Arum: I am very disillusioned

By Nick Giongco

Promoter Bob Arum feels something strange is about to happen in the negotiations to finally formalize the March 13, 2010 super showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. “I think Richard (Schaefer) has an agenda,” Arum told Manila Bulletin and Fightnews early yesterday afternoon (late Wednesday night in the US), referring to the Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) Chief Executive Officer who represents Mayweather in dealing with Arum’s Top Rank Inc.

An inspection tour of the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas and a meeting with the stadium owner, Texas billionaire Jerry Jones, had been penciled for Wednesday by Arum, Schaefer and HBO Sports executive Ross Greenburg. But a call to Arum by Schaefer on Tuesday night–as Arum was celebrating his 78th birthday–ruined the promoter’s special day.

Arum has been very upbeat and vocal the past week after securing the go-signal from Pacquiao in Manila to continue holding talks with Schaefer so an announcement can be made soon.

In fact, Arum even talked with Schaefer on the phone on Monday, disclosing that everything is right on track.

“I am very disillusioned,” said Arum, who is at a loss as to what move to make next.

While Arum did not say that negotiations have fallen apart, the stunning development did put talks on hold as Arum had been quoted that an announcement is forthcoming.

A major press conference with Pacquiao and Mayweather in attendance was being planned for Jan. 6 in New York in lieue of a lengthy publicity tour.

Now that Dallas appears to be out of the race–the MGM Grand in Las Vegas–has strengthened its chances of landing the mega much match even if there are other offers from Atlanta, New Orleans and even Los Angeles, which is dangling a $20 million offer to hold the fight at the Staples Center.

“We’ll see, we’ll see,” mumbled Arum when asked about what’s likely to happen next.

Source: fightnews.com

Pacquiao-Mayweather: Who Wins and Why

December 10th, 2009
By Kenneth Ragpala

Now that the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is almost a done deal, with all areas ironed out save for the venue (as of press time, the choices have been narrowed to Las Vegas (MGM Grand), Dallas (Cowboys Stadium) and New Orleans (Superdome)), here are some points worth mulling over about who would win and why in this exciting clash between arguably the most dynamic offensive boxer of this generation against perhaps one of the best defensive fighter of all time.


Why Pacquiao would win

Confidence and momentum are on this little Filipino’s side. He has not tasted defeat since the loss to Erik Morales in 2005, and has successfully campaigned through the weight divisions en route to seven titles in seven different weight categories.

In his last outing against Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao has proven that he can take a true welterweight’s punch. Not only that, he can also hurt and bring down a true welterweight. While it is said that Mayweather’s punching power is underrated, due to the fact that he picks his shots, it can be argued that Cotto is a lot stronger than Mayweather.

While many argue that Mayweather can adjust to any style the opponent brings, Pacquiao’s way of fighting is just too awkward and too unpredictable. With his knack of throwing punches from angles unheard of and in huge quantities, Mayweather may have a hard time dodging and slipping all of them. He also has speed and power to go with his hobby of volume punching.

Freddie Roach will be Pacquiao’s ultimate trump card. The boxing genius knows how to carve fight plans and he certainly did have a blueprint for Mayweather when Oscar dela Hoya faced him in 2007. The Golden Boy had his moments, pressing and backing Mayweather to the ropes,. Unfortunately, Dela Hoya faded in the later rounds. Though Mayweather was the winner, it was the first time he earned a victory via a split decision.

Why Mayweather would win

Defense will be Mayweather’s main offense. Pacquiao has never fought a defensive mastermind with Mayweather’s caliber. Breaking down Mayweather’s defense will be an aspect Pacquiao’s camp will concentrate on. But how to do that will be a herculean task to begin with.

Though Pacquiao has the skills, the speed, and the power to pressure Mayweather, Pacman does not have the natural height, size, and reach advantages Oscar had. Mayweather has the upper hand in those departments and he will certainly capitalize on those gifts.

While Pacquiao is fast, Mayweather is slightly faster. If it comes down to whose punches will land first, Mayweather will surely beat Pacquiao to the punch.

The guy certainly does not have any sign of ring rust even after a two-year hiatus. His performance against Juan Manuel Marquez should attest to that. He was superb in terms of overall boxing skills and ring generalship.

