Boxfest for peace

Pacman

PRESIDENT Arroyo will launch before the end of the month a groundbreaking tournament featuring amateur boxers from the difference military services, the national police, and – for the first time in local ring history – the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Dubbed as the “Tournament for Peace and Understanding,” the competition, set to coincide with the inauguration of the Philippine Sports Commission-Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, will feature non-RP team boxers within the 48 kilograms to the 75kg weight divisions.

With Mrs. Arroyo in the landmark event – to be hosted by PSC chairman Harry Angping – are boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, telecommunications mogul and ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, ABAP president Ricky Vargas, and dignitaries from the government, private and sports sectors.

“The idea for this unique contest was hatched during an affair at the Palace attended by Chairman Angping and Manny Pacquiao,” said ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

“It is designed to foster camaraderie through sports among the military, the police, the MILF and the MNLF. And that instead of fighting it out in the battlefields, they can duke it out in the boxing ring and then embrace each other after the bouts.”

Pacquiao, who demolished British champion Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas last May 3, was appointed ambassador for peace and unity by Mrs. Arroyo Monday when boxing’s pound-for-pound king paid her a courtesy call.

It was during the occasion, Picson said, that the novel boxing contest came about.

The tournament calls for each team to have three to six participants, with the competition lasting three to four days and serving as prototype for future nationwide tourneys of the same objective.

‘With the PSC-ABAP gym’s inauguration, the President must have thought it providential to launch a sports event that will promote brotherhood and goodwill among Filipinos,” Picson said.

Invited to do the blessing for the two-story edifice, complete with a standard-sized ring and air-conditioned living quarters, is Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales.

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A big hit

By Gerry Ramos

MANNY Pacquiao’s junior welterweight fight against Ricky Hatton two weeks ago emerged as boxing’s first big hit in the post- Oscar De La Hoya era.

The May 2 showdown at the MGMGrand in Las Vegas, Nevada posted pay-per-view buys of 850,000 in the U.S., making it the biggest fight so far of 2009.

Dan Rafael of ESPN.com bared the figures Thursday, calling it one of the most watched fights in the history of prize fighting outside of the heavyweight division.

Rafael said the bout was the second-best ever outside of fights not involving De La Hoya, who retired just last month, and heavyweight stars Mike Tyson and Evander Hoylfield.

It ranks just below the Hatton-Floyd Mayweather Jr. duel in 2007, which garnered 915,000 buys.

Top Rank Promotions chairman Bob Arum, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and HBO PPV chief Mark Taffet did not confirm the numbers.

“We did very well. Everyone involved in this event did a good job, but it's nobody's business what the numbers are but ours and the fighters. I'm not gonna release the figures,” ESPN.com quoted Arum as saying.

The figures, however, don’t include yet the PPV buys in United Kingdom, where the 30-year Hatton is considered a boxing icon.

Pacquiao’s last outing against De La Hoya in December registered 1.25 million PPV buys, the third highest in history for non-heavyweight fights.

“Pacquiao-Hatton was a true mega-fight and establishes Manny Pacquiao as a true pay-per-view star,” said Taffet.

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Life and Love of Boxing

By Michael John Palacios

JAPAN - This is the best part of boxing, many things are unexpected if you are involve in this crazy life world of boxing, as a boxing trainer, and had been blessed to travel and meet many people, living in this circle, it was really something that you can say I am glad that I was involved in this crazy sport… like my self I can say I am lucky that God had given me such a wonderful skill.

Rolly Matsushita Lunas of Kashime boxing Gym here in Japan training hard with his sparring partner from Argentina Nestor Paniagua,...many will ask why do we like such violent sport…this sport is the same with the one we are dealing in real world, we always feel pain, working hard to surpass our problems. Training hard and learning to reach our goal in life, but it is not only pain that we get in this sport. We also get new family and friends. Boxing develop into great bonds and good relationships. As you can see after we train we also do some barbeque with our new family. We really don’t talk much, because we are from different countries. Rolly Lunas sparing partner speaks only Spanish, Joel Consulta, Rolly Lunas and my self are Filipino. Mr. Kashime and friends who support boxing here in Kanazawa, Japan speaks only Japanese, but we all understand each other because we have one love, and that is the love of boxing. -Philippine Boxing News

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Smart boxing meet to Panabo

THE 2009 Smart-ABAP Mindanao Area Boxing Tournament blasts off May 30 to June 6 in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, with at least 400 amateur fighters participating.

Coming on the heels of the Visayas leg (Ormoc and Kananga in Leyte) of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines’ nationwide talent search program, the Mindanao phase will involve clubs representing Regions 9-13 plus the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Rep. Antonio Lagdameo (2nd district/Davao del Norte) will host the Mindanao jaunt which is part of ABAP’s overall effort in its grand design to land the country’s first gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics under chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and president Ricky Vargas.

“I’m proud and honored to continue the successful boxing program of my predecessor (former Rep. TonyBoy Floirendo),” said Lagdameo.

