PACQUIAO IS CLEAN

SO who’s using illegal drugs?

The Nevada State Athletic Commission on Tuesday cleared Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao of using any performance-enhancing substances as he tested negative a week after scoring a 12-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand.

Keith Kizer, executive director of the Las Vegas-based athletic commission, said none among the fighters who saw action during the `FirePower’ boxing card, were found to be positive of any illegal drugs, including Pacquiao and Cotto.

As reported by Sports Illustrated, Pacquiao underwent urine tests twice – before and after the fight – and came out clean in both instances.

The result of the test somehow eased rumors of Pacquiao taking any performance-enhancing substances as implied by trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr, who openly accused the 30-year old southpaw of using steroids.

The father of `Pretty Boy’ floated the idea two months ago, insisting the pound-for-pound king may be `into something’ especially after Pacquiao had successfully moved up into weight and beat guys bigger than him like David Diaz, Ricky Hatton and ring legend Oscar De La Hoya.

Pacquiao first fought as a flyweight when he first turned pro in 1995.

Mayweather Sr. was at it again shortly after Pacquiao’s destruction of Cotto, the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king.

“Pacquiao’s ability to take Cotto’s powerful shots and keep coming proved the champion was taking performance-enhancing substances,” said the elder Mayweather.

Like in the past, the former boxer turned trainer failed to substantiate his accusations.

In 10 of his fights in Las Vegas, Pacquiao has never tested positive of illegal drugs. His conditioning and fitness coach Alex Ariza pointed out that the Filipino pride had only taken protein and liver-support supplements prior to the fight, in addition to his 6,500-calorie diet.

Mayweather Sr.’s latest comment came as negotiations for his son’s possible mega-fight with Pacquiao in 2010 is now being laid down.

Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotions’ Richard Schaefer already had initial talk about putting up the bout the whole world is awaiting.

Both boxing executives, however, are mum about what transpired during the discussion.

Mayweather Sr. already indicated his son would be at a disadvantage if ever the fight pushes through since Pacquiao is into illegal drugs.

“I know Floyd is the best,” he said. “But when (your opponent) uses something illegal, even the best can get hurt.”

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FIGHTER OF THE YEAR?

Freddie Roach chats with Manny Pacquiao at the Wild Card gym

By Gerry Ramos

FREDDIE Roach believes he’s in the running for a shot at another Trainer of the Year award.

Can Manny Pacquiao then be far behind?

As Roach fiddles with the possibility of winning the coveted title for the second straight year, Pacquiao also appears to be the top bet as the best fighter of the year about to end.

Two remarkable victories against two remarkable fighters in Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto simply made 2009 another remarkable season for the Filipino boxing icon.

Last year, the 30-year old Philippine pride sat atop the boxing world with his string of victories carried out against the likes of former world champions Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz and boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya.

The feat was enough for the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) to name him the 2008 Fighter of the Year, an award first bestowed on the pound-for-pound king in 2006.

Following his brutal second round knockout of Hatton, the popular boxer from Manchester and a two-time junior welterweight champion, last May, the BWAA, in its website, www.bwaa.org, wrote that Pacquiao may well be another leading contender for Fighter of the Year award.

“It was Pacquiao's second BWAA "Fighter of the Year" award, and he just might be on the way to a third, judging by his sensational 2009 stoppage of Ricky Hatton,” the BWAA article read during its annual award dinner in New York last June where the Filipino southpaw was in attendance to personally receive his trophy.

Pacquiao further solidified his case for the annual honor with his smashing 12th round stoppage of the 29-year old Cotto a week ago in Las Vegas to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

His win over the dethroned champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico allowed the General Santos City native to become the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight classes.

Roach admitted another recognition from the BWAA would not be possible without the accomplishment of the fighter he describes as `one of the greatest in his era.

“I might win Trainer of the Year (award) four times because of Manny Pacquiao,” said Roach, who also bagged the title last year, in 2006 and 2003.

“We’ve got two great wins, and had Amir Khan,” he said, referring to the former Olympian from United Kingdon, who also won his first world title this year with a 12-round unanimous decision against Andriy Kotelnik to the World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title.

From the looks of it, Roach considers Nazim Richardson, the chief trainer of WBA welterweight king Shane Mosley and former undisputed middleweight title holder Bernard Hopkins, as his most fierce rival for the Trainer of the Year title.

Richardson was credited for Mosley’s upset of Mexican Antonio Margarito, whom he stopped in the ninth round of their title fight last January.

But Roach believes Pacquiao’s two wins this year had the most impact of `em all.

“That one guy (Richardson) has Shane Mosley and had Bernard Hopkins, two great wins. But I think, mine was the bigger,” said Roach.

“I hope I win it again.”

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RODEL MAYOL - CHAMP, AT LAST

MEXICO – After five attempts, Rodel Mayol finally hit pay dirt.

The power that made him one of the most dreaded punchers in boxing today in full display, the explosive Filipino fighter stunned durable Mexican Edgar Sosa by scoring a second round technical knockout to wrest the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-flyweight title Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) in Chiappas, Mexico.

Mayol knocked down Sosa twice during the 12-round title fight and was at the receiving end of a barrage of punches by the Filipino when the referee stepped in to stop the bout.

The victory put an end to Mayol’s long-time bid to win a world title after four futile attempts.

Earlier this year, he settled for a six-round split technical draw against unbeaten Ivan Calderon for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini-flyweight title last June at the Madison Square Garden in New York, and then absorbed a seven-round split technical decision opposite the Puerto Rican champion in their rematch three months later.

Mayol also lost in his 2006 campaign for the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championship after settling for a decision against champion Eagle Kyowa. A year after, he was knocked out by Ulises Solis as he vied for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight crown.

“Sa wakas, nakuha ko rin,” said an ecstatic Mayol, 28, who raised his record to 26-4-1, with 20 KOs. -Philippine Boxing

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TOP DRAW

MANNY Pacquiao is indeed, boxing’s top attraction today.

His welterweight title fight against Miguel Cotto last week in Las Vegas generated 1.25 million buys or around $70 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue as announced by HBO Friday.

Prospect of the figures further increasing is likely as all buys aren’t officially audited yet.

The 30-year old boxing icon from the Philippines scored a bloody 12-round stoppage of Cotto to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) 147-pound title.

The PPV numbers easily made it the most watched boxing pay-per-view this year, surpassing the 1 million buys generated by Floyd Mayweather Jr’s comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez two months ago.

It was the second time in a year Pacquiao drew that many buys in PPV sales. His eight round technical knockout of Oscar De La Hoya December last year also drew 1.25 million buys, while his brutal second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton six months ago earned 850,000 buys.

Cotto, a former Olympian from Puerto Rico, also did his own share to make the fight a success, drawing an all-time record for buys on his country with 110,000 units sold.

Bob Arum, whose Top Ran Promotions put up the historic fight, estimated Pacquiao will end up earning $22 million, while Cotto is likely to get $12 million.

Combined with the Marquez-Mayweather PPV sales, it marked the first time in a decade that two fights generated at least 1 million buys in the same year or since the Felix Trinidad-Oscar De La Hoya welterweight unification match and the Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield’s highly controversial heavyweight draw in 1999 last made the feat.

The back-to-back 1 million buys generated by the two fights involving Pacquiao and Mayweather could lead to a possible showdown between the two which as of this early, is being projected by many as the biggest money fight ever.

“They have to deliver.The American public wants that fight,” said HBO sports president Ross Greenburg.

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PACQUIAO IS HOME

By Gerry Ramos

VETERAN promoter Bob Arum called him the best athlete of all time, Hall of Fame trainer Emmanuel Steward declared he’s one of the all-time greatest, and his chief mentor, the great Freddie Roach, considers the man the greatest boxer of his era.

Huge compliments for a distinguished fighter like Manny Pacquiao.

But none of them came close to the impact the warm reception and hero’s welcome the entire Filipino tendered to their beloved son upon his arrival in the country early Friday, almost a week since reaching a new height in boxing history following his 12-round conquest of bold Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Thousands greeted the boxing icon the moment he stepped out of the Philippine Airlines flight 103 that brought him and his entourage here after a long, 14-hour trip from Los Angeles. California.

Despite the tiring flight, the 30-year old Filipino, dressed in black, checkered long-sleeve polo and maong pants, smiled and waved heartily to the early crowd that gathered inside the Centennial 2 airport.

“Sana naging masaya kayong lahat sa naging resulta ng laban ko kay Miguel Cotto,” Pacquiao hollered during his opening remark at a makeshift stage, where he was joined by lovely wife Jinkee and children Michael, Jemuel and Princess Grace, whom the boxing champion carried in his massive arms the entire time he was at the platform.

Although Jinkee watched the fight in Las Vegas, all four children, including one-year old Queen Elizabeth, was left behind and didn’t see their father for about two months since Pacquiao began training for the Cotto fight

The Pacquiao family was later joined by estranged parents Dionisia and Rosalio, who watched their son together trade bombs with the 29-year old Cotto Saturday last week at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“Masayang-masaya ako na makabalik sa Pilipinas at muling makasama ang aking pamila,” said a beaming Pacquiao.