Mayweather is a great counterpuncher, and Pacquiao has had problems with counterpunchers. Add to that the fact that Mayweather uses the ring very well. Pacquiao does not want to chase his opponents (as seen in the Cotto fight) since this really frustrates the Filipino, who likes high-octane action. Mayweather, boxes well, even when he rides his bicycle backwards.

In all reality, one can easily make a plausible argument as to who wins and why. But that question can be answered only when these two living legends finally square off. As for us fight fans, we are certainly now in the calm before the storm. Only this time, we prayed for this storm.

Source: 8countnews.com

Roach, Pacquiao to craft new game plan vs Mayweather

Roach confirms they already signed the contract

MANILA, Philippines – Famed American trainer Freddie Roach admitted that he and Manny Pacquiao would have to make some changes in their training when they prepare for the mega fight against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

“This is completely opposite of the [Miguel] Cotto fight, opposite of the [Ricky] Hatton fight, and opposite from the [Oscar] de la Hoya fight,” Roach told Brad Cooney of 8countnews.com. “We will come up with a new game plan, a 10 week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd's speed away from him.”

Roach added: “It's a difficult fight, it's the most difficult style for us to go against because he is a runner and a counter puncher.”

The two-time Trainer of the Year recipient also disclosed that the fight is official on their end as Team Pacquiao already signed the contract.

“I don't know if they officially signed, but we have,” he said.

Pacquiao and Mayweather are set to face off on March 13 at a venue to be announced. Las Vegas is said to be the frontrunner in the hunt for the venue. The press conference for the fight will be held on January 11 in the United States.

‘Best fighting the best’

Roach went on to share his thoughts on the match that is being touted as the “Fight of the Century.”

“It's the best fighting the best right now. People can say what they want, but he's very good at what he does. He's not an exciting fighter, but he's good at what he does,” he said.

Pacquiao, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, has a record of 50-3-2, with 38 knockouts.

Mayweather, the current No. 2 pound-for-pound king (who previously held the top pound-for-pound spot), holds a clean 40-0 record with 25 KOs.

“Floyd is not an offensive guy he's a very defensive fighter, but defense doesn't win fights, offense does. We will excel in those areas, and we can match his hand-speed. Mayweather is very clever, it's a challenge for both men,” the trainer continued.

Fight preparations

According to Roach, they will be working hard to prepare for the undefeated American fighter.

“Let's face it, he's never been beat. We are going to come up with a great game-plan, I know my guy can do it. We will get in shape and we will try to make it as exciting as possible.”

He said he plans to train Pacquiao for one month in the Philippines and another month in Los Angeles, California.

He earlier stated that he wants his other ward, World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan, to spar with the Filipino boxing sensation.

Another honor

Meanwhile, Roach is slated to receive another honor before he gets back to business with training the pound-for-pound king.

Roach will be feted a commemorative custom-made belt during the World Boxing Council (WBC) Legends of Boxing Christmas Toy Drive, reported Ed de la Vega of PhilBoxing.com.

Roach, who will serve as the event’s guest of honor, will be recognized for his achievements in boxing.

The WBC Legends of Boxing will be held on December 20 at Rudy’s Grill in Los Angeles, California.

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com

Manny Pacquiao tops Google, Yahoo ‘Most Searched’ lists for 2009

By NEIL RAY RAMOS
December 10, 2009, 8:29pm

Google and Yahoo!, the number one and number two most popular search engines today, respectively, have released data a propos the most searched topics and names of 2009 according to local users.

It’s no surprise that boxer Manny Pacquiao still tops both lists.

Pacquiao edged out deceased political icon Cory Aquino and the late Michael Jackson for ‘most searched’ in both Google and Yahoo.

Following Pacquiao and Aquino in overall most popular searches for Yahoo! are Francis Magalona, Ondoy, Dionisia Pacquiao, Shalani Soledad, Eraserheads, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Mar and Korina, and the Philippine Basketball Association.

In Yahoo!’s celebrity search rankings, domestic stars came first, with the list being topped by controversial actress-commercial model Maricar Reyes.

Reyes was followed by online queries for actress Angel Locsin, Korean performer Sandara Park, Binibining Pilipinas winner Pamela Bianca Manalo, Kris Aquino, actress Marian Rivera, Jackson, and local celebrities Coco Martin, Anne Curtis, and Judy Ann Santos.