“Boxing is a sport which instills discipline, dedication and perseverance, values which are sorely needed in developing our country’s youth,” he added. “Mindanao is rich in natural resources, including amateur boxers, and this tournament will surely serve as a fitting venue to showcase their talents.”

Ed Picson, ABAP executive director, welcomes Davao del Norte’s involvement.

"ABAP looks forward to working with Cong. Lagdameo and former PSC chairman Butch Ramirez (ABAP vice chairman and Region XI ABAP president),” Picson said.

“We know that there are many talents waiting to be discovered there. With the energetic secretariat led by Ms. Generose Tecson, we expect a massive turnout from which we expect to select the best boxers.” -Philippine Boxing News

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Manny! Manny! Manny!

By Gerry Ramos

FROM the bright lights of Las Vegas, the congested streets of Manila, to the sanctuary of Malacanang, Manny Pacquiao was simply a big hit anywhere he goes.

Returning home like a triumphant Roman gladiator, a huge crowd greeted the boxing superstar all-day Monday when he was paraded around the country’s key cities in an event that has become a tradition preceding every Pacquiao victories.
The day began for the former pandesal vendor turned ring icon with a courtesy call at the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Quezon City, highlighting it with a formal lunch meeting with President Macapagal Arroyo at the Palace, before winding up with a parade in posh Ayala Avenue at the heart of the country’ business district in Makati.
Thousands of people chanting Manny! Manny! Manny! lined up the streets to see a glimpse of the man who just a week ago bask in the glory of another sensational triumph following his savage second round knockout of Briton Ricky Hatton in their 12-round junior welterweight title bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Coming in the heels of a similar spectacular beating he administered on the great Oscar De La Hoya just four months ago, Pacquiao’s latest victory has cemented his status as the universally recognized pound-for-pound fighter in the world today while fueling even more his popularity among the rich and poor Filipinos.
Clad in a 1930-inspired wardrobe topped with a brown cap, Pacquiao smiled and waved to the crowd on top a customized truck he shared with supporters – minus the politicians - and rising Filipino featherweight prospect Bernabe Concepcion.
The 30-year old boxing icon threw Pacquiao shirts and caps to the people as the long motorcade passed by the busy streets of Quezon City and Manila.
The parade was cut short before lunch time as Pacquiao and his entourage proceeded to Malacanang for a one-on-one meeting and lunch with President Macapagal-Arroyo, who declared Monday as `The National Day of Celebration.’
As he arrived in Malacanang, a marching band was playing his popular song `Para Sa Iyo Ang Laban Na Ito.’
At the Palace, the Chief Executive feted Pacquiao with a hero’s welcome, designating him as `the ambassador for peace and understanding.’ An encased copy of the presidential proclamation was also given to the Pacman.
“Sa tagumpay na pinakita ni Manny…na ipinakita mo rin sa ating bansa, hiningi natin at pumayag naman si Manny, na siya ang maging ating sugo ng kapayapaan at pagkaunawaan. Maraming salamat, Manny,” said the President.
Mrs. Arroyo and the Palace chefs then presented Pacquiao with a specially baked red, white and blue colored cake adorned by the Philippine flag and the President’s seal.
In return, the General Santos City native presented to the President the International Boxing Organization (IBO) 140-pound belt he won in beating Hatton and then gave Mrs. Arroyo her set of colorful Team Pacquiao jacket that easily complimented her shining red dress.
“Lagi akong uhaw sa panalo,” Pacquiao told his Palace audience that included First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Bacolod City Representative Monico Puentevella and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harr Angping.
His brief talk with President Arroyo had the two discussing about the fight with Hatton. At one point, the Chief Executive even asked the boxer if ever Hatton hurt him.
“Not so much,” Pacquiao replied. “On top of the ring, I thought he was bigger and stronger. But no, he could not take the punch of the Filipino nation.”
The Filipino ring idol also admitted to the President how concerned he was upon seeing Hatton sprawled on his back motionless in the ring as his corner tried to revive him shortly after receiving that solid left hook that knocked off the Briton cold.
The President also asked Pacquiao about his mother’s (Aling Dionesia) first U.S. trip and appeared to be thrilled when she inquired about the Hollywood stars rooting for the world’s pound-for-pound king.
After briefly spending time meeting with the top official of one of the country’s leading broadsheet papers in Intramuros, Pacquiao and his entourage proceeded with the motorcade that ended up at the Pag-Ibig Bldg in Makati.
Pacquiao then spent the rest of the day at his elegant suite at the nearby Renaissance Hotel.

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Pacquaio to Hatton: Keep on Fighting

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Despite the vicious loss suffered by Ricky Hatton in his hands, Manny Pacquiao doesn’t think this should be the perfect time for him to retire. Hatton is still at his prime and remains as one of the strongest contenders at the junior welterweight class, according to the Pacman.

