Manny Pacman Pacquiao

Pacquiao vs Marquez

2011-11-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

Pacquiao vs Marquez - Pacquiao won the fight against Marquez via referee decision. Referee scorecard 114-114, 116-112, 115-113 in favor to Manny Pacquiao and Pacquiao landed 176 of 578 punches.

Pacquiao says "I'm confident that I won the fight".

Many audiences expect that Juan Manuel would won the fight. During an interview with Marquez and said "This was the second robbery and this one was the worst."

Pacquiao vs Clottey on March 2010

2010-01-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao will put his title on the line against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey in March after talks for a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. fizzled out this week, the Filipino's promoter said on Friday.

The planned fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. broke down when negotiations between the two sides hit a snag over the American's demand for a rigorous dope testing procedure.

Pacquiao's new opponent beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto last June.

"This is a better fight," Bob Arum of Top Rank, Pacquiao's promoter, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "(Clottey's) a real strong, aggressive and hard punching African from Ghana and he poses a real test for Manny."

Arum said a location for the fight would be decided on Monday.

News of the Pacquiao-Clottey bout pours cold water over talk that a match with Mayweather, which was expected to be one of boxing's biggest revenue-producing fights, could be salvaged in time for March.

Mayweather Jr. had issued a statement on Thursday that said he still wanted to fight Pacquiao, but Arum said any possible fight between the two sides would have to wait.

"There's always later in the year and there's next year, it's up to Mayweather. But if he starts this nonsense again with testing or anything then let him take a walk," said Arum.

"We are not going to get into a debate with him ever again on stuff that we know nothing about and that only regulators really can understand."

Mayweather's camp had called for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight with Pacquiao in March.

Pacquiao agreed to have blood taken for testing before the initial media conference and immediately after the fight but would not agree to have blood drawn within 30 days of the bout.

The commission that would have overseen the fight in Las Vegas only requires urine testing.

Watch Pacquiao vs Cotto TV Live

2009-11-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

The fight for Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto is on November 2009.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto dubbed as “Firepower”, is set to take place on November 14, 2009 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The much anticipated fight, Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto is set at 145-pound limit, will be shown live on HBO pay-per-view. The Pacquiao vs Cotto fight is scheduled for 12 rounds for new WBC Belt.

The showdown Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto will be at a catch weight of about 145 pounds and is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate.
WHERE TO WATCH PACQUIAO VS COTTO LIVE STREAM ONLINE?

The Pacquiao vs Cotto fight will be available in live Pay Per View while people have flocked to free live streaming online channels just like where they found websites in the results for the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez. Now, its time for Pacquiao vs Cotto live fight that boxing fans are going to have a hard time finding free Pacquiao vs Cotto live stream. Best thing is if you already have your tickets to watch the fight live. If you can’t afford to go Las Vegas to see it LIVE, I will recommend to watch it live on HBO Pay-Per-View (PPV) to be sure of good quality streaming video.

HBO already started airing Pacquiao vs Cotto HBO 24/7 on October 24, 2009 signaling the countdown before the fight on the 14th.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Fight Results will be posted here as soon as it happens.

Pacquiao Accepts Existing Offer To Fight Hatton

2009-09-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Pacquiao vs Hatton Offer

After a long night and as the sun glimmers in the Philippines' eastern sky Friday, Pacquiao has finally gave the nod to his team to accept the existing offer from the Hatton camp to maybe finally seal the May 2 Pacquiao-Hatton superfight at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and his team are currently in Manila.

Pacquiao friend and confidant Rex 'Wakee' Salud informed PhilBoxing about the good news. The final financial deal is a 12 million dollar guarantee for Pacquiao and 52-48 PPV share in Pacquiao's favor.

The negotiation has been derailed after Pacquiao demanded a 60-40 PPV sharing in his favor from a 50-50 sharing being stipulated in the original contract. The Hatton camp countered with a 52-48 sharing in Pacquiao's favor and gave Pacquiao a Wednesday deadline to sign the contract. The fight has been called off as of yesterday when Pacquiao refused to budge as both parties issued statements blaming each other for the failed negotiation.

Over 3 bottles of beer

Pacquiao, whose playful antics would create joy and difficulty in his inner circle and this time reverberated into the boxing world by playing hard to get in the negotiation table, told Salud, who does not drink, that he would accept the contract only if Salud will down three bottles of beer. Salud, who had been trying to convince Pacquiao for days to sign the contract, was forced to drink this time around in order for the deal to be consummated.

Salud also informed that Arum was elated to hear the news that Pacquiao finally accepts the deal and that Arum may even come to the Philippines to do the press conference.

The Pacquiao-Hatton superfight on May 2 in Las Vegas is the year's most anticipated fight and is expected to sell out gate and short circuit tickets and break PPV records.

for more update on Pacquiao vs. Hatton you can visit:
Pacquiao vs Hatton Live
Manny Pacquiao PH
Manny Pacman Pacquiao
By Dong Secuya

Pacquiao vs Cotto Live Streaming Preparation

2009-09-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

Pacquiao vs Cotto

Ever since Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO’s) defeated Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, Manny seems to have become a little too confident in his abilities. Instead of putting things in perspective and releasing he just essentially beat two hand picked opponents; Pacquiao seems to be acting as if he beat the top fighters in boxing.

All I can say is that Pacquiao is going to be in for a big surprise when he faces Cotto on November 14th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. I could see Pacquiao being sky high right now had he beaten someone like Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Juan Manuel Marquez or Timothy Bradley in his last two fights.

I mean, those guys can still fight and have a lot talent still in them. But when you go hunt down a 36-year-old De La Hoya or someone like Hatton, a guy that was already exposed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. two years ago, then I see the wins as being empty, useless and without value. Those aren’t wins to me.

Pacquiao bypassed Bradley to fight Hatton, and then skipped over Margarito and Mosley to fight De La Hoya. Does any honestly think that De La Hoya could beat Margarito or Mosley? Of course not. Then why did Pacquiao fight De La Hoya rather than Mosley or Margarito? Was it because he was considered an easy option? What Hatton?

