MARQUEZ WILL PAY FOR DISRESPECT - ROACH

Celebrated boxing trainer Freddie Roach predicted the other day Manny Pacquiao will stop Juan Manuel Marquez inside six rounds in their WBO welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 12 and said the spark in the Filipino icon’s eye in training camp indicates he’s going all out for a decisive victory in their third encounter.

While Marquez has been uncharacteristically polite to Pacquiao during the recent world media tour, Roach said he’ll never forget the Mexican’s whining after the draw in 2004 and losing by split decision in 2008.

Marquez even flew to Manila in 2009 with an entourage to taunt Pacquiao and goad him into agreeing to another face-off. Marquez caused a mild commotion at the Araneta Coliseum ringside when he gate-crashed a boxing card to confront Pacquiao.

Last November, Marquez showed up at a press conference in Las Vegas after defeating Michael Katsidis wearing a T-shirt with the words, in capital letters, emblazoned on the front – “MARQUEZ BEAT PACQUIAO TWICE.”

COntinue Reading at The Philippine Star

GARCIA CRIES FOUL, DEMANDS REMATCH

Photo Credit : ABS-CBN

The camp of Ramon Garcia Hirales is demanding a rematch after the Mexican claimed he was robbed of a victory against Donnie "Ahas" Nietes in Pinoy Pride 9 Saturday in Bacolod City.

Nietes defeated Garcia via unanimous decision to win his second world title, with judges scoring the bout 115-113, 118-110 and 117-111. Garcia felt he became the victim of "home-cooking."

Garcia felt he became the victim of "home-cooking."

"It's not fair, it's really not fair. The people know and the press know, he doesn't fight," said Alex Montenegro, Garcia's manager.

Garcia's trainer, Leo Camacho, complained about the scores of the American judges, who had scored the bout 118-110 and 117-111.

The Filipino judge, Atty. Danrex Tapdasan, scored the bout 115-113. After the event, boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielz said Tapdasan's scorecard best reflected the closeness of the boxing match.

Nietes defended his victory, however, saying he knew he was ahead on the judges' scorecards.

Continue Reading at ABS-CBN

Marco Antonio Barrera confident that Pacquiao knocks out Juan Manuel Marquez

Credits: Will Hart - HBO

I recently ran across former three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas. Having engaged in several memorable battles all over the city, Barrera still frequents the area for work, often covering action from ringside for TV Azteca, as was the case this past Saturday during the Toshiaki Nishioka-Rafael Marquez bout.


Chris Robinson, Las Vegas Boxing Examiner
Continue reading on Examiner.com

DONNIE NIETES VS RAMON GARCIA

DONNIE NIETES VS RAMON GARCIA LIVE HERE

NIETES EKES OUT UNANIMOUS DECISION TO WIN LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CROWN

Filipino Donnie Nietes scored a hard-earned unanimous decision over game and gutsy Mexican Ramon Garcia late Saturday night to capture the WBO light flyweight crown at the St. La Salle Coliseum. Nietes won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113. This writer scored the bout a draw.

Nietes took command early with his precision-punching but he suddenly went cold beginning in the sixth stanza, giving Garcia the courage to get back at him with ferocity.

Garcia even had the chance to put away Nietes several times but just couldn’t although at the end of the fight, he had the look of a winner since Nietes appeared as though he would pass out from exhaustion.

Garcia’s camp said their fighter was robbed and as they were walking back to their dressing room, they were screaming for a rematch.

Continue Reading at InterAKTV

FLOYD SCARED OF PACQUIAO – KHAN

MANNY Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the fight the world wants to see, but it may never happen at all because Mayweather is unwilling to risk his unbeaten record against the explosive Filipino world welterweight champion, according to British boxing star Amir Khan.

“I think I’ll get the fight before Manny,” said Khan, the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light welterweight champ. “Mayweather’s scared to fight Pacquiao.”

The 24-year-old Khan, who trains with Pacquiao under Freddie Roach at the world-famous Wild Card Gym in West Hollywood, told Brad Jones that Pacquiao is likely to beat Mayweather in the event of a ring showdown.

