14.
Mayweather Jr. weighed 146 pounds, instead of the agreed catch weight of 144 pounds, when he pummeled Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez last Saturday.
Roach said that in the contract they had with Cotto, the Puerto Rican would not be heavily penalized financially if he went beyond the catch weight.
Boxing analyst Frank Lotierzo, writing for sweetscience.com, said "emulating Mayweather" is the Puerto Rican's only realistic chance of beating Pacquiao.
Lotierzo said Pacquiao could easily handle fighting boxers above his normal weight.
"The truth is Pacquiao has handled the move up in weight much better than Marquez. In fact, Manny is one of the few fighters who's carried his big punch into the higher divisions he's fought," Lotierzo said.
Mayweather paid Marquez $600,000 for weighing two pounds over the catch weight.
"But that's no problem," Roach said. "I'm not worried."
"One or two pounds heavier, we are not worried. We have the best fighter here," he said.
Roach did not even remind reporters gathered at the Shape Up Boxing Gym at Cooyeesan Mall here that the last time Pacquiao fought, his opponent (Ricky Hatton) was also two pounds heavier than Pacquiao during their weigh-in last May.
Hatton weighed in at 140 pounds, the catch weight for the light-welterweight division, while Pacquiao weighed 138 pounds. Pacquiao demolished Hatton in only two rounds.
At this early stage, Pacquiao weighed in at 151 pounds. Roach said that the way Pacquiao is training now, it would be an easy time for him to get to the proper weight.
Commentary: It's good to hear Freddie Roach confident that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will win his match against Miguel Cotto. As far as I remember, Roach was near 100% in his prediciton against's Manny's opponent.
Source: Pacquiao ready for heavier Cotto
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto goto Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao's training won't be a breeze, says Roach
Entering his training camp already sharp and fit doesn’t mean Manny Pacquiao’s November 14 title fight against Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico is going to be a breeze.
It won’t, according to trainer Freddie Roach.
“It’s going to be a tough fight for us," said Roach as he supervised Pacquiao’s training at the Shape Up boxing gym in Baguio City for the second straight day.
“He (Cotto) is a very strong fighter and puncher. We have to pay attention to that. That is my biggest worry."
Roach was amazed at Pacquiao’s condition when he finally got a hand training the Filipino ring icon Tuesday when he arrived in the summer hideaway 1,500 meters above sea level, along with conditioning coach Alex Ariza.
The 30-year old Pacquiao has won his last three fights in impressive fashion including compelling the great Oscar De La Hoya to retirement and sending former junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton into dreamland behind a devastating second round knockout middle of this year.
But excellent fighters De La Hoya and Hatton are, Roach stressed Cotto is a different kind of warrior.
“The thing is, he’s big, he’s strong and he’s young," said the 49-year old bespectacled trainer. “He’s a smart fighter."
Cotto is only 28-years old and has only lost once in his 35 fights (including 27 KOs), a stretch that included a unanimous decision against Sugar Shane Mosley and a technical knockout of Zab Juddah.
But the Puerto Rican has not been the same since losing to Mexican Antonio Margarito (11th round TKO) in a title bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight belt.
Since that July 2008 setback, Cotto had been unimpressive in his fights against Michael Jennings (5th round TKO) and Joshua Clottey (split decision).
Having watched some of Cotto’s fight, Roach sees some weaknesses in his armory.
“He’s not strong to the body," Roach pointed out. “I think we have to break him down in the earlier rounds and work at the body a lot."
Hard as the fight may be, but Roach remains confident the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today will still run away as the winner. “The way Manny is fighting right now, I think it’s a winnable fight for us."
Commentary: “He (Cotto) is a very strong fighter and puncher. We have to pay attention to that. That is my biggest worry." Freddie Roach
This comment is scary. I cna't imagine Pacquaio's reaction once hit by Cotto's hooks and punches. This is going to be a very unpredictable fight I think.
Source: Pacquiao's training won't be a breeze, says Roach
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto goto Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
It won’t, according to trainer Freddie Roach.