“Puwede pa naman siyang luamaban. 30 pa lang naman siya e,” said Pacquiao, who is set to return home Friday morning to the Philippines. “He’s strong and a very tough fighter.” Pacquiao so far is the lone voice to suggest that Hatton continue to fight notwithstanding the second round destruction the Filipino administered to the native of Manchester, England.

Hatton’s trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr,, Freddie Roach and even his dad Ray, are among those who called on the Hitman to finally hang up his gloves for good in the wake of his loss to Pacquiao.

The 30-year old Englishman has a record of 45-2 with 32 KOs, although his setback against Pacquiao was his first as a junior welterweight. His other loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr came at the welterweight division.

Pacquiao and his entourage are arriving today at the NAIA Terminal 2 from Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines flight PR 103 despite advised by Philippine health officials for them to undergo self-quarantine here in order to prevent the spread of the swine-flu pandemic.

The boxing star said none among his immediate family members and friends had been afflicted by the virus that has spread in certain US cities such as Texas and California.

Arriving with Pacquiao are his wife Jinkee and mother Dionisia, although some key members of his team including chief of staff Jake Joson and long-time friend and fight flag bearer Cris Aquino already arrived in the Philippines yesterday.

“Kung healthy ka naman, bakit kailangan kang i-quarantine,” said Pacquiao as he was interviewed by a Manila-based radio station. He added both his suite at The Hotel in Las Vegas and his Palazzo apartment here had observed safety precautions in order not to spread the swine flu virus.

Following a recommendation made by the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health secretary Francisco Duque III urged Pacquiao and his entourage to observe self-quarantine for at least five days before returning home to the country.

Duque made the suggestion in the wake of a WHO report that a swine flu case had been determined in Los Angeles.

Unlike his previous arrivals when he had to settle for a long day , Pacquiao will have time to rest today as his victory parade around Manila was postponed for next week, while his scheduled meeting with President Arroyo Friday has also been moved to Monday, according to executive secretary Eduardo Ermita.

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Boring Fight: Mayweather-Marquez Bout

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD - MANNY Pacquiao describes it as a good fight, but he cautions boxing fans not to look for an all-out brawl when Floyd Mayweather clashes with Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As Pacquiao himself pointed out, “parehong masakit sa mata.” “Contrast kasi `yung styles nila,” he said as the Filipino boxing star was busy packing his things at his fourth floor apartment at The Palazzo a day before he returns to the Philippines victorious from his 12-round slugfest with Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last week.

The Mayweather-Marquez title fight was officially announced last Saturday in a bout that serves as Floyd Jr’s formal comeback in the ring following a year of hibernation. During the press conference for the fight, it wasn’t mentioned at what weight the bout will be although Mayweather last fought as a welterweight in 2007 when he knocked off Ricky Hatton in the 10th round of their title match.

Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya, however, insists that it will be a fight at a catch weight of 143, since Marquez has not fought at 147 pounds. The Mexican fighter many considered as one of the best technical boxers of all time saw action in the lightweight division in his last two fights, including a ninth-round demolition of Juan Diaz to win the World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) versions of the 135-pound class.

Whatever, Pacquiao said it’s going to be an interesting fight although not the kind that would pleasing to the people “Si Mayweather kasi tatakbo-takbuhan niya lang si Marquez, kaya boring ang fight,” said the General Santos City native. Asked whether who he thinks will win the fight, Pacquiao was non-committal.

“Depende sa pag-eensayo nila yan. Sa tingin ko si Marquez magaling na boksingero, counter puncher. Ang problema lang kay Mayweather kapag ensayado, mabilis. Mas mabilis pa kay Marquez,” he said.

It is widely speculated that the winner of the Marquez-Mayweather match will be groomed as Pacquiao’s next opponent later this year. Mayweather and Pacquiao has yet to meet in the ring, although the Filipino has already fought the 35-year old Marquez twice, Their first match in 2004 end up in a draw despite the Mexican being knocked out thrice in the opening round by the pound-for-pound king, while the rematch four years later had the Pacman winning by a highly-debatable 12-round split decision.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, whose promotional outfit owns the right on Pacquiao, appears to be leaning on picking Mayweather as the Filipino’s next foe.

“Marquez shouldn’t be fighting Mayweather. He should be fighting (Humberto) Sotto or (Edwin) Valero. That’s his weight class and that’s where he belongs,” he said. As for Mayweather, Arum emphasized, “if he wants a piece of the little Filipino, just be my guest.”

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Fight Pacman at 140 lbs. - Roach

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – For Floyd Mayweather Jr, Miguel Cotto and the others waiting at the line, Freddie Roach urges them to adhere to his condition if they do want to get a shot at boxing star Manny Pacquiao.

Stressing Pacquiao is perfect at the junior welterweight class, Roach said Mayweather and Co. should go down in weight for them to be considered in the long list of opponents being considered for the Filipino ring icon.