Does anyone honestly think that Hatton could beat Bradley? If they do, they’re severely deluded because Bradley would likely dominate Hatton just as bad as Pacquiao was if given the chance. Of course, Hatton has never given Bradley a chance at fighting him and you can bet that he never will either. In all likelihood, Bradley would literally wipe the deck with Hatton and beat him an in embarrassingly easy fight.

So in the end, things will even out because Pacquiao will be finally in with a fighter with talent, power, defensive ability and speed when he faces Cotto on November 14th. And Manny will be in for the shock of his life when he starts taking heavy shots to the hit. Cutting corners isn’t a good practice.

There’s a reason why fighters take an incremental approach to facing better opponents. It’s so that they don’t get in over their head by facing someone too good for them. The problem for Pacquiao is that he’s going from the softest of competition in fighting an old weight drained De La Hoya and past it Hatton to a fighter that is still at the top of his game in 28-year-old Cotto.

There isn’t a go between fighter like Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah or Luis Collazo to get Pacquiao ready for fighting a good welterweight. So basically Pacquiao is going from soft opposition to one of the three best fighters in the welterweight division.

And because of that, I think Pacquiao is going to get his head torn of and end up knocked out, bleeding on the canvas and wondering where he is afterwards. It will be his own fault. If Pacquiao had only fought some good guys instead of jumping over the pack to go after a quality fighter for a change in Cotto. That’s what happens when you cherry pick your opponents and take the easy path.

Cotto vs Pacquiao Live

Pacquiao 2009: The fight for boxing immortality

2009-09-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

The end of the year is here and its just a good time to look back at the year that had just ended, you know, both good and bad events, new life lessons, and the looking forward to the coming year with promise. As a boxing fan, I just couldn’t help but get excited for the possibilities of 2009. Margarito-Mosley in a few weeks, a looming Pacman-Hitman, a possible golden boy farewell and maybe, the same time next year we maybe talking about how Pacquiao dominated “Money” Mayweather.

But personally, the fight I would love to see next year is the Pacific Typhoon against the Tijuana Tornado. With the possibility that the Pacman having only three fights left before retiring for a political career, this will be the ultimate farewell fight with all the height, weight difference (especially if Margarito beats Cotto again). I can just see it, reporters asking Pacman or (maybe even Margarito himself) Will you fight Margarito? Manny will reply “It is not a problem for me, my job as a boxer is to train hard for whoever my promoter (Bob) wants me to fight”. The guy is fearless and we know he’ll fight anyone. I think he’ll even fight Marquez and Margarito at the same time, if at all possible.

The match up in paper will look lopsided in favor of the Tornado, but so was the last fight with the Golden Boy, and we all know what happened to that one. I’m sure, the usual chorus that the fight is a circus and all of that will be heard, once again. But the match up of Pacman’s speed (feet and hands) against the all angle power punches of Margarito will make for a really good fight. As I said before, this is Manny’s destiny, and he knows how this fight is going to end if it happens. This, I think is the very reason why the man is just fearless.

One of my favorite films, “When We Were Kings” chronicled the Rumble in the Jungle, the legendary Ali-Foreman fight. In one scene on the film, Ali talks about the reason that he fights is for his poor black brothers--- “to uplift the spirits of his little brother who is sleeping in concrete floors in America”, for people living in welfare and dope addicts. In another scene, he talks about having God in his mind, being the reason that he is not scared of Foreman, that with God, when he is fighting his opponent becomes “little” compared to his purpose and how he can help people with just one fight.

If this sounds all familiar, this is exactly what makes 2009 so exciting for me. Pacman seems to be the 142-pound reincarnation of this transcendent figure today. A man fighting not for himself, but for his people. We all know how “The Greatest” raised the bar, challenged and made everyone around him to be the best that they can be, from Foreman all the way to Holmes. Exactly what Manny is doing from Barrera all the way to De La Hoya.

Ali, most of all has inspired generations, regardless of their race and nationality to believe in their own selves. And today ask a Filipino, any Filipino that you know, for that matter, then you will understand. The amazing thing is it is now crossing over to all races and nationalities. There is no boxing statistic for this intangible; but it certainly measures the fight in a man.

I am not saying that the Pacman is our generations’ “greatest” but he is pretty close, and he is certainly the Philippine’s version of it. His last three fights in 2009 will certainly tell us the ultimate ending of this magnificent boxing story. Who knows? With his purpose, humility and charm, he may also put boxing back in the hearts of the people. Maybe put it back in its rightful place in sports, just before he retires. As a boxing fan, I want and I know there’s only got to be one good ending to Manny’s boxing story. It is seemingly a fate carved in boxing immortality. After 365 days, we shall all see. Happy New Year to all!

Pacquiao 2009

Pacquiao 2009 vs. Pacquiao 2008

2009-09-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

"The People's Champ's" retirement from boxing and entry into Philippine politics purvey a sad state for many boxing and sports fans who want to see Pacquiao's exciting fights beyond 2009. What could be a fitting eulogy for a heroic boxing career? Of one who aspires towards statesmanship?

The conveyance of the great George Washington before his death in 1799:

"I leave you with undefiled hands, an uncorrupted heart, and with ardent vows to heaven for the welfare and happiness of that country in which I and my forefathers to the third or fourth progenitor drew our first breath."

In 2010, Pacman is no more. So we anticipate. The Tazmanian Devil reverts back permanently to simply Manny Pacquiao. A return to roots, away from brutal sport, to the embrace of countrymen.

While Pacquiao was already an established and elite boxer in 2008, it was not until Manny's demolition of the (aged) Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya that etched Pacquiao in the minds of international mainstream and casual sports observers.

Prior to that fight, many - actually most - dismissed Pacman as a Kamikaze fighter on a suicide route towards an aircraft carrier base. Low and behold, it turns out that the P-43 single engine plane lodged an atomic bomb on that floating carrier base before speeding away.

2008 as Pacmania's Summit (thus far)

2008 is Pacquiao's summit - evoking comparisons to boxing immortal Henry Armstrong is not enough merely to think of it as an "accompplishment." The matter should be downright jaw dropping. Yes, Michael Jordan's two "3-peat" championships with the Chicago Bulls should not be degraded as some "accomplishment."

Or Lance Armstrong's ungodly tear on cycling despite battling cancer.

