Ready to rumble

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather tried to stir a word war between him and Freddie Roach by going poetic in proclaiming an imminent Ricky Hatton victory over Manny Pacquiao this Sunday at the MGM Grand here.


Good old Freddie however, wouldn’t fell into his trap.

As the three-time Trainer of the Year perfectly puts it, “this is not about us trainers. It’s about Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.”

Except for Mayweather’s futile attempt to get the ire of Roach, nothing really explosive came about when the formal press conference for the Pacquiao-Hatton 12-round fight was held Wednesday at the MGM Grand Garden.

But three days from now, there will be a lot of action, both fighters guarantee, as they tangle in a bout dubbed as the `first mega-fight in the post Oscar De La Hoya era.

“That doesn’t scare me,” Hatton addressed the media, referring to a lot of write ups that had been coming out lately regarding him as the obvious underdog.

“I have been the underdog before. I hear what you say, `he is an over-hyped, over-protected, fat beer drinking Englishman.’ He’s gonna shock the world again.”

Shocked the world the 30-year old Hatton did four years ago when he scored an 11th round knockout of Kostya Tszyu to win the 140-pound championship. Tszyu was then regarded as one of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters.

In Pacquiao, Hatton is not only up against today’s pound-for-pound king, but also faces a fighter who’s at the peak of his career.

The Filipino ring icon as always, spoke humbly, complementing his opponent from Manchester, England with nothing but nice words.

“He’s a good person, a nice guy,” Pacquiao said of Hatton.

“I’m ready for the fight, and I know Ricky also prepared for it. This is nothing personal.”

But for Mayweather, it is.

Not only did he reiterate in calling Roach `the joke’, the father of retired champion Floyd Mayweather Jr also referred to Pacquiao’s trainer as `cock-Roach.’

Then he began his act, waxing poetic about Hatton beating out Pacquiao.

“Am being for real and saying what I feel, this is the truest quote that I ever wrote,” said Mayweather, eliciting laughter from the crowd and people at the podium including welterweight champion Sugar Shane Mosley, former undisputed middleweight king Bernard Hopkins, Golden Boy big boss Oscar De La Hoya and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

“Hey Pac…. It ain’t personal between me and you, come May 2nd, you will be uncrowned with your head hanging down.”

Mayweather was so demeaning with his words that when Arum’s turn to introduce Roach, the Top Rank honcho quipped, “at least in our camp, we’re a little more restraint.”

Which is what Roach displayed when it was his turn at the podium.

“Manny Pacquiao is in the best shape of his career. I just wish the Hatton camp good luck and we’ll all see you on Saturday,” he said in his usual mild-manner action.

Both Pacquiao and Hatton are set to work out a sweat for the last time Thursday at the IBA gym. The following day, the official weigh-in will be held also at the MGM Grand.

Read more...

They go for Manny

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Two boxers who in one way or the other share an affiliation with Ricky Hatton see him losing his fight against Manny Pacquiao this weekend.


Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan is leaning on a Pacquiao victory while former undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins believes the Filpino ring icon as the better boxer between the two.

“Manny is looking very good, looking very strong. I think Manny can do it,” said the 23-year old Khan, a compatriot of Hatton who also hails from Manchester, England.

Hopkins belongs to the same Golden Boy stable like Hatton. While he stressed that there could not be much of a difference in speed, he said the difference is that “Pacquiao is a sharpshooter.”

The 43-year old ageless warrior for Philadelphia admitted Hatton being a brave fighter, but added that “sometimes, he’s too brave for his own comfort.”

Khan admitted being a friend of Hatton, but just couldn’t deny the reality.

“I maybe from England but Manny is a great fighter, the best pound-for-pound fighter. He is what he is. He’s gonna go in there and do what he does best. His speed is too quick. He’ll catch Ricky Hatton with a punch that he wouldn’t see,” he said.

In contrast, Hopkins doesn’t see the fight ending in a knockout.

“It has a good, great chance to go 12 rounds,” he said, defying the general notion that it would be a short night. “I see a distant fight, but not a close one. Whoever wins this fight, wins by unanimous decision.”

Read more...

Rolly Lunas to Defend his OPBF

Rolly Luna, Nestor Paniagan and Joel Consulta

By: John Michael Palacios

Rolly Matsushita Lunas, of Kashimi Boxing Gym will defend his OPBF 122lbs. crown on June 21st in Nagoya City in Japan. Picture above shows Rolly Lunas off for early road work with his sparring partner, Nestor Paniagan of Argintina and Joel Cunsulta, his fellow Filipino who is also based in Japan. In the interview with Rolly Lunas, he said “better to start my training early to be on top shape. In all my fights I am not taking my opponent lightly, I will train hard to reach my dream of becoming world champion someday…”

Read more...

Hatton in best shape ever

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Ricky Hatton doesn’t see himself losing in a weight class he’s been dominating for years now.


Not now that he has become an even better boxer. Not now even against a very dangerous fighter like Manny Pacquiao.

With three days before coming face-to-face with the world’s best pound-for-pound king, Hatton reiterated he’s going to beat the hell out of the Filipino ring icon, who is fighting as a light-welterweight for the first time.

Hatton only has a single loss in 46 career fights, the only setback coming at the hands of the now retired Floyd Mayweather Jr, a bout fought at the welterweight limit of 147 two years ago.

“I feel relax and confident in my weight division. I haven’t lose too many rounds at 140. Basically, I’m just too strong,” he told media men that gathered around him shortly after arriving at the MGM Grand here accompanied by trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.
“Should I be scared of a man who only has two fights over 130 pounds,” he asked, obviously referring to Pacquiao, whose only previous two bouts above the super-featherweight class came at the hands of David Diaz (lightweight) and Oscar De La Hoya (welterweight).

Giving the 30-year native of Manchester, England added bravado has been the work done on him by Mayweather, who took over as trainer in his last fight against Paul Malignaggi in November.

“Technically, I’m boxing a lot better,” he stressed. “You just don’t fight the British bulldog now. The British Bulldog has learned a few tricks along the way.”

That doesn’t mean he’s abandoned the gung-ho style of fighting Hatton has become known for, especially among the British fans.

“I don’t think I changed too much. I think in the Malignaggi fight I’m still the same Ricky Hatton,” the soft spoken but articulate Englishman said. ”I’m still aggressive. I’m still a body puncher. I’m still as ferocious as ever. I don’t think I changed a great deal. I think I’ve just got more polished in certain areas.”

The Briton admitted undergoing the most number of sparring rounds he had, estimating it to be more than a hundred.

That’s enough for him to proclaim he’s in the best shape of his career.

“This is the best Ricky Hatton that has ever been.”

Read more...

Pacman mobbed in Vegas

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – In a fitting testament to Manny Pacquiao’s growing reputation as the most popular fighter in the world, pandemonium broke out when the boxing icon was formally welcomed at the Mandalay Bay Hotel during the traditional arrival rite as part of the promotion for his fight against Englishman Ricky Hatton.


Chants of Manny! Manny! Manny! broke out the moment the Filipino stepped out of the customized passenger bus that brought Pacquiao right in front of the hotel lobby just before noon of Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

Wearing a printed polo shirt topped by a black suite to complement his black pedora hat he’s wearing, Pacquiao smiled for the cameras and waved to the more than 200 people that gathered outside and inside the hotel lobby.

Just before him walked his mother Aling Dionisia, who experienced for the first time the kind of reception her son had been receiving here as a boxing star.

Behind the star of the show follows his long-line of entourage that included trainer Freddie Roach, assistant Michael Moorer, close adviser Michael Konz, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, chief of staff Jake Joson and a sprinkling of Team Pacquiao members.

The ceremony was supposed to have Pacquiao granting interviews and answering a few questions, but Top Rank Promotions decided to do away with it after the mayhem created by his arrival.

“This is insane,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, smiling but obviously stunned by the huge number of crowd that turned up for the event. “If we had stopped to do interviews, we could have been killed.”

“Luckily we got him to the suite, because he could have been trampled if we stay down here.”

After resting at his room on the 60th floor, Pacquiao sweat it out at the IBA gym with Roach at around 1 p.m. Early in the day, he jogged at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas campus and did some stitch muscle workout prepared by conditioning coach Alex Ariza to enhance his speed without losing power

Read more...

Pacman arrives in Vegas

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao doesn’t mind the long day that began with a four-round sparring session in Hollywood and ended up in this glitzy and glamour city following a long, five hour drive.


Afterall, the world pound-for-pound king is already fit and in good physical condition, ready to go into war with Englishman Ricky Hatton on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at the MGM Grand here.

“One hundred percent ready na tayo,” Pacquiao, still energetic and full of life despite the busy schedule, said inside his elegant suite at the 60th floor of The Hotel here.

“Ready na tayo sa fight.”

Like in his previous bouts, the 30-year old pride of General Santos City is not into the business of giving out predictions, but would rather let the action inside the ring speak for himself.

“Hayaan na lang natin na ang mga kamao namin ang magsalita,” he quipped.

Like him, Pacquiao knows Hatton is in the prime of his career. But eight weeks of hard training that began last March has prepared the Filipino against an opponent that has a mean punching power.

“Basta handa tayo. Depende na yan, di natin masabi (kung sino ang unang aatake),” he said. “Alam naman ng tao `yung style ko, in and out at tuma-timing. Itong training ko, pinag-handaan ko rin `yung inside fighting, `yung lumalaban ng dikdikan.”