The pride of General Santos City gamely answered questions ranging from his political plans, the projected mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr, and the state of his injured right ear and hand which he suffered during the Cotto bout.

“One of these days,” he said, when asked regarding the date of when he will file his Certificate of Candidacy after earlier announcing his intention to seek a congressional seat in the province of Saranggani. The formal filing of the Certificate of Candidacy began yesterday.

On a 2010 showdown with Mayweather, he said, “depende. Kung mag-kasundo sa negotiation, willing ako to fight. Ayaw naming pilitin at hamunin siya, kasi kung hahamunin naming siya, tiyak magde-demand siya ng marami.”

Then he added, “dapat siya ang mag-hamon. Unang-una, mas mataas ang Pay-Per-View ng laban ko sa kanya.” (see related story).

Pacquiao assured everyone that everything’s fine now with his ear and right hand. “Sa pandinig ko walang problema. Kailangan lang i-drain yung namuong dugo para hindi pumangit yung porma ng tenga.

“Yung sa kamay ko, nagkaroon lang ng bone contusion. Kailangan lang ipahinga ng two weeks.”

Pacquiao and his group were later welcomed in a Las Vegas-style atmosphere at the New World Hotel, where they had a hearty breakfast of tinola, nilagang baka, fried rice, beef stake tagalong, among others.

After a short rest, the boxing champion proceeded to the Quiapo church for his traditional thanksgiving Mass, after which, he went straight to the office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for a courtesy call with Secretary Lito Atienza, a known Pacquiao patron, who has been supporting his career when he was still a struggling boxer trying to make a name for himself.

Then the traditional motorcade began.

Aboard a huge customized truck, designed with colorful Philippine flags, Pacquiao went around the metropolis for the two-hour parade that was shortened this time and constricted within the areas of Quezon City, Manila, Pasay and Makati.

A massive crowd jammed the streets and traffic came to a virtual standstill as people jostled and lined up to get a glimpse of the one-time bread vendor and construction worker turned the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

They cheered, they hollered, and chanted his name as the convoy of vehicles that followed Pacquiao passed by amidst a rain of confetti.

“It will take generations before we get to see another of his kind. He’s simply a boxing icon,” said Damian Paganeli, 40, an employee at a local express transportation company, unmindful that he will be late for work following the monstrous traffic created by the scheduled motorcade of the Pacman.

The parade was over by lunchtime, giving Manny enough time to take a rest for the 2 p.m. concert and victory party tendered to him by television network GMA-7 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Two hours later, it was off to the Quirino Grandstand for the Pacman for a courtesy call with President Arroyo.

He then capped a long and tiring day by attending the dinner party hosted in his behalf by Solar Sports.

If plans don’t miscarry, Pacquiao and his family are scheduled to fly to General Santos City Saturday, where a similar victory parade awaits the boxing idol.

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HE'S COMING

THE warm, loving embrace of his countrymen await Manny Pacquiao today, their way of honoring a man only a week ago had the entire boxing world under the palm of his hands.

Victorious from engaging in a bloody war against a resilient warrior from Puerto Rico, Pacquiao returns to the country before day break Friday on board Philippine Airlines flight 103 following a 13-hour trip from Los Angeles.

People from all walks of life – from the powerful politician to the ordinary vendor – are expected to welcome the `Pacman’ and celebrate with him the latest conquest of a career whose legend continues to grow.

The 30-year old boxing icon and current pound-for-pound king is fresh from a 12-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto, the well-built, two-time world champion, who, like Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton before him, also crumbled under the speed and strength of Pacquiao.

Fashioned out before a screaming crowd of 16,000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the center of Las Vegas, the sensational win allowed Pacquiao to wrest the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship, his seventh title in seven different weight classes.

“Para sa inyo ito,” said the former construction worker turned boxing superstar of his latest triumph.

Likewise expected to meet Pacquiao at the Centennial 2 airport are four of his children – Michael, Jemuel, Princess and Queen Elizabeth – who haven’t seen their warrior father from the time he began training two months ago for the fight with Cotto.

Prior to departing for Manila, Michael Konz, Pacquiao’s adviser, said they haven’t been furnished yet of the itinerary for Friday’s activity, except for a courtesy call with Department of Environment and Natural Resources secretary Lito Atienza, a close friend and long-time Pacquiao supporter.

Konz said Solar Sports’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Peter Chanliong is the one in charge of the day-long program.

As of press time however, Solar Sports texted that `nothing is final yet. We’ll keep you posted.’

Going by his previous arrival routine, Pacquiao usually holds a short press briefing upon his arrival, and then proceeds to the New World Hotel in Makati to take a short rest and have breakfast with his family, relatives and close friends.

From there, the boxing superstar hears mass at the Quiapo church, before going at the DENR office of Secretary Atienza, who then accompanies him at Malacanang for a courtesy call with the President, after which, follows the victory parade within the streets of the metropolis.

An advisory posted at Malacanang, however, shows no courtesy call at the Palace is scheduled. Instead, the motorcade will immediately be held shortly after Pacquiao visits the DENR premises in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

President Arroyo is set to hold a tribute for Pacquiao at the Luneta Park at 4 p.m.

Konz said Pacquiao will be going home to General Santos City tomorrow, since `he has a lot of things to do there.’

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PERFECT 10

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Freddie Roach was more than generous to give Manny Pacquiao a grade of 12 when urged to rate from 1 to 10 his popular ward’s recent showing against dethroned welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

“I give him a 12,” a grinning Roach said in between training breaks at his famed Wild Card gym here.

But on second thought, Roach settled for a 10.

“I give him a 10. Cotto is a big, strong guy. Cotto was in good shape. He looked better than I thought he would. Cotto looked really quite good,” said Roach.

Despite Pacquiao scoring a perfect grade, the outspoken but well-liked trainer stressed there were also flaws in the way the newly-crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) 147-pound champion executed their game plan.

Obviously, Roach was referring to several instances when Pacquiao allowed himself to be pinned on the ropes by the hard-hitting Cotto.

At one time, the three-time Trainer of the Year even believes Cotto was able to tag the Filipino with a powerful uppercut.

“I won’t say Manny was hurt, but he got Manny’s attention,” Roach recalled. “Coming off the ropes, Cotto threw half an upper cut and caught him. I saw Manny clinched.

“I don’t see him hurt badly, but he got his attention, that’s for sure. He definitely felt that one time.”

Asked if he ever got angry at Pacquiao, Roach smiled and said, Yeah, I was angry at him. I yelled at him.”

Other than that, Roach said they had Cotto all sized up.

“I think Manny beat him in our game plan and Cotto’s game plan. Manny proved that he could take his punch. I have the stronger fighter. We beat him all the way around,” he added.

Roach acknowledged Cotto’s hard, left jab initially, was working to their favor in the early rounds, pointing out Pacquiao was even losing the third round, until his right hand found Cotto’s jaw and sent the Puerto Rican down to the canvas, the first of two significant knockdowns the Filipino scored during the fight.

“But once Manny got into his rhythm,” said Roach, “it was over.”

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LOOK WHO'S TALKING?

Manny Pacquiao (right) checks on trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Unbeaten world five-time champion Floyd Mayweather Jr called Manny Pacquiao a one-dimensional fighter.

So, look who’s talking, according to Freddie Roach.

“Well, let’s fight and see,” said Roach on a busy Monday afternoon at his Wild Card gym here, two days after Pacquiao stopped Miguel Cotto on his tracks in their World Boxing Organization (WBO) 12-round welterweight title showdown at the MGm Grand Garden Arena.

“If that’s the case, all he does is run. He’s one dimensional too, run, run, run. We’ll attack, attack, and attack, and that’s what makes it a big fight.”

Roach was reacting on a Mayweather Jr’s. interview over British sports channel Skysports, where `Pretty Boy’ referred to the Filipino boxing superstar as a `good puncher, but just one-dimensional.’

“The thing with Pacquiao is that I don’t see any versatility as a fighter,” said Mayweather Jr.

Asked about it, Pacquiao lets out a big grin.

Anong magagawa niya, e yun ang style ko,” he told Manila-based sportswriters, with whom he had a small chat after making a late afternoon visit at Roach’s famous gym.

The Filipino ring icon stayed at the Wild Card for just 20 minutes, and then hurriedly left to have his swelling right hand x-rayed at a nearby hospital.

“Check up lang naman,” he said of the heavily-bandaged hand. “Pero at least, itong tenga ko at least, hindi na makirot.”

Mayweather’s remark though, only fired up Roach, the man long credited for turning Pacquiao into the fighter considered one of the greatest – if not the greatest – of all time.

Roach admitted a fight with Mayweather means less action, the American ring superstar having been known not as a toe-to-toe fighter, but a very good counter-puncher.

But being the match up everybody is all waiting for, the three-time Trainer of the Year concedes a Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown will definitely be a big hit.

“It (fight) would be more exciting for the people. It would be the biggest Pay-Per-View of all time. It will be watched by more people than anyone ever,” Roach said.

“But, Cotto came to fight, and Mayweather comes to run,” Pacquiao’s trainer stressed. “He makes a boring fight, but a lot of people will buy tickets to see him lose. It would be a huge fight, I agree, but it would be less exciting than any other Manny Pacquiao fights.”