How will 2009 compare to 2008 for Manny? The answer of course depends on how 2009 shapes up for the Pacman. Of critical importance is his ability to continue to be successful in the ring given (presumably) larger opponents.

In the words of hall of fame football coach Vince Lombardi, "Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now!"

Come to think of it, that thinking evokes of Nietzsche.

Critics, Crickets

A mere two years ago, the American and Philippine press exploited the (perceived) personal shortcomings of Manny Pacquiao. Critique of a world class athlete who has helped his community and country.

There is a sort of aloofness, and perhaps cruelty (intended or otherwise), in serving as a critic to a gentleman who has good intentions and who has attained a high level of station.

A baker has worked tirelessly in mastering his craft and in serving his customers superior food products and services. Because of his value to the organization, and his dedication and service, management has made him the head chef in a few short years.

Former peers, observers, kitchen workers, and other hotel personnel begin to dish out snipes at the hard-working chef, now-considered to be "obsessive compulsive," "anal-retentive," and a perfectionist - in the pejorative sense of the word.

"Be careful when he's around, or he'll snap at you." The vast majority of critics, perhaps each one, however, are unfamiliar with being the main guy himself - of what it is like being the top dog.

They have not, nor will not, undergo the tremendous work ethic and discipline necessary, day in and day out, to reach a lofty height of performance or skill level. Such is the nature of observation - the guy from the stands, content with popcorn and coke.

"Yes, Manny is a good boxer, maybe a great boxer. Will he finally be affected by all the late night partying and drinking? Does he have gambling debts? Is (supposed) womanizing being a distraction? Will the entertainment business cause his downfall? Does he still have the hunger? Will all the people surrounding and admiring him cause him to become complacent?"

Pacman resoundingly answered those questions with a stellar 2008.

Recap

His last 6 fights have involved victories over the following opponents:

Oscar de la Hoya - TKO (2008)
David Diaz - KO (2008)
Juan Manuel Marquez - Split Decision (2008)
Marco Antonio Barrera - Unanimous Decision (2007)
Jorge Solis - KO (2007)
Erik Morales - KO (2006)

As obvious to fight fans, Manny is on a historic tear and brings with him plenty of momentum as he closes out his career (unfortunately, boxing fans are likely to see a retired Manny as 2010 rolls around).

In a eulogy for Washington by close associate and fellow Continental army officer Henry Lee:

"First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere— uniform, dignified and commanding—his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns."

The uneducated, the illiterate, the poverty stricken whose dire circumstances from the forgotten unknowns of the world, from which Manny hails from, may be unable to fully verbally express their affection for Manny. His retirement may evoke just as sincere of an emotion. Thus bringing about urgency in a prospective final year of prize fighting.

Shane Mosley (R) defeats Antonio Margarito - Mark Terrill / AP

What will 2009 bring for Pacfans and boxing fans?

May 2nd brings about a fight with junior welterweight champion Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, a fight which Manny is favored to win. Assuming he wins that fight, boxing fans could see two more (and perhaps two last) fights in 2009.

One fight can occur in the September timeframe and yet another in December.

After Hatton, Mosley / Cotto / Valero / Marquez III / Mayweather, Jr. stand in the wings?

Welterweights Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto, fresh off impressive victories themselves, are interested in clashing with Pacquiao. Make no mistake, these two fighters are bigger than Manny. They are both solid punchers. And unlike de la Hoya this past December, they can quickly pull that jab, body punch, and hook triggers.

With Top Rank's Bob Arum also acting as Cotto's promoter, Pacquiao vs. Cotto could happen in September. While Manny has the clear advantage in speed, movement and footwork, Cotto also has a distinct advantage in power, brute force, and ring experience with much more sizeable fighters such as Antonio Margarito.

Cotto represents a larger Ricky Hatton, and possesses sound technical boxing skills. Certainly, Manny can dart in and out of Cotto's range - and presumably, the Puerto Rican rolls forward like a German Panzer tank - with the constant threat of vicious head or body shots from Cotto.

A reasonable scenario is Manny's inability to knock out Cotto with a single punch or even effective combination. Cotto, however, with well placed, timed, and unforeseen artillery shots can stagger Manny, and seriously so if Pacman is caught by the ropes.

Fans are left to ask themselves: "Which is more impressive? Victories over Marquez, Diaz, and de la Hoya (in 2008)? Or victories over Hatton, Cotto, and Valero or Mosley (in 2009)?

Tough prospects with Mosley or Cotto

As of February, Edwin Valero seems more of a plausible opponent for Pacman than Mosley, whose size, power and speed are likely to cause the influential Freddie Roach to discourage this fight. Given Mosley's stage of his career, he is more of a super welterweight fighter than a junior welterweight fighter.

Upon close study of fight insinuations thus far, Bob Arum may likely be discouraging a Mosley fight as well. Manny is unlikely to hold any significant advantage over Sugar Shane Mosley, except for slight advantages in speed, movement, and footwork. Mosley, however, delivers tremendous punching power and hand speed, as well as, possesses superior grappling, holding, and rough housing abilities.

Miguel Cotto (R) punches Michael Jennings - Mike Segar / Reuters

Is Mayweather lurking around?

Hatton, Cotto, and Valero seem to be on par with Manny's fights with Marquez, Diaz, and de la Hoya in 2008. The X factor here is whether or not Floyd Mayweather Jr. returns to the ring and accepts Manny Pacquiao's challenge.

Such a showdown would clearly be the fight of the decade - much like Tyson vs. Holyfield or Oscar de la Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad in the 1990s. For now, we leave the former pound for pound champion Mayweather out of the picture - he is after all retired, and entitled to a well deserved respite.

For Pacquiao to top his 2008 performance, in which he earned universal Fighter of the Year honors, he will have to beat either Mosley or Mayweather. The former is an unlikely opponent, unless Manny disposes of Hatton and Cotto with relative ease. And Pretty Boy has stated his commitment to retirement.

And yet still, a victory by Juan Manuel Marquez over Juan Diaz on February 28 can undoubtedly renew calls for a Pacquiao vs. Marquez III, especially by Marquez followers.

To be sure, no critics here. We shall see. Fighters speak for themselves.

We can search for parallelism between retirement and death. Analogy. Jordan was never the same with the Wizards as when he was with the Bulls. Larry Bird the coach is not the same as Bird, the mythical leader on the court.