Latest odds here had the Pacman a -270 favorite, that a $270 bet on him would earn just a $100. Hatton on the other hand is +230, making one a winner of $230 on a bet of $100.

Pacquiao and his entourage arrived in the world’s famous `Sin City’ Monday night behind a convoy of vehicles, most of them rode on the customized, colorful passenger bus provided by Top Rank and bearing a huge image of the Filipino southpaw.

The boxing star however, opted to ride in his 2005 green Navigator accompanied by wife Jinkee, trainer Buboy Fernandez and his wife, and 1996 Atlanta Olympic silver medalist Mansueto `Onyok’ Velasco.

Shortly after settling in his suite, Pacquiao had dinner with his family, close relatives and friends as they partook on adobong manok, bulalo, kaldereta baka and white rice.

Weight for him is not a concern right now, stressing, “maintain na lang natin ito hanggang Saturday.”

Pacquiao sweat it out at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood for the last time Monday, sparring a total of four rounds, two each with David Rodella and Uzbek Alisher Rahimov.

In all, he had a total of 149 sparring rounds against seven different sparmates.

Trainer Freddie Roach was pleased with the way Pacquiao wrapped up training camp.

“Many was really, really good today, his focus was beautiful. That will win us the fight,” he said.

Five days into the 12-round bout for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) 140-pound title belt currently hold by Hatton, Pacquiao is staying focus and relax.

“This week, loose na lang. Pawis-pawis, galaw-galaw. Wala ng heavy training,” he said.

Pacquiao begins his first day here with the traditional arrival rite at the Mandalay Bay around 12 noon Tuesday. Hatton will also have his separate welcome arrival at the nearby MGM Grand an hour later.

Read more...

Manny Pacquiao, Off to Vegas

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD - It was supposed to be a rest day for Manny Pacquiao, but the Filipino ring icon still found a way to work and sweat out.


Despite strict orders from his trainers not to do strenuous physical activities on a Sunday, the 30-year old southpaw got up early in the morning and jogged around the park nearby his posh Palazzo apartment here.

That only proved just how pumped up he is for his light-welterweight showdown with Englishman Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend.

“Ayaw nila ako pag-joggingin,” Paquiao bared later.

After hitting the road, the pound-for-pound fighter of the world did some shadow boxing and then capped his short workout by doing a total of 1,200 abdominal crunches.

“Ginagawa ko na naman ito dati (jogging on a Sunday), pero ngayon ayaw nila akong patakbuhin dahil sobra-sobra na raw,” added Pacquiao.

The General Santos City native took a brief rest afterwards, had a quick shower and off he went to the Christ The King Church for the regular Sunday mass.

“Maaga talaga ako nag-jogging kasi nga may misa ng 8:30 a.m.,” saidq Pacquiao, joined by wife Jinkee, close relatives and friends during the morning service.

The rest of the afternoon Pacquiao spent at his apartment where food overflowed, being the final day of the Manny Pacquiao weight loss challenge participated by select members of Manny’s team.

For his lunch, Pacquiao feasted on tinolang manok, ginisang ampalaya, fish and white rice, while stressing he has no problem meeting the light-welterweight limit of 140 pounds.

“Timbang ko ok naman. Wala akong problema dito,” he said.

Pacquiao pointed out that the light-welterweight class is perfectly fit for him.

“Mga 140 to 145 pounds ok ako dito,” he added.

As Freddie Roach arrived from Puerto Rico Sunday night, Pacquiao is set to spar for the last time Monday morning before his entourage troop for the four-hour ride to Las Vegas, Nevada. Like in his fight with Oscar De La Hoya, the Filipino boxing star will be going to the `Sin City’ riding in his white navigator followed by the colorful, customized bus provided by Top Rank.

With Pacquiao set to spar for four rounds, he will cap his eight-week training camp at the Wild Card gym here having sparred a total of 149 rounds.

Read more...

Bold dare

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao is still three hundred miles away from Las Vegas where light-welterweight opponent Ricky Hatton is currently based.


Hatton however made a big, bold dare loud enough to reverberate for Pacquiao to hear it from here.

The 140-pound champion from Manchester, England is urging anyone who cares to listen to believe in him that he will be the new world top pound-for-pound king by next week shortly after his 12-round title fight with Pacquiao.

“Put your house on it, empty the bank, everything on it. Ricky Hatton is going to bring that pound-for-pound title back to Britain,” boasted the 30-year old Englishman.

“And I mean that. I f… mean that. I’m not just saying that for the camera.”

With seven days to go before the highly-anticipated meeting between two of the world’s top sluggers, Pacquiao remains a 2-1 favorite to beat Hatton.

The popular British boxer is now tapering off in his training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada under the watchful eyes of Floyd Mayweather Sr amd assistant Lee Beard.

In his well-read blog, Hatton said Mayweather and Beard are now `fine-tuning’ everything they did in their two month training camp that began in February in England.

And this includes Hatton’s difficulty in handling opponents who are southpaw just like Pacquiao.

Former world amateur welterweight champion Erislandy Lara, Cornelius Lock, Cleotis Pendarvis, Marvin Quintero and Dominic Salcido.

Read more...

Still the favorite

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao is still amazed that he’s been installed as the overwhelming favorite against Ricky Hatton in their light-welterweight showdown next week at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Pacquiao reasons out that everything should be even going into the 12-round bout since like him, Hatton is a known slugger with a good pair of punching hands.

“Ang laki ng tiwala ng mga tao sa akin, e parehas lang naman kami ni Hatton,” he said while cooling down from his sparring session Saturday.

“Kumbaga sa sabong, may tari ako, may tari din siya. Pareho lang din naman kaming may gaffer.”

Latest odds still had the pound-for-pound king a -285 favorite, meaning a $285 bet would only result in a $100 win. Hatton on the other hand, is +185, meaning a $100 bet would earn $185.

Pacquiao sparred for five rounds Saturday at the Wild Card gym, the last of two sparring sessions left in his eight-week training camp.

He did three rounds with Uzbek Alisher Rahimov and two with David Rodella to rack up at 145 the total sparring he had so far. By Monday, he’ll spar four more rounds before heading to Las Vegas later in the afternoon.

Despite not having Freddie Roach around, Pacquiao was still intense in training under the watchful eyes of assistant trainers Michael Moorer and Buboy Fernandez along with conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Shadow boxing, working on the speed ball and double-end bag and doing abdominal crunches, Pacquiao later on gamely posed for the small crowd inside the gym to show his well chiseled-body as cameras clicked away and tv videos rolled on.

Then as he flexed his muscles, he asked Manila-based reporters, “maliit ba ako sa 140?,” obviously referring to the notion of others that Hatton will come in as the bigger fighter come fight night.

Later on when he was working at the medicine ball, he asked assistant Nonoy Neri to hit him hard with the thing at both sides of the body.

“Kailangan nating patibayin ito (stomach) dahil dito madiskarte si Hatton,” he explained, stressing the Manchester, England native’s penchant to throw powerful single shots to the side of the body, the kind that knocked off the likes of Juan Collazo and Jose Luis Castillo.

By the end of training, Pacquiao got a surprise visitor at the gym as his mother Aling Dionisia dropped by along with some friends and relatives.

Read more...

Pacman to Gerry: `Retire now'

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Even Manny Pacquiao is convinced it’s about time for Gerry Penalosa to retire.


“Siguro tama na rin. Retire na,” said the pound-for-pound king after personally watching live at his posh Palazzo apartment here Penalosa’s failed bid to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title from unbeaten champion Juan Manuel Lopez in San Juan Puerto, Rico Saturday night (Sunday Manila time).

Penalosa, 36, failed to answer the bell for round 10 after trainer Freddie Roach opted to stop the fight following the brutal beating the Filipino suffered at the hands of the bigger and stronger Puerto Rican for nine whole rounds.

Pacquiao said he was proud of what Penalosa did. He added the ageless warrior and two-time world champion has nothing to prove more.

“For me, tama na kasi matagal na rin siya sa boksing. Nag-champion na siya diyan at marami na rin siyang pinakita,” said the 30-year old boxing icon.

He also supported Roach’s decision to stop the fight at that point.

“Tama yung desisyon ni Freddie, kasi bakit hintayin mo pa na masaktan o mapasama, di ba? Nakita naman natin na ginawa niya lahat ng makakaya niya,” Pacquiao said.

The General Santos City native added that Penalosa was just too much against Lopez, 25, and holder of 25 wins including 23 by knockout.

“Malaki lang talaga si Lopez at tsaka malakas,” he said of the Puerto Rican, who scored his 13th successive knockout win. “OK naman yung galaw ni pareng Gerry. Maganda yung punakita niya kaya masaya ako. Nakita naman natin na di naman siya napa-bagsak ni Lopez.”

Penalosa fell to 57-7, with 36 KOs.

Read more...

Rodel Mayol vies for world title

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Los Angeles-based Filipino Rodel Mayol earns a shot at another world title as he takes on reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight champion Ivan Calderon on June 13 at the Madison Square Garden.


The 12-round bout will be in the undercard of the world welterweight championship clash between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey.

Mayol is currently training at the Wild Card gym here under Freddie Roach.

Holder of a 25-3 record, with 19 KOs, the 27-year old boxer from Mandaue City failed in two previous bids for a world title. He lost to Eagle Den Junlaphan via unanimous 12-round decision in 2006 for the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title, the suffered an eight-round technical knockout loss to Mexican Ulises Solis a year later for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight belt.

