Boxing FanHouse http://boxing.fanhouse.com Boxing FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Boxing FanHouse http://boxing.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Ex-Champ Oleg Maskaev: 'I Stopped Vitali Klitschko in the First Round' http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/qanda-with-former-heavy-champ-oleg-maskaev/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/qanda-with-former-heavy-champ-oleg-maskaev/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/22/qanda-with-former-heavy-champ-oleg-maskaev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

For Oleg Maskaev to be in contention for a heavyweight world title is incredible considering the obstacles he has overcome both in and out of the ring.

There was his near-death experience as a 16-year-old coal miner in his native Zhambul, Kazakhstan, and the fact that only his budding, amateur boxing career saved the former Soviet leutenant from being sent into the war in Afganistan.

Knocked out in all of his six losses, Maskaev overcame a suspect chin to earn his biggest career wins -- two knockouts of former world champ, Hasim Rahman, with the second earning him a brief stint as WBC champion.

Maskaev says that he suffered a broken right elbow during the rematch with Rahman, an injury he endured during a subsequent win over Peter Okhello, as well as in a loss to Samuel Peter.

But now, Maskaev (36-6, 27 knockouts), who turns 41 in March, finds himself, yet again, on the verge of title contention.

For with a Dec. 11 victory over Dominican-born, Nagy Aguilera (14-2, nine KOs), Maskaev would earn a matchup with 39-year-old Ray Austin (28-4-4, 18 KOs). The winner of Maskaev-Austin positions himself for a shot at WBC king, Vitali Klitschko (38-2, 37 KOs), whom Maskaev knocked out in the first round as an amateur.

FanHouse caught up recently with Maskaev, who has dual citizenship in America and the United States.


FanHouse: So, you're still at it, trying to win a title?

Oleg Maskaev: You know what happened? I had a couple of injuries when I lost the title. I wasn't at full health or strength when I was trying to defend it against Samuel Peter.

That's why I wasn't able to successfully defend it -- because of the injuries. And now, I'm healthy, and I feel strong. I want to win it back. I feel that the belt belongs to me. That's my goal. That's what I'm going for.


FH: What answer do you have for people who might say that you're a little too old?

Maskaev: I would say that it's not about age, but it's about training. It's about how hard you want to train, and how disciplined you are in training. If you stay in shape, you have a good schedule, and you don't do stupid things, then it doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter if you're 40, 41 or, 44 -- like Bernard Hopkins is 44. That's a guy who has served as a good example for me.


FH: How big were the wins over Hasim Rahman at the points in your career when they were accomplished?

Maskaev: I was very happy when I beat Rahman the first time. Rahman was sure that he was going to stop me and knock me out the first time. And that didn't happen.

Even the second time, which was harder than the first time. After that fight, he wasn't the same -- believe me. I believe that I destroyed him. Totally. And everybody has looked at him, and he hasn't had the same stamina or shown the same heart after that.

Because of his training, because of his weight, because of his mental problems -- who knows.

FH: Given your knockout losses, can you blame people for doubting you and counting you out so much?

Maskaev: What I think about people, and what I'm not happy about is that they don't know Oleg. They don't know who is Oleg.

I have to be strong and healthy, mentally strong, with good preparation, no physical problems, and I can do a lot of things. I've proven that before, and I'm going to prove that again.


FH: What do you know about your next opponent, Nagy Aguilera?

Maskaev: I know enough. He has a good background. A solid amateur background. He likes to bring good pressure. He's going to give me a good fight, which is what I'm looking for. And I'm going to be ready for a good, tough fight, and I'm going to whip this guy.


FH: What are you looking forward to after Nagy Aguilera?

Maskaev: I've got to win this fight to get a shot at Ray Austin. That's the title eliminator for another championship fight. The main goal is to fight Vitali Klitschko. He's running away from me, but I know why, and he's given me some problems.

He's been like, 'I don't want to fight you this time.' I've been looking for the fight against this guy for six years, and hopefully, one way or the other, it will happen.


FH: Didn't you fight one of the Klitschkos as an amateur?

Maskaev: Yeah, Vitali. I fought Vitali in the amateurs and I stopped him in the first round, and he doesn't want to admit that. He'll say, 'Oh, hey, I hurt my hand, and I couldn't continue.'

But I remember that I hurt him three times, and when his trainer saw that Vitali couldn't handle it, and didn't have a chance to beat me, he stopped the fight.


FH: Do you believe that a meeting like that, years later, will help you, mentally, and, hurt Vitali, mentally?

Maskaev: I think, yes.


FH: Do you believe that you will eventually get that title shot?

Maskaev: It's boxing, so it's hard to predict what's going to happen. But I'm willing to fight him. I'm strong, confident and ready.


FH: Do you think that there is anything to the fact that five of your six knockout loses came during the first half of the year -- one in February, one in April and three in March around your birthday?

Maskaev: Yeah, who knows? Only God knows why. March, March, March. Somebody mentioned that same thing to me, but I don't believe in that. I don't believe in that, I believe in God, that's all.


FH: Why do you believe that you are more deserving of a title shot than some others?

Maskaev: Because I was a champion once, and, after that second victory over Rahman, I got the bad news that I had broken my elbow.


FH: So which elbow did this happen to?

Maskaev: It happened to the right elbow, and I broke it against Rahman the second time. And then, I was supposed to get a surgery operation, but then, I received an offer to fight Peter Okhello in Moscow.

So I said, 'No, I'm going to wait, I'm going to fight.' Because I thought that I would lose the chance to defend my title for the first time, and I wanted the chance to defend the WBC title in Moscow.

So then, I beat Okhello in Moscow, and I fought against him with a broken elbow. I was able to beat this guy the whole 12 rounds. I knocked him down once with an uppercut because I couldn't straighten out my right hand -- it was so bad.

And after that fight, I came home, and I went to a hospital in Manhattan, New York. And I had a surgery operation. The doctor said that rehabilitation would take about three years.

And then, I was supposed to fight Samuel Peter. I wasn't ready for that. I pulled out once. But then, I had some back injuries, and they ordered me to fight or I would lose the belt, and that's about it.


FH: So that's how you went into the fight with Samuel Peter, when you were knocked out in the sixth round?

Maskaev: Oleg, for that fight with Samuel Peter, wasn't the same Oleg.


FH: So over the course of the Rahman fight in August, 2006, the Peter Okhello fight in December of 2006, and the Samuel Peter fight in March of 2008, has your general health improved?

Maskaev: The right elbow is totally healed. And it's like it used to be. I can punch. I've shown that against my sparring partners. It's back. Mentally, I'm strong, and I want to do it. I've missed it. I'm going to bring it back.


FH: Were you feeling 100 percent for the 10-round decision over Robert Hawkins in December of 2008?

Maskaev: That was a good fight. Robert was a very smart guy, a slick guy. But I beat him all of the way. I wasn't 100 percent, but I'd say, 65-, 70-percent. That was a year or so after the surgery.


FH: How were you feeling for your last fight -- the first-round knockout of Rich Boruff -- when you weighed a career-high 252 pounds?

Maskaev: I felt great. Finally, my elbow was good. I was able to work out in a fitness club, lift weights, do a lot of pullups and pushups. I felt strong. I didn't leave the guy a chance.


FH: What do you need to do againts Nagy Aguilera to feel good about your performance?

Maskaev: What I need to do in this fight is to just get into the ring, relax, and do my job. Nice and relaxed. I don't need to overdo anything, I just need to push myself and not try to create something unbelievable.

I have everything. I just need to relax and do my job. The first time I get to hurt this guy, though, I'm going to do it. I want to see how well I can perform, and this fight is going to show exactly who Oleg is.


FH: Wasn't your present trainer, Chuck McGregor, in Rahman's corner when Rahman fought you the first time?

Maskaev: Yes, Yes. We talk about that, yeah. This, coming up, against Nagy Aguilera, is going to be the first fight working with Chuck. It's been a couple of months we've been together.

We just talked about the Rahman fight. He said, 'Oleg, do you remember that I was in the corner against you?' I said, 'Yes, I remember.' That was a great fight. We were killing each other. And he said the same thing.


FH: How do you want your career to come to a close?

Maskaev: I think differently. Boxing is my health. It's what I do. If I stop boxing, I'm going to gain weight and lose my health. Some people think boxing is dangerous for health. I don't think the same way.

I'm trying to work on my fitness, which is a lot of work. I expend energy and burn calories -- that's the way I am, that's who I am, that's my life, that's my character. Oleg wants to fight.

I have a trainer, a manager and a promoter. If they say to me, 'Oleg, you're old, and you're going to get beat up every time,' then, of course, I have to stop. I can do nothing.

But when you start thinking about your limitations, then exactly what you're thinking is going to happen. You're going to be afraid, and this and that. But there's no reason for me to think like that right now.

Why? I can run like I used to run. I spar with the guys. I can punch, I can fight, I can box the same way. I'm trying to learn, and I have a great trainer, Chuck McGregor, who is teaching me right now. I'm willing to learn, and that's great.

Ex-Champ Oleg Maskaev: 'I Stopped Vitali Klitschko in the First Round' originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>hasim rahmanoleg maskaevsamuel petervitali klitschkoLem SatterfieldSun, 22 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST Pacquiao-Cotto PPV Numbers Rolling in, Nearing 1.5M Buyshttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/working-pacquiao-cotto-just-below-1-5-million/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/working-pacquiao-cotto-just-below-1-5-million/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/working-pacquiao-cotto-just-below-1-5-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said that the early pay-per-view numbers released on Manny Pacquiao's victory over Miguel Cotto are "over a million and under 1.5 million buys -- and that's without all of the precincts being reported."

"They're not really accurate yet, but all that we can say with absolute certainty is that Pacquiao-Cotto was the biggest, revenue-producing event on pay-per-view for the entire year," said Arum. "And that surpasses all of the UFC. Everything. Any event. It's the biggest event of the year from the standpoint of revenue being generated."

Arum, who promotes Pacquiao (50-3-2, 37 knockouts), said that he met with officials at HBO on Thursday concerning the numbers.

Arum said that he expects Mark Taffet, HBO's senior vice president of pay-per-view, to release a statement on Friday when all of the numbers are totaled up.

"That's without Washington, D.C., being reported, Baltimore, California -- a lot of Comcast Systems," said Arum. "But based on what we have, we can make that statement -- that Pacquiao-Cotto was the biggest revenue-generating pay-per-view event of the year."

Arum had hoped to begin negotiating with Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions concerning a potential Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) matchup when the numbers were released, but would not elaborate on whether or not that had taken place.

However, according to sources with knowledge of their intentions, Arum and Schaefer could meet as early as next week to begin working on a deal to make Mayweather-Pacquiao.

"They said I will be representing them, so I am going to give Bob [Arum] a call [Friday] and see when we can meet. There are a whole list of things to discuss and then to take them back to Team Mayweather," Schaefer told ESPN.com's Dan Rafael.

"I've had conversations with [Mayweather advisers] Al Haymon and Leonard Ellerbe. Floyd wants to see if the fight can be made, so that's what I am going to do," said Schaefer.

"I am going to put my best effort forward to see that a fair deal can be structured so sports fans can get what they want," said Schaefer. "How often in any sport do you have the two best of an entire generation in their prime and able to challenge each other?"

During an Oct. 6 interview with FanHouse, Taffet said September's Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez bout produced more than a million pay-per-view buys -- only the fifth non-heavyweight fight to reach seven figures.

So with Pacquiao-Cotto and Mayweather-Marquez, boxing history was made, for their pay-per-view numbers marked the first time since 1999 that two fights generated more than a million pay-per-view buys in the same year, joining Felix Trinidad-Oscar De La Hoya and Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield.

Pacquiao-Cotto PPV Numbers Rolling in, Nearing 1.5M Buys originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bob arumevander holyfieldfelix trinidadfloyd mayweatherJuan Manuel Marquezlennox lewismanny pacquiaomark taffetmiguel cottooscar de la hoyaricky hattonLem SatterfieldThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:09:00 EST Bert Sugar: Mayweather-Pacquiao Would Be 'Fight Of The Century'http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/bert-sugar-mayweather-pacquiao-could-be-fight-of-the-century/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/bert-sugar-mayweather-pacquiao-could-be-fight-of-the-century/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/19/bert-sugar-mayweather-pacquiao-could-be-fight-of-the-century/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Noted boxing historian Bert Sugar believes that a clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao would rival Sugar Ray Leonard's comeback 14th-round knockout of Thomas Hearns in September 1981, when the victor trailed by four, three and two points, respectively, on the three judges' cards.

Calling it "today's Super Bowl of boxing," Sugar said the demand and scope of Mayweather-Pacquio "easily passes" Felix Trinidad's controversial September 1999, 12-round majority decision over Oscar De La Hoya, even as theirs was a clash of a Puerto Rican icon in Trinidad and a cross-over Mexican-American star in De La Hoya.

"[Mayweather-Pacquiao] has international appeal, particularly in Asia. And you've got HBO, which will be pumping it with their 24/7 series. It will be the fight of the century," said Sugar, who, as then-editor of Ring Magazine, named Leonard-Hearns "Fight Of The Year."

"Even though with Leonard-Hearns boxing was more in the mainstream within the framework of sports in the 1980's -- with football, baseball and basketball -- the hype for [Mayweather-Pacquiao] will be off the charts."

Mayweather (40-0, 25 knockouts) "has proven to be the No. 1 attraction in urban markets across America," HBO's senior vice president of pay-per-view, Mark Taffet, told FanHouse during an exclusive interview last month.

A five-division champion, Mayweather has participated in "Dancing With The Stars" and defeated professional wrestling's "Big Show" in a highly-viewed match.

In his most recent effort in September, Mayweather dominated Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez, nearly shutting out a fighter who endured a draw and a loss to Pacquiao in disputed bouts.

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 37 KOs), meanwhile, is coming off of a historic 12th-round knockout of Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), against whom he earned his record seventh crown in as many different weight classes.

Pacquiao is considered a hero in his native Philippines as well as a cross-over star in America, where he has graced the cover of the Asian edition of Time Magazine and been featured in ESPN's Body Issue, among other things.

"The whole thing is these are two [professed pound-for-pound fighters] who would be meeting together celestial plane. They're on the same off-ramp, trying to get off of the exit first," said Sugar.

"With Trinidad-De La Hoya, that was also in the welterweight division," said Sugar. "But Mayweather-Pacquiao is Leonard-Hearns in the fact that there is more of a major public demand" for both fighters in America.

In addition to their personalities beyond the ring, Mayweather and Pacquiao are known as much for their work ethics in preparation for bouts as for their skills on fight night.

The always chiseled Mayweather is known for being a gym rat to the point where, at the end of his workouts, the Las Vegas resident throws more than a thousand punches at the heavybag or mits held by trainer and uncle Roger Mayweather.

Pacquiao's daily training regimen is known to last for four hours, ending with a technique during which parts of his body are pounded by a long, thick stick to deaden the nerves against the pain of being punched.

Similarly, Leonard always was known for his spartan techniques and Hearns for closing workouts with push-ups while supporting his feet high on a table and clapping in between repetitions.

The sheer energy-level of the Leonard-Hearns battle over the course of their 14 rounds remains unmatched by virtually any fight of that caliber since then.

