Boxing News: Handpicked Links (Pacquiao/Mayweather)

Boxing fans have witnessed Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s magnificent comeback. Outclassing veteran Juan Manuel Marquez, some take advantage of the opportunity to dim Manny Pacquiao's brilliance in favor of Money Mayweather's return.

The debate continues as to who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world of boxing. Although it is a mythical and symbolical title, the status of being the best pound-for-pound in a fighting sport is important at least coming from a business perspective. Mayweather continues to sell and make the sport popular (as opposed to the 'Boxing is Dead' propaganda.) Think what you may, but there is no denying Mayweather is a naturally gifted athlete. Manny Pacquiao, in contrast, continues to break the barriers allowing Asian fighters, make that Filipino fighters, to earn a well deserved place in the sport. Filipino boxers were once unpopular, thus seldom given a spot in a world event. Pacquiao, being the smaller man, amassed success on an uphill climb. Now that all eyes are on this once undernourished Filipino baker who earns barely US$4 a day, it shows how far he has taken himself and how gigantic his accomplishments are. From making bread to MAKING BREAD. Millions of them.

"The fans are not interested in seeing a Money-Pacman matchup" is a lie. They were interested enough to see Mayweather gobble the smaller and slower Marquez. I bet they would love to bear witness to a possibility of Mayweather doing the same to Pacquiao? Or would you like to see the little fella' take a shot in beating the 'unbeatable' Mayweather? Whatever your preference is, most likely you would love to see it happen. If not, then you can get back to your surreal world and come back later. Perhaps you could use a jab in the face to wake up your senses.

All the possibilities will be based on the outcome of Pacquiao-Cotto this November. What are the chances of Pacquiao? I like his chances based on Pacquiao's last three outings. Cotto is the most dangerous he has faced so far, but you've heard it before. How many times has Pacquiao been doubted, perhaps as many as ALL of his major bouts. Yet he talks with performance and seldom in words. Still, Cotto is priority and we will find out if Mayweather and Pacquiao will ever face-off.

Here are some related links from other sites:

The Man to Beat Floyd Mayweather Jr....
-by Jeff Pryor, THE BOXING BULLETIN. One of the clever comments goes:

Froifroi said...

Nice article. However, a better title would be "The Fighters Floyd is Expected to Avoid..."

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: Doing the Math
-by Dave "Large" Larzelere, THE RUMBLE. The article estimates Pacquiao-Mayweather matchup, if it happens, based on both fighters' recent performances.

Floyd Mayweather Sr: Manny Pacquiao Ain't Got No Skills Like My Son
-by Michael David Smith, FANHOUSE. Money Mayweather's dad speaks his mind.

Bad Left Hook Pound-for-Pound Top 20 Update: Welcome back, Floyd
-by SC, BAD LEFT HOOK. Mayweather and Pacquiao both ranked #1 in this site's best pound-for-pound list.

Pacquiao in fiery start
-by Nick Giongco, MANILA BULLETIN. Pacquiao's preparation status on upcoming Cotto bout.

From this site:
The Aftershock of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
-talks about Mayweather's comeback to beat Marquez and a hint of Mayweather-Pacquiao.

Who Won Pacquiao-Marquez I & II?
-an insight regarding how Marquez was beaten in his own game: counterpunching not enough to warrant a win. Read more>>

The Aftershock of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A day after Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s domination of Juan Manuel Marquez, mixed emotions surface in the boxing world, of which denial and the need for reassurance tops the list.

Although he stepped in the ring as the bigger man, penalized $600,000 for not making weight, Floyd without question demonstrated what could be described as the finest style in defensive boxing, outclassing JMM a full 12 rounds. Marquez's speed failed to duplicate Pacquiao's in the higher weight which sapped his chances of upsetting the talented Mayweather Jr. The size advantage in favor of Mayweather is tremendous, but the speed differential already evident in the first round, is what killed it for Marquez. Mayweather's slick and quick approach masterfully penetrated Marquez's defenses. On the other hand, Marquez's attacks were too slow, as he realized the 'hit to hurt' nature of boxing, while Mayweather's punches constantly hit its mark. The resilient Marquez, hurt during most of the fight, was knocked down in the 2nd round. The heart of Marquez is what won him fans around the world and did not disappoint despite the lopsided loss.

