Pacquiao vs Clottey

Andre Berto of Haiti, one of the holders of the welterweight title among a bevy of alphabet soup organizations, said he holds the key to putting an end to the startling domination of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

“You have to fight fire with fire,” said Berto, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) 147-lb king, when asked about his chances in the event he gets into the ring with his counterpart from the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in an interview over On The Ropes Boxing Radio Show.

Although Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum hasn’t decided on who will be his next opponent but has penciled either September or November as the most likely dates for the much-awaited return of the Filipino, Berto is hoping to land that fight.

On top of the list is the winner of the May 1 clash between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley, Mexicans Antonio Margarito and Juan Manuel Marquez and even Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

“I believe it would be a very entertaining fight because, unlike with Joshua Clottey and a lot of people, I would definitely let my hands go. It’s definitely going to be an entertaining fight. I mean have the hand speed, I have the power, and as the action gets turned up I get turned up,” said Berto, stressing that he will put on a much stiffer resistance against Pacquiao.

Unlike Clottey, who Pacquiao toyed with for 12 rounds last month in Dallas, Berto said he will not be intimidated.

Berto, who has an immaculate record of 26-0 with 20 knockouts, said Pacquiao “lacks defense” and is “easy to hit.”

However, Berto insists that if he given the opportunity to square off with Pacquiao, he already knows what to do.

“If I get in the position I know it will be an entertaining fight because I know I’ll be able to touch him whenever I wanted to touch him and get in there with some power and I think it will be able to stop a lot of that jumping around and stuff. It would be an entertaining fight,” added the Florida-based Berto, who stands 5-8 1/2 and is at least two inches taller than Pacquiao.

By: NICK GIONGCO
Source: mb.com.ph

No Comments »

Miguel Cotto wants revenge against Manny Pacquiao.

This was the statement made by Emanuel Steward, who has assumed the role of Cotto’s trainer in a story that appeared in the Puerto Rican newspaper El Vocero (The Voice).

Steward, whose Kronk Boxing Club in Detroit spawned Thomas Hearns, said Cotto wants another crack at Pacquiao, who won by 12th round knockout in their November 2009 welterweight (147 lbs) duel at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Steward and Cotto are now paired together in preparation for Cotto’s June showdown with Yuri Foreman for the latter’s world super-welterweight crown.

“He feels that his defeat to Pacquiao was humiliating and that he wants to face him again,” said Steward, who believes that his ward still has what it takes to make waves in the big stage.

Considering the hardship of making a megabuck matchup between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Steward said promotional outfit Top Rank can easily pair Pacquiao against Cotto at 154 lbs, a weight class that Cotto has found comfortable.

Steward said the reason why Cotto lost to Pacquiao was the fact that Cotto had poor balance and that he knows how to remedy the flaw and also rekindle the fire in Cotto’s belly.

Although Cotto is not among those being eyed to face Pacquiao when the Filipino returns to the ring in September or November, he could end up being on the same ring with the world’s No. 1 fighter this year since they’re are both promoted by Top Rank.

By: NICK GIONGCO
Source: mb.com.ph

No Comments »

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao, the greatest boxer
in the planet today, recently said he’s picking Shane Mosley to prevail over Floyd Mayweather Jr. when the two Americans square off on May 1 in Las Vegas.

It was time for Mosley to return the favor.

The reigning WBA welterweight champion has wished Pacquiao well in his bid for a congressional seat in the May 10 national elections in the Philippines, and said he’d love to visit the country.

Pacquiao has welcomed some of his former opponents to the Philippines, among them Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz, and wouldn’t think twice taking Mosley in as his visitor.

In an article that came out of Digital Journal yesterday, the 38-year-old Mosley, who will stake his WBA belt against the unbeaten Mayweather, said he likes Pacquiao as a boxer and politician.

“Pacquiao has the spirit of a champion in and out of the ring,” said Mosley, who’s among those being considered as Pacquiao’s next opponent.

“I think it’s a great thing that he could be President or a congressman in the Philippines. I think it’s a great thing. I’d love to come to the Philippines and visit and say hi and have dinner and hang out in the Philippines. He can show me around.

“I’d like to congratulate him on the campaign. To even get that far, and to be able to run for Congress is a great thing, a great accomplishment for a fighter, for all fighters. He’s doing a great thing,” said the native of California.

