Pacquiao ready to fight Mayweather after vote win

World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday he was finally ready to fight Floyd Mayweather for the last professional bout of his career and potentially the richest in history.

Pacquiao made the announcement about the potential Mayweather clash, which US promoter Bob Arum said could take place on November 13 in Texas or Las Vegas, after winning a seat in the Philippine parliament.

"Many fans really want me to fight Floyd Mayweather so I asked my Mama if we can give them one more fight, she said okay," Pacquiao said in an interview with broadcaster ABS-CBN."We spoke yesterday and she said just one last fight, Mayweather."

"Pacman", 31, is one of the world's highest-paid athletes and fans are clamouring for a clash with former champion Mayweather, 33, to determine who is the greatest welterweight of their generation.

Negotiations for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight fell through earlier this year when the American insisted on Olympic-style random drug testing, which the Filipino rejected as too intrusive before a bout.

Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to have seven world titles in as many weight divisions and widely regarded to be the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, made no mention of the drugs issue in the television interview.

Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia, in her 60s, had been imploring him to retire from boxing.

And the launch of his political career -- he secured a landslide win in national elections on Monday for a seat representing the southern province of Sarangani -- appears to have pushed him towards acceding to her requests.

Arum, who flew to Sarangani to watch Pacquiao campaign for the election, told the Manila Standard newspaper he had reserved November 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"The cable television companies and satellite providers have put the date aside for us, so the table is set," said the flamboyant Top Rank boss, adding a government title would be a boost for Pacquiao.

"I think this is a real plus and the confidence that it will give him to have this lifelong dream of being identified as a congressman when he's introduced at press conferences and in the ring is something spectacular."

Pacquiao was among dozens of celebrities who ran for positions, ranging from president to town councillor, in national elections across the boxing-mad Philippines, one of Asia's most boisterous democracies.

He is regarded as a national treasure in the impoverished Philippines, where even Muslim extremists and soldiers silence their guns during his fights.

Pacquiao has said that public office would be his way of paying society back by helping poor Filipinos after his fighting career is over.

Pacquiao defeated Ghana's Joshua Clottey to retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt in the United States in March.

One of Pacquiao's most spectacular victories was over Oscar de la Hoya, who endured eight rounds of humiliation in December 2008 that sent him into retirement.

Last year, Pacquiao was listed by Forbes magazine as the world's sixth highest paid athlete, earning 40 million dollars in the 12 months to June 2009.

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Pacquiao Tested, Results In 2 Weeks

Nevada State Athletic Commission demanded urine test

The urine sample of Manny Pacquiao will be sent to Malaysia for testing and it should take as much as two weeks before a finding can be made by the laboratory there, top sports doctor Alex Pineda said Saturday.

Pacquiao was compelled to provide his urine sample on orders from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which is trying to save the Filipino’s megabuck match with Floyd Mayweather from being totally scrapped.

Pineda drew Pacquiao’s samples last Dec. 30 when he flew to General Santos City for that sole purpose and it is due for shipment tomorrow to the Pusat Kawalan Doping Center in the city of Penang, which is accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Pineda, who is head of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-Philippine Center for Sports Medicine doping control unit, said he sent a “number-coded specimen” for the sake of confidentiality and the official laboratory results will first be forwarded to him.

PSC chairman Harry Angping said Pineda is one of the best in his chosen field.

Mayweather is demanding that Pacquiao undergo stricter testing for their proposed March 13 bout to take place.

Pacquiao has strongly denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs as he went to the extent of filing a defamation suit against Mayweather as well as Golden Boy Promotions executives Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer in a bid to clear his name.

The 31-year-old Pacquiao, the first fighter to win seven world titles in as many weight classes, said his huge success in the ring is a product of hardwork and strict diet.

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Pacquiao Steroid Claims By Mayweather Sr. Just Subterfuge

Ever since current WBO welterweight title holder Manny Pacquiao blitzed Ricky Hatton–who was trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. for the fight–in two rounds back in May of this year, Floyd Mayweather Sr. has contested that Pacquiao has been taking HGH and performance enhancing drugs. In fact Floyd Sr. has stirred the pot so much with his allegations of Pacquiao taking PED’s that Manny will be tested Olympic style in the weeks leading before his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in March of 2010.

Last month Floyd Mayweather Sr. told Sports Illustrated that after seeing Pacquiao take Miguel Cotto’s Sunday left hook unflinchingly during their fight, he believes Manny was aided by some illegal substances and worried about his son Floyd Jr. fighting him while he was under the influence of them. Which is laughable. Even more laughable than Mayweather Sr’s accusations is the fact that he doesn’t even believe what he’s put out there.

Actually, Floyd Sr. would love for Pacquiao to be on some type of steroid or HGH when he meets his son in three months. And the reason for that is he’s fully aware that there’s no drug or supplement available to anyone which helps a fighter take a better punch than he would if his system were free of them. Such a drug or steroid that transforms a fighter into a puncher via a bottle or needle doesn’t exist, at least not in 2009. And if you’ve ever been around fighters who have experimented with them looking for an edge, you’d know they did nothing for them but mess up their body chemistry.

Some fans and writers even believe to this day that Aaron Pryor had something in the little black bottle that Panama Lewis concocted for his first fight with Alexis Arguello, and that enabled “The Hawk” to take a massive right to the chin from Arguello in the 13th round that must have been heard around the world when it landed. Then after drinking whatever was in the black bottle Pryor was able to come roaring back to stop Arguello in the 14th round. Maybe in a Rocky movie but not in the real world.

I hate to ruin the myth for those who believe Pryor won the fight with a little help, but Pryor had nothing aiding him during his first fight with Alexis Arguello that helped him come out on top. And if he did he brought it with him for the rematch which turned out to be a repeat of the first fight – only it lasted four less rounds 10 months later.

Oh, and Lewis decided to only use it for that fight and the magic energy potion is locked away forever along with the horse-hair that was removed from Luis Resto’s gloves right before he fought Billy Collins Jr. at Madison Square Garden in 1983. What’s more is if Manny Pacquiao is really ingesting some form of performance enhancing drugs or supplements (which I don’t believe he is) and it really has improved his chin and durability along with increasing his punching power, shame on the Mayweather camp for not knowing about it and getting it for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to take before fighting Pacquiao so the fight can be contested on more even terms.

Here’s the deal—pay no attention to what Floyd Mayweather Sr. has been spewing about Manny Pacquiao taking performance enhancing supplements and drugs. It’s nothing more than subterfuge and a way for Floyd Sr. to inject himself into the biggest fight of the last 10 years. Remember, if such a supplement existed that helped fighters raise their pain resistance and increase their power every trainer in boxing would know about it, not just Panama Lewis and perhaps Freddie Roach.

Manny Pacquiao takes a great punch because he is a phenomenal athlete and physical specimen. Manny can really punch with both hands and take it to the head and body because he was blessed with those physical and mental gifts at birth. If he beats Floyd Mayweather when they meet next year, it’ll be for no other reason than he’s a greater fighter. And if he loses to him it won’t be because he couldn’t get over on the Nevada Commission this time and couldn’t take supplements or other performance enhancing drugs. It’ll be because Floyd Mayweather was the greater fighter.

For the record, Pacquiao has already tested clean 10 times without any trace of PED’s found in his system by the Nevada Athletic Commission. But everyone knows that hasn’t kept Mayweather Sr. from continuing to insist that he’s using them. The unfortunate part of the accusations that he’s tossed at Pacquiao is some fans and writers will begin to buy into them if they haven’t already.