In the event the bout, perceived to be the biggest of the century, pushes through, Roach made it clear that Pacquiao should have a big say on the terms of agreement, specifically on the weight issue and the prize money.

“We need to negotiate for the money and the weight, but I want the fight at 145,” Roach said. “Just because his last fight (against Juan Manuel Marquez) made a million buys, let’s face it, 90 percent of those buys were for Marquez, because he’s popular now after the Pacquiao fight.

Mayweather still doesn’t have that huge audience. I would go for 60-40 Manny and hopefully, we could make it happen.”

Should the Mayweather fight be sealed, Roach said Pacquiao needed to be in the perfect shape of his career.

“We need time to get ready for that (fight). We have to come out with a real different style. It’s a whole different ballgame,” he added.

Roach also said should they able to come to terms with the Mayweather camp, the former 1996 U.S. Olympian wouldn’t definitely be Pacquiao’s next assignment in March.

Pacquiao’s trainer even suggested a March fight for the world’s top pound-for-pound wouldn’t be possible if the Mayweather agree to climb the ring with him.

“If we get Mayweather, why risk losing that (March) fight,” Roach said. “I’d say he rest for a while, enjoy the holidays, run for elections, and Congressman Manny Pacquiao will kick Mayweather’s ass,” he said.

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SPEED KILLS

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – The one factor that destroyed David Diaz, Ricky Hatton and boxing idol Oscar De La Hoya was what also did Miguel Cotto in.

“Speed kills,” veteran HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant said moments after Manny Pacquiao scored a 12-round stoppage against the stronger, bigger, but battered Puerto Rican to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The sudden explosiveness of Pacquiao tonight is just too much for a good man and a good fighter,” added Merchant. “This is a difficult moment for a proud warrior.”

Like Diaz, Hatton and even De La Hoya, Cotto admitted Pacquiao’s quickness caught him off-guarded.

“He’s too much strong on my way. The jabs he threw really made the difference. I didn’t saw from where the punches were coming so I wasn’t able to protect myself,” said Cotto, whose busted face bore cuts from just about everywhere.

In all, Pacquiao landed 336 out of the 780 punches he threw to Cotto, while the former Olympian from Caguas, connected only 172 of the 597 blows.

Percentage wise, Pacquiao was ahead 43 percent to Cotto’s 29 percent.

For Merchant, The Filipino boxing icon’s victory over Cotto is his best.

“This is Pacquiao’s best performance given the quality of opponent and the volume of punches he received,” said the veteran boxing analyst.

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MANNY GETS HURT

A bruised Manny Pacquiao being interviewed by media

HOLLYWOOD – Good thing he is Manny Pacquiao.

If the man happens to be just a regular fighter, he could have easily crumbled under the barrage of powerful punches Miguel Cotto thrown his way in the course of their World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship bout Saturday night.

Queried about the impact of Cotto’s bombs, Pacquiao quickly shot back, “meron.”

“Kung pipitsugin ka lang, todas ka.”

Exactly 24 hours after engaging his 29-year old opponent from Caguas, Puerto Rico, the Filipino bore the brunt of Cotto’s power as he wore a kind of plastic protection wrapped in a bandage around his right ear, which was drained of blood shortly after the fight.

Pacquiao also sports a bruise just under his left eye, another sign of how tough the war he had undergone in overcoming the bigger and stronger Cotto to win his seventh world title in seven weight division.

“Masakit yung tenga ko,” he admitted on the trip back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas late Sunday night.

Prior to the six-hour ride from the dessert to this glamour city, Pacquiao had to first visit the doctor, who examined his ear dripping with thick fluid.

He also sports a bandage on his swelling right hand.

“Oo may konti,” he answered when asked if he was hurt during the match fought before a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao singled out Cotto’s uppercut and left hook as the most lethal in the Puerto Rican’s armory.

“Ang dami nyang tumama na hook sa akin, alog `yung ulo ko,” Pacquiao admitted.

Although hurt by Cotto in some occasion, the General Santos City native pretended he wasn’t affected by those power shots.

“Psychological,” he said. “Kahit minsan masakit yung suntok niya, tinitiis ko na lang, para hindi mahalata na nasaktan ako.”

After battering Cotto relentlessly and knocking him off in the third and fourth rounds, Pacquiao said the fight should have been stopped even earlier.

Pagtapos ng ninth or tenth dapat tinigil na,” said the Filipino, who added he was also cautious about Cotto coming through with a lucky punch late rounds of the fight.

“Alam mo naman sa boxing, habang may oras may pag-asa,” he said.

After the fight, Pacquiao held a post-fight party concert of the Mandalay Bay. He then attended an afternoon mass the following day as sort of thanksgiving.

Along with his family, including wife Jinkee and estranged parents Rosalio and Dionisia, Pacquiao rode the customized `Pacman’ bus provided to him by Top Rank on the way back to Hollywood.

Jinkee and members of the Pacquiao family spent the night at their multi-million house in Hancock, Los Angeles, while Manny himself chose to go straight and retire in his high-end Palazzo apartment.

Pacquiao plans to rest on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), but would make his traditional post-fight visit at the Wild Card gym of trainer Freddie Roach in the afternoon.

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WHO'S NEXT?

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Asked to make a choice on who he wants next, unbeaten former five-time champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. or long-time Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao appears to be leaning on a fight the whole world is craving for.

“Walang manood diyan kapag si Marquez ang kalaban. Sinong manood pa diyan?” Pacquiao asked.

Emphatically turning down a third fight against the same man who forced him to a controversial draw, and later, defeated by split decision in a big-time rematch, the 30-year old Filipino pride is left with no option but to face Mayweather in what many perceive as one of the biggest matches ever in boxing history.

Pacquiao said he wants to relax first and enjoy some time with his family after going to war with Miguel Cotto in their 12-round welterweight title bout Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The pound-for-pound top fighter of the world won the match behind a one-sided 12-round stoppage.

The General Santos City native added he won’t make any plans until December and is leaving it all up to promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank as to who will be his next opponent.

But obviously, the fans want a Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown.

“The public says we want that fight to happen, the way they clamored for the Leonard-Hearns fight,” said Hall of Fame trainer Emmanuel Steward.

“It’s going to be an intriguing fight because Floyd is a technical fighter. He knows how to break back and box a little,” he said of Mayweather’s fighting stance opposite to Pacquiao’s relentless and gung-ho style.

Steward, an analyst with HBO boxing who trained some of the world’s former champions including Hearns, is sure the mega-bout will be made.

“As to when and who could earn more in terms of money, I think it should be 50-50,” he said.

Mayweather, the former world pound-for-pound king who’s on the comeback trail, has vocally said he won’t agree on such an even share in terms of prize money.

But Steward said Pacquiao has all the rights to an equal sharing especially now that he’s proven to be boxing’s biggest attraction following his big win against another quality fighter in Cotto.

“I think Manny has earned his position as an attraction, and to me, not just pound-for-pound champion today, but he is one of the all-time greatest,” said the long-time trainer who owned the famous Kronx gym.

HBO president Ross Greenberg however, announced during the post-fight press conference of the Pacquiao-Cotto duel that boxing people, especially Arum and Golden Boy Promotions’ Richard Schaefer, are trying all means to make the fight between the Filipino boxing and Mayweather possible.

Schaefer’s involvement came upon after Mayweather Promotions tied up with Golden Boy in putting up the Mayweather-Marquez encounter last September, a non-title match that proved to be a big draw, earning more than a million in Pay-Per-View hits.

“He (Schaefer) plans to come in and meet with Bob next week to make the Mayweather fight. So I think you can all hope and pray that a fight of that magnitude and importance to the sports of boxing can truly be made because it is time to capitalize on all the hard work that was done over the last three months and we can look forward to one of the biggest events in boxing history.

“Let’s see what happens. Stay tune,” said Greenberg.

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IS `PRETTY BOY` NEXT?

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – The people had spoken.

As Manny Pacquiao was basking in the glory of his remarkable win over Miguel Cotto Saturday night, the capacity crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here chanted, with all clarity, the name of the fighter it wanted the pound-for-pound king to face next.

“We want Floyd! We want Floyd!” were the words that reverberated throughout the packed stadium.

Floyd of course, is `Pretty Boy’ Mayweather Jr., the unbeaten, former five-time world champion, whom Pacquiao supplanted as the world’s pound-for-pound king upon his retirement in 2008.

He has since un-retired and fought Juan Manuel Marquez two months ago in a bout Mayweather thoroughly dominated.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has been vocal from the very beginning that he wants a piece of the 32-year old American.

“I think that’s the fight the whole world wants to see. I want Mayweather. I want Manny to kick his ass,” said the three-time Trainer of the Year.

The split in the prize purse is what preventing what many projects as the biggest boxing fight from ever happening.

“If Floyd wants a 65-35 split, he’s not gonna get it,” Roach stressed.

Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum butted in and said, “we’ll offer him that Freddie,” to which Roach snapped back, “we’ll get the 65 and give him 35.”

But a ray of hope for the highly-anticipated fight to take place is fast gaining grounds.

