MABUHAY KA, MANNY!

THE Manny Pacquiao (MP) Foundation has donated P1 million for the benefit of people badly affected by typhoon Ondoy over the weekend.

The boxing champion himself refused to make a big issue out of the contribution, but people close to the boxing champion confirmed the monetary help extended by the Pacman.

Extending support to the needy is nothing new to Pacquiao, whose palatial house in General Santos City always attracts hundreds of needy people on a daily basis, seeking the help of the boxing champion.

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INTENSE SPARRING WELCOMES MANNY

Pacquiao sparmates in Baguio (from left) Urbano Antilon, Shawn Porter and his father Ken -CESAR REYES

By Gerry Ramos

A big, legitimate super-welterweight fighter greeted Manny Pacquiao in his Baguio training camp as sparring session for his Nov. 14 showdown with Miguel Cotto promptly began Tuesday at the Shape-Up gym inside Cooyesan Hotel Plaza.

Unbeaten Shawn Porter engaged the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter in three intense rounds, highlighted by numerous exchanges of hard shots, according to those lucky enough to watch the action held behind closed doors.

“The three-round sparring was good, really good,” said Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Konz.

“Malaki tsaka malakas,” said a source, who saw the 21-year old Porter of Akron, Ohio spar with Pacquiao for the very first time.

Porter, holder of a perfect 10-0 ring record with 8 KOs, is a first time Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, whom trainer Freddie Roach thoroughly handpicked to precisely imitate the fighting style of the 28-year old Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title holder from Puerto Rico.

“He’s perfect for this training camp,” said Roach of the 2007 National Golden gloves middleweight champion.

Porter is one of two Pacquiao sparmates who are now in Baguio City trying to get the Filipino ring icon in perfect shape for his 12-round fight with Cotto.

Lightweight Urbano Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate, is the other one, while on a standby call is another Pacman regular sparring partner David Rodela and Puerto Rican Raymond Tito Serrano.

Sparring for the 30-year old boxing champ will be thrice a week or every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

By tomorrow, he will go two rounds each with Antillon and Porter in time for the arrival of Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.

The veteran boxing official will be immediately whisked to the City of Pines shortly upon arriving in Manila early morning of Thursday.

Arum’s visit at the Pacquiao training camp marks the scheduled media day arranged by the boxing superstars’ handlers, when training and work out by the Filipino ring idol will be made open to members of the working press.

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FIGHT OF HIS LIFE

Roberto Vazquez (left) and Drian Francisco face to face TURO LACSON

DRIAN Francisco of the Philippines faces the fight of his life when he meets two-time world champion Roberto Vasquez of Panama for the WBA International super-flyweight crown on Oct. 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Francisco, 26, undefeated with 17 wins and a draw, will climb the ring as the clear underdog against Vasquez, a year younger but with a lot more to show in experience with his 27-3 record with 20 knockouts.

Francisco, an orthodox fighter, said he’s ready for the big fight that should have taken place much earlier if not for a postponement last July 26.

“I’ve prepared longer than usual for this fight because of the postponement. I’ve seen him fight. He’s good. He’s a stylist and that makes it an interesting fight,” said Francisco of his seasoned opponent, a southpaw.

Francisco said at his age, he’s ready for the big time, knowing that a victory over Vasquez, who has held world titles in the light-fly (108 lb) and flyweight (112 lb) divisions, could open bigger doors.

“I see this as an opportunity. I may be the underdog but this is the chance for me to show that I’m ready to fight internationally,” said Francisco, who is being promoted by Elmer Anuran.

Vasquez has been in Manila for a week now and vowed to pull off a victory either by way of knockout or decision. He described the Philippines as a “beautiful country.”

“I’m glad to be here for the first time and I hope it won’t be my last. It’s going to be a great fight. Knockout or decision I’m very sure I’m going to win this one,” said Vasquez through an interpreter.

“I’m not afraid,” said Francisco, who won the WBO Asia Pacific flyweight crown with a seventh-round knockout of Pichitchok Singmanassak of Thailand in 2006. Last April, he knocked out Sharil Fabanyo at the Araneta Coliseum.

In the undercard, Michael Domingo faces US Olympian Jose Navarro; Milan Melindo takes on Ivan Meneses; Al Sabaupan collides with Josafat Perez; and Michael Farenas squares off with Jong Ang Baek.

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NO STOPPING PACMAN

Manny Pacquiao in early morning workout at Athletic Bowl in Baguio. CESAR REYES

By Gerry Ramos

THE team responsible for getting Manny Pacquiao in shape for his coming title showdown with welterweight champion Miguel Cotto has cautioned the two American boxers set to spar with the Filipino ring icon beginning today.

Better get your bodies in perfect shape boys!

Upon arriving arriving in Baguio City where Pacquiao is currently holding training camp for his Nov. 14 fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Urbano Antillon and Shawn Porter immediately climbed the ring and worked out a sweat.

Good for the two of them, according to assistant trainer Roger `Flash’ Fernandez.

“Pinag-ensayo na agad namin para hindi masakit ang bugbog nila sa sparring,” said the brother of long-time Pacquiao Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez while flashing a big wide grin.

A day after taking a rest from training, Pacquiao was back to his relentless ways, working on the mitts, speed ball and double-end ball, while doing shadow boxing and abdominal crunches for three straight hours.

“Ayaw paawat,” said Fernandez.

Both Antillon and Porter, along with his dad Ken, arrived in the country last Sunday, but owing to the inclement weather, didn’t travel to the City of Pines until early Monday morning.

“We’re ready to go,” said Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate every time he has a fight.

Nonoy Neri, another Pacquiao assistant trainer, said Pacquiao is expected to spar four rounds today at the Shape Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguillan road, two rounds each with Antillon and Porter, a 2007 National Golden Gloves middleweight champion.

Neri said Pacquiao has been getting better and better as training camp in the summer hideaway enters its second week.

“Maganda na ang kilos,” he pointed out. “Lumalabas na `yung bilis niya. Sa power wala namang problema kasi nandun na yun.”

Pacquiao as usual, is looking forward to the start of sparring session in training camp.

Informed of the arrival of Antillon and Porter, Pacquiao smiled and quipped, `can’t wait to see them.’

Sparring will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the number of rounds gradually increasing by the day until it reaches a full 12 rounds per day.

As the 12-round fight nears, sparring gradually tapers off.

As had been the practice before, head trainer Freddie Roach may hold the sparring sessions behind closed doors.

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THEY'RE HERE

Manny Pacquiao with his entourage and pet dog jack russel terrier named `Pacman while doing road work in Baguio Sunday

By Gerry Ramos

THE wrath of typhoon Ondoy welcomed Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon upon their arrival in the country Sunday.

But an even bigger storm awaits them once they land in the City of Pines by Monday afternoon.

Sparring for Manny Pacquiao’s Baguio training camp is all set to roll as Porter and Antillon finally flew in from Los Angeles, California less than 24 hours after Ondoy dumped heavy rains and wreck havoc in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Due to inclement weather, the two American sparmates had to postpone their trip to the summer hideaway by one day as they were quickly whisked to a Quezon City hotel for a whole day rest.

They wouldn’t start sparring with the Filipino ring idol until Tuesday.

Bad weather condition also forced the 30-year old Pacquiao to put off his planned break in training to pay his last respect to the remains of former manager Rod Nazario.

Nazario died early Thursday following a year-long bout with lung cancer.

Pacquiao rested and didn’t train Sunday afternoon, but did road works in the morning at the Athletic Bowl and Burnham Park.

Accompanied by a throng of supporters, including conditioning coach Alex Ariza and his jack russel terrior dog `Pacman’, Pacquiao jogged around Burnham Park, after which, he bought grapes from vendors plying their trade around the famous tourist destination.

Following a quick shower at his unit at the Cooyesan Plaza Hotel in Naguilan Road, Pacquiao attended Sunday services at the Baguio Cathedral.

From there, he proceeded to Wright Park for some horseback riding, but put off his plan as rain began pouring. He later decided to just buy souvenir items at a local store.

Pacquiao and his entourage later had lunch at The Manor in Camp John Hay.

Meanwhile, trainer Freddie Roach said Pacquiao should work behind an intelligent fight on November 14 against Miguel Cotto, whom he describes as a `very complete fighter with very few flaws.’

“He’s very intelligent. He keeps his distance and timing pretty well. So we have to figure out way to throw that off,” he said.

“He’s in his prime. He’s a complete fighter.”

Roach also insisted on his earlier stand that it will be very hard to knock out the 28-year old reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion.