If Mayweather Sr. even had a clue as to what a steroid user looked like, he’d see Pacquiao doesn’t even look like he uses steroids or HGH. He’s still a small guy with huge legs (as opposed to the huge guy/tiny legs model of juice usage.) Pacquiao is now 30 years old and has filled out and matured physically later in life than most fighters in the lower weight divisions. The weight and size he’s put on has come as a result of that and via a natural process.

Lastly, if there was some magic drug or supplement available that really worked and gave a fighter more punch resistance and/or added power I wouldn’t put it past Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather along with any other world class fighter taking them, because all fighters are always looking for an edge to get one up on their peers.

The trouble is it can’t be gained through a bottle, needle or HGH regardless of what Floyd Mayweather Sr. implies.

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Three reasons why Mayweather vs Pacquiao won’t be at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas

Texas, specifically Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, continues to hear itself bandied about as potential host for a Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight. That’s because Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, single-handedly is keeping the issue alive.

Here are three reasons it almost certainly won’t happen, and why the fight will head to MGM Grand in Las Vegas on March 13.

1. Texas officiating

The state commission in Texas e-mailed both camps last week in an effort to soothe any fears about the quality of officiating and the input both sides would have in selection of officials if the fight is conducted in that state.

Oh, boy. That should fix things.

The Texas commission is the same one that earlier this year listened to Paulie Malignaggi — before the fight, mind you — accuse in-state judge Gale Van Hoy of bias for house fighters (that is, the fighter in whom the promoter-of-record has a contractual interest), and Raul Caiz Jr. of being a “go-fer” judge who Golden Boy Promotions routinely seeks to have assigned to bouts involving its fighters.

Sure enough, Malignaggi lost a unanimous decision to Houston’s Juan Diaz in a fight that could have gone either way, and Van Hoy’s ridiculous 118-110 scorecard — that is, 10-2 in rounds — virtually mandated a rematch.

When they fought again Saturday in Chicago, Malignaggi dominated and won a clean, unanimous decision, all by 116-111 scores.

Van Hoy and Caiz also were two of the three officials involved in another recent fight in Texas, in which Houston’s Rocky Juarez got the benefit of a spurious draw in a featherweight fight against undefeated Chris John. That result also forced a rematch, in Las Vegas, on the Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez undercard. John dominated and won a clear decision.

The questions about judging in big fights in Texas go way back. Does anyone remember how Julio Cesar Chavez got outboxed by Pernell Whitaker in 1993, only to get the benefit of a draw at the Alamodome in San Antonio, which preserved his undefeated record for a few more months?

Oh, and there is always the potential perception of conflict of interest whenever Laurence Cole, a well-known Texas referee, works a bout in which his insurance company also has sold the bout policy to the promoter. Cole isn’t a bad referee and I seriously doubt he ever stopped a fight prematurely to ensure he didn’t have to pay a settlement, but the perception that it could happen remains, and the state commission condones it.

There’s a lot of boxing in Texas, so there also are many opportunities to come up with strange examples of real or perceived impropriety.

Problem is, on those occasions when the state has hosted big fights, and those real or perceived improprieties have come to light — sometimes even before the fight occurs — Texas has proven incapable of dismissing them to everyone’s satisfaction.

The Mayweather camp wants some assurance of fairness in this fight. Facing the promoter’s fighter, Pacquiao, in a state notorious for giving the promoter’s fighter preferred treatment, is not exactly the Mayweather side’s idea of fair.

2. Arum wants it there

Arum has a fiduciary responsibility to his fighter, Pacquiao, to get the most money he can out of the venue. Cowboys Stadium has a $25 million offer on the table. It also offers the opportunity for an enormous crowd and record live gate receipts.

From a promotional perspective, Arum might be absolutely correct. Dallas might be the right place.

Bob Arum Top Rank Promoter during the Pacquiao vs Barrera boxing matchFrom Mayweather’s perspective, Arum isn’t going to get everything Arum wants.

That thing where Richard Schaefer pulled out of a scheduled site visit to Dallas last week?

Don’t think for one second that Schaefer did that on his own, without marching orders from Mayweather’s advisers. Schaefer is CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. Mayweather does not have a contract with Golden Boy and Schaefer is not empowered to act unilaterally on his behalf.

Schaefer is involved in this fight only to the extent that he has been retained as a representative liaison, for the specific purpose of helping Arum and Mayweather avoid talking directly.

If there were direct negotiations between Arum and Mayweather — or anyone directly associated with Mayweather’s camp — this fight would have been off the table within a matter of minutes, and everyone would have stormed out of the room, cursing each other.

So Schaefer — clearly on orders from Mayweather’s advisers — withdrew from the scheduled Dallas site study, made it clear the fight isn’t going to Texas, and within a matter of days, Arum made public declarations that Texas is still in the running and he has a responsibility to investigate it.

Arum knows more about boxing that just about anyone alive.

He also knows it takes two to make a fight.

Now, from a promotional perspective, it makes all kinds of sense to leave Cowboys Stadium on the table. With offers of $20 million from Staples Center in Los Angeles, and $25 million from Cowboys Stadium, the casino bosses must consider how many chips they have to toss into the pot in order to secure the richest fight in history for the world’s boxing capital.

Securing a substantial site fee from MGM Grand becomes a lot easier if it appears other bids are under serious consideration.

Nevertheless, Mayweather’s side has made it clear their man isn’t going to Texas. As anyone in Texas knows, you don’t try to pull a mule to do something it doesn’t want to do, because it only makes the animal more stubborn. You try to coax it.

Until and unless Mayweather’s side alters its position — which isn’t likely — Arum’s declarations that Texas is still a candidate constitutes mule-pulling.

Floyd Mayweather Jr3. Comfort in Nevada

Pacquiao’s side rejected Los Angeles’ bid because of taxation issues.

Mayweather’s side rejected Dallas’ bid for any number of reasons, although the only one anyone actually has heard is Arum’s recounting of a conversation in which Schaefer supposedly told him it doesn’t want the fight in an outdoor stadium, even though Cowboys Stadium has a retractable roof.

If anyone believes the latter, re-read issues No. 1 and No. 2 about why Mayweather really rejected Dallas.

That leaves Nevada, and the regularity with which both Mayweather and Pacquiao fight there, their familiarity with the lodging, the gyms, the personnel, the logistics, the treatment — from A to Z, the handling of fights and fighters.

Pacquiao, a superstitious sort, always stays in the same suite at Mandalay Bay. He trains at the same IBA Gym, at the same time, on the same days. He has a routine. His last six fights, and 11 overall, have been in Las Vegas.

Mayweather, who isn’t fond of traveling for fights, and who resides in Las Vegas, hasn’t left that city for a bout in more than four years. His last five fights, and 16 overall, have been there.

Both sides know how the commission works. Yes, there have been judging errors in Nevada, of course. But there still isn’t a more efficient and transparent boxing commission in the world.

When it comes down to the richest fight in history, and one for pound-for-pound supremacy, don’t underestimate how much that means.

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Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Fight Belongs in Dallas, Not Las Vegas

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport of boxing, will square off on March 13, 2010, in one of the most anticipated fights in years.

Everything is signed, sealed and delivered. The fight will be contested at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds, the gloves will be eight ounces, the money will be split 50-50 and I’m sure Michael Buffer will be there to get us started. The one thing that we don’t yet know is where this fight of fights will go down.

Not long ago, there were several places being mentioned: New Orleans Superdome, Cowboys Stadium, MGM Grand, Yankee Stadium, Staples Center … heck, I even volunteered my living room, and my dad said he’d be more than happy to build seating in his backyard.