Incidentally, Solis lost the title behind an 11th round knockout against Filipino Brian Viloria at the Araneta Coliseum, Philippines last week.

Mayol is now under the promotional rights of Manny Pacquiao.

Calderon, 36-0 with only 6 KOs, is making the fourth defense of the title he won over Hugo Fidel Cazares in 2007 with a split decision win.

The unbeaten champion from Puerto Rico said it has been his dream to fight at the Madison Square Garden, which many considered as the mecca of boxing.

“It will be a night to remember,” said Calderon.

Read more...

Go get him, Gerry!

HOLLYWOOD – Gerry Penalosa’s long boxing know-how could be the one major factor that works for him going to his 12-round fight with Juan Manuel Lopez for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight title at the Coliseo Rubern Rodriguez in San Juan, Puerto Rico Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time).


Trainer Freddie Roach emphasized the Filipino’s boxing experience will be a key in his bid to win a third world crown after previously reigning as World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight and WBO bantamweight title holders, respectively.

Penalosa is now 36 years old and holds an 11-year age gap over the unbeaten Puerto Rican champion. He won his first world championship in 1997 at a time Lopez was still a gangling 13-year old teener.

“It’s going to be a tough fight, but Gerry has experience going for him,” said Roach prior to leaving Los Angeles for Puerto Rico to man the corner of the ageless Filipino warrior.

Penalosa has a ring record of 54-6 with 36 knockouts.

Lopez, 25, is one of boxing’s rising superstar today known for his mean punching as reflected in his 24-0 record, 22 of them coming by way of knockout.

Roach, who temporarily broke training camp with Manny Pacquaio at the Wild Card gym here to be with Penalosa, said surviving the first few minutes of the bout would be crucial for the San Carlos City native.

“If we get past four rounds, we have a good chance of pulling a win,” said the American trainer.

“I told Gerry the beginning of the fight is going to be really rough, the first four rounds you’re gonna have to bite down and fight hard,” he said. “But I think as we get into the later rounds, it’s gonna favor us.”

Both Penalosa and Lopez easily tipped the scales during Friday’s official weigh-in. The Filipino came in at 121.8 while the Puerto Rican weighed in at 121.5.

The two shared a common opponent in former WBO bantamweight king Daniel Ponce De Leon.

Penalosa lost a 12-round unanimous decision against the fearsome Mexican two years ago, but Lopez annihilated Ponce De Leon in just a single round to wrest the WBO crown and inflict him his first career loss.

It was understandable that Penalosa will be coming into the fight as the great underdog given all the odds going against him.

But Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum stressed the Filipino has what it takes to pull off a surprise.

“Gerry has a very tough fight ahead of him. But if he pulls this one off, it’s gonna be a big upset in boxing,” said Arum.

Read more...

Ariza rates Pacquiao 100 percent ready

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Ricky Hatton, beware.


A stronger and faster Manny Pacquiao is expected to climb the ring a week from now for his 12-round title fight with Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, much even better than the one who sent ring great Oscar De La Hoya from permanent retirement.

Conditioning coach Alex Ariza certified it after having seen the Filipino boxing superstar up close and personal working out in his training camp at the Wild Card gym here.

Ariza worked the physical conditioning of the 30-year old Pacquiao in his last two fights against former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz and De La Hoya, both of which he won by stoppage in the late rounds.

“Manny’s going to be so much more powerful and we’re making sure that Manny will be stronger that night,” he said.

“He’s so much stronger than he was in the De La Hoya camp.”

The slugfest with De La Hoya was fought at 147 pounds, while the one with Hatton will be at 140.

“So, medyo bumaba siya ng timbang kaya mas lalo pang lumabas `yung bilis at lakas niya,” Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez butted in. “Kasi iba `yung galaw mo nung 147 ka lang na mini-maintain mo lang yun. E ngayon, biglang bumaba siya kaya gumaan yung katawan niya.”

While known for his reputation as a puncher, Hatton’s punching power doesn’t concerns Ariza a bit.

“Ricky’s punch? That’s gonna be the least of Manny’s worries considering the numbers of sparring partners that he’s had,” said the soft-spoken conditioning mentor.

In the seven weeks that he’s been in training camp, Pacquiao had a total of seven sparmates, four of them at one time were also knocked down by the General Santos City native.

Pacquiao’s main sparring partner Urbano Antillon is a good technical fighter who punished the `Pacman’ to the body frequently during sparring days, a technique Hatton has been known for following his `single shot to the body’ wins over Luis Collazo and Jose Luis Castillo.

Ariza doesn’t see Pacquiao suffering the same fate against the `Hitman’ from Manchester, England.

“Urbano is such a technician to the body,” said Ariza. “If you can handle Urbano for five rounds going to your body, then not even flinch, then Hatton can't bring anything Manny hasn't seen in this camp.”

“Watching him these last few weeks with his sparring partners, he's literally hurting them everytime he gets them.”

Ariza said making the weight limit won’t be a problem for the Filipino, whom he said is planning to come in at 148 pounds during fight night.

“I think that’s good. But definitely, nothing more than 148,” he said.

So where does he think Pacquiao is right now with eight days to go before the fight?

“I'm rating him at a hundred percent,” said Ariza.

Read more...

Pacman is ready

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – It’s going to be one hell of an explosive fight, a slugfest and a war.


Manny Pacquiao guarantees that once he and Ricky Hatton come face-to-face at the center of the ring on May 2 (May 3, Manila time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Pag-bell, PAK! Let’s get it on,” said the Filipino ring idol, letting out a big laugh when asked about the possible opening scenario of the fight considered the first biggest for the year 2009.

But seriously, there’s really nothing to anticipate but an all-out brawl when two of the planet’s top sluggers are pitted against each other.

Pacquiao had no problem with it. That’s the kind of fight he’s known to thrive on.

“Gusto ko yun,” he said eagerly like a child waiting for his first Christmas present. “Mas hirap kasi ako pag tinatakbuhan ako. Mas gusto ko yung pinapasok ako. Yun kasi ang style ko.”

Their records alone speak of the kind of fighters they are. Pacquiao is 48-3 with 36 KOs while Hatton is 45-1, 32 of them coming inside the distance.

It’s no wonder their respective trainers – Freddie Roach for the `Pacman’ and Floyd Mayweather Sr. for the `Hitman’ – had boldly predicted the 12-round bout won’t last for more than three rounds.

Pacquiao said he’s not in the business of predicting fight endings, stressing “ako naman laban lang lagi, e. Mahirap mag-salita ng tapos.”

Besides, he’s not setting aside Hatton’s talent.

“Huwag nating isipin na this is an easy fight, na kayang-kaya natin ito,” said the top pound-for-pound fighter of the world.

“Mabilis din si Hatton. Magaling din yun, malakas at champion.”

Conditioning eventually will have a big say on who gets to win the mega-showdown.

He’s not saying he’s the better conditioned fighter, but Pacquiao said he’s ready against Hatton the same way he did against Oscar De La Hoya, whom he demolished inside eight rounds last year.

“Kundisyon na tayo,” he assured everyone.

Giving Pacquiao that extra glow in his eyes was the arrival of wife Jinkee here Wednesday night.

The three Pacquiao children were left behind in Manila so as not to distract the boxing superstar from his training, although his mother, Dionisia, is here as early as Sunday to personally support her son in his fight abroad.

Read more...

No weight problem

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Unlike before, weight would not be an issue for Manny Pacquiao this time.


Trainer Freddie Roach said the `Pacman’ currently weigh 146 pounds Thursday, giving him just enough leeway to shed the extra weight in time for his International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight bout with Ricky Hatton.

Ever since moving up in weight at 135 pounds and above, the Filipino ring icon hasn’t had any problems making the weighing scales.

The last time Pacquiao struggled in tipping the scales came during his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez at 130 lb.

“(Weight) is not too much an issue at this point,” said Roach, reunited with Pacquiao following a one day break in training last Wednesday.

“He had two protein shake today to keep the weight on him,” said the American trainer.

Roach bared Pacquiao’s protein intake will be lessened by one come next week, and then the other one the following week.

“Hope by then, he’ll go down to 138 easily. We use that (protein shake) to keep weight on Manny, so weight is no problem.

“He doesn’t like the protein shake anyway.”

On the day he is scheduled to leave for Puerto Rico to man the corner of Filipino Gerry Penalosa in his title fight against unbeaten Juan Manuel Lopez, Roach declared that Pacquiao is ready against Hatton.

“I’m very happy at where he’s at,” he said.

“We don’t need to do anything else. We got the game planned down. He’s got a fight to fight….All I can say between now is good job, have some fun and stay loose.

Roach would be away for the next three days for the Penalosa bout, where the 35-year old veteran Filipino is a long shot 6-1 underdog against his mean-punching 25-year old foe.

He returns here Sunday night, leaving Pacquiao’s training chores to assistant Michael Moorer, second assistant Buboy Fernandez and conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Read more...

Word war: Roach & Mayweather Sr.

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Good thing they were miles apart from each other. Or else trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather Sr. could have ended up slugging out each other instead of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.


The matter became personal in Wednesday’s press conference call between the world’s top two trainers, calling each other names, and ending up with Mayweather challenging Roach to a fistfight.

Publicist Kelly Swanson had the tough task of moderating between the two outspoken former pro fighters.