“We’re going in there looking for twelve hard rounds. You can’t look for the knockout with this guy because he’s very resilient,” said the three-time Trainer of the Year.

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PACMAN SPARMATES COMING

Manny Pacquiao in Baguio training camp -CESAR REYES

By Gerry Ramos

MANNY Pacquiao’s training camp shifts into high gear with the arrival of two tough sparmates over the weekend.

Rising welterweight Shawn Porter and preferred choice Urbano Antillon are flying over here Sunday from the U.S. as sparring in Pacquiao’s training camp in Baguio City begins by Tuesday.

Coming over from Los Angeles, the two will be immediately whisked to the country’s summer hideaway, giving them at least two days to get accustomed to the high-altitude weather of Baguio, located some 1,500 meters above sea level.

The 30-year old Pacquiao has been in the City of Pines for almost a week now as he tries to get in the best shape of his career for a November 14 date with Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt.

Through with the first week of the camp, trainer Freddie Roach believes the boxing champion is now ready for sparring.

“He’s ready to spar,” said Roach after engaging Pacquiao for 10 rounds with the mitts Friday.

Antillon has been a regular Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, the last of which came when he fought Briton Ricky Hatton last summer for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior-welterweight title.

“Urbano is definitely the toughest sparring partner for Manny,” said Roach of the Mexican lightweight now based in Maywood, California. “He gets hit a little too much, but he always comes back with his own.”

The 27-year old Antillon has a ring record of 26-1, with 19KOs, and has sparred with some of boxing’s best fighters today including Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valero.

“A very good and strong fighter,” Pacquiao said of Antillon after one of their sparring sessions for the Hatton fight at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

Just as impressive is the unbeaten 21-year old Porter from Akron, Ohio.

Porter is a natural welterweight who holds a perfect 10-0 record, with 8 KOs.

He is a 2007 Golden Gloves champion and an alternate with the U.S. men’s boxing team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

After spending a few sparring sessions at the Wild Card gym, Roach tapped Porter as Pacquiao sparmate as he reportedly has the same built and fighting style as Cotto is.

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ONE LAST WISH

BY Gerry Ramos

MANNY Pacquiao has an added motivation when he takes on World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight kingpin Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas two months from now.

Days before he passed away, former manager and promoter Rod Nazario had one final piece of advice to his one-time protégée, admonishing the 30-year old champ to knock Cotto down with his powerful left hand.

And when the man responsible for Pacquiao’s breakthrough stint in the U.S. is the one who asked for it, most likely the Filipino ring idol will readily oblige.

“Alam mo namang pag si Dolfo ang humiling kay Manny, hindi tumatanggi yun,” Moy Lainez, the long-time associate of Nazario, said to PJ over the phone hours after the 74-year old veteran boxing promoter passed away Thursday morning due to lung cancer.

“Bago umakyat si Manny sa Baguio, nagbilin na siya (Nazario). Yung isang usapan nila tungkol sa laban niya nga kay Cotto. Sabi niya tandaan mo, `yung kaliwa mo ang siyang magna-knockout kay Cotto,” Lainez recalled of the conversation between the two.

Nazario’s death came four days after Pacquiao entered training camp at the country’s Summer Capital.

A somber atmosphere shrouded Pacquiao’s training Thursday at the Shape Up gym at the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan Road as Nazario had been like a second father to the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, according to Lainez.

In a statement, the 30-year old pride of Genera Santos City deeply consoled the loss of his former handler.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Nazario, who was not only a loving father and husband, but a great loss to me and the sport of boxing. I will forever cherish our fondest memories in and outside the ring. We will terribly miss him,” said the Pacman.

“Si Buboy (Fernandez) nga raw iyak ng iyak,” Lainez said of Pacquiao’s close buddy and Freddie Roach’s assistant trainer, who got his big break in boxing while working errands with the group of Nazario, Lainez and Lito Mondejar in the old L&M gym.

Gerry Garcia, another close friend of Nazario and partner in the top rating boxing show In This Corner also with Lainez and Mondejar, said Pacquiao is likely to take a break in training and pay his last respect to the late boxing manager by Sunday.

A day upon arriving from his whirlwind press tour for the Nov. 14 title fight with the 28-year old Cotto, Pacquiao visited the Wild Card gym in Paranaque, where he sweat it out for about an hour, before proceeding to the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas to check on the condition of Nazario, who had been confined there shortly after celebrating his 74th birthday last Sept. 12.

The following day, the boxing star visited his former manager once again prior to his trip to Baguio City.

It was there when Nazario made another wish at his death bed.

"Hiniling niya (Nazario) na sana mapasama si Eden Sonsona – cousin of reigning WBO super-bantamweight champion Marvelous Marvin Sonsona – sa undercard ng laban niya against Cotto,” said Lainez, whose friendship and association with Nazario extend back to more than four decades.

Pacquiao has since made special arrangement for the inclusion of Sonsona, a boxer of Nazario, in the boxing card for his coming fight with Cotto.

Nazario handled Pacquiao from 1995 to 2005, and was the one responsible for giving the Filipino his U.S. break in 2001 when he stunned Lehlo Ledwaba to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight title.

It was also under Nazario’s tutelage when Pacquiao became a legitimate world champion after bagging the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight crown in 1998, scored his biggest win with an 11th round technical knockout of Marco Antonio Barrera, and cemented his status as a rising boxing star following that controversial draw with Juan Manuel Marquez in their memorable 2004 title fight in Las Vegas.

The two parted ways shortly after Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision against Mexican warrior Eric Morales.

Despite going their separate ways, the two remained close to each other, with Nazario and Co. even travelling to the U.S. last summer to watch Pacquiao demolished Briton Ricky Hatton inside two rounds for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight crown.

By that time, Nazario – who also undergone by-pass operation three years ago - had already been undergoing chemo-therapy for his lung cancer.

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THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, MANG ROD

LONG-time boxing promoter and manager Rodolfo Nazario died Thursday morning due to a lingering illness. He was 74.


His remains lie in state at the Funeraria Paz in Sucat, Paranaque. Interment will be announced later.

He is survived by wife Supreme Court Justice Minita Chico-Nazario and children Roderick, Rommel and Karen and children Roberto, Raymundo, Mercedita and Barbara from first wife Emenita.

Along with long-time partners Moy Lainez and Lito Mondejar, Nazario is the man credited for catapulting Manny Pacquiao to boxing superstardom.

Their partnership from 1995-2005 saw the Filipino ring icon won the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title in 1998 and pulled off a stunning victory over Lehol Ledwaba to annex the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-bantamweight title in his 2001 U.S. debut.

During that course, Pacquiao also scored a shocking 11th round technical knockout off Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera (2003) and drew with Juan Manuel Marquez in their memorable 2004 title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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IT'S GOING TO BE TOUGH -- ROACH

By Gerry Ramos

DESPITE pleased with the way Manny Pacquiao reported for training camp, Freddie Roach remains wary of Puerto Rican pride Miguel Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion whom the Filipino boxing icon is set to fight two months from now at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“It’s going to be a tough fight for us,” admitted Roach as he supervised Pacquiao’s training at the Shape Up boxing gym in Baguio City for the second straight day.

“He is a very strong fighter and puncher. We have to pay attention to that. That is my biggest worry.”

The 30-year old Pacquiao has won his last three fights in impressive fashion, including compelling the great Oscar De La Hoya to retirement and sending former junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton into dreamland behind a devastating second round knockout middle of this year.

But excellent fighters De La Hoya and Hatton are, Roach stressed Cotto is a different kind of warrior.

“The thing is, he’s big, he’s strong and he’s young,” said the 49-year old bespectacled trainer.

“He’s a smart fighter.”

Cotto is only 28-years old and has only lost once in 35 outings (including 27 KOs), a stretch that included a unanimous decision against Sugar Shane Mosley and a technical knockout of Zab Juddah.

But the Puerto Rican has not been the same since losing to Mexican Antonio Margarito (11th round TKO) in a title bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight belt.

Since that July 2008 setback, Cotto had been unimpressive in his fights against Michael Jennings (5th round TKO) and Joshua Clottey (split decision).

Having watched some of Cotto’s fight, Roach sees some weaknesses in his armory.

“He’s not strong to the body,” Roach pointed out. “I think we have to break him down in the earlier rounds and work at the body a lot.”

Hard as the fight may be, but Roach remains confident the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today will still run away as the winner.

“The way Manny is fighting right now, I think it’s a winnable fight for us,” Roach said.