The field was quickly narrowed. The Brennan households didn’t have enough room, while New York and California’s taxes were too high. Associated Press clippings have made it seem as if Jerry Jones would really like to host this megaevent, and Bob Arum is open to the idea. Golden Boy, however, seems to have a nice cozy relationship with MGM, and I’m sure Mayweather would love a little home-field advantage (he lives in Vegas).

So the fight before the fight is going to be Dallas vs. Vegas. Sure, Vegas has been known as a fight town lately, but the MGM Grand’s capacity is barely above 17,000. I’m sure the buzz in Vegas for a big fight is something special, but being a blue-collar schmuck, I kind of enjoy the idea of people like me having a chance at getting a ticket to the fight.

For the good of boxing, this fight needs to be in Dallas. I completely understand that Texas has been known to have some bad decisions in the sport, but Vegas has had bad decisions, too. What state hasn’t? Honestly, this is boxing. If we are going to stop putting on fights in states that have had bad decisions, boxing will cease to exist.

Think about it: A packed MGM Grand will have fewer than 20,000 fans, and you know that most of those tickets will go to big spenders and “mucho important” people. How does that help the sport of boxing?

A fight of this caliber is going to pique the interest of the general sports fan, which means this is a huge opportunity to not just make money, but to also garner new interest in the sport. The pay-per-view numbers are going to be what they are no matter where this fight ends up, but in Dallas, the promoters could get up to 100,000 fans to attend. Why would all those involved not want to try and sell an extra 80,000 tickets? Heaven forbid an actual fan attends one of these fights. (I’m not sure what the actual estimates are for how many people will attend the fight, but I guarantee it’s much closer to 100,000 than it is 20,000).

As much as I loved watching the Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao fight, it wasn’t as electric as a Ricky Hatton fight when he fought at the Manchester Evening News Arena or Lucian Bute when he fights in Montreal. That’s because they have a decent following and have their fights in venues where actual fight fans can get tickets. If you are putting on the biggest fight in the sport, why wouldn’t you want the biggest venue, in the state that likes everything big?
At some point, someone in the sport of boxing needs to start thinking about the big picture and stop shooting the sport in the foot. 2009 was a great year for the sport of boxing, with fewer PPVs and more quality fights. It’s one of the first years in quite some time that fans haven’t felt shorted. Putting Pacquiao-Mayweather together was a step in the right direction — now having it in a place that is big enough to accommodate some true fans would be a leap in that same direction.

I have stated in past articles that a big fight like Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is like the Super Bowl to boxing fans. Imagine if Roger Goodell decided that he wanted to host the Super Bowl at Nickerson Field (capacity: 21,000). The rest of the NFL and the football-viewing public would be in an uproar. Yet somehow, it’s OK for boxing to shortchange everyone?

As boxing fans, we put up with quite a bit more aggravation than other sports fans. It’s time to give us a break. What’s the worst that could happen? MGM decides to no longer host smaller Golden Boy fights like Andre Berto-Shane Mosley?

Like I said, my dad has no problem building stands in the backyard.

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Manny Pacquiao is Overrated! An Early Look at Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather

Before Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is Signed… Is There a Chance That Manny Pacquiao is Overrated?

The legacy of Manny Pacquiao has yet to be determined. Will he be remembered as pound for pound one of the greatest fighters in boxing history or for his lavish life style? One thing is certain, the Filipino sensation covets the bright lights, whether it’s winning championships in seven different weight classes, traveling with a giant entourage, being on the cover of Time Magazine or having aspirations of becoming President of the Philippines.

The great mathematician Democritus once stated: “I would rather discover one scientific fact than become King of Persia.” I sadly, but admittedly, will never become the King of Persia or President of the Philippines, but after analyzing Pacquiao’s boxing career one fact becomes apparent – a statistically significant argument can be made that the current pound-for-pound kingpin is either slightly overrated or his opponents have been strategically selected.

One fact that cannot be argued is on average Manny Pacquiao has been fighting opponents that are considerably older, have been recently defeated or are statistically proven to be on the decline. Since his last loss, Pacquiao, 30, has gone on an eleven fight winning streak, with his opponent’s average age being 31. During the winning streak, Pacquiao’s average age at the time each respective bout took place was 28. A three year age advantage may seem minute, but boxers that have consistent success in the lower weight classes typically have tremendous speed. Pacquiao is known for, and does have world-class speed in his repertoire, but does consistently fighting opponents in their early 30’s help protect and even boost his speed advantage?

In addition to an age advantage, statistics prove that Pacquiao has been fighting opponents that have been recently defeated or are on the decline. During his present winning streak, the average winning percentage of Pacquiao’s opponents throughout their entire career is an impressive 94%. However, when further analyzing the data it becomes apparent that the average winning percentage of Pacquiao’s opponents during the five fights leading up to the their respective bout declines to 84% and the average winning percentage of his opponents after their bout took place, not including the loss to Pacquiao, drops to a measly 67%. Considering the data at hand, can the argument be made that Pacquiao is consistently fighting opponents that are older, statistically on the decline and have been recently defeated?

Attacking Pacquiao’s opponents is a logical choice to the argument that he is overrated. Why hasn’t the score been settled with a game and willing Juan Manuel Marquez? Why did Pacquiao fight a recently defeated and in some cases “over-the-hill” Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and Marco Antonio Barrera?

Insiders within the sport will profoundly point out that tougher match-ups exist for Pacquiao, such as Shane Mosley or the much younger Andre Berto. Rumors are swirling that Arum and Pacquiao are even interested in moving up to the 154lb division in an attempt to become an eight division world champion. Pacquiao’s opponent of choice in this dangerous move: of course, the unheralded Yuri Foreman. If Pacquiao wants a challenge, how does a David versus Goliath match-up with the giant Paul Williams sound?

On average Manny Pacquiao’s opponents are older, on the decline or carefully selected – certainly. However, what does that really mean? Pacquiao cannot control that his competition are fighting other champions or top contenders, hence the losses, or that Bob Arum is thinking about money, his fighters legacy, and money again when deliberating on his next bout. One thing is certain, Pacquiao is a great fighter and the only outstanding item worth deliberating is where the Filipino phenom ranks versus the legends of boxing?

Presumably, on January 11th, two fighters will be in New York City to announce a mega fight that will take place on March 13 of 2010 and will not only settle the score of who is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world today, but where Pacquiao, and even Floyd Mayweather’s, rightful ranks is among the legends of the sport of boxing. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao would be one of the biggest fights of the last 25 years, undoubtedly.

So is Manny Pacquiao overrated? You can decide for yourself.

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TEAM PACQUIAO: CONTRACT NOT SIGNED YET

Mike Koncz, Manny’s U.S. advisor stated “he and Manny are currently working on the contracts for the next fight. Nothing is done yet, so please do not believe anything else you read. They are still working on a couple of matters, but we believe that in a short amount of time everything could get agreed upon by all parties concerned.”

Right now Manny is still enjoying his victory over Miguel Cotto. Manny is fully healed and enjoying his family and friends in the Philippines. As soon as the Cotto fight was over and Manny flew back to the Philippines, Manny celebrated with family, friends, and fans, but eagerly went back to work finishing up projects and obligations over in the Philippines, such as the movie Wapakman.

Manny is going to be doing a lot of traveling soon. Mike Koncz stated that “www.mpboxing.com will be notified with all the real information as soon as possible about this fight, as well as anything else going on in the life and world of Pacman.”

“Also, Manny’s hands and ears are already fully healed, otherwise they would not even be negotiating his next fight.” Mike feels Manny would be ready and willing to fight come March, as long as there is an amicable agreement met.

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Manny Pacquiao fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr likely to be most lucrative in history

The super-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jnr has the feel of an event on the scale of Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier or, in terms of boxing styles, Sugar Ray Leonard v Marvin Hagler.