"I covered Leonard-Hearns, and going in, there wasn't the same energy-level ascribed to Hearns as to Leonard. That's because it was more about Hearns' punching ability. Hearns was knocking everybody out, so there was very little said about Hearns' stamina because he hadn't been around to see much action in decisions," said Sugar.

"They had been in exciting fights before, with Leonard having been in against Roberto Duran," and Hearns against Pipino Cuevas, said Sugar, noting how the roles of Hearns and Leonard changed over the course of their classic confrontation.

"And as it turned out, there were many ebbs and flows, and some back-and-forth. There were some rounds where there was some maneuvering. In the sixth round, after Leonard knocked down Hearns with a beautiful left hook. Hearns went to jabbing," said Sugar.

"Leonard, the boxer with the shorter arms, was able to get inside and to become the puncher. And Hearns, the puncher, became the boxer," said Sugar. "It was a great tactical battle, and Hearns just turned the tables and was winning it."

In a matchup with Mayweather, a defensive specialist, Pacquiao is expected to be the aggressor, similar to how Hearns was opposite Leonard.

Pacquiao out-landed Cotto, 276-to-93, in power-punches, or, nearly, three-to-one.

But can the action of Mayweather-Pacquiao live up to hype?

"With Leonard-Hearns, you sort of went in knowing that you were going to get what you got. But you have a different set of equations with Mayweather-Pacquiao. Pacquiao's always in exciting fights, and Floyd Mayweather has hardly ever been in an exciting fight," said Sugar.

"So there could be some question," said Sugar. "If Floyd is so much better than Manny, and he fights his fight, and controls it in his own way, it could be considered a boring fight. There was never that concern for Leonard-Hearns."


Bert Sugar's top three welterweight fights:

Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns 1 (Leonard, W TKO 14)

Carmen Basilio-Tony DeMarco I (Basilio, W TKO 12)

Carmen Basilio-Tony DeMarco II (Basilio, W TKO 12)

Bert Sugar: Mayweather-Pacquiao Would Be 'Fight Of The Century' originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bert sugarfelix trinidadfloyd mayweather jr.manny pacquiaomark taffetoscar de la hoyaroberto duransugar ray leonardthomas hearnsLem SatterfieldThu, 19 Nov 2009 14:43:00 EST Bernard Hopkins' Ring Life Continueshttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/bernard-hopkins-ring-life-continues/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/bernard-hopkins-ring-life-continues/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/18/bernard-hopkins-ring-life-continues/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Don't wish Bernard Hopkins success, wish him failure.

Specifically, tell the 44-year-old boxer that he's so far past his prime, that you believe he'll lose on Dec. 2 to unheralded 29-year-old Enrique Ornelas, the man he will meet in a non-title, 12-round light heavyweight (175 pounds) bout at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Hopkins' hometown of Philadelphia.

"People have written me off a lot of times in my life, and that's been my biggest motivation. I've always needed people to be rooting against me," said Hopkins, a former Philadelphia street criminal who survived three stabbings, was imprisoned at age 18 for five years, and released in 1988.

"I did not let the street life destroy me. I'm that throwback Philadephia fighter who just happened to take care of himself, and that's why I'm still here," said Hopkins, who is 49-5, with 32 knockouts.

"I took care of myself in my 20s, I took care of myself more in my 30s. I don't have a secret potion. No secret vitamins. No secret strength," said Hopkins. "Do I feel the same way at the age of 44 as I did at the age of 24, or, 34? No. But I will always be ahead of the game compared to the average, 45-year-old who is boxing -- if there is anyone out there other than me."

Hopkins, in addition to the age factor, said that he is at least equally -- if not more -- focused on the philanthropic theme of a his clash with Ornelas, which will be televised on VERSUS.

It will benefit three charities: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia & Susquehanna Valley, to which Hopkins will donate in memory of 2008 brain cancer victim Shaun Negler; the Hero Thrill Show, an annual day of events designed to raise money for the education of relatives of police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty; and the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., in memory of Hopkins' deceased mother, Shirley.

A film crew will record his visits to Shirley Hopkins' "resting place of eight years, as well as my brother's since [1984], my father's since '96, and my grandfather's since '84."

"There will be some emotional footage that no one has ever seen. We'll be running the streets where I got into trouble. This is meaningful for me to go through all of this leading up to this fight," said Hopkins, who will fight in Philadelphia for the first time since his eighth-round KO of Morrade Hakkar.

"It's crazy that the city is proud of me for accomplishing the things that I have," said Hopkins. "Philadelphia has lost 15 police officers in less than two years, but there will be a lot of [policemen] supporting me at the Liacouras Center."

Hopkins will enter the ring for the first time since October 18, 2008, when he dominated middleweight (160) world champion Kelly Pavlik of Youngstown, Ohio, to rebound from an April 2008 loss to unbeaten Joe Calzaghe of Wales.

"Because of my age, that's [Pavlik] a win that stands out the most," said Hopkins. "I proved that even though I was 43 at the time, that I could still compete at that level."

After losing his undisputed middleweight champion status to Jermain Taylor in July 2005, Hopkins rose to light heavyweight in June 2006 and routed former world champ Antonio Tarver, 118-109, on all three judges' cards.

"I was a big underdog against Tarver," said Hopkins, who subsequently routed former world titlist Winky Wrigh in July 2007. "I've been blessed to have a lot of great moments, but I think that I have a lot more history to accomplish. And my hit-list starts with Enrique."

Called, "a Mexican Joe Frazier," by Hopkins' trainer, Nazim Richardson, Ornelas is a former sparring partner of Hopkins.

"We've trained for an opportunity like this, and I know that he's not going to see me as a friend. As soon as we step into the ring, it's each man for himself. We're friends, but as soon as the bell rings, we're both their to execute a plan," said Ornelas, a hard-puncher with a record of 29-5 with 19 knockouts.

"I don't feel like this is his backyard or anything. I know that I'm fighting in his city, and I know that I'll have less of his crowd going for me," said Orlenas, a native of Mexico who lives in La Habra, Calif. "But that's all the better, and it will make me push harder to show the people that I really do want to win this fight."

The younger brother of super middleweight (168 pounds) Librado Andrade (28-2, 21 KOs), also of La Habra, Calif., Ornelas has lost three of his last seven bouts, being stopped once during that time.

Coming off of July's fourth-round stoppage of Roberto Baro, Ornelas is motivated by the fact that Andrade will face Montreal's southpaw IBF champion Lucian Bute (24-0, 19 KOs) at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec, Canada, on Nov. 28.

Bute-Andrade is a rematch of their Oct. 24, 2008, bout that ended with Bute surviving nearly being knocked out in the 12th round. Ornelas believes that his sparring sessions with Andrade will bring out his best against Hopkins.

"My brother and I have a similar style, so it's easy. We're here to work, and we're working really hard, and we're having a great time. [Hopkins] has seen it all. We really can't show him anything different," said Ornelas.

"We're just going to stay busy and try to take whatever he gives us. We have to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities any time he gives them to us. Fighting is what I love to do. I just want to prove it," said Ornelas. "We're looking to win, and we're training really hard. Winning would be an amazing thing that will open so many doors in so many ways."

Hopkins-Ornelas precedes an agreed-upon rematch with Florida's multi-champion Roy Jones (54-5, 40 KOs) slated for early, 2010, assuming Jones gets past Austrailia's tough Danny Green (27-3, 24 KOs) on the same night before Green's home crowd in Sydney.

According to ESPN.com, Jones-Hopkins II is slated for March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

"I have more to lose, and Enrique has more to gain. But trust me: I'm going to win this fight," said Hopkins, who will turn 45 on January 15 -- one day after Jones turns 41. "I'm going to look great, and I'm going to finish off Roy Jones Jr., and I might become the heavyweight champion of the world in 2010."



Nicknamed "The Executioner," Hopkins lost a unanimous decision in May 1993 to Jones, who since falling to Calzaghe last November, has stopped Omar Sheika and Jeff Lacey in five and 10 rounds respectively in March and August.

Hopkins earned the middleweight crown on April 29, 1995, with a seventh-round knockout of Segundo Mercado in a rematch of their controversial draw four months earlier. Hopkins made a division record 20 title defenses before losing to Taylor by a split decision.

Hopkins' title run included wins over nine world champions, with seven of those being knockouts of titlists Oscar De La Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Robert Allen, Simon Brown, Glen Johnson, John David Jackson and Carl Daniels.

"Dec. 2 starts a marathon of super-greatness for me. Some people may think that I'm bragging, but I'm blessed," said Hopkins. "I know that a lot of the media is trying to figure out when in the hell, and on what night, is this guy going to look like he's 45?"
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Bernard Hopkins' Ring Life Continues originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Antonio Tarverbernard hopkinsenrique ornelasfelix trinidadjeff laceyjermain taylorjoe calzaghejoe frazierKelly Pavliklibrado andradellucian buteLucian Butenazim richardsonoscar de la hoyaroy jonesLem SatterfieldWed, 18 Nov 2009 22:43:00 EST Freddie Roach Still Going After Big Winhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/17/manny-pacquiaos-trainer-freddie-roach-still-going-after-big-w/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/17/manny-pacquiaos-trainer-freddie-roach-still-going-after-big-w/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/17/manny-pacquiaos-trainer-freddie-roach-still-going-after-big-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Two days after guiding Manny Pacquiao to Saturday night's historic victory over Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, trainer Freddie Roach was back in Los Angeles, where he runs the famous Wild Card Boxing Club.

And even as he worked with another world champion, Amir Khan, as well as other prospects, the Hall of Fame trainer and three-time Trainer Of The Year took the time, on Tuesday, to answer the gym's telephone.

"I'm a little bit tired, and a little bit drained right now, but I can't show that to the fighters," said Roach, speaking against the gym's background noise of the bustling boxers pounding on the heavy-, and speed-bags, as well as the ringing bells of those who were sparring. "Once I get into the gym, I work through it."

A former trainer for Bernard Hopkins, Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Virgil Hill and James Toney, among others, Roach took a break long enough to share Q&A time with FanHouse.

The 49-year-old boxing guru shared his views on Pacquiao's overall talents, Cotto's future, his intense relationship with Cotto's trainer, Joe Santiago, and how he would like his pound-for-pound best fighter to close out his illustrious career.

FanHouse: How does this past fight rank as far as your experiences in the sport?

Freddie Roach: It's one of the best and most rewarding fights I've ever been involved in with Pacquiao. Miguel Cotto was very competitive early in the fight. There was action.

Even when Manny started to dominate the fight, Cotto still had a lot of heart and tried really hard. It's was just an excellent fight for the fans.

FH: Does your chemistry with Manny Pacquiao, your tape-study, explain your ability to be so spot-on with your predictions for Manny's last three knockouts against Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto?

Roach: I think that I'm getting better at watching tapes and seeings flaws as they happen. People can't change. I don't learn from mistakes so much anymore, because everyone makes mistakes.

But it's reviewing the habits that they have over and over again, and taking advantage of their good habits and bad habits of course.

Manny and I have such a close rapport now, since we've been together for years. We just work together on the gameplan, and we do it together.

We make adjustments with each other. It's like, 'let's do it this way a little bit, and that way a little bit,' so that it works out perfectly.

FH: What skills of other fighters does Manny Pacquiao's style conjure in your mind?

Roach: He has the tenacity and the intensity of a Roberto Duran as a lightweight. He has the right uppercut of a Salvador Sanchez, just right off of the jab through the middle -- beautiful shot.

If he hurts you, he can be a vicious finisher, like a Reuben Olivares. Once he gets you hurt, it's just a matter of time.

Manny has a lot of the ingredients of a lot of great fighters, and to win seven titles in seven different weight divisions -- we're not going to see that in a long time.

FH: How dangerous is Manny Pacquiao as a southpaw?

Roach: The key is that he uses it in a perfect way. He can switch to the right-handed stance, but why take his advantage away?

FH: Punching power?

Roach: He can punch as hard as any welterweight in the world.

FH: General defensive skills?

Roach: Still drops his hands a little bit too much when he's exchanging, but we're working on that. His head movement is 100 percent better than before, but I want more.

He sees punches very well. Blocking punches is no problem. Sometimes, he ignores them. He has good vision, which is one of his best assets.

FH: How is Manny's right jab?

Roach: His right jab, he should use it more. He has a great right jab, but just doesn't use it enough. Against Miguel, he used it okay, but he's got a tremendously hard, hard right jab.

I want him to use that a little more to set up his power shots, but he was letting Cotto get his jab off a little bit too much. I think he could have used his right jab a lot more.

FH: Right hand in general?

Roach: The right hand -- the right hook is as good as his left hand at this point. It's got knockout power in it and it's very accurate.

His right hook is new and improved, but I told him that I'm not going to be satisifed until it's as good as the left, and I think that we're almost there.

FH: Left hand?

Roach: Deadly.

FH: In what ways?

Roach: He sets you up with the right hand for the power in the left hand, and he can knock out anyone in the world with that shot.

FH: Left hook?

Roach: It's the same as the right hand. It's deadly. He either hooks it over or can throw it over and over again as kind of a half-hook, half-straight, half-overhand left.

That's why we took Cotto to the ropes, where we tried to slide off to the left and land that shot. We had a couple of good body shots. Cotto was smart enough to get away from that on the ropes.

FH: What were your least enjoyable moments during the promotional buildup for the fight?

Roach: The three days in Manila. There were really a lot of distractions and too many people pulling at Manny Pacquiao.

FH: Most enjoyable moments?

Roach: You know, the 24/7 series was a fun show. They did a great job. We had a good time in training camp. There was a lot of chaos around us, but we never missed a day of training.

Some of my favorite moments were in the gym. My favorite moment for this camp was when we got back to the Wild Card Gym in L.A.

FH: Can you talk about that obsenity-laced argument with Cotto's trainer, Joe Santiago, at the weigh-in?

Roach: You know, if someone is calling me an a******, I'm going to have to say something back to them.

He said, '145 pounds a******.' I said, '145 is the contracted weight, and he's supposed to be there. And if you call me an a****** again, you call me an a****** one more time, I'll [expletive] knock you out.'

FH: If you could have a man-to-man talk with Joe Santiago about what it takes to be a trainer and what sort of things he should take away from this past experience, what would you tell him?

Roach: I'd teach him how to catch punches on the mits and make it real. Don't make it slow motion -- like you're going to a dance. It's not a dance.

The things that I do on the mits, that's what happens in fights. The things that he does on the mits, that does not happen in fights.

FH: What about working the corner during this particular fight?

Roach: I would tell him that he should have protected his fighter a little bit more. When a fighter of Cotto's quality and magnitude switches into survival mode, it's time to get him out of there and save him.

The fighter will just go, go, go. Fighters don't quit. But you know what? Somebody needed to step up and have the balls to stop the fight and to save Cotto for another day.

Miguel Cotto did not need to take that beating at the end.



FH: What would you tell Miguel Cotto about his future?

Roach: I think that Miguel Cotto has a good future, but he needs a good trainer. More experienced. The Santiago kid, he's just doing what Miguel tells him to do.

FH: Who are the guys working in your corner?

Roach: My cut man is Miguel Diaz, Buboy Fernandez, Manny's friend -- who is also my translator -- and Alex Ariza, my strength coach.

FH: What's next on your immediate schedule of fighters?

Roach: I have Amir Khan [21-1, 15 KOs] coming up for a defense on Dec. 5, and I've got Vanes Martirosyan [25-0, 16 KOs] fighting in Youngstown, Ohio, on Dec. 19. I've got Gerry Penalosa [54-7-2, 36 KOs] fighting a title eliminator in February.