"Floyd without question demonstrated what could be described as the finest style in defensive boxing."



Has Floyd Mayweather reclaimed title as the best pound for pound fighter in the world? Not yet. Marquez is not Pacquiao. Manny Pacquiao, unlike Juan Manuel Marquez, has successfully carried his strength and speed in the heavier divisions and seems to continually improve in every aspect of his game. Pacman emerged as a new breed of fighter in 2008. After a close decision win to beat Marquez in 2008, Pacquiao and Roach worked double time to master some crafts never before utilized by Pacquiao himself. The results were tremendous as he claims perfection and dominance in his last three outings, namely David Diaz, Oscar dela Hoya, and Ricky Hatton. Excuses and bitterness aside, those were great lopsided fights. Although it is doubtful he can duplicate a perfect match against a bigger and much more difficult fighter in Miguel Cotto this November, Pacquiao has a chance to provide fans a blockbuster fight to be remembered. More importantly, a chance to prove himself as the pound for pound king. With a win over Cotto, a possible clash of kingdoms with Mayweather Jr.

Now, would it not be a chance for 'King' Mayweather Jr. to prove himself as champion of champions? We will soon find out.

Also try:
Boxing is Alive
Boxing News: Handpicked Links (Pacquiao/Mayweather)
Who won Pacquiao-Marquez I & II?
Read more>>

Almost A Sweep For Pinoy Boxers

Filipinos settled for an almost perfect mark as 3 out of 4 Pinoy boxers managed to seal victories. Donnie 'Ahas' Nietes, Z Gorres and Fil-American sensation Ana Julaton won their respective bouts. Rodel Mayol is the only unfortunate fighter of the week.

A closer look:

NIETES RETAINS CROWN, GORRES WINS BY TKO

Gorres Stops Injured Carbajal After Five Rounds

ANOTHER CLASH OF HEADS EARNS CALDERON SPLIT DECISION OVER MAYOL

Ana Julaton Pulls Off Upset


Other boxing related topics:

Who won Pacquiao-Marquez I & II?

Boxing is Alive Read more>>

"Hawaiian Punch" is back on track

Brian the Hawaiian Punch Viloria is back in winning fashion with a victory over Jesus Iribe.

Brian Viloria, who was the WBC light flyweight champion back in 2005, went on a decline and struggled to impress boxing aficionados. Viloria lost his title to Mexican Omar Niño Romero and lost again in their rematch in an attempt to snatch the title back.


Viloria eluding Edgar Sosa's left, April 14, 2007

The Hawaiian Punch erased the memory of lackluster performances with 6 consecutive wins which includes a KO win versus former IBF light-flyweight champion Jose Ulises Solis (W28 L2 KO20.) Viloria improved his record to W26 L2 KO15.

Other notable Filipino boxers (other than Pacquiao) on a hot streak:

Nonito "Filipino Flash" Donaire
"Marvelous" Marvin Sonona ...Keep it up!

Related Articles

Boxing is Alive!
Who won Pacquiao-Marquez I & II?
Read more>>

Boxing is Not Dead

The brutal sport of boxing is breathing once again. As if to ridicule sports enthusiasts who have ruled out boxing as a dying sport, it finds its way sneaking into our daily lives in every form perceivable. Hate boxing and you'll forever be infested with plagues such as: sports pages on newspapers delivering knock out news, internet reviews of HBO mega fights sales, the television featuring the Mayweathers sing I'm Too Sexy, a gigantic Manny Pacquiao billboard in its towering glory, or even suffer from your own kids' nunchuk swinging on the Wii in an attempt to floor the legendary King Hippo and be able to get a clean view of his oversized underwear as reward.

Boxing is simply everywhere.