The event, which is scheduled for March 13 next year in Las Vegas or Dallas, will also be the most important boxing event for 25 years.

The super-fight would almost certainly break the existing record of 2.4 million pay-per-view buys, which is held by Mayweather for his fight against Oscar De La Hoya in 2007.

That match, between Mayweather, then the pound-for-pound king, and De La Hoya, the sport’s most popular fighter, eclipsed the buy mark of 1.99 million, set by the 1997 Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson heavyweight championship ‘ear-bite’ rematch, and the revenue record of $112 million, set by the 2002 Lennox Lewis-Tyson heavyweight title fight.

Mayweather against De La Hoya made $120 million in pay-per-view revenue. Overall, with gate receipts, Pacquiao-Mayweather could creep up to the $200 million mark.

Promoter Bob Arum, of Top Rank, left Manila on Sunday, after a three-day visit in which he relayed an offer from Mayweather. Both fighters are guaranteed $25 million, before their shares in pay per view revenue.

The fight could easily gross $100 million which, if it catches fire in the mainstream, could rise to $150 million. Arum insists the boxers’ signatures “are a formality”, but it is not so. The venue is yet to be decided, but at least the weight is set at 147lb, and at welterweight, that suits Mayweather.

The fight pitches Pacquiao, boxing’s star of the moment, against Mayweather, the bad boy unbeaten incumbent, who has permitted the rise of Pacquiao into the same stratosphere after a 21-month absence from prize fighting.

Under trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao has progressed from brawler to fighting machine. Pacquiao has gone from a world champion at 112lb to beating the best at 147lb, maintaining his speed and power.

Mayweather, who at 32 is two years older than Pacquiao, is still unbeaten, and is the most gifted fighter of this generation, but the templates are also set. In one corner, the cocky, brash bad boy, played by Mayweather, opposite the humble man from the shanty town in the Philippines in Pacquiao.

It is on a par with the biggest fights in history – an unbeaten future Hall of Famer, who is in the line of accession of the great slick American boxers, following Sugar Ray Leonard and Pernell Whitaker, against a Filipino idol with poiltical ambitions. Pacquiao’s rags to riches tale could even elevate him from pauper to the President of a nation. It was the fight of a generation. And it had to be made.

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather: Passion meets Ego

The state of boxing is currently at an all-time high. Despite the several bad decisions we’ve seen in the sport recently, few things have been able to slow the budding momentum of the sport, as evidenced by the highly anticipated Mayweather/Pacquiao showdown.

The huge intrigue behind this fight speaks volumes about not only the fan passion for the sport, but also the greatness of the two men involved, as American Floyd Mayweather jr. and Filipino Manny Pacquiao are clearly a cut above any other talents found in todays era – (or any other recent era) – of the sport.

Although fans on both sides of the fence feel a need to stay loyal in supporting their man, there’s no question, this is a pick ‘em fight where either man could walk out victorious by the end of the night, as both men are known for doing whatever legally possible to end the fight with a “W”.

PACQUIAO’S PASSION FOR COUNTRY

Many people recently found comical relief in the outburst of tears that Mexican heavyweight contender Chris Arreola displayed in his lost against Vitali Klitschko. The heavyweight contender was called everything from a cry baby, to a kid, to a sore loser, and worst.

Of all the comments mentioned about his weak moment, few stopped to realize that in his last professional loss a few years back to Mexican Erik Morales, we saw a very similar outburst from Filipino Manny Pacquiao, (sans the profanity), who was also completely destroyed when falling short against the better man that night.

As I think back to that night, seeing the toughest little-big man I know crying his eyes out in the ring helped me and others comprehend precisely how important it is for Pacquiao to remain on top and bring home the win for his countrymen.

The N.B.A. has Michael Jordan. Professional Golf has Tiger Woods. Both men are great, but they represent a sport in a country. Manny Pacquiao represents THEE COUNTRY, and as a walking ambassador with iconic status, clearly, a loss for him would be deemed a loss for the nation, as viewed by those of his humble homeland.

That being said, the man he’ll stand across from could care less, as his ego gives him just as much pride in being the best.

MAYWEATHER’S QUEST FOR GREATNESS

From childhood, we’re all taught to humble ourselves and yeild to the hunger of ego. That theory may be great in a corporate world, or everyday life, but as it relates to the ring, there’s no more valuable tool for greatness, as the ego of fighters like Floyd Mayweather jr. is what literally lights their fire.

An ego for greatness is what propelled a 44 year old Bernard Hopkins to defy the odds after losing to Joe Calzaghe and destroy the career of a still-in-his-prime Kelly Pavlik. An ego for greatness is what propelled an old lion like Shane Mosley to defeat a very durable Mexican warrior like Antonio Margarito when no one else could. An ego for greatness is what compelled a smaller Manny Pacquiao to sit on the ropes and take devastating body shots from the powerful Miguel Cotto while subsequently taking his heart and his will.

Some find ego to be a self-fulfilling effort, and perhaps they’re rights, as few other things can lead the blind to see monumental greatness within themselves.

ONE NIGHT TO FIND OUT

The passion of both men is what will make this fight historical. There may be many other great fights before and after this showdown, but none to match the buildup of this epic showdown.

Two Legends – One Night – No Excuses …… is a perfect tagline when you pair “The Undefeated versus The Undisputed”.

March 13th will finally settle the score!

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Manny Pacquiao’s one advantage Floyd Mayweather can’t counter

When Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. meet next March, they will be fairly evenly matched in most aspects of boxing. Sure both have their strengths and weaknesses, but on paper they will be a close match.

The one thing that only one of them has however is Freddie Roach, widely regarded as the best trainer in the world at the moment. His game plans have turned what would have been difficult fights for Pacquiao into quick victories.

Roach was successful long before he ever met Manny Pacquiao though, he has racked up 20 world champions under his tutelage as well as moving into the world of mixed martial arts and training several fighters there also. Everyone from former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski to up and coming British Welterweight talent Amir Khan have come to Roach in the past to improve various aspects of their boxing, and he rarely disappoints.

Arguably Roach is also the trainer who has come closest to beating Floyd Mayweather so far, having trained Oscar De La Hoya in his split decision loss against ‘Money’ in 2007. Following a similar game plan as De La Hoya alone Pacquiao has an excellent chance of being the first man to beat Mayweather Jr. although Roach will likely come up with an even better one this time around.

Manny also relies on Roach and his training during fights more than Mayweather does with his trainers, following game plans to the letter and trusting that Roach knows better than he does. Many boxers, Mayweather included, prefer to test things out for themselves, and will often deviate from tactics that they don’t like, even if their trainers are disagreeing.

Mayweather vs Pacquiao BoxingOn the other side of the ring Floyd Mayweather Jr. will probably have either his father or uncle. The reason for the uncertainty is due to his uncle having pending charges against him at the moment, although he will probably still be the trainer come March.

Roger Mayweather is undoubtedly a good trainer, although his nephew is the kind of fighter who likely trains himself for the most part. One of the biggest strengths of Floyd Jr. is that he has great ring awareness, and will often change tactics on the fly during a round, where most other boxers would have to wait and be told what to do by their corners at the end. The fact that Pacquiao is this type of boxer could well mean that if Floyd adapts after each round, Pacquiao will struggle to counteract him. Of course coming up with different game plans for each round is far from easy, particularly against someone like Pacquiao who has so few holes in his game.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. is not the same as Roach in the coaching department, witnessed from the Ricky Hatton debacle. Hatton was left without much of a hope after Sr. failed to plug a huge hole in his defense, and Hatton himself said that he had no idea what to do after the complicated plan that Mayweather had told him wasn’t working out.