Pacquiao defeated Joshua Clottey last March 14 in Texas, and kept his WBO welterweight crown. The Pinoy icon said he is temporarily retired as he continues to focus on his bid in the elections.

Pacquiao, according to his promoter, Bob Arum, may fight in September in case he fails in the polls, and in November if he gets elected and becomes the first boxer-congressman, as it is, he’s the one and only holder of seven world titles in seven different weight classes.

And Mosley is being considered a possible opponent, even if the possibility looked bleak following the inclusion of a rematch clause in his contract with Mayweather, meaning if Mosley wins on May 1, Mayweather may seek a rematch by the end of the year.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, may end up facing Antonio Margarito, his stablemate at Top Rank.

For the meantime, it’s easy to say that there’s no bad blood between Pacquiao and Mosley, and a fight between these two gentlemen may be easier to make than one involving Mayweather, considered the greatest of his era.

Until Pacquiao came along.

By: Abac Cordero
Source: The Philippine Star

No Comments »

While Manny Pacquiao is busy campaigning for a congressional seat in Saranggani Province in the Philippines, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is also hard at work trying to promote his upcoming fight against ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley on May 1st.

I was surprised to see a feature on Mayweather in the latest issue of SLAM magazine, my favorite basketball magazine out there and one of the first print media publications my writings were ever published in.

The feature showcased Mayweather’s usual braggadocio — swag/ arrogance/ call it what you want, you know it’s not humility — and his knowledge about the NBA as well.

Mayweather chimed in on the Kobe-LeBron debate and said, “When it’s all said and done, at the end of your career and the end of the day, it’s about championships. Can LeBron win one championship? Yes, it’s possible. As of right now, we’re not talking about ‘wouldas’ and ‘couldas’. We’re talking about what’s going on. Kobe has won championships.”

But that of course doesn’t apply to his boxing philosophy, right? He did after all said championships and legacy don’t matter and he’s all about getting money. He also blasted Pacquiao, the guy that holds the record for most world championship belts in different weight classes (seven).

Mayweather insisted that he is what’s going on at the moment in boxing. Despite Pacquiao’s string of impressive victories against bigger, top flight opponents in the past two years, Mayweather pointed out Pacquiao’s knockout losses more than ten years ago when he was practically an amateur and continued on by flaunting his undefeated pro record (Mayweather lost six times as an amateur).

Mayweather also revealed this:

“We have two fights that we know will happen. The Shane fight is May 1. We know the Pacquiao fight is eventually going to happen.”

So what gives?

Is there a deal already in place for Pacquiao-Mayweather to happen?

Are they simply hyping their superfight up by allowing it to simmer and building it up by fighting other in-house fighters like how Top Rank had Pacquiao face Joshua Clottey and GBP pitting Mosley against Floyd?

Makes sense if you ask me. More money for both parties and it also gave fans a couple more fights instead of one had the fight already gone down last March.

Whatever it is, I just hope Mayweather is speaking the truth on this one. I already know how that can go. He did after all say Marquez was the biggest challenge for him then, only to admit now that Marquez is simply a tune-up fight.

So is Mosley his tune-up for Pacquiao? That may very well be his belief. Mosley however, is a very capable party crasher.

BY: Dennis “dSource” Guillermo

Source: examiner.com

Photo from SLAM Magazine

No Comments »

Pound-for-pound king and “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao has been invited as a guest at the World Boxing Council “Night of Champions” which will be held in Cardiff, Wales from July 29-31 this year.

The event will be the second WBC Night of Champions with the first having taken place in Cancun, Mexico in support of the local area of Cancun in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina that tore through the picturesque tourist resort city in 2006.

In a letter to Pacquiao, former world welterweight champion John Stracey who is a member of the Executive Committee hosting the event said the second WBC Night of Champions is all about supporting charitable legacy projects within Wales. He said they will be raising funds for the Princes Trust, the WBC cares charity and a legacy project in Wales entitled Sporting Chances. Sporting Chances is aimed at improving the lives of the Welsh disadvantaged youth.

Stracey told Pacquiao “your support would inspire these people”.

Also enclosed was a document which outlined in more detail the itinerary of events to take place over the three days. In brief, there will be an awards ceremony, charity sports day, gala dinners, Great Britain versus rest of world road to the Olympics tournament and the world film premiere of ‘Risen’ the story of Welsh boxer Howard Winstone.

