By Calvin Watkins, MaxBoxing.com, 17 Mar 2007
Marco Antonio Barrera has placed himself in a dangerous position. He’s talking about retirement. Fighters who talk about leaving the sport they love in public, especially to the media, normally get beat or escape with a victory. Juan Manuel Marquez is nobody to escape from. Saturday nigh
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By Juan Angel Zurita, BoxingFanatics.com, 17 Mar 2007
In a matchup that should’ve happened many years ago, the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera will battle fellow Mexico City native, top ten pound-for-pounder, Juan Manuel Marquez. Both will be fighting for the pride of their home
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By Mark Snow, Boxing Confidential, 17 Mar 2007
Well, it’s another pay-per-view whack to the chin against boxing. Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez are headlining a busy week of boxing that will tragically pass as uneventfully as many others do. Barrera vs Marquez is a highly watchable fight pitting two of the best pound for p
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By TK Stewart, BoxingScene.com, 14 Mar 2007
Have a look back at the career of any great prizefighter and you’ll see that when they were at their best and in perfect mix, that everybody around them had a purpose and the chemistry surrounding that fighter was one of perfect composition. Muhammad Ali kept the potent mix of master chemists Angelo Dundee, Bundini Brown and Herbert Muhammad as part of his potent recipe for nearly 20 years. They all served as integral p
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By Troy Ondrizek, BoxingScene.com, 14 Mar 2007
For years anonymity is where Juan Manuel Marquez dwelled. A fighter never wants to be in the realm of the unknown, but Marquez can only blame himself for his current popularity residence. Blessed with an abundance of skill and willing to put in the long hours to hone his craft, Marquez has forged himself into a formidable adversary for anyone near the featherweight weight-class. Marquez is one of the best counter-punchers i
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manila Standard Today, 14 Mar 2007
SOLAR Sports, which paid a whopping P40 million for the TV rights for Manny Pacquiao’s showdown with undefeated but unknown Mexican featherweight Jorge Solis at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, will telecast the April 14 fight card on GMA-7। Viva Sports/Standard Today learned that Solar officials had finalized details with officials of GMA Network on Monday and an official announcement is expected within a day or two. The fight will be replayed on RPN-9, where Solar Sports has a ma
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 14 Mar 2007
The superbly staged boxing extravaganza “Moment of Truth” held last Feb. 24 at the Cebu City Sports Complex which was put together by respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer, his son Michael and promoter Sammy Gello-ani and telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN produced remarkable ratings beating arch rival GMA 7 in the process. The WBO super flyweight title fight in which Z “The Dream” Gorres
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, Boxing Confidential, 14 Mar २००७
In what would be the biggest break in his boxing career, Bobby Pacquiao hopes to step out of his more illustrious brother's shadow when he takes on WBC no। 2 Humberto Soto in a 12-round showdown on June 9 at the Madison Square Garden in New York, USA। The Soto-Pacquiao showdown will be the chief support to the huge Miguel Cotto-Zab Judah title bout promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank. According to a source, Arum had given the younger Pacquiao two choices for his next fight: a bout on April 27
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By Doug Fischer, MaxBoxing.com, 14 Mar 2007
Marco Antonio Barrera doesn’t need Juan Manuel Marquez। He doesn’t need this fight that the sport’s most diehard fans are salivating over। World-class boxers in the featherweight and junior lightweight divisions need a fight with Marquez like you need a massive case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Barrera’s not dumb – he’s actually one of the smarter prize fighters to come around in the past 25 years – so he knows what a tough fight he will have with
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By David Finger, FightNews.com, 14 Mar २००७
For a fight that some experts have already billed as "the biggest fight ever for Mexico," there was no question that both Juan Manuel Marquez (46-