Manny Pacquiao wants Mayweather

In the report on the local television news program, world boxing champion and pound for pound king, Manny Pacquiao was interviewed about his schedules on at the ring.

While Floyd Mayweather admires Manny Pacquiao's fighting style but re-assured himself that the latter cannot knock him down, Manny Pacquiao then takes the challenge. Manny said he wants to have Mayweather since he was really challenging, he wants him because people are talking this fight. He wants to prove something on Floyd Mayweather.

The tentative schedule was set on October 17, 2009 and he will challenge whoever wins between Mayweather and Marquez fight on July this year. The popular Filipino boxer who recently scored a second round knock out against Ricky Hatton of England said that he is willing to face Mayweather at any weight between 142-145 pounds.

A Worthy Semi-Final

With every great performance always comes the demand for an encore. Sports fans often wax poetic about their heroes going out on top, but it’s never truly enough. The more they succeed, the more we want to see them tested at least one more time.

Naturally, the moments following Manny Pacqauiao’s devastating second round knockout of Ricky Hatton were filled with the obligatory two word question that always follows every major event – “Who’s next?”

The possibilities are endless for Pacquiao, who makes it that much easier to mix and match with his penchant for weight jumping. His amazing career has spanned ten weight classes, collecting belts in six of them, including an unprecedented four lineal world championships.

His past four fights have come in four separate weight classes, resulting in five knockdowns, four wins, three knockdowns and three championships. If the plan is to continue to maximize his earning potential – and by that, the realization that fighters are paid in dollars and not percentages – then the next trip will presumably come at welterweight.

There’s Shane Mosley, who deliberately sat on the sidelines following his upset thrashing of Antonio Margarito earlier this year for no other reason than to wait out the winner of Saturday’s monster event.

There’s Miguel Cotto, whom promoter Bob Arum is already threatening to stand at the head of the pack in the Pacquiao sweepstakes, though still lying ahead is a dangerous showdown with Joshua Clottey in New York City, next month.

Both fights are intriguing, and ones where Pacquiao enjoys the best of both worlds – clearing the lion’s share of the available license fee for the fight, which will undoubtedly net him a third straight eight-figure payday.

But thanks to the timely return of boxing’s previous pound-for-pound king, as well as the bravery of a former adversary, there’s only one future opponent that truly matters – the winner of the July 18 super fight between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez.

It borders on hysteria that people are already finding reason to nitpick at this fight, obviously missing the forest for the trees.

Mayweather, who hasn’t fought since stopping Hatton in 10 rounds in December 2007, foregoes a traditional tune-up match in agreeing to a catchweight against one of the very best in the sport today.

Marquez steals a page out of his rival’s playbook, moving up 1 ½ divisions for what amounts to a win-win scenario: he collects by far the biggest payday of his career, and is already the considerable underdog going in, making a potential win all the more sweeter.

Both fighters could’ve gone the traditional route in chasing the money. Mayweather could’ve cherry picked from the Contender alumni directory in seeking a high-profile tune-up bout in which he’s able to keep 99% of the money. Marquez could’ve pursued a mandatory lightweight title defense, and would’ve certainly been forgiven for such a path considering the savage nature of his all-out war with Juan Diaz earlier this year.

Had either of the two traveled in such a direction, boxing fans (and media members) would’ve complained that their decisions lack originality, and is little more than marking time when bigger fights could’ve been made.

Instead, they face each other, in a rare superfight that produces far more than short-term results no matter the outcome.

The fear among those not exactly overcome with anticipation is that they believe an old boxing axiom to be true – a good big man always beats a good little man.

Oscar de la Hoya tried to alleviate such fears at Saturday’s press conference, pointing to his own career-ending knockout loss to Pacquiao as proof that fights don’t always play out as they’re suggested on paper. Of course, such a reference was met with the correction that in his case, a shot bigger fighter usually falls to a streaking smaller fighter.

It’s entirely possible that things play out as expected, and that Mayweather is simply too much for Marquez, whose as great as they come but has never before fought above lightweight, a division he only recently entered last fall. Mayweather left lightweight in 2004, fighting three times at 140 before spending his last five fights at welterweight or higher.

The only true wild card in this fight is how much Mayweather will have left at age 32 and coming off of a 19-month layoff. The undefeated former five-division titlist (including three lineal championships) is always in tip-top physical shape, but how sharp he will be against one of the very best technicians in the game remains to be seen.

Of course, the multi-million dollar question is how effective Marquez will be at a career-high weight. No matter how great a fighter may be, almost everyone eventually hits a ceiling. Winky Wright was regarded as one of the very best in the world thanks to his body of work at 154 and 160, but proved to be a fish out of water in his 170 lb catchweight bout with Bernard Hopkins a couple of years ago.

Though on the wrong side of his prime, Marquez appears to be every bit as effective at lightweight as he was years ago as a featherweight. The reason: he’s not only one of the best fighters, but also one of the smartest in the game, always showing a penchant for adapting on the fly. A case could be made that he should still be undefeated, with his three losses and draw all heavily disputed to this very day.

Considering the date, it’s hard to reason that Mayweather could’ve secured a better choice of opponent for a pay-per-view event.

Miguel Cotto is already facing Joshua Clottey a month prior.

Fights with Andre Berto, Paul Williams or even Vernon Forrest aren’t happening so long as they and Floyd remain under the advisory umbrella of Al Haymon

Shane Mosley has already made it clear that he intends to wait until at least the third quarter of 2009 for his next fight, believing that he could entice either Pacquiao or Hatton to move up to welterweight.

Looking immediately above and below welterweight, there are plenty of intriguing options, but none that make a bit of difference at the box office.

With Mayweather-Marquez comes a fight where the next move can be planned no matter the outcome. Should Mayweather come out on top, fans will immediately call for a showdown with Pacquiao, a bout the boxing world has craved since well before Mayweather pondered a break from the sport.

Many a fan already craves a third fight between Pacquiao and Marquez. Just think of the buzz that would come with such a fight should Marquez upset the odds and become the first to hang a loss on Mayweather’s career.

Regardless of what comes out of July 18, the winner will be in direct line for a year-end banger with Manny Pacquiao. It’s the most lucrative fight that can be made today, not to mention one that once and for all cements the claim for the sport’s very best fighter in the world.

Perhaps “Number One/Numero Uno” borders on false advertising in describing Mayweather-Marquez, but it’s certainly the path the winner will travel, making their July 18 super fight as remarkable a semifinal act as you can ask for in the sport today.

CHECK YOUR FACTS – AND YOURSELF, MR. MERCHANT

When news first came down of HBO looking to replace long-time color commentator Larry Merchant with Max Kellerman in 2007, critics spoke out en masse against the move. Even Kellerman himself went to bat for Merchant, clearly (or at least publicly) uncomfortable with forcefully replacing a boxing personality whom he’s admired for so long.

There’s no question that when he’s on his game, Merchant as good as they get behind the mic. There are few as witty as the longtime boxing scribe-turned-announcer, who can turn a phrase better than just about anyone in the game today.

But then there also those moments where the more he talks, the more you wish the HBO brass ignored the public outcry and simply sent the Hall of Fame broadcaster packing.

Saturday night was an occasion for the latter.

As lead commentator Jim Lampley gushed over the aforementioned summer clash between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez, Merchant didn’t hesitate to take shots at the former pound-for-pound king for whom he’s rarely had a kind word.

First came the quip that at age 32, Mayweather is only coming off his second retirement. Then as discussion picked up surrounding the fight, Merchant took it upon himself to dissect Mayweather’s knack for selecting opponents, and also for those whom he elects to not fight.

One of the names claimed to reside on the “avoid at all costs” list is Shane Mosley. Merchant claimed that Floyd once wanted such a fight when the three-division champ was thought to be at the end of his career, but now suddenly wants no part of a rejuvenated Mosley.

It would be a compelling observation – if there were any truth to it.

The point at which Mayweather passionately pursued a Sugar Shane showdown was in 2006, when Mosley scored back-to-back stoppage wins over Fernando Vargas, both at junior middleweight. Mosley was a mere 3-4-0-1 NC over a four-year stretch prior to 2006 and hardly on Mayweather’s mind at the time. It wasn’t until there was genuine worth in such a fight did he begin to pursue it.

Plans for such a match were eventually squashed when Mosley cited a toothache as cause to sit out the rest of 2006. Talks resurfaced in 2007, but two different bouts were instead made – Mayweather-Hatton and Cotto-Mosley.

Fast forward to 2009. Mosley destroys Antonio Margarito and is once again regarded as the best welterweight in the world. Rumors were already swirling of a Mayweather comeback.

Mosley-Mayweather, mid-2009. Sounds like a plan, right?

Not so fast.