Boxing legend Henry Armstrong (right)
Image by otisarchives4

To Filipinos, things are a little different. Boxing has always been a staple to every Pinoy much like cheap instant noodle is to a lazy and hasty condominium bachelor. The sport may not be every person's cup of tea but is inevitably influenced by it one way or another. The subliminal imprint of boxing in our culture makes it easy to explain why everyone has gloves laced on their heads. The Pinoys are blessed since we love the sport of boxing and need not suffer from the curse of living with it.

We enjoy it.

With the emergence of Filipino fighters, Pacquiao and Donaire atop the list, boxing has brought a sense of pride to our country. We as a nation know our abilities and capabilities and never had doubts in ourselves. However, the recognition rightfully deserved by many Pinoys come as slow moving as a drunk sloth. Our countrymen celebrate on each win, and each success feeds millions in terms of hunger for recognition. A recognition well deserved.

So, boxing may be brutal in nature but what in the real world isn't? Besides, it is not all about rabbit punching, headbutting, rib breaking, ear biting, low blows, annoying clinches and so on. It is also about humility, sportsmanship, pride, whatnot- you name it. This is big business with a lot at stake. A fight for glory. A mere substitute to a real war. Let fists fly and maybe, just maybe, bombs and missiles will be put aside.

Let it live and stop the nonsense Boxing is Dead altercation. It's no punk. It's no dead. Read more>>

Who won Pacquiao-Marquez I & II?

De la Hoya said: "I don't care, Marquez beat Pacquiao twice," as quoted by Mark Vester on boxingscene.com.

The hotly debated Pacquiao-Marquez fights ended in controversial decisions that left many boxing fans hanging and begging for at least one more. Different opinions have surrounded these two elite pugilists. Just like the end result of both fights, discussions ended in either a draw or a split decision that go either way.

The question remains: who really won?


Money Pacquiao: fighters line up for a fat paycheck
Image by archangel raphael

In 2003, a new and young featherweight champion from the Philippines had emerged and had started to make a name in the biggest boxing playground known as the United States. A name he made so well, the audience started to call him Pacman. Though Pacquiao's first appearance in the U.S. took place two years earlier, it wasn't until the huge demolition of legendary Mexican featherweight Marco Antonio Barrera that our very own Pacman was really able to catch the public eye. Not only was it the first time that the Baby Face Assassin has been stopped, it was totally an unexpected brutal defeat.


Marquez: looking for the third opportunity
Image by current events

Coming off the merciless assassination of Barrera, Manny's next coffee date is with another tough mexican cookie Juan Manuel Marquez. JMM has long been in the shadows of two other great Mexican boxers of his time, Erik Morales and Barrera. To face Manny is JMM's dream come true for he now has a chance to become the new Mexican Hero.

PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ I

Pacman and JMM square off May 8, 2004. No need to stress. I know you watched it. Just the key events:

First round, Manny knocks down JMM three times. It was a grueling night for Manny and Juany Manuely. JMM won the majority of the remaining rounds. Who would have thought it would go the distance after Manny's three goodnight kisses from the opening bell failed to send JMM to early slumber? Marquez's valiant effort is one for the ages and would certainly go down as one of the greatest comebacks. In the end, a draw was the verdict. A crucial error in scoring made this happen since one of the judges scored the first round 10-7 instead of 10-6 with the three knockdowns for Pacquiao. Marquez stole a draw. It's unfortunate there is no way anything can be done after a decision has been made.

PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ II

The second face-off is perhaps a little harder to judge but easier to summarize.

It was a close match wherein Pacquiao floored Marquez in the third. The definitive third round knockdown is what made Pacquiao the winner. Remember, JMM's counterpunching style is the least Manny could have or ever wanted. But Manny played JMM's game and still managed to make a fight while Marquez seemed unable to deliver a knockout punch. In basketball language, Manny is the fastbreaking, run-and-gun team. JMM is the deliberate, halfcourt team. JMM is successful in slowing down the game to facilitate his style of boxing while disrupting Manny's, yet Pacquiao sealed it.

For me, Manny won both fights. Although it would be much interesting to see a more convincing win. Perhaps a trilogy is just around the corner. As Bob Arum had mentioned, let it cook for a while.

Read more>>