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HAPPY ROACH

ROACH (left) doing the mitts with Pacquiao CESAR REYES

BY Gerry Ramos

ONLY in their first day of training together, but Freddie Roach was already gracious enough to give Manny Pacquiao an A grade for being fit and sharp.

After sweating out for nine rounds with the mitts Tuesday, Roach expressed surprise at how the boxing icon appears to be in shape with their eight-week training camp still to go the full grind.

“He was very sharp. If I didn’t know better, I would think he was in the gym for a month now,” said the American trainer following the afternoon workout at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguillan Road in Baguio.

“His combinations are fast and his power is already there. He wanted to make an impression on me and he certainly did.”

Roach immediately went to work after arriving in the summer hideaway shortly before noon, along with conditioning coach Alex Ariza and Wild Card security head Rob Peters from a 14-hour flight from Los Angeles, California.

Initially hesitant to conduct training camp here because of the expected many distractions on Pacquiao, the three-time Trainer of the Year appeared to be satisfied with the way things unravelled in his reunion with his prized boxer.

“It has nothing to do with the Philippines. The only problem I have is the jetlag and going back. So I want to make sure we’re going to have enough time to come back and adjust and be 100 percent,” he said.

For the next four weeks, Baguio City will be home for Team Pacquiao as it primes up for a November 14 title fight with current World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

The 30-year old pound-for-pound best fighter in the world won’t start sparring until Tuesday next week, although Roach said training would be made closed-door in the coming days.

Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon, handpicked by Roach to be Pacquiao’s sparmates, are coming by Sunday from the U.S.

Thursday next week, a media day is scheduled to be held at the gym in time for the arrival of Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.

Middle of October, Pacquiao, Roach and the rest of the team will fly to the U.S. and resume the final phase of training camp at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

And Roach couldn’t help but look forward to the coming days as he expects Pacquiao to get even better.

“Without a doubt, this is our best start. He’s now in great shape and I’m fine with that,” he added.

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UNIMPRESSED

FREDDIE Roach is not drooling over the unanimous decision pounded out by Floyd Mayweather Jr. over former Pacquiao victim Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas over the weekend.

The American trainer said he expected what would happen, compelling him not to bother watching the bout on pay-per-view.

“He (Mayweather) beat the best lightweight in the world,” Roach said, obviously referring to the big size discrepancy that separated both Mayweather Jr and Marquez on fight night.

Mayweather failed to meet the catchweight of 144 pounds, coming two pounds over during the official weigh-in, costing him about $600,000 in penalty. Meanwhile, Marquez, whose last fight was at lightweight (135 pounds) tipped in at 142.

During the fight, Marquez weighed 148 pounds, while Mayweather refused to tip the scale. In the post-fight interview, the unbeaten American admitted he was around 145 pounds when he climbed the ring.

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BUSINESS BEGINS FOR THE PACMAN

MANNY Pacquiao during his first day of workout in Baguio. CESAR REYES





By Gerry Ramos


EXPECT all business in Manny Pacquiao’s training camp in Baguio today as chief trainer Freddie Roach is expected to arrive in the country and start handling the Filipino boxing superstar for his upcoming title fight with Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto.


Roach is planing in at 6 a.m. Tuesday from Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines, accompanied by conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Upon arrival, the two will be immediately brought to the country’s summer capital and hook up with the 30-year old Pacquiao in time for his afternoon workout at the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan Road.

Pacquiao already began training for the Nov. 14 bout yesterday, starting off with a road work around Burnham Park accompanied by assistant cornerman Buboy Fernandez, before sweating it out in the afternoon at a well-equipped gym inside the hotel, which serves as the Pacman’s training camp for the next four weeks.

By mid-October, Team Pacquiao proceeds to the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles for the final phase of his preparation against the 28-year old Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion.

A case of overstaying and a threat of paying excess taxes in the U.S forced Pacquiao to set up his initinal training camp here. Under U.S tax law, an alien like the boxing star is only allowed to stay in the U.S. for 180 days for three years.

Roach initially had been opposed to training the world’s pound-for-pound king here, stressing too many distractions would hamper his concentration the way it did during past training camps he had in General Santos City and Cebu.

But Pacquiao eventually persuaded the three-time Hall of Famer to come over, stressing that everything will be fine once he enters training camp.

“Kapag ako kasi nag-train, iba kaysa sa other boxers. Gusto ko pinarurusahan ko yung katawan ko,” he said.

“At tsaka tamang-tama sa training camp itong Baguio,” added Pacquiao, stressing that the City of Pines sits at 1,500 meters above sea level.

Security will also be tightened once Roach and Co. arrives, as National Security Adviser Chavit Singson, a close friend of Pacquiao and former governor of Ilocos Sur, promised to provide security details around the camp.

Sparring partners Shawn Porter and long-time sparmate Urbano Antillon are expected to arrive in the country within the week.

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TRAINING CAMP BEGINS FOR PACMAN

MANNY Pacquiao (right) with assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez shortly after arriving in Baguio Sunday - Cesar Reyes

BAGUIO CITY – BOXING icon Manny Pacquiao quietly slips in this mountain resort Sunday morning for the formal start of training camp for his Nov. 14 title fight with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

The world’s pound-for-pound arrived at around 9 p.m. and went straight to the Cooyesan Plaza along Naguilan Road, where he and his entourage will be billeted.

Pacquiao asked that his arrival be made simple, even turning down an earlier plan to fly him in through a chartered private jet owned by close friend, former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, from Loakan Airport. Team Pacquiao instead, drove here by land from the boxing champion’s home in Laguna.

At a little past noon, Pacquiao watched the welterweight fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez along with Singson. After the match, the General Santos City native described the bout as a `mismatch.’

The 30-year old Filipino starts the day with a morning roadwork at around 5 a.m., and then begins his training at the Cooyeesan Hotel at around mid-noon, with training assistant Buboy Fernandez tasked to handle the workout in the absence of chief trainer Freddie Roach.

The three-time Hall of Fame trainer won’t be arriving in the country’s Summer Capital until tomorrow (Tuesday) through a Philippine Airlines flight in the company of conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Roach is expected to handle Pacquiao’s training on the second day of the camp.

Pacquiao said the high-altitude weather in Baguio is a perfect for his training camp as he prepares seriously against the 28-year old Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion.

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HE'S READY TO GO

By Gerry Ramos

AS Manny Pacquiao prepares to go to training camp this weekend, Freddie Roach is busy scoring one jab after the other against Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Roach denied everything Mayweather Sr. alleged regarding the use of steroids by the 30-year old boxing star, and said like the Filipino ring icon, is also considering filing a rap against the outspoken American trainer.

“We don’t take drugs. We don’t need drugs and we definitely, don’t believe in drugs,” Roach said from his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

“I talked to my lawyer and there could be a slander case right here and we will sue him.

“I spoke to Manny about it also, and we’re all on board.”

As Roach was granting interviews, Pacquiao was sweating it out at the other Wild Card gym in Paranaque, where he did three rounds in the mitts with Ericson Asilo, did skip ropes and some stretching.

“Nagpapa-kundisyon na talaga siya, para nga naman pag-dating ni Freddie ready na talaga siya,” said veteran boxing official Moy Lainez, one of the incorporators of the famed boxing gym.

Lainez said Pacquiao arrived at the gym at around 12:30 p.m. and worked out for about an hour. After partaking chicken, vegetables and kare-kare with Wild Card personnel, the General Santos City native left for Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas to visit former manager Rod Nazario.

On Sunday morning, Pacquiao will fly straight to Baguio City on board a private plane courtesy of close friend and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson.

By Monday, training camp for his Nov. 14 fight with World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto officially begins, although assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez and brother Roger are the ones who will call the shots first as Roach won’t be arriving until Tuesday in the City of Pines.

Both Roach and Mayweather Sr. aren’t fond of each other, having traded verbal joust before, during and after the Pacquiao-Hatton fight in May at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Mayweather Sr. referred to Freddie as `Joke Coach Roach’, while Roach degraded Floyd’s resume as trainer of world champions.

Roach eventually had the last laugh as Pacquiao administered a severe second round knockout win against Hatton.

But the three-time Hall of Famer hadn’t heard the last from Mayweather Sr, who, on Tuesday, admitted that he believes `Pacquiao’s on some type of supplements.

“I’m convinced about a lot of (boxers). That’s what they’re doing now,” he said. “Everybody should be checked a little more thoroughly. Sometimes people know what’s going on, but they ain’t saying nothing.”