The letter stated “we should be delighted if you could attend this prestigious event.”

The invitation was emailed by Stracey who attended the last WBC Convention in Manila to his good friend, internationally respected referee Bruce McTavish who requested us to kindly forward the invitation letter to Pacquiao which we did, forwarding the document to Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz.

Koncz’ initial reaction was “I don’t see any problem.”

Stracey who will turn 50 on September 22 won the WBC world title with a stunning 6th round TKO over Cuban great Jose Napoles in a scheduled 15 round bout in Mexico City on December 6, 1975. Stracey was dropped in the first round but fought back to cut Napoles severely forcing referee Octavio Meyrem to c all a halt at 2:30 of the sixth round.

By: Ronnie Nathanielsz
Source: PhilBoxing.com

No Comments »

Filipino boxer Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, the world’s best pound-for pound fighter, has evolved into a true “global icon” – as anointed by sports analyst Joaquin Henson after the 31-year old “pambansang Kamao” defeated Ghanaian boxer Joshua Clottey last March 14 at the imposing Cowboys’ Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

I learned about his successful crossover from Philippine sports superstardom to international celebrityhood last year, April 1 to be precise, one balmy morning while queuing up at a local courthouse in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

The Mexican man standing beside me found out that I am a Filipino, and proceeded to say the one word he knows about the Philippines.

“Pacquiao,” he smiled. “He’s a good boxer.”

Dethroned

Pacman, as he is fondly known, has effectively dethroned former First Lady Imelda Marcos and her 3,000 pairs of shoes as the Philippines’ premiere cultural symbol. Finally, unequivocally.

A certified billionaire, the famed pugilist from General Santos City retained his world welterweight crown by outpunching Clottey. It was a bout that most Filipinos found dull and uninspiring, brought about by the reluctance of Clottey to move out of his turtle-like defense, so intent was he in preserving his record of zero knockouts.

The fight also marked the debut of a crossover for the famous football team owner Jerry the “dollar billionaire” Jones (he owns “America’s Team — the Dallas Cowboys football franchise) from top football jefe to serious boxing sponsor.

Writing for the Las Vegas Sun, columnist John Katsilometes described Jones’ $1.2-billion Cowboys Stadium as “brilliantly over the top, with its mirrored exterior, let the sunshine in retractable roof and 110,000 seat capacity.” Clearly, the “domed enormity” is as much a crowd-drawer as its star fighters. I was among the 50,994 spectators who trooped to the Pacquiao-Clottey fight that was shown before a world-wide audience of millions.

Wearing the Chinese-favored color of “ang pao” (red envelop) bright red, the karaoke-loving boxer was the clear favorite of the crowd, which roared its approval whenever his mug was flashed across the high-definition jumbotron. The small number of sponsors and endorsements stitched in opponent Clottey’s shimmery cherry-red shorts was proof that the fortunes of companies like Nike and Motorola are hitched to the boxing phenom that Pacquiao has become.

Too much of a good team?

Pacquio’s “army” is omnipresent during his fights, and has been described by examiner.com writer Michael Marley as making “old Muhammad Ali carnival troupe look like a ragtag and smallish assembly.” In this instance, the group that descended in Grapevine, Texas, including the dog Pacman, was about 170-strong, according to Filipino businesswoman Trisha Verzosa, a friend of Pacman’s wife Jinkee. Of this number, probably only “about 10 percent” is related by blood to the Pacquiao family, she said.

To follow Team Pacquiao is to experience a baptism of fire on the intricacies of complex human organizations and relationships, not unlike those that surround a presidency. It also makes a nice case study for a cordon sanitaire in the making.

There is “Team Pacquiao” which is composed of people “the Man” (and you can begin counting how many nicknames Pacquiao’s been given) trusts outside of his blood family, on both his and wife Jinkee’s side. They are his trainer Freddie Roach, assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez (who, by the way, wears the wittiest of T-shirt messages and has his own groupies) who is Pacman’s childhood friend, and Yugoslav-Hungarian adviser Michael Koncz, reportedly a Canadian citizen who does anything and everything for him including fluffing his rice.

He has his personal medical teams, both US- and Philippine-based led by Laredo pediatrician Dr. Allan Recto and surgeon Dr. Nasser Cruz; his official biographer Winchell Campos; his personal assistant Joe Ramos; and Cris Aquino, the flag and championship belt bearer who is also his friend and adviser.