Known for his `Roach joke’ statement, Mayweather admitted it was all said in the name of fun, but then again, questioned the three-time Trainer of the Year’s boxing credentials.

“Who has he really worked with? He had a lot of big fighters, but he’s done nothing with them. What fighters has he ever made? This guy ain’t made nobody,” said the father of former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Roach answered by saying, “Roger made Floyd Junior as a fighter,” obviously alluding to Floyd Sr’s brother, former world titlist Roger Mayweather as the man responsible for the retired unbeaten champion’s rise as one of the best fighters of his era.

He then scored Mayweather Sr for not allowing the 24/7 HBO crew to film Hatton while in sparring, not unlike Pacquiao who has always opened training camp to the cable channel outfit.

Mayweather Sr said the show made judgment on what to show, adding ‘don’t blame me on what (HBO) does.”

Countering what Mayweather Sr. boasts that Hatton has `definitely a much better chance with me than without me,” the 49-year old Roach said Pacquiao will win the light-welterweight fight by himself.

“He doesn’t need me.”

Then stressing his point that he’s the better trainer between to two of them, Roach invited Mayweather Sr. on June 12 in New York where he will be bestowed 2008 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

“It’s the closest you’ll ever get to it,” Roach said.

When the discussion turned again to the Hatton-Pacquiao fight, Mayweather Sr. said Hatton will catch Pacquiao once he backs off.

“Ricky will definitely back him up. He can’t fight backing up,” he said.

To which Roach answered back, “Hatton will taste a left hand and will hit the deck.”

Mayweather Sr. taunted, “I’m in your head.”

Roach said, “I’m not fighting you, Manny is fighting Ricky.”

Then Mayweather Sr. dropped the bombshell.

“I want you Freddie,” Mayweather said.

“Come get me, you know where I am,” Roach replied.

With the words heating up, it was time for Swanson and Golden Boy Promotions Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Richard Schaefer to call off the media conference.

Read more...

Pacquiao a no show

By Gerry N. Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao was a no show in his training camp at the Wild Card gym here Wednesday.


But as trainer Freddie Roach insisted, there’s no reason for everyone to panic.

The three-time Trainer of the Year admitted giving the Filipino ring icon a day off from his training after going to bed late Tuesday night upon arrival from San Francisco where he did the ceremonial pitch for the major league game between San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres.

“I tried to give him the whole day off because he might be a little tired,” said Roach.

Pacquiao woke up late and hit the road at about 9 a.m.

Then when he was about to go to the gym, Roach called him and advised the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter to get some rest.

“I called him when he said he’s coming to the gym, so I said Manny stay home and get some rest,” recalled the trainer.

The 30-year old four-time world champion did take things easy, even taking his mother Dionisia for some shopping spree.

Still, the urge to go to the gym was there.

“He called just half an hour ago and said that he’s on his way,” said Roach. “But if he comes, I’m gonna send him home.”

No Pacquiao showed up at the door of the gym.

“It’s the best thing in the world for him because you know what, he’s ready to fight. He’s been ready for a while. I don’t want to see him overdoing it, over-trained. I demand that he takes some rest,” Roach said.

Read more...

Pacquiao- Hatton Fight: Sold-Out

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – The Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight is still a good two weeks from now, but already, it’s been certified as a big hit.

Tickets to the light-welterweight slugfest between two of the world’s hardest punchers had been sold out as jointly announced by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, the two outfits responsible for promoting the bout many considers as
Possible Fight of the Year candidate.

“Given that the live gate for this event is sold out, coupled with the sellout of the San Francisco Giants baseball game at the AT & T Park where Manny is the guest of honor, indicates to me that the Pacquiao-Hatton fight (The Battle of East and West) is on track to break all existing pay-per-view records,” said Top Ranks Bob Arum, whose outfit promotes Pacquiao.

Arum added the Giants-Padres game has attracted a sold-out crowd of 42,000.

The MGM Grand meanwhile, has a sold-out of 18,000.

Oscar De La Hoya, whose Golden Boy owns the promotional right on Hatton, is just as excited as Arum.

“We’re extremely pleased with the way fans have reacted to this event and I’m really not surprised that this fight is sold out,” De La Hoya said. “You’ve got two of the best fighters in the world in Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao, as well as two of the most exciting fighters, facing each other in their primes. This is going to be a fight to remember,” De La Hoya said.

Arum said boxing fans can still get to watch the May 2 fight via closed circuit tickets, which he believes will also have a sold out of 15,000 to 20,000.

De La Hoya’s junior middleweight fight against the now retired Floyd Mayweather Jr for the World Boxing Council (WBC) title still holds the all-time Pay Per View buys of 2.4 million.

-Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

Pacquiao getting used to being a light-welterweight

By Gerry Ramos


HOLLYWOOD - Ricky Hatton claims he’s the best fighter at 140 pounds today.


Not for so long especially now that Manny Pacquiao is beginning to become at home in the light-welterweight division.

Trainer Freddie Roach said the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter is expected to terrorize the division Hatton claims to be his home as slowly but surely, he’s started to settle as a 140-pounder.

“He’s getting used to the weight. His strength is much better now. 140 is a perfect weight for Manny,” said the three-time Trainer of the Year awardee.

Proof that Pacquiao is now warming up as a light-welterweight, Roach said the Filipino southpaw has already knocked four of the seven sparring partners he had in his training camp.

His sparring partners the past seven weeks in training were Urbano Antillon, Alisher Rahimov, David Rodella, Raymund Serrano, Mike Alvarado, Gary Young and Art Hovhannesyan.

“I thought we’ll get a new one each day,” said Roach, smiling.

The American Hall of Famer said he plans to have the `Pacman’ come in at either 147 or 148 pounds come fight night.

When Pacquaio fought Oscar De La Hoya at welterweight in December, the General Santos City pride weighed in at 142 pounds, five below the limit.

Roach said they decided to weigh less than the welterweight limit against De La Hoya since he believes, coming in at 147 pounds `is too big’ for Manny opposite the `Golden Boy.’

But not against Hatton.

“They think Manny is a small guy. Wait till he gets there. He’s not a small guy, he’s gonna push Ricky around,” said Roach.

Besides he added, Pacquiao is head above Hatton as a fighter.

“I’m confident of my fighter. I just have a better fighter in this fight. Ricky is a tough guy and Floyd may be the best trainer in the world and so he says, but I have the better fighter,” Roach stressed.

Read more...

Another milestone for Pacman

LOS ANGELES – Manny Pacquiao takes time off from his hectic training as he makes a whirlwind trip to San Francisco today for the ceremonial pitch in the game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres.

The 30-year old Filipino leaves here in the afternoon via a private jet for the hour-long tour accompanied by trainer Freddie Roach, Top Rank Promotion’s Bob Arum and other key members of Team Pacquiao.

During the pre-game, Pacquiao is expected to talk on stage and address his Filipino fans in what is billed as a `Filipino Heritage Night’ by the Giants baseball team.

“There has been an incredible response. Fans are very excited that Manny is coming to our ballpark,” said Giants special events director Faham Zakariaei.

At around 7 p.m., the proud son of General Santos City heads for the mound and throw out the first pitch at the AT & T ballpark.

This marks the second time Pacquiao is doing a ceremonial pitch. He also did the same in 2005 during the game between the Los Angeles Angels Anaheim and the Oakland As.

Pacquiao bubble-head dolls will be given away during the game.

Read more...

Hitman is going to get hit a lot -- Roach

LOS ANGELES – Freddie Roach is at it again.


With less than two weeks before Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton finally go toe-to-toe, Roach once again demeaned the Englishman’s ability to beat the Filipino considered as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter today.

The American trainer even went to the extent of discrediting Hatton’s `Hitman’ nickname.

“Hitman is an accurate ring name for Hatton because on May 2, Hatton is going to get hit, man, and a lot,” said Roach to boxing publicist Fred Stenburg.

Roach has been known as one of boxing’s most outspoken personalities, a trait that had him engaging the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Nacho Beristain and even the great Oscar De La Hoya in a lot of heated words in the past. Remember his famous `can’t pull the trigger’ quote addressed to the ageing De La Hoya during the course of the promotional fight for his `Dream Match’ with Pacquiao?

Now Roach has trained his gun on Hatton.

“Ricky Hatton is like the Manchurian Candidate, but since he is from Manchester, England, I’ll call him the Mancunian Candidate,” said the three-time Trainer of the Year as he watched Pacquiao went through another marathon training session at the Wild card gym here Monday.

And with Hatton around, can his trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. be far behind.

Roach compared Mayweather to teaching an old dog with new tricks.

“I know Floyd is trying to deprogram Ricky from being a one-dimensional puncher, but it’s too late to try and brainwash a fighter who has close to 50 fights during a 12-year professional career.

“The fact is Floyd couldn’t program a VCR much less a fighter with so many bad habits ingrained into him.”

Roach has set an early training schedule for Pacquiao today as the two of them will be flying to San Francisco along with others for the ceremonial pitch by the Filipino ring icon during the San Francisco Giants-San Diego Padres major league baseball game.

Read more...

Donaire retains title; Viloria wins IBF crown

Nonito Donaire stands over a fallen Raul Martinez


NONITO Donaire Jr. retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title on the very day fellow Filipino Brian Viloria became a world champion again.

Boxing gracefully, Donaire sent Raul Martinez down to the canvass three times before delivering the coup de grace with a short uppercut to the jaw for a fourth round knockout and retained his IBF version of the 112-pound belt.