Instead, it was Mosley who went on record for anyone who would listen (including these very Boxingscene.com pages - http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=18951 ) that a Mayweather fight didn’t interest him anywhere nearly as much as enticing either Pacquiao or Hatton to move up in weight. If that couldn’t happen, then perhaps a rematch with Cotto, provided that it takes place on the West Coast.

Mayweather? Mosley instead played Golden Boy stakeholder and campaigned for Marquez to land that fight.

In that vein, Mosley actually received his wish, or at least part of it. His guy received the fight of his dreams, leaving Shane free and clear to negotiate a fight with Pacquiao.

Perhaps it can be argued that the HBO production crew was pressed for time, and didn’t afford Merchant or anyone else on the broadcast to elaborate.

Then there’s the more likely scenario, where Merchant couldn’t stomach the thought of anyone, least of all his own broadcast partner, to heap any amount of praise in the direction of Mayweather, and instead took the opportunity to remind boxing fans how bitter he can be when given the space.

Whatever the case, shame on HBO for not curbing his enthusiasm, especially on a night when we’re supposed to be celebrating everything that was right with the sport. Merchant could’ve ignored the comment altogether, and demand that his broadcast partners to instead focus on the evening’s main event, the year’s first true super fight.

Mayweather Talks About Pacquiao, Hatton

The Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez hype show rolled into London yesterday, and as usual 32-year-old "Money" Mayweather had plenty to say. Speaking primarily about two fighters, in Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton - the former being a potential rival for the future, the latter being a conquered foe - Mayweather had some interesting stuff to say.

Floyd knows only too well the majority of fans worldwide want him to meet up with the man who took over his spot at the top of the pound-for-pound pile, and the 39-0(25) master said yesterday that if and when he and the Filipino superstar do meet he will beat him.

"If the Pacquiao fight presents itself after this one [Vs. Marquez], then I'll lay the blueprint on how to beat him," Mayweather said yesterday.. "Pacquiao's a good fighter but he can be got. He was knocked out twice before and I'm a slick, smart boxer. I would tie him up. There's a science to this game and I could adapt to any style. Pacquiao was out-boxed by Erik Morales."

Pacquiao may well have been stopped twice before, but on both occasions the southpaw was still very much a work in progress and fighting in a much lower weight class. Mayweather is right when he says "Pac-Man" was out-boxed by Morales, though. Clearly that fight makes the unbeaten great believe he can do the same thing to Manny. It would be an entirely different fight though. Let's hope we do get to see it. At least Mayweather is talking about the possibility.

As he was in Britian, the subject of Ricky Hatton was bound to come up. Mayweather pulled no punches while discussing "The Hitman's" fighting future - he said he has not got one.

"Ricky's career was over in 2007 when he met me," Floyd said. "He was a gutsy, tough champ but there's a time in every boxer's career when they must hang it up. He was knocked out twice - by me and Pacquiao. They were two devastating defeats. He's been in a lot of tough fights and taken some big shots.

"Gaining weight and drinking - you can't have that sort of lifestyle in boxing. You have to take your job seriously. I don't think Ricky should fight again. I wouldn't fight him again, even at Wembley. It would be like picking on a guy we call gun shot. His head won't be the same."

Hatton, as fans know, was very much dreaming of having an opportunity to get revenge over Mayweather, very possibly at Wembley some time next year; but this was ruined when Pacquiao destroyed him in just two rounds.

Speaking on the May 2nd fight, Mayweather said his father, who trained Hatton for the fight, of course, should not be in any way blamed for what happened.

"I don't want everyone over here ripping my father to shreds," Floyd said with regards to Hatton's quick KO loss. "It wasn't my dad's fault. My dad told him to go out, relax, use his jab and be smart. There's this other trainer, Lee Beard, and Ricky was listening to him. No disrespect to Lee but has he fought? A lot of the time trainers try to tell fighters what to do without having been in combat. My dad has been in combat before."

Speaking respectfully about his father as he did, Floyd made a lot of sense. The word is the two Mayweathers are back on good terms. Maybe Senior will work Junior's corner in the fight he is currently hyping up?

Marquez-Mayweather: The Weight is Over

In anticipation of the July 18th clash between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, many boxing fans and sports writers have become transfixed with the number 147. Of course 147 refers to boxing’s welterweight division where Mayweather reigned as lineal champion before retiring unexpectedly in 2008. Considered the best pound-for-pound fighter when active, Mayweather returns to face #2 ranked Juan Manuel Marquez; at stake is not simply a win or loss but a claim for the pound-for-pound title and perhaps a chance to face the current best fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao.

Though the boxing world is energized for Mayweather’s return the agreed upon weight of 143-144 has dominated the headlines. Throughout many online boxing communities which include websites, forums, and message boards, Marquez supporters have made their displeasure with the weight agreement heard. They argue that Marquez is too small for 144, he is too short, never fought above lightweight, unproven at welter, or that his power would be diminished at the higher weight.. In addition, boxing writers like Ring Magazine’s Michael Rosenthal has focused on the weight issue in the aptly titled article “Marquez's Disadvantages Are Increasing.” In the report he states that the fight will in fact be held at 147 however that could simply be a misinterpretation. His reasoning is that the fight will be held at welterweight which has a 147 lb. limit, however even if the fight were held at 143-144 it would still be considered a welterweight fight. The match was originally announced at a catchweight below 147 and that is where it likely will remain.
Amidst the concern for Marquez’s perceived disadvantages boxing media has lightly considered his overall skill and abilities. Marquez has often been described as a natural 130 lb. fighter yet he moved up to lightweight (135) and scored knockouts of former champions Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz, two of the best fighters in the sport. In contrast, he did not stop and even struggled with Rocky Juarez, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Manny Pacquiao, fighters he fought at his so-called natural weight of 130 lbs. It can be argued, based on these two impressive wins, that Marquez actually has more power at the higher weights and will likely carry his power with him to welterweight. In general, writers and fans are shortchanging Marquez and they have readily offered weight as the culprit for his fan anticipated loss. Perhaps a simple answer would be that Mayweather is just that good. Weight advantages have never been the secret to his or Marquez’s success and it is doubtful that weight will be the determining factor in this fight. Skill, ability, heart, and determination will always be the real reasons a fighter succeeds and though both guys possess a ton of skill, ability, and determination, only Marquez has consistently shown his heart.

So why have fans, writers, and reporters raised so many objections to the weight agreement? Would it be different if Marquez was moving up to face a different opponent? What if he was fighting Manny Pacquiao at 140 or moving up to fight Oscar De La Hoya at 147? What if he was chosen to be Ricky Hatton’s final opponent or landed a fight with Miguel Cotto at 144? How would the argument change? A cynical view suggests that weight is only an issue because he is fighting Mayweather and as mentioned in my previous article there is a double standard when it comes to him. Versus any other opponent the higher weight would be acceptable because Marquez would be seen as having a better chance against a less-skilled fighter. The reality however is regardless of opponent, Marquez from this point onwards will move up in weight. There are no more big fights or better yet, no big money opportunities left at lightweight and if he wants to stay relevant he moves up. He is not alone, former lightweight champions Nate Campbell, Joan Guzman, and of course his arch rival Manny Pacquiao have already made the leap.

For a fighter, jumping divisions and competing at higher weights is a personal challenge and fans, writers, and reporters can not save them from their boxing destiny. Whether they succeed or fail is up to how well they prepare and execute the task at hand. There have been many instances were the smaller man has been victorious and even in cases where they were not it is hard to target a fight where a catchweight has come under as much fire as this match-up. Pacquiao-De La Hoya initially comes to mind but Oscar moving down to 147 was viewed as a neutralizer. In most cases however, there is not a sustained attack on the heavier fighter as there has been on Mayweather. Bernard Hopkins was not vilified for fighting middleweight opponents Winky Wright and later Kelly Pavlik at 170. No one is criticizing heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko for significantly outweighing cruiserweight David Haye. Also no media proponents seemed to have had a problem with Mayweather being outweighed by De La Hoya at 154. What the majority of these fights have in common is that it is often the smaller fighter who voluntarily moves up and issues a challenge to a larger foe; Juan Manuel Marquez is no exception.

There are many examples of overcoming the odds decorating boxing history but in the end this is why pound-for-pound champions are celebrated and distinguished above the average fighter. Marquez understands that defeating Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will make him an all-time great and fans, writers, and reporters fixed on weight should realize that you can not stop, change, or prevent boxing history; let Marquez determine his own fate. The weight is over.

Mayweather vs Marquez Tickets On Sale May 22

Floyd "Money" Mayweather has returned to the sport of boxing and will put his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ "Number One/Numero Uno" Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket sales at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com..