“Mayweather’s defense is so much better, but I say Manny’s attack is better,” said Khan in a one-on-one interview posted Wednesday in BoxingScene.com.

“What about the four, five, six, seven shots that Manny throws? So I think Manny has the edge.”

Khan said Pacquiao has the added advantage of having Roach in his corner, who could make Pacquiao “adapt to any situation.”

Moreover, Khan said that Pacquiao has demonstrated his ring resiliency, rebounding from three
previous losses and earning a record eight world titles in as many weight classes.

Continue reading at Special Correspondent

MAYWEATHER BELIES LACK OF CLASS

MANILA, Philippines - While the consensus is Floyd Mayweather Jr. did nothing illegal in knocking out Victor Ortiz with a sucker punch when the naïve southpaw wasn’t looking in their Las Vegas fight last Saturday night, boxing aficionados agreed the newly recrowned WBC welterweight champion violated the spirit of sportsmanship in showing a lack of class.

Mayweather 34, belted Ortiz, 24, during what seemed to be a lull as referee Joe Cortez was distracted and fans expected a touch of gloves. Worse, Ortiz tried to catch Cortez’ attention after he got hit as if to call for a ceasefire, took his eyes away from Mayweather and absorbed another jolt, this time a right straight that toppled him for the 10-count.

Clearly, Mayweather exploited the lapse in Ortiz’ concentration or naivete. Ortiz had just been slapped a point deduction for an intentional headbutt and even kissed Mayweather to apologize for his infraction. Although he was the defending champion, Ortiz showed too much undeserved respect for Pretty Boy who co-promoted the fight and paid for his opponent’s paycheck. Ortiz looked like he surrendered himself as a sacrificial lamb to pave the way for Mayweather’s showdown with Manny Pacquiao- – if it ever happens.

Continue reading at Philstar

Roach Links Up with Manny

Freddie Roach arrived under cover of darkness yesterday and jumped into a waiting van that took him straight up to Baguio.

Roach flew in from Los Angeles at 5:30 in the morning, and moved on for the 250 km to trip straight from the airport.

Team Pacquiao insider Joe Ramos accompanied Roach. It took them seven hours to get to Baguio after only two brief stops.

Also with them was Venezuelan lightweight Jorge Linares who is gearing up for an Oct. 15 fight.
While he’s here, Linares will serve as Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner.

By the time Roach and company checked in at the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan Road, Pacquiao was getting ready to train.

Roach wasted no time, and went to the gym, located on the second floor of the hotel, to work the mitts with the boxing superstar.

“He was still in jeans. The clothes he wore as he came in were the clothes he had on while he trained Manny,” said Ramos.

Local mediamen were barred from entering the gym, and it could stay that way for the remainder of Pacquiao’s stay in Baguio.

Roach loves to train Pacquiao behind closed doors, even when they’re at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

It’s only on Saturdays that Roach normally lets people in, or when there’s an official media or public workout.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao started his high altitude training Tuesday morning with road runs at the Burnham Park.

Spending 21 minutes on the road and mid crunches in between, Pacquiao said, he can quickly adjust to Baguio’s climate and head for the three-week training here before his battle with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Team Pacquiao especially aired concern over Baguio’s traffic woes especially along Naguillan Road where the team is housed and the now busy Sta Lucia Golf and Country Estates.

The road repairs along Naguillan Road has diverted Baguio-bound traffic to the circumferential road passing by Sta. Lucia Estates where Pacquiao runs in the morning before gym workout.”
The Sta. Lucia properties has provided Pacquiao perfect uphill road runs while flat surface jogs are set at the Burnham Park.

Pacquiao immediately starts gym work-out at the Cooyesan Hotel gym Tuesday afternoon, though more serious mitt punches come when Freddie Roach arrives.

For the third time, Team Pacquiao arrived here Monday night to help train the fighting congressman who is facing Marquez for the third time.