Fisher Ames' eulogy in 1800 of General Washington eloquently provided:

"We have seen him display as much valor as gives fame to heroes, and as consummate prudence as insures success to valor; fearless of dangers that were personal to him, hesitating and cautious when they affected his country; preferring fame before safety or repose, and duty before fame. . . . ."

Few men can attach the same attributes to self. Those that do, we look up to as models for our own circumstances.

Given Manny Pacquiao's predilection, character, and nature anything might be possible after all. Duty before all else. In reference to an earlier allusion to Sugar Shane Mosley. Might it be suicidal? Might it be a clawing of yet another peak, of lacking air and harsh conditions?

Pacquiao Examiner

Manny Pacquiao - the new king of Boxing

2009-05-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr. took his daughter bowling Saturday night after announcing his return to the ring. Good thing, because if he had seen Manny Pacquiao fight he might have figured out what boxing fans now know _ that the future of boxing lies in the furious fists of a most unlikely new superstar.
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Had he been watching, Mayweather might have been as stunned at what he saw as his estranged father seemed to be in Ricky Hatton's corner. Fighters just aren't supposed to do the kind of things Pacquiao did to Hatton in 5 minutes and 59 seconds of utter domination before a thrilled crowd at the MGM Grand hotel.

All Mayweather can do now is get in line. The road to greatness now runs through a fighter who truly does let his fists do the talking.

"If Mayweather wants a piece of the little Filipino, just be my guest," promoter Bob Arum crowed when it was all over.

That's not likely to happen right away, but the odds are good it will happen eventually. There's too much money involved for it not to.

But give Pacquiao Round 1 already. On a day when Mayweather tried to steal his thunder by unretiring, Pacquiao went into the ring and showed why he is the most exciting thing to happen to boxing in a long, long time.

He didn't just beat Hatton. Didn't just knock him out.

He demolished a world class fighter who had never lost at his natural weight of 140 pounds, and he did it with such precision and ease that the talk afterward wasn't whether Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but whether he might be one of the best ever.

A right hook _ a punch most southpaws don't even have _ started it all, dropping Hatton midway through the first round. A left cross that may be one of the greatest single punches ever thrown in a big fight ended it with a dramatic flourish.

When it was over, Hatton was sprawled motionless on his back in the center of the ring. Pacquiao and his corner were celebrating and the sellout crowd was trying to digest what they had just seen.

And Mayweather was at a bowling alley somewhere trying to pick up a spare.

A few hours earlier, Mayweather had declared that "The king is back" and said he was ready to reclaim his title as the best pound-for-pound fighter. But boxing has a new king in an unassuming fighter so good that he won his last four fights in four different weight classes.

It's a remarkable story even in a sport where tales of rags-to-riches are commonplace. There was a time when Pacquiao lived in a cardboard shack in his native Philippines, and there didn't seem anything special about him when he fought his first fight there at 106 pounds in 1995.

But he began growing and started knocking people out. He hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach and learned how to use his right hand as well as his left.

He sent Oscar De La Hoya into retirement, and may have done the same to Hatton.

And he's such a hero at home that there's talk of him running for president.

Boxing fans have responded by embracing Pacquiao, filling every seat at the MGM Grand and spending $49.95 for the pay-per-view to watch him fight from home. With good reason, because he gives fight fans what they want to see.

While Mayweather plays the villain with great success, Pacquiao comes across as a humble fighter who cares about nothing except doing his job, then getting together with his band as he did after stopping Hatton to make some music. He's fairly fluent in English and makes a point of speaking it instead of relying on a translator, and he acts like a professional in everything he does in boxing.

Most importantly, though, he comes to fight. Oh, does he come to fight.

"He has the opportunity to become the best I've ever promoted," said Arum, who promoted Muhammad Ali and Marvelous Marvin Hagler among others. "Other fights reach a certain level and they think they know everything and never get better. Not Manny. He's always learning."

Pacquiao brought his mother over from the Philippines for her first trip to the United States, but she couldn't bear to watch her son fight. Instead, she stayed in a hotel suite praying for his success and health.

Pacquiao vs Hatton Predictions

2009-05-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao's performance against Oscar De La Hoya was magnificent but De La Hoya was as shot as Freddie Roach, Pacquaio's trainer and De La Hoya's ex-trainer, predicted that he would be. In his most recent meaningful fights against top-notch opponents, I thought he lost in a very close fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and he wasn't at his best in a rematch against Marco Antonio Barrera. If Ricky Hatton can get to him like Marquez did, he could make it difficult for Pacquiao but I see Pacquiao's footwork and hand speed being too much for Hatton. As much as beating that version of De La Hoya was not an accurate barometer of Pacquiao, Hatton's victory over Paulie Malignaggi in his last fight was also illusory, his struggle against Juan Lazcano more indicative of Hatton's inevitable decline because of bad living. His bravery will not be enough in the face of so much precise punching and Pacquiao will win inside eight rounds.

I think Pacquiao is at his peak coming in to the fight this weekend. His speed and accuracy will put him over the top and he'll cement his spot as the sports pound-for-pound king. Prediction: Pacquiao over Hatton by KO in the 8th.

Pacquiao vs Hatton Simulation

2009-05-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

The hotly anticipated title bout between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao on Sunday has captured the imagination of the boxing public for its intriguing uncertainties as much its high quality.

Connoisseurs of the sport cannot wait to find out whether Hatton's raw power can overcome Pacquiao's lightning speed when the Briton defends his IBO light-welterweight belt.

While Filipino southpaw Pacquiao is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, he has never competed in the 140-pound division where Hatton is the undisputed king.

"I respect Manny for his skills and power but I think he should be a bit more worried about my power," Hatton said in the build-up to the showdown at the MGM Grand Hotel.

"He's had one fight about 135 pounds and that was against Oscar (De La Hoya). He's a southpaw, he's got his hand speed and his footwork so I'm aware of the dangers.

"But he should certainly be worried about my power. Manny has won world titles in different weight divisions but down there."

Hatton, 45-1 (32 KOs), has relished his billing as the underdog, with Las Vegas bookmakers and most boxing pundits having long installed Pacquiao as favourite to win the 12-round contest.