A 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist for the United States, Floyd "Money" Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO's) has since gone on to strike Gold in the professional ranks, winning six world titles in five weight classes to firmly establish himself as one of the best fighters of his era. In just his 18th pro fight, Mayweather won his first world title at the age of 21 by stopping Genaro Hernandez for the WBC world super featherweight crown in 1998. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native defended that title eight times before moving up to lightweight and taking the 135-pound belt from Jose Luis Castillo in 2002, but "Money" Mayweather wasn't done yet, as he defeated Arturo Gatti and Zab Judah for the junior welterweight and welterweight world titles, respectively. Despite these impressive achievements, it wasn't until he defeated Oscar de la Hoya in May of 2007 for the world junior middleweight championship in a record-setting super-fight where the world truly got to see what Mayweather was all about. In his last fight, on December 8, 2007, Mayweather made another statement to the world when he knocked out Ricky "Hitman" Hatton in the tenth round, handing the British superstar his first professional defeat. After the bout, Mayweather - who has achieved crossover fame as a contestant on the hit show "Dancing with the Stars" and as a participant in WWE's "Wrestlemania XXIV" - announced his retirement from boxing. But he left the door open for a return if the right challenge presented itself, and on July 18th, the 32-year-old Las Vegas resident comes back to face Juan Manuel Marquez.

In an era of great Mexican fighters such as Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, Mexico City's Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO's) has made it clear over the last few years that he is truly the greatest of the bunch. Long revered by boxing purists as one of the best, Marquez won 29 of his first 30 pro bouts, before finally getting a world title shot in 1999. Marquez would lose that opportunity controversially to Freddie Norwood and in response, he didn't lose for the next seven years, winning the IBF world featherweight title against Manuel Medina in 2003. In November 2003, Marquez unified the titles when he defeated Derrick "Smoke" Gainer and captured the WBA world featherweight title. His second title defense in 2004 against Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao may be his most memorable, as he rose from three first-round knockdowns to roar back and gain a draw in a fight that many observers believe he won. Marquez would lose his belt via decision to Chris John in 2006, but he returned to form almost immediately, scoring a 12-round win over Barrera in March of 2007 to win the WBC 130-pound world title. In 2008, Marquez and Pacquiao would meet again in another memorable bout however Marquez dropped a disputed 12-round split decision to the Filipino superstar. Undeterred, "Dinamita" moved up to the 135-pound weight class in September of 2008 and stunned the boxing world by handing Joel Casamayor his first knockout defeat to win the Ring Magazine world lightweight championship. It was hard to top such a victory, but in the 35-year-old Marquez' most recent fight on February 28, 2009, he did just that as he stopped former Three-Time World Champion Juan Diaz in the ninth round to add the WBO and WBA World Lightweight belts to his trophy case. On July 18th he looks to further cement his legacy with a win over Mayweather.

Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.

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

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Bernard Hopkins and George Foreman vs. Michael Moorer; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync, Sting, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena is also home to the annual FOX Billboard Music Awards, the annual Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children Benefit and the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA).

Marquez and Mayweather, at the Right Time- "De La Hoya"

Oscar De La Hoya believes that WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez is catching Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the right time. De La Hoya promotes Marquez under his Golden Boy Promotions banner. The fight takes place on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
De La Hoya believes Mayweather has taken off for too long, and Marquez has the style to win. Mayweather last fought in December 2007, stopping Ricky Hatton in ten rounds. The fight will take place at a catch-weight below 145-pounds.
"Marquez will win thanks to his conditioning and his combination punching, especially his counter-attacks. This it is the perfect opportunity for Juan Manuel because Mayweather has been out of the ring for [almost] two years," De La Hoya was quoted by El Nuevo Dia.
"He will handle Mayweather's jab to the body. Marquez will be able to throw his uppercut. It is a strong and unique weapon for him"
De La Hoya lost a close decision to Mayweather in May 2007. He says the jab was winning the fight for him in the early rounds. He is advising Marquez to depend on the jab.
"During the first six rounds, I was dominating him easy thanks to the jab. I advised Marquez to utilize the jab, but with more aggressiveness. Mayweather does not like to get hit. I am positive that Juan Manuel will win", De La Hoya said.

Juan Manuel Marquez vs Floyd Mayweather Jr.

After the stunning victory of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao against Ricky "Hitman" Hatton, Saturday night, May 2, 2009. Pacquiao vs Hatton, the retired undisputed and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his come back in the world of boxing and tries to claim his crown as the king of the ring. Mayweather will start his come back by an opening fight on July 18 against the mexican Juan Manuel Marquez at MGM Grand in Las Vegas where they will be fighting on 143 or 144 pounds weight category.

The same bragging mouth of the last Mayweather is still dominating in his every interview today and he is not really convinced that Pacquiao is the best fighter of all time. He claims that he have never been lost ever and the fighter that can produce millions in every fight. This fight between them will be the trigerring device for the coming future Pacquiao vs Mayweather match, if ever he wins this July fight against the Juan Manuel Marquez which is also aiming to fight again Pacquiao.

Mayweather Sr. Blames Hatton And Lee Beard For Loss To "Pac-Man"

I guess we always kind of knew the talented yet egocentric Floyd Mayweather Senior would not in any way accept that the disaster his fighter Ricky Hatton suffered at the hands of Manny Pacquiao was nothing to do with him and his ability as a trainer. No way would the man who calls himself the greatest trainer of all times come out and say he was the primary reason a fighter of his lost. And maybe Mayweather Senior is not the man to attach any blame to when it comes to the destructive 2nd round KO "The Hitman" fell to when he met "Pac-Man.."

However, Mayweather Snr. is sure who does deserve the blame, and he doesn't mind coming out with his opinion.

In an interesting article that has appeared in The Manchester Evening News, the 56-year-old trainer has been quoted as laying into both Hatton and his assistant trainer Lee Beard. Big Floyd argues it was the guidance and extra training provided by Beard that cost Ricky the fight; that and Hatton's own inability to listen to his corner during the short battle.
Less than two weeks on from the potentially career-ending fight, and Mayweather has made it clear he is not to blame and also that he will not work with Hatton again even if the 30-year-old decides to box on.

According to the Evening News feature, Mayweather Senior turned up late in Hatton's dressing room before the fight, and he had also done so for at least one of Ricky's pre-fight sparring sessions.

Floyd even spoke about the now well documented turmoil in the camp himself.

"You got to listen to your corner, simple as that," Mayweather said. "And like I said once before, there was turmoil in the camp. It showed up in the fight. Not because of me. It showed up in the fight because he had another person training him when I wasn't around and sometimes when I was around. He guided Ricky in the wrong way."

And though Beard has admitted that Hatton lost his head and got excited when the bell rang back on May 2nd, it's no way fair to blame him for the loss. Neither is it fair to blame Mayweather Senior, come to that, but he is the man now chucking culpability around. At the end of the day, as I'm sure Ricky Hatton would admit himself, HE is the only person who can be blamed for what happened.

As for the future of Britain's most popular fighter, his father, Ray, said his son still has to make up his mind but that when he does so he will stick to whatever decision he makes.

"He's taking his time. He is single-minded, stubborn if you like," Ray told M.E.N Sport. "And once he makes up his mind that will be it. Certainly he won't be a Frank Sinatra, forever making comebacks."

As of today, the majority of fans and experts feel Hatton should NOT fight again. One of these experts is, of course, Mayweather Senior himself. Though it's highly unlikely Hatton will be listening to anything he has to say anymore.

Mayweather-Marquez is ON

On July 18, Floyd “Mainstream Money” Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez meet on a PPV card billed as “Number One/Numero Uno” at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The bout was officially announced today. “Credentials don’t lie and the record speaks for itself,” said Mayweather. “When it comes to July 18, I don’t need to tell you what I’m going to do. A small man will never retire me. I’m here to stay. I’m here to fight and reclaim what’s mine. I’m the king and nobody has taken my throne. Tonight, any man can win. Its a gamble. But when you are betting on Floyd, that’s for sure money. Keep your money under your mattress until July 18.” Marquez countered, “If I want to be the best fighter in the world and I need to beat the best. The best fighter is Floyd Mayweather. This fight is for who is the #1 fighter in the world.” Promoter Oscar de la Hoya commented “Can we believe that now the bigger man is always going to win? When I fought Floyd it was competitive. When I fought Manny he stopped me. When Juan fought Manny - I don’t care what they say - Juan beat him. So I believe Juan can beat Mayweather. Marquez can never be counted out.” Mayweather manager Leonard Ellerbe proclaimed “The king is back! Floyd has truly transcended the sport. Wherever he goes - the malls, the grocery stores, even the strip clubs - they all ask ‘when is Floyd coming back?.’”

Juan Seriously After Floyd

WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, and manager/trainer Nacho Berestain have spoken out in the Mexican press about their position on fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr. After Marquez stopped Juan Diaz last Saturday in Texas, he called for a fight with Mayweather, who is technically retired and inactive since December 2007.

Berestain says their pursuit of Mayweather is real and not a ploy to lure Manny Pacquiao into a third fight. They don't deny their desire to fight the Filipino for a third time but they want a fight with Mayweather in September.