Meanwhile, the most searched celebrity names according to Google is Carla Abellana, the star of the local remake of Mexican telenovela “Rosalinda.” The actress bested Bebe Gandanghari, Sandara Park, Coco Martin, Pacquiao’s mom Aling Dionisia, Katrina Halili, Angel Locsin, Dennis Laurel, and Katherine Luna.

Special mention goes to embattled beauty surgeon, Hayden Kho, as well as Korean pop star, Kim Bum.

As for music-related searches, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story" is the hottest song for Google users.

For local Yahoo! users, local band Sponge Cola's "Di Na Mababawi" is this year's anthem.

Making it on Google’s most popular music celebrities list is Lady Gaga who visited the country for a one-night concert at the Araneta Coliseum on August and pop king Michael Jackson, whose queries revolved mainly around his untimely death.

As for networking tools, Facebook and Twitter top Google Philippines’s most-searched items.

Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, son of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and the late president Cory Aquino, leads this year’s “fastest-rising politicians” category according to Google.

Interest on Aquino, which had been below other 2010 presidential candidates, spiked in August, peaked on September and continues to top other bets.

Other popular politicos are senators Mar Roxas, Manny Villar, ex-president Joseph Estrada and former defense chief Gilbert Teodoro, according to Google search data.

As for list of current events topics, Yahoo! said Filipinos searched for information online regarding the A (H1N1) flu pandemic, which claimed the top spot, followed closely by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng and curiously, the reproductive health bill.

The fastest-rising local travel destination search term for Filipinos, is Baler in Aurora, the popularity of which was probably spurred by a period film shown late last year starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales.

Therese Lim, Google’s corporate communications head for the Philippines, believes the year-end report serves as “barometer to reflect the pulse of Filipinos on wide-ranging issues.”

"Searches via Google offer an accurate assessment and is reflective of the information seeking behavior of Filipinos, especially on issues that interest them locally and even globally,” said she.

Meanwhile Yahoo! deemed it quite “unique” that for most Filipinos, entertainment, politics, and sports seem to intertwine almost naturally.

“What is unique to the Philippines is that the boundaries between entertainment, politics and sports intertwine simultaneously, reflective of Philippine culture,” Yahoo! disclosed.

Online searches done by people who accessed the Internet from mobile devices such as mobile phones, however, had a slightly different flavor, evidence perhaps of the different demographics of mobile web users.

The top search terms for mobile phone users according to Yahoo! [in order from first to last] are the NBA, Katrina Halili, Manny Pacquiao, Marian Rivera, Hayden Kho, Francis Magalona, Citigroup, Michael Jackson, Cory Aquino, and lastly, the PBA.

Source: mb.com.ph

Mayweater vs. Pacquiao: The Only Fight Of Its Kind?

December 10th, 2009 | by Oliver Suarez

Although it is not etched in stone yet, the probability of the most anticipated fight since Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad happening is very good, according to recent reports. There have been a number of great fights throughout the years, but few come close to the drama and storylines that this fight provides. I can’t remember a fight of this magnitude, involving two fighters who are so different from each other in so many aspects.

You have arguably the most arrogant and talkative fighter facing the most humble fighter in the sport. Also, has there ever been a bout between the best defensive fighter and the most feared offensive fighter who are both also considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighters? The matchup that might come close is the first bout between Ali and Frazier, but was Joe Frazier considered the most feared and best pound-for-pound fighter at the time? George Foreman was probably feared more than Frazier, as he was knocking guys out left and right during that time. Someone else mentioned Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran as a comparable fight and I tend to agree.

What makes the fight more fascinating is that this is not your typical fight between a pure boxer and a slugger. Both possess extraordinary athleticism and are complete fighters in their own way. It’s not a light-hitting Pernell Whitaker against a slow Julio Cesar Chavez.

There is also a sense of irony when you analyze their career. Pacquiao keeps on surpassing all the expectations bestowed upon him and has arguably reached the greatness many expected from Mayweather. Mayweather’s career and greatness, on the other hand, seems to have reached a plateau because of the decisions he has made. Just imagine the story lines preceding the fight. The 24/7 episodes might attract more viewers than most pay-per-view fights in recent years.

This matchup reminds me of a Rocky movie. You have an arrogant, flashy and talented fighter going against a fighter who came from nowhere to achieve greatness that many did not expect from him. There’s no doubt that this fight will be talked about for years to come, even if it doesn’t live up to the hype.