"I think you have all made your mind up already," the 30-year-old told reporters.

"I have been reading what you have been saying and what everyone has been saying. That doesn't scare me. I have been the underdog before.

"I hear what you say: 'He is an over-hyped, over-protected, fat beer-drinking Englishman'. Guess what..... that 'he' is going to shock the world again."

Pacquiao, who outclassed 10 times world champion De La Hoya in December to confirm his reputation as the sport's best pound-for-pound fighter, has mutual respect for Hatton.

"He's a strong fighter, a good fighter and he's quick," said Pacquiao, who is also 30 and has the nickname 'Pac-man'.

Pacquiao as best pound-for-pound fighter

2009-03-02T00:52:00.000-08:00

MANILA, Philippines - The 2008 Annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions will honor Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao for the eighth straight year as well as three world champions of the past year in ceremonies to be held during the 74th birth anniversary of the Da Flash on March 25 at the Manila Hotel Tent City.

Pacquiao, the Philippines’ most prominent boxer since 2001, will receive the distinct honor as the World’s Best Pound-for-Pound Boxer during the ninth Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards where Filipino national, international and world champions of 2008 will gather for the country’s most prestigious awards in professional boxing.

“The Elorde Memorial Awards had bestowed the highest honor in boxing to our very own Manny Pacquiao during the last seven years. Last year we inducted him into the Elorde Hall of Fame after he became the first boxer to earn the highest award for the seventh straight year.

“Now we are conferring on him another distinctive honor – the Best Pound For Pound Boxer Award – for which he is acclaimed the world over,” said Laura Elorde, wife of Da Flash.

The boxing awards are given annually by the family of the late Flash Elorde, the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion – from 1960 to 1967.

Elorde was the second Filipino, after Pancho Villa, to be enshrined into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Villa, the US flyweight champion from 1922 to 1925 and the first Filipino to be enshrined into the International Hall of Fame, will be posthumously enshrined into the Elorde Hall of Fame.

Villa, Elorde and Pacquiao are considered the country’s greatest boxers of their generation and the three greatest Filipino fighters of all time.

“It is only proper that the great fighter Pancho Villa occupies an honored place in Philippine boxing history through the Elorde Memorial Awards,” said the late champion’s wife.

Laura Elorde will herself present the Hall of Fame Award in honor of Villa as well as the World’s Best Pound for Pound Boxer Award to Pacquiao during the ceremonies which include the Banquet of Champions, an exclusive gathering of the country’s national, international and world champions, and other honorees in the field of boxing.

The Elorde Sports Foundation, which is holding the event in cooperation with the Elorde clan, said the Awards Night includes, for the first time, an amateur boxing award to be given to the most outstanding Filipino amateur boxing campaigner in 2008.

The regular awards categories include Boxer of the Year, Major Awards (World/International/national champions), best fight best boxing manager and citations.

The event will be capped with a women’s world boxing championship and a Philippine title fight.

The Elorde Awards is sponsored by the Johnny Elorde International Management, Elorde Foundation, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Manila Hotel. - (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Pacquiao vs Hatton Prediction

2009-02-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

On May 2nd, Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao will go toe to toe for what is the ‘P4P’ championship. It already has boxing fans salivating at the prospect of their two all-action styles clashing in Vegas. There are so many intangibles with this fight I don’t know where to start, so lets examine their recent performances. 2008 was a phenomenal year for the Pacman, starting with a razor thin split decision over world class Juan Manuel Marquez..

Despite the controversy, these two guys put on a breathtaking spectacle for twelve rounds and neither really deserved to lose. Next he disposes of the extremely game but limited David Diaz. Diaz was the perfect opponent for Manny’s lightweight debut; his plodding feet and not much head movement meant it was just target practice for the Philippines. Then in December he is catapulted into the big league with a dominant win over the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. Whatever people say about this fight you cannot deny this was a masterpiece by the little man. Ok, so De La Hoya looked a bit shot but you could argue that Pacquiao made him look like that. The speed of his foot movement, his balance and combinations just blew him away.

On December 8th 2007, the Hitman was picked apart for the first time in his career by the surgeon Floyd Jr. This was a competitive bout for six rounds, but Maywether showed why he is the best in the world, taking advantage of Hatton’s increasingly gung ho tactics. Ricky still has frustration about the way the referee handled the bout. You may agree or disagree; personally I feel Joe Cortez was getting in way too much during the first four rounds. Whether that changed the result of the fight who knows, only a rematch in England would tell us. The ‘homecoming’ win over Juan Lazcano was a rusty performance, presumably because he was coming off such a crushing defeat. Then it emerges that training camps with Billy Graham are not what they once were resulting in Floyd sr taking over the reigns. This proved a wise decision after he took his nearest rival, Paulie Malignaggi to school for eleven rounds. As a result of his new trainer he showed more jabs, feints and head movement, which he will need in abundance against Pacquiao.

An obvious factor to look at in this fight is the weight and the size of the fighters. Hatton was born at 140 pounds and his best performances have come there. Pacquiao has never fought at 140 and is therefore an unknown quantity. The weight was not really an issue for him against De La Hoya because he was allowed to box his own fight, getting in and out quickly without wrestling and inside fighting. I imagine the first thing Hatton will do in this fight is get inside and see how strong he really is. In my opinion Hatton will throw him around like a rag doll, which will take a lot more out of Pacquiao. The tactical battle of both trainers will centre on this issue, with Hatton trying to impose his strength inside and Pacquiao trying to box from the outside.

Strength and punching power are two separate attributes, and although I’ve never been in a ring with Pacquiao, I imagine his punching power is more fearsome. He has scored some incredible knockouts, albeit in the lower divisions and because of this we don’t know if he really has the power to stop Hatton in his tracks. In contrast we know Hatton is a good puncher in this weight class, not a murderous puncher but one who can hurt you with the right shot. This could be a telling factor as the fight unfolds.

Pacquiao has a clear speed advantage of both hand and foot over his opponent. He has the ability to hit his rival with combinations and get out of range before they have time to react. This is the problem that De La Hoya and almost all his opponents have encountered. Hatton is no slouch either but he will have to be very sharp if he is going to catch him consistently.