One of the main sticking points by Berestain is the weight. He says under no circumstances do they plan to fight Mayweather at the welterweight limit of 147-pounds. Nacho says a twelve-pound advantage is too much for Marquez. They are willing to meet Mayweather at a catch-weight of 143-144-pounds. Most insiders don't expect Mayweather to un-retire for Marquez. Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, who promote Marquez, believes the fight can be made. He already reached out to Mayweather's adviser Al Haymon and their conversations have gone well.

That doesn't mean Floyd will actually return for Marquez.

He wanted a guarantee of $20 million to fight Shane Mosley. Even if he dropped his demand to an area between $10 to 15 million for Marquez, that is still a lot of money to make back and a lot of risk for Golden Boy. Maybe too much risk. Marquez is not a proven ticket seller or pay-per-view star. Mayweather, unless he has De La Hoya/Hatton on the other end, has done an average of 350-400 on pay-per-view. Considering the economic times, it would be very tough to get a million pay-per-view buys.

Marquez vs. Mayweather

According to the latest boxing news, Floyd Mayweather Jr. (39-0, 25 KOs) may be coming out of retirement for a September bout against boxing’s new number #1 Pound-for-pound star lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs), who recently stopped Juan Diaz in the 9th round this past weekend at the Toyota Center, in Houston, Texas. Marquez, 35, called out Mayweather after the fight with Diaz on Saturday, saying that he’d like to move up to welterweight to face him there.

Oddly enough, Marquez said little about a third fight with Manny Pacquiao, other than to say that he’s going after Mayweather because “Pacquiao doesn’t want to fight me.” In that, it looks as if Marquez speaks the truth because since losing a controversial 12-round split decision to Pacquiao in March 2008, Manny hasn’t shown any interested in fighting him again, instead going after the soft Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

Mayweather reportedly wants to return to the ring by the end of the year and what better way to do it than to face a much smaller Marquez instead of a bigger, arguably more dangerous fighter like Miguel Cotto. Even against a smaller fighter like Marquez, Mayweather would be faced with a very difficult fight because Marquez specializes in counter punching much in the same way that Mayweahther does and he will no doubt make Mayweather pay for any shots he wants to land in the fight.

Source: boxingnews24.com

Edison Miranda vs Andre Ward

On Saturday May 16, at Oracle Arena, Oakland, California, USA, Andre Ward and Edison Miranda will see who's the strongest, bravest and best of the fighters between the two of them. The fight is set at 9:00pm ET. To be sponsored by the local TV station. So sit down and reserve a ticket from the ticketing office to enjoy and watch the fight between the two fighters.

Andre Ward

Ward made his pro debut on December 18, 2004 by scoring a second round TKO over Chris Molina. Ward dropped Molina in the first round with a straight left cross to the chin that drove him into the ropes and down on the second strand. Ward, continued to dominate the action and dropped Molina for the second and final time with another sharp left hook to the jaw. The referee waved off the bout at 40 seconds of the second round.

On February 5, 2005 Ward fought in his second pro fight against Kenny Kost. Ward overcame a rocky second round, in which he was hurt by a left hook, to win by unanimous decision. Ward defeated Roy Ashworth on April 7, 2005 by disqualification, after Ashworth committed numerous fouls on Ward, including shoving Ward to the canvas and hitting him in the back of his head.

Ward won his next three fights, all by knockout, before going up against Darnell Boone on November 19, 2005. Ward was knocked down for the first time in his career in round four. Despite the knockdown, Ward went on to win by unanimous decision.

After the fight with Boone, Ward went on to win his next six fights, including TKO victories over undefeated Andy Kolle and Francisco Diaz. On November 16, 2007 Ward beat undefeated Roger Cantrell by fifth round TKO in Saint Lucia.

On March 20, 2008, at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, Ward defeated Rubin Williams by seventh round TKO. Ward hit Williams with jabs and straight left hands almost at will, opening a bad cut over Williams' left eye in the process. The cut would force the referee to stop the fight.

Ward faced Jerson Ravelo on June 20, 2008,in Georgetown, Cayman Islands, for the vacant WBO NABO super middleweight title. Ward dominated Ravelo for the majority of the fight en route to a TKO victory in the eighth round, claiming the vacant WBO NABO super middleweight title.

Edison Miranda

Edison "Pantera" Miranda has been a fighter his entire 26 year life. At just one month old, his mother gave him to a family friend to be raised. Edison was both physically and mentally abused by this person. At nine years old, he decided to search for his mother all by himself. He traveled all across Colombia and finally found her; however, she rejected him again. He was now all alone on the tough streets of Colombia at the young age of nine. He spent the rest of his childhood working hard in the plantain and yucca fields of Tumaco and sweeping up for street vendors in the neighboring town of Buenaventura. He ate whatever he could find on the streets in order to survive. By the time Edison was 12, he was already working a grown-man's job in construction. Just two years later, he worked as a cattle butcher in Barranquilla, where he would soon begin pursuing his dream of becoming a champion boxer.

With only five months of training and barely 16 years old, Edison fought his first amateur boxing match on April 17, 1997. The strength and passion that had seen him through the past 15 years became his greatest weapons in the ring ? helping him to a first-round knockout against his first ever opponent. After only four more amateur fights, Edison found himself in the ring with the best fighters in the country, only to succeed with first-round knockouts again and again. He quickly rose to be the National Champion from 1998 to 1999 and was the Champion of the National Games in 2000.

152 fights later, Edison became a professional boxer, but his journey was only halfway over. March 2002 saw the promising young boxer's arrival in the Dominican Republic. Having been promised a shot at going to the United States to fight the top middleweight fighters in the world, Edison continued with what he's best at ? fighting ? both in and out of the ring. Struggling to make ends meet, left homeless and hungry by an unfair contract, Edison left the Dominican Republic and returned to Baranquilla, Colombia on December 24th, 2004. With the support of friends, he fulfilled his dream of making it as a boxer in the United States when he signed with Warriors and then had his first American fight in Hollywood, FL on May 20th of 2005. "I am God's warrior," Edison says, "I've always put my trust in Him, and he's always protected me. God is the reason I'm here today? and he's the reason I fight. Because I know it's His plan that I be a champion."

Edison's keys to success are discipline, faith and hard work. His training regimen includes only jogging, the stationary bike, jump rope, punching the bag and sparring. He doesn't lift weights, doesn't drink alcohol, and always goes to bed early. When asked about his greatest goal as a boxer he replies, "I want to be the kind of champion that helps others? to help children that were like me, homeless, with nowhere else to go.

* Won 16 of his first 23 professional bouts by 1st Round KO.
* 2001-03-16 - Won his first professional fight with a 1st Round KO victory over Jose Chiquillo.
* 2005-06-16 - Defeated Jose Varela by Unanimous Decision to claim the vacant WBO Latino middleweight title, vacant NABA middleweight title and the vacant IBF Latino Middleweight Title.
* 2006-09-23 - Received his first loss by Unanimous Decision to the undefeated champion Arthur Abraham for the IBF Middleweight Title.
* 2007-03-03 - Won a Unanimous Decision over then undefeated contender Allan Green.
* 2007-05-19 - Lost by 7th Round TKO to ranked Kelly Pavlik (29-0) in a WBC Middleweight Title Eliminator.

Figthing Words From Taver

He has never been a shrinking violet, a wallflower, a supporting character content with his secondary role. Instead, he has been charismatic when cast as the hero, defiant when dubbed the villain, and loquacious whenever the cameras are on, the microphones are near and the topic involves him.

And so it was his quiet that spoke volumes.

There was little of the usual bluster, less of the verbal swagger from Tarver in the months before his rematch with light heavyweight beltholder Chad Dawson. That was not the case when the two first met, when Tarver had a title around his waist and could still claim to be of consequence in their division.

It was Dawson who had given up a title belt of his own to challenge Tarver, Dawson who sought to capture the shine off one of the men who had ruled the division. That recognition had been traded between Tarver, Joe Calzaghe, Bernard Hopkins, Glen Johnson, and Roy Jones Jr., five fighters who took in the large paydays but were either approaching 40 years old or already past it.

While they reigned, Chad Dawson rose through the ranks, first as a prospect plying his trade at middleweight and super middleweight, then as a talented young fighter who would jump to 175, defeat veteran Eric Harding and then go on to do the same against Tomasz Adamek. The Adamek victory earned Dawson his world title. Beating Tarver, he thought, would bring him to the next level.

Tarver bristled at the notion of being Dawson’s stepping stone. He thought himself still to be the mountain looming over the land.

In their first meeting, Dawson, 14 years Tarver’s junior, was faster of hand and fleeter of feet, strafing him with combinations and then moving out of harm’s way. Even in rounds when Dawson was clearly taking a break, he would let Tarver throw at will and then mock him for his inability to hurt him.

Younger. Faster. Better.

Tarver, suddenly, was quieter.