The Saranggani representative is considered an 8-1 favorite to repulse Marquez, who battled the Filipino to a 12-round draw the first time they met in May 2004 and absorbed a split decision in the rematch in March 2008.

The third fight will be at a catch weight of 145 lbs with Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on the line.

The Summer Capital has become a part of the Pacman’s training attributed by the cool climate and the high altitude, which have contributed to his excellent physical conditioning.

(source: Phil Star)

Mayweather dodges Pacman

MANILA, Philippines — The prospect of a long awaited mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and world pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao seemed as distant as ever after the flamboyant American’s fourth-round knockout of Victor Ortiz.

Though Mayweather improved his perfect professional record to 42-0 by claiming the WBC welterweight title from Ortiz, he was reluctant to commit to the showdown most desired by the boxing world.

“I don’t need Pacquiao,” Mayweather, 34, told reporters after beating Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. “With or without Pacquiao, every time Floyd Mayweather goes out there, he’s going to make over $70 million.

“I don’t need him. Where was Pacquiao in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 when I was dominating the game? He never asked me (for a fight) when I was in my twenties or when I was in my teens.”

But as Mayweather continues to blabber about how great he is and how inferior his foes and rivals are, Pacquiao has decided to put a zip on his lip for the meantime.

“We are not giving any reactions to what Floyd is saying,” said Pacquiao’s adviser Mike Koncz Monday afternoon as Team Pacquiao was preparing to leave for Baguio City for the three-week buildup for the Nov. 12 trilogy with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Continue Reading at manilabulletin

Arum on Floyd outburst: It was a disgrace

MANILA, Philippines - Bob Arum, who’s been in boxing more than half of his life, called Floyd Mayweather’s actions in the ring last Sunday “a disgrace” to the sport.

“Whether it was legal or not legal it was unsportsmanlike behavior and it was a cheap shot,” the 79-year-old promoter told www.boxingscene.com.

“I’m disgusted by what I saw,” he said.

Mayweather, who claims to be the best fighter ever, scored a controversial knockout over Victor Ortiz with just a second left in the fourth round.

He landed the winning blows, a 1-2 combination, when the erstwhile WBC welterweight champion and the referee weren’t looking.

But many felt there was nothing illegal with what Mayweather did because as the age-old adage says, “You must protect yourself at all times.”

“We touched gloves,” said Mayweather, meaning after Ortiz apologized for the intentional headbutt on the American, it was fair game.

“Time was in,” said the referee afterwards.

But what really left a bad taste in the mouth was when Mayweather took on HBO resident analyst Larry Merchant during the post-match interview.

Mayweather, 34, accused Merchant, who’s 80, of never giving him “a fair shake.”

Mayweather just couldn’t take Merchant’s questioning, particularly when the legendary boxing analyst said he took “unfair” advantage of the situation.

“You don’t know (expletive) about boxing,” Mayweather told Merchant right in the face.

Arum must have felt that was unforgivable.

“For the kid (Mayweather) to take off on Larry Merchant the way he did and use the language that he did – it was a disgrace,” Arum told Rick Reeno.

Arum did not talk about the possibility of Mayweather fighting Pacquiao next year, saying there’s a job on and it’s not an easy one, the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez in November.

Pacquiao took a 250-km drive to Baguio City yesterday afternoon to begin his three-week, high-altitude training before he moves to the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for the tougher grind.

His chief trainer, Freddie Roach, flies in from Los Angeles this morning, and will head straight to the country’s summer capital.

Source Philstar

Floyd Mayweather: I don't need Manny Pacquiao - Reuters

The prospect of a long awaited mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao seemed as distant as ever after the flamboyant American's fourth-round knockout of Victor Ortiz on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Though Mayweather improved his perfect record to 42-0 by claiming the WBC welterweight title from Ortiz, he was reluctant to commit to the showdown most desired by the boxing world.

"I don't need Pacquiao," Mayweather, 34, told reporters after beating Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in a controversial fourth-round stoppage. "With or without Pacquiao, every time Floyd Mayweather goes out there, he's going to make over US$70 million [Dh257m]."