Ross Greenberg, president of HBO, announced during the post-fight press conference that Golden Boy Promotions Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Schaefer will be calling Arum next week to possibly serve as the third party to make the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight possible.

Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions combined together to put up the Marquez-Mayweather encounter last September. The fight was a big draw, earning more than a million in Pay-Per-View hits.

“He (Schaefer) plans to come in and meet with Bob next week to make the Mayweather fight. So I think you can all hope and pray that a fight of that magnitude and importance to the sports of boxing can truly be made because it is time to capitalize on all the hard work that was done over the last three months and we can look forward to one of the biggest events in boxing history.

“Let’s see what happens. Stay tune.”

For Pacquiao, he’s leaving it all up to Arum to make the call.

“My job is to fight in the ring. It’s my promoter’s job to make the fights,” he said.

Arum said the line is open if Mayweather really wants to take on Pacquiao.

“If mayweather wants to fight Manny Pacquiao, he knows who to call. Period. Period. No baloney. Not that I hate him or he hates me that doesn’t matter. If he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao let him call me,” said the 78-year old boxing promoter.

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PACMAN!

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Eric Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Ricky Hatton and the great Oscar De La Hoya have one common message to Miguel Cotto.

Welcome to the club!

Manny Pacquiao’s blinding speed and power were again in full display Saturday night, when he dominated Cotto by scoring two knock downs, before finally stopping him in the 12th round and win their action-packed welterweight showdown in front of a roaring crowd of 16,000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

A hail of punches, including a big Pacquiao left hand that rocked a bloodied Cotto for the last time, forced referee Kenny Bayless to halt the carnage and spare the fearless but overwhelmed Puerto Rican from receiving further damage.

The end came in the 55th second of the final round.

“We put pressure on him all night. That was our game plan,” said Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao added, “Our plan was not to hurry, but to take our time. I needed time to test his power.”

Test Cotto’s power, Pacquiao (did as the two engaged each other in thrilling toe-to-toe exchanges in the first two rounds of the bout that had the sellout crowd up on its feet.

A right hook by the Filipino pride dropped Cotto for the first time with 2:10 in the third, but the Puerto Rican came back and finished the round strong by tagging Pacquiao with a left and right uppercut.

Then just as the fourth round was winding down, Pacquiao connected on a stinging left that wobbled Cotto and send him to the canvas just before the bell sounded.

By that time, Pacquiao (50-3, 38 KOs) had Cotto all sized up.

“I didn’t know where the punches were coming,” Cotto admitted later.

“We knew he was fast, but he was a lot stronger than we thought,” said Cotto’s trainer Joe Santiago, who was ready to throw in the towel after the 11th round to the objection of the one-time Olympian

After forcing De La Hoya to retire from his stool last year and sent Hatton into dreamland six months ago with one of boxing’s most devastating single punches, Cotto is the latest elite fighter to fall into the hands of the mighty Filipino, whose sizzling performance on this cool weekend night at the dessert staked his claim as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

The win handed Pacquiao Cotto’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt, his seventh title in seven different weight divisions.

“It’s history for me and more importantly, a Filipino did it,” said the 30-year old boxing sensation, who fought as a skinny flyweight in his first foray in the ring fourteen years ago.

Cotto’s face was a mess shortly after the fight, with blood dripping from his nose and cuts below his right eye and left eyebrow.

He was later taken to the hospital, accompanied by his wife and children, forcing him and his entourage to skip the post-fight press conference.

Top Rank Promotions’ Lee Samuel later read a statement from the 28-year old Puerto Rican (34-2, 27 KOs).

“He felt great. He knows he’s cut, he know he’s swollen and he has a fight. That’s the way I was supposed to look,” the Top Rank official quoted Cotto as saying.

That Cotto was cut all over the face didn’t come as a surprise.

Pacquiao connected 276 power punches as compared to the 93 of Cotto, In all, he outpunched the former champion 336-172.

Following his second knock down, Cotto only landed single digit power shots until the 12th round.

“Manny is one of the best boxers of all-time,” said Cotto.

By the eight round, a fading Cotto began to box and run, hoping to turn the tide on his favor. But Pacquiao kept on bouncing, relentlessly pounding him while chasing the Puerto Rican around the ring.

“Takbo ng takbo si Cotto. Para akong mabangis na tigre na habol ng habol,” said Pacquiao, whose right hand was swollen after the fight.

Roach said the fight should have been stopped at that point.

“They should have stopped it three rounds sooner when Cotto began to run,” he said.

Pacquiao earned a minimum $13 million purse for the fight, while Cotto received half of that prize.

More importantly, it further opened the door to a possible mega-buck fight with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what is being touted at this early as the biggest bout of them all.

“The whole world wants to see Pacquiao fight Mayweather. So I want Mayweather,” said Roach.

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PRAY FOR Z GORRES

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – The curse of Friday the 13th shrouded three Filipino boxers, including Z Gorres, who saw action in the Top Rank promoted boxing card at the House of Blues inside the Mandalay Bay here Friday night.

The 27-year old bantamweight from the Cebu-based ALA Boxing Stable, fell into coma after undergoing surgery to relieve the swelling on his brain in the aftermath of his 10-round decision over Luis Melendez Friday night (Saturday, Manila time).

Gorres was rushed to the University Medical Center here after collapsing in the ring following the fight with the 29-year old southpaw from Colombia.

The Filipino boxer was taken out of the ring on a stretcher.

He suffered subdural hematoma and had to be operated immediately by Dr. Micheal Seiff.

“Send prayers to Z Gorres. He’s in critical condition,” texted Michael Aldeguer, the manager of Gorres.

The next 24 hours will be critical for the Filipino boxer, doctors said. Gorres is scheduled to undergo CT scan Sunday to determine whether swelling on his left brain has subsided.

The unfortunate incident came just as two local boxers fell by the wayside one after the other.

Federico Catubay lost a unanimous decision against Alberto Rosas in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight elimination bout. Scores were 117-111, 117-111, 116-112.

Mark Melligen was not as successful either, losing a 10-round split decision over Michel Rosales in a welterweight clash. Rosales won on identical scores of 96-94, while one of the judges had Melligen winning, 98-92.

Gorres won the fight, 98-90, 98-90 and 97-91. He sent Melendes reeling to the canvass in the third round, but was knocked down himself with a big left by the Colombian in the final round before eventually surviving the onslaught.

A commotion took place shortly after the winner was announced as Gorres suddenly fainted inside the ring.

Gorres was reportedly still conscious while being brought to the hospital, where his condition later became critical.

He was placed in a medically induced coma and will undergo several more test until his condition improves.

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ANGRY FREDDIE

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – The trainers almost stole the limelight from the boxing stars during the course of the official weigh-in for the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight Friday here.

Freddie Roach and Joe Santiago exchanged unpleasant words on stage amidst the riotous screaming from both Filipino and Puerto Rican fans that filled up the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The incident began shortly after Cotto, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion tipped the scale at exactly 145 pounds.

Roach said Santiago called him names as the Puerto Rican stepped down from the scale.

“He (Cotto) gets up on the scale, he makes weight, and his trainer said, hey, 145, asshole,” Roach said, prompting him to shot back, “why call me asshole.”

“Then, he’s talking shit and stares at me like he’s gonna beat me up. But it’s OK.”

Animosity between the two began during the course of the both boxers’ training camp.

Santiago got pissed off when Roach boasted Pacquiao will knockout Cotto in just one round.

To get even, the 32-year old former nutritionist-turned Cotto trainer challenged the 49-year old Roach to put his Trainer of the Year title on the line come fight night.

But Roach asked what credentials Santiago has, stressing he’s never boxed in his entire life.

“That man never knows what it takes to be boxing in the ring,” Roach said.

Cooler heads intervened, including Top Rank Promotions chairman Bob Arum, to separate the two.

“He’s a young kid,” said Roach.

“We’re inside their heads, and we’ll try to watch them wrap his hands tomorrow. It’s gonna be fun.”

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THIS IS IT!

Part of the big crowd that attended the Pacquiao-Cotto weigh-in

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao’s quest for greatness takes a new meaning Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) as the Philippines’ most beloved son takes on welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in an electrifying 12-round fight many considers as the toughest yet in his career.

Losing has not been in the vocabulary of the greatest Filipino athlete ever since a 12-round unanimous decision against Eric Morales in 2005. And daunting as this title fight with Cotto is for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship, Pacquiao is confident victory will be served in this latest in a series of high-profiled fights for the 30-year old pride of General Santos City.

Freddie Roach, the master trainer behind the rise of Pacquiao as one of the greatest boxers of his era, is more than convinced they’ll blow away the bigger and stronger champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

“One hundred percent,” was Roach’s curt reply when asked if he’s standing by his earlier prediction of knocking Cotto out.

Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37KOs) is less committed, but nonetheless convinced he can overcome the 29-year old Cotto in his bid to win a seventh world title in his seventh weight division.

“I’m hoping for my victory,” said the most popular Filipino today on the eve of arguably, the biggest and highly-anticipated match this year.