He had leverage at the bargaining table. For the right to face him once, Tarver had the option of facing Dawson again. Soon after the October unanimous decision loss, Tarver exercised his contractual rematch. They would meet again.

Perhaps Tarver’s seeming civility came from a case of humility. Or maybe he was coolly confident, intent to let his fists do the talking, as they had three times before in such situations.

Harding. Jones. Johnson. Each defeated Tarver by decision once. They would not do so twice.

Tarver avenged the Harding loss in 2002, two years after the fact, via stoppage. He erased the Jones defeat in 2004, half a year after they first met, with a one-punch knockout. And he outpointed Johnson in 2005, six months after their initial bout, outworking him over 12 rounds.

Every time Tarver had a chance at a rematch, a shot at revenge, he came through. His reputation preceded him. Could he succeed once again?

Not this time.

After 12 rounds, the scorecards had Dawson ahead by nearly the same margins as before. In October, they read 118-109 and 117-110 (twice). This time, the judges’ tallies came to 117-111 (twice) and 116-112.

The fight itself looked similar. In their first meeting, Dawson had thrown 657 punches, landing 236, while Tarver connected with 226 of his 897 shots. Again, Tarver threw more punches than Dawson, sending out 749 shots but landing just 121. Dawson put forth 677 punches, landing 209.

After Tarver’s first fight with Roy Jones, he admitted to being caught occasionally watching his opponent’s hand speed. Against Dawson, Tarver often would wait to throw until his foe was finished. Dawson did the same, strategically avoiding exchanges.

But Dawson’s shots were crisper and harder. He dug into the body and then followed up top. Dawson dictated the pace early, landing more telling blows, while Tarver would throw as much but, through three, had only connected with 16 shots.

There would be no single-punch knockout, no reliance on power. But Tarver wasn’t about to roll over and surrender. He would not go out with a bang, but he would not go out with a whimper either.

There were a few rounds Tarver clearly won, when he found the energy within his 40-year-old body to go for a full three minutes. Yes, he had already been throwing more punches than Dawson. But he also needed to apply enough pressure to close the gap, to slow Dawson down.

He didn’t do enough.

When the verdict was read, Tarver remained standing, like a defendant who had just heard the sentence and now understood his fate. He walked away without comment – the cameras and the microphones were on Dawson.

There was little shame in losing. It was but a defeat, not a drubbing.

Others leave boxing too late, taking too much punishment, falling short against fighters who previously never belonged in the same ring as them, embarrassing themselves as shells of what they once were because they either do not know that it is over or cannot accept that they’ve reached the end.

If this is the end for Tarver, then it’s a fitting conclusion.

He began his run through the division at the turn of the century, working his way toward a shot at Jones until he was unavoidable. Jones returned from capturing a heavyweight title to take on Tarver, then, after winning closely and with controversy, faced Tarver again. Tarver took his fate into his own left hand and was on top from there.

He earned a role in Rocky Balboa, playing Mason “The Line” Dixon, essentially a version of himself, opposite Sylvester Stallone’s title character. Then he returned to reality, handing over the reins of the division with a loss to Bernard Hopkins.

Tarver stuck around since then, winning three fights before the pair of losses to Dawson. His return to contention meant he hadn’t stuck around for too long. That may not be true if he attempts to rise again.

To retire now would be the quiet way out. No one expects Antonio Tarver to do anything quietly. But there are plenty of outlets with cameras and microphones. And there’s always room in boxing for a man who can speak.

Source: Boxing Scene

HBO Upcoming Boxing Fights

After the big fight of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton and Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, another boxing sport game will be held and will be shown by the HBO on Saturday, May 9 at 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT.

First fight will be Andre Berto, 24 wins, 0 loss with 19 Knock outs against Juan Urango, 21 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw with 16 Knock outs on the records.

Second bout is scheduled for Alfredo Angulo, 15 wins, no loss with 12 Knock outs verus
Kermit Cintron, 30 wins, 2 loss, 1 draw with 27 Knock out records.

Alfredo "Perro" Angulo

ALFREDO “Perro” (Dog) ANGULO (14-0, 11 KOs)
World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 1 contender at 154 pounds/Latino champion
World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1 contender at 154 lbs/WBO Inter-Continental champion
World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 6 contender at 154 pounds
International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 7 contender at 154 pounds
2004 Olympic representative for Mexico at 165 pounds

At the age of 26, Alfredo Angulo is a four-year pro who is a stablemate of International Boxing Federation (IBF)/International Boxing Organization (IBO) Light Heavyweight Champion Chad Dawson. The undefeated prospect at 154 pounds is a former amateur star and 2004 Olympic representative for Mexico.

Angulo faces his toughest opponent when he takes on two-division world champion Ricardo Mayorga February 7, 2009 on HBO. Mayorga, a power-punching machine boasts victories over world champions Vernon Forrest (2), Andrew Lewis, and Fernando Vargas.

Angulo has won his last 10 bouts by knockout. His last three opponents – Ricardo Cortes, Richard Gutierrez and Andrey Tsurkan -- had a combined record of 72-5-1 and a 92% winning percentage when he fought…and knocked them out. Despite each test being more difficult than the last, Angulo has passed each one with flying colors.

On Nov. 30, 2007, Angulo scored a first-round TKO over Archak Ter Meliksetian. Ter Meliksetian was two inches taller than Cortes, but was a natural 154-pounder.

After the fight, Dan Rafael wrote on ESPN.com, “The ShoBox co-feature was another wickedly exciting fight for as long as it lasted, which was all of 79 seconds. Angulo and Ter Meliksetian charged at each other from the opening bell and swung away, both doing damage. Ter Meliksetian rocked Angulo early, but he survived and dropped Ter Meliksetian twice. Ter Meliksetian was in bad shape after the second knockdown and referee Lou Moret called it off.

“Angulo...is exciting, has great power in his right hand and scored his second quick knockout ion a row on ShoBox. He has some flaws -- he could keep his hands up more -- but watching him develop is going to be a lot of fun.”

In his last bout on Sept. 7, 2007, Angulo stepped up his class of opposition and scored a second-round knockout over Emmanuel Gonzalez in Santa Ynez, Calif.

During his preparation for the fight, Angulo stepped into the ring against some illustrious fighters.

“I sparred against Jesus Soto-Karass, Antonio Margarito, Roy Jones Jr., and Fernando Vargas,” Angulo said

Fightwriter.com’s Graham Houston reported after the bout that Angulo “looks like a fighter with world championship potential.”

Currently residing in Coachella, Calif., Angulo trains at the Maywood Boxing Club and has worked with trainer, Clemente Medina, since he turned pro.

“I have been training at Maywood but I’ve been going over to the Mora gym whenever there’s sparring over there,” Angulo explained. Right now, I have been going to the Wild Card Gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with Roman Karmazin and some other fighters.”

The undefeated fighter describes his style as very aggressive.

“I can knock an opponent out quickly or box,” Angulo said.

Angulo said he is pleased with his promoter, Gary Shaw, and manager, Mike Criscio.

“They are moving me very well,” Angulo said. “I have been fighting a lot.”

Angulo said he received his nickname, “Perro,” when he was on the Olympic team because of the way he fights.

Fight by Fight – 2008 - in his last fight on 10-04-08 in Temecula, Calif., Angulo methodically broke down top-10 contender Andrey Tsurkan (26-3 going in), leading on scores of 90-81 on all three judges’ cards before referee Tony Krebs stopped the fight at 2:27 of the 10th round for a TKO victory

On 5-17-2008 in Primm, Nev., Angulo stopped Top-10 contender Ricahard Gutierrez (24-1 going in) with a fifth round TKO.

On 2-22-08 in Hinckley, Minn., Angulo, in what was his toughest test to date, knocked out Ricardo Cortes (22-1-1 going in) at 2:58 of the first round, ending his four-year, 12-bout winning streak.

2007 – - on 11-30-07 in Santa Ynez, Calif., Angulo TKO’d Archak Ter Meliksetian (16-5 going in). After Ter Meliksetian rocked Angulo with several right hands early in the first round, Angulo stunned his opponent with a left hook. Angulo then scored two knockdowns with right hands and the referee stopped the fight without a count at 1:19.

“I came out with my strategy to work calmly,” Angulo said. “I knew it was going to be a difficult fight. Ter Meliksetian surprised me because I thought he was going to box more. I was able to land a right cross for the first knockdown, and then I landed another to end the fight.

“I am simply a fighter who works hard in the gym. I am never in an easy fight and Ter Meliksetian was no different. People wondered why I would take a fight against a dangerous fighter. I only hope that this performance shows that I could step up in the level of competition.”

On 9-7-07 in Santa Ynez, Calif., Angulo TKO’d previously undefeated prospect Emmanuel Gonzalez (9-0 going in). In his “ShoBox” debut, Angulo defeated Gonzalez for the second time (and first as a pro) by stopping the Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, resident in less than five minutes.