The victory over Ortiz came as the two fighters emerged from a break, in which Ortiz had embraced Mayweather in the centre of the ring.

As they broke, Mayweather shot out a left hand and followed it with a right that put Ortiz down in his corner. Ortiz struggled to get up as Joe Cortez, the referee, called an end to the fight.

"I don't need him. Where was Pacquiao in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 when I was dominating the game? He never asked me [for a fight] when I was in my twenties or when I was in my teens," said Mayweather.

A duel between the defence-minded Mayweather and the aggressive Pacquiao, the two biggest drawcards of their generation, would decide the mythical title of the world's best pound-for-pound fighter.

Five-division world champion Mayweather had been expected to meet the "Pac-Man" last year until negotiations collapsed over the American's demand for random drug testing.

Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in November and, should he win that bout, there is speculation the Filipino southpaw could finally meet Mayweather next May.

However the American, who made a minimum of $25m from his victory over Ortiz, repeatedly questions how Pacquiao could have won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight classes.

"Sugar Ray Leonard, we knew he was going to be great from his Olympic days," Mayweather said. "Floyd Mayweather, from the beginning of his career in the '90s, we knew he was going to be a great professional. Now ask yourself, a fighter just don't get to 25 years old and all of a sudden he becomes great," he added, referring to Pacquiao.

Mayweather also criticised Pacquiao for riding on his coat tails financially and also with the selection of his opponents.

"Pacquiao is famous because he is attached to my name," he said. "When they say Pacquiao, they say that's the guy they are trying to get to fight Floyd Mayweather. When they say Floyd Mayweather, they say the greatest ever. All Pacquiao is doing is fighting my leftovers, man."

Marquez Kicks Off Training on Pacman’s Turf

MANILA, Philippines - Juan Manuel Marquez yesterday made sure he’s one step ahead of Manny Pacquiao in training.

The Mexican boxer had barely enjoyed the comforts of his nest at the Manila Hotel, following a 12-hour flight from Los Angeles, when he decided to go out for a run.

Marquez, who flew in at around 5 a.m. on a Philippine Airlines flight, did a couple of rounds at the historic Quirino Grandstand, with a couple of his handlers and security officers.

Marquez also took a glimpse of the hotel’s fitness center and said he wanted to drop by later in the day. Yes, he’s raring to train on Pacquiao’s turf.

“I will train here. I will train when we get to New York and Los Angeles,” said Marquez, referring to the next two stops of the press tour for his coming fight with Pacquiao.

“I will prepare myself hard. I waited three years. I want to be ready. I have to be careful,” said Marquez, whose counter-punching style suits Pacquiao well.

Marquez, the last boxer who came close to beating Pacquiao, wasn’t surprised to learn that Pacquiao had also started training for his defense of the WBO welterweight crown.

Almost two weeks ago, Pacquiao broke sweat at the Rizal Memorial track oval, and last Monday he caught people by surprise when he went to a gym in Makati to train.

Pacquiao loves being late – in his engagements as well as in training. But for this fight, one he should win in convincing fashion, he’s taking on a different approach.

“Hindi ako puwede mapahiya dito sa laban na ito (I can’t afford to lose face in this fight),” Pacquiao was quoted by his legal counsel, Franklin Gacal, as saying.

Marquez said Pacquiao is doing the right thing.

“Because he knows who Juan Manuel Marquez is,” said the 38-year-old Mexican who flew in with his trainer Nacho Beristain, Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran and his own media team.



Top Rank chief Bob Arum came with his men, Ricardo Jimenez, Fred Sternburg and Brad Jacobs. They’re all here for tomorrow’s Manila leg of the press tour at the Quirino Grandstand.

A press conference is set at the Manila Hotel at 11 a.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m.

Marquez said age wouldn’t matter when he locks horn with Pacquiao for the third and probably the last time. The fight is set Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“This is a different fight,” said Marquez who drew with Pacquiao in 2004 at 126 pounds, and bitterly lost a split decision at 130 pounds in 2006. This time, they will fight at 144.