That's all I have right now. I hope that I get a break for Christmas. I'm a little bit tired, but once I get into the gym, I don't show it to the fighters. I work through it.

I'm a litte bit drained right now, but I'll make sure that I'm 100 percent when they're in the gym. I just work my [butt] off.

FH: If you could select Manny Pacquiao's next opponent, and the scenario with which he could close out his magical career, how would that go?

Roach: I can't wait to get Manny ready for Floyd Mayweather. We're going to work on that because his style poses some problems, with him being more of a counter-puncher.

But Manny's at the point where he can deal with that. We'll break him down and beat him up. We'll knock Floyd Mayweather out, shut him up, and call it a day.

Freddie Roach Still Going After Big Win originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>amir khanfloyd mayweatherfreddie roachjoe santiagomanny pacquiaomiguel cottooscar de la hoyaricky hattonroberto duransalvador sanchezLem SatterfieldTue, 17 Nov 2009 23:21:00 EST Floyd Mayweather to Manny Pacquiao: 'Step Up to the Plate'http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/floyd-mayweather-to-manny-pacquiao-step-up-to-the-plate/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/floyd-mayweather-to-manny-pacquiao-step-up-to-the-plate/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/16/floyd-mayweather-to-manny-pacquiao-step-up-to-the-plate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Floyd MayweatherFloyd Mayweather was nowhere to be seen in the MGM Grand Hotel during the lead-up to this past Saturday night's Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto welterweight megafight. Nor could the undefeated, five-time champion and Las Vegas resident be found when Pacquiao made history by lifting from Cotto the WBO's 147-pound title belt.

But in the days since Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, stood in the ring before a packed MGM Grand Garden Arena and called out his name as the man he wanted to be Pacquiao's next opponent, Mayweather has gotten the message loud and clear.

Mayweather's name was even chanted by the crowd of more than 16,200, but he says that he just hasn't heard it from Pacquiao's own mouth.

Pacquiao-Mayweather: Modern-Day Ali-Frazier
No More Argument: Pacquiao Deserves Crown
Video: Pacquiao's Legendary Night

"They are all talking for him, but Manny Pacquiao has yet to say he wants to fight me. If he wants to fight me, all he has to do is step up to the plate," said Mayweather, who is 40-0, with 25 knockouts, after pitching a virtual shutout over Juan Manuel Marquez in his last fight in September.

Mayweather, whose nickname has morphed from "Pretty Boy," to, "Money," watched Saturday's fight from his home in Las Vegas.

"Manny Pacquiao is the fighter, and every time someone asks him if he wants to fight me, he says it is up to his promoter, or he's going to take a vacation, or whatever the answer is. I have yet to hear him actually say, 'yes I want to fight Mayweather,'" said Mayweather in a statement issued by his media company.

"We are the fighters, and if one fighter is talking about fighting another fighter, then they should just come out and say it," said Mayweather. "Manny Pacquiao doesn't say anything directly about fighting me because he might just know it's not a fight he can win."

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 37 KOs) and Mayweather are considered to be the sport's premier fighters, pound-for-pound, and the logical rivals in a bout whose magnitude should surpass all others.

"The world is much more intrigued by the thought of someone fighting me who can beat me. That is what everyone wants to see and the boxing world is trying to find that guy," said Mayweather, 32. "Manny Pacquaio's people have done a good job of creating an image of him to be this unbelievable fighter, and now the so-called guy to beat me. But like all the rest, he's not the one."
"There is boxing and then there is me. The rest are just falling in line behind me or are trying to get in line to fight me. And that includes Manny Pacquiao too."
-- Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Like Mayweather, Pacquiao, 30, has victories over Marquez, Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya. Mayweather beat Hatton and De La Hoya first, by knockout and decision, respectively, before Pacquiao stopped both fighters. Mayweather has decisioned Marquez, and Pacquiao has drawn with and decisioned Marquez.

"Less than an hour after his fight Saturday night the talk turns back to me. Their whole promotion was just a Mayweather sweepstakes. They know it and anyone could figure that out. Why? Because my name kept coming up and I didn't even say anything," said Mayweather.

Richard Schaefer, representing Mayweather on behalf of Golden Boy promotions, said that he would work with Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, to get Mayweather-Pacquiao done.

"I think it will be a great fight, and a big fight, and I really don't want to say anything else, because there is really not much more to be said right now," said Schaefer. "But I do think that it could be one of those fights which certainly has the potential to break any and all records."

Schaefer and Arum have successfully pulled off such matchups as Pacqauiao's fights opposite Marquez, De La Hoya, Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera, as well as Cotto-Shane Mosley, Barrera-Erik Morales, De La Hoya-Fernando Vargas, Mosley-Antonio Margrito, and Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik.

"In the last five years, we've done so many big fights together, and in the process, we've developed a mutual respect for each other. So, I think Bob likes to work with us, and we like to work with him," said Schaefer. "Let the people behind the scenes do their job, and hopefully, we are going to be successful putting that together."

Arum told FanHouse he wanted to wait before starting negotiations -- at least until Wednesday, when it could be determined whether or not Pacquiao-Cotto had approached or surpassed the pay-per-view buys mark of 2.4 million set by Mayweather-De La Hoya in May of 2007.

"[Pacquiao] said during an interview he did leading up to his fight that he didn't think I wanted to fight him, and that boxing, for me, was just a business, and I wasn't interested in a good fight," said Mayweather.

"But again, he never said during that interview that he would fight me. Why is he talking about what I won't do instead of what he wants to do? Plain and simple, it's because he knows he can't beat me under any circumstances."
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Floyd Mayweather to Manny Pacquiao: 'Step Up to the Plate' originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>antonio margaritoAntonio Margritobernard hopkinsbob arumerik moralesfernando vargasfloyd mayweatherfreddie roachkelly pavlikmanny pacquiaomarco antonio barreraMarcoAntonioBarreramiguel cottooscar de la hoyaOscarDeLaHoyarichard shaeferricky hattonshane mosleyLem SatterfieldMon, 16 Nov 2009 20:39:00 EST Pacquiao-Mayweather Would Be a Modern-Day Ali-Frazierhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/pacquiao-mayweather-would-be-a-modern-day-ali-frazier/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/pacquiao-mayweather-would-be-a-modern-day-ali-frazier/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/pacquiao-mayweather-would-be-a-modern-day-ali-frazier/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LAS VEGAS -- The superlatives ran rampant during the aftermath of Manny Pacquiao's brilliantly violent beatdown of Miguel Cotto on Saturday night in an MGM Grand Garden Arena packed to its rafters with more than 16,200 fans.

Having witnessed the Filipino superstar's array of speed, athleticism and durability used to batter senseless the Puerto Rican warrior before their fight was stopped 55 seconds into the 12th round, promoter Bob Arum declared Pacquiao "the best fighter that I've ever seen -- and that includes Muhammad Ali, and Sugar Ray Leonard, and Marvin Hagler."

Ross Greenburg, head honcho of sports programming at HBO, told reporters it is time for Pacquiao to face his unbeaten, pound-for-pound rival, Floyd Mayweather, in a "Super Bowl" type of matchup whose modern-day significance would rival Ali-Joe Frazier.
More: Pacquiao Leaves No Doubt After Beating Cotto

In fact, the crowd, in unison, chanted, "We want Floyd," during the fight's immediate conclusion.

"Floyd believes that he's the best in the world. And having witnessed Manny's performance tonight, and having seen what Manny has done against both [Oscar] De La Hoya and [Ricky] Hatton, it's clear that Manny has an argument," said Greenburg, who already has facilitated a meeting for Monday between Arum and Richard Shaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, representing Mayweather.

"I called Richard Shaefer, and what he said is that he would begin negotiating with Bob on Monday. And we have to settle it in the ring. What's most important is to seize the opportunity right now," said Greenburg. "This fight is huge, and I don't know if the sky is the limit. This is on the Super Bowl level, and it should be treated that way. We have to do it the right way and take it to another level."

Pacquiao floored Cotto twice and lost maybe one round in the fight on the way to earning the WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title. In the process, "The Pac-Man" became the first fighter to earn a seventh belt in as many different weight classes.

Pacquiao addressed the post-fight media wearing a full white gauze wrapping around his head. His badly swollen right ear had to be drained of fluid as a result of punishment received during the fight, and he was bruised beneath both eyes.
"I think this was one of the toughest fights in my boxing career. I took a lot of punches from Cotto -- my eyes, my ears," said Pacquiao, who began his career as a 106-pound, 16-year-old with a four-round decision over Edmund Enting Ignacio in January 1995 and earned his first world title with an April 1999, fourth-round knockout of Gabriel Mira at 112 lbs.

"I don't want to compare my achievements to Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard. I'm just doing my job to give the people a good fight," said Pacquiao. "My goal is to give good enjoyment to those people who are watching us."

The victory was the 50th for Pacquiao against three losses and two draws, and the 11th straight since losing a unanimous decision to Erik Morales in March 2005.

During that stretch, the 30-year-old Pacquiao has eight knockouts, including four consecutively. That spree include those against David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, respectively, in nine, eight and two rounds.

And Pacquaio's run includes having twice avenged the loss to Morales, whom he stopped in 10, and, three rounds, in January and November 2006.

It also includes 12-round triumphs over Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, as well as an eighth-round knockout of Jorge Solis, who entered their matchup unbeaten at 33-0-2, with 24 knockouts.

Against Cotto (34-2, 27 KOs), Pacquiao yet again displayed balance and a wizardry that allowed him to punch from awkward angles, even as some critics questioned his ability to carry his two-fisted power against a champion who represented the largest and strongest man he had ever faced in the ring.

Pacquiao, who fought Cotto at a catchweight of 145 pounds, weighed in at 144 -- his highest since the 142 against De La Hoya, as well as 138 against Hatton.

Still, Pacquiao was able to floor Cotto during each of the third and fourth rounds, respectively, with a right hand to the temple and a brutal left uppercut.

"Manny proved that he can punch with any 147-pounder in the world," said Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach. "Manny has great power and speed. I think that he proved everything tonight."

Earlier, Pacquiao had dominated Cotto in the ninth round where, at one point, there was an unanswered 10-punch combination as well as a three-punch series that nearly floored Cotto again.

Referee Kenny Bayless appeared ready to step in at that point, and Roach, for one, believes that he or Cotto's cornerman, Joe Santiago, should have.

"In round nine, Miguel was ready to give up. He was in retreat mode and wasn't trying to win the fight anymore," said Roach. "I mean, when you're not trying to win the fight anymore, and you're out there bleeding to death, and you see his face is bloody like that -- come on."

Pacquiao left Cotto's face a mass of welts, bruises and cuts, including a deep, laceration around his left eye from which blood flowed like a river.

Cotto apparently nearly remained on his stool following the 11th round, but changed his mind and tried to finish the fight before Bayless mercifully put his arms around the beaten man and waved an end to it.

During the furious back-and-forth early rounds, however, Pacquiao said that he "wanted to measure" Cotto's strength as a challenge to the pre-fight notion that he -- as the smaller man -- couldn't withstand what Cotto had to offer.

"The first three rounds, I was measuring his power. That's why I didn't move. It hurts, and he's strong. But I pretended that I wasn't getting hurt by his punches, and I made it," said Pacquiao, whose birthname is Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao.

"Before the fight, there was talk that he was going to be bigger, and that he was going to be the stronger man in the ring. So I was like, 'Okay, we will see,'" said Pacquiao. "And I was trying to fight toe-to-toe, because I wanted to prove that I was stronger."

Roach said that Pacquiao "was hurt once" during the fight, "in the third round."

"Third round, coming off of the ropes in my corner, he got nailed with a left hook. Miguel was coming out low from a crouch and he threw a half-uppercut, half-hook, and he caught Manny and you saw him shake just a bit," said Roach.

"I told Manny, 'Next round, stay the hell off of the ropes.' I yelled at him and said, 'Why are you fighting his fight? You're giving the guy an opportunity to bang the body and use that left hook,'" said Roach. "'That's someplace that you don't want to be.' And Manny says, 'I can handle it,' and he did."

After taking what Cotto had to offer, Pacquiao said "I felt like after the third or fourth round, I had him."

A crossover star in America, Pacquiao has been featured in ESPN's Body Issue, graced the cover of Time Magazine, and been the subject of a five-page feature story in the New York Times.

Pacquiao was a knockout on a recent edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live, and was the only athlete among 18 recipients of this year's Gusi Peace Prize, bestowed upon him for his humanitarian efforts in disaster relief during two recent typhoons in the Philippines.

Pacquiao is in the midst of filming a movie, WaPak Man, about a super hero whose powers rival that of Superman and Spider-Man.

And his stock is only rising, even as he remains humble against the praise.

"When I think about what I've achieved right now, it's unbelievable. But I don't want to compare my achievement to any fighter. We just did our best in boxing," said Pacquiao. "I always thank God for the physical ability that he gives to me. As long as you believe in God, nothing is impossible."

Pacquiao-Mayweather Would Be a Modern-Day Ali-Frazier originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>floyd mayweatherfreddie roachmanny pacquiaomiguel cottoLem SatterfieldSun, 15 Nov 2009 13:16:00 EST No More Arguments: Pacquiao Deserves Crown After Throttling Cottohttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/no-more-arguments-pacquiao-deserves-crown-after-throttling-cott/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/no-more-arguments-pacquiao-deserves-crown-after-throttling-cott/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/no-more-arguments-pacquiao-deserves-crown-after-throttling-cott/#commentsFiled under:

Manny PacquiaoLAS VEGAS -- There is no more debate. No one can question the boxing dominance of Manny Pacquaio, not after yet another devastating defeat of another of the sport's greats. Pacquaio's relentless speed, even at his heaviest weight ever, was absolutely too much for WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Pacquaio won his unprecedented seventh world title in seven different weight classes Saturday night with a one-sided, 12th-round TKO over Cotto with 55 seconds remaining at a sold-out (16,200) MGM Grand Garden Arena, where a ticket couldn't be had for weeks.
More Coverage: Round-by-Round Blog | Full Card Results | Fight Photos

No wonder. Fight fans eagerly anticipated this matchup, wondering if Pacquaio's incredible speed, which has seen him rise magnificently to titles from 112 pounds and now to welterweight, would be too much for Cotto to handle. Cotto (34-2, 27 KOs), one of Puerto Rico's most revered sports legends, came into this bout with only one blemish on his record: the controversial blood-soaked beating he sustained 15 months ago at the hands of Antonio Margarito.

But Cotto now becomes the latest top boxer to succumb to the speed of Pacquaio (50-3-2, 38 KOs), who took down David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton to set up this challenge against a pure welterweight who figured to outweigh him by 15 pounds at the opening bell.

Whether this leads to the obvious next chapter -- a welterweight matchup against Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- is probably up to Mayweather. He'll duck as long as possible. But Pacquiao is eager to see that fight happen, and he knows that it won't be easy to put together.

"My job is to fight in the ring and that's for Bob Arum to negotiate that fight," Pacquaio said. "For now, I don't know. I'm going to take a vacation and spend time with my family."

He deserves it, after nearly ending this fight in the opening round.

"In the first round, I'm looking for a knockout shot," Pacquaio said, "and that's why I didn't throw a lot of punches. Last minute, I hit him with a right hook. I heard he was bigger than me, stronger than me, so I wanted to fight toe to toe."