Midway through the second round, Angulo floored his counterpart with a right hand to the jaw. Moments later, Angulo landed a punishing combination that sent Gonzalez to the canvas for the second time. Referee David Mendoza decided he had seen enough and stopped the bout at 1:56 of the second.

“This fight was actually longer than our first meeting in the amateurs because that was a first-round stoppage,” Angulo said.

On 8-4-07 in Hidalgo, Texas, Angulo TKO’d Taronze Washington. The fight was on the undercard of the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez rematch. Angulo scored one knockdown in the first round and another in the third with left hooks to the body. Washington did not continue after the round.

On 6-1-07 in Santa Ynez, Calif., Angulo KO’d Israel Garcia. Angulo rocked Garcia several times, and the fight was stopped at 2:23 of the fourth round.

On 4-7-07 in Springfield, Mo., Angulo knocked out Lance Moody. The fight was on the undercard of the Joshua Clottey-Diego Corrales main event. Angulo knocked Moody down in the first round, and was counted out at 1:06.

2006 – On 9-1-06 in Mexicali, Mexico, Angulo knocked out Raymundo Valenzuela at 2:21 of the second round.

On 7-14-06 in Mexicali, Angulo TKO’d Javier Arce (making his pro debut) in the first round.

On 3-3-06 in Maywood, Calif., Angulo recorded a four-round decision over Manuel Mada.

2005 - On 8-25-05 in Irvine, Calif., Angulo recorded a six-round split decision (59-55, 59-56 and 56-58) over Danny Jevic. The bout headlined at the Marriott and drew a capacity crowd of 1,410.

On 5-5-05 in Tucson, Ariz., Angulo TKO’d Jonathan Taylor (6-1 going in) at 2:09 of the third round.

Angulo made his pro debut at age 22 on 1-6-05 in Tucson, and earned a four-round majority decision (40-36, 39-37 and 38 apiece) over Tomas Padron. Angulo was cut over his right eye in the opening round, but fought through it to gain the victory.

AMATEUR, PERSONAL BACKGROUND: Born in Mexicali, Baja, California. Angulo has three sisters and two brothers.

Angulo started boxing when he was 17 years old after he watched the second Oscar De La Hoya- Julio Cesar Chavez fight. During his amateur career, Angulo compiled an 80-15 record and won the Mexican national title four consecutive years from 2000-04.

Angulo, who is a full-time boxer, lives with his girlfriend and their two-year-old daughter in Coachella.

AMATEUR HIGHLIGHTS: 2004 Olympics, Athens, Greece, 165 pounds: I his first fight on 8-24-04, Angulo lost a 38-23 decision to Andy Lee of Ireland.

2004 Olympic Americas Qualifier, Tijuana, Mexico, 165 pounds – SILVER MEDALIST: In the quarter-finals on 3-16-04, Angulo stopped Kirt Sinnette of Trinidad in the third round In the semi-finals on 3-18-04, Angulo recorded a 27-23 decision over Jean Pascal of Canada. In the finals on 3-20-04, Angulo dropped a 37-18 decision to Andre Dirrell of the United States.

2003 Pan American Games, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 152 pounds – BRONZE MEDALIST: In the quarter-finals on 8-10-03, Angulo won an 11-10 decision over Omar Coffi of Venezuela. In the semi-finals on 8-12-0, Angulo lost on a corner retirement in the fourth round against Juan McPherson of the U.S.

2002 Central American and Caribbean Games, San Salvador, E l Salvador, 156 pounds – BRONZE MEDALIST: In the quarter-finals, Angulo stopped Hector Arreola in the second round. In the semi-finals, Angulo lost a 14-7 decision to Juan Ubaldo of the Dominican Republic.

STRENGTHS: Has an aggressive style, good skills and movement...Has good punching power...Tough and durable...Had a strong amateur background.

WEAKNESSES: Still developing and gaining experience against more experienced opponents.

Juan Urango

At the age of 26, Juan is a 4 1/2 -year pro. A hard-hitting lefthander, he won the vacant IBF jr. welterweight world title in his last fight in June, 2006.

The title was vacated when Ricky Hatton, who beat defending champion Kostya Tszyu for the title in June, 2005, did not make his mandatory defense against IBF No. 1 ranked Naoufel Ben Rabah, and Ben Rabah fought No. 3 ranked Juan for the vacant title.

It was Juan's first fight in 10 months, the longest layoff of his career. He had surgery on his left hand on January 31, 2006, and was cleared by his surgeon to resume training on April 3, 2006.

Co-manager Luis Navarro said, "It wasn't a break. His middle knuckle on his left hand, over time, built up some cartilage and scarring from hitting. It turns in almost like a scab, like a calcium deposit, but underneath your skin. So when he would hit, it would just rub and cause a light stinging. So, the doctors recommended that he remove the build-up and he decided to have it done."

Juan said through an interpreter, "I'm an aggressive fighter, a crowd-pleaser. I keep coming forward. I never watch tapes, because everybody trains different for each opponent. I take one round to figure a guy out, I'll study him in the first round. I have a plan right after that. I know what I know in the ring, I'm ready for anybody. It's just about working hard, fighting, wearing down my opponent and beating him.

"This has been a much anticipated opportunity for me. I've been waiting for this for my whole life, and with the glory of God and the guidance of God, I feel that I will reach the heights that I need to reach."

Juan has now won four fights in a row, all by knockout, since fighting to a draw against Mike Arnaoutis in August, 2004.

Regarding his nickname, literally translated as "Twins of Iron," Juan said, "I've been called that since I was an amateur. I have an identical twin brother, Pedro Manuel. He's a pro fighter, too, in Colombia."

Juan said, "I was born in Monteria, Colombia. I have three sisters and four brothers. My twin brother and I are the only boxers in the family. My father was a farmer, I grew up on a farm. I used to work the fields, bring in the crops and all that. We grew corn.

"When I was little, I had a couple of cousins that boxed and I started going to the gym with them. I was 10 years old, I just fell in love with it. I was 14 when I had my first amateur fight. I had 160 amateur fights. I lost about 25.

"I won the national championship in Colombia five times, starting in '97, all at lightweight. I didn't make the 2000 Olympic team. I was eliminated. "I lived in Madrid, Spain, for almost two years. My former manager is from Spain, and he took me over there. Then I moved to Florida in 2004."...

Juan and his his wife Elizabeth were married on October 13, 2005, and live with her 15 year-old son and nine year old daughter; Juan has six other children who live in Colombia with his mother, sister, aunt, and ex-wife...


Source: HBO

Kermit Cintrón

Kermit Cintrón (born October 22, 1979) is a Puerto Rican boxer who is from Carolina, Puerto Rico. Cintrón is trained by Ronnie Shields and managed by Josh Dubin. DiBella Entertainment is his promoter.

Cintrón had a tough childhood. He witnessed as his mother lay in bed for months before she died of cancer. Unable to care for Cintrón and his siblings, Cintrón's father sent him to the United States, with Cintrón's uncle, Benjamin Serrano, a former Middleweight contender who had fought Frank The Animal Fletcher among others. Cintrón's father, however, kept regular contact with his kids. But when Cintrón was 13, another tragic blow shook him: His father died of a heart attack, leaving him and his siblings orphaned on both sides. He is married to María Cintrón, the couple has three offsprings. Two daughters, Denali and Savannah and a son.

In early 2008, Cintrón was trained by Emanuel Steward, who focused his training in boxing and counterattacks.[2] He decided to finish this partnership, based on the fact that Steward's time was limited due to several other compromises. Despite this, both conserved a close friendship. During this timeframe, Cintrón abandoned Main Events, signing a promotional contract with Lou DiBella. His next trainer was Ronnie Shields, who emphasized on a faster training pace. hields preferred a more aggressive style, reminiscent of the one presented during the early stage of Cintrón's early career. Brian Caldwell was employed as conditioning coach, in the process modifying his weight routines.

nvolvement in other combat sports

Cintrón found wrestling and boxing to be an outlet from his personal troubles, so he started spending more and more of his time practicing those sports. While attending William Tennent High School in Warminster, Pennsylvania, he became an accomplished high-school wrestler on the same team as actor Mike Vogel. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ohio State University offered him full wrestling scholarships, but an injury to his knee prevented his inclusion on these programs. Consequently, Cintrón he began boxing full time.

In April 2007, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. publicly claimed that any boxer could make the transition into mixed martial arts and win. In response, Ultimate Fighting Championship's president, Dana White, issued him a challenge to fight the promotion's lightweight champion, Sean Sherk. Mayweather later retracted and apologized, expressing that he did not wish to compete in the discipline. However, Cintrón stated that he was willing to fight Sherk in his place. "I want the fight," said Cintrón, who is 27-1 with 25 KOs. "I can wrestle. I can box. I can beat those UFC fighters at their own game. Tell Mr. White to make me an offer and I'll take on his guy...."