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Pacquiao beating Floyd is Arum’s birthday wish

Top Rank big boss Bob Arum has only one wish when he celebrates his 78th birthday on Dec. 8 and that is for Manny Pacquiao to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. when the two collide in next year’s mega-buck showdown.

“I hope this fight will be a great fight and I hope that it ends with the referee counting 10 over Mr. Mayweather,” he said.

Both fighters have yet to sign the deal as Arum is set to prepare the contract that Pacquiao and Mayweather will be signing before the first scheduled press conference on Jan. 11 next year.

Arum said the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown, set on March 13, is the biggest fight that he would promote in his four decades in the business. It can even be compared to some of the greatest fights that took place in the past, he said.

“For our time it’s the biggest fight people have been talking about, Manny vs Mayweather. It has great deal of anticipation and it reminds me of when (Sugar Ray) Leonard first fought (Thomas) Hearns for the first time or when (Muhammad) Ali fought (Joe) Frazier. It has that type of feeling.”

Though both fighters can expect a hefty paycheck once they seal the deal, Arum said the seven-division champ Pacquiao has a higher goal when he decided to fight Mayweather.

“Is this fight all about money for Pacquiao? Naturally for professional boxing its just that were boxers want to be compensated,” said Arum, who felt finally relieved after finally convincing Pacquiao to accept what boxing observers call the “Fight of the Millennium.”

“But for Manny this fight is even more. This fight will eliminate any doubt on who the best pound-for-pound fighter is,” added Arum, who said that Pacquiao has long wanted to face the still undefeated and former P4P title holder Mayweather.

Arum said he did not have a hard time convincing both fighters to accept the deal.

“I knew last time I took him to see the Cotto-Clottey fight, he (Pacquiao) said he wanted to fight Cotto. But I knew before, that he wanted to fight Mayweather.” “It was my job to get everything cleared out of the way. So it was done in the best possible terms.” Arum said that Pacquiao is expected to collect $40 million or close to P2 billion.

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FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR.: “I REALLY DON’T THINK PACQUIAO WANTED TO FIGHT LIL FLOYD”

“Lil Floyd been agreed to the terms, then Freddie Roach starting backtracking. First he said it was all on Lil Floyd and they were ready to go and this and that, and then he changed it to Manny got a busted eardrum, March is too soon and all that shit. Man, get the fuck out of here. How long of a training camp do they need? Shit, it’s not until March. But Bob Arum wanted that fight to happen and that’s why it got done. I really don’t think Pacquiao wanted to fight Lil Floyd. He knows what he’s up against… Lil Floyd hasn’t taken any damage in the fight game and Pacquiao knows he is fighting a different animal man; ain’t going to take no damage,” stated Floyd Mayweather Sr. as he talked about the highly-anticipated clash between his undefeated son and Manny Pacquiao. You don’t want to miss what he had to say about the negotiations, the venue, the fight itself, Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins and much more.

PC: How are you doing Big Floyd?

FM: Everything is good man. I’m just pushing along man.

PC: Before we talk about Pacquiao, I wanted to get your take on Roy Jones. You have been telling me for a long time that he should retire before he gets hurt. I’m sure you feel strongly about that even moreso now?

FM: Yeah man. It’s over for him. I didn’t get a chance to watch the fight, but I heard it was over with quick. He lucky he didn’t fight one of those Klitschko boys. They would have comatosed his ass. It ain’t nothing left for him to do but get hurt man. Tarver shook him up and Glen Johnson ruined him for life.

PC: Why is it that fighters have such a hard time walking away from the fight game? Is it because he’s just been great for so long; not just Roy, but in general?

FM: Oh yeah, man, it’s hard to walk away because you still feel like you can fight. It was tough for me to walk away after I got shot. I saw Sugar Ray Leonard and told him to come to the gym anytime and I will whoop him. I told him that in front of Oscar. I had him in a life and death fight with one hand. It’s hard to leave the fight game man; yes sir. See, Bernard just want to make that money.

PC: You’re referring to him still wanting to fight Roy?

FM: Oh yeah man. Bernard wants to make that money and erase that loss from his record, but Roy is through man. They not going to get nobody to pick that fight up. ESPN wouldn’t even broadcast that shit.

PC: Did you get to see Hopkins’ performance?

FM: Nah man. I didn’t watch it, but I heard he didn’t look that good.

PC: He was hit a lot more than we’re accustomed to seeing him hit.

FM: That dude was touching Bernard?

PC: He got hit with some overhand rights, but Bernard’s size and experience came through in about the 5th or 6th round.

FM: Yeah, a lot of people told me they weren’t that impressed with the way he fought.

PC: Big business going on with your son. It seems they have both agreed to fight one another.

FM: Yeah man. Lil Floyd been agreed to the terms, then Freddie Roach starting backtracking. First he said it was all on Lil Floyd and they were ready to go and this and that, and then he changed it to Manny got a busted eardrum, March is too soon and all that shit. Man, get the fuck out of here. How long of a training camp do they need? Shit, it’s not until March. But Bob Arum wanted that fight to happen and that’s why it got done. I really don’t think Pacquiao wanted to fight Lil Floyd. He knows what he’s up against.

PC: Have you talked to Floyd and how does he feel about the fight?

FM: He’s ready to go man. Let me tell you something man, I see people saying if Zab Judah gave Lil Floyd problems, so can Pacquiao. Man, winning 3 rounds in a 12-round fight is not giving somebody problems man. Once Lil Floyd figured Zab out, he tore his ass up and Zab knew what was about to happen; that’s why he hit him with that low shot. But I’m going to tell you something man, with Pacquiao, it’s not even going to be a figuring him out process. Pacquiao is terrible man. The man don’t move his damn head, he jumps straight in…hey man, you gonna see. You gonna see.

PC: For the record, you did pick De La Hoya, Hatton, of course because you were training him, and Cotto to beat Pacquiao.

FM: Hey man, let me tell you something, I don’t know why in the hell De La Hoya chose to fight that man at 147. That was just crazy man. Ricky Hatton gave me one round to give him advice and what did I tell him? I told him keep his damn hands up, move his head and go in behind his jab. He didn’t do nothing I said. A trainer can only give instructions man. Hatton was scared of Pacquiao though man. And Cotto was done after the Margarito fight man. Let me hit you upside your head with some damn bricks and see if you fight the same (laughing). Lil Floyd hasn’t taken any damage in the fight game and Pacquiao knows he is fighting a different animal man; ain’t going to take no damage.

PC: Pacquiao and his wife were on a Filipino radio station and they basically said you are giving Pacman motivation to beat Lil Floyd with the accusations that you made regarding Pacquiao being on steroids.

FM: (Laughing) They can have all of the motivation they want, that’s not going to mean shit on fight night. Pacquiao could never beat something that came out of me (laughing). I can say whatever the fuck I want to say about him; that’s my opinion. I get shit said about me all of the time that isn’t true. Come on man.

PC: The venues are looking like New Orleans, Dallas or Vegas are the frontrunners. I would be very shocked to see Vegas let this one get away, would you?

FM: Oh yeah man. I would be real surprised if Bob Arum let this fight not take place here [Las Vegas]. This is where the money is at and I don’t see this fight going somewhere else man. But that man that owns the Cowboys [Jerry Jones] has a shit load of money, so we will see.

PC: I spoke to WBO President Francisco Valcarcel and he said it has a lot to do with what weight they will fight at to pick a favorite. He feels if they fight at 144 or 145, that will favor Pacquiao and at 147, it will favor Mayweather.