That they did. In the early round, Cotto's strength and power took some toll on Pacquaio. But that would soon diminish.

"We knew how tough he is. We knew he would counter," said Pacquiao, who took more punches early in this fight than he typically does, and emerged with a red welt under his right eye. "Yeah, we tried our best in the last round to knock him out. I thought in the 11th round they were going to stop the round. I was surprised he continued to fight through 12 rounds."

The beating became so one-sided, Cotto's wife and son left ringside in the eighth, unable to watch anymore. Cotto came away with cuts across his eyes, his nose bloodied, and nursing a tender left shoulder which left him wincing to the touch.

When it was over, Cotto's mother tenderly kissed her son's hands and fingers after his cornermen removed the wraps.

Miguel Cotto"I didn't see where the punches were coming from, and I didn't protect myself from his punches," said Cotto, who said he will continue to fight (and not retire) even though his father and many in his corner begged him not to continue after the 11th round.

"I'm very proud of what I did in the ring," said Cotto, who turned 29 on Oct. 29. "I've fought everybody."

Freddie Roach once again had Pacquiao honed to perfection for this challenge. He was disappointed to see his fighter pushed against the ropes too many times but couldn't find much fault with the outcome.

"Manny's hand speed was too much," Roach said. "Manny's in-and-out motion was too much. Cotto was better than we thought, he had better hand speed than he had against (Joshua) Clottey. But once we saw him backing up, I knew the fight was over."

Cotto's trainer, Joe Santiago, who had been criticized for being too inexperienced for a bout of this magnitude, was surprised by what he saw. "He hit a lot harder than we expected," Santiago said of Pacquaio. "He was a lot stronger than we expected."

Cotto's strength and weight advantage showed in the opening round. Cotto was clearly the aggressor, attacking Pacquaio's jab with power punches. Both fighters stayed in the center of the ring, and Cotto seemed eager to set the tone.

But Pacquaio came out more aggressively in the second, slipping uppercuts and combinations to counter Cotto's stand-and-deliver style.

Early in the third, a right hook by Pacquaio sent Cotto reeling for the fight's first knockdown, but the Puerto Rican answered with a straight right that rattled the challenger. Cotto scored again with a left jab that went straight to Pacquiao's chin.

In the fourth, Pacquaio's superior speed dominated the round, as did Pac-Man's left jab and combinations that overwhelmed Cotto's power punches. The champion managed to maneuver Pacquiao into the ropes, where Roach didn't want his guy to be caught.

But Pacquaio responded with a flurry of punches, including a devastating left uppercut with 10 seconds remaining in the fourth round that tagged Cotto square to his chin and rocked his head back for a second knockdown.

The two fought to a near-draw in the fifth round, but Cotto emerged with his face marked red and looking spent in his corner afterward. The final 10 seconds saw Pacquaio attack Cotto with a flurry of punches that may have sent the Puerto Rican to the canvas had he not been against the ropes.

By the sixth and seventh rounds, it was clear Cotto had lost much of the power behind his punches that earlier had done so much damage. His face, marked by tiny cuts, was red and swollen. Cotto stayed squarely in Pacquaio's face, but the Filipino went after him relentlessly.

Almost nothing missed -- Pacquaio scored with hooks, uppercuts, straight left hands. By the ninth round, Cotto was in retreat, trying to hold onto what power he had left and backing up more. It was the critical round: Cotto's face finally opened and began to bleed. Referee Kenny Bayless paused to examine the wounds near Cotto's nose and on his left eyelid, but let the two continue.

After the 10th, with their fighter bleeding profusely from his nose and left eyelid, Cotto's corner asked him if he wanted to continue. He told them yes.

By then, it was just a matter of when it would end for Cotto, and how. The champ stood in bravely, but by the end of a one-sided 11th round, Cotto was asking his corner if the fight was over yet. He was mangled and a mess.

The left uppercut, Pacquaio's staple punch, finally took down Cotto less than a minute before the final bell.

The final Punchstat numbers showed Pacquiao dominating in total punches thrown, 780 to 597, punches connected (335-172) and power punches connected: a devastating 275 to 93.

Cotto walked to his team bus with his wife and children, but was taken to Las Vegas' University Medical Center trauma unit to undergo a full body scan.

Pacquaio, looking refreshed in the post-fight news conference, said he would perform eight songs at an outdoor concert. One man in the hospital, the other making music. That's the state of boxing now, until Pacquaio gets his shot at Mayweather.

No More Arguments: Pacquiao Deserves Crown After Throttling Cotto originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>freddie roachmanny pacquiaomiguel cottoNancy GaySun, 15 Nov 2009 02:52:00 EST Manny Pacquiao Defeats Miguel Cotto to Claim WBO Welterweight Titlehttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/manny-pacquiao-defeats-miguel-cotto-to-claim-wbo-welterweight-ti/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/manny-pacquiao-defeats-miguel-cotto-to-claim-wbo-welterweight-ti/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/15/manny-pacquiao-defeats-miguel-cotto-to-claim-wbo-welterweight-ti/#commentsFiled under:

Manny PacquiaoLAS VEGAS -- Manny Pacquiao's speed and power were way too much for Miguel Cotto's heart.

Pacquiao put on yet another dominating performance Saturday night, knocking down Cotto twice and turning his face into a bloody mess before finally stopping him at 55 seconds of the 12th round.

The Filipino star used his blazing speed and power from both hands to win his seventh title in seven weight classes and cement his stature as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Cotto took such a beating that his face was a river of red from the fury of Pacquiao's punches but he refused to quit even as his corner tried to throw in the towel after the 11th round.
More Coverage: Round-by-Round Blog | Full Card Results

The fight was billed as a 145-pound classic, and in the early rounds it didn't disappoint. The two went after each other with a vengeance and Cotto more than held his own as they traded punches in the center of the ring.

Pacquiao dropped Cotto with a right hand early in the third round, but he wasn't badly hurt and came back to finish the round strong. But after Pacquiao put Cotto on the canvas with a big left hand as Cotto was advancing forward late in the fourth round, the Puerto Rican was never the same again.

"Our plan was not to hurry but to take our time," Pacquiao said. "It was a hard fight tonight and I needed time to test his power."

Cotto fought gamely but in the later rounds he was just trying to survive as blood flowed down his face and Pacquiao kept coming after him relentlessly. It looked as if his corner was trying to stop the fight after the 11th round, but Cotto went back out to take even more punishment before a final flurry along the ropes prompted referee Kenny Bayless to call the fight to an end.

Cotto's face was swollen, blood was flowing from his nose and his cuts, and he simply couldn't stop Pacquiao from bouncing inside and throwing both hands at will.

"I didn't know from where the punches were coming," Cotto said. "Manny Pacquiao is one of the best boxers I ever fought."

Pacquiao, coming off of spectacular wins over Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, added another one against Cotto, who had lost only once and held the WBO version of the welterweight title. Pacquiao did it in trademark fashion, throwing punches in flurries and from all angles until Cotto began to slow down and then pursuing him relentlessly until the fight finally ended.

The fight will likely set up an even bigger fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and many in the soldout crowd at the MGM Grand arena began chanting "We want Floyd! We want Floyd" after the fight ended.

"I want to see him fight Mayweather," trainer Freddie Roach said.

Mayweather may have second thoughts after Pacquiao did what no fighter has done before and win a belt in a seventh weight class. More impressive, though, is how he has fought, dismantling opponents despite moving up consistently from 106 pounds to the 144 he weighed for the fight.

The welterweight ranks will be the last ones Pacquiao conquers, though. He said he will not move up any more in weight.

"This is the last weight division for me," Pacquiao said. "It's history for me and more importantly a Filipino did it.

He was so dominant in the later rounds that Cotto was fighting backward most of the way, simply trying to survive. Pacquiao was credited with landing almost twice as many punches - 336-172 - as Cotto.

Pacquiao earned a minimum $13 million, while Cotto got $7 million

Pacquiao was favored, largely off his last two performances in which he forced De La Hoya to quit on his stool and then knocked out Hatton with a huge left hook in the second round. Some in boxing, including Roach, thought Cotto had been slowed by his devastating loss last year to Antonio Margarito and would be further slowed by having to come in 2 pounds lower than his normal weight.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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Manny Pacquiao Defeats Miguel Cotto to Claim WBO Welterweight Title originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>manny pacquiaomiguel cottoFanHouse NewswireSun, 15 Nov 2009 00:34:00 EST Pacquiao vs. Cotto Results: Live Updates of Undercard and Main Eventhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/pacquiao-vs-cotto-results-live-updates-of-undercard-and-main-e/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/pacquiao-vs-cotto-results-live-updates-of-undercard-and-main-e/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/pacquiao-vs-cotto-results-live-updates-of-undercard-and-main-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,


FanHouse will have live results of Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) vs. Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts) fight card in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

When the main event begins, around 11PM ET, check out our Pacquaio vs. Cotto live blog for live round-by-round updates. Prior to the main event, we'll have live updates on Twitter, and results on all the undercard fights will be posted below.

Televised Undercard

o. Alfonso Gomez (21-4-2, 10 KOs), Tustin, Calif., by technical unanimous decision over Jesus Soto-Karass (24-4-3, 16 KOs), Los Mochis, Mexico, earns vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight (147 pounds) Championship.

(Fight stopped at 2:41 of round six, due to a cut cause by an accidental head-butt. Gomez was leading, 58-54, on one card, and, 57-55, on two other cards. Nevada State Athletic Commission rules state that scorecards must be used to determine a fight's result after four rounds when a head-butt causes the injury)

(Both fighters are in the ring. Soto-Karass, wearing orange and black, is introduced first by Michael Buffer; Gomez, in yellow and black, is second.)

Round 1: After trading jabs, Soto-Karass circles, working off of the jab. Gomez jabs and digs to the body. Gomez beats Soto-Karass to the punch during an exchange. Gomez continues to the body, then to the head and backs off. Gomez's round, 10-9

Round 2: Gomez starts out jabbing, goes to the head. Soto-Karass lands two jabs, but Gomez is seeing his punches. Gomez fires twice to the head, and then jabs twice, successfully. Gomez lands a hard right to Soto-Karass' jaw. A body shot, followed by a hard right hand stuns Soto-Karass. Gomez is much busier and closes strong to put another round in the books. Gomez's round, 10-9

Round 3: Gomez is demonstrating excellent ring generalship, mixing his jab, with upstairs shots to the head and also going to the body. Gomez's jab and two, overhand rights back up Soto-Karass. A head-butt causes a cut over Gomez's right eye. A second head-butt draws a penalty deduction from Soto-Karass by referee Vic Drakulich. Gomez goes back to his movement and sustains his attack, finishing strong, yet again. Gomez's round, 10-8

Round 4: Soto-Karass receives another point-deduction, this time, for hitting low. Gomez maintains a good distnce and boxes from there, moving, jabbing, landing an overhand right. Soto-Karass plods forward, failing to cut off the ring. A four-punch combination lands by Gomez, who then moves away. Soto-Karass lands a stiff jab up the middle. Gomez double-jabs. Gomez closes with a triple-jab and a right hand. Gomez's round, 10-8

Round 5: Soto-Karass enjoys some early moments during a lull for Gomez, going to the body and rising to the head with a six-punch volley. Gomez backs off, as if taking a break, but picks up the tempo during the middle of the round. Soto-Karass pops Gomez's head back with a straight right, hen tags him with a jab that causes the blood to flow from Gomez's right eye. At round's end, Soto-Karass has Gomez on the ropes, and fires with a round-ending, four-punch combination. Soto-Karass's round, 10-9.

Round 6: Soto-Karass starts the round by boxing, then moves forward, although Gomez wins the early exchanges by being busier. Soto-Karass is trying to focus on the eye, but takes a crisp rigt hand, as well as an uppercut from Gomez. Gomez pumps his jab out. Drakulich stops the fight and takes Gomez to his corner, and has the doctor inspect the cut over his right eye. Fight stopped at 2:41 of the round, and we go to the scorecards.

o. Yuri Foreman (28-0, eight KOs), Brooklyn, N.Y., over Daniel Santos (33-3-1, 23 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico, dethrones him for Santos' WBA Super Welterweight (154 pounds) Championship.

(Foreman wins, 117-109 on the cards of Robert Hoyle and Jerry Roth, and, 116-110, on that of Clark Sammartino to become the first-ever Israeli fighter to win a professional world championship. Foreman dropped Santos twice in the fight -- once in the second round, and again, in the 12th)

(Foreman enters the ring with the Israeli flag; Santos, in a black, hooded robe)

Round 1: Fighting at range, Foreman jabs to start out. Fires to the head and body. Dances away. Santos, a southpaw, watches him circle right and then left. Santos lands a grazing left. Foreman is patient. Bouncing on his toes. Maintaining distance. Santos is trying to time him, but his inactivity may be giving away the round. Santos digs to the body. Foreman takes it and moves away. Santos lands two lefts at the bell. Even, 10-10.

Round 2: Foreman, trying to become the first Israeli champion, continues his strategy of circling and jabbing. Santos, flat-footed, waits for an opportunity. Foremanclinches, then punches twice to the head during the break. Foreman's jabs are short. The crowd grows restless due to the inactivity. The fighters trade hard right hands. They do so again. During a cliinh, Foreman lands an overhand right that catches Santos flat-footed and drops him. He rises, unhurt, but the knockdown counts. Foreman's round, 10-8.

Round 3: Foreman appears to be more lively. Dancing and moving and being more purposeful with his jab. Foreman grazes Santos with a right. Santos appears to be trying to land the one big blow, and misses wildly. They clinch. Foreman chases Santos to the ropes and lands two right hands to the jaw. Foreman runs in and lands a right hand at the bell. Foreman's round, 10-9

Round 4: Santos looks somewhat bewildered to start the round, backing off and boxing. Foreman's strategy is unchanged, as he jumps in with two, lead right hands and then another. Santos fires a short punch that finds its mark. Foreman pounds Santos during a clinch. Foreman drills a right hand that staggers Santos and has him hanging on, and then follows that up with about 10-to-12, more unanswered punches as the champion hangs on. Foreman's round, 10-9

Round 5: The younger figher, Foreman, 29, has a lot of confidence, and appears to be physically stronger than the 34-year-old Santos. Foreman doubles up on his rights and lefts. Foreman dances away and the champion looks to be unable to pursue. Foreman continues to exploit his advantage and pockets another round. Foreman, 10-9

Round 6: Santos, who has not fought since July of 2008, goes down from an apparent slip early in the round. But he is more and more looking like a shot fighter with questionable footwork unable to keep up with the younger man. Foreman jabs to the body, then counters with a right. Foreman digs another right to the midsection. Santos comes back with a nice jab to the head, but gets roughed-up along the ropes. As Santos backs off, Foreman chases with lead rights and follow-up lefts. Foreman's round, 10-9

Round 7: Foreman drills Santos with a right that floors the champion, but referee Jay Nady rules that the fall was caused by a clash of heads. The contact produces a cut over Foreman's left eye. But after having it checked, the challenger is undeterred and goes back to jabbing, dancing, and moving in. Santos appears to be losing steam. Foreman's round, 10-9.