A few moments earlier, Viloria scored a stunning upset with an 11th round technical knockout of durable Mexican Ulises Solis to wrest the IBF super-flyweight crown.

Viloria bloodied Solis with a cut each in both eyes in an action-packed bout. A perfect right cross by the challenger with 2:56 in the round finally ended Solis’ three-year reign as a champion.

“I stuck a right hand on him, man,” said Viloria shortly after winning his second world title. The Hawaiian-based Filipino was a former World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight king.

Viloria (25-2, 15 KOs) later failed to contain his emotion, recalling the hard work he went through to crown himself champion again.

“I really choked up because I’ve thought of what I went through going back to the top,” said the new champion, installed as an underdog against the Mexican following his two failed attempt for a world crown the last three years.

“It’s a story book ending. The last couple of years, I’ve fought in small arenas where people don’t dare to go. So you can never find a better ending than that.”

Donaire had a happy ending himself as he badly outclassed Martinez in his third defense of the title he wrested from superstar Vic Darchinyan two years ago.

The 26-year old champion based in San Leandro, California who traces his roots in Bohol, improved to 21-1 with 14 KOs, and appeared poise in leaving the flyweight division for a possible shot at either bantamweight contenders Eric Morel or Fernando Montiel.

“That all depends to my promoter and manager. I’m just a fighter,” said Donaire in the post-fight press conference at the Araneta Coliseum. “But I definitely want to fight the best.

Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank which holds the promotional rights on Donaire, hinted about the big possibility of the Filipino moving up in the 118-pound division.

“Boxing is a sport and a business. Definitely these two boxers (Morel and Montiel) can draw the crowd in being Puerto Ricans and Mexicans,” said Arum, who sat beside Donaire in the podium.

Martinez suffered the first loss of his pro career (24-1, 14 KOs) and was never really in the fight witnessed by a sizeable Sunday crowd at the Big Dome. He went down from a big Donaire overhead left with 50 seconds in the opening round, and then found himself in the canvass again just as the round was about to end following a right hand by the champion.

The Filipino decked the 27-year old Martinez again with another right in the second round and then put him away for good with a timely uppercut in the fourth, with referee Pete Podgorski not even bothering to make a 10-count.

Official time was 2:42 in the fourth.

“Nonito is a true champion. He’s stronger, real fast and a very good counter puncher,” admitted Martinez, who sports a welt just below his right eye.

Read more...

Good luck, Nonito Donaire

In striking pose, Nonito Donaire Jr (right) and Raul Martinez

By Gerry Ramos

NONITO Donaire stakes his International Boxing Federation (IBF) title belt against unbeaten Raul Martinez before noon today in what could be his last fight as a flyweight.

The 26-year old Filipino enters the ring as the favorite to retain his 112-pound crown before an expected partisan crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, his first bout in front of Filipino fight fans after a long while.

The only man to inflict the lone career loss of world champion Vic Darchinyan vows to put on a show and win in style as he prepares to move on and invade the light-flyweight division shortly after this fight.

“I just feel good about this and very confident about retaining the title,” he said after coming in at 111 ½ pounds during Saturday’s official weigh-in at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

Top Rank Promotions chairman Bob Arum later confirmed that Donaire is set to leave the flyweight ranks after the bout to be beamed live to the U.S and Mexico.

“This will be his last fight at 112 pounds,” said Arum, adding he’s set to pit the California-based champion against the winner of the Eric Morel-Fernando Montiel title fight for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-flyweight crown in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“I feel good. I feel great. I don’t have any worries,” Donaire said.

But Martinez is out to thwart all the big plans being made for Donaire, certain he’ll be heading home to San Antonio, Texas with a world title belt tucked in his waist.

“I just really feel very strong so tomorrow is going to be a great day for me and I feel confident and feel like a new world champion,” said the muscular challenger who tipped the scale at exactly 112 pounds.

Martinez has yet to lose in all 24 pro fights, 14 of which he won by way of knockout.

Donaire sports a near perfect card of 20-1 with 13 KOs. But he hasn’t loss in the last eight years, and owns a victory against the once invinsible Darchinyan, whom he stopped in five rounds two years ago to snatch the IBF championship.

Since that stunning win, Donaire has defended the title twice, the last against Moruti Mthalane in November 2008, dispatching the South African challenger in six rounds.

“Ang tagal naming pinag-handaan ito and we can’t wait for the fight to happen,” said Donaire trainer Dodie Boy Penalosa, a two-time world champion in his own right during the 80s.

American Pete Podgorski will be the third man in the ring, while the three judges scoring the bout are Muhammad Rois of Indonesia, and the U.S. pair of John Wright and Larry Hazzard Jr.

Brian Viloria will try to set the tone for the Filipinos in the boxing card presented by Solar Sports and Top Rank as he vies for the IBF light-flyweight championship of Ulises Solis in the other title duel.

The showdown is Viloria’s third attempt at reclaiming the world crown after briefly reigning as World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight king in 2005.

He failed in his previous title bids against Edgar Sosa and Omar Nino Romero.

“I want it more than anybody else. I’m the person who’s gonna be out here. I want it more than you say. It’s mine for the taking. I’m ready physically, mentally and I’ve trained for this,” said the Hawaii-based former U.S. Olympian.

Viloria (24-2, 14 KOs), who traces his roots in Ilocos Norte, came in at exactly 108 poumds.

But Viloria may be in for a tough outing against Solis, the eight-time defending champion, who had beaten three Filipinos – Glen Donaire, Bert Batawang and Rodel Mayol – in the course of his reign as IBF titlist.

Solis, younger brother of former Manny Pacquiao foe Jorge, weighed 07 pounds and exuded with confidence that he’ll be adding Viloria in his list of victims.

“I’m in good condition and I know how important this fight is to my career,” the 27-year old champion said through an interpreter. “If I beat Viloria, I can be the best champion of the mini-flyweight champion.

Bruce McTavish will officiate the fight.

-Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

Unbeaten at 140 punds?

Ricky Hatton (right) with Manny Pacquiao

By Gerry Ramos

EXCEPT for a few times, Ricky Hatton has fought all his life as a light-welterweight.

And at the 140-pound limit, Hatton insists nobody can beat him. Yes, not even the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

“This is where I rule,” said the 30-year old warrior from Manchester, England. “I honestly believe that I cannot be beaten at this weight and that I will have a huge advantage in terms of size and power,” said Hatton in the first of his four-part diary that came out at Yahoo! Sports.

Hatton is set to go toe-to-toe with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao two weeks from now in Las Vegas,Nevada in a 12-round title fight set at the light-welterweight limit, the very division where the Englishman had fought from the time he turned pro in 1998.

In the only time he tried to put on weight and fought at welterweight, Hatton was stopped by former pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the 10th round of their World Boxing Council (WBC) 147-pound bout.

The same can’t be said of Pacquiao, Hatton pointed out, as the Filipino first campaigned as a flyweight in the mid-90s before fighting at his heaviest as a welterweight during his mega-showdown with retired great Oscar De La Hoya last December.

“Pacquiao has fought virtually all his fights in the lower weight classes and he will notice the difference against me,” said Hatton.

Sure, the Filipino southpaw looked tremendous in battering De La Hoya into submission after `The Golden Boy’ called it quits on his stool shortly after round eight of their December 6 bout.

But for `The Hitman’, that stunning victory was simply overrated.

“I do believe he has been given too much credit for his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in December,” said Hatton.

“I have been a big fan of Oscar’s for many years and anyone who knows boxing could see that was not the Oscar we have come to know and love. Pacquiao was just fighting a body that night.”

Under the watchful eyes of trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton said he feels `calm, relax, happy and can’t wait for it all to begin.’

He added that after making the 140-pound limit during the weigh-in, he’ll be adding 14 pounds and expect to climb the ring heavier and stronger than his mean-punching opponent.

Pacquiao came in at 142 pounds on the night he fought De La Hoya.

Hatton has been sparring three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while in between, Mayweather Sr. focuses on the technical aspects of his game.

In the rare moment that he had his spare time, Hatton admitted going to the Crown and Anchor Pub in the middle of the long Las Vegas strip where he and Mayweather Sr. has established training camp.

A fan of Manchester United, Hatton said the popular football club has lost in the three games that he watched them play on cable tv, ‘so perhaps watching in the pub is a bit of a curse,’ he added.

Lose to Pacquiao, Hatton doesn’t see it happening.

“I have already shown that I am more than just a boxer who can sell tickets. I took on the best in Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in 2007 and I am doing so again now,” he said. “This time, the result will be different.” -Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

Big Bob is here

Top Ran Promotions chairman Bob Arum


TOP Rank Promotions chairman Bob Arum arrived in the country Friday and readily proclaimed a Manny Pacquiao victory over Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada.


The veteran boxing promoter said Pacquiao’s speed will be too much for the Englishman to handle.

Besides, Hatton has had trouble dealing with southpaw fighters.

“Pacquiao figures to win and Pacquiao figures to win big,” said Arum, who is in the country for the dual championship fight involving Filipinos Nonito Donaire and Brian Viloria.

“Manny and Freddie have all this figured out.”

Of course, Arum said he’s not discounting a possible Hatton upset since as what he said, “anything can happen in boxing.”

The Top Rank big boss came over along with ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr and long-time TV boxing analyst Al Bernstein

Read more...