In the background are his self-effacing business friends, the brothers Tieng of Solar Film Productions, who hold the TV rights to produce and feature his bouts on Philippine television, and Jake Joson, who handles his endorsements. The biggest boxing promoter there ever is — another dollar billionaire, Top Rank’s Bob Arum — is also in Manny’s corner.

And then there are the political mentors and friends he’s made, like former Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo who are usually present for his fights. Singson said he was hoping Pacquiao would knock out Clottey before the ninth. Arroyo expressed the same confidence when he visited Pacquiao in his suite the night before the fight.

“I wished him good luck. He was very relaxed, high-spirited. He feels that he will win,” Arroyo told GMANews.TV. He added that he would like Pacquiao to fight Floyd Mayweather “to show him who’s the boss. Mayweather keeps on backing out, parang duwag siya and sabi niya Pacquiao is on steroids.”

Subteams

In turn, each major personality in Pacquiao’s life has a sub-team, so to speak. There is a “Team Jinkee” representing the missus, a “Team Dr. Allan” helping out in the medical needs of the Pacman in the US, a “Team Freddie” for head trainer Freddie Roach whose security escorts are his childhood friends, a “Team Cris” representing flag bearer Cris Aquino, and a “team Buboy” representing assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez.

There is also the Team from General Santos City led by Fiscal Edilberto Jamora, who is Jinkee’s uncle.

Those are just the obvious teams that I had the chance to meet and greet — I am sure there are more. Oh, did I mention that the people who act as his zealous security escorts (understandably so, with everyone wanting to get a piece of Manny and his team) can sometimes be frighteningly threatening?

I mistakenly thought that the two African-American men I saw in Manny’s suite while he was having breakfast were his close-in bodyguards. They looked very official, tall and wearing sports coats. When I asked them where they were from, the answer sounded right: “Washingon D.C.” Turned out they were also fans, having gone to Pacquiao’s suite to seek autographs, grown men and all. See, the magic that the Pacman weaves is simply irresistible.

And then there are his drivers, the cooks, the masseuse, and hordes of assistants, helpers, fans and converts who have all gotten aboard the Pacman train. Of course, there’s the ever-present media.

Lastly there are the fans, some of whom can be quite obnoxious. They float around like they own the place, behaving rudely. “Human barnacles and leeches” was how Sports Illustrated columnist Chris Mannix described the hordes of hangers-on who can sometimes act more “popish than the pope,” as this writer often witnessed.

Are you “in”?

After a while, one’s brain gets addled from the number of teams around Pacquiao. Each will claim to be “connected” no matter how tenuous or far-fetched to the Pacman, some more directly than others. Just like a big extended family, each of these spheres of influence may at times collide, physically at that, with each other and try to jockey their way into the good graces of Pacman, who is arguably considered a national treasure.

What sets apart the members of the original Team Pacquiao is that Manny gave each of them a silver ring with the words Team Pacquiao inscribed on it. Nobody is quite sure how many were given; what they know for sure is that if you own one, you wear it to show you’re “in”.

The seating and sleeping arrangements around Manny are a good indicator, although not foolproof, of how “in” a certain person is in the team. Usually, the closer the proximity, the higher in value along the Manny totem pole.

That’s entertainment

For his downtime, Pacquiao continues to entertain. And he is serious with it, taking in fact singing lessons from Italian-American vocal coach Helena Buscema, whom he met in a church. Because of his hectic schedule, Buscema who is a church cantor can only give him short lessons on breathing techniques.

Pacquiao is a baritone and is partial to English and Filipino ballads. “Nothing’s gonna change my love for you” by George Benson is a favorite. Off the ring, the Pacman is an enthusiastic student who would do 10-20 minutes of voice technique. He is taught how to use his voice and even does duets with Madonna Decena – she of Britain’s Got Talent fame.

His eight-man MP band led by Lito Camu also travels with him. According to band drummer and record producer Ferdie Marquez, Pacquiao likes singing live with the band more than using a minus one. His repertoire ranges from Martin Nievera (his favorite balladeer) standards to original songs written for him, like “Lahing Pinoy.” The band was only organized last year.

Pang-mundong Kamao?