Round 8: Foreman shakes Santos with a right hand during the middle of the round, moves away, and continues to work behind his jab -- to the head and body. Santos has no answer. Foreman closes with a three-punch combination to cement the round. Foreman's round, 10-9

Round 9: Foreman's jabbing to the head and body continues to bother Santos, who still follows and makes it easy by not punching and failing to cut off the ring. The plodding champion lands a crisp right, however, then takes an uppercut. Santos close the gap and lands thre straight lefts. Santos closes strong, taking his first round of the fight. Santos' round, 10-9

Round 10: A head butt cuts the lip of Santos, causing Nady to give them a brief break. Santos lands a hard right when they resume, and Foreman engages. Santos jabs and lands a followup looping right, but takes a stiff left. Foreman lands three straight rights, the last of which stuns Santos. Foreman jabs and takes a left. Foreman's round, 10-9

Round 11: Foreman drills Santos with two right hands. Then another. Foreman has Santos on the ropes for a four-punch combination. Foreman switches to southpaw and lands a five-punch combination. Santos comes forward, but misses during his charge. Santos, badly cut over his right eye, has it checked by the doctor, who allows the fight to continue. Foreman's round, 10-9

Round 12: Santos sprints out to start the 12th, but misses. As things settle down, Santos takes two shots from Foreman. Santos stalks with intent, and catches Foreman with two punches along the ropes. Foreman dances away, then, alternately, clinches. Santos has blood streaming from his right eye down his cheek. Santos goes down from a left off of a clinch, and it's another knockdown. Santos rises and chases, trying to land a big shot, but Foreman eludes him and wins the round. Foreman's round, 10-8

FanHouse scores the fight, 119-108, for Foreman, the first Israeli professional boxing champion.



o. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (41-0-1, 30 KOs), Culiacan, Sinoloa, Mexico, by unanimous decision over Troy Rowland (25-3, seven KOs), Grand Rapids, Mich., 10 rounds, middleweights (160 pounds)

(Chavez wins, 97-93, on the card of Paul Smith, 98-92, on that of Dick Houck, and, 99-91, on that of Burt Clements).

Round 1: Rowland comes out jabbing and throwing to the body. Chavez pursues from a crouch, bobbing, weaving, searching for an opening. Chavez hooks. The second Chavez hook is blocked. Chavez hooks to the body, three times. Rowland jabs and comes with two, overhand rights. Chavez's punching potency, however, earns an edge in the round. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 2: Rowland chases Chavez to the ropes with a reaching, three-punch combination. Chavez goes back to his body attack. Chavez goes topside, and then nails Rowland with a left hook. Rowland is game, landing a right-left to the head. But Chavez, walking through Rowland's jab, closes the gap with a right-left, and then another left. Chavez digs to the body twice near the end of the round with lefts. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 3: Rowland is busy, but his jab and followups carry little potency. Chavez comes over the top with a right, ducks two blows, and delivers another right hand. Rowland hammers home a right, but takes a left-right in return. Chavez drills twice to the body, and continues to land the more damaging punches. Rowland answers, but, again, with little power. Chavez closes the round with a four-punch combination. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 4: Chavez is getting tagged, but it's a good thing that he's not in with a more powerful puncher. Chavez spends much of the round backing up and letting Rowland build up points. Later, he moves forward and goes to the body. Rowland drops a right hand in. Rowland's round, 10-9

Round 5: Rowland is the busier fighter early, seemingly encouraged by the previous round's success. But standing in, Rowland takes shots to the body that are more in Chavez's favor. Chavez continues to drive at Rowland's midsection, as the crowd boos at the inactivity. Chavez drills a left and a hard right to Rowland's head, and then, closes the round with the same combination. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 6: Chavez steps up the pressure, even as Rowland continues to fire away. Chavez's left hand continues to find Rowland's head. A hard right and a left moves Rowland's body. By round's end, Chavez is simply walking through the game Rowland's offerings and pounding to the body and head. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 7: Rowland jabs and dances away, but Chavez reaches him with a long left and a hook. Chavez is throwing the right punches, and they are slightly harder than Rowland's. Chavez doubles up on a left to the head and body. Rowland fails to take advantage of an opportunity along the ropes, missing twice. Chavez turns the tables, and delivers a right and a left. Chavez closes strong. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 8: Chavez tries to step up the pressure, landing hard early. By mid-round, Chavez surges with a four-punch combination. Rowland shakes Chavez with a nice right hand, but doesn't follow up. Chavez goes to the body with a left, then to the head with a right. Chavez drills Rowland with a round-ending four-punch combination. Chavez's round, 10-9

Round 9: Chavez begins the first part of the round on his toes, boxing. Rowland follows, but there is no significant intensity with his attack at that point. Soon, Chavez is back in his chest. But the round turns when, along the ropes, Chavez takes a hard right cross. Encourged, Rowland stands, fights, and wins the closing exchange. Rowland's round, 10-9

Round 10: Encouraged, Rowland comes forward throughout the final round. Pressing forward, Rowland matches Chavez, even backing him up for a significant portion of the round. Rowland's courage wins the crowd, and the round. Rowland's round, 10-9

FanHouse scored it 97-93, for Chavez

Main Event

Manny Pacquiao def. Miguel Cotto via 12th-round TKO (live blog)

Pacquiao vs. Cotto Results: Live Updates of Undercard and Main Event originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>alfonso gomezdaniel santosJesus Soto-Karassjulio cesar chavez jr.manny pacquiaomiguel cottotroy rowlandTroyRowlandyuri foremanLem SatterfieldSat, 14 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST David Haye to Defend Title Against Ruizhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/david-haye-to-defend-title-against-john-ruiz/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/david-haye-to-defend-title-against-john-ruiz/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/david-haye-to-defend-title-against-john-ruiz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LAS VEGAS -- When England's David Haye traveled to Nuremberg, Germany, for his Nov. 7 matchup with 7-foot, 316-pound, Nikolay Valuev, the 218-pounder did so with more support from his own countrymen than the man who is named "The Russian Giant" for his status as the largest champion in the history of boxing.

And when Haye broke his right hand in the second round of an eventual, 12-round majority decision, it was the deafening cheers of his fans that lifted him on the way to dethroning Valuev for the WBA championship.

"We all know that the British boxing fans are among the best boxing fans in the world. They're exciting, they like to travel, and they're just great sports fans," said Richard Shaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, who is handling Haye's affairs in the United States.

"And they showed that again. They realized the significance of a British fighter fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world. And they came there, and they supported him, and they were rewarded by the fact that David was able to capture the title."

In victory, Haye (23-1, 21 knockouts) became only the sixth Brit ever to earn a heavyweight crown and only the second-ever former cruiserweight (200 pounds) to do so.

Bob Fitzimmons, Herbie Hide, Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno and Henry Akinwande also were English champions, and Evander Holyfield, a former cruiserweight, dethroned Buster Douglas for that honor.

On Saturday morning, Haye fielded questions from reporters concerning his future in the heavyweight division, which could include bouts with WBC champ Vitali Klitschko, WBO and IBF titlist Wladimir Klitschko, or even rising former cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek.

First, however, there is the prospect of facing mandatory challenger John Ruiz, a former world champion who is looking to earn that title a third time. Haye could face Ruiz in March.

"There is a mandatory obligation against John Ruiz," Shaefer said. "I don't know if March is going to be the date, but it might be, depending on David's hand, which, as you saw, is injured. So it's first things first, and I don't really want to think too far ahead of that, because John Ruiz is a very experienced fighter and a former world champion.

"It would be a very big fight in England, probably in London. It would be a big homecoming for David Haye, defending his world title for the first time. That's really the plan. Obviously, I know that the fights everyone would like to see is against one of the Klitschkos, and, after that, hopefully against the other one. We'll have to see when those fights happen, and how they can happen."

As he spoke to reporters, Haye wore a white wrapping on his right hand as a result of what Schaefer called "a hairline bone fracture," suffered against Valuev, "but there is no surgery necessary, so it will basically heal on its own."

Haye recounted the moments early in his bout with Valuev (50-2, 34 KOs).

"A lot of the stuff that I had trained to do, I found it very tough to get off on him because of his sheer size. Not because of his technical abilities, but because he was so big," said Haye, who is nicknamed "The Hayemaker."

"And when I did hit him, with my trademark haymaker in the second round, when most people would have fallen and been unconscious, it broke my hand," said Haye. "I had slipped his jab and threw a perfect right hand, which was something that I had worked on time and time again. And I threw it with as much power as possible, hoping he would hit the deck, but it didn't work out that way."

Haye said he then had to rely on boxing skills, displaying abilities that some didn't believe the self-professed knockout artist was capable of using.

"To not only fight against the largest heavyweight of all time, and to go pretty much to his back yard and his home town, where he's fought before and he's got support, I think that shows my intent. And to do that in Germany, you've got to pretty much put on a boxing clinic," said Haye.

"Evander Holyfield himself said that he didn't think that I would be good enough to beat Valuev because of my lack of experience against big guys. He didn't know how I would react to taking the punches, or if the guy leaned on me. He didn't think I had the experience to get through it, but I think that proved a few people wrong," said Haye, who hurt Valuev badly in the 12th round.

"I showed that I'm an athlete, and that I punch very, very hard. All that you have to do is look at Valuev's prior fights. You can see that he gets hit by some hard shots and he seems to shake them off," said Haye. "Yet the first time he's ever been hurt, and wobbled, was by my left hook. And my left hook is not really even my punch. I also think that my defense also has been underestimated over the years."

Another fight Haye would consider is one against the Polish-born Adamek, former IBF cruiserweight champion and winner of his last eight bouts -- six of them by knockout -- who will fight in his second straight heavyweight bout against an opponent to be determined on Feb. 6 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

A resident of nearby Jersey City, Adamek (39-1, 27 knockouts) also is said to be considering matchups against either Bernard Hopkins or Roy Jones at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds.

Adamek's only defeat came in February 2007, when he lost a decision to current light heavyweight champion, champion Chad Dawson (28-0, 17 KOs). Adamek had taken a 31-0 record into his bout with Dawson, who dethroned him as WBC 175-pound titlist.

On Oct. 24, Adamek scored a fifth-round knockout over former three-time heavyweight title contender Andrew Golota despite being out-weighed 257-215 by the larger challenger.

Adamek has called out Haye for a matchup, but Haye said that he will not look beyond Ruiz.

"The toughest fight of my life is going to be against John Ruiz, next. And I won't look past John Ruiz. I made that mistake earlier on in my career in the fight that I lost when I looked beyond Carl Thompson. That won't happen again," said Haye. "I'll make sure that I make a statement against Ruiz. It's been a long time since John Ruiz has been knocked out by David Tua back in the day."

Over time, Haye said he wants to conquer the Klitschkos, and, in the end, be appreciated as a fighter with excellent overall skills.

"Everyone just sees me as a brawler and a puncher," Haye said. "They look at my record and see that I've gotten lots of people out early. They didn't feel that I could adjust and make the right movements with my feet, thinking that I have lazy legs or whatever.

"But I've showed that I can adjust and that I can do things that people don't expect me to do. But over time, I think that people will start warming to what I can do. I can change my gameplan to suit any fighter because I'm an athlete, and I live the life in and out of the ring."

David Haye to Defend Title Against Ruiz originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>buster douglassdavid hayeevander holyfieldjohn ruizlennox lewisnikolay valuevtomasz adamekvitali klitschkowladimir klitschkoLem SatterfieldSat, 14 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST Pacquiao-Cotto Will Determine the Direction of Boxinghttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/pacquiao-cotto-will-determine-the-direction-of-boxing/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/pacquiao-cotto-will-determine-the-direction-of-boxing/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/pacquiao-cotto-will-determine-the-direction-of-boxing/#commentsFiled under: ,


LAS VEGAS -- Boxing is alive and thriving, and you can see it in the nationalistic pride that enveloped Las Vegas on Friday. The Filipinos and Puerto Ricans descended on The Strip with their colorful flags and chants, and they queued in orderly groups -- Manny Pacquiao's publiko/bayan here, Miguel Cotto's publico/paisanos there -- for a raucous weigh-in Friday afternoon at the MGM Grand Garden.

So much excitement, for two 145-pound boxers standing on a scale. But Pacquiao-Cotto is the biggest thing to happen to boxing since Pacquiao-Oscar De La Hoya. Or Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton.

You get the idea.

The Pride of the Philippines (49-3-2, 37 KOs) squared off Friday against The Pride of Puerto Rico (34-1-0, 27 KOs) when they stood on stage in their skivvies, the crowd of about 6,500 -- Filipinos to the left, Puerto Ricans to the right -- roared its requisite country's approval.

Cotto's trainer Jose Santiago, who rarely speaks English, threw out a "145 pounds, a**hole!" to Pacquiao's trusted man, Freddie Roach, when Cotto stepped off the scale. Pacquiao, who is going for his unprecedented seventh world title in his seventh weight class, flexed his growing frame at 144 pounds, sending his fans into a cheering frenzy.


The drama continued. Antonio Margarito made an appearance on stage, infuriating the Puerto Ricans who revile him for destroying Cotto's face and perfect record in a controversial 11-round loss in July 2008. Then Margarito had the temerity to parade outside the Grand Garden Arena among the hundreds who were turned away from the packed weigh-in.

"Cheater!! He is a cheater!!" people screamed at a defiant Margarito, and security guards rushed over to prevent a melee from breaking out in the crush that swarmed the MGM Grand Studio Walk.

This is what makes the boxing so unique now, and helps separates it from the All-American MMA culture that has captured this country's imagination.

The pride, the pageantry, the intense rivalries, they all resonate with the pure boxing fan -- the person who will shell out $54.95 for Saturday's HBO pay-per-view show featuring the Pacquaio-Cotto 12-round welterweight main event. And the whole package goes to the hearts of the people of the Philippines and Puerto Rico, who are living vicariously through their countries' greatest athletes.

Las Vegas needs this energy. And many in boxing will grudgingly concede that the sport probably needs Pacquiao to prevail Saturday night. Because Las Vegas has become Manny's town, just as it once belonged to Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson and other actual current or former Vegas residents and boxing greats.

And ultimately, boxing needs -- and will demand -- that Pacquiao step into the ring against Mayweather.

Why would Cotto, a skilled, accomplished pure welterweight who is defending his WBO title, agree to take this fight against Pacquaio at 145 pounds, two pounds under the limit and his comfortable weight? Why would he agree to $2 million up front less than the challenger?

Bob Arum, the Top Rank promoter and mastermind who handles both fighters, has defended the honor of Cotto valiantly this week. But there is a simple truth to Cotto's presence in the ring Saturday night.

"In this fight," Arum said, "he is not the star of the show."

He is absolutely essential to the process, however.

Cotto is a brilliant fighter, and his legacy can't be tarnished by the brutal, bloody beating he sustained by the hands of Margarito 15 months ago. Who will say with certainty those hands weren't concealing illegal plaster inserts under their wraps? After all, Margarito and his trainer had their California boxing licenses revoked when inspectors found hardened plaster in his gloves before a welterweight title bout against Shane Mosley six months later.

But Cotto will need to go down Saturday night. He is a 3-to-1 underdog so that boxing can get Pacquaio-Mayweather.

HBO's PPV machine will rev up every ounce of its being for that dream mega-fight. Of course, Mayweather absolutely despises Arum, his former promoter, so there will be ample, calculated rhetoric between Top Rank, Inc. and Mayweather Promotions.
You have a perfect blending of style in this fight ... I see a very tough distance fight, and there is going to be blood.
-- Legendary Promoter Angelo Dundee
Arum has equal disdain for his former client, but even boxing's most prolific promoter has conceded this week that a Pacquaio-Mayweather event could easily surpass the record 2.44 million buys in 2007 for Mayweather-De La Hoya. So it will happen.