Asked about the legal actions likely to be filed against him, Mayweather Sr. said it doesn’t bother him.

“If that’s what he (Roach) wants to do, that’s what he wants to do. I’m just saying what I believe and what I feel,” he added.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission through chief officer Keith Kizer has already cleared Pacquiao of the accusations, stressing the world’s pound-for-pound king never tested positive for illegal performance enhancing drugs during the mandated tests done to him.

Pacquiao’s last five fights, beginning with his 2007 rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera, until the Hatton bout, were all held in Las Vegas.

Despite the assurance made by the boxing body, Roach kept on firing at Mayweather Sr.

“All of a sudden Floyd Mayweather Sr. is an expert on steroids?” Roach asked. “If that’s the case, then please tell me what he (Pacquiao) was taking, Floyd?

“As far as I am concerned, Floyd Mayweather Sr. isn’t the best trainer in the sport. He’s the worst in the sport.”

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Pacquiao is Back

BY Gerry N. Ramos

THE recreation is over. Now the serious stuff begins for Manny Pacquiao.

Capping the promotional tour for his Nov. 14 slugfest with reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao returns to the country this morning, and after a few days of rest, begins his two-month training in Baguio City for the fight the Filipino ring icon considers as the hardest in his career.

Pacquiao and his small entourage that toured New York, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego for almost a week to promote the Cotto bout is set to arrive at 5 a.m. today via Philippine Airlines flight 103.

The boxing superstar is then expected to wrap up all the remaining commitments he left behind while doing the five-city press tour.

By next week, serious training starts at the City of Pines.

With barely two months left before he tangles with the 28-year old Puerto Rican, Pacquiao vows to fully concentrate on his training.

“I am going to train hard to show the people who Manny Pacquiao really is. I will train hard and give my fans what they want to see,” the Pacman said.

Conditioning coach Alex Ariza, who has perfectly prepared Pacquiao in his last three fights, arrives in the country on Sunday. Two days after, trainer par excellance Freddie Roach follows.

The Baguio training is expected to last for about a month, before Team Pacquiao flies to the U.S. by mid-October to wind up the camp at the comforts of the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum also said that Pacquiao has to be in the U.S. on Oct. 17 for a special, one-day promotional event for the Cotto bout.

Pacquiao, considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today, highlighted his five-day city tour abroad by making the ceremonial pitch during the game between San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, which organizers dubbed as `Filipino Heritage Night’ at the PETCO Park in San Diego.

The event marked the third time Pacquiao did the ceremonial pitch in a major league game.

Just last April before his fight with former world junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, the 30-year old native of General Santos City also made the first pitch during the match between division rivals San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres.

In 2005, he was also threw out the first pitch in the Los Angeles Angels Anaheim-Oakland A’s game at the Angels Stadium.

This developed as Arum bared that following the Cotto fight, Pacquiao is expected to fight next on March 2010.

Arum wouldn’t name yet who Pacquiao will be taking on in his first bout for the new year, although everything depends on the outcome of his showdown with Cotto and the result of the Floyd Mayweather Jr-Juan Manuel Marquez meeting this weekend.

The Top Rank big boss said Pacquiao is amenable to a middle of March fight, after which, he’ll start concentrating on his bid for a congressional seat in the province of Saranggani during the May national elections. - Philippine Boxing News

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BATTLING KING KONG

FREDDIE Roach is bracing himself for the biggest challenge of Manny Pacquiao’s boxing career.

No, not the great Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez or Eric Morales.

For Roach, Miguel Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, is the most dangerous foe the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter will be facing.

“We are about to fight King Kong,” Roach exclaimed during the press conference for the Pacquiao-Cotto November 14 showdown held in Caguas, Puerto Rico, hometown of the reigning champion, Saturday.

“That’s how big he is. But we have a game plan, although it is going to be a hard fight.”

Pacquiao himself admitted during the event held at the Centro de Bellas Artes that the 28-year old Cotto, a natural welterweight, will be his hardest fight to date, perhaps even tougher than De La Hoya, Marquez and Morales, three of boxing’s most illustrious fighters who suffered defeats at the hands of the Filipino ring icon.

“There is going to be a lot of action in the ring,” Pacquiao told the crowd. “Cotto is big and strong. He has the size, is very smart and he’s big.”

One thing going for Pacquiao is the 145-pound catchweight, a weight class where the Puerto Rican last fought in 2006 yet.

Other than that everything appears to favor Cotto, who, unlike Pacquiao, has already began to train for the 12-round fight as early as last month.

“Cotto is strong and bigger, he is at his prime right now,” Roach admitted. “He is a game guy and he likes to exchange, so we have to be very careful, good puncher, great left hook to the body.

“He is solid and does everything consistently.”

The Puerto Rico stopover is the second in the week-long, five city tour by the two boxing superstar to hype and promote their title fight two months from now at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The press tour began during the weekend at the Yanke Stadium in New York.

Next on their agenda is a personal appearance in San Francisco on Sunday, a 10-hour flight from Caguas, where a similar gig will be held at the AT& T Park.

The following day it’s off to Los Angeles for the Pacquiao and Cotto entourage, where another press conference is set at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The final destination is set in San Diego at the Petco Park on Tuesday.

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ONE RISES, ONE FALLS

DONNIE Nietes delivered, but Rodel Mayol was a disappointment.


Nietes retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight belt with a split decision over Manuel `Chango’ Vargas in Nayarit, Mexico, in one of two world title fights Saturday featuring Filipino fighters.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mayol was not as successful, again losing by split technical decision against local boy Ivan Calderon, who kept his WBO light-flyweight title.

Nietes pounded the hard-earned win through scores of 116-112 and 118-110, with the other judge scoring the bout for the Mexican, 116-112.


The Filipino boxing champion from Murcia, Bacolod City improved to 25-1, with 14 KOs as he successfully defended his WBO belt for the third straight time.

“His punches are not that strong. Ramirez was much stronger,” Nietes admitted later, obviously referring to another Mexican in Erik Ramirez, whom he beat via unanimous decision in his title defense prior to the Vargas fight.

“But he’s (Vargas) got good defense, so I tried to time my punches.”

Vargas dropped to 26-4-1 (11 KOs).

The 27-year old Nietes had his best round in the fourth when he wobbled the Mexican challenger with a solid right.

Another Filipino in bantamweight contender Z Gorres also won in the undercard of the Nietes-Vargas fight after scoring a 6th technical knockout over Mexican Cruz Carbajal.

Carbajal refused to come out of his corner in the sixth round to give Gorres the victory.

Not as fortunate was the 28-year old Mayol as he was stymied for the fourth straight time in his bid to become a world champion.

Like in their first meeting three months ago, the 12-round title fight prematurely ended in the seventh round following an accidental clash of head.

Two judges had the unbeaten champion ahead, 68-65, by the time the bout was stopped, while the other one saw it for Mayol, 68-65.

A similar cut suffered by the 34-year old Calderon in their earlier duel ended in a technical draw, allowing the Puerto Rican champion to retain his title.

Calderon (33-0-1, 6 KOs) had nothing but praises against the Filipino challenger.

“I want people to understand that Mayol is a much different fighter than Hugo Cazares. He is very intelligent with his game plan. He made me work extremely hard to earn this victory. I have a lot of respect for him,” said Calderon.

Mayol fell to 25-4 with 19 KOs.

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RODEL MAYOL GOES FOR IT

RODEL Mayol challenges undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) light flyweight title holder Ivan Calderon one more time in what could be his one final shot at a world boxing championship.

Mayol and Calderon slug it out at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, Hato Rey in Puerto Rico today in a rematch of their 12-round fight three months ago at the Madison Square Garden in New York during the undercard of the Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey welterweight showdown.

The bout ended in a technical draw in the sixth round after Calderon, a native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, was unable to continue fighting owing to a deep cut he suffered from an accidental headbutt in round 4.

Two of the judges had the champion ahead by two points, while the other one had it dead even.

Mayol vowed that the same incident won’t happen again this time.

“He may play the role of the matador, but this bull isn’t going to miss the target,” said the Filipino, who trained for two months at the famed Wild Card gym of Freddie Roach in Los Angeles, California.

Mayol previously vied for a world title against Eagle Kyowa (World Boxing Council minimuweight) in 2006 and Ulises Solis (International Boxing Federation light-flyweight) in 2007, but failed in both attempts.

The Filipino (25-3-1, with 19KOs) lost by unanimous decision against Kyowa, and then absorbed an eight round technical knockout against Solis.