Mayweather, Cotto and even Sugar Shane Mosley are all natural welterweights. “Manny wants to fight the biggest fight out there. Might be Mayweather, might be Mosley. But all those guys want to fight at 147,” said the soft-spoken but brilliant trainer. “I think they have to make some considerations and we will fight at a catch weight. Yeah, 144-145 in that ballpark. I think Manny can beat all of them.”

Roach said Pacquiao is a natural 140-pounder, noting how he didn’t struggle getting the weight when he fought Ricky Hatton last Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The 30-year old fighter considered the best pound-for-pound fighter today came in at 138 pounds during the official weigh-in and even had the benefit of enjoying a hearty breakfast on the day of the bout.

Pacquiao, who won titles at flyweight, super-bantamweight, featherweight, super-featherweight, lightweight and junior welterweight, climbed the ring at 148 and proceeded to administer a brutal beating on his 30-year old opponent from Manchester, England, knocking him out cold with a solid left hook in the waning moments of the second round.

“Manny is still a 140-pounder,” Roach pointed out. “I like him at 140.” “He weighs in at 138 and that was after breakfast. When he eats breakfast on the day of the fight, he is happy. And when Manny is happy, he fights well.”

Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, is set to fight Joshua Clottey on June 13 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.Mayweather meanwhile will be taking on Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand the following month.

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Perfect 10

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – For the third straight time, Manny Pacquiao has been a diligent student in the eyes of trainer Freddie Roach.

And so not one to deny him the credit, from the scale of 1 to 10, Roach is again giving the `Pacman’ a perfect grade.

“He followed what exactly he’s supposed to do. So I gave him a 10, perfect,” said Roach of Pacquiao’s performance against Ricky Hatton that ended up with a brutal second round technical knockout of the Englishman from Manchester.

The grade of 10 is the third straight time Roach is giving Pacquiao such a complement after similar remarkable showing against lightweight champion David Diaz and six-time champion and ring great Oscar De La Hoya.

Against the 30-year old Hatton, the three-time Trainer of the Year said Pacquiao struggled only in the first few minutes of the fight when he (Hatton) `rushed out.’

“Once Manny gets his distance, it was over,” said Roach.

“The commentary, they’re talking about the first (right) hook that lands. They ignored it, they didn’t acknowledge it,” he recalled. “But it was the beginning of the end right there.”

Roach said the sensational win by which Pacquiao took out Hatton has further given him and his famous boxer extra attention.

“I’m more famous now than ever,” he said laughing inside the Wild Card gym, where he resumed his work Monday just less than 12 hours after arriving late at night from Las Vegas.

Interviews with international reporters, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans at a restaurant delayed Roach’s return from the Sin City to the City of the Stars Sunday night.

And so enamored he is with Pacquiao’s sensational win that he kept thinking about the fight that `I drove an hour past my exit (at the freeway), a whole hour, so I got home at about 11 last night.’

Roach and Pacquiao met up at the gym late afternoon of Monday. They just shook hands and embrace each other as the trainer was busy working on Amir Khan inside the ring.

The 30-year old Filipino stayed for a while and obliged in signing autographs and taking pictures with his fans.

Later in the night, he attended another victory party in his behalf at the Congo bar in downtown L.A.

Pacquiao and his entourage is set to return to Manila early Friday morning.

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Perfect Fight Plan

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – It was all a matter of adhering to the perfect fight plan.


Putting into good use what he had been practicing in the gym all along, Manny Pacquiao scored yet one of the most spectacular knockout wins in boxing, flattening Ricky Hatton in just two rounds of their junior welterweight slugfest over the weekend at the Garden Arena of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Filipino, now universally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today, knocked the tough Briton twice in a furious action during the first three minutes of the 12-round bout.

A crushing left hook at the 2:59 mark of the second round ended it all, sending Hatton sprawling motionless on the floor as Pacquiao and his supporters celebrate on his corner.

“Ang strategy talaga naming `yung right hook, left hook,” said Pacquiao, recalling the moments of the fight while traveling on the custom-made bus on its way from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.

In particular, he said those two kind of shots had been Hatton’s weak points in most of his fights.

“Kung maaalala ninyo, yung kay Mayweather tinamaan siya ng left hook,” he said, referring to Hatton’s first career loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr., a 10th round knockout loss during their 2007 duel for the world welterweight title.

“Tapos yung ibang kalaban niya, ang nakapag-painda sa kanya `yung right at left hook din,” he added.

Trainer Freddie Roach said it’s the only way to beat a strong brawler like Hatton.

“Everytime he throws the left hook and cocks it, he is wide open for the right hook from the southpaw stance. We worked on that every day in the gym and it just worked beautifully,” he said.

“I watched the tapes over and over the last few months. I know him pretty well.”

It didn’t surprise many that a right hook by Pacquiao proved to be the fight’s first significant punch 30 seconds into the first round. A minute and a half later, Hatton was down on both knees also courtesy by a Pacman right hook.