If Cotto wins -- and many in boxing are convinced he will beat Pacquiao by a late knockout or split decision -- Cotto-Mayweather would be an epic affair for boxing aficionados.

Then again, the world's most famous Filipino vs. the cocky, loud-talking boxing celebrity would be Dream Theater.

Where does this leave Pacquaio-Cotto, the matchup?

It will be worth every round, every minute.

Cotto, with his quiet dignity, has the edge in size and strength, and he will go to the body to punish his smaller opponent. By the time they step into the ring Saturday night, Cotto may weigh as many as 15 pounds heavier than his Filipino challenger.

Pacquiao, the smiling, generous people's champion, is renowned for his uncanny speed, a right hand that can now match his left hook, and his ring skills, all of which have been honed to precision by Roach. He is boxing's pound-for-pound champion, but Pacquiao is facing his greatest test.

"You have a perfect blending of style in this fight," legendary trainer Angelo Dundee told reporters this week. "If I ever had a fighter fighting Pacquaio, I would implement things that Cotto brings to the table.

"I see a very tough distance fight, and there is going to be blood."

Boxing will get the breath-stealing show it wants and needs, and the evolution of the sport will get a boost with what happens between Pacquiao-Cotto. Boxing is in an exciting place again. It's in the headlines, sound bites and every day conversation of sports fans.

Look to the ring Saturday night, and you will see where boxing goes from here.

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Pacquiao-Cotto Will Determine the Direction of Boxing originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>angelo dundeeantonio margaritofloyd mayweather jr.manny pacquiaomiguel cottotop rankNancy GayFri, 13 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST Cotto vs. Pacquiao: Weigh-In Resultshttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/cotto-vs-pacquiao-weigh-in-results/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/cotto-vs-pacquiao-weigh-in-results/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/cotto-vs-pacquiao-weigh-in-results/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Miguel CottoLAS VEGAS -- FanHouse is on hand at the official weigh-in for Saturday night's megafight between WBO champion Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts) and Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) to be contested at the MGM Grand Hotel Garden Arena on Saturday night.

In addition, we list the weights of the undercard bouts, including a middleweight (160 pounds) special attraction featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KOs).

WBC Continental Americas Welterweight (147 pounds) Championship --- 10 Rounds

Jesus Soto-Karass (24-3-3, 16 KOs), Los Mochis, Mexico, 147.5 pounds, vs. Alfonso Gomez (20-4-2, 10 KOs), Tustin, Calif. 145.5 pounds

Referee: Vic Drakulich. Judges: Eric Cheek, Patricia Morse Jarman, C.J. Ross

WBA Super Welterweight (154 pounds) Championship -- 12 Rounds

Daniel Santos (32-3-1, 23 KOs), San Juan, Puerto Rico, 154 pounds, vs. Yuri Foreman (27-0, eight KOs), 154 pounds

Referee: Tony Weeks. Judges: Burt Clements, Dick Houck, Paul Smith


Middleweight (160 pounds) -- 10 Rounds (Co-feature)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KOs), Culiacan, Mexico, 160 pounds, vs. Troy Rowland (25-2, seven KOs), Grand Rapids, Mich., 159 pounds

Referee: Jay Nady. Judges: Robert Hoyle, Jerry Roth, Clark Sammartino


WBO Welterweight (147 pounds) Championship (Main Event)

Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), Caguas, Puerto Rico, 145 pounds, vs. Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), General Santos, Philippines, 144 pounds.

Referee: Kenny Bayless. Judges: Adalaide Byrd, Duane Ford, Dave Moretti

Cotto vs. Pacquiao: Weigh-In Results originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>daniel santosjulio cesar chavez jr.manny pacquiaomiguel cottotroy rowlandyuri foremanLem SatterfieldFri, 13 Nov 2009 19:14:00 EST For Pacquiao and Cotto, More Than Just a Title Is on the Linehttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/title-national-pride-are-on-the-line-for-pacquiao-cotto/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/title-national-pride-are-on-the-line-for-pacquiao-cotto/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/title-national-pride-are-on-the-line-for-pacquiao-cotto/#commentsFiled under: ,



Throughout the promotion leading up to Saturday night's mega-fight between challenger Manny Pacquiao and his champion fighter Miguel Cotto, trainer Joe Santiago's reputation has taken a verbal beating from his counterpart, Freddie Roach.

A Hall of Fame cornerman whose hopes to guide Pacquiao to an unprecedented, seventh world title in a different weight class, Roach has taken shots at Santiago's relative inexperience.

But during Wednesday's press conference at the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand Hotel where Saturday night's clash will be held, Santiago stepped up to the podium and carried himself the same way that he has throughout the fight's buildup.

With a confidence, a calm demeanor, a calculated speech and, ultimately, control.

"Miguel is the best he has ever been, and I hope that Manny Pacquiao will be at the same level," Santiago said. Santiago will be in only his third fight as the lead trainer when Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) steps into the ring against Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) in defense of his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title at a catchweight of 145 pounds.


"We are only three days away from the fight," Santiago continued, "And it will be a great victory for Puerto Rico."

And then, Santiago smiled before looking over at Pacquiao and Roach and delivering this zinger.

"Good luck to Manny," he said. "You're going to need it."

Cotto, who will make $4 million compared to $7.5 million for Pacquiao, wants to be as famous in his native Puerto Rico, where boxing is steeped in a tradition, as Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Wilfred Benitez and Carlos Ortiz.

But to do so, Cotto must turn in perhaps the performance of his life against a fighter many consider to be the best in the sport, pound-for-pound.

"We created a game plan for the fight. We are sure it's going to be a great fight for boxing, but especially for the Latino fans, and for the Puerto Ricans around the world," said Cotto, who turned 29 last month. "This is one of the best camps I have ever had, because I know that I will be facing one of the top guys in boxing."

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As for Pacquiao, not since former Philippines greats Francisco (Pancho Villa) Guilledo and Flash Elorde achieved ring excellence has the nation witnessed such gifts.

Guilledo was the nation's first world champion, going 80-5-3, with 24 knockouts from January of 1919 through July of 1925, and ending his career at 115 pounds.

Elorde went 88-27-2, with 33 KOs from June of 1951 through May of 1971, topping out as a 137-pounder with career wins over Sandy Saddler, Harold Gomes and Ismael Laguna.

Pacquiao has racked up victories over notables such as Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, earning the nickname, "The Mexicutioner."

Also known as "The Pride Of The Philippines," Pacquiao considers his defining moments to be recent stoppages over Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, which earned him honors as Fighter Of The Year and Roach the honor of Trainer of the Year for 2008.

Pacquiao has fought once each at 135 -- a ninth-round knockout of David Diaz and at 142, his largest, against De La Hoya, and then at 140 against Hatton -- all in succession.

"Manny's hitting harder than he did in his last fight with Ricky Hatton. He's really filled out," said Roach, adding that Pacquiao dropped four pounds in one day and weighed out at 144 on Tuesday. "He's punching really really hard. He's got power in both hands."

Roach expects Pacquiao to enter the ring at "around 149" on Saturday night.

"I feel stronger at this weight than I ever have. My punches are harder, my speed is intact," Pacquiao said. "I keep getting warned about Cotto's body attack. Cotto should be worried about my body attack.

"I have more than one plan going into this fight. 'Master' Freddie Roach has me doing well, and I am prepared for anything Miguel Cotto has to offer. I have studied all his tapes, and I feel like I know him like I know myself. It's going to be a great fight between two great fighters."

Cotto concurred.

"I'm pretty happy to be here. I'm pretty comfortable to be here. I have trained a lot, like never before, because I know the skills of Manny," said Cotto. "I'm not worried about Manny's speed, but he should be worried about Miguel Cotto's power."

Cotto's best chance at slowing Pacquiao's anticipated superior foot movement appears to be with a fierce body attack, punctuated and dictated by his left hook.

"Good luck to Manny. You're going to need it."
- Joe Santiago, Miguel Cotto's trainer Pacquiao has been stopped twice before and each time it was in the third round. One of the knockout losses came as the result of a body shot, which Roach admits was a devastating blow.

"The first time Manny got knocked out...he got knocked out with a body shot," said Roach. "He showed me both knockouts, and I asked him, 'Do they bother you still?'

"He said, 'No big deal, it happened, but it will never happen again.'"

But Cotto will likely have to eat punches on the way in to get set up such a punch.

For Pacquiao is likely to take aim at the scar tissue above that still tender left eye of Cotto's, which was sliced open during his July 2008 11th-round knockout loss to Antonio Margarito as well as from an accidental head-butt during June's 12-round split decision victory over Joshua Clottey.

"Right now, my speed is still the same," said Pacquiao. "My speed will be there always, even moving up to higher weight divisions. If you have speed, you can create your own power."

Look for Pacquiao to try to counter Cotto with double- and, triple-lefts -- as he did several times against De La Hoya -- and to use the right hand over the top to attack the champion's left eye in the hopes of getting the crimson flowing early and to create the element of doubt.

"The first round is where we set the pace of the fight," Roach said. "We can't give Cotto momentum and confidence, because he will grow. We need to put the doubt in his head right away so that he says, 'What the heck is this?' -- just like we did with Oscar and Hatton.

"I really hope that Miguel comes out to try to show his strength early in the fight. I think that's his best shot to win the fight. I hope that happens, because I think that he'll get knocked out earlier."

Roach added that Pacquiao's advantage would be to make Cotto someone he's not.

"If he tries to lay back and be a counter-puncher like Juan Manuel Marquez -- which a lot of people try to do because of his success with Manny -- I like when they do that because they become someone else. And once they get hit, they revert back to what they were," said Roach.

"Again, the first round is big. We can't give him momentum or confidence. I respect Miguel, but he'll get knocked out in this one."

If a cut happens, however, Cotto said that he is better for the experience with Clottey, particularly with cutman Joe Chavez working his second fight with the titlist.

"Chavez was the factor in the Clottey win. His experience from all those years in the sport helped us on fight night. And the Margarito fight is a chapter from the past. We have a new chapter with Pacquiao," said Cotto.

"Since [strength trainer] Phil [Landman] came to camp, he has always come with a lot of things to work on, like nutrition and strength training. Phil, as you saw in the last fight, made me much better. Our corner is stronger, and we work better than before."

Cotto continued: "You get used to winning, and losing is hard. But those things that came out after made me feel better about this fight. Overall, I've prepared for the best Manny Pacquiao, the fastest Manny Pacquiao, and I will be ready for anything he brings in to the ring."

Cotto said wins over swift and skillful fighters such as Shane Mosley and Zab Judah, the latter of whom is a southpaw, prepared him for how to neutralize a rival's speed, among other things.

Even Roach and Pacquiao have indicated that the 147-pound weight class may be the highest the Filipino star can perform at peak level. On Saturday night, Roach expects Pacquiao to enter the ring weighing "around 149" and expects Cotto "to be at around 160."

Given that, Cotto believes that if he lands a hard, solid punch -- like he did in turning the tables at times on Mosley and Judah -- the smaller Pacquiao will not be able to absorb it as easily as he has from punchers at the lower weights.

"Cotto is the biggest obstacle in Manny's path. He's a true welterweight, a strong welterweight, with a heart as big as this room," said promoter, Bob Arum.

"And Cotto will acquit himself like he always has, and show he is one of the best in the world today. And when the bell rings, there won't be one legend in the ring, but two great fighters fighting for their people and their country."

If Cotto drops a bomb, the question is, will the traditionally smaller man, Pacquiao, hit the floor? And if he does, will he be able to beat the count and perhaps endure subsequent punishment before the round-ending bell tolls yet again.

"I don't think that it's [Pacquiao getting hurt] going to happen, but both guys like to engage. Our plan is to box this guy, move in and out, and be smart about it," said Roach.

"But Manny's character is to exchange at times. We will exchange, and we will get hit, and we'll deal with it as it comes. But it will be an action-packed fight."

Cotto has a record of 3-0, with as many knockouts against southpaws in championship fights, having stopped, in succession, DeMarcus Corley, previously unbeaten Carlos Quintana, and Zab Judah, in five, five, and, 11 rounds.

So it is with that in mind that FanHouse is picking Cotto to win by decision, and, possibly late-round stoppage, with his body attack and durability factoring heavily in the analysis.

For Pacquiao and Cotto, More Than Just a Title Is on the Line originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>antonio margaritoAntonioMargaritobob arumBobArumerik moralesErikMoralesfelix trinidadFelixTrinidadfreddie roachFreddieRoachjoe santiagoJoeSantiagojoshua clotteyJoshuaClotteyjuan manuel marquezJuanManuelMarquezmanny pacquiaoMannyPacquiaomarco antonio barreraMarcoAntonioBarreramiguel cottoMiguelCottooscar de la hoyaOscarDeLaHoyaricky hattonRickyHattonshane mosleyShaneMosleywilfred benitezWilfredBenitezwilfredo gomezWilfredoGomezzab judahZabJudahLem SatterfieldThu, 12 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST Pacquiao Knocked Down, Not Outhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/pacquiao-knocked-down-not-out/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/pacquiao-knocked-down-not-out/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/pacquiao-knocked-down-not-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

Manny PacquiaoLAS VEGAS -- It's not something Manny Pacquiao talks about much nowadays, but earlier in his career, he was knocked out. In the third round. Not once, but twice.

And during an interview on Wednesday at the MGM Grand Hotel, surrounded by reporters with their tape recorders in his face, the man who is now considered boxing's best fighter, pound-for-pound, admitted that he once considered quitting.

"After those fights, I'll admit, I was thinking, 'Oh, maybe I'm going to stop boxing,'" said Pacquiao, 30, referring to stoppages that occurred in 1996 and 1999. "I was thinking, 'Maybe boxing doesn't like me.' But then, it became a message to me to focus more on boxing."

It's a good thing that Pacquiao did, for it led him down a glorious path toward historic achievement.

For on Saturday night, at the MGM Grand, Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) will go after his seventh world title in a different weight class when he takes on WBO welterweight (147 pounds) king, Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), at a catchweight of 145 pounds.


Their appearance marks a return to the site where Cotto suffered his lone defeat, a brutal 11th-round knockout to Antonio Margarito in July 2008.

It also marks a homecoming for Pacquiao, who won his second world championship at the MGM when he stopped Lehlo Ledwaba in six rounds for the IBF super bantamweight crown.

"I remember that was my first fight with Manny, and nobody wanted to fight that guy (Ledwaba). I mean, he was the most feared 122-pound guy in the world, and we knocked him out in the sixth round," said Freddie Roach, who was named the 2008 Trainer of The Year when Pacquiao also was named Fighter of The Year.

"And that was after Manny had been knocked out twice, the second time being like a year and a half before that," said Roach.

"The first time he got knocked out, he lost the title on the scales. He fought the fight anyway and got knocked out with a body shot," said Roach.

"The second knockout was a countrymen of his who hit him with a really good shot," said Roach. "Manny showed me both knockouts, and I asked him, 'do they bother you still?' He said, 'No big deal, it happened, but it will never happen again.'"

"Manny showed me both knockouts, and I asked him, 'do they bother you still?' He said, 'No big deal, it happened, but it will never happen again.'"
-- Freddie Roach And it hasn't.