Donaire -No Weight Problem

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Nonito Donaire is expected to breeze the scales today for the official weigh-in of his 12-round bout with Raul Martinez.

The champion was just a pound over the 112-lb. limit when he worked out for the last time at the Elorde Sports Center in Paranaque Friday.

The weigh-in is set at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Manila Hotel.

Martinez, unbeaten in all 24 fights (14 KOs) is likewise not expected to have any weight problem as he admitted he already weighed 112 pounds during Wednesday’s press conference for the boxing card dubbed `The Flash and The Furious.’

Filipino Brian Viloria is just as ready for his IBF light-flyweight showdown with Mexican champion Ulises Solis. -Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

The new `Golden Boy'

By Gerry Ramos


THE retirement of Oscar De La Hoya has lined up Manny Pacquiao to succeed the `Golden Boy’ as boxing’s top attraction.

Already the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, the Filipino icon is now being billed as the sport’s new superstar following his growing fan base and popularity heightened by his eight round demolition of De La Hoya four months ago in their blockbuster welterweight showdown in Las Vegas, Nevada.

That severe battering Pacquiao inflicted on De La Hoya eventually would convince the famed American Olympic gold medalist to finally hang up his gloves.

De La Hoya announced his retirement the other day in Los Angeles.

“We all knew the torch was passed when Manny beat Oscar,” said Michael Koncz, a close adviser of the Filipino southpaw, as quoted by the L.A. Times. “He’d be the face of the sport now.”

Pacquiao December 6 fight with De La Hoya generated 1.25 million pay-per-view buys, easily one of the most watched non-heavyweight bouts in the long history of prize fighting.

His May 2 title duel with Ricky Hatton for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight crown is likewise expected to be a big hit as many boxing experts consider it as boxing’s first mega-fight following the retirement of De La Hoya.

“We’re strategically focused on the future and we want to identify and engage the next generation of boxing fans,” said HBO Sports’ senior vice president of sports operation and pay-per-view Mark Taffet.

“I believe the best to time do that is when you have your biggest events. With an event of the excitement and caliber of Pacquiao-Hatton, we think it allows us to put our best foot forward.”

HBO already began its marketing frenzy for the 12-round title fight with the premiere of the Pacquaiao-Hattton: 24/7 program last week, a four-part mini-series that follows both boxers in their training camp and eventually, culminating into the fight itself.

The bout dubbed `East versus West’ will also be heavily advertised on television, top internet sites, mixed martial arts programming, the NBA playoffs and Major League baseball games.

Large advertisements are likewise being put up in major U.S. dailies such as the New York Post, USA Today and the L.A. Times, while a big billboard of it had been put up in Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum who promotes Pacquiao said fans’ curiosity on the General Santos City native is what makes him a big attraction, plus the fact that he had beaten top fighters such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and De La Hoya the past four years.

“That’s why people are becoming fascinated with him,” Arum said

“Manny's looked at as an exotic, and once people see him fight they are looking up information about him to help transcend the lefts and rights and jabs. It's why CNN is out here today, why Time magazine has listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.”

Pacquiao, 30, is well aware of his growing status as one of boxing’s all-time greats and now, the most recognizable fighter in the planet.

He knows he doesn’t have the good looks and charismatic appeal of De La Hoya, but more than make up for it with his hard work in the gym.

And that, he thinks, is what makes him click with boxing fans.

“I try to focus only on training and fighting,” he said.

Read more...

Manny wishes Oscar the best

De La Hoya (left) with Pacquiao

MANNY Pacquiao wished boxing great Oscar De La Hoya the best after learning of the Golden Boy’s decision to retire from fighting.

“I am very happy for Oscar and his family," Pacquiao said in a statement.

“I think he made the correct decision. Fighters of my generation owe him a great debt. I wish him nothing but the best.”

Pacquiao was the last fighter to step in the ring against De La Hoya in a mega-fight aptly dubbed “The Dream Match" last December in which the Filipino stunned boxing’s Golden Boy with an eight round technical knockdown in their welterweight showdown.

Pacquiao and De La Hoya would continue to deal outside the ring, though, as the latter’s Golden Boy Promotions shares promoting rights with Top Rank for Pacquiao's upcoming fight with Ricky Hatton. -Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

Donaire vows to win before Pinoy fans

Donaire doing the punch mitt with trainer Dodie Boy Penalosa


By Gerry Ramos


NONITO Donaire Jr. regarded opponent Raul Martinez as a heavy hitter and a good fighter who has the potential to become a world champion.

Not now, but someday.

Donaire just won’t allow Martinez to dethrone him and walk away with his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title before his Filipino fans at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

‘I’m confident of my ability, and he’s confident of his ability. Pero mas mabigat sa akin ito dahil ayokong mabigo ang mga tao,” Donaire stressed out as he sat a few seats away from Martinez in a makeshift podium at the Manila Hotel during the press conference for their April 19 fight.

The gentleman that he is, Donaire has nothing but praise for his opponent from San Antonio, Texas, describing the unbeaten challenger (24-0, 14 KOs) as a `strong, young, heavy-handed guy that can become a champion.’

“He’s no joke,” said the champion.

Martinez wasn’t exactly joking when he proclaimed, “Hopefully, by Sunday a new champion will be crowned,” eliciting cheers and applause from a small throng of supporters, some of whom waved a huge Mexican flag. The challenger traces his roots from Mexico.

Sharing the stage with the two are Brian Viloria and Ulises Solis, who slugs it out for the IBF light-flyweight championship in the other half of the double title fight put up by Solar Sports in tandem with Top Rank Promotions.

Solis, the reigning 108-pound champ, is defending his crown for the ninth time, owing three victories against Filipinos Glen Donaire, Bert Batawang and Rodel Mayol.

The Mexican brother of former Manny Pacquiao opponent Jorge Solis said he accepted the offer to stake his title here `to show Filipino fans how I fight.”

For his part, Viloria stressed that he’s in his great shape and looking forward to keeping his winning streak intact after claiming five of his last bouts.

The 28-year old former U.S. Olympian lost in two previous attempts to win another world title, but claimed that the experience made him even tougher.

“I think the losses were all blessing in disguise. I’m a better and more mature fighter than I was when I first won a world title,” said Viloria, who briefly reigned as World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion.

Also present during the luncheon were trainers Fernando Castrejon (for Martinez), two-time world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa (Donaire), Eduardo Solis (Solis) and Robert Garcia (Viloria), Solar Sports top brass Wilson Tieng and Peter Chanliong and former Senator Joey Lina of the Manila Hotel.

Fighting in the main undercard of the boxing promotion are Denver Cuello and Sonny Boy Jaro.

Read more...

Bayless is third man on the ring

Bayless in action during the Pacquiao-Morales II fight

By Gerry Ramos

A veteran referee who has called the shots for both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton fights in the past will be the third man in the ring when two of boxing’s meanest punchers
take on each other on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kenny Bayless was named by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to work on the Pacquiao-Hatton bout for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight title.

Bayless was best remembered as the ring official when Pacquiao fought Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC super-featherweight title last year and during the second installation of the Filipino ring icon’s trilogy showdown with Eric Morales in 2006.

As for Hatton, the ring official refereed the Englishman’s last ring appearance against Paul Malignaggi, which saw `The Hitman’ winning via an 11th round technical knockout.

Aside from Bayless, the Nevada State Athletic Commission also announced the three judges who will score the Pacquiao-Hatton fight as Michael Pernick, Glenn Trowbridge and CJ Ross.

Trowbridge (Pacquiao-Marco Antonio Barrera II and Pacquiao-Morales III) and Ross (Pacquiao-David Diaz) had previously been selected as judges in Pacquiao fights.

-Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

Martinez, Solis confident of winning

By Gerry Ramos


THE moment Raul Martinez and Ulises Solis touched soil early yesterday morning, they easily made known what they came here for.


Win big.

“I’m coming over here to win, that’s my main objective,” said Martinez over lunch, hours after arriving in the country for his mission to dethrone International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr.

Solis, the proud Mexican from Guadalajara whose staking his IBF light flyweight crown against Brian Viloria, is just as confident.

“I prepare myself every time I fight. Viloria wouldn’t have a chance to become a world champion again,” he said.

Both first time Manila visitors, Solis and Martinez get to display the stuff they are made of before Filipino fight fans as they battle Viloria and Donaire in a historic dual championship bout presented by Solar Sports and Top Rank Promotions this Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

All protagonists in the boxing card will be presented before mediamen on 12 noon Wednesday at the Manila Hotel. The official weigh-in is scheduled on Saturday morning also at the same venue.

Proof of just how serious he is in dethroning the 26-year old Donaire, Martinez hit the road late in the morning shortly upon his arrival. And following a short tete-a-tete with mediamen, proceeded with his light training in the afternoon under the watchful eyes of chief corneman Fernando Castrejon, an understudy of legendary Mexican trainer Nacho Beristain.

Martinez, nicknamed `La Cobrita’, is unbeaten in all 24 pro fights, 14 of which by way of knockouts.

Despite the perfect record he had, the 27-year old American of Mexican descent from San Antonio, Texas, remains the underdog in the 12-round title fight.

And he understands it.

“I don’t have anything to lose. I’m supposed to lose coz everybody said I’m the underdog,” said the challenger, managing to let out a big smile. “Everybody’s saying `Nonito’s gonna beat me, Nonito’s gonna knock me down. There’s just no pressure on me. I’m just going in there to do my job and surprise everybody.”