This may seem a lofty and almost impossible a goal, one surmises, until you realize that Pacquiao has already arrived in the international stage. The United Nations should seriously consider asking him to become a goodwill ambassador of sorts, seeing how well-received he is internationally. Although he might dismiss “karangalan” (honor) as being unable to fill empty stomachs, in the world stage, honor is something you want in abundance. Our Pambansang kamao can very well be the Pang-mundong kamao.

Pacquiao is the main reason why, given the lack of time to properly promote the event, HBO was still able to get 700,000 viewers despite the ho-hum fight with Clottey, who was more intent in saving his skin than giving spectators a real showdown.

It is said that when Pacquiao fights, the Philippines comes to a standstill because everyone is intent on watching the bout. On a quick trip to Manila in 2009, I saw for myself how traffic became very light because most people were glued to their TV sets watching Pacquiao demolish Miguel Cotto.

Apparently, the same thing can be said in Mexico. According to Antonio Lozada, manager of lightweight division champion Humberto “Zorrito” (little fox) Sotto, in Tijuana, “todos los matones estan aqui viendo la pelea” (all the killers are here watching the fight).” He immediately regrets the tongue-in-cheek remark and dismisses it as “a poor joke,” while issuing a challenge to Pacquiao that they want to fight him.

Some people may say the only reason the Mexicans like him is because he has defeated every other Mexican boxer there ever was. Indeed, as one Mexican–American businessman says, “no hay buenos boceader de mexicano en esta (there is no good Mexican boxer at the moment).

But this realization seems to have escaped the younger generation. My son’s classmate, who lives across in Matamoros, announced to his other classmates: “Don’t you know who Pacquiao is? He is the best Mexican boxer there is!” My son almost gagged.

Source: GMANews.TV

No Comments »

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is not retiring from boxing this year or even if he wins the congressional election in May, Pacquiao’s adviser said Sunday.

Michael Koncz, the Canadian adviser of Pacquiao, said the Filipino boxing idol is not yet keen on retiring from boxing after his victorious fight with Ghanian Joshua Clottey last March.

Pacquiao, who is running for congressman in Sarangani in the May elections, has been asked by his mother Dionisia to consider retirement from boxing and instead concentrate on his family’s businesses.

“Even if Manny wins as congressman he can still do boxing — at least two fights a year,” Koncz said.

He added that Pacquiao could not just leave boxing if he can still have the capability to fight because it’s his livelihood.

“Imagine the money he would lose in his every fight at least a minimum of $15 million if he stops boxing,” Koncz said.

Asked about the possibility of Pacquiao’s fight with Floyd Mayweather, Koncz said it was Mayweather who was making all the excuses to avoid a match with Pacquiao.

He said Mayweather should not impose his conditions and terms for Manny to follow in their boxing match.

He said their camp could possibly look for other fighters in the higher middleweight division to match up with Pacquiao.

Koncz was accompanying Pacquiao in his political campaign in Sarangani.

The Filipino boxing sensation and his wife Jinkee joined the procession of the Station of the Cross during the Good Friday at his hometown in Kiamba, Sarangani.

By: JOSEPH JUBELAG
Source: mb.com.ph

1 Comment »

MANILA, Philippines—His popularity as the tireless pound-for-pound king of the world has put Manny Pacquiao in the running for one of Time Magazine’s slots in its annual 100 most influential people in the world list.

Pacquiao, whose blazing, relentless punching prowess helped him win seven world titles in as many weight categories, is ranked No. 21 in the Time list, ahead of such athletes as Tiger Woods, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters.

“An idol in his native Philippines, Pacquiao has become an international sports god, drawing much-needed fans to the fading profession of boxing,” the magazine said. “For now, the Filipino, a champion in seven weight classes, is focusing on a prize he has tried but failed to win before: A seat in his country’s legislature.”

Pacquiao, who recently held on to the mythical pound-for-pound title despite an uneventful victory over Joshua Clottey in his first defense of his welterweight title, is now eyeing a potential blockbuster fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is scheduled to take on dangerous American Shane Mosley on May 1.

The Pacman and the undefeated Mayweather were penciled for a March 13 bout, but disagreements over drug testing protocols shelved the fight, which would have earned each boxer at least $40 million each.

The collapse of the fight continues to be the talk in sports entertainment circles with comedian Adam Carolla calling the Filipino icon an “idiot” for not agreeing to the drug-testing.

Speaking in a radio interview, the comedian said: “I gotta tell you, if that was a white fighter and probably even a black fighter, if the black fighter was from Atlanta or somewhere like that, someone would go, ‘What the f**k are you talking about? Give your drop of blood. That’s not gonna make a difference.”