A little past noon, Marquez left the hotel in a convoy of 12 vehicles for a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Arum rode with former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and The STAR columnist Joaquin Henson.

The mayor presented Marquez with a symbolic key to the city as hundreds employees of the City Hall cheered and welcomed Pacquiao’s next opponent.

“Mahal ko kayo (I love you),” Marquez responded. – With reports from Rudy Santos and Sandy Araneta

(source: Phil Star)

Pacman, Marquez ready for press tour

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez : Photograph Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines - The stage is set for the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez press tour, and chief promoter Bob Arum said a couple of days ago he can already feel the excitement.

“There is no question, there has never been a press tour that will have encompassed this distance,” the ageless and energetic Top Rank chief told Ring TV.com.

“This is incredible because it’s one complete tour that is going around the world,” he said of the tour that swings by Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico City in just six days.

It will cover a total of 25,000 miles, and both fighters, plus members of their small entourage, will practically hop in and out of planes, both commercial and private, night and day.

It’s green and go.

But that’s unless Hurricane Irene, with gusts of up to 115 mph and an incredible wingspan of 500 miles, stands in the way of the tour’s New York City stop on Sept. 6.

People will start arriving in Manila on Sept. 1, including Marquez and his handlers, Arum and his team, Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, and a handful of mediamen.

Continue Reading at Philstar

'Pacquiao will wreck Marquez'

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao won’t beat Juan Manuel Marquez in their third face-off -- he will wreck the Mexican champion, said conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Ariza told Fighthype.com that the fighting congressman from the Philippines will have an easier time disposing Marquez because he’s been healthier during his last few fights.

The conditioning coach said Pacquiao has had difficulties in his first 2 fights against Marquez because of health issues.

“Those are the fights when I wasn't with him you know? He had a lot of those ailments. He had a lot of leg problems, he had shoulder problems,” said Ariza.

Now that Pacquiao has recovered, he won’t need to exert too much effort on trading punches with Marquez.

“He had to make moves and adjustments because of his leg [injury], so he won't have to make those. He'll be able to use the angle that he wants to use if he wants to use them. If he wants to go in and just go toe-to-toe and knock this dude out early, he'll be able to do that,” said Ariza.

The added weight will also work to Pacquiao’s advantage. The fight will take place at the 144-pound catchweight.

“He'll have the strength and the power to do that as well,” said Ariza.

The conditioning coach said Pacquiao has shown significant improvements in his fighting style.

He added that Marquez won’t know what hit him.

“Manny's a whole different fighter than back in those days,” said Ariza. “Marquez is going to get wrecked.”

Source : ABS-CBN NEWS

Floyd accuses Pacquiao of disrupting his training

MANILA, Philippines – Undefeated but controversial boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. claimed that Manny Pacquiao is trying to disrupt his training for the Victor Ortiz fight by insisting that he goes through a deposition.

US News Las Vegas reported that Mayweather made his claim through his lawyer who filed a 22-page opposition to Pacquiao’s motion for default and dismissal in relation to their defamation case.

“Although Pacquiao is lauded for his skill in the ring as well, no other elite boxer in history has remained undefeated for 15 years as Mayweather has. As such, it would be very convenient for Pacquiao if Mayweather’s training for his upcoming fight was disrupted," lawyer Mark Tratos said.

Tratos also claimed that Top Rank, which promotes Pacquiao’s fights, also wants Mayweather to lose because it has financial interests on Ortiz.

Pacquiao’s lawyers have already offered several dates in July when Mayweather can conveniently take the deposition.

Mayweather, however, declined to participate in court-ordered discovery because it interfered with his partying, according to a 15-page motion for default and dismissal filed by Pacquiao’s lawyer David Marroso.

Mayweather was reportedly busy hosting a party at a nightclub (Club Primal) in Atlanta on July 1.

The partying allegedly continued in Las Vegas on July 2 at “Club Eve” and on July 3 at Circus Circus.

Source : Abs-cbn News