This piece is entitled prediction, and as such I must give one despite my shocking record. I think Hatton knocks him out in the later rounds of what is a great fight. I feel his strength, body shots and aggression will pay dividends in the second half of the fight. My guess is that we will see an end similar to Cotto vs. Margarito where the little man simply has nothing left and folds. A fanciful idea I know, but I’ve got broad shoulders so the Pacquiao fans can unleash their bile on me.

by: By Jake Roberts

Manny Pacquiao is now 'Dr. Pacquiao'

2009-02-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) by Southwestern University (SWU) in Cebu City, a television report said Thursday.

In her report aired over “24 Oras," GMA News’ Cebu City correspondent Lalaine Go said university president Dr. Eldigario Gonzales bestowed the award to Pacquiao on Wednesday evening at Waterfront Hotel.

Gonzalez said the doctorate degree was conferred to Pacquiao not just to honor his success in boxing but also for his initiative to help his country men.

The report said Pacquiao was supposed to receive Doctorate for Human Kinetic" but the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said such does not exist.

Pacquiao meanwhile welcomed the recognition. In his speech, he took pot shots at his critics when he said that intelligence is not measured by the books one reads.

"Ang katalinuhan at kagalingan ng Pilipino ay hindi nasusukat sa dami ng librong nababasa [The intelligence of a Filipino is not measured through the books he reads]," he said.

Pacquiao also thanked SWU for believing in him despite earning flak from groups who are opposed to it. “Sa kabila ng batikos sa Southernwestern University, pinagpatuloy niyo pa rin ang pagtitiwala sa akin. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtitiwala," he said.

[“Despite the criticism, you still honored me with this. Thank you for your trust."] - GMANews.TV. Manny Pacquiao is now 'Dr. Pacquiao'

Pacquiao vs. Hatton Live

2009-02-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Good footwork is a key element of Manny Pacquiao’s successful boxing career, a tool he used to advantage in pummeling to submission the bigger and stronger Oscar De La Hoya in their December 6 fight.

It’s a device he would need to employ again to the hilt when he tangles with British junior welterweight star Ricky Hatton in their coming May 2 bout, according to his renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

Nigel Collins, editor-in-chief of The Ring Magazine, observed that the signature move Pacquiao used in his “Dream Match” against De La Hoya carried the Filipino icon to his upset victory by “largely nullifying Oscar’s biggest weapon, his concussive left hook.”

“Pacquiao would step in quickly, deliver a rapid combination, pivot to his right, bend at the knee, and duck low,” Collins, a veteran boxing writer, wrote in his article “The Lost Art of Footwork” in the April issue of The Ring.

It is a routine that Pacquiao mastered at training camp and employed to near perfection during the fight, and handed De La Hoya, boxing’s biggest draw, his worst beating in his entire career.

“We developed that move especially to take away Oscar’s bread-and-butter [left hook] and work on it throughout camp,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainor for more than eight years. “Footwork is something of a lost art, but it was the key to Manny’s victory over Oscar.”

Collins observed that the top four boxers in The Ring’s current pound-for-pound ratings—Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins—are all known for employing intelligent footwork.

“Overlooked, misunderstood, and difficult to master, footwork [and its co-joined twin, balance] has always been and remains and remains the hallmark of the great fighter down throughout the generations,” said Collins, a keen student of The Sweet Science.

He said that among the iconic heavyweights, Jim Corbett, Jack Johnson, Gene Tunney, Joe Walcott, Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes were all gifted hoofers.

Collins said good movement in the ring also played a major role in the success of fighters not normally associated with fancy legworks, noting how the likes of Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, or better yet, Roberto Duran cut off the ring in their prime.

Among active fighters, Collins mentioned the ageless Bernard Hopkins, who practically gave unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik a boxing clinic using excellent footwork.

“It’s all about footwork, footwork and balance. They’re together,” Hopkins told Collins.

Hopkins said that “70 percent to 80 percent of winning a fight is based on positioning,” adding that it is proper footwork that allows a fighter to be in position to attack or defend himself.

Hopkins said the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard both had great footwork, a quality that helped earn them their status as best among the elite boxing greats in the history of the sport.

According to Collins footwork has always been a part of the development of boxing since the time of the bare-knuckle prizefighters of the 18th and 19th century.

“Footwork has always been the shifting foundation upon which boxing excellence is built,” Collins said. Pacquiao vs. Hatton Live

Pacquiao's youngest child baptized in Church

2009-02-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

The youngest child of Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was baptized Sunday morning at General Santos City in southern Philippines.

GMA’s Flash Report said Queen Elizabeth “Queenie” Pacquiao was baptized about 10 a.m. at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish Church.

Queenie has 16 godmothers and 32 godfathers, including Vice President Noli de Castro.

A grand fairy-tale-themed reception was held after the baptism, the report added.

Queenie was born in Los Angeles, California on Dec. 30, 2008, a few weeks after his father defeated boxing icon Oscar dela Hoya in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has three siblings, namely: Jemuel, Michael, and Mary Divine Grace, also known as Princess. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV. Pacquiao's youngest child baptized in GenSan

Mythical Pacquiao-Pryor dream match-up

2009-02-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

Reigning world best boxer Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao and the legendary welterweight Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor of the 1980s have many things in common.

Both came from humble beginning and used the tough sport of boxing as their passport to fame, riches and glory. Almost the same height, both are explosive heavy punchers who fought some of the very best in the squared ring, including fighters bigger than them.

In fact, PacMan and The Hawk were so good they were compared to all-time great Henry Armstrong, who is considered by some ring pundits as the best fighter in boxing history.

Pryor, who beat fellow Hall of Fame standouts like Tommy Hearns (as amateurs) and Alexis Arguello in two classic fights when both were in their prime, amassed an impressive record of 40 fights, winning 39 bouts, 35 of them by knockout.

Regarded as one of the finest fighters of the talent-rich 80s, Pryor is generally considered one of the top three junior welterweights of all time.

Unbeaten in his prime, Pryor terrorized the junior welterweight ranks from 1976 to 1985, retired when he failed to land big fights with the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, and attempted three comebacks with little success until he was stopped from fighting for good because of an injury.