Source: Wikipedia

Andre Berto

Andre Mike Berto (born September 7, 1983) is a Haitian American welterweight professional boxer, who represented Haiti at the 2004 Summer Olympics. On June 21, 2008, Berto became the WBC welterweight champion by defeating Miguel Rodriguez by seventh round technical knockout.

Berto was an odds-on favorite to breeze through the 2004 Olympic Trials and qualify as a member of the US Olympic boxing squad. Those dreams were dashed in the opening round of the trials, when he was disqualified for throwing Juan McPherson to the canvas. Berto was winning the fight, before McPherson bumped into him before being pushed to the canvas, and was deemed in no condition to continue. The act was ruled a flagrant foul, and Berto was disqualified. A protest was ruled in his favor, as he was declared the winner and advanced to the next round. Berto won that bout as well and prepared for the finals before a follow-up meeting the night before reverted back to the initial ruling, eliminating Berto from the tournament. Because his parents emigrated from Haiti, Berto was able to keep his Olympic hopes alive, qualifying for Team Haiti, and subsequently granted Haitian citizenship alongside his American nationality, an exception the island country awarded the Olympian.

From December 2004 to October 2006, Berto won 15 fights, with 13 coming by way of knockout. On December 12, 2006, at the Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Berto stepped up in competition and fought Miguel Figueroa. Berto put together a one-sided destruction of Figueroa, eventually forcing the referee to stop the fight in round six. He was named ESPN.com’s 2006 Prospect of the Year. His next fight took place on February 17, 2007, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, New York, against Norberto Bravo of ''The Contender (TV series)|The Contender''. Berto defeated Bravo by first round technical knockout after Bravo was knocked down three times, triggering the three knockdown rule. On May 19, 2007, Berto defeated Martinus Clay by seventh round technical knockout.

Source: Wikipedia

Pacquiao vs Hatton Rematch Fight

After the May 2, 2009 "Battle of the East and West" fight, where Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao wins by TKO over Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton in just 2 rounds, do you think that the fight will have a rematch?

We knew that it was a short fight and Ricky Hatton have not really showed off his skills deserves an avenue to prove his ability to match up again with Manny Pacquiao. Looking into his boxing records, he has to seek for a chance to claim his win over Manny Pacquiao, afterall what is a 2 lost records? He can still re-claim what was taken from him, I mean his belt when Manny took it from him. He is only 30 years, too young for him to resign from the boxing profession. In a local news, Hatton was advised to resign and proceed with the promotion instead. Well, I guess he can do both just like what the "Golden Boy" did, fighting inside the ring as well as doing the promotion. That could double his profit for sure.

On the other hand, while Manny Pacquiao still waits for his next bout between Cotto and Mayweather, he can enjoy his long period of vacation and be with his family. At present, Manny Pacquiao has 49 wins and 3 loss, 2 of which was a knock-out. Who knows maybe Hatton can make it 4 losses for Manny Pacquiao.

So stay tune, we might hear surprising news proposing the rematch fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, I hope it would be sooner.

Newest Filipino Boxing Heroes

Manila City will honor world boxing champions Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria and two others today for their astounding feats in the double world title bouts at the Araneta Coliseum last Sunday.

A motorcade will be held around the city to fete the country’s new boxing heroes next to Manny Pacquiao after Donaire and Viloria scored a pair of convincing stoppages over their Mexican rivals.

Donaire retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) world flyweight titles with a fourth-round technical knockout of erstwhile unbeaten Mexican Raul Martinez while Viloria knocked out champion Ulises Solis of Mexico with a single punch in the 11th round to wrest the IBF junior flyweight crown.

Their feats also prompted Sen. Manny Villar to file a resolution commending the duo for bringing honors to the country.

“With their victories, Nonito and Bryan once again made the Philippines proud. They have once again proved to the world that Filipinos have what it takes to excel in whatever field of endeavor. They bring great pride and inspire all Filipinos to excel in their undertakings to achieve success and world recognition,” said Villar.

Also to be honored in the Manila motorcade are WBC international minimumweight champion Denver Cuello and super flyweight titlist Drian Francisco.

Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday urged Pacquiao to consider holding his next fight after Ricky Hatton in the country, saying such a fight can be rightly billed as the second Thrilla in Manila following the huge turnout which witnessed the Sunday card at the Big Dome.

“I know that the big money fights are in the United States and elsewhere. But I believe Manny has already achieved such an iconic stature in the world of boxing to make a big fight happen in the Philippines,” said Legarda said.

“While Filipinos follow Manny’s fights wherever they are held, the Donaire and Viloria fights showed that the victories of Filipino athletes are extra special when posted before our countrymen,” Legarda.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has directed his chief of staff Ric de Guzman and department of public services chief retired colonel Carlos Baltazar to make the necessary coordination with the traffic bureau for the routing scheme of the motorcade, consisting of three vehicles.

Lim said he would be taking a separate vehicle “so as not to diminish the luster of their glory.”

Lim described the fight of Donaire, Viloria and Cuello as very impressive and an inspiration to aspiring boxers not only in Manila but in other parts of the country.

Cuello, meanwhile, stopped Hiroshi Matsumoto of Japan in four rounds while Francisco won over Indonesian boxer Sahril Fabanyo in their 12-round super flyweight bout.

Legarda issued her call for Pacquiao as she noted the overwhelming pride and joy that Filipinos showed following Donaire and Viloria’s victories.

Source: PhilStar

Pacquiao vs Hatton: Fighting For Boxing Legendary

Filipino southpaw Manny Pacquiao matches his speed and deceptive moves against the superior size and power of British star Ricky Hatton today in a long-awaited boxing showdown.

Both 30-year-old fighters are trying to cement their spot in ring history in the junior welterweight matchup, with Pacquiao, 48-3 with two drawn and 35 knockouts, a slight oddsmakers favourite over Hatton, 45-1 with 32 knockouts.

“I’m confident I will win,” Pacquiao said. “I’ve worked hard for the past eight weeks, looked at a lot of his fights, and I’m ready to fight.”

Pacquiao could match the all-time record by becoming a champion in his sixth different weight class by lifting Hatton’s International Boxing Organisation junior welterweight world title after dispatching now-retired six-division champion Oscar de la Hoya.

“It’s very important to me to win a sixth different title,” Pacquiao said. “If it happens, people will put me on the list of the greatest boxing legends.”

Hatton seeks the pound-for-pound crown now held by Pacquiao after dominating the division. The Englishman’s only defeat came in 2007 when he moved up to welterweight and was stopped in the 10th round by US star Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

“One thing fighting Floyd Jnr taught me is you can’t steamroll everybody,” Hatton said. “There’s no doubt in my mind. With my added speed, jab movement, head speed, other things, I’m confident I’m going to win.”

Hatton says he has never been more relaxed or confident before a fight.

“As long as I do what I do best, I believe I’m going to be too much in all areas for Manny,” Hatton said. “I couldn’t be any more positive about the outcome.”

Pacquiao will take home US$12mil from the bout while Hatton is set for an US$8mil payday. Pay-per-view income alone for the megafight is expected to be at least US$40mil.

Well aware of the challenge Hatton presents, Pacquiao said he has never trained harder for a fight in his career.

“Ricky Hatton is a different fighter from what I have fought before,” said Pacquiao. “I expect him to be fast and strong.

“It’s going to be a hard fight.”

“His style is to come at you and throw a lot of punches. He has a strong left hand. I have to take care of that and focus on that.”

Hatton is very familiar with Pacquiao’s elusive footwork and ability to connect quickly and often.

Juan Miguel "Dinamita" Marquez

Juan Manuel Marquez is a 4 time World Featherweight Champion. Marquez was the WBO #1 contender for two years while Naseem Hamed was the WBO featherweight champion. To Hamed's credit, he did offer Marquez a fight in the summer of 2000, but Marquez declined. Marquez did end up getting a title shot against Freddie Norwood. both fighters were down in the fight. Norwood escaped with a disputed points decision.

After four years of racking up victories, Marquez got a second title shot, which came against Manuel Medina, with him stopping the game veteran in the later rounds. Marquez made a few minor defenses plus unifying the WBA and IBF titles by dethroning Derrick Gainer. Marquez then took on 2 time world champion Manny Pacquiao in 2004. In a thrilling Fight Of The Year candidate, Marquez was knocked down three times in the first round, but gamely fought back to win many of the remaining rounds. Fans hotly debate, who deserved the win, but the official result was a draw. Marquez refused a rematch with Pacquiao, demanding too much money, and his career continued to stall.

Marquez was stripped of his IBF title as his scheduled defense aginst Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym failed to draw a bid, after it was sent to purse bid by the IBF. Marquez was also stripped of his WBA title. In March 2006, Marquez traveled to Indonesia to face WBA featherweight champion Chris John, for just $31,500, and lost a unanimous decision.