FM: I tell you this right now, Lil Floyd ain’t giving up a pound man. He’s not supposed to. If this is a fight for the welterweight title, Lil Floyd can weigh anything from 141 to 147 period. And if Pacquiao was talking about moving to 154 to fight somebody, he can fight Floyd there. But Lil Floyd ain’t giving up a pound; fuck that catch-weight shit.

PC: Valcarcel also compared Pacquiao to Sugar Ray Robinson and I’m sure you have a strong opinion about that.

FM: Man, what the fuck people is looking at man? You can’t even put him in the same sentence as Robinson, Ali and all of those greats man. Pacquiao done pulled the wool over people’s eyes man. Pacquiao is a strong fighter man, but you can’t compare him to Ray Robinson. Ray Robinson has more knockouts than Pacquiao has fights; 3 times the knockouts.

PC: I won’t hold you too much longer my man. I always appreciate your time. Is there anything you want to say in closing?

FM: It’s all good man; you know we talk like this. I hadn’t talked to you for awhile. I hope the fight gets signed. They have both agreed, but I don’t think any paperwork has been signed yet. But I hope it gets done because the world is going to see. I’m telling you.

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Pacquiao says kids should not emulate Mayweather

For the most part, Manny Pacquiao has been cordial and respectful towards every opponent he has faced inside the boxing throughout his career- outside of course a little bit of exchanged words here and there with Erik Morales back then and when he told Juan Manuel Marquez to “stop crying man” when the Mexican legend kept on nagging him for a third fight after he dropped a close decision in their rematch as if he was Pacquiao’s baby momma asking for child support.

His fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. though would be different. Mayweather together with his father Floyd Sr. have been bashing the Filipino boxing star since his ascension as the sport’s best pound for pound fighter after Mayweather retired.

Among the insults the Mayweathers have hurled at Pacquiao were claims saying Pacquiao is one-dimensional, that he has little skills, that he has no defense, that Ricky Hatton would knock him out etc. etc. And when the insults pertaining to his skills inside the ring were proven wrong, the Mayweathers conjured up perhaps the most damaging accusation of all when they said that Pacquiao was on some type of steroids despite not having any proof or evidence other than seeing his body and power come with him in the higher weights.

Pacquiao admitted recently that he is a little bit annoyed by the Mayweathers’ antics and was quoted in an article by his network GMA saying, “The difference between Floyd with the other fighters I went up against is that he talks a lot of trash which should not be emulated by kids,” (translated from: “Pagkakaiba ni Floyd Mayweather sa ibang nakalaban ko is si Floyd, marami siyang thrash talk na di dapat gayahin ng mga bata,”).

And in one of my recent articles, I also pointed out how Pacquiao has issued Floyd Sr. a warning that he has some extra ill-feelings towards his son and that he would bring it in the ring when they do indeed face off. Something tells me this will just get worse before it gets any better.

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The Showdown: The Impact of Mayweather vs Pacquiao

Ladies and Gentleman, we’re back with the latest edition of “The Showdown”. The column has been away for the past few weeks as I’ve been recapping some classic bouts for our “From the Vault” column but I’m back this week discussing the possible Mayweather/Pacquiao fight. As many of you are aware by now, the fight is inching closer and closer towards reality as Floyd Mayweather has reportedly agreed to terms and conditions to make this fight happen. Now I won’t be going into who think will win the fight as readers to this column are aware that I have previously discussed my opinion of such a fight and who I felt would win (Mayweather, although that opinion has grown shaky since Pacquiao/Cotto). Instead, I’ll be discussing a few aspects of the potential fight which has been discussed in the past several weeks, most notably the possibly venue of such a fight and the impact such a fight would have on the sport and society.

First off, the venue of the bout has been one that’s hotly contested. They’re several parties which want the fight and are willing to spend big to get the bout. Some of the venues discussed are several of the Vegas casinos(The MGM being the most viable), the Superdome in New Orleans, and Cowboy Stadium in Dallas.

This is a tricky question because ultimately Las Vegas carries the stronger hand in such discussions. The possible venues in Las Vegas could only sell about 20,000 tickets and many of those tickets will be awarded to loyal Vegas customers, which would drag the possible gate down. However, the amount of money the MGM would be willing to shell out for the bout would be astronomical. They know the amount of money that Vegas stands to lose if this fight takes place outside it’s confines. Fight weekends in Vegas ensure tons of revenue for the city and more importantly the hosting casino. Gambling revenues would be at record levels for this fight as it’s safe to say just about every high roller will be in town and willing to shell out absurd figures within the casino. Don’t get me wrong, a great Vegas fight is something special but 20,000 just doesn’t have the same oomph as say 60,000 or more packed into Cowboy Stadium.

What better way to reassert the sports dominance within mainstream sports, than holding such a mega fight in front such a massive crowd? It would certainly shut those up that have been trying to hail the sport’s demise for the past 10 years. It’s also hard to imagine Dana White could ever run his mouth again about his sport’s superiority over Boxing when you know the UFC could not come close to staging such a spectacle. Maybe, I’m just sentimental to the golden years of Boxing when major card were regularly held at baseball stadiums but the sport needs this type of event to push it back into the forefront of sports. I hope the fight happens in Cowboy Stadium and I think it would be huge for the sport but alas, I’m not getting my hopes up. The promotional companies, behind the possible fight have close ties to Las Vegas and are unlikely to jeopardize that relationship any time soon by spurning the city for such an important fight, expect the fight to happen at the MGM.

With that topic out of the way, the next topic that needs to be discussed is the actual impact of such a fight. I’m not talking about the impact within our sport, all boxing fans understand the importance of the fight but rather I’m talking about the impact the fight would have on society as a whole. There are certain sports events which are capable of transcending the sports world and becoming something legendary. I’m talking about such events as Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals, Ali/Frazier, the Super Bowl, and others. I don’t know if this fight has such an impact but I think it certainly has the potential.

The bout features two fighters who are guaranteed to take their place in the company of legends when they retire but even more importantly for the media, (which will ultimately decide the impact such a fight has on society) it features two individuals who represent very different lifestyles. It’s a great storyline that the media will surely eat up. In one corner, you have the cocky, brash, villain played by Floyd Mayweather who is opposed by the humble, Manny Pacquiao. It’s the type of storyline that the media can run with, much like they did in the 70’s with Ali and Frazier. You see for a sporting event to really transcend into a cultural event their needs to be a story to be told outside of the actual sport, something for the mainstream to connect to and I think this fight possesses such a story.

I can’t totally say if this fight reaches the level of say Ali/Frazier or Louis/Schmelling but at the very least it will certainly be the most important boxing event of the past 25 years. However, as much as I wax poetic about the impact of such a fight, I know for a fact that we all simply want the fight to happen. It’s a fight that the sport needs to complete it’s recent revival. Boxing still has it’s fair share of problems but there is an excitement about this sport that has not been evident for quite some time. Let’s hope for the sake of the sport that egos can be put aside and we can all witness one more classic night of fights.

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MGM GRAND HAS THE EDGE TO LAND PACQUIAO VS MAYWEATHER FIGHT

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believes that at this point the MGM Grand has the edge in the bid to land the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight for the ages on March 13 although Dallas Cowboys owner Gerry Jones is vying for the right to stage the multi-million dollar fight at the new state-of-the-art $1.2 billion Cowboys stadium in Dallas, Texas.

New Orleans which initially evidenced interest in a bid to stage the fight hasn’t contacted the promoters in the last few days. However, Arum said “if they are still interested they’ll contact us and we (Arum, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and Ross Greenberg of HBO) will make a visit to New Orleans which is not too far from Dallas” which the trio will visit on Wednesday to meet with Jones.