“Yung unang pasok pa lang ng right hook ko, alam kong pasok na yung strategy na ginawa naming secret weapon,” said Pacquiao.”Kaya nung tinamaan ko siya ng solid nung first round na unang bagsak niya, pumasok na agad sa isip ko na hindi na magtatagal `yung fight.”

The 30-year old Filipino, who now adds the light-welterweight title to his championship collection that also includes crowns in the flyweight, super-bantamweight, super-featherweight and lightweight, said Hatton’s lack of defensive stance also caused his downfall.

“Kapag sumusugod siya, bukas talaga ang depensa niya kaya tinatamaan ko siya,” he stressed.

And the moment that lethal left of his found its target, Pacquiao knew the fight was over.

“Nung last na tinamaan ko siya ng kaliwa, ramdam ko na hindi na siya makakatayo pa dahil solid na solid talaga. Nalalaman ko naman kapag malakas e,” he added.

Pacquiao didn’t retreat in the comfort of his room until 3 a.m. of Sunday after attending the post-fight party arranged for him at `The Beach’ of the Mandalay Bay hotel.

He only had a chance to personally watched the replay of the fight shortly after the morning mass the day after held at his suite at the 60th floor of The Hotel.

Baring the soft spot in him, Pacquiao pitied Hatton a bit.

“Nung nakita ko nga sa replay naawa ako e, dahil yung mata niya nag-roll. Nakakaawa rin syempre,” he said.

But as what he told his opponent from Manchester, England shortly after the bout, “it was a good fight, nothing personal.”

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Hatton says sorry

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Ricky Hatton is upset at the way he fought Manny Pacquiao, but didn’t mind losing the bout to a fighter whom he referred to as `terrific.’


The day after absorbing his first defeat – and worst overall – as a junior welterweight, Hatton readily extended apology to his throng of British fans who expected him to give Pacquiao a good fight.

Unfortunately, the 30-year old Englishman only lasts two rounds with the Filipino, who knocked him out cold on his back behind a solid left hook to the jaw.

“I am desperately sorry for all my fans who came over and everyone who watched on tv,” he said. “It’s really tough to take this defeat, very hard.”

Lawyer Garreth Williams, head of the Hatton promotions, admitted how down the Manchester native is following the humbling setback.

“He was in a sombre mood. I have never seen that side of Ricky before,” said Williams.

Proof that he is taking the loss personally, Hatton didn’t show up in the post-fight party in honor of him. A known boozer, the former light-welterweight champion only had a beer when he attended a pool party with his fiancée, close family and friends, and then went straight to bed.

“He is very, very upset about the fight,” Williams added.

But he has nothing but praise for his Filipino tormentor.

“I didn’t see the punch coming. But it was a great shot,” he said of Pacquiao’s lethal left hook that all but ended his unbeaten reign as junior welterweight king.

“I congratulate Manny. He is a terrific fighter.”

Hatton is 45-2, with 32 KOs. His only other defeat came at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a 2007 bout fought at the 147-pound division.

The devastating loss forced trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. and to some extent his father, Ray Hatton, for the `Hitman’ to finally call it quits.

Ricky Hatton however, has yet to decide about his future.

“At this moment, he has probably got a few mixed feelings about it. But he’ll make that decision, whichever way he wants to, and the family will support him,” Ray Hatton said.

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Mayweather Sr. to Hatton -- retire

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – After badly losing to Manny Pacquiao. Ricky Hatton’s trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. has one piece of advice to the Englishman.

“I suggest that he retires but I’ll let him do it on his own. I think that’s the best way to do that,” said the outspoken trainer after asked on what’s next for the 30-year old brawler from Manchester, England.

Hatton was knocked down twice in the first round before Pacquiao finished him for good with a solid left hook just before the second round was about to end.

The loss was the second in Hatton’s career, the first coming at the hands of Mayweather’s son, Floyd Jr.

“He tried twice, he failed twice, you understand that. It’s two strike on Ricky,” Mayweather asked the media.

“It’s his choice at the end of the day, though.”

Mayweather also hinted about Hatton not following instructions at his corner during the course of the fight, the Englishman opting to go forward instead and abandoned his defense.

“That was a mistake. That’s what I was preaching, preaching and preaching all about,” he stressed.

Tension had been gripping the Hatton camp days leading to the fight after reports came out that the 30-year old three-time champion despised Mayweather’s penchant of always coming late in training camp.

Recent reports indicated the two may part ways in the aftermath of the loss, with Hatton’s group already sending feelers for Freddie Roach to train him for his next fight.

Mayweather began training Hatton last year for his fight against American Paul Malignaggi.

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Knockout!

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – It was fast, furious and devastating.

Manny Pacquiao sent Ricky Hatton twice to the canvass in the first three minutes before a lethal left hook knocked the Englishman off as the second round was coming to an end to wrest the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight title before a crowd of 16,262 at the rocking Garden Arena of the MGM Grand here.

The end came in the 2:59 mark as Pacquiao set up Hatton for a perfectly executed left hook, staggering and sending the 30-year old brawler from Manchester, England flat on his back as referee Kenny Bayless didn’t even bother to count.