Pacquiao was 11-0 when he was stopped by Rustico Torecampo, and, 26-1, before losing to Medgoen Singurat.

"I was overweight in those two losses," said Pacquiao. "I was losing too much weight, and a lot of times, I just had no energy."

Not long afterward, Pacquiao "walked into" Roach's Wild Card Gym, in Hollywood, Calif., a raw, skilled, athletic and powerful fighter.

"Everyone had turned him down, that's the funny thing about it. So when he came to America, and he stopped at my gym, I said, 'I hear you're pretty good with the mits,'" said Roach.

"Manny's manager says, 'can you catch him?' And I did," said Roach. "And after one round of mits, he went to his manager and he said, 'We have a new trainer.' We hit it off right away. But I never dreamed that it would get this big. But I love it."

Pacquiao considers his two most rewarding victories, those over Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, respectively, by eighth, and, second round knockouts in December and May of 2008, and 2009.

Along the way, however, he has vanquished Mexican greats such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez, earning him the nickname, "The Mexicutioner."

Although much has been made by Roach of Cotto's loss to Margarito, whom he insists has "taken a lot out of" the Puerto Rican star, Pacquiao still believes the champion to be a major threat.

Cotto, said Pacquiao, proved himself in his last bout with Joshua Clottey, overcoming a deep gash over his left eye to pull out a closely fought decision in defense of his title.

"When I saw and studied his fight against Clottey, he's still a good fighter," said Pacquiao. "He's still the same fighter, still strong, and still can fight, even though it is tough to come back from a knockout."

Pacquiao should know, for he speaks from experience.
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Pacquiao Knocked Down, Not Out originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Antonio margaritoAntonioMargaritoerik moralesErikMoralesfreddie roachFreddieRoachjoshua clotteyJoshuaClotteyjuan manuel marquezJuanManuelMarquezmanny pacquiaoMannyPacquiaomarco antonio barreraMarcoAntonioBarreramiguel cottoMiguelCottooscar de la hoyaOscarDeLaHoyaricky hattonRickyHattonLem SatterfieldWed, 11 Nov 2009 23:05:00 EST Miguel Cotto Struggles for Popularityhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/miguel-cotto-struggles-for-popularity/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/miguel-cotto-struggles-for-popularity/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/miguel-cotto-struggles-for-popularity/#commentsFiled under: ,

LAS VEGAS -- Miguel Cotto is a star in Puerto Rico, just not the major attraction that Manny Pacquiao is in his native Philippines.

And among the contributing reasons is that while Cotto's nation has a long list of fighting predecessors against whom to compare him, Pacquiao's essentially has none. [See note at bottom.]

"The Puerto Ricans have a whole collection of stars and they're not wrapped up in one guy like the Filipinos are in Manny," said promoter Bob Arum, listing former Puerto Rican greats such as Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez and Wilfred Benitez, among others.

"To Filipino fans, Manny's just absolutely incredible. Manny comes from a poor, impoverished country where he is the icon of hope and he represents their country on the world stage," said Arum.

"Puerto Rican fans want Cotto to win, but it's much more rational," said Arum. "Manny's situation is a lot different from being simply the best fighter in Puerto Rico."

Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts), nevertheless, will try to stake his claim among the best his country has to offer when he defends his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) crown against Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand.


For Pacquiao, the matchup represents an opportunity to win a record seventh crown in a different weight class, while Cotto simply wants to gain more respect.

"I have to make good work of Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 14 and then I have to go back to Puerto Rico. I don't know how the people are going to receive me there but I hope it is going to be good," said Cotto.

"I know that some people are happy with my accomplishments in the boxing ring. Some others do not believe in me," said Cotto. "I am here for my family and the people that want to follow Miguel Cotto. I'm happy with the work and my family is proud of me."

Cotto has won two straight matchups including a 12-round split decision over Joshua Clottey in June at New York's Madison Square Garden.
"I just work to win, and that's what is going to happen on Saturday night."
-- Miguel Cotto
The victory marked the sixth time without a loss that Cotto has won at The Garden, where he has vanquished the likes of Shane Mosley and Zab Judah -- often before sellout crowds.

But there are those who still question whether Cotto is the same fighter he once was following a devastating 11th-round knockout loss in July 2008 to Antnio Margarito, which took place in the same MGM Grand Arena where he will face Pacquiao on Saturday night at a catchweight of 145 pounds.

"If Miguel loses, it depends on how he loses whether or not he retains his popularity. If he loses closely, he won't lose his popularity," said Tony Perez, who flew in from his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for the fight.

"If he gets knocked out in the first or second round, he'll lose his popularity," said Perez. "We like winners, like everyone in sports. We want winners, you know?"

The owner of a travel agency, Perez has booked fights for Puerto Rican boxing stars for nearly 20 years.

"I'm here to watch the fight. And as a travel agent, we're bringing 300 Puerto Ricans to root for Miguel Cotto. There will be 150 here on Thursday, and another 150 here on Friday. The tickets were very hard to get. $500, $750, $1,000 -- all prices," said Perez.

"When Tito [Felix Trinidad] fought Oscar De La Hoya [in 1999 in Las Vegas]," said Perez, "I brought 600 people. And Tito would always draw more than Cotto."

Perez said Cotto's problem is his personality compared to the other boxing stars from his country as much as his abilities in the ring, adding that Cotto "has to do a little bit more in public relations."

"Miguel has a difficult time in being appreciated for what he is in Puerto Rico because of his character. He's extremely introverted, he never smiles. And if you watch him here, the way he is acting during the promotion, you can see that it's very difficult to get him to smile," said Perez, who booked travel for Trinidad's loss to Bernard Hopkins as well as his victories over Oba Carr and Fernando Vargas.

"Tito was a very friendly individual. Tito would stop and sign autographs and kiss babies. He was like a politician. And Wilfredo Gomez was just a monster of fighter and had a good personality too," said Perez.

"Wilfred Benitez won a championship when he was 17 years old and the people of Puerto Rico are very astute about their boxing. They know their boxing and they follow it," said Perez. "They follow Cotto too, but maybe not the way that they followed Tito."

Nevertheless, Cotto promises, yet again, that on Saturday night he will let his fists -- not his mouth -- do the talking.

"I'm not mad at the people -- whether they want me to win or not," said Cotto. "I just work to win, and that's what is going to happen on Saturday night."

Note: Two former Philippines fighters, Francisco Guilledo (Pancho Villa), and Flash Elorde achieved ring excellence long before Manny Pacquiao.

Guilledo was the nation's first world champion, going 80-5-3, with 24 knockouts from January of 1919 through July of 1925, topping out in weight at 115 pounds.

Elorde went 88-27-2, with 33 KOs from June of 1951 through May of 1971, topping out as a 137-pounder. Among Elorde's victories were those over Sandy Saddler, Harold Gomes and Ismael Laguna.




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Miguel Cotto Struggles for Popularity originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Antnio Margaritoantonio margaritoAntonioMargaritobernard hopkinsBernardHopkinsfelix trinidadFelixTrinidadfernando vargasFernandoVargasmiguel cottoMiguelCottooscar de la hoyaOscarDeLaHoyashane mosleyShaneMosleywilfred benitezWilfredBenitezwilfredo gomezWilfredoGomezzab judahZabJudahLem SatterfieldWed, 11 Nov 2009 22:27:00 EST Pacquiao's Star Shines Brightesthttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/pacquiaos-star-shines-brightest-in-vegas/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/pacquiaos-star-shines-brightest-in-vegas/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/pacquiaos-star-shines-brightest-in-vegas/#commentsFiled under: ,

LAS VEGAS -- Wednesday's press conference at the MGM Grand for Miguel Cotto's WBO title defense against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night began as an evenly-matched promotion.

Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, flanked by the fighters, handed each of them a key to the city.

But when the WBC representative, Mauricio Sulaiman, produced a championship belt adorned with some 60 or more diamond studs -- one he said his organization "unanimously voted to bestow upon the fight's winner" -- the atmosphere and the energy of the afternoon swiftly and dramatically turned in Pacquiao's favor.

A smiling Pacquiao swiftly and playfully snatched the WBC's belt from Sulaiman's hand.

And he held on to it.


Pacquiao sat down at his place at the long, black table. His move appeared to, symbolically at least, trump the belt of Cotto's, which lay before the champion.

With that, the fighter nicknamed "The Pride of The Philippines" had effectively stolen the show.

"Psychologically," said Top Rank president Bob Arum, the fight's promoter, "Miguel Cotto can attest that he's not the star of the show."

Although it is Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) who will defend his welterweight (147 pounds) crown against Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), the Puerto Rican champion mostly cradled his chin in his hand, appearing to be but a backdrop to the drama that unfolded even as he seemed indifferent to it.

Cotto posed with Pacquiao for photos, standing face-to-face and then back-to-back.

There was no apparent animosity between them.

"I am here to do my work. I am not an artist. I am just a boxer," said Cotto, who will fight Pacquiao at a catch-weight of 145 pounds. "I have to be focused on the things I am going to do on Nov. 14, and that is the reason that I am here."

Behind Pacquiao was a further reminder of his celebrity: a picture of him on the cover of Time. Arum complimented the feature on Pacquiao, whom he called "a Filipino icon," and was enthused about another in a recent edition of the New York Times.

"This is the biggest media turnout since 1999, when we had Oscar De La Hoya against Felix Trinidad. I believe there will be 180 members on the floor, and there will be another 100 in the arena, and those are maximums. The rest will be somewhere in the press room," said Lee Samuels, public relations director for Top Rank.

"In boxing, after two or three years, or even 30 years from now, people won't forget my name."
-- Manny Pacquiao "The Puerto Rican papers always cover the Cotto fights, but there has been an avalanche of reporting with Pacquiao," said Samuels. "Since he's beaten De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao has really crossed over as a superstar. Manny is the driver now in Las Vegas the way Oscar used to be."

On stage, Pacquiao wore a simple buttoned down, pinstriped shirt and blue jeans, but right down to the golden pen -- which he used to scribble down notes for his speech -- he stood out.

To Pacqauio's right sat a Philippines governor, and the country's vice president will reportedly be among his Filipino followers at the MGM's sold out 17,500-seat arena on Saturday night.

But Pacquiao is much more than a fighter to the Philippines, having assisted with disaster relief in Manila and other areas during two recent typhoons. He's been a humanitarian and a crossover celebrity.

Pacquiao has filmed a movie, Wapak Man, been photographed in ESPN's The Body Issue, and made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, singing with the show's band.

And on Saturday night, he'll try to make history by becoming the first man to win a seventh title in a different weight class.

"It is important to me. It's a big honor to my countrymen and to myself," said Pacquiao, in an understated tone that further endears him to his fans. "In boxing, after two or three years, or even 30 years from now, people won't forget my name."

Pacquiao's Star Shines Brightest originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>manny pacquiaomiguel cottoLem SatterfieldWed, 11 Nov 2009 21:18:00 EST Miguel Cotto or Manny Pacquiao? Boxing's Experts Weigh Inhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/miguel-cotto-or-manny-pacquiao-boxings-experts-weigh-in/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/miguel-cotto-or-manny-pacquiao-boxings-experts-weigh-in/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/10/miguel-cotto-or-manny-pacquiao-boxings-experts-weigh-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts) and Filipino challenger Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), there never has been a more career-defining moment than this one.

Each will be battling for the pride of his countrymen as well as his status among boxing's best fighters, pound-for-pound, when the combatants step into the ring for Saturday night's mega-fight at The MGM Grand In Las Vegas.

After the jump, some of the most knowledgeable sources in the boxing world offer their predictions for a clash at the same site where Floyd Mayweather easily decisioned Mexican great, Juan Manuel Marquez, in September.


Joe Calzaghe, former supermiddleweight, light heavyweight champ
Manny Pacquiao by decision: I think Manny Pacquiao is going to be too quick for Cotto. I was ringside when Cotto fought [Joshua] Clottey.

He seemed to struggle a bit in that fight and it is hard to say what he will do against a faster, quicker Pacquiao. I know people say Cotto is the bigger guy, but I still think Pacquiao beats him in a decision.



Hector Camacho Sr., former WBC and WBO three-division champ
Manny Pacquiao to win: I'm a Puerto Rican like Cotto, but I like Pacquiao because he has fought better guys, like Oscar De La Hoya. I see him having no problem against Cotto.

Cotto is not a smart fighter, he boxes, and he's shown his colors already. He can be beat. So can Pacquiao. But I like Pacquiao. He has an unorthodox style, with punches coming from all over. Cotto tries to box. I see Pacquiao possibly stopping him.

Pacquiao's on a roll. He has the confidence. He has the boxing momentum. I see him winning.


Chad Dawson, undefeated IBO and WBC interim light heavyweight champ
Manny Pacquiao to win: Manny Pacquiao. He's the best. He's on top right now.


Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News
Miguel Cotto by decision: I initially picked Pacquiao, but I did a flip-flop on this one. For a guy that started at 106, you have to figure he's going to climb up one division too high at one point.

Cotto is not an Oscar De La Hoya at the end of the line, and he's not Ricky Hatton. He's one of the top five or six in the world, and he's a natural welterweight. I'm picking Cotto by decision.

His strength is going to be too much. Pacquiao keeps surprising me, but this may be the fight where he goes up one weight class too many.


Doug Fischer, co-editor of RingTV.com
Manny Pacquiao by decision: I think it's going to come down to styles. As versatile a boxer as Cotto is, he's predictable. The version of Pacquiao we've seen recently is the definition of unpredictable in the ring.

Pacquiao has a non-stop mix of in-and-out movement, feints, sneaky jabs and explosive lead power punches. His opponents never know what he's going to lead with, and so far, no one since Juan Manuel Marquez has been able to time this guy.

I think Cotto will eventually catch Pacquiao, which is why I think the fight will go the 12-round route. I believe Pacquiao will rock Cotto repeatedly in the early rounds with power punches that catch the bigger man blind.

But I also believe that the Puerto Rican star will be most dangerous while hurt. Pacquiao's instincts are to jump on a wounded prey, but Cotto will catch Pacquiao coming in and earn respect.

From the middle rounds on, I think the two will go at it. Pacquiao will use his legs to get in and out with fast combos and to stay off the ropes, while Cotto stalks forward and does damage with his stiff jab and occasional right hands that find the smaller man's body and head.

Pacquiao will constantly move to his left, taking Cotto's lethal left hook out of the equation. After 12, excellent rounds, I believe Pacquiao will have had more moments in the fight, and will win a close decision.


Nancy Gay, FanHouse.com
Manny Pacquiao by decision: This is Manny Pacquiao's toughest opponent to date-- a pure boxer and a natural welterweight who has the strength to inflict real punishment if he stays busy and works the body.

Miguel Cotto has a lot to prove after the hideous beating by Antonio Margarito. Does he have the chin to take punches? Can he stay off the ropes and maintain stamina through 12 rounds?

The catchweight of 145 pounds is lighter than Cotto would like, while Pacquiao's impressive hand and foot speed hasn't diminished the bigger he gets.

I think Pacquiao's speed, along with his superior trainer and corner, will prevail, and boxing's pound-for-pound champion will win by decision.


Bernard Hopkins, future Hall of Famer and former two-division world champ
Manny Pacquiao to win: Pacquiao is going to chop Cotto up. Out of respect, Cotto will get some rounds, but Manny is the Bruce Lee of boxing.