Victory has come in handy for Pacquiao in his last 10 bouts, the latest three of which didn’t even last 10 rounds as he demolished David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton one after the other in a year’s span.

But just as secured as the challenger is Cotto, the former Olympian and son of a military man, who vows to prove the oddmakers wrong after putting him a 2 ½-1 underdog against the top pound-for-pound fighter of the world.

The champion (34-1, 27 KOs) already made one significant step towards that direction when he came in at the exact contract weight of 145 pounds during the official weigh-in Friday before a raucous crowd of 7,000 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

It was the lightest Cotto ever weighed since fighting Zab Judah two years ago.

Pacquiao tipped in at 144, the heaviest ever for the Filipino.

“I ate pretty well for this fight,” said Cotto, trying to dismiss reports he’s having a hard time losing the extra pounds after moving to welterweight in 2006.

“I’m healthy and my strength will be too much for this fight,” he added shortly after the weigh-in, marred by a heated exchange of words between Roach and Joe Santiago, Cotto’s trainer.

The Puerto Rican champion is expected to come in at 155 to 160 pounds on the night of the fight, the heaviest opponent Pacquiao will ever face.

Although he won his last two assignments against Michael Jennings and Joshua Clottey, many believe Cotto has not been the same fighter since that bloody 11th round knockout he suffered at the hands of Antonio Margarito, the first and only loss of his.

In the eyes of Pacquiao, however, Cotto is still a great fighter.

“We’ve studied that fight (Margarito). I think he’s still good. He’s still the same fighter,” the Filipino ring icon said.

While Cotto needed to take protein shake after the weigh-in, Pacquiao enjoyed eating a full meal, the first in an eight-meal serving prior to the fight when Roach expects his most famous ward to climb the ring at 148 to 149 pounds.

“He’s really punching harder than ever right now and he has really filled out. He is definitely getting better all the time,” said Roach of Pacquiao.

“He’s a lot stronger than he used to be, he’s getting used to the weight, he’s more mature, he knows how to use the weight to his advantage now. He’s always been a small guy, but he hasn’t lost the punch at all. He can punch better with the weight. He’s physically stronger than people give him credit for. You’ll see in the fight.”

Kenny Bayless will be the third man in the ring, while the three judges scoring the bout are Adalaide Byrd, Duane Ford and Dave Moret.

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IT'S GOING TO BE TOUGH

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Two reigning world Filipino champions are looking at a Manny Pacquiao win over Miguel Cotto, but not in the same manner he did against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and David Diaz.

Brian Viloria, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight king, and Nonito Donaire Jr., the interim super-flyweight title holder of the World Boxing Association (WBA), believe Pacquiao is facing the toughest test of his career in Cotto.

In the end however, they expect their beloved countryman to walk away with a win through the judges’ scorecards.

Both Viloria and Donaire were present during Friday’s official weigh-in for the Pacquiao-Cotto match.

“Those saying Manny would easily knock him out, I don’t buy it. Manny will going to win this, but it’s going to be a tough fight,” Viloria said.

Donaire for his part, stressed Pacquiao’s speed, combined with power, are the ones that will make the difference.

“I see Manny’s speed as the key. Cotto is strong, but Manny has got power, too. I see Manny winning by decision,” he said.

For Viloria, he expects the 12-round fight to be a `chess match’, with Cotto trying to make it a defensive fight by switching to a counter-puncher.

He added, the Puerto Rican welterweight champion will definitely go to the body and try to wear out the current pound-for-pound king.

“Cotto can’t go after him (Pacquiao) because that’s what Manny wants, that’s Manny’s kind of fight,” the boxer dubbed the `Hawaiian Punch’ said.

Still, he sees the 29-year Cotto as a very, very dangerous opponent, so “Manny has got to be smart and not play too much to the crowd.”

Cotto’s compatriot, reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez, sees Cotto overwhelming Pacquiao by decision.

“Cotto is stronger and bigger and he will win the fight. I think it’s going to be a decision,” Lopez said.

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DURAN GOES FOR PACMAN

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Both are hard punchers, relentless warriors, and possessing virtually the same fighting styles.

No wonder, one look at Manny Pacquiao, and the legendary Roberto Duran easily sees himself in the Filipino boxing icon especially during his prime as one of the sport’s best athletes.

So it’s a no-brainer whom the 58-year old retired boxer from Guarare, Panama will be rooting for when Pacquiao climbs the ring opposite Miguel Cotto on Saturday.

“It’s gonna be a tough fight, but I like Pacquiao,” said the boxing legend dubbed `Hands of Stone.’

“Pacquiao is very tough when he fights. He’s very strong. So I like him.”

Like the Filipino pride, Duran began his colorful boxing career fighting as a lightweight, where he won his first world title. Later on, he moved up in weight and became champion in the welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight divisions.

Now a bit plump on the side, Duran is best remembered for his classic wars with Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

He retired from boxing in 2002, with a ring record of 103-16, with 70 KOs. Ring Magazine later named him the 5th greatest fighters in the last 80 years.

But it was his gung-ho, unrelenting ways of fighting that truly endeared him to hardcore boxing fans.

Just like Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao is a man that charges on. You can land one on him, but the next time, he won’t be there anymore. He’s a very good fighter,” Duran said.

Despite Duran seemingly leaning on Pacquiao, he said the fight won’t be easy, stressing that while a knockout is a probability, the Panamanian admitted `I don’t expect one.’

“I’ll have Pacquiao by decision,” added Duran.

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EVERYTHING'S PERFECT

Alex Ariza (left) with Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Alex Ariza has two words to best describe Manny Pacquiao with 48 hours to go into his welterweight title showdown with Miguel Cotto.

“Everything’s perfect,” said the soft-spoken Ariza, who monitored the fitness and condition of the 30-year old boxing sensation from the Philippines as he trains against the underdog but very dangerous champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

The final day of an eight-week training that encompassed two countries and three cities came Thursday at the IBA gym, where Pacquiao sweat it out for more than an hour under the watchful eyes of Ariza and master trainer Freddie Roach.

The top pound-for-pound fighter in the world was loose and relaxed as he goes about his usual thing in the gym, capped by four rounds of hitting the mitts with Roach.

Twice, Pacquiao had to apologize to his 49-year old trainer as he accidentally hit him in the jaw during the course of their mitts practice.

“Sorry, coach,” he repeatedly said.

By the time it was over, Pacquiao wanted another round. Roach would have acceded had not one of the mitts flew off his hand following a powerful left by the boxing idol.

“He’s like a horse,” said Ariza later. “Once the gate opens, boom, he’s gone.”

The atmosphere at his elegant suite in the 60th floor of The Hotel was just as energetic when Pacquiao arrived from training.

There waiting for him were parents Rosalio and Dionisia, who are going to watch him fight live together for the first time.

With another sister of him also arriving for the title fight, Manny said he can’t be happier this time.

“Masaya ako dahil first time nilang manonood ng laban ko,” he said, beaming.

Pacquiao has more than enough reason to smile later on after he had dinner.

“He weighs in at 146 pounds after meal,” Ariza declared, making him just one pound over the 145 catch weight on the eve of the fight’s official weigh-in (see related story).

Ariza added the Pacman is scheduled for an hour roadwork Friday (Saturday in Manila), before having a light breakfast of probably boiled egg and hot milk.

Then in the afternoon, the official weigh-in is on.

Roach and Ariza plans to have Pacquiao tip in at 144-145, and then come at around 148 to 149 on fight night.

“We’ve covered just about everything. Manny’s ready to go,” Ariza said.

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WEIGHT PROBLEM

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Will he or will he not?

The Miguel Cotto weight-watch is on the line Friday (Saturday, Manila time) as the official weigh-in for his 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight duel with Manny Pacquiao will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Words circulating within the `Entertainment Capital of the World’ had it that Cotto is trying to lose the extra weight and meet the 145-pound limit set for the match.

A source bared Thursday that Cotto trained at the Top Rank gym here under a temperature of `100 degrees.’

Issues regarding Cotto’s weight leaked out a week ago during his media workout in Los Angeles, California. Before the mid-afternoon workout, Bill Kaplan of Top Rank Promotions asked members of the working press to bear out the heat at the Pound4Pound gym as Cotto’s camp requested not once, but thrice, to keep in-check the air-conditioning inside the fitness center.

The weigh-in is set at 3 p.m. (11 a.m. Manila time), about an hour behind similar weigh-in activities held in the past.

“Kung gusto nila maski alas-singko ang weigh-in, payag kami,” said Pacquiao’s Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez in obvious mockery of the slight change in the weigh-in schedule.

Cotto’s camp understandably, downplayed the situation.

His strength and conditioning coach Phil Landman said the Puerto Rican star will definitely tip the scale at 145, although he still refused to say how Cotto weighs in at the moment.

“He has come in twice at 146, so we have no concern with that,” said Cotto’s fitness coach from South Africa.

Landman did admit Cotto is a natural welterweight.

“One forty-seven is Miguel’s natural weight, so he has no trouble getting to that weight,” he added.

Under the fight contract, Cotto is bound to be penalized for $1 million for every pound over the agreed catch weight.

Cotto has not fought below 147 since 2006 when he decided to move up to welterweight also owing to weight issue.