Both he and Donaire already slugged it out once during the U.S. team trial for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, with the California-based Filipino emerging victorious.

But he said fans are out to see a different result this time, although he’s not undermining the talent of the reigning IBF flyweight champion.

“He’s a real good fight, but I’m a real good fighter. He has a good punch, and I have a good punch. If we can take each other’s punches, then I think it’s going to be an interesting fight. But if not, one of us can get knockout and I’m hoping it’s not me,” Martinez added.

Solis (28-1, 20 KOs) is defending his 108-pound title belt for the ninth time, three of which came against Filipinos Bert Batawang, Rodel Mayol and Glenn Donaire, brother of Nonito.

While he still regards Filipino fighters as among the toughest opponents in the light-flyweight class, the younger brother of one-time Manny Pacquiao opponent Jorge Solis said he still feels he’s got what it takes to win.

Although Viloria has lost twice in his bid to reclaim a world title, the 27-year old Solis still considers the former American Olympian a very formidable challenger.

“He’s real fast. Whether he’s on the downswing or on the rise, he’s still dangerous because he’s a good fighter,” said Solis. “But I feel I’m in the best shape of my career. I’m at my prime.”

Read more...

No let up for Donaire

Donaire


By Gerry Ramos

EVEN during the Holy Week, reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title holder Nonito Donaire Jr. didn’t have a rest.


Donaire spent the Lenten break working out at the gym as it comes almost a week before he finally squares off with unbeaten Raul Martinez at the Araneta Coliseum to defend his IBF 112-pound belt.

The 26-year old California based champion did some road work, had some stretching before finally working out with the mitts and speed ball.

He only took it easy Sunday, it being his usual rest day.

“I had the same routine during the Holy Week. It’s my only way of sacrificing (for the fight),” said Donaire.

This developed as Martinez, the tough American challenger with Mexican descent, arrived in the country Monday morning via Philippine Airlines.

The 27-year old Martinez (24-0, 14 KOs) will be coming over together with defending IBF light flyweight champion Ulises Solis, according to Jude Turcuato, vice-president of Solar Sports which is presenting the boxing card in tandem with Top Rank Promotions.

With only a loss in 31 fights (28-1, 20 KOs), Solis is staking his IBF belt against Brian Viloria in the other half of the April 19 double championship offering at the Big Dome.

Donaire is defending his IBF title for the third time since stunning the boxing world with a fifth round technical knockout of fearsome Vic Darchinyan in 2007.

And the 26-year old champion said he’s in the best shape of his entire career.

“I feel good. It’s the first time I’m really in shape,” Donaire said.

Both Martinez and Donaire had already met in the ring once during the 2000 U.S. Olympic trial for the Sydney Games, with the Filipino handily beating the San Antonio native.

But a lot of things had changed since then.

“He’s a good boxer. He’s got speed and power,” said Donaire (20-1, 13 KOs) of Martinez.

Read more...

Good for just a Silver

BANGKOK – Genebert Basadre came up short in his efforts to win a gold medal for the Philippines in the just concluded 31st King’s Cup at the Gnongwongwan Mall here.

The 25 year-old product of the Misamis Oriental boxing program of Gov. Oscar S. Moreno, ABAP region X president under Asian Games gold medalist Bobby Jalnaiz, could not get his game going in the finals against a wily Apichet Sansit, getting blanked in their gold medal final, 13-0.

Basadre tried to employ his strategy of engaging the Thai in close quarters, but got outpunched in the process as Sansit delivered combinations where the Filipino veteran could manage only one or two shots during exchanges.

Philippine delegation head and ABAP executive director Ed Picson conceded that although Basadre characteristically displayed good defense, he lacked the aggressiveness that seems to be the new trademark of Thai boxers.

“Thai boxers have improved a lot. They come at you more daringly and that seems to have a disconcerting effect on our boxers, leaving them waiting for opportunities instead of creating them. That said, perhaps the 0-13 score against Basadre was a bit of a stretch,” said Picson.

The Philippine delegation flew in at 4:30 a.m. Good Friday with Basadre’s silver, and 2 bronze medals from Gerson Nietes Jr.(48 Kg light flyweight) and Joegin Ladon (60 Kg lightweight).

The Smart/ABAP team placed fifth behind Thailand A (7 gold), Korea (1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), Netherlands (1 gold) and Thailand B (3 silver and 1 bronze).

The last time the Philippines garnered gold in the tournament was in 2005 when Harry Tañamor ruled the light flyweight division. The best ever performance was in 1991 when now national coaches Ronald Chavez and Roehl Velasco each brought home a gold medal.

A total of 16 teams from15 countries participated in the 31st staging of the event held in honor of their beloved 82 year-old Thai monarch, H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Other members of the team were boxers Aston Francis Palicte, Joan Tipon and Charly Suarez, coaches Ronald Chavez and Elmer Pamisa and international referees/judges Dante de Castro and Jesus San Esteban.

The Philippine participation was funded by the Philippine Sports Commission and Smart Communications. -Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

In This Corner airs Nazareno-Noda bout

DAN Nazareno’s latest fight against Juri Noda topbills In This Corner’s Easter presentation tonight (7-8 p.m.) over NBN-4.


Nazareno and Noda dueled in a 10-round welterweight fight last week at the Xavera Community Complex in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Also seeing action in today’s episode are Resty Pandi against Jayvee Manago and Ricardo Roa versus Nathan Bolcio.

Read more...

Poll favors Manny

By Gerry Ramos


A large chunk of boxing fans believes Manny Pacquiao will knock out Ricky Hatton in their May 2 title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.


In a poll conducted by ESPN asking `How will the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton light-welterweight fight be decided?’, a high 55 percent of those surveyed said the Filipino ring icon is going to win by knockout against the Englishman from Manchester and wrest the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight belt Hatton currently holds.

The 30-year old General Santos City native also received significant votes should the 12-round bout goes the distance, netting 20 percent out of the total 7,102 of those who were polled.

Those seeing `The Hitman’ pulling off a knockout win registered 15 percent, while only eight percent agree the Briton retaining his 140-pound title by way of a decision.

Just one percent thinks the match pitting two of boxing world’s meanest punchers will end up in a draw.

That hardcore boxing fans deem the fight not lasting the full 12 rounds is understandable.

Both Pacquiao and Hatton are among the boxers with a high knockout percentage. The Filipino boxing idol has a record of 48-3, with 36 KOs or a 67.9 knockout percentage, while Hatton is even higher at 69.5 percent with his ring mark of 45-1 with 32 KOs.

Their respective trainers were even bolder in their predictions, none between Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather Sr. guaranteeing the bout would go beyond four rounds.

Roach was the first to say on record that Pacquiao will stop Hatton inside three rounds. Not to be outdone, Mayweather said that won’t happen since the Filipino is going to be gone a round earlier (second round).

With almost three weeks into the bout, Pacquiao remains a 2-1 favorite to punch his way past the stocky, 30-year old Hatton.

Betting lines had `The Pacman’ a -250 favorite, meaning a $250 bet would only win a hundred bucks.

Hatton on the other hand, is a +185 underdog, meaning a $100 wage earns $185 in return.

Read more...

Basadre goes for the gold

Basadre (left) in action


BANGKOK – Under different circumstances, the gold medal should be there for the taking for light welterweight Genebert Besadre and Smart-Team Philippines.


In a clinical demonstration of amateur boxing at its best, Besadre smothered Korean Joun Buk Hwan, 16-6, in their 64-kilogram semifinal clash Wednesday to reach the final of the 31st King’s Cup tournament at the Convention Center of the Gnamwongwan Mall here.

Basadre will go up versus Sansit Apachet of host Thailand Thursday, however, raising the odds sky high against the Filipino.

The 23 year-old from Misamis Oriental showed dominance from the onset even as the feisty Korean tried to drag him into a phone-booth rumble.

The skillful Filipino showed versatility by scoring points from the outside and in. Basadre’s agile lateral movements posed additional problems for Joun who whiffed many of his punches.

But even as Team RP celebrated Besadre’s triumph, the frenzy was tempered by the loss suffered by 17-year-old Gerson Nietes.

Running into a brick wall after two impressive wins in the 48-kg. light flyweight division, Nietes was taken the school by 30-year-old Thai Keaw Pongprayoon in the first two rounds, prompting RP coaches Ronald Chavez and Elmer Pamisa to pull him out for the third despite protestations from the youthful pug from Bacolod City.

“Masyadong nagugulangan at hindi ini-score yong mga patama niya kaya minabuti naming huwag nang i-expose sa frustration yong bata,” said Chavez.

The fresh graduate from the Emiliano Lizares High in Bacolod settled for the bronze medal along with lightweight Joegin Ladon, who had to forfeit his semifinal match because of a nasty cut suffered in his 15-5 win over Hudaybergenov of Turkmenistan Tuesday.

Delegation head Ed Picson, ABAP executive director, is optimistic about Basadre’s gold medal chances.

“Everyone feels Genebert has superior skills,” Picson said. “Of course, the hometown advantage can never be discounted especially because all of our losses here have been to Thais.”

Only Basadre was able to get past Thailand in his convincing victory in the quarters over Maethee Namuang of Team B, 15-3.

Aston Francis Palicte, Joan Tipon, Charly Suarez and Nietes all bowed to fighters from the host country, but Picson said the team got a lot of respect from other participating countries.