Calderon, 34, is defending his title for the fourth time. He is undefeated in 32 fights with 1 draw, including 16 by knockouts.

The Puerto Rican said Mayol won’t be able to beat him especially in front of a wild, partisan crowd.

“He’s saying that he is going to be more aggressive this time around. That’s just fine with me,” he said. “It will be just like the matador and the bull where I will make him miss and the crowd will shout Ole! Ole! And he will be countered punched all night for his trouble.”

The two didn’t have a hard time tipping the scales during yesterday’s official weigh-in. Calderon came at 107.4 pounds while Mayol was at 107.3 pounds.

Mayol is one of two Filipino boxers vying in a world championship Sunday.

In Nayarit, Mexico Donnie Nietes stakes his WBO minimumweight belt against Mexican Manuel Vargas.

The 12-round bout is in the undercard of the middleweight duel between unbeaten Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. against Jason LeHoullier.

The 27-year old pride of Murcia, Bacolod City is making the third defense of his WBO title, and the second straight in Mexico after scoring a unanimous 12-round win over Erik Ramirez last February.

Nietes has a ring record of 24-1, including 14 by KOs.

Vargas, 28, is 26-3 (with 11 KOs).

Both came in at 105 pounds during the fight’s official weigh-in Saturday.

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PACMANIA HITS NEW YORK

COTTO (left) and Pacquiao at Yankee Stadium

Chris Farina/Top Rank




FOR Manny Pacquiao, let Miguel Cotto train ahead for their November 14 title showdown in Las Vegas.


Afterall, that has always been the case for the Filipino and his past opponents.

“Ganyan naman palagi. Nauuna mag-train ang mga kalaban natin,” he said upon arriving at the JFK Airport in New York for the start of his five city press tour to hype his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight fight with Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao stressed eight weeks of training is just enough for him as proven by his big wins against former world champions David Diaz, the great Oscar De La Hoya and most recently, Ricky Hatton.

The Filipino ring icon also said weight will not be a problem this time as he currently tips in at 150 pounds, just five pounds over the catch weight of 145.

Upon arrival from the long 18-hour trip, Pacquiao checked in at Loews Regency in Park Avenue along with training assistant Roger Fernandez and advisers Mike Koncz and Franklin Gacal.

Cotto arrived in the fabulous US state hours later from Puerto Rico. Although he’s been in training camp already for about a month, the WBO champion said they’re not into doing heavy stuffs yet.

The training according to him, was more on doing morning runs and some conditioning exercises, although he already sparred for at least three times.

“I just want the space for the hard weeks ahead. I don’t train the full week. And I just sparred like three times in those four weeks,” he said.

Cotto admitted he’s about 161 pounds at this time.

"But it's not a matter for me but a matter for him if he don't train early. You know what kind of things you should do to be in shape," said Cotto.

The press tour begins with a press conference at the Yankee Stadium Thursday, after which, the two fighters will have a photo shoot for the fight posters and commercials.

By Friday, the group heads for Puerto Rico, then flies to Atlanta the following day (Saturday), followed by San Francisco (Sunday)and finally Los Angeles (Monday).

In L.A., both boxers will undergo medical at the Beverly Hotel before capping the tour with another presscon.

Pacquiao will stay in the Bay Area until Tuesday as he will do the ceremonial pitch for the Padres-Cardinals game at the Petco Park in San Diego.

He is expected to be back in the country Thursday to start his training.

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A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

MILAN, Italy—Despite the painful defeat in the 15th AIBA world championships here, the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) is optimistic Filipino boxers will rise and be competitive in the big stage again.

"We have the materials. We have a potent mix of experience , youth and talents. We’ll see to it that none of these goes to waste,’’ ABAP executive director Ed Picson said here on Tuesday.

‘’Our participation (in the world championship) was a learning experience,’’ he added.

Five boxers—light-fly Harry Tanamor,bantam Joan Tipon,feather Charly Suarez, lightweight Joegin Ladon and and light-welter Genebert Basadre—carried the national colors in the ongoing world meet that drew more than 600 boxers from a record 144 nations.

Alas, none of them made it past the second round in a big letdown that had the new ABAP hierarchy going back to the drawing board to plan for the future.

"We cannot afford to let our boxers train among themselves and expect to win in a tournament like this one ,’’ said Picson, tasked by ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and ABAP president Ricky Vargas to handle the association’s affairs and programs.

‘’Now that this fact has been unravalled to us in the most painful way, we will implement the program that involves constant training and participation in local and international tournaments.’’

Picson said they hope to partner with the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Chair Harry Angping and the private sector in carrying out the association’s programs.

"While PLDT and Smart are already committed, I am sure there are those who would like to pitch in for this national effort,’’ Picson said.

The task of making the Philippines’ presence felt in international competitions begin when the boxers spearhead the bid of Team Pilipinas in the Southeast Asian Games in Laos this December.

According to Picson, tryouts among the more than 40 members of the national pool, presently training in Baguio City, will be held to select the RP team members seeing action in six of nine divisions to be disputed in the Laos Games.

Its search for future RP team members is in full swing, with the second of a series of national youth tournaments kicking off in a few days in Mandaluyong City.

Before going to the Milan tournament, now on its quarterfinal round stage, the five-member RP squad competed only in one tournament, which was the annual King’s Cup in Bangkok.

In fact, Tanamor saw action competitively for only the first time last Saturday since winning his division in the first World Cup in Moscow last December.

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WIPED OUT

MILAN, Italy c—Featherweight Charly Suarez lost to a superior rival on Sunday afternoon for the final blow in a disappointing campaign by Team Philippines in the 15th AIBA World boxing championships at the Mediolanum Forum here.

Left to carry the fight after four of his battle-scarred teammates have been eliminated, Suarez found Korean Joo Min Jae a much-tougher foe than expected and took a 5-ll beating that abruptly ended the Filipinos’ stint with still a week to go in the tournament.

Suarez thus joined teammates light-fly Harry Tanamor, bantam Joan Tipon, lightweight Joegin Ladon and light-welter Genebert Besadre on the sidelines, each of them failing to go past the second round of this tournament that drew more than 600 boxers from a record 144 nations.

The 5-foot-5 Suarez, 21, missed landing his punches on the countless, furious exchanges that highlighted the nine-minute match as the 5-foot-10 Korean, 25, used his advantage in height and reach to the fullest.

“Di umaabot ang suntok ko. Mataas at mahaba ang kamay,” Suarez told Filipino journalists on the way back to the hotel.”Mabilis din naman kahit matangkad. Talo tayo.”

Joo, a member of the Korean Army who’s competing in his first world championship, connected with three body shots and two hits in the head to take a 5-1 lead in the first round.

Suarez climbed the ring carrying modest hopes of making it to the round of 16 after his masterful 18-8 win over the much-taller Jillian Stan of Romania during their first round clash on Thursday.

Against Joo, however, Suarez couldn’t do anything right.

So the Filipino team will go home on Sunday with a big, fat egg, missing to get a medal it desperately wanted from its veterans especially Tanamor.

Tanamor, a silver medalist in the same division in the 2007 world tournament in Chicago and carrying the momentum of a victory in the first World Cup in Moscow, was a total disappointment this time.

At 31 the oldest in a group of aging, fading fighters, Tanamor lost his first round match on Saturday, bowing to European champion Huvhannes Danielyan of Armenia, 3-11,in a match where he was totally outclassed, outpunched and outwitted.

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MARVIN SONSONA IS NOW A WORLD CHAMP

Marvin Sonsona

By Gerry Ramos

AT 19 years old, Marvin Sonsona should have been studying and finishing his chosen course in college. But at such tender age, he’s now a certified world boxing champion.

Sonsona defied the odds by scoring a unanimous decision over veteran Jose `Carita’ Lopez to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior bantamweight title at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada.

The unbeaten Filipino was forced to go the distance by his 37-year old opponent from Puerto Rico for the first time in his young career, but managed to pull off the win just the same in his very first attempt at a world crown.

Judges scored the bout 114-111, 115-110 and 116-109 all in favor of Sonsona. He scored a knockout in the fourth round after connecting on a powerful left hook, but Lopez was able to weather the storm and survive.

At 19 years and two months, he became the second youngest Filipino to win a world crown after Morris East.

A native of Olongapo born to an American father, East was 19 years and a month old when he came through with a technical knockout win over Akinobu Hiranaka to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight championship in Tokyo, Japan in 1992.

A southpaw who hails from General Santos City, Sonsona improved to 14-0 overall, including 12 by KOs. His corner includes Jun Agrabio and Nonito Donaire Sr., father of Nonito Jr., the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight champion.