Pryor’s only loss, a shocking 7th round knockout at the hands of little known Bobby Joe Young, came after his second retirement. By this time, Pryor was over the hill and was struggling with his much publicized struggle with substance abuse.

How would Pacquiao and Pryor figure in a mythical “Battle of the Legends” between today’s finest boxer and the best of the past generation?

Veteran boxing scribe William Detloff tackled such an intriguing match-up in the April issue of the Ring magazine, considered “the Bible of boxing,” and came up with very interesting insights into two of the best prizefighters of their respective generations.

For his article, Detloff asked three respected boxing experts rate the chances of PacMan and The Hawk in the imaginary match-up, much like the theoretical of Muhammad Ali and Rocky of the movie series.

Detloff’s panel of experts consisted of boxing commentator Max Kellerman of HBO, former world champion-turned-commentator Kevin Kelley, and featherweight fighter-turned trainer Ronnie Shields.

Kellerman picked the Filipino icon winning on points “in a brutal fight” because he thinks Pacquiao is the more disciplined of the two equally strong and talented fighters.

Kelley, however, picked Pryor by knockout in a frenetic, explosive match because The Hawk is a natural junior welterweight

Shields, who was Pryor’s roommate during the 1976 Olympic Trials, said Pacquiao does not have the energy to throw hard punches for 15 rounds like the hard-slugging Pryor, plus the fact that the American brawler was naturally bigger. He saw a good fight, with Pryor eventually stopping Pacman by the sixth. Experts comment on mythical Pacquiao-Pryor dream match-up

Rankings: World Top Boxers

2009-02-16T21:42:00.000-08:00

Margarito’s votes were counted because voting was concluded before the commission’s penalty was announced, but he will not be included again until he is legally cleared to fight and is under no penalty.

But as I compiled the votes, I began to wonder which promoter would come out on top. And so, before I get to the monthly fighter rankings, I’ll provide a little promoter rankings. This isn’t meant to pick the identity of the world’s best boxing promoter, because I know how easily the egos of promoters bruise and I’d have at least half of them on the phone to me in the morning whining. It’s only to see which promoter currently has the most fighters in the top 23 (the number of fighters who received votes in our poll).

I used the same rules as I use for the fighter poll. Since 23 men received votes, I gave 23 points for first, 22 for second on down to one point for the fighter in 23rd.

With that, here are the results of the promoter poll:

Top Rank, 91 points: Led by undisputed No. 1 Manny Pacquiao, it had three fighters in the top 10 and eight fighters receive at least one vote.

Golden Boy Promotions, 72 points: Golden Boy placed three in the top five, but it didn’t have another fighter until a tie for 19th. Of its ranked fighters, the average age is 34.8 and only one, heavyweight David Haye, is under 30.

Gary Shaw Productions, 45 points: Super bantamweight Rafael Marquez has lost two straight, hasn’t won since March 3, 2007, yet has continually moved up in the poll, now at No. 6. That curiosity is because he’s lost back-to-back scintillating fights against one of the best in the business. Marquez is one of three GSP fighters in the top 11.

Sycuan Ringside Promotions, 21 points: Sycuan has only one fighter in the poll, but he’s a doozy: No. 3 Israel Vazquez.

Goossen-Tutor Promotions, 17 points: If Paul Williams earned points for all of the weight classes he fights in, Goossen-Tutor might sit atop the list.

Chris John Promotions, 11 points: The classy featherweight Chris John promotes himself.

Team Palle Promotions, 10 points: The Danish company is represented by the outstanding super middleweight, Mikkel Kessler.

Sauerland Events, 8 points: Arthur Abraham, and not the more well-known Kelly Pavlik, just might be the world’s top middleweight.

K2 Promotions, 4 points: Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko is his company’s only representative in the poll.

Seminole Warrior’s Promotions, 1 point: Lanky super bantamweight Celestino Caballero received a single 10th-place vote in the poll.

With that, let’s get on to the real poll and unveil the Yahoo! Sports top 10 for February:

Pacquiao

1. Manny Pacquiao
Points: 300 (30 of 30 first-place votes)
Record: 48-3-2 (37 KOs)
Title: WBC lightweight champion
Last outing: TKO8 over Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6
Previous ranking: 1
Up next: May 2 in Las Vegas vs. Ricky Hatton for super lightweight title
Analysis: Overall game has improved dramatically in last two years

Marquez

2. Juan Manuel Marquez
Points: 261
Record: 49-4-1 (35 KOs)
Title: Ring lightweight champion
Last outing: TKO11 over Joel Casamayor on Sept. 13
Previous ranking: 3
Up next: Feb. 28 in Houston vs. Juan Diaz
Analysis: Desperate for another crack at Pacquiao

Vazquez

3. Israel Vazquez
Points: 205
Record: 43-4 (31 KOs)
Title: WBC and Ring super bantamweight champion
Last outing: W12 over No. 7 Rafael Marquez on March 1
Previous ranking: 4
Up next: TBA
Analysis: Hopeful he can return to action from eye surgery by June

Hopkins

4. Bernard Hopkins
Points: 197 ½
Record: 49-5 (32 KOs)
Title: None
Last outing: W12 over Kelly Pavlik on Oct. 18
Previous ranking: 5
Up next: TBA
Analysis: Joe Calzaghe’s retirement makes Hopkins’ more likely

Mosley

5. Shane Mosley
Points: 131
Record: 46-5 (39 KOs)
Title: WBA welterweight champion
Last outing: TKO9 over Antonio Margarito on Jan. 24
Previous ranking: NR
Up next: TBA
Analysis: Looked like the Mosley of 2000 in dominating victory

Marquez

6. Rafael Marquez
Points: 123
Record: 37-5 (33 KOs)
Title: None
Last outing: L12 to No. 4 Israel Vazquez on March 1
Previous ranking: 7
Up next: TBA
Analysis: Hasn’t won in nearly two years, but still moves up in rankings

Williams

7. Paul Williams
Points: 108
Record: 36-1 (27 KOs)
Title: Interim WBO junior middleweight champion
Last outing: TKO8 over Verno Phillips on Nov. 29
Previous ranking: 8
Up next: April 11 in Las Vegas vs. Winky Wright
Analysis: Is fighting at middleweight but considers himself a welterweight