“I have been approached by so many people, including Thais, who were impressed by the skill of our boxers,” Picson said. “In fact, we have many invitations from other countries for their tournaments, dual meets and even for training camps. If only for that and the many friendships we fostered here, I feel the trip has been fruitful.”

ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan sent a text message congratulating the boxers for “their valor and for making us Filipinos proud,” adding, “I salute their efforts and look forward to welcoming them home soon.”

Smart Communications has been sponsoring the Philippine boxing program while participation in the King’s Cup was funded by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Harry Angping.

Thailand is in seven of nine gold medal fights today, with their local boxers disputing the championship in three divisions. The host country fielded two teams in the competition held in honor of their monarch.

Going to the final day, the Philippines ranks fifth in the team standings behind Thailand A, Korea, Thailand B and Australia. There are 16 teams from 15 countries in the tournament.

Read more...

Speed and style key for Pacman

Pacman


By Gerry Ramos


SPEED and style are the keys for Manny Pacquiao to beat Ricky Hatton in their International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight showdown in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2 (May 3 Manila time).


Nonito Donaire, the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight king, shared his two cents worth on the explosive 12-round title bout many sees as possible Fight of the Year contender.

Donaire said Hatton’s gung-ho style of fighting perfectly suits a fighter like Pacquiao.

And as former world champions David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya learned the hard way last year, Hatton will also get a feel of the `Pacman’s blinding speed.

“Speed will be the biggest weapon of Manny here,” said Donaire, taking time out after sparring for another 12 rounds Monday against Marvin Tampus at the Elorde boxing gym as he trains for his own title defense against Raul Martinez at the Araneta Coliseum on April 19.

“Speed and who could take the harder punch,” added the 26-year old champion.

A fight featuring two noted punchers, a lot of boxing experts doesn’t see the match going the distance.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach predicted a third round knockout for his most famous ward, while Floyd Mayweather Sr. has raised the ante, and boldly proclaimed a second round knockout for the `Hitman’ from Manchester, England.

But in a brawl type of a fight, Donaire believes Pacquiao has the distinct advantage.

“Hatton doesn’t look for style. He will keep on punchin. And that’s what Manny always looks for,” he said, adding Pacquiao has improved from a street warrior he was years ago to the all-around fighter he’s known today.

“Manny is very unpredictable,” Donaire said of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

Donaire (20-1 13 KOs) is now in the final phase of his training for his third defense of the 112-pound belt he won behind a stunning fifth round knockout of nasty Vic Darchinyan two years ago.

The 12-round match against the unbeaten Martinez (24-0, 14 KOs) will be the Filipino’s first fight since his sixth round stoppage of Moruti Mthalane of South Africa last November in Las Vegas.

Also seeing action in the double world championship card presented by Solar Sports and Top Rank Promotions is former World Boxing Council (WBC) light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria, who will seek to dethrone IBF light-flyweight king Ulises Solis of Mexico.

Read more...

Brian Viloria is Back

Brian Viloria

By Gerry Ramos

FORMER World Boxing Council (WBC) light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria arrived in the country Monday, two weeks before he vies for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight belt of Ulises Solis.

Solar Sports official Jude Turcuato said Viloria is accompanied by his girlfriend and a small entourage in his return trip to the country.

The former 2000 Sydney Olympian is expected to spend the rest of the week training for his April 19 fight with Solis in one of two world title bouts scheduled at the Araneta Coliseum.

Reigning IBF flyweight champion Nonito Donaire sees action in the other half of the boxing card presented by Solar Sports and Top Rank Promotions as he defends his 112-pound belt against unbeaten challenger Raul Martinez.

Viloria wrested the WBC light-flyweight crown in 2005 with a sensational first round knockout of Eric Ortiz. After defending the title once, he lost by decision to Mexican Omar Nino Romero. -Philippine Boxing News

Read more...

Another RP pug in semis

BANGKOK – Light flyweight Gerson Nietes barged into the semifinals of the 31st King’s Cup boxing tournament Monday, but the campaign of two other Smart-Team Philippine bets came to a dramatic halt at the Convention Center of the Gnamwongwan Mall here.


In what turned out to be the only bright spot of the day, Nietes hurdled another huge opponent, outsmarting Russian Alexander Samoylov, 7-3.

The underdog Nietes, nephew of world minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes, fought an intelligent fight in posting one of the biggest upsets in the competition and arranging a semifinal duel Tuesday against former Southeast Asian Games medalist Kaaw Pongprayoon of host Thailand.

“Okey lang, I will just fight my fight, and see what happens tomorrow," said the recent graduate from Emiliano Lizares High in Bacolod.

There will be no tomorrow, however, for bantamweight Joan Tipon and lightweight Joegin Ladon.

Tipon, a gold medal winner in the 2006 Doha Asian Games, fell to wily Chatchai Butdee of Thailand, 11-5, while Ladon, who suffered a nasty cut from an errant elbow during his smashing 15-5 victory over Amangeldi Hudaybergenov of Turkmenistan, was pulled out of his semifinal bout for his safety.

The Philippine contingent felt Tipon’s fight was closer, but agreed the Bacolod native could have been more aggressive against a fighter who looked inferior in boxing skills.

"Parang na-pressure ako masyado nung lamangan agad ako kahit pakiramdam ko wala namang scoring punches," lamented the 26-year-old father of three.

Ladon, meanwhile came up big with good lateral movements to set up angles for three- and four-punch combos that bewildered his opponent.

But he got careless in the final minute and engaged his taller opponent in close quarters and took an elbow under his right eye.

The referee immediately summoned the ringside physician as blood flowed from the cut. The fight was continued and the Army conscript went on to secure his ticket in the semifinals against Thai Atchariya Heawsuno.

Chief Physician Dr. Ort of Norway gave Ladon the green light to fight Tuesday but not after warning Ed Picson, head of the RP delegation and executive director of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, that the cut could be aggravated when hit.

Picson, in consultation with coaches Ronald Chavez and Elmer Pamisa, decided not to put the Bago City fighter in further danger and settled for the bronze medal.

"I didn't think it was worth it,” said Picson. “Dr.Ort said that unless Ladon could guarantee that his cut would not be hit, his injury could worsen and could bother him in future fights. Considering that he was to go up against a Thai, I felt prudence was the better part of valor in this situation.”

Vetreran Genebert Basadre on the other hand, will have Korea's Joon Buk Hwan as his semis opponent in the 64 Kg light welterweight class.

With Ladon assured of a bronze and Nietes and light welterweight Genebert Basadre still in the hunt for the gold, Team RP, whose campaign was bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, remains on track for a productive finish.

According to referee-judge Jesus San Esteban, who is officiating the tournament with Dante de Castro, the best Filipino showing was a two-medal haul in 1991. Those were shiny gold medals, however, provided by current national coaches Ronald Chavez and Roehl Velasco.

ABAP chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Patrick Gregorio are in constant touch with the group through Picson, sending messages of encouragement and support.

Read more...

Hatton doesn't mind being underdog

Hatton


By Gerry Ramos

RICKY Hatton doesn’t mind being the underdog when he comes face to face with Manny Pacquiao for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight crown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2.


“It’s a lot better to win when you are the underdog,” admitted the champion from Manchester, England.

Initial odds for the 12-round showdown between two of boxing world’s most dangerous punchers had the Filipino ring icon installed as a 2-1 favorite.

Hatton understands where he is coming from.

In two of his last three fights, the Briton was the clear underdog – against retired unbeaten champion Floyd Mayweather Jr and opposite Paul Malignaggi.

Hatton lost by a 10th round technical knockout against Mayweather, but defied the odds when he stopped the elusive Malignaggi in the 11th round of their title duel last November.

“Everyone expected Paul Malignaggi to out-speed and out-jab me, but I out-jabbed and out-speeded him,” he recalled.

While Pacquiao has yet to lose a fight in the last four years and is fresh from an impressive eight round stoppage of the great Oscar De La Hoya, the 30-year old Englishman is hardly unfazed.

He said the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter should be ready to go mano-a-mano against the best light-welterweight today.

“That De La Hoya fight, I just don’t see it,” Hatton said. “He (Pacquiao) will be in for one hell of a shock with my boxing ability and my hands speed.”

Hatton boasted the fight won’t last the distance, stressing somebody will definitely go down.

And certainly, it’s not him.

“I don’t think it’s going to a decision. We generally don’t fight decision type fighters,” he said. “Manny goes for the knockout and I go for the knockout.”

Read more...

Lopez wins WBC int'l title

YOUNG prospect Sylvester Lopez knocked out Korean national champion Jong-Nam Park inside eight rounds to capture the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) International super flyweight title at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City Sunday.

Lopez caught Park with a vicious left hook to the body that sent the 26-year old Korean to the canvass, prompting referee Bruce McTavish to stop the fight at the 2:16 mark of round eight.

The 21-year old Lopez, a protégée of promoter Gabriel `Bebot’ Elorde Jr. was comfortably ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

Filipino judge Rey Danseco had it 69-61, Epifanio Almeda saw it 68-62 while the Korean official scored it 67-63, all in favor of Lopez. -Philippine Boxing News

Park went down three times from body shots in the first round, but gave Lopez a tough time especially in round four.

But Lopez, a 21-year old native of Kabasalan town in Zamboanga Sibugay, took his time before delivering the coup de grace against his Korean opponent.

Lopez improved to 9-2-1 with six knockouts.

Read more...