Just 5 months later to capture the interim WBO Featherweight Title, he made 1 title defense until being upgraded to full status champion, making him a 3 time Featherweight Champion.

He moved up to the Super Featherweight division and challenged 3 weight world champion Marco Antonio Barrera for his WBC title, it was a very tactical fight with Marquez focusing on effective counter punching and Barrera focusing on fast combination punching, after 12 evenly matched rounds, Marquez was awarded a unanimous decision victory. He made 1 successful title defense, outpointing Rocky Juarez.

In early 2008, Marquez took on Manny Pacquiao for a second time, like in many fights in his career, Marquez found himself in yet another evenly matched fight, after 12 rounds, Pacquiao was awarded a disputed split decision victory.

Yet unlike other close points defeats, Marquez retained his recognition at the elite level, getting moved up to #2 pound for pound. He continued to chase big fights as he moved up yet another weight class to challenge 2 time world champion Joel Casamayor for his lineal and Ring Magazine lightweight title. Marquez stopped the game Cuban in round 11 to become champion in a third weight class.

Recognitions

• IBF Featherweight Champion (2003-2005)
• WBA Featherweight Champion (2006-2007)
• WBO Featherweight Champion (2003-2005)
• WBC Super Featherweight Champion (2007-2008)
• WBA & WBO Lightweight Champion (2009-present)
• Ring Magazine Lightweight Champion (2009-present)

Source: Juan Miguel Marquez BoxRecord

Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather

Perhaps the premier pound-for-pound boxer of this era and without question the most talented, "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather brings an intriguing mix of speed, power, and a warrior's instincts into each of his bouts-a combination that has translated to 38 wins without a loss, 24 knockouts, and world championships in five weight classes.

Fresh off his historic victory over "The Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya in their record-breaking May 5th battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and with a newly added junior middleweight title to his trophy case, Mayweather is comfortable being at the top of the sport.

"My goal is to be one of the best fighters who ever lived," he said. "My career and legacy are very important to me and I feel I am already ranked among the best there ever where in the sport."

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mayweather was born into a boxing family. His father, Floyd Sr. was a former welterweight contender who fought Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, and his uncles, Roger and Jeff, were also pro fighters, with Roger - Floyd's current trainer - winning two world championships in his prime.

Fitted with boxing gloves while he was still a toddler, Floyd started boxing at the age of seven, and his acumen for the hardest game was obvious from the start. He would go on to compile an 84-6 amateur record while earning three Michigan Golden Gloves titles, three National Golden Gloves titles, PAL and National Championships, and an Olympic Bronze medal in the 1996 Games.

In those Atlanta Games, Mayweather roared through his first three foes, including Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba. With that win, Mayweather became the first US boxer in 20 years to defeat a fighter from Cuba. But in the semi-finals, Mayweather would drop a highly controversial 10-9 decision to Bulgaria's Serafim Todorov, a bout most observers believed he won.

He has not lost since.

Turning pro in the super featherweight division on October 11, 1996, Mayweather blitzed Roberto Apodaca in just two rounds, and his journey to greatness was underway. After one more win in 1996, Mayweather went 10-0 with 9 knockouts in 1997, and added five more wins to his ledger in the first half of 1998. Fight fans were chomping at the bit to see the ultra-talented Mayweather in with the elite at 130 pounds, and on October 3, 1998, they got their chance when the 21-year old faced off against Genaro Hernandez for 'Chicanito's WBC world championship.

It was no contest as Mayweather battered the veteran with blinding combinations, pitching a near shutout before the fight was stopped after the eighth round. Floyd Mayweather was a world champion.

But any great champion will tell you that winning a title is one thing - defending it is another, and Mayweather, despite his physical gifts, showed his desire for greatness by outworking his opponents in the gym and gaining a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the sport.

This work paid off as Mayweather defended his super featherweight title eight times from 1998 to 2001, defeating Angel Manfredy (TKO2), Carlos Rios (W12), Justin Juuko (KO9), Carlos Gerena (TKO7), Gregorio Vargas (W12), Diego Corrales (TKO10), Carlos Hernandez (W12), and Jesus Chavez (TKO9). Corrales, Hernandez, and Chvez would all go on to win world titles after their one-sided losses to Mayweather.

With 130 pounds cleaned out, Mayweather sought new challenges at 135 pounds, and he got it in his WBC lightweight championship match against Mexico's tough Jose Luis Castillo on April 20, 2002. But after 12 hard-fought rounds, Mayweather had won his second world crown.

"I was outboxing him easy," said Mayweather. "He was tough and it was a good learning experience for me."

Fight fans clamored for a rematch though, and "Pretty Boy" Floyd answered their call in his very next fight less than eight months later, repeated his 12 round decision win over Castillo.

"I told you it would be easy this time," said Mayweather. "My plan was to box more, no power shots, be smart."

He went on to defend the lightweight title twice more, over Victoriano Sosa (W12) and Phillip N'dou (TKO7), before testing the waters at 140 pounds.

In the junior welterweight division, Mayweather immediately made his presence known with a dominating 12 round decision win over former world champion DeMarcus Corley on May 22, 2004, and after an eighth round stoppage of Henry Bruseles to kick off 2005, Mayweather made his debut as a pay-per-view headliner on June 25, 2005, and he walked through rugged Arturo Gatti in just six rounds to win the WBC 140-pound championship.

"I told the fans I prepared for this physically and mentally," said Mayweather. "I respect Arturo Gatti for giving me the chance. He's a tough guy, strong guy, but tonight I was the better man. I boxed, stuck to the game plan, and got the victory."

Mayweather didn't spend much time at junior welterweight though, as he immediately jumped up to the welterweight division to take on the best in yet another weight class. Floyd kicked off his 147-pound campaign with a sixth round TKO of former world champion Sharmba Mitchell on November 19, 2005, and on April 8, 2006, he would face former friend Zab Judah in a highly-anticipated grudge match. But despite the bad blood between the two, Mayweather was a cool customer in the ring as he cruised to an easy 12 round decision win to earn the IBF welterweight title.

Not satisfied with just one belt, Mayweather finished off a stellar 2006 campaign with a 12 round near-shutout over Carlos Baldomir to add the WBC welterweight crown to his resume. His last fight, the epic conquering of De La Hoya in their May 5 super fight, launched an incredible 2007 crusade destined for history books. Now he will finish out the year with a challenge against the formidable British icon Ricky Hatton on Saturday, December 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in an attempt to continue his brilliance and boxing legacy.

Source: HBO Mayweather Bio

Emmanuel "Pacman" Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao, sometimes simply known as Pacman, began his career in 1995, at age 16. He won his first couple of fights, before bumping into Rustico Torrecampo, who scored a third-round KO over Pacquiao, but the replay clearly showed that Torrecampo hit Manny below the belt. Manny went forward with his career, before fighting Chokchai Chockvivat for the OPBF flyweight title. A few fights later in December of 1998, Pacquiao fought WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul. The bout was very even, the champion being elusive and a good counter puncher. Pacquiao won by KO in round eight, after which Sasakul did not get up for a few minutes. Pacquiao's next noteworthy assignment came when he fought Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the IBF 122 lb title. Pacquiao came as a late sub on a few weeks notice and dominated the fight, knocking out the champ in six rounds. Pacquiao made a string of IBF title defenses before moving up in weight and fighting Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao boxed well and his southpaw style seemed to be troubling Barrera. Pacquiao knocked down Barrera three times in this fight. Next Pacquiao fought Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez was down three times in the first round. However, Marquez did come back to win many of the latter rounds and secure a draw. Pacquiao was then signed for a match with Erik Morales, at 130 pounds after a rematch with Marquez never materialized, because of Marquez demanding far too much money. In a candidate for Fight of the Year, Morales won a slim decision against Pacquiao, winning on all three judges scorecards by scores of 115-113.

He came back from the Morales defeat to knockout Hector Velazquez in six rounds. In January 2006, Pacquiao scored one of the biggest victories of his career, when he stopped Erik Morales in the 10th round of their rematch, the first stoppage loss of Morales career.

Pacquiao is extraordinarily popular in the Philippines, where he is currently the most popular athlete in his country। Pacquiao has branched into acting in Filipino movies and various business ventures as well, including a number of commercial endorsements, seen almost everyday on local TV. Pacquiao carried his country's flag at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic games.

Awards and Titles

• WBC flyweight champion (1997-98, lost title when he failed to make weight for title bout)
• IBF super bantamweight champion (2001-03, vacated to fight at featherweight)
• WBC Super Featherweight champion
• WBC Lightweight champion

• 2006 & 2008 ESPN "Fighter of the Year"
• 2006 & 2008 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year
• 2006 & 2008 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year
• 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame "Fighter of the Year"

Source: Manny Pacquiao BoxRecord