“But because he’s from the Philippines and because he’s prayin’ to chicken bones and stuff like that, everyone’s kinda like, ‘Well, you gotta respect him for his belief system.’ No you don’t. He’s a f****n’ idiot.”

By: Francis Ochoa
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

No Comments »

Whether comedian Adam Carolla was joking or not, his comments on Manny Pacquiao and Filipinos in whole created a buzz and has generated a lot of comments from various blog sites.

Carolla, an Italian-American radio host, in a podcast called Pacquiao illiterate and the Philippines a nation of whores.

According to Examiner.com  writer Dennis Guillermo, Carolla began his tirades to Pacquiao when a caller brought up the drug testing issue that called off the proposed megafight between the Filipino boxing icon and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Carolla blasted Pacquiao for not agreeing on the drug testing protocol proposed by the Mayweathers.

He also said that Pacquiao is “praying to chicken bones” and should not earn the respect and admiration of all Filipinos because he’s a “(expletive) idiot.”

“Here’s how you know when your country doesn’t have a lot going for it: When everything is about Manny Pacquiao. Get a (expletive) life as a country,” Carolla said.

Carolla then called Pacquiao illiterate who is only good in distorting his opponents’ faces. “All you (expletive) got is just an illiterate guy who happens to smash other guys in the head better than other people”

He also made fun on Pacquiao’s congressional bid. “Really, you want some guy with brain damage running your country? Why don’t you get your (expletive) together?”

Carolla added that the entire country would be disheartened if ever Mayweather Jr. beats Pacquiao.

“All they have over there (in the Philippines) is Manny Pacquiao and sex stores. What happens when Floyd Mayweather beats him? Does your country go into depression?”

Carolla is a veteran comedian and a close friend of late-night television show host Jimmy Kimmel, who ironically had Pacquiao as a guest last month and last year.

Source: GMANMews.TV

No Comments »

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is taking his time out in the countryside campaigning for a congressional seat in home country while four other popular boxers with a big M in their last names are salivating to face him for a mega fight this year.

After disposing Joshua Clottey in a 12-round unanimous decision last March 13, and with constant prodding from his Mom, Manny Pacquiao has hinted at an early retirement from professional boxing.

But before even considering his options, Manny Pacquiao has been getting feelers from at least four giant names in boxing for a possible shot at the popular Filipino boxer.

The last names of these equally popular boxers begins with the big M minus the big M in McDonald’s. The four Ms represent Mayweather, Mosley, Marquez and Margarito.

Boxing fans are of the opinion that anyone of these great boxers could be Pacquiao’s next possible opponent – that is assuming he decides to make one or two more fights before finally retiring from professional boxing.

Mayweather is being rated as the top contender for the WBO welterweight crown being held by Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. These two great athletes were supposed to fight last March 13 but the match was called off on allegations that Pacquiao was on steroids and Mayweather wanted to have the Filipino boxer undergo a random blood and urine tests.

Marquez is salivating to have another crack at Pacquiao for the the third time. The popular Mexican boxer fought Pacquiao twice but lost on points in their first encounter. Marquez maintains that he was a clear winner in their last encounter which was called a draw by the judges. Marquez even traveled to Manila to beg Pacquiao for a third match.

Mosley has likewise chased Pacquiao even before the Filipino boxer’s boring encounter with Joshua Clottey but the Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiations came in the way which eventually failed with Pacquiao taking on Clottey while he ended with a fight on May1 against Mayweather.

Margarito has been mentioned as Pacquiao’s next opponent but the Mexican boxer who lost to Mosley in his last fight has to settle his case with US boxing regulators. Margarito was suspended from professional boxing when he was found to have inserted illegal wraps in his boxing gloves during his last fight with Shane Mosley.

Another challenger who has been ‘begging’ Pacquiao for a fight is Edwin Valero of Venezuela. But the undefeated Venezuelan boxer has reportedly been committed to a rehab center for drug addition. He is also facing criminal charges for assaulting his wife who was recently treated in a hospital for injuries she suffered reportedly in the hands of Valero.

Manny Pacqquiao is currently in his home country and is busy attending to his political campaign for a possible seat in Philippine congress to represent his district in southern Philippines.

By: Leo Reyes
Source: digitaljournal.com

No Comments »