“Lopez was such a tough fighter, and winning a decision against him shows that I’m a real fighter and a worthy champion,” said the Filipino afterwards.

Sonsona did prove he’s a warrior as he finished strong after appearing to be fading away middle in the 12-round bout. Several times, he had the dethroned champion on wobbly legs.

Lopez fell to 39-8-2 (32 KOs) as he lost the first defense of the WBO 118-pound belt he won over Pramuansak Posuwan of Thailand last March.

The victory hopefully, would spark a string of Filipino victories over their Puerto Rican foes in the next four months.

Rodel Mayol is set to challenge Puerto Rico’s Ivan Calderon in a rematch of their WBO light-flyweight match on September 12 before the biggest of them all in Pacquiao faces Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 for the Puerto Rican’s WBO welterweight belt.

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RP'S BEST BETS OUSTED

TANAMOR

MILAN, Italy -Team Philippines lost its two biggest names on a forgettable Saturday, leaving the young but courageous Charly Suarez to carry the fight for the Filipinos in the 15th AIBA World boxing championships at the Mediolanum Forum here.

Two-time Olympian Harry Tanamor, the battle-scarred light-fly who was only into his first bout since winning the first World Cup last December, miserably failed to find his rhythm going and went down in defeat at the hands of the equally tried and tested Hovhannes Danielyan of Armenia, 3-11.

Almost six hours later, Tipon fought as if he had left his heart in Bacolod City and expectedly took a terrible 0-2 beating from second seed Abdelhalim Ouradi of Algeria in a bantamweight bout bereft of intensity and fire.

The double whammy left the five-member RP squad with only Suarez to hope for in its quest for a gold medal that’s getting hard, too hard, to find in this biennial meet that drew more than 600 boxers from a record 144 nations.

The 21-year-old Suarez returns to the ring on Sunday afternoon to meet the much-taller Joo Min Jae of South Korea for a berth in the round-of-16 of the featherweight division, needing a win to prolong the stay of the Filipino team in this beautiful fashion capital.

Suarez debuted two days ago by humbling Julian Stan of Romania, 18-8, in a dominating win that gave the Philippines its strongest start ever in this biennial championship exceeded only by the Olympic Games in magnitude and prestige.

In a letdown for one who climbed the ring carrying a lot of expectations, Tanamor could not hit target throughout the nine-minute, three-round encounter and even got the receiving end of several toe-to-toe exchanges as he went all-out in the final round.

Leading 7-3 heading to the closing minute of the second round, Dnaielyan found himself minus his coach, who was thrown out by American referee Miguel Rosrio for excessive giving of instructions at the sidelines.

On the way to the hotel, Tanamor complained of how the judges missed crediting some of his punches, although it was clear as the Milan skies that he really lost to a better, well-equipped fighter.

“Talo talaga tayo,” coach Pat Gaspi told Filipino sportswriters inside the team bus, loud enough for Tanamor to hear.

As dissapointing was Tipon, who fought as if mixing it up with an opponent has been outlawed by the amateur boxing body.

Tipon refused to mix it up even if doing so would be the best thing to do under the circumstances as he went down in shame as the only fighter in his division who failed to land one single point on this particular night.

“Parang nawala yung lakas at sigla ko sa laban,’’ said Tipon, bitter, frustrated and close to crying. “Di ko alam kung bakit.’’

His coaches knew why.

"Parang takot. Ayaw sumuntok. Di iyan ang Tipon na kilala ko,” said Ronald Chavez.

Like Tanamor, Tipon threw punches that came few and far between. He spent most of the time running, backpedalling. In the few occasions he would mix it up with the seasoned Ouradi, he would terribly miss his target.

Realizing he was well behind on points, Tanamor expectedly went all out in the third round, figuring in so many close exchanges with the reigning European Elite tournament champion. Sadly, he missed scoring a single point while his rival got away with four to finalize scoring.

It was indeed, a very disappointing season for Tanamor, who went into the battle carrying an impressive credentials that include a World Cup triumph and a silver-medal finish behind absentee Zou Zhiming of China in the world tourney in 2007.

This was also the first tournament for Tanamor since that World Cup conquest in Moscow last December. His lack of international competitions may have played a part in the severe drop in form of one of the longest-serving members of the national team, according to many.

Despite the setback, hanging up his gloves is still farthest from the mind of Tanamor.

Tanamor said he will still see action in the Southeast Asian Games this December and Asian Games in China next year if he wins the tryouts for the national squad.

He’s still eligible to play in the London Olympics in 2012 where age limit is 34 years old. But to join, Tanamor has to move up to the flyweight division since the light-fly class has been removed in the list of divisions to be disputed in the next Olympiad.

“Kaya pa sir. Pwede pa ng dalawa o tatlong taon,”’ Tanamor said, smiling.

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RP BOXER BOWS OUT

MILAN, Italy - Light-welter Genebert Basadre joined lightweight Joegin Ladon on the sidelines on Friday even as light-fly Harry Tanamor makes his debut and bantam Joan Tipon returns to the ring on Saturday in the AIBA world boxing championships at the Mediolanum Forumhere.

The 25-year-old Basadre could not do anything right throughout the nine-minute, three-round bout and expectedly lost on points to the tried and tested Myke Calvaho of Brazil, 3-10, becoming the second casualty for the five-member Team Philippines.

The Filipino fighter turned out to be an easy prey for the Brazilian, a two-time Olympian and three-time world championship veteran who even bloodied Basade’s nose that forced the referee to stop the bout twice in the second round.

“Magaling sir. Ang lakas pa ng upper . Di kaya," Basadre told Filipino sportswriters, acknowledging that the experience and ring savvy of the Brazilian were just too much for him.

The loss left Tanamor, Tipon and featherweight Charly Suarez to carry the fight for Team Philippines in this 15th edition of the meet which attracted more than 600 boxers from a record 144 countries.

Tanamor, the country’s brightest hope in this tournament where he won a silver medal in 2007 in Chicago, makes his initial appearance as he seeks a round of 16 slot against one of the most respected light-flyweights in Europe.

His name is Hovhanncs Danielyan, whose stock as one of the continent’s finest rose after beating Spain’s Jose dela Nieve Linares, 7-6, in the finals of the European Elite championships held last year in Liverpool, England.

But Tanamor, the oldest of the five Pinoy boxers at 31, will enter the arena carrying the momentum of a gold medal victory in the first World Cup in Moscow where he beat the favored Yampier Hernandez, 17-6, in the finals last year.

"Mainam na makalaban na yung malakas para mahina na yung mga susunod," said Tanamor on the eve of his bout with the Armenian whom he has never fought or seen before.

Once he gets past the Armenian, Tanamor will have a much-easier time in the round of 16 since he’ll be facing either Lui Magaiva of Papua New Guinea or Lebogang Pilane of South Africa, both unheard off in their division.

On Saturday evening (Sunday a.m. in Manila), Tipon will make his second outing as he battles tough Abdehalim Ouradi of Algeria, with the winner getting a place in the round of 32 of the division that featured a starting cast of 55.

Tipon debuted with an 8-3 win over Sri Lanka’s Kamal Gamaethiralalage on Wednesday, a victory which paled in comparison to the 16-3 demoliton inflicted by Ouradi against Indonesia’s Mailus Mandiangan.

RP team coaches Pat Gaspi and Ronald Chavez said Tanamor and Tipon have the talents , skills and experience to beat their respective rivals, although they admitted that it will take a lot of doing for them to pull thru.

"Mahirap pero makakaya nina Harry at Joan yan. Mga sanay na sa laban ang mga iyan. Mabibigat nga lang ang mga kalaban,’’ said Gaspi. ‘’At saka ngayon pa lang maghaharap ang mga iyan".

The only other Filipino still in the hunt for a medal is Suarez, who demolished Armenia’s Iilian Stan, 18-8, on Friday to sustain the Philippines’ strongest start ever in the meet launched 35 years ago.

Carvaho, 26, who has competed in a dozen international tournaments with little success, took an 8-1 lead going into the final two minutes of the third round before getting a mandatory eight-count for feigning to have been hit by a low blow with 58 ticks left.

With an intention to rest for a few precious seconds, Carvaho refused to stand up and did so only when the ref started counting.

Basadre did not make the scoring column until the closing seconds of the first round when he hit the Brazilian with a right cross to trail 1-3 at the end.

The Brazilian bloodied the Filipino’s nose after landing three good shots inside 10 seconds late in the second round, forcing the referee to stop the fight and call the doctor.