Meanwhile, Cotto said he has already moved on following that devastating loss to Antonio Margarito a year ago.

“He’s a past chapter in my book. Pacquiao is the new chapter in my career,” he said.

Since that 11th round technical knockout against the rugged Mexican that cost Cotto his World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight belt, Cotto has already fought twice and won both over Michael Jennings and Joshua Clottey.

But somehow, boxing experts saw a different Cotto in the ring in the post-Margarito fights.

Cotto, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, admitted he had a hard time handling the first ever loss of his boxing career.

“But when you finally think things over and begin to understand it, it only makes you a better fighter,” he added.

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SET THE PACE

Freddie Roach

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Freddie Roach is standing by his earlier forecast that Manny Pacquiao will going to knock Miguel Cotto down in their welterweight showdown this Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

And for them to do that, it’s important for them to impose their will on the 29-year old champion.

The earlier, the better.

“We have to set the pace of the fight, especially for the first round,” Roach pointed out.

“We can’t give him the momentum and confidence coz he will grow.”

Roach predicted the Filipino pride is likely to knock Cotto down late in the ninth or tenth round of the fight, although he did not discount the possibility of taking away the Puerto Rican native as early as the opening round.

The three-time Trainer of the Year added he believes the former Olympian (2000 Sydney Games) will try to be a counter-puncher, the way Juan Manuel Marquez fought Pacquiao the two times they met.

Marquez undoubtedly, was among the few opponents who gave the pound-for-pound king a hard time in the ring, losing by a split decision in their rematch last year and settling for a draw during their controversial 2004 title fight that saw him stood up from three devastating knockdowns in the opening round.

“I truly think Cotto’s going to run around us a little bit because he’s going to try to be more of a counter-puncher in this fight.

“I’m not exactly sure if he’s going to try and use his strength early or use his boxing ability early. We’re just prepared for whatever he brings,” he added.

And that means even to the point of going toe-to-toe against the bigger and stronger champion.

“One hundred percent. We will trade with him if he wants to, yes,” Roach said.

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COTTO'S TRAINER PROVIDES FIREWORKS

By Gerry Ramos


LAS VEGAS – From the most unlikely person came the fiery words that stoke some fire in Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto’s final get-together before they begin trading bombs at each other two days from now.


Joe Santiago, the young, former nutritionist turned Cotto trainer, provided the fuss otherwise lacking in the media conference for the highly-anticipated Nov. 14 title fight.

The two boxing stars and surprisingly, Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, were all cordial to each other, turning the two-hour event at the Hollywood Theater of the MGM Grand here practically into a mutual admiration club.

Not the 32-year old Santiago, though.

When it was his turn at the podium, the man, whom Cotto appointed as trainer following his violent parting of ways with uncle and former chief corner man Evangelista, was bold enough to give Pacquiao his piece of mind.

“Miguel is in the best shape he’s ever been, and I hope Manny Pacquiao will be on the same level. We’re three days away from the fight and it’s going to be a great victory for Puerto Rico,” he said.

And then taking a glance at the current pound-for-pound king, Santiago blurted out, “Good luck, Manny. You’re going to need it.”

Not the kind of person who will be forced to engage in such a war of words, Pacquiao hardly showed emotions about Santiago’s pronouncement.

“I respect Miguel Cotto’s team. They are nice and very friendly,” said a smiling Pacquiao. “So on Saturday, may the best man wins.”

Roach wasn’t on a fighting mode either.

“We had a great training camp and Manny is 100 percent in shape. I have never seen him better,” said Roach, who criticized Santiago during the course of their training when the Puerto Rican challenged him to also put his Trainer of the Year title on the line.

“Miguel, good luck to your camp and we will see you on Saturday.”

Cotto’s mean demeanor concealed the way he talks about an opponent more popular than him.

“I’ve trained a lot like never before because I know the skills of Manny Pacquiao,” said the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion (34-1, 27 KOs). ”I feel good. I’m in excellent condition.

“We’re prepared for everything, especially to win.”

The only thing the 29-year Cotto refused to deal with involved his current weight, eluding all the questions surrounding whether he can make the catch weight of 145 pounds come Friday (Saturday, Manila time), the scheduled official weigh-in for the fight.

But Pacquiao (49-3, 37 KOs) said he knows Cotto will make the grade.

“I believe he’ll be able to make the weight,” the boxing champion from General Santos City said.

Cotto better should be as Roach had some strong words for boxers who fail to make the weight for very important fights.

“I hate people signing contract and not respecting what he signed for,” said the veteran trainer.

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READY TO GO

Freddie Roach

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Freddie Roach pronounced Manny Pacquiao as all primed up for his title clash with Miguel Cotto five days from now at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here.

And just how fired up the Pacman is for this latest mega-fight of his?

Roach said the Philippine pride is now more acquainted with their game plan more than him.

“He’s one step ahead of me at all times,” said Roach on the final day of sparring in Pacquiao’s training camp at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.

“He knows the game plan better than me at this point.”

The 49-year old Roach, regarded as one of boxing’s top trainers today, was pleased with the way Pacquiao’s eight-week training turned out, beginning in the highlands of Baguio and ending up in the bright lights of Hollywood.

Prior to departing for Las Vegas, Pacquiao sparred for the last time, going four rounds with Rey Beltran to bring his total sparring rounds to 153.

Roach was happy with what he saw.

“We had a good sparring (Monday). It was nice and loose,” he said.

“We’re ready to go.”

With sparring sessions over and done with, Roach bared the Filipino boxing champion would just work on the mitts at the IBA gym and go through some of the nitty-gritty details of their fight plan.

“We already slowed down and we’re doing the same in Vegas. We’ll go over the game plan mentally and just physically walk through it in the ring to make sure that everyone’s in the same page and fight the perfect fight,” added the three-time Trainer of the Year, who, for good measure, admitted he watches Cotto’s fight everyday to see if there is still some last minute adjustment they could work on.

Roach however, does it on his own as he bared Pacquiao doesn’t watch (fight) tapes that much.

“He gets bored after 30 seconds,” he added.

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HE'S HERE

Manny Pacquiao's customized bus for the Cotto fight

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – More than its bright lights and lively entertainment, the city that prides itself as the `Gambling Capital of the World’ welcomed Manny Pacquiao with a piece of good news that says a lot about his weekend title fight with reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Latest odds at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino here has put Pacquiao a big 3-1 favorite to dethrone Cotto and win his seventh world championship.

The Filipino champion was earlier installed as a 2-1 pick to win the 12-round bout.

But upon his arrival here late Monday night from Los Angeles, California, odds showed Pacquiao a -350 favorite, meaning a bet of $350 would only win $100.

In contrast, the champion is +270, meaning a bet of $100 easily wins $270.

Meanwhile, the `Will Go/Won’t Go 10 Full Rounds’ proposition read +125 that the fight will go 10 full rounds and -155 that it won’t go 10 full rounds.

Odds and figures, however, doesn’t impress boxing’s current pound-for-pound king.

“Ayaw kong isipin na liyamado ako,” said Pacquiao, 30, as he was relaxing at his posh suite at the 60th floor of The Hotel.

“Mas nasa isip ko pa rin na dehado ako.”

After about four hours of travel stretching to 250 miles, Pacquiao had his first full meal in `Sin City’ consisting of nilagang baka, rice and chicken, although also served on the table were kalderetang baka, pansit, beef stake and fruits.

Top Rank Promotions again provided a customized bus for Pacquiao’s entourage, but the Filipino ring icon chose to ride on his brown Lincoln Navigator together with wife Jinkee as a convoy of vehicles that included those of trainer Freddie Roach, and strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, followed from behind.

The group had a short 20-minute respite at Barstow, California, before proceeding to Las Vegas.

Also expected to arrive and watch Pacquiao’s 10th big fight in the U.S. is his parents Dionisia and Rosalio, now estranged, marking the first time the two will be at ringside together.

Early Monday morning, Pacquiao did roadwork for about an hour at the La Brea Park and then held his final sparring session at the Wild Card gym in the afternoon.

Throng of boxing fans packed the famed sweatshop at Vine St, including four-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ramon Fernandez, to send Pacquiao off, while hundreds more patiently waited outside the gym premises, hoping to get a glance of the boxer considered one of the best of his era.

On Tuesday, the formal arrival presentation will be held at the MGM Grand, with Pacquiao the first to be welcomed by Top Rank Promotions led by Bob Arum, and members of the working press.

The 29-year old Cotto, who’s been in Vegas since Tuesday of last week together with trainer Joe Santiago and conditioning coach Phil Landman, follows Pacquiao after an hour.

The following day, the two boxing stars get to meet on stage as the final press conference for the boxing card dubbed `Firepower’ is scheduled at the Hollywood Theater also of the MGM Grand.

Two dayslater, the official weigh-in will be held, with fans of both Pacquiao and Cotto expected to fill in every nook and cranny of the Garden Arena.

Twenty four hours later, the highly-anticipated fight and one of the biggest for the year, is finally on.

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OFF TO VEGAS

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao treks to Las Vegas today in a journey he hopes would end in another career milestone by the end of the week.