“I mean I am surprised that it was that easy,” said Pacquiao, his face hardly bruised in the 12-round fight that lasted for a little less than six minutes.

“Our strategy was the one punch. Left hook. Right hook. That was the key to this fight.”

Pacquiao improved to 49-3 with 37 KOs and is poised to fight again in either November or December, according to his trainer Freddie Roach.

Hatton was taken to the Valley Hospital after suffering the second loss of his career (45-2, 32 KOs) in what his team referred to as a simple `precautionary measure.’

After he was knocked out, Hatton remained lying on the canvass for about 10 minutes. He was still a bit wobbly when he walked down from the ring on the way to his dressing room.

A solid right hook with 51 seconds in the opening round had Hatton down on his knees for the first time. .

As the Englishman tried to clinch and weather the storm, Pacquiao put on the pressure and nailed him with right a jab and a left straight for the second knockout with nine seconds left.

For a while, it appeared Hatton wouldn’t be able to get up, but managed to stand up at the count of seven.

“I knew it was over,” said Roach at that point of the fight. “Ricky fights the same way over and over. He doesn’t have the ability to adjust.”

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Concepcion decisions Herrera

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Rising star Bernabe Concepcion unanimously decisioned Yogli Herrera of Colombia Saturday night in a win he hopes would be another stepping stone in a possible showdown with World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Steven Luevano.


The 21-year old Filipino won all six rounds in the three judges’ scorecards to post his 18th straight victory.

Judges Duane Ford, Dick Houck and Robert Hoyle saw the fight, held in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton title duel, 60-54, for Bernabe.

His record stands now at 29-1 with 17 KOs as he looks forward to getting another shot at challenging Luevano, the world reigning featherweight king.

“Naghihintay pa rin kami kay Luevano. Sabi at least five months muna siyang pahinga,” said Concepcion.

The Filipino was originally set to clash with Luevano (36-1, 15 KOs) but an injury suffered by the American champion in training camp forced him to back out of the fight.

A last minute replacement, Herrera (21-9, 15 KOs) wasn’t a patsy.

“Ingat din ako kasi malakas din siya,” said Concepcion of his Colombian opponent.

“Naramdaman ko rin naman yung lakas niya,” added the Filipino, who sports minor bruises in his forehead and left eye.

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Triumphant Pinoys

LAS VEGAS – Dennis Laurente pounded out a unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Marvin Cordova in a 10-round super-lightweight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino here.

All three judges scored the bout 77-74 in favor of the Filipino in a rousing victory that set the tone a day before Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton clash for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) at the nearby MGM Grand.

Laurente improved to 31-3 with 16 KOs, while Cordova, the former sparmate of Pacquiao, suffered his first loss in 22 fights (11 KOs).

Also posting impressive victories are fellow Filipino Mark Melligen and Michael Farrenas.

Melligen (14-1, 10 KOs) turned back Ramon Montano also via an eight-round unanimous decision on scores of 80-72, 79-73, 78-74.

Farrenas also won on points over Walter Estrada. -Philippine Boxing News

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Let's get it on!

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – This one’s going to be fast, furious and action-packed.

Bearing the hopes of an entire nation, Manny Pacquiao goes to war against Ricky Hatton Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time) in a 12-round junior-welterweight title fight pitting two of boxing’s most vicious punchers today.

Bbout at the Garden Arena of the MGM Grand promises to be an explosive one that only a handful expects it to last the distance.

Hatton, the defending International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight champion, told everyone to stay on and hold to their seats.

“I don’t see it being a tickling contest,” said the 30-year old brawler from Manchester, England, whose ever devoted British fans are again expected to pack the arena and watch their hero in action.

“I see it being an absolute war because we’re both fighters by nature.”

Pacquiao, the best fighter in the world today, pound for pound, is not one to back down.

“Wala ng atrasan. Bakbakan na ito,” said the Filipino brown bomber on the eve of the slugfest many sees as possible candidate for Fight of the Year honor.

Pacquiao, 30, is gunning for his sixth world title counting the Ring magazine featherweight belt he won in 2003 when he demolished Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera.

He previously reigned as champion in the flyweight, super-bantamweight, super-featherweight and lightweight while beating retired boxing superstar Oscar De La Hoya in his first foray as a welterweight last year.

The Pacman hopes to add in his collection the 140-pound class, a territory where Hatton has never been beaten.

“This is for the glory of my country,” said Pacquiao in Friday’s official weigh-in also at the Garden Arena.

Pacquiao (46-3-2, 36 KOs) tipped the scale at 138 pounds, flexing his muscular body for his adoring fans to see shortly after making the weight.

Hatton looked as fit as the Filipino challenger, coming in at exactly 140 pounds as pandemonium broke out inside the raucous arena the moment event host Mario Lopez announced that the `Hitman’ made it.