For complete analysis on the fight, click here:

http://sportzhype16.blogspot.com/2009/12/manny-pacquiao-vs-floyd-mayweather-jr.html

Source: la.fighthype.com

Pacquiao-Mayweather bout appears headed for Vegas

(AFP) – 9 hours ago

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Promoters of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather jnr bout have cancelled a trip to Dallas, an apparent sign that the new Cowboys Stadium won't host the mega-bout next year.

The trip was called off at the last minute on Wednesday because Mayweather's promoter apparently decided he didn't want the fight at the new billion-dollar stadium that is home to the Dallas Cowboys NFL team.

The move left the MGM Grand arena in Las Vegas as the favorite to host the fight, expected to take place on March 13.

Co-promoter Bob Arum said he was surprised by the decision from Mayweather's promoter, Golden Boy chief executive Richard Schaefer, to call off the trip to Texas.

Both fighters have reportedly agreed to terms for the bout, but neither has signed contracts.

Jones said last week he hoped to bid for the fight for his stadium in suburban Dallas, while representatives of the Superdome in New Orleans were also interested.

An official of Staples Center, home of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that the arena had made a 20 million-dollar offer to host the fight.

However, the Los Angeles venue would likely need to offer more than a Las Vegas venue because California imposes state taxes that the fighters would have to pay, and Nevada doesn't.

Mayweather, 40-0 with 25 knockouts, was regarded as the world's top pound-for-pound fighter before a 19-month layoff that ended last September.

Pacquiao, 50-3 with 38 knockouts, staked his claim on the pound-for-pound crown in Mayweather's absence by knocking out England's Ricky Hatton in the second round last May and stopping Miguel Cotto in the 12th round last month.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown could bring record profits to break the mark set by Mayweather's split-decision victory over Oscar de la Hoya in 2007.

The fight is expected to be officially launched with a press conference in January in New York.

Pacquiao is running for congress in his homeland and elections are in May, which scuttled plans for a May date for the fight.

The Filipino star is expected to begin training in his homeland and complete his workouts at trainer Freddie Roach's Hollywood gym.

Source: google.com

Viva Las Vegas? No dice, Dallas. Mayweather-Pacquiao moves on

Columbus Boxing Examiner | Samuel Rossi

This afternoon, Top Rank's Bob Arum was set to join Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer and HBO's Ross Greenburg in Dallas to tour Cowboys Stadium - a leading contender to host the March 13 bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. However, multiple reports indicate that Arum and Schaefer decided not to visit the Texas venue. According to NY Boxing Examiner Michael Marley, Arum had stated that Schaefer cancelled the fight and expressed no interest in holding the fight in Cowboys Stadium.

Be sure to check out what Mr. Marley has to say here:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m12d9-Fumble-Dallas-Cowboys-Mayweather-punts-on-fighting-Pacquiao-in-stadium.

Arum appeared stunned by the news that Golden Boy and Mayweather apparently had no desire to hold the contest in an outdoor stadium.

This most likely means that Vegas will be the winner in the Mayweather-Pacquiao sweepstakes with the MGM Grand standing as the leading contender.

While there are clear advantages to holding this epic bout in the world's fight capital, this columnist can't help but to imagine what may have been. An outdoor bout before 80,000 strong on American soil may have served as the lightening bolt needed to spark a frenzied, long-term interest for the sport of boxing. However, I do concede that Las Vegas - the land of infinite dreams and endless possiblities - is the most suitable site for such an epic bout. After all, at a time when so many of our biggest cities and arenas have placed the fight game on the backburner, Vegas has remained loyal to the fistic arts; even if it has only done so for its own fortune and gains. Still, I wish this fight could have been held on the stage it deserved - a stage like Cowboys Stadium.

Throughout this decade, I have long held that boxing was on the verge of a renaissance. A new "Golden Age" crammed with warriors and artisans set to re-ignite the torch last carried by pugs from nearly a half-century ago. Former claimants of that torch - the Marcianos, Peps, Robinsons, Basilios, Griffiths, and Alis - have been replaced with the Vasquezes, Williamses, Klitschkos, Pacquiaos, and Mayweathers of today's world. Though the sport and landscape have both vastly changed, believe me when I say that gladiators do remain in the sport.

I hope that sometime soon, these modern-day warriors are offered a proper stage on which to exhibit their beautiful craft.

Keep punching.

Source: Examiner.com