The greatest athlete Philippines ever produced is scheduled to travel to `Sin City’ before night falls Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) in what should be a super-busy day for the 30-year old boxing superstar.

An hour roadwork will have Pacquiao up on his feet early in the morning, before he does the final sparring session of his eight-week training that brought his entourage from the mountains of the Cordilleras in Baguio City to the cool California weather here.

“Mag-spar pa mga three o four rounds na lang siguro,” said assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez of the scheduled sparring that will bring to a total of 153 rounds Pacquiao had sparred in the last two months as he prepared for his Nov. 14 showdown with world welterweight champion Miguel Cotto

“Puro pababa na lang. Maintain na ng condition,” said the boxing idol.

Then, it’s off to Vegas.

A convoy of vehicles is expected to accompany the Pacman – riding on his reliable black SUV – on the six hour, 250 miles road trip from here to the world’s so-called `Gambling Capital.’

Towing behind him are trainer Freddie Roach, conditioning coach Alex Ariza, along with family members that include wife Jinkee, his mother Aling Dionisia, father Rosalio, members of the media, and other close friends.

Also traveling with the group is the colorful, customized Manny Pacquiao bus provided by Top Rank Promotions that has become a staple in all of fights of the Filipino since the `Dream Match’ with Oscar De La Hoya last year.

Pacquiao is expected to arrive just before midnight in Las Vegas, where he will stay in his traditional 60th floor suite at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

Cotto, the 29-year old native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, was already in the state of casino and entertainment as early as last week and has been billeted at the MGM Grand along with his group that included trainer Joe Santiago, conditioning coach Phi Landman and best friend Brian Perez.

On Tuesday, Top Rank holds the formal arrival rites of the two boxing stars, with Pacquiao first to appear at the lobby of the MGM Hotel, followed by Cotto about an hour later.

Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels said the final press conference for the sold-out match dubbed `Firefower’ is set Wednesday at the Hollywood Theater, while the official weigh-in is on Friday at the Grand Garden Arena.

While Sunday is usually rest day, Pacquiao insisted on doing his morning jog at the La Brea Park, just a block away from his high-end Palazzo apartment.

After taking a quick shower and brief rest, the boxing idol proceeded to attend a mass at the Christ The King Church, before heading back for home where he had lunch with family members.

Pacquiao spent the afternoon practicing with his band that will perform during the post-fight party set after the 12-round title bout.

Finally, he called it a day.

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SHOCK THE WORLD

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Miguel Cotto vows to shock the world on Saturday.

Although he’s the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king and one of the finest boxers ever to come out of Puerto Rico, Cotto, 29, is considered a major underdog against top pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao, whom he battles this weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But the champion declared all that perception will change when the smoke of battle clears.

“If he (Pacquiao) thinks he is going to win seven titles in seven weight divisions now, he has picked the wrong moment, the wrong fighter and the wrong opponent,” said Cotto in a live phone patch interview with international media men from Las Vegas, where he had been staying since last week.

“If he thinks he is going to win a seventh title against Miguel Cotto, he is very wrong.”

Going into the fight, one of the biggest in the sport of prizefighting this year, Pacquiao has already won titles at flyweight, super-bantamweight, featherweight, super-featherweight, lightweight and junior welterweight, hoping to add Cotto’s welterweight belt to his championship collection.

That won’t happen, according to Cotto.

“He is coming from a lower weight division, and if he thinks he is going to have the same power as Miguel Cotto, he is thinking wrong,” said the champion.

The combative words were the most Cotto had uttered since the bout was sealed four months ago, usually contented at giving the spotlight to trainer Joe Santiago, who’s word war with Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach added color and twist as the drama for the fight builds up.

Even Roach’s scathing remarks hardly affect him, Cotto said.

"Forget about Freddie Roach,” Cotto remarked. “The only thing Freddie can do is train Manny. He can’t go over the ropes and into the ring to fight against Miguel Cotto. He can only train Manny the best he can.

“He may say and think Manny will knock me out but at the end of the day, it is just Manny and Miguel Cotto in the ring. No matter what kind of things Freddie Roach says before the fight, I have a very strong mind. The psyche game? I'm not going to follow that game.”

While he did admit Manny is the quicker fighter between the two, the champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico said he’s ready to counter that advantage of the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

“We know he has speed. We know he has a style and we are prepared to beat it. You’ll find out on the 14th how I am going to deal with his speed. It’s not going to be a factor even though everyone thinks it is,” he said.

Cotto also stressed that he’s not having problems meeting the catch weight of 145 pounds, saying he’ll be able to make the limit come the weigh-in on Friday.

He also said that he’s hardly bothered if oddsmakers put him a 3-1 underdog against his highly-popular opponent.

“I don’t know anything about the betting business. If the people bet for Manny, that’s all right with me. I am here for myself and not for any kind of bet,” he added.

Besides, Cotto knows those who favor Pacquiao will lose big-time.

“I have no doubt I am going to be the winner of the this fight,” said the WBO champ.

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SPEED OVER POWER

HOLLYWOOD – For lightweight contender Urbano Antillon, it’s going to be speed over power when two of boxing’s top fighters today collide in an explosive welterweight title fight this weekend at the MGM Grand Hotel.

By that he meant a clear victory for Manny Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto as the Filipino’s quickness will be too much for the Puerto Rican champion to overcome.

Antillon of course, knows where he is coming from.

Of the four sparring partners Pacquiao had in his eight-week training for the Cotto fight, it’s Antillon who’s been there right from the very start and saw Shawn Porter, Jose Luis Castillo and Rey Beltran come and go.

It helped too, that he had been a sparmate of the boxing star from the Philippines during his bout with Ricky Hatton last May and another one in the past which Antillon himself couldn’t remember anymore.

“Manny is a very fast guy. I think his speed will take him to victory in this fight,” said the 27-year old Antillon, a Mexican native now based here in California.

“I just think Cotto is a little too slow, that’s one thing I believe.”

Considered among the top prospects in the 135-pound class with an impressive 26-1 record (including 19 KOs), Antillon is impressed at how sharp and quick Pacquiao is, factors that he said carried him past bigger and stronger opponents in the past such as former lightweight champion David Diaz, ring legend Oscar De La Hoya and the 30-year old Hatton, a two-time junior welterweight title holder, who had been undefeated in the 140-pound division until running smack to the popular Filipino southpaw.

“He’s the fastest person I’ve ever been there (in the ring),” said Antillon. “He moves very well. And that’s one thing that overwhelms a lot of people.”

But Antillon is not counting Cotto out, stressing that the 12-round fight is going to be a tough one.

Yet, having been a vital part of the group that prepared Pacquiao against Cotto, Antilon said at this point, the top challenger is more than fit to fight.

“He’s been in great shape. I’ve been in many training camps not just of Manny, but other former world champions. But I think he’s one of the hardest workers that I’ve ever seen.

“Working for 16 rounds with Freddie Roach on the mitts, you just know that when he does stuff like that, he’s ready to go,” added Antillon. -Philippine Boxing

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WEIGHT REDUCTION A CRUCIAL FACOTR

Miguel Cotto during a workout

HOLLYWOOD – He’s been there and done that.

Aware how Miguel Cotto is trying his darn best to meet the catch weight of 145 pounds with exactly a week before their highly-anticipated duel, Manny Pacquiao stressed out that the weight reduction may play a crucial role on the outcome of their World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship bout.

Aside from sweating it out, Pacquiao said Cotto also needed to lessen his food intake for him to go down in weight.

And the effort, according to him, is really going to be very demanding.

“Mahirap talaga `yung hindi ka kakain. Malaking epekto `yun pag-dating sa fight, especially kung dikdikan ang laban. Disadvantage talaga pag nagre-reduce ka,” he said.

Pacquiao need not go far because he himself knows the feeling.

Of his three career losses, one of them was the result of his failure to make the weight, causing him to lose his World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title to Medgoen Singsurat by way of a third round knockout in Thailand 10 years ago.

He also had a hard time meeting the 130-pound limit during his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez last year, and was fortunate enough to eke out a split decision against his durable Mexican nemesis.

But all those harsh battle with the weight is all behind him now.

The 30-year old Filipino, considered as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, is enjoying the luxury of eating a full meal today without any consideration about the weight issue.

Pacquiao even bared that he needed to have his daily intake of food in order not to lose weight.

“Puro kain nga e. Training tapos puro kain,” he said with a big laugh.

“Tayo kumakain para hindi bumaba ang timbang. Gini-gising pa nga ako para pakainin e,” Pacquiao added.

At the moment, Pacquiao weighs around 148 to 149 pounds, but easily loses three pounds at the most shortly after workout just like he did Saturday at the Wild Card gym.

“Mga 146 ako kapag tapos ng training,” the Filipino southpaw said after sparring for five rounds with Urbano Antillon and Rey Beltran.

Sunday is total rest day for the boxing icon as he was also prevented from doing road works in the morning.

“Kasi grabe `yung mga jogging namin nung nakaraang lingo. Mag-sprint kami, tapos akyat ng bundok. Matindi talaga,” said Pacquiao, who’s only schedule of activity is to attend the early morning Sunday mass.