“I just think that Pacquiao underestimated me. Pacquiao’s camp thinks I struggle with southpaws. If that’s their opinion, you know, don’t expect me to share their enthusiasm” said Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), whose last fight ended in an 11th round technical knockout win over Paul Malignaggi.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer doesn’t have a problem with that, believing deep inside him that his boy would take out Hatton and inflict the Englishman his second loss in his last four fights.

“Can’t wait for the fight,” he said.

The three-time Trainer of the Year expects Pacquiao to balloon at around 147 to 148 pounds on the day of the fight.

“No more than that,” he admitted. “We’ll maintain his diet and watch to make sure that he doesn’t bloat himself or overdo it.”

After the weigh-in Pacquiao ate boiled eggs, kebab and tinolang manok. For dinner, he feasted on sweat and sour fish and nilagang baka.

“We’ll go for a walk tomorrow (today) just to get him outside,” said Roach.

A mass at 12 noon inside Pacquiao’s suite at the 60th floor will be held hours before the fight.

Kenny Bayless will be the third man on the ring while the three judges are CJ Ross, Glenn Trowbridge, Michael Pernick.

Seeing action in the undercard is rising Filipino contender Bernabe Concepcion who takes on Yogli Herrera in an eight-round fight at featherweight.

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Three rounds or less

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Freddie Roach was smiling from ear to ear just as the official weigh-in for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight was over.


He definitely likes what he saw.

“I don’t need to factor what they weigh today. It’s what they tomorrow that is important,” stressed Roach.

Pacquiao came two pounds below the 140-pound limit while Hatton tipped in at the exact weight allowed in the junior welterweight class.

With Hatton weighing at 140, Roach expects him to bloat to as big as 155 to 160 on fight night, which would definitely be good for the Filipino boxing idol.

“I think that will make him sluggish,” Roach pointed out. “The more he weighs, the happy I’ll be because you weigh more doesn’t mean you’re strong.”

Asked whether he’s standing by his earlier prediction of the fight ending in Pacquiao’s favor in the third round, Roach replied curtly.

“Less,” before walking away laughing.

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Weight is not a problem

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – He’s done away with the usual starving and last minute sweating out.

It appears Manny Pacquiao has finally found the perfect fighting weight at 140 pounds, definitely a not so good sign for his Englishman opponent Ricky Hatton.

The ring icon from General Santos City tipped in at 137 pounds shortly after his final day of workout at the IBA gym Thursday, a condition that suits just fine the conditioning program prepared by strengthening coach Alex Arisa.

“Everything is right on track. It’s the way we planned it to be,” said Ariza on the eve of the official weigh-in for Pacquiao’s title fight with Hatton on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at the MGM Grand here.

The soft-spoken exercise and nutritional science expert said he expects the Filipino southpaw to come in at exactly 140 pounds during the weigh-in also at the MGM Grand, where Hatton’s avid British fans are expected to come in throngs.

With three pounds under the limit, Pacquiao still have the luxury of taking his breakfast and probably, a light snack prior to the 2 p.m. event (5 a.m. Manila time).

“Freddie (Roach) just wants to make sure that Manny eats,” said Ariza. “When Manny is eating, he’s in a good mood. He feels strong.”

That exactly what Pacquiao looked like yesterday, horsing and clowning around at the oven-hot gym while doing shadow boxing (three rounds), punching the mitts with Roach (supposed to be three only, but the Pacman requested for one more), working on the double end, speedball and skipping ropes.

As he was punching the mitts, someone from the crowd hollered, `Malapit na.’

To which Pacquiao replied, “Bakbakan na! Upakan na!”, eliciting laughter from his audience.

After working out, the Pacman watched Game 6 of the NBA playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.

Pacquiao did some road work during the morning, after which, he had breakfast of tuna and tinolang manok.

“Sa gabi hanggang bukas puro isda at manok lang para madaling ilabas. Wala munang beef kasi mabigat sa katawan yun,” said chief cook Nonoy Neri.

The situation is now in stark contrast during the times when he campaigned as a featherweight and super-featherweight when Pacquiao would struggle to make the weight prior to his fights with Juan Manuel Marquez and Marco Antonio Barrera.

“Yeah unlike before the Marquez, the Barrera and even the Diaz fight, Manny didn’t eat all day. That doesn’t put him in the best mood,” said Ariza.

With no food restrictions the way Pacquiao’s body had been burning calories like `a machine’ according to Ariza, his camp’s main concern now is not to lose more than 138 before the weigh in.

“That’s really our concern not to go down too far because we still want to make sure that he is 147-148 on the night of the fight,” he added.

With muscles bulging from his well sculpted body, Ariza belies the plan of Hatton’s camp that the area would be the main drawback of the pound-for-pound king.

“You can hit Manny right now with a sledge hammer and he’s not going anywhere in the chin or in the body,” said Ariza disclosing that Pacquiao is even much faster and stronger than when he sent Oscar De La Hoya to submission in the eight round of the welterweight duel last year.