Asked who he felt was the front-runner, Arum replied “I’ll have to say its Las Vegas because the fighters, most of their big fights have been in Las Vegas, it’s a great climate to do a fight but this is professional boxing and money talks.”

Arum clarified “if we get an incredible offer from Dallas and Jerry Jones then it will be incumbent upon Las Vegas to match it or come close.”

The astute Top Rank promoter noted that “the best weekend that they (Las Vegas) have had in months was the weekend of November 14 when Manny fought (Miguel) Cotto. The town was packed. There was a great buzz and when its around a boxing match the people come in. There is something subliminal about the fact that they spend a lot of money, not as much on the gambling but in the best restaurants, the nightclubs and they buy clothing so they had a phenomenal weekend and they know this fight will be even bigger.”

Arum said also that “many people coming to the fight would want to stay in the new city center because architecturally its such an incredible edifice.”

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PacMan’s Next Fight Could Be Guam’s Biggest Pay-Per-View Yet

Boxing fans on Guam have yet another fight to mark on their calanders. March 13, 2010 is the date that the voracious Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao is slated to fight Floyd “Pretty Boy” Mayweather. Although the venue has not been finalized, Michael Koncz, who runs Pacquaio’s promotional company told GMA Television he’s confident a place will open up (as reported by the BBC).

According to the BBC, the venues that are jockeying to host this megabout are: the New Orleans Superdome, the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, the Las Vegas MGM Grand hotel-casino in Las Vegas, and possibly a Las Vegas temporary stadium on the Vegas Strip.

Wherever the match winds up, some are anticipating the biggest pay-per-view yield yet. The Wall Street Journal speculates this bout could beat Mayweather’s 2007 split-decision win over De La Hoya as the richest fight ever.

WSJ reports Mayweather vs. De La Hoya generated 2.4 million buys for $120 million in pay-per-view revenue.

For most of us here on Guam, we’ll be watching the fight from a stool in our favorite bar or at home with friends and family who’ve shared the pay-per-view costs. Nothing wrong with that. PacMan always puts on a good show. And, admittedly, so does Mayweather. Both men have alternately been declared the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. And both have won multiple world championships in multiple weight classes.

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Manny makes good: Mayweather vs Pacquiao to happen on March 13

The sounds of glee and joy you are hearing aren’t due to Christmas carolers revelling in the December cold. No, it’s the sound of millions of boxing fans throughout the world giddy with excitement over the recent news that the Filipino knockout artist and current Pound-for-Pound King, Manny Pacquiao, has signed a contract to fight future Hall-of-Famer Floyd Mayweather on March 13 of next year.

As reported here, Pretty Boy Floyd brought the megabout one step closer last week when he agreed to terms presented in conjunction with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions. Following that development, Top Rank chieftain Bob Arum was said to have boarded a plane to the Philippines to personally present details of the proposed bout.

Here’s what we know now:

The fighters have agreed to a 50-50 purse split that will likely divvy up the biggest payday in boxing history. The March 13 bout will officially be dubbed Mayweather-Pacquiao for promotional purposes and will only have one press conference some time during the month of January, rather than a multi-city media tour. With the fight being merely three months away, both camps will be eager to get back into the gym reasonably soon. While the fight’s date is written in stone, a venue is still being determined. It looks like Arlington’s Cowboys Stadium and New Orleans’ Superdome are the most likely locales, while a proposal to construct a temporary 30,000-seat outdoor stadium in Vegas also appears to be a very real possibility.

The fight will be fought at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. Most intriguing is that both parties have agreed to use 8 oz. gloves in their contest. It was rumored that Mayweather and his handlers had been lobbying for the fight to occur with 10 oz. gloves.

The 8 oz. gloves are likely to accentuate Pacquiao’s ability to employ power and precision from all angles. Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have only managed to add to the champion’s devastating arsenal as they have climbed up through divisions in recent years. However, Mayweather’s proclivity for finesse and showmanship, should not dismiss his own ability to stop elite opponents prematurely, as was exhibited in encounters with Arturo Gatti, Diego Corrales, and Ricky Hatton.

Mayweather-Pacquiao will serve as this centuries first legitimate SuperFight and has every ingredient of an era-defining matchup. There is no question that the ultimate legacies of both fighters will be judged in great part as to how they compete on March 13.

Whatever the case, both men should be commended and praised over their willingness to give professional boxing something it hasn’t seen in decades – a fight that is truly for the ages.

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PACQUIAO THRILLED ABOUT MAYWEATHER FIGHT

Manny Pacquiao, a hero to millions across the Philippines and around the world and the world’s pound-for-pound king is thrilled about his fight for the ages against undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr, the former pound-for-pound maestro.

An exuberant Pacquiao met us at the lobby of the New World Hotel early Saturday morning after returning to his hotel following an all-night shooting of his movie “Wapakman” and a few racks of pool and said “come on, let’s go up to my room” which happened to be a suite.

He raised his T-shirt to show us his finely chiseled abdomen and had us feel his upper arms which were like rock and then covered up like he did at times in his “Fire Power” showdown with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto and said “come on Mayweather, lets see what you’ve got.”

A smiling, confident Pacquiao said he used the same tactics against Cotto because “it was mind-conditioning. I wanted him to be scared. I wanted to show him I could take his best shots because before the fight they always said Cotto was stronger and bigger. That’s why in the fight I wanted to prove that I was bigger and stronger.”

Many fights fans have wondered how the skinny kid who fought as a light flyweight when he was 16 years old could have blossomed into a 147 pound welterweight as he nears the age of 31 and hit with such incredible power. “My power comes from God and in my heart” he answered without batting an eyelash.

Pacquiao didn’t wish to in anyway belittle Mayweather but indirectly gave him and his trash-taking father Floyd Mayweather Sr some unsolicited advice.

With a hearty laugh when asked about the remarks of Mayweather Sr, Pacquiao said “we can become famous without being arrogant. We can stay humble without resorting to trash talk. It’s not good being a champion idolized by everybody especially the young kids. Trash-talking is not a good example to the young. That’s very important.”

Pacquiao revealed that for some time now he hasn’t fallen prey to the temptation of having a beer or any hard liquor while shooting his movie or playing pool and has maintained his physical condition by playing basketball. He stressed, “I haven’t touched a drink.”

Sharing Pacquiao’s enthusiasm over the Mayweather fight, adviser Michael Koncz who was the only member of Team Pacquiao to sit in on the discussions between Pacquiao and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and reportedly provided valuable insights and inputs that helped get the deal done comparatively quickly, said he too was “very excited about this fight.”

Koncz told www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports “Mayweather was the pound-for-pound fighter for many years. He has a different and very unique style compared to anybody that Manny fought. But I still think he’s going to be surprised with Manny’s power and I think Manny will be able to tag Mayweather because of his speed, not only his hand-speed but his foot-speed.”

Koncz recalled that former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz said it best when he remarked “we all hear and we all know Manny has fast hands but until you get into the ring you don’t know how fast. I think people underestimate his footwork and his lateral movement and what catches his opponents tremendously off-guard is that Manny can throw a power-punch when one shouldn’t be able to do it. Most boxers have to have both feet planted on the canvas but Manny can do it off one foot and has knocked people out that way.”

The fighter whom Top Rank promoter Bob Arum considers the greatest of all-time surpassing even heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali who was a towering international personality promoted by Arum himself, indicated that his running for the lone congressional district in Sarangani won’t interfere with his training for the Mayweather fight or diminish his focus.

Ranged against a reluctant candidate who is much older than him, Pacquiao said as far as his campaign is concerned “everything is in place and we are ready.”