Cotto

8. Miguel Cotto
Points: 84
Record: 32-1 (26 KOs)
Title: None
Last outing: TKO by 11 to Antonio Margarito on July 26
Previous ranking: 9
Up next: Feb. 21 in New York against Michael Jennings
Analysis: Legitimacy of only loss now in question after Margarito hand wrap controversy

Calderon

9. Ivan Calderon
Points: 60
Record: 32-0 (6 KOs)
Title: WBO light flyweight champion
Last outing: TD7 over Hugo Cazares on Aug. 30
Previous ranking: 10
Up next: TBA
Analysis: Quickest fighter in lower weights

Darchinyan

10. Vic Darchinyan
Points: 52
Record: 32-1-1 (26 KOs)
Title: WBA, WBC, IBF super flyweight champion
Last outing: TKO11 over Jorge Arce on Feb. 7
Previous ranking: NR
Up next: TBA
Analysis: Powerful southpaw hoping to hold titles in three weight classes in 2009

Others receiving votes: Chad Dawson 32 ½; Antonio Margarito 17; Chris John 15; Mikkel Kessler 9; Juan Manuel Lopez 8; Arthur Abraham 6; Nonito Donaire 5; Kelly Pavlik 5; Ricky Hatton 4; Wladimir Klitschko 4; David Haye 2; Fernando Montiel 2; Celestino Caballero 1.

Three Manny Pacman bouts lined up in 2009

2009-01-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, his promoter Bob Arum hinted, is open to three fights this year.

The Filipino superstar is locked on to face Britain’s Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas, and is hoping to land an even bigger fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. later on.

But Arum said if Mayweather, who retired last June as the undefeated pound-for-pound champion, doesn’t come out in the open, Pacquiao might consider two more fights.

Pacquiao said he wants to retire this year, and Arum, the legendary Top Rank chief, wants to make sure that boxing’s biggest draw today makes the most of his chances.

“If Floyd Mayweather is not available after we fight Hatton, then we can fight Edwin Valero,” said Arum, close to finalizing the deal with the Hatton people for the May 2 bout.

“There are a number of people out there although the fight may not be as big as Mayweather,” he added after dropping the name of the Venezuelan knockout artist.

Among the other worthy contenders are Joan Guzman or Zab Judah and, of course, Juan Manuel Marquez, the only fighter who really came close to beating Pacquiao in nearly three years.

Again, none of these fights can match the attention a fight with Mayweather would draw, considering that it will be a fight between two pound-for-pound champions of the same era.

“If Mayweather is not there, we can fight two more fights to make up for it. Manny can fight three times this year,” said Arum over the telephone.

But Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach wants Pacquiao going up against Hatton, and then Mayweather.

“In a perfect world, I would like to see him fight Ricky Hatton and then Floyd Mayweather Jr. and then I would like to see Manny retire, and become President of the Philippines,” he told fighthype.com.

Going back to things on hand, the matchmaking genius said Pacquiao stands to earn a lot, even more than what he earned against Oscar dela Hoya, for facing Hatton.

“There’s a good chance that Manny will earn more in this fight,” said Arum of Pacquiao, who got no less than $10 million despite the smaller 32 percent take against Dela Hoya’s 68 percent.

Arum said there’d be no such disparity in the Pacquiao-Hatton pie.

“Manny may get more but not much, much more because Ricky Hatton brings more to the table than anybody else Manny could fight at the moment,” he said.

“But we are not getting the smaller share if you know what I mean. A tremendous percentage of the money will come from England,” he added in recognizing Hatton’s pay-per-view draw back home. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Pacquiao arrives at Quiapo Church

2008-12-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao arrived at the Quiapo Church for a thanksgiving mass.

Pacquiao had just returned from Los Angeles at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday after defeating boxing star Oscar De La Hoya in Las Vegas last Sunday.

Pacquiao arrived at the church past 8 a.m., accompanied by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson.

Boxing fans had also filled the church to capacity, hoping to see the pound-for-pound champion. From Inquirer

Pacquiao may fight Hatton while Mayweather gets back into shape

2008-12-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

Grand Rapids Press columnist David Mayo was in Las Vegas to witness Manny Pacquiao's destruction of Oscar De La Hoya and now talk has surfaced of Floyd Mayweather potentially coming out of retirement to fight Pacquaio.

Mayo tells Ryan Terpstra on WGHN-AM 1370 (Grand Haven) that Mayweather Jr. apparently wants his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., to train him for a fight against Pacquiao. Mayweather Sr. currently trains Ricky Hatton, who also could potentially be Pacquiao's next opponent.

"There is a possibility that Pacquiao goes and fights Hatton, because even if Floyd comes back in January and starts training, he couldn't be ready to fight until close to the middle of the year, at least May," Mayo said.

"It might suit Hatton and Pacquiao to go ahead and make that fight ... in Wembley Stadium, which is the idea, trying to draw this super mega-live crowd ... and the winner gets Floyd. With Pacquiao fighting in England, you run the risk of, if not an eliminated Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, certainly a devalued one, or Mayweather gets turned to Hatton instead ... so there's a number of things that could happen."

Listen to the full interview to hear Mayo talk about who he thinks would win between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. and the possibility of the Mayweathers (Roger, Floyd Sr. and Floyd Jr.) working together to prepare for that fight. From Malive

Pacquiao arrives at Palace for President Arroyo

2008-12-09T19:13:00.001-08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao arrived in Malacañang Palace hours after arriving in the country early Wednesday for a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Radio dzBB's Aileen Intia reported that the courtesy call came three days after Pacquiao won a bout with Oscar de la Hoya via technical knockout.

The champ met with President Arroyo inside the Palace's Music Room, the report said.

The report added that during the visit to Malacañang, Pacquiao was flanked by Environment Sec. Jose “Lito" Atienza and Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit" Singson. Also with him was Bacolod City Representative Monico Puentevella. From GMANews.TV

Pacman vs Tyson on the next match

2008-12-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

Pacman vs Tyson on the next match

Manny Pacquiao fought a lot bigger than he looked. Oscar De La Hoya simply looked old. Pacquiao dominated his bigger and more famous opponent from the opening bell Saturday night, giving De La Hoya a beating and closing his left eye before De La Hoya declined to come out of his corner after the eighth round.