The way he sees Pacquiao’s condition now, Ariza believes Hatton wouldn’t survive the onslaught of the Filipino boxing star early on.

“I won’t be surprised if Manny decides not to box because he’s gonna knock him out in the first or second round because he’ll see how much stronger and big he is,” Ariza said.

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Pacquiao by knockout -- Nazario

By Gerry Ramos


LAS VEGAS – Long-time boxing promoter Rod Nazario likened Ricky Hatton to David Diaz.


And the same with the former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion, Nazario doesn’t see the Englishman enduring the power and speed of Manny Pacquiao.

Like everyone else, Pacquiao’s former manager thinks the pound-for-pound king will be too much against `The Hitman’, expecting their 12-round fight for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight title not to last the distance.

“Parang si Diaz lang yan. Heto mas pasok pa nga itong si Hatton kaysa kay Diaz. Kay Diaz tumagal ng nine. Ito sa tingin ko matagal na rito ang walo. Anim hanggang walo, between six, seven or eight. Sa tingin ko `yung tatlong round na yun,” he said.

Pacquiao knocked out Diaz, a 1996 Atlanta Olympian, last year, stopping the American in the ninth round of their title bout to wrest the WBC 135-pound belt.

Hatton will also suffer the same fate, according to Nazario, who professed about the rare punching prowess of his former boxer.

“Sa tagal ko sa boksing, tingin ko walang boksingerong katimbang ni Manny na makakaya ang buntal niya. Masyadong malakas,” he pointed out.

Nazario arrived here Wednesday night together with associates Moy Lainez, Lito Mondejar and Gerry Garcia, all of whom are the original members of the first ever Team Pacquiao.

Together, the group recalled how Pacquiao stunned Chatchai Sasakul of Thailand to win the WBC flyweight crown in 1998 through his noted punching power.

“From one to six wala kaming rounds. Tapos, tumama ng dalawang beses sa seventh, kako tapos na ng eight. O, ikawalo, tapos nga,” Nazario recalled of Pacquiao’s first ever world title.

His long association with Pacquiao helped Nazario know the person like the palm of his hand.

“Matagal na sa akin yan, kaya alam ko ang buntal niyan,” he said. “Ang buntal niyan kung saan-saan nanggagaling, kaya hindi mo alam. Malilito ka. Kumbaga sabi nila, bara-bara, away kalye. Pero sa dami ng suntok, tatama isa-dalawa. Pag tumama naman…”

It’s the kind of scenario Nazario expects when Hatton goes toe-to-toe with Pacquiao that not even the Englishman’s camp’s plan to go for Pacquiao’s susceptible body will do wonders.

“Balewala yun (Hatton’s body punches). Ensayado naman siya, kaya ni Manny `yung katawan sigurado,” said the boxing veteran

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Pacman meets Clinton

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Former U.S President Bill Clinton has become an instant Manny Pacquiao fan.


Currently in the Sin City as the main speaker for the global convention on recycling trade show, Clinton sought out a short 10-minute tete-a-tete with the boxing superstar from General Santos City.

Pacquiao readily obliged even if it meant being dragged out of his bed Wednesday night.

The two popular personalities met at 10 p.m. at the Chris Palmer Stake House of the Four Seasons hotel.

“Ok naman. Karangalan ko na ma-meet si ex-President Clinton,” said Pacquiao of the encounter.

The two exchanged short pleasantries, had a photo op and then said their goodbyes.

“Good luck lang,” said the Filipino boxing idol when asked what the former US president told him. “Tungkol sa fight napag-usapan din kasi `yung mga kasama niya mahilig din sa boksing.”

According the Pacquiao’s ring physician Allan Recto, the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world was fetched by a limousine at the lobby of the Mandalay Bay, accompanied by Department of Energy and Natural Resources secretary Lito Atienza, assistant National Security adviser Chavit Singson, assistant trainer Michael Moorer and close adviser Michael Konz.

Pacquiao described Clinton as accommodating and `mabait.’

Further queried on other matters they talked about, Pacquiao said he no longer remember it.

“Mabilis na mabilis lang talaga kasi pahinga na rin ako,” he said.

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Laurente, 2 others fight today

LAS VEGAS – Filipino Dennis Laurente sees action today in the undercard of the Urbano Antillon-Tyrone Harris lightweight fight at the Hardrock Hotel and Casino.


Laurente takes on Marvin Cordova in a 10-round light-welterweight bout.

Cordova (20-0, 11 KOs) is the same man who served as Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner when he fought Oscar De La Hoya last year.

Laurente (30-3, 16 KOs) tipped in at 141.5 pounds while Cordova came in at 142.

Two other Filipinos in Mark Melligen and Michael Farenas are also set to fight in the boxing card promoted by Top Rank.

Melligen (13-1, 10 KOs) will be up against tough Ramon Montano in another light-welterweight bout, while Farenas (24-2, 21 KOs) clashes with Walter Estrada in a featherweight meet.

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