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A fight 'made in heaven set'

The Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight, an encounter everyone has long been waiting because of its potential to become the most lucrative in history, is on.

If plans don’t miscarry the 12-round encounter that is expected to break the existing record 2.4 million pay-per-view, which, incidentally is held by Mayweather in his fight against the now-retired Oscar De La Hoya two years ago, will be held March 13.

Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank left Manila yesterday after a brief three-day visit here to talk with Pacquiao and bringing with him an offer from Mayweather, which, the Filipino boxing hero could not refuse.


Neither Pacquiao nor Mayweather had signed the dotted line, but Arum said that would only be a formality and that he will be talking to Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer as soon as he arrived in the United States Monday (Tuesday in Manila) about the nitty-gritty of the contract.

Arum refused to disclose how the mega-purse will be split although a leaked report said it will be divided evenly between the protagonists. The fight will be at the welterweight limit 147 pounds and a pair of eight-ounce gloves will be used.

Reports spread quickly Friday that the much-anticipated fight between the top two finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world will push through after that Arum-Pacquiao meeting at a Makati Hotel.

Such reports stemmed from an interview with Pacquiao by a television network where the seven-division champion was quoted as saying “March 13 is OK.” Surprised by the fast development, Pacuiao’s chief trainer Freddie Roach, who was very vocal in his opposition to a March date, nevertheless welcomed the reports.

“We’re happy it could be happening, but I’m surprised it’s happened so quickly,” Roach told The Los AngelesTimes’ Lance Pugmire via a telephone conversation from Britain where one of his fighters had a fight date over the weekend.

Arum said that next Thursday he, Schaefer and the head of HBO Sports, Ross Greenburg, will visit Cowboys Stadium, one of the venues bidding to host the fight.
A big press conference has already been scheduled January 11.

Pacquiao himself said the talk between him and his promoter went well even as he affirmed that no signing of the contract took place as there are still some things to be ironed out.

“We agreed to everything in principle, but there are still some finer points that need to be negotiated. Bob is going to take all of this back to Floyd Mayweather and then, hopefully, it will be all worked out. We believe that the deal will get done,’’ he assured.

He said running for congress will not affect his preparations as well as the movie “Wapakman” he is presently shooting.

“Yes, I am. I’m not worried about that. The filming of the movie will be completed on Dec. 9, and the movie is scheduled to be released on Christmas.

“I am fine. I will be healthy. My hand was only bruised, but there is not going to be a problem with it,” he said in reference to his ruptured eardrum and broken right hand suffered in his fight against Miguel Cotto. “Also, my ear will not be a problem. I know my body, and I would never do anything to seriously jeopardize my health.

“If Manny says yes, if Manny is ok for March 13, then I say, I’m also ok,” Roach said, adding, ”we’ll have to start training after New Year’ day so that we can get our customary 10 weeks in, I guess we will have a month in the Philippines then the remainder in my gym at Wild Card.”

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Pacman-Floyd Coming Together Faster Than Almost Any Super-Fight Ever

Reports are starting to surface all over that the most anticipated fight of the last decade is on the verge of being signed. During the last couple days there have been a plethora of reports via the internet, newspapers, cable and broadcast that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have agreed to fight on March 13, 2010. The only issue that hasn’t been ironed out is where the fight will take place. Las Vegas and the new billion dollar Cowboys stadium in Texas have been mentioned the most as far as potential host of the fight.

Pacquiao is less than a month removed from his last fight in which he stopped Miguel Cotto in the 12th round to capture the WBO welterweight title. Mayweather’s last fight was contested on September 19th when he won a lopsided 12-round decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. Both Pacquiao and Mayweather fought in catch-weight bouts the last time out. Pacquiao weighed in at 145 and Mayweather weighed in a pound heavier at 146 and their upcoming fight, (if the reports are true) will be fought at 147 with Pacquiao’s WBO title on the line.

It’s almost unfathomable that a super-fight the likes of Pacquiao-Mayweather will be realized so soon after both last fought. That just doesn’t happen in boxing. Usually the super big fights are signed five or six months before taking place. And if Pacquiao and Mayweather actually sign to meet on March 13th of 2010, roughly sixteen weeks after Pacquiao’s last fight, it’ll be the quickest a big fight has ever taken place after the official announcement of it in recent memory.

The quickest a mega fight has ever been realized after it was initially signed was the first fight between “Smokin” Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. But there was a huge reason as to why that was the case and the fight happened so quickly.

Frazier-Ali had been in the making since Frazier showed up at Ali’s public workout prior to his last title defense of the sixties versus Zora Folley in March of 1967. When Joe showed up someone suggested that he and Ali pose for a picture together. When Frazier advanced towards Ali to pose for the picture, Ali leaned over and put his arm around Frazier and said, “You’re too short to give me any real trouble.” To which Joe replied, “We’ll see about that.” Once Frazier fired back at Ali it was on and Muhammad began hyping Joe as a future threat to him and his heavyweight title.

As most know Ali was exiled from boxing and stripped of his undisputed heavyweight title a month after stopping Folley in the seventh round. For the next three plus years while Ali was fighting the United States government in court for draft evasion, Joe Frazier succeeded him as heavyweight champion of the world.

After a 43 month exile Ali returned to the ring on October 26, 1970 and stopped Jerry Quarry in three rounds in his first fight since beating Zora Folley. Six weeks later he stopped Oscar Bonavena in the 15th round on December 7, 1970. Once Quarry and Bonavena were dispatched, the drumbeat for Frazier-Ali, (which was how the fight was billed) began to explode with anticipation.

On December 30, 1970 Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali signed to fight on March 8, 1971, roughly 12-weeks after Ali beat Bonavena in his last fight. Granted, the interest world wide for Frazier-Ali was unprecedented and the time between the actual signing and the fight itself was unheard of.

But that was for a very good reason.

During Ali’s exile, a proposed fight between he and Frazier seemed on the verge of being made but always fell apart before it could be finalized. Once Ali’s boxing license was reinstated the thought behind the promotion was to make the fight as soon as possible. And that was because Ali’s case for draft evasion was going before the U.S. Supreme Court in June of 1971. The thought at the time was that he was going to lose the case and have to serve his five year prison sentence imposed on him in June of 1967.

The March 8 date was the only open date for Madison Square Garden before the June Supreme Court case. And to clear the slate for the 8th, James Taylor had to agree to not holding a concert that night at the Garden. With the thought being Ali would be going to prison in June, the promoters feared if Frazier-Ali wasn’t realized before the June court case, the fight would never happen. And there was way too much money involved for everybody to take that risk.

Given his choice, Ali wanted more time to get ready for Frazier and was hopeful of meeting Joe in mid May. However, Frazier was insistent that the fight take place in Madison Square Garden and March 8th had to be the date.

On March 8, 1971 Joe Frazier won a hard fought 15-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Ali to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. On June 28, 1971 Ali won a bigger fight when the Supreme Court over-turned his draft conviction by an 8-0 vote and the rest is history.

Frazier-Ali was the largest grossing fight in boxing history at the time. And the five million dollar guaranteed purse they split was also the largest purse split by any two fighters at that time. If Pacquiao-Mayweather happens on March 13, 2010 it’ll probably be the biggest grossing fight in boxing history. And if it’s the biggest grossing fight of all-time Pacquiao and Mayweather may both gross over $40 million dollars apiece which would be a record.

As of this writing it looks as though Pacquiao-Mayweather will be made almost as quickly as the most anticipated fight in boxing history, Frazier-Ali. Along with that Manny and Floyd look to have a real shot at splitting the biggest purse ever in boxing.

And if Pacquiao-Mayweather is half the fight Frazier-Ali turned out to be, we’ll all be winners.

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