By the time Basadre’s nose got bloodied and had it examined, Carvaho was already ahead by the proverbial mile in the second round, 8-1.

The camp of Carvaho said they watched Basadre’s first bout, studied his style and came up with a gameplan which worked perfectly at fight time.
"We told Myke to throw more uppercuts , which helped open your boy’s defenses. Luckily, Myke was able to do it, and he won," said a member of the Brazilian coaching staff.

Danielyan defeated la Nieve in the Europe Elite tournament under sensational circumstances after the Spaniard was given a warning for a low blow with 18 seconds remaining in the championship bout.

The warning, which earned two points to the opponent, saw Danielyan, a bronze medalist in the 2006 European championship, take the lead at 7-6, which proved to be the end result.

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PACMAN TO TRAIN IN BAGUIO

By Gerry Ramos

INSTEAD at the comfort of the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, Freddie Roach will have to make do with the cool, high-altitude temperature of Baguio City when Manny Pacquiao starts training for his 12-round showdown with Miguel Cotto this November.

On Friday, Pacquiao announced that the country’s summer capital is going to serve as his official training camp for the Nov. 14 fight with the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion from Puerto Rico, meaning Roach will have to fly here from the U.S. to prepare the Filipino to what the famous trainer referred to as the Pacman’s `toughest fight’ to date.

“Kaya kailangang pumunta ni Freddie dito,” a grinning Pacquiao said with authority, drawing laughter from his audience at a private room of the Crown Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.

Roach had been opposed to Pacquiao training in the country, stressing that too many distractions would hamper his concentration, unlike when he’s at the Wild Card gym in California where the American trainer is able to strictly monitor the Filipino’s daily activities.

But the 30-year old top pound-for-pound fighter today assured Roach and his hordes of Filipino fans that everything is going to be fine once he enters training camp.

“Kapag ako kasi nag-train, iba kaysa sa other boxers. Gusto ko pinarurusahan `yung katawan ko,” he said. “Kaya alam ko talaga yung time kung kelan ako magsimula na mag-training.”

Solar Sports made the press conference possible as a sendoff for Pacquiao who is U.S. bound, and at the same time, as a victory party for International boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Brian Viloria.

Viloria arrived in the country Thursday night from Hawaii after successfully defending his IBF belt against Mexican Jesus Iribe last Sunday. He joined Pacquiao during the luncheon along with Solar Sports president Wilson Tieng and Solar Sports Chief Operations Officer (COO) Peter Chanliong.

Pacquiao expects to start training by middle of September after he returns from a five-city publicity tour for his fight against Cotto. The trip will take the two fighters at Yankee Stadium in New York beginning Sept. 10, travel to Caguas, Puerto Rico, San Francisco, Los Angeles and finally, San Diego.

He said once he returns to the country, hopefully, he already have Roach in tow. The three-time Hall of Game trainer is expected to bring along with him conditioning coach Alex Ariza and three sparring partners.

Assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, according to Pacquiao, has already to camp in at Baguio.

The Filipino then resumes his training in the U.S three weeks before the fight.

“Kilala ko si Cotto. Malaki, malakas at di naman ganun kabobong boksingero. Magaling, kaya di tayo kailangang magkumpiyansa,” he said.

Pacquiao is expected to be taxed heavily should he trains in the U.S. for eight weeks as aliens like him are only allowed to stay there for at least 180 days in the course of a year.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao and Solar sports executives announced during the same event the establishment of a boxing company aimed produce, promote and distribute boxing shows involving Filipino fighters to the international market.

With Pacquiao as chairman, the outfit already began its operation during the `Island Assault’ boxing card featuring Viloria and world rated Filipinos Dennis Laurente and Aj Banal.

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CONVINCING WIN FOR CHARLIE SUAREZ

MIILAN - Team Philippines sent another fighter to the next round on Thursday to sustain its strong start in the 15th AIBA World amateur boxing championships at the Mediolanum Forum here.

Featherweight Charly Suarez got the better of several fierce exchanges in an action-packed match to score a runaway 18-8 victory over the much-taller Iulian Stan of Romania as he joined three other countrymen fighting in the second round.

“Nilabanan ko ng sabayan kahit na malaki. Buti nagsi-tama ang mga suntok,”said Suarez after the victory, the worthiest and most convincing so far by the five-member Filipino squad in the 144-nation tournament.

Thus, the 21-year-old Suarez, on his fifth year as member of the national team, joined light-fly Harry Tanamor, bantamweight Joan Tipon and lightwelter Genebert Basadre in the round of 32 of their respective divisions.

On Friday afternoon, Basadre, a 5-1winner over Pakistan’s Aamir Khan Tuesday, enters the ring to meet Brazilian Myke Carvajo with the winner advancing to the round of 16.

The only Filipino who has yet to throw a punch is Tanamor, the two-time Olympian who’ll face Armenia’s Hoyhannes Danielyan in a round-of-32 bout. He drew a first round bye.

Also seeing action and gunning for a round of 16 berth on Saturday is Tipon, who debuted with a scrambling 8-3 decision over Sri Lanka’s Kamal Gamaethiralalage. He takes on tough Algerian Abdelhalim Ouradi, an easy 16-3 winner over Indonesia’s Matus Mandiangan in the first round.

“Ang ganda ng depensa at opensa. Ang sipag kaya nawala sa porma yung kalaban,’’said head coach Pat Gaspi. “Maski na mataas yung kalaban, di pumapasok ang mga jabs dahil sa depensa ni Charly.’’

The 5-foot-6 Suarez, discovered in the National Open in 2003 in Tagbilaran, Bohol, built a 4-2 lead in the first round and kept padding it as he repeatedly outhit the Romanian in toe-to-toe exchanges while defending excellently.

In the third and final round, he came away with a couple of 1-2 combinations as the clock was winding down, sending the Romanian to backpedal as he went all-out for the kill.

Another tall opponent in South Korea’s Joo Min Jae awaits the young Suarez in his next fight.

The unorthodox Joo, who could be about 5 inches taller than Suarez, used his height to good use to escape with a 9-2 decision over Etonia’s Vladimir Nikiforov earlier in the afternoon.

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WIN SOME, LOSE SOME

MILAN - Bantamweight Joan Tipon won on points over a raw Sri Lankan but lightweight Joegin Ladon expectedly fell at the hands of a superior Briton as Team Philippines split its assignments on Wednesday in the 15th AIBA World boxing championships here.

The 27-year-old Tipon beat former sparring partner Kamai Gamathiralalage 8-3, needing a third round explosion to clinch the win and advance to the round-of-32 where a tough Abdelhaim Ouradi of Algeria is waiting in the wings.

But the Filipinos missed keeping their record intact when Ladon proved to be an easy target for the much-taller Thomas Stalker of England and took a 4-11 beating to become the first casualty for the five-member RP squad.

A former Asian Games champion who once thought of hanging up his gloves after his career went to a tailspin, Tipon connected with one good punch after another in the third round to turn what had started a close contest into a blowout.

“Malaki ang ginaling,” said Tipon of the Sri Lankan, whom he sparred with several times during a training camp in Baguio City as they prepared for the 2007 world championship in Chicago which also served as a Beijing Olympics qualifier.

His lack of poise in the first and second rounds didn’t escape the attention of coaches Pat Gaspi and Ronald Chavez, something that is expected from someone who rested from fighting in the big stage for so long.

“Nangangapa pa siya (Tipon) noong una. Halata naman kasi na walang lantik at ganda ang suntok,’’ said Gaspi moments after Tipon had given Team RP its second win in the 144-nation tournament.

From a close 3-2 lead at the end of the second round, Tipon made it 5-2 as he scored with three right straights against the fast-tiring Sri Lankan going into the last 64 seconds of the third round.

Although sensing victory was practically in the bag, the chinky-eyed Bacolod City native did not dropped his guard. He made it 6-3 as he sneaked in a right cross during a toe-to-toe exchange before scoring again with two head blows inside 47 seconds to win pulling away.

The going is expected to be tough on Sept 5 (Milan time) for Tipon when he faces Ouradi, a hard-punching, quick-moving Algerian who made Indonesian Matias Mandiangan looked like he was competing in a backyard tournament after scoring a 16-3 triumph.

On this same day, two-time Olympian and big medal hope Harry Tanamor enters the ring for the first time to fight Armenia’s Hoyhannes Danielyan in a round-of-32 light-fly division encounter.

The Pinoy coaches watched the Algerian in action before heading back to the hotel, confident Tipon can handle the job against Ouradi, who’s definitely no stranger to fighting in the big stage.

‘’May laban. Pareho lang namang may dalawang kamay,’’said Chavez, smiling.

A pitiful sight to behold was Ladon, who couldn’t connect with a decent punch for two rounds and fell behind by a wide margin, 0-8, in a match that pitted one who’s tall in size against one who’s big in heart.

In this bout, height mattered a lot.

A native of Bago City, Ladon earned his first two points only when the referee penalized the taller Stalker for punching with open gloves several times in the second round.

Ladon, shorter by at least four inches at 5-foot-3, didn’t get his two other points until the closing seconds of the third when the Briton started to take it easy and got hit by two right hand blows.

"Hindi maabot,’’ Gaspi told Filipino sportswriters as he and Ladon made their way to the dugout after the fight.

Featherweight Charly Suarez sees action Sept 3 (Milan time) in Day 5 of the tournament that attracted more than 600 boxers from a record field of 144 nations competing in 11 weight divisions.

Suarez makes his debut against Romania’s Julian Stan also at the Mediolanum Forum, an old,big gymnasium where great Italian pro boxing champion Nino Bienvenutti won most of his memorable bouts.

The following day, Basadre returns to action as he faces Brazil’s Myke Carvaho.

The Philippine team participation is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chiaman Harry Angping and Smart Pinoy, a subsidiary of Philippine Global Corp.

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DEBUTING IN STYLE

MILAN — Light-welter Genebert Basadre proved too classy, too good for Pakistan’s Aamir Khan on Tuesday to win on points and give the five-member Philippine team a promising start in the 15th AIBA World boxing championships at the Mediolanum Forum here.

The 25-year-old Basadre started hot and finished even hotter, connecting with three good blows in the head in the third and final round to post a 5-1 win against a Pakistani making his first appearance in the big stage.

“Maganda ang kundisyon kaya medyo napadali yung panalo,” said Basadre, getting a pat on the head from coaches Patricio Gaspi and Ronald Chavez as they headed to the dugout.

Next on line for Basadre is Brazil’s Myke Carvaho, who heroically held off a spirited third round rally by Manoj Kumar of India to take a 5-4 decision in an earlier bout.

Two more Filipino boxers will see action Wednesday on the third day of this two-week long meet competed in by a record 144 nations and blessed with Olympic and world amateur stars headed by defending super-heavyweight champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy.

A relatively easy outing is in store for former Asian Games champion Joan Tipon when he meets Sri Lanka’s Kamai Gamathiralalage in one of 23 fights in the bantamweight class.

But this can’t be said of compatriot Joegin Ladon, a rookie in a meet of this size who climbs the ring to meet Thomas Stalker of England in a lightweight division clash.

The coaches said Basadre and Carvaho are both taller and practically have the same fighting styles, attributes that could produce a tight, interesting confrontation right from the opening seconds.

“Magandang laban yan. Sa tingin ko, makakaya ni Basadre,” Gaspi told Filipino journalists before the team went through another workout on a fine Wednesday morning at the vast lawn of the horseshoe-shaped, 960-room Ripamonti residence, home to the boxers and officials.

Basadre and his coaches watched the video of the Brazilian fight with the Indian on Tuesday before calling it a night.

In easily winning this one, Basadre got a lot of praises from his camp.

In badly losing this one, Khan got a tongue-lashing from his official.

“You fought a very lousy fight,” a top Pakistani official shouted at Khan the moment he went on board the bus and seated beside him on the way back to the hotel.

For a long time, as fellow passengers looked stunned, the official berated the 19-year-old boxer from Karachi and even threatened him he would be dropped from the national team if he doesn’t improve.

Fearing he would never hear the end of it, Khan stood up and went to the front seat, shaking his head and close to tears.

But Khan was gracious in defeat, saying the Filipino dominated the fight and deserved to win.

“He’s too good for me this afternoon,” said Khan. “He hit me with three good shots in the third round. I did try to mix it up with him especially in the second round, but I missed hitting him.”

Taller by some three inches, Basadre, a silver medalist in the tough King’s Cup early this year and a 2005 SEA Games champ, carried the fight early on and delivered the first point of the fight when he connected with a right cross to the face with less than a minute gone.

Despite several slug-outs as the clock was winding down in the second round, both fighters didn’t produce punches that merited consideration from the five judges.

Then came the third round, which the Filipino ruled with elan.

Basadre made it 3-1 with a solid right cross as the Pakistani was charging in the Filipino’s corner, before making it 4-1 a few seconds later by hitting him with a left cross that had Khan backpedalling.

Instead of easing up, Basadre, from Cagayan de Oro City, continued his assault. He finalized scoring by sneaking in a right straight to the face in the closing seconds as Khan was about to move out of harm’s way.

The only Pinoy boxer to have the luxury taking a first round bye, two-time Olympian Harry Tanamor makes his initial appearance on Sept. 5 against Armenia’s Hoyhannes Danielyan, a boxer whom he has never fought before.

The 31-year-old Tanamor is ranked only 19th in the AIBA seedings in the flyweight division, something that is attributed to his lack of international tournaments since the start of the year.

His last participation came in December, 2008, when he joined - and won the title in the first World Cup in Moscow against Cuba’s Yampier Hernandez whom he beat on points, 15-7.

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RP pugs kick off world bid

BASADRE

MILAN - Filipino light-welterweight Genebert Basadre takes on a Pakistani on Tuesday afternoon, promising nothing but the best as he kicks off the Philippine campaign in the 15th AIBA World amateur boxing championships at the Mediolaforum here.

And strong medal contender Harry Tanamor drew a first round bye and found an Armenian he has never fought or even seen before as his first assignment on Thursday in this biennial, prestigious ringfest that’s been kind to him in the past.

The 27-year-old Basadre will meet Aamir Khan, a fighter from Pakistan making his first appearance in the big stage.

“Nasa kundisyon po ako. Bigay lang ang makakaya bawat laban,” said Basadre, fighting out of Misamis Oriental who’s won some but lost in most of his several big tournaments in a career spanning six years. “Preparado na po ako sa laban mamaya.“

“Kaya ni Basadre yan,” coaches Pat Gaspi and Ronald Chavez told Filipino journalists on their way to the dining hall to take breakfast along with the five Filipino boxers. “Bago lang yung Pakistani kasi wala na yung dati.Yung dati magaling at matagal na sa laban.”

The two coaches are referring to battle-scarred Ali Asgar, the Pakistani who has represented his nation with modest success.

Tanamor, the country’s strongest hope for a medal who won a silver in the same tournament in 2007 ( Chicago) and a bronze in 2001 (Budapest, Hungary) and 2003 (Bangkok, Thailand), has no idea who Armenian Hovhannes Danielyan is.

“Hindi ko pa nakalaban yan. Ngayon ko pa nga lang nakita,” said a smiling Tanamor over breakfast on Tuesday, elated by the fact that he drew a bye in the first round like the top eight seeds in the lightest of the 11 divisions to be disputed in the two-week long meet.

The drawing of lots attended by Gaspi, Chavez and ABAP executive director Ed Picson saw featherweight Charly Suarez meeting Stan Julian of Rumania, lightweight Joegin Ladon tackling Thomas Stalker of England and Joan Tipon taking on Sri Lankan Kamal Gamaethiralalage.as first round rivals.

Tipon and Ladon make their appearance on Wednesday while Suarez also sees action on Thursday on the third day of this meet which drew more than 600 boxers from 144 nations headed by Cuba, the winningest country in this biennial meet launched in 1974.

Basadre’s biggest claim to fame was a silver medal victory in the tough King’s Cup in Bangkok this year. He won a bronze in the 2006 Doha Asian Games and bagged a gold in the weak SEA Games competitions in 2005 as a young boy who was discovered in the National Open.

He’s a brave fighter whose offensive weapon is his effective counter-punching, the same strategy he used in making the finals in the last King’s Cup, the best finish among the six Filipino boxers who represented the country in the said tournament.

“Yan ang malakas niyang panlaban (counter-punching). Sa tingin ko, malaki ang laban,”’said Gaspi of Basadre.

On a fine Tuesday morning, in the vicinity of the vast Ripamonti Residence hotel in the outskirts of beautiful Milan, the national team spent an hour doing a little of everything - shadowboxed, skipped ropes, partner-played and jogged.

And the two coaches liked what they saw.

“Nasa kundisyon. Masasaya ang dating sa practice,” said Chavez.

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