His basketball and martial arts background give him that speed and agility. You can't tell where his shots are coming from. Unlike Rocky, Bruce Lee was a real dude and so is Manny.


Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports Boxing
Manny Pacquiao by decision: I am afraid Miguel Cotto isn't the same man since he lost to Antonio Margarito. There is a suspicion that Margarito's gloves may have been loaded in that fight, but it's never proven.

But what is fact is that Cotto has slowed greatly since that bout. If I were convinced Cotto was going to be the same guy he was before he fought Margarito, I'd take him. But I think he's slowed because of the damage he took in that fight.

As a result, I expect Manny to move in and out, hitting Cotto and sliding out of danger. I think Pacquiao's quickness will make the difference and he'll win a unanimous decision.


Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated
Miguel Cotto by decision: Pacquiao has enjoyed a meteoric rise by beating on offensive-oriented fighters [such as] David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. But Cotto will be the first true counter-puncher he has faced since Juan Manuel Marquez.

Cotto has the speed and skill to deflect Pacquiao's heaviest shots, and the power in both hands to return a few of his own. Expect a back-and-forth, uber-competitive fight that is worth every dollar of the Pay Per View price. But expect Cotto to emerge with the decision.

Shane Mosley, WBA super world welterweight champ
Miguel Cotto by decision: It's going to be an interesting fight, and I think Pacquiao better take it very seriously. I think Cotto will win because he's a little bit bigger and is a real welterweight.

His power may be enough to overcome Pacquiao's speed. I think Cotto wins in a decision.

Kiernan Mulvaney, ESPN.boxing and Reuters
Manny Pacquiao by decision: I am having an incredibly hard time picking this fight. I think it's a very close, very even fight that, funny as it may sound. I can picture either guy totally dominating.

Miguel Cotto is one heck of a fighter: He's strong phsyically, he's strong-willed, he's calm, and he's a very good boxer technically. Until Antonio Margarito's possibly loaded gloves started taking their toll, Cotto was winning that fight last year with ease, I thought.

But I'm not sure Cotto is quite the same fighter he was before that. I think he just that little bit more vulnerable than he was. And Cotto, more than most fighters, really likes to set his own pace, to stamp his authority early on and force his opponent to fight at the speed he wants.

That isn't going to happen against Manny Pacquaio, and so, even though I can also see Cotto punishing Pacman with far harder shots than the Filipino has ever felt, I think Pacquiao's swarming fusillade proves too much, and Pacquiao winds up taking a hard-fought but ultimately clear decision.



Carlos Oritz, Hall of Famer and former three-time world champ
Miguel Cotto by decision: Pacquiao is a good boxer, but Cotto is a fighter. I'm going to give the edge to Cotto, and not just because he's Puerto Rican, but because of the way he fights.

He always comes to fight, he's always in shape. Cotto is going to have the edge. I see him winning by decision, but I do think he can knock Pacquiao out if the chance arrives.


Michael Davis Smith, FanHouse.com
Manny Pacquiao by 11th-round technical knockout: Miguel Cotto is bigger than Pacquiao, more powerful than Pacquiao, and seems to me more motivated than ever since his loss to Antonio Margarito last year.

But I just don't think he's ever seen anything like Pacquiao's blinding speed, and I think that will be the difference in this fight. I'm picking Pacquiao by 11th-round TKO.


Tim Smith, New York Daily News
Miguel Cotto by decision: Cotto in a decision. He is the first,legitimate welterweight that Pacquiao has faced who is in his prime rather than a blown-up junior welterweight or a fighter who is no longer in the prime of his career.


Bert Sugar, noted boxing historian
Manny Pacquiao by eighth round knockout: This is a fight of speed and accuracy for Pacquiao, against the body punching of Cotto. Vegas has always been Pacquiao's home, and the Evel Knievelof boxing will leap over another opponent to come away with the win.

Pacquiao also has a secret ingredient called [trainer] Freddie Roach, whose battle plans bring tears to the eyes of Robert E Lee. Cotto is a gutsy and gritty fighter, but I think Pacquiao stops him on cuts, and wins in the eighth round.

Felix Trinidad, former three-division world champion
Miguel Cotto by decision: Manny is a big puncher and a good boxer, but he has never faced a natural welterweight like Miguel. Cotto is the most dangerous fight of Pacquiao's career.

Mike Tyson, former undisputed world heavyweight champ
Manny Pacquiao by mid-rounds knockout: I pick Manny Pacquiao by knockout. I think he will knock him out in seven or eight. Manny just has too much for Cotto.

Winky Wright, former undisputed junior middleweight champ
Miguel Cotto by decision: If Cotto stays busy, he'll win a decision. I think that Cotto will win the fight, but I thinks it's gonna be a good fight.

On the night of the fight, Pacquiao will still not be a full welterweight. And Cotto is very strong. As the fight plays out, around rounds seven, eight, nine, that's when Cotto starts taking over.

I think Cotto will win by a decision, but he might even get a knockout. With all of my heart I think Miguel Cotto will win.


The boxing experts have chosen Manny Pacquiao to win, 11-7, with a 5-4 advantage for the Pac Man among the nine former or present world champions.

Check back on Friday for my analysis and prediction.




Miguel Cotto or Manny Pacquiao? Boxing's Experts Weigh In originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bernard FernandezBernard HopkinsBernardFernandezBernardHopkinsBert SugarBertSugarCarlos Oritzcarlos ortizCarlosOrtizChad DawsonChadDawsonFelix TrinidadFelixTrinidadfloyd mayweatherFloydMayweatherhector camachoHectorCamachoJoe CalzagheJoeCalzaghejuan manuel marquezJuanManuelMarquezKevin IoleKevinIolemanny pacquiaoMannyPacquiaomiguel cottoMiguelCottoMike TysonMikeTysonNancy GayNancyGayShane MosleyShaneMosleyWinky WrightWinkyWrightLem SatterfieldTue, 10 Nov 2009 01:37:00 EST Pavlik to Return, Face Espino on Dec. 19http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/kelly-pavlik-to-fight-miguel-espino-on-dec-19/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/kelly-pavlik-to-fight-miguel-espino-on-dec-19/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/kelly-pavlik-to-fight-miguel-espino-on-dec-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


WBO and WBC middleweight champion Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik will fight Miguel Espino on Dec. 19 at in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, his promoter, Top Rank president Bob Arum, confirmed on Monday. Pavlik has apparently healed from a staph infection that twice prompted him to cancel scheduled title bouts against three-time champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams.

Arum said that Pavlik will face Espino as the main event of a Top Rank pay-per-view card entitled, "Latin Fury."

"He wanted to fight before the end of the year, and we had a Latin Fury card on in Mexico," said Arum. "So we decided that we would use the two best fights on that card, and put them with Pavlik against Espino from Youngstown."

The story, first reported by ESPN.com's Dan Rafael, indicates that the injury, located on the knuckle of Pavlik's left forefinger, has responded favorably to recent therapy.

Rafael quotes Top Rank Vice President Todd duBoef as saying that Pavlik (35-1, 31 KOs) will defend his 160-pound title against Espino (20-2-1, nine KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif.

"I think it's imperative for his career. Activity is important. You never like to see a young guy not fighting regularly when he's in his prime. This year has been a curse of little things that happened," duBoef told ESPN.com, referring to an injury that had been problematic despite two surgeries.

As a result, Pavlik said that he could not make a tightly closed fist. Pavlik will be ending a nearly 10-month layoff.

"It's good for everybody, especially for him, to get a good fight under his belt on Dec. 19," said duBoef. "Hopefully, if he's successful in defending his title he can go into 2010 with a clean slate."

In the co-feature, which will be held in Cancun, Mexico, WBC junior lightweight (130 pounds) champion Humberto Soto (49-7-2, 32 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, will rise into to the lightweight (135) division to meet former IBF titlist, Jesus Chavez (44-6, 30 KOs).

Before Pavlik enters the ring, the card will also showcase Armenian-born, 23-year-old junior middleweight (154 pounds) Vanes Martirosyan (25-0, 16 knockouts), who will be fighting an opponent to be determined for the NABF title, Arum said.

Pavlik, who has twice beaten former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, is returning to Youngstown for the first time since February, when he knocked out Marco Antonio Rubio in the ninth round.

Espino has won 11 consecutive fights, including six by knockout, and stopped his past four opponents since losing a five-round, unanimous decision to Peter Monfredo in August of 2004.

"We'll open up with Humberto Soto fighting in another fight in Mexico," said Arum. "And then, the action will go to Youngstown, where we'll do the Vanes Mrtirosyan fight, and the Kelly Pavlik-Espino fight."

Pavlik to Return, Face Espino on Dec. 19 originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bob arumkelly pavlikpaul williamsLem SatterfieldMon, 09 Nov 2009 21:42:00 EST Cotto May Have to Bleed to Succeedhttp://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/cotto-may-have-to-bleed-to-succeed/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/cotto-may-have-to-bleed-to-succeed/http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2009/11/09/cotto-may-have-to-bleed-to-succeed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



On Saturday night, Miguel Cotto, will walk into the same Las Vegas hotel arena where, sixteen months ago, the Puerto Rican fighter suffered the worst beating of his professional boxing career.

And as sure as he knows he'll be at ringside delivering his commentary for Cotto's matchup at the MGM Grand, HBO's Jim Lampley is equally certain that Cotto is going to shed blood, yet again, opposite Manny Pacquiao.

"Of course, [Cotto's] going to bleed in this fight. Unless it's only going to go a minute. Otherwise, if we're in round three, he's cut," said Lampley, who has been ringside during the many times when Cotto has bled, profusely, from facial lacerations.

"And I would specify that the cut is going to be above his left eye, which has been damaged in the past, and it's going to come from a Pacquiao right hook. It's a punch he won't see coming because Manny is so fast and so quick inside with that punch," said Lampley, who will be on the HBO pay-per-view telecast.



"The single biggest coefficient to cuts is fast hands, and that's where Manny Pacquiao has an advantage in this fight," said Lampley. "You don't see the punch coming, that's when you get cut."

But Cotto's resiliency is something of which Lampley also has taken note, adding, "he's a rare example of a guy who can constantly make adjustments in the ring based on what's in front of him."

hat's an advantage, said Lampley, that Cotto brings with him, ostensibly from having endured so many brutal brawls with various rivals.

"No doubt, Cotto is better at handling a crisis in the ring," said Lampley. "No doubt, he thinks his way through a fight better than Pacquiao does."

Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts) will likely rely on those survival skills against Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) in defense of his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title, which will be contested at a catch-weight of 145 pounds.

TPacquiao is attempting to win a belt in a record seventh weight class, while Cotto continues to stake his claim among Puerto Rico's premier world champions.

"Puerto Rico has a good boxing tradition with Wilfredo Gomez and Wilfred Benitez, Carlos Ortiz and Felix Trinidad. I am very happy and very proud to be a part of this Puerto Rican history," said Cotto, 29.

"First of all, I have to make good work of Manny Pacquiao (on Nov. 14) and then I have to go back to Puerto Rico. I don't know how the people are going to receive me there, but I hope it is going to be good," said Cotto.

"Some people are happy with my accomplishments in boxing; some others do not believe in me. But I have to do my work whether the people believe in me or not."

If his past is any indication, Cotto will do so or go down swinging.

"Miguel Cotto was wobbled against DeMarcus Corley (February, 2005) with a right hand over the top. Cotto was wobbled twice and knocked down once against Ricardo Torres, and I think that he was stunned a couple of times against Shane Mosley," said Lampley.

"He was cut badly against Zab Judah. He was cut badly against Joshua Clottey -- of those times in matches that he won, " said Lampley. "He was cut badly and beat up, obviously, in the Antonio Margarito fight, when he was knocked out."

It is that last one against Margarito, however, in July 2008, that has Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach and others questioning whether or not Cotto still is the same fighter he once was.

Cotto suffered a broken nose, dripped blood from his face, was knocked down once, took a knee once, and bled from a deep gash over his left eye. He was stopped in the 11th round.

"That was a very sad night for me. Miguel wasn't crying tears. The tears coming out of Miguel's eyes that night weren't normal. They were tears of blood. You had to see it," the champion's father, Miguel Cotto Sr., was quoted on HBO's 24/7 documentary.

"Bleeding out of his nose, bleeding out of his ears. You had to see how deep his wounds were," said Miguel Cotto Sr. "It's impossible to explain. I couldn't explain how someone with gloves could do that."

Although illegal plaster was found in Margarito's hand wrappings prior to his next fight with Shane Mosley, who knocked him out, no one is sure whether or not he was dirty when he faced Cotto.

Nevertheless, questions lingered into Cotto's last fight in June against Clottey, who not only had gone the distance with Margarito, but who vowed to manifest in Cotto what he considered to be a fragile psyche as a result of the punishment he had absorbed against Margarito.

Adding to the intrigue were the facts that cut man Joe Chavez and trainer Joe Santiago were in their first and second fights respectively in their lead roles with Cotto, having replaced dismissed Miguel Diaz and Evangelista Cotto. Santiago had backed up Evangelista Cotto for three years.

The moment of truth came in the third round, when an accidental clash of heads caused the area over Cotto's left eye to again pour blood.

Chavez worked to close the cavernous cut, being only intermittently successful. Santiago encouraged his fighter, who responded.

"No matter what the situation, no matter what the vision in my eye was, I always told the referee, 'I'm good,'" said Cotto.

"A lot of people wondered why I didn't allow the fight to be stopped," said Cotto. "But I spent more than nine weeks preparing for the Clottey fight to make a great fight and a great show for the fans all over the world."

On cue, Cotto switched to survival mode and attack mode.

"From the moment that that cut occurred, Cotto understood that the rest of the fight was going to be a game of chicken," said Lampley. "It was a matter of how much space and time could Cotto buy in the fight by simply staring Clottey down and using moments of aggression, here and there."

At one point, Cotto even slammed Clottey to the canvas in the fifth round as a seeming demonstration that he would not back down.

"It was a matter of continuing to make his point that he was dangerous, and to prevent Clottey from taking advantage of all the advantages he was enjoying in the fight," said Lampley.

"As a result, in the 10th, 11th and 12th rounds, Clottey has a dead man in front of him," said Lampley. "But he won't go after him because Cotto already has mentally stared him down. That's how he wins fights."

On Saturday night, Cotto vows yet again to rely on past experiences to bring his best into the ring against Pacquiao.

"Now, I've been in good fights with Judah, Mosley, Clottey. If people saw Miguel Cotto in all of those years, and they didn't believe in me, then what else do I have to do?," said Cotto.

"There is a lot of pride on the line for me, but for those people not to believe in me, I can't do anything else," said Cotto. "I'm here mostly to prove to myself that I'm better than Manny Pacquiao. I'm doing this for the pride of my family, my kids and my country."

Cotto May Have to Bleed to Succeed originally appeared on Boxing FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>antonio margaritoAntonioMargaritofelix trinidadFelixTrinidadfreddie roachFreddieRoachjim lampleyJimLampleyjoe chavezjoe santiagoJoeChavezJoeSantiagojoshua clotteyJoshuaClotteymanny pacquiaoMannyPacquiaomiguel cottoMiguel Cotto iMiguelCottoshane mosleyShaneMosleywilfredo gomezWilfredoGomezzab judahZabJudahLem SatterfieldMon, 09 Nov 2009 17:25:00 EST