Three more rounds of sparring will be made Monday before Pacquiao’s entourage depart for a six-hour road trip to Las Vegas.

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BATTLE-READY

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – With still a week to go before fight night, Manny Pacquiao already declared himself 100 percent ready against Miguel Cotto.“A hundred percent,” said Pacquiao, smiling when asked if he’s all set to do battle with the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion.

“I’m ready for the fight. Hundred percent kundisyon na tayo.”

The Filipino ring superstar won’t come face-to-face with his 28-year old opponent until Saturday next week (Nov. 15, Manila time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao’s entourage won’t be leaving for the world’s `Sin City’ until Monday.

Two more sparring sessions are in the pound-for-pound king’s itinerary, including one scheduled for today at the Wild Card gym here.

Buboy Fernandez, the Pacman’s Filipino trainer, said they’ve already attained their desire number of sparring as of Thursday.

“Nung Hatton fight kasi naka-148 sparring rounds kami. Ngayon aabot siguro ng 152-156,” he said, revealing plans that Pacquiao may still spar for four rounds on Monday prior to departing for Las Vegas.

On Friday, Pacquiao did only eight rounds on the mitts with Freddie Roach. It was actually scheduled for nine rounds, but the sheer impact of the Filipino’s punch tossed the mitts away from the American trainer’s left hand.

“Sorry coach,” Pacquiao told Roach.

But more than his power punches, the General Santos City native stressed its speed that will be his key weapon against the bigger and stronger champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

“The key to this fight is speed and head movement,” said Pacquiao, owner of a 49-3 record, with 37 KOs.

Unlike Roach who’s vocal about a knockout win for the Filipino, Pacquiao said he’s not inclined to think that way.

If ever a knockout comes, he said that will only be a big bonus.

“Hindi ko iniisip yan (knockout). Wala sa isip ko yan, Lalaban lang ako. Basta gagawin ko lang lahat ng aking makakaya,” Pacquiao said.

“Yung knockout, bonus lang pag dumating yan. Huwag tayong mag-apura.”

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A BIG HIT

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Top Rank big boss Bob Arum is already counting the title duel between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto to become one of the biggest in the history of prize fighting.

Arum, who has been in boxing promotion for the last four decades, said boxing fans’ reception has been enormous with still a good one week left before the 12-round bout happens.

“The fight has been sold out for a week,” the veteran boxing promoter happily announced. “You can’t buy a ticket that’s good. The close circuit locations are tremendous. This is definitely going to be a big as anything a fight in boxing history.”

With a capacity crowd of close to 17,000 expected to flock at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Arum is not discounting as well for the fight to be a huge Pay-Per-View (PPV) hit.

“How it does in the Pay-Per-View? We’ll find out as we get closer to the event,” said the man responsible for putting up some of boxing’s most memorable fights in the past such as the Marvin Hagler-Sugar Ray Leonard and the classic `Thrilla in Manila’ between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

“But I look for a big record to be set. I really think there is so much interest into this fight that the Pay-Per-View numbers are going to be out of sight.”

Except when he’s fighting at the Madison Square Garden in New York where Puerto Ricans usually come in droves to watch him in action, the 28-year old Cotto is not exactly known to be a good Pay-Per-View attraction.

Pacquiao however, has slowly risen to become the face of boxing today, especially following the retirement of ring great Oscar De La Hoya.

The popular fighter from General Santos City generated close to 2 million Pay-Per-View hits in his last two fights against De La Hoya and Briton Ricky Hatton.

His fight against De La Hoya last year registered 1.25 million Pay-Per-View hits, one of the biggest among non-heavyweight bouts.

With the Pacquiao-Cotto showdown anticipated to be a fiercely competitive one, Arum is confident it will going to do well as in the two previous fights featuring the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.

“I think for me, this is a much more intriguing fight and a fight that is getting a lot more attention because it’s much more competitive than Mayweather-Marquez,” said Arum, referring to the non-title slugfest between the comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr and the outclassed Juan Manuel Marquez two months ago which spawned more than a million hits on Pay-Per-View.

“This is probably one of the most competitive fights of the year and that’s what’s intriguing a lot of people, besides the fact that both these young men, Miguel and Manny are exemplary athletes,” added Arum, whose Top Rank promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto.

“We hope (it does good),” Arum said. “But you don’t know how it does well in the Pay-Per-View until the Tuesday after the fight.”

The Top Rank promoter is also not discounting a possible rematch between the two sluggers, but all will depend on how the fight turns out to be in terms of action and the people’s reception.

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THE GREAT HOPE

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao has done again what boxing greats such as the late Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and even the cocky Floyd Mayweather Jr. failed to accomplish.

The 30-year old boxing superstar regarded as the greatest Filipino athlete ever landed in the cover of Time Magazine Asia edition in a five-page feature story detailing about his personal life and boxing career.

Written by Howard Chua-Eoan and Ishaan Tharoor, the article is titled `The Great Hope’: Why Manny Pacquiao Is More Than Just The World’s Best Boxer.

The latest issue of the popular weekly magazine hits the newsstand this weekend, with the story on Pacquiao being carried on all its editions, both global and US market.

Pacquiao is the next Filipino personality after the late President Corazon Aquino to be featured by Time Magazine in its cover page. Aquino was named by the magazine as its `Woman of the Year’ in 1986.

Considered as the top pound-for-pound boxer in the world today and one of the greatest prize fighters of his generation, the former bread vendor turned boxing superstar admitted that what is happening to him right now is `the most humbling experience of my life.’

“It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country,” he said. “I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring.”

“I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of Time Magazine.”

Since former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in 1988, Pacquiao became only the next boxer to be included in the cover of the prestigious magazine. Other former titleholders who graced Time’s cover include Jack Dempsey (1923), James Tunney (1926), Max Schmeling (1929), Primo Carnera (1931), Louis again (1941), Sugar Ray Robinson (1951), Cassius Clay (1963), Muhammad Ali/Joe Frazier (1971) and Ali again (1978).

Gracing Time Magazine’s cover is just the latest worldwide achievement accomplished by Pacquiao.

Only last Tuesday, he made his first primetime appearance on U.S. television by appearing in the popular show Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC.

He even had a huge Nike billboard here at Vine street, side by side with another popular endorser of the popular sports apparel in Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

Last year he was also included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential personalities in the world and recently, adjudged as the 2009 Gusi Peace Prize laureate.

A two-time recipient of the Boxing of the Year award, the Filipino will be seeking to become the first fighter to win seven titles in seven different weight divisions when he challenges Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship next week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The article looks back on Pacquiao’s humble beginning all the way to his rise as a boxing icon and later, as a `demigod in the Philippines’ as pointed out in the entertaining and informative write-up.

It also recalled the first ever encounter between the sensational boxer and current trainer Freddie Roach when Pacquaio walked into the famed Wild Card gym here for the very first time in 2001.

“I just did one round with mitts with him, and I thought, 'Man, can this motherf______ fight,” the article quoted Roach as saying of that historic and momentous meeting.

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SACRIFICE

By Gerry Ramos

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao grimaces in pain as he was doing abdominal exercises at the end part of his training Thursday for his Nov. 14 title bout against Miguel Cotto.

“Sakripisyo. Konting tiis,” he repeatedly said while doing the work out with help from assistant trainer Nonoy Neri.

For Pacquiao, all these eight-month of hard training comes to a conclusion Saturday next week when he finally meets Miguel Cotto in the ring and vies for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the MGM Grand.

Now in the final phase of a two-month preparation that kicked off in the mountains of the Cordilleras and about to end in the sunny but cool weather of Los Angeles at the Wild Card gym here, the 30-year old Filipino admitted that already feels great and ready against an opponent who only had a single loss to show in 35 professional fights.

“We’re doing great in training. I already feel strong for the 12-round fight,” said the boxing superstar as he concluded another round of sparring (six rounds) against Urbano Antillon and Rey Beltran.

So far, Pacquiao already sparred a total of 144 rounds, with a total of eight more scheduled on Saturday and possibly, Monday, before his entourage leave for Las Vegas.

Buboy Fernandez, the other Filipino trainer of Pacquiao, said they’ve already reached their total target of sparring rounds, but wouldn’t mind going beyond that.

“Lahat-lahat siguro around 152 to 156 rounds ang aabutin dahil may scheduled na two sparring days pa,” said the jolly Filipino trainer.

Pacquiao, the top pound-for-pound fighter of the world, admitted that Cotto, the reigning and defending welterweight champion, is the bigger and stronger fighter between them.

“He also punches hard,” he added.

“But I am confident about myself because I know I have been training very hard,” Pacquiao said. “I am ready to fight and I promise to do my best to win.”

Trainer Freddie Roach agreed.

“Manny’s happy. He’s in a good mood and we’re right on schedule.”

As usual, Roach noted that his famous ward again played a little bit during training.

“But when he wanted to turn it on, his form was there,” stressed boxing’s three-time Trainer of the Year.

Pacquiao began the day by running for 25 minutes at the La Brea Park, just a block away from his high-end apartment at The Palazzo, and then ended it with a 10-minute interview by the HBO crew at the Wild Card gym here shortly after training.

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