“It’s going to be a tough fight for us," said Roach as he supervised Pacquiao’s training at the Shape Up boxing gym in Baguio City for the second straight day.
“He (Cotto) is a very strong fighter and puncher. We have to pay attention to that. That is my biggest worry."
Roach was amazed at Pacquiao’s condition when he finally got a hand training the Filipino ring icon Tuesday when he arrived in the summer hideaway 1,500 meters above sea level, along with conditioning coach Alex Ariza.
The 30-year old Pacquiao has won his last three fights in impressive fashion including compelling the great Oscar De La Hoya to retirement and sending former junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton into dreamland behind a devastating second round knockout middle of this year.
But excellent fighters De La Hoya and Hatton are, Roach stressed Cotto is a different kind of warrior.
“The thing is, he’s big, he’s strong and he’s young," said the 49-year old bespectacled trainer. “He’s a smart fighter."
Cotto is only 28-years old and has only lost once in his 35 fights (including 27 KOs), a stretch that included a unanimous decision against Sugar Shane Mosley and a technical knockout of Zab Juddah.
But the Puerto Rican has not been the same since losing to Mexican Antonio Margarito (11th round TKO) in a title bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight belt.
Since that July 2008 setback, Cotto had been unimpressive in his fights against Michael Jennings (5th round TKO) and Joshua Clottey (split decision).
Having watched some of Cotto’s fight, Roach sees some weaknesses in his armory.
“He’s not strong to the body," Roach pointed out. “I think we have to break him down in the earlier rounds and work at the body a lot."
Hard as the fight may be, but Roach remains confident the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today will still run away as the winner. “The way Manny is fighting right now, I think it’s a winnable fight for us."
Commentary: “He (Cotto) is a very strong fighter and puncher. We have to pay attention to that. That is my biggest worry." Freddie Roach
This comment is scary. I cna't imagine Pacquaio's reaction once hit by Cotto's hooks and punches. This is going to be a very unpredictable fight I think.
Source: Pacquiao's training won't be a breeze, says Roach
To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto goto Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.
Pacquiao vs. Cotto on the minds of fight fans
Almost everyone who loves the sport of boxing, including some MMA enthusiasts, is now focusing on the Nov. 14 Welterweight Championship fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Although the fight is eight weeks away, tickets are virtually sold out with only a few remaining at the box office. More than 10,000 closed-circuit television seats will also be made available for public sale in Las Vegas at various MGM properties. Additionally, pay-per-view distributors are anticipating record sales for the telecast of the eagerly awaited match. While the promotional drums beat louder and louder, the real heavy lifting is being done by both boxers, who are now in vigorous training for the biggest fight in each of their respectable careers.
More than a week ago, Cotto left his familiar confines in Puerto Rico and set up camp in Tampa, Fla. The Fight Factory Gym, where Miguel is training is a state-of-the-art facility located in the Tampa Bay area, on the Gulf Coast. For most of his prior fights, Miguel trained in Puerto Rico. For this, his greatest challenge, he wanted to train away from home in order to avoid distractions which he has encountered in the past in Puerto Rico.
I plan to visit Miguel at his training camp during the week of Oct. 11, and I will provide you with a candid appraisal of Miguel’s training and conditioning. I always like to see world-class fighters work out, and make my own assessments as to how they approach the job at hand.
Pacquiao generally trains in Los Angeles at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym; however, because of certain IRS tax rules he is training outside the United States for the next four weeks and will then move his camp to the Wild Card Gym.
For those of you curious about such things, IRS rules provide that Manny would have a “substantial presence” in the United States and would therefore be subject to tax on his worldwide income – not just his US-based income – under the following circumstances:
If one-sixth of his days spent in America in 2007, plus one-third of the days spent in our country in 2008, are added to 100 percent of the days he was here in 2009, and if the resulting figure equals or exceeds 183 days (roughly six months, or half a year), that would establish what IRS calls a “substantial presence” and subject his worldwide income to U.S. income taxes.
That may be a good thing for our economy and trade deficit, but not so good for Manny and his missus. By training outside our borders for the next four weeks, Manny will avoid the dreaded “substantial presence” designation.
Manny has set up training camp in Baguio, a mountainous summer resort in the Philippines, about 250 kilometers north of Manila. Pacquiao chose Baguio because of its elevation and his belief that he would be able to train in seclusion because of its remote location.
Wrong. He was mobbed by thousands of fans upon his arrival and greeted by a full Philippine media contingent. It looks like Manny will be training amid the usual chaos he is familiar with at the Wild Card Gym where LA-based Filipinos attend his workouts.
Although the fight is eight weeks away, tickets are virtually sold out with only a few remaining at the box office. More than 10,000 closed-circuit television seats will also be made available for public sale in Las Vegas at various MGM properties. Additionally, pay-per-view distributors are anticipating record sales for the telecast of the eagerly awaited match. While the promotional drums beat louder and louder, the real heavy lifting is being done by both boxers, who are now in vigorous training for the biggest fight in each of their respectable careers.
More than a week ago, Cotto left his familiar confines in Puerto Rico and set up camp in Tampa, Fla. The Fight Factory Gym, where Miguel is training is a state-of-the-art facility located in the Tampa Bay area, on the Gulf Coast. For most of his prior fights, Miguel trained in Puerto Rico. For this, his greatest challenge, he wanted to train away from home in order to avoid distractions which he has encountered in the past in Puerto Rico.
I plan to visit Miguel at his training camp during the week of Oct. 11, and I will provide you with a candid appraisal of Miguel’s training and conditioning. I always like to see world-class fighters work out, and make my own assessments as to how they approach the job at hand.
Pacquiao generally trains in Los Angeles at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym; however, because of certain IRS tax rules he is training outside the United States for the next four weeks and will then move his camp to the Wild Card Gym.
For those of you curious about such things, IRS rules provide that Manny would have a “substantial presence” in the United States and would therefore be subject to tax on his worldwide income – not just his US-based income – under the following circumstances:
If one-sixth of his days spent in America in 2007, plus one-third of the days spent in our country in 2008, are added to 100 percent of the days he was here in 2009, and if the resulting figure equals or exceeds 183 days (roughly six months, or half a year), that would establish what IRS calls a “substantial presence” and subject his worldwide income to U.S. income taxes.
That may be a good thing for our economy and trade deficit, but not so good for Manny and his missus. By training outside our borders for the next four weeks, Manny will avoid the dreaded “substantial presence” designation.
Manny has set up training camp in Baguio, a mountainous summer resort in the Philippines, about 250 kilometers north of Manila. Pacquiao chose Baguio because of its elevation and his belief that he would be able to train in seclusion because of its remote location.
Wrong. He was mobbed by thousands of fans upon his arrival and greeted by a full Philippine media contingent. It looks like Manny will be training amid the usual chaos he is familiar with at the Wild Card Gym where LA-based Filipinos attend his workouts.
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Doing the Math
But that is where we are. Whether you buy it or not, there's at least an argument to be made on that score, and it's being made all over the internet. Pacquiao fought Marquez twice and both times they were essentially ties. In the first fight Pac scored three touchdowns in the first two minutes of the game and Marquez came back to tie the game with a series of field goals over the next 58. In the second fight, they matched each other touchdown for touchdown the entire game and according to the judges Pacquiao kicked a field goal with time running out. All we can conclude from this is that the two teams are dead even.
This past Saturday night, Floyd beat up on Marquez like the Niners beat the Chargers that one Super Bowl where Steve Young threw about nineteen touchdown passes to Jerry Rice and assorted members of Jerry Rice's family. He beat Marquez like the Steelers playing a Div 1-A team.
And so, by the commutative property, this equation is now on the table: Mayweather > Marquez (by like infinity), Marquez = Pacquiao (give or take), therefore Mayweather > Pacquiao (by like infinity).
Even taking into account the weight issue, I still think it's reasonable that people are drawing such a conclusion. The only concrete way we have to assess fighters who haven't fought each other is to look at how they've done against similar opponents.
But if we're going to do that, we have to bring the same method of inspection to Floyd and Manny's other two common opponents, De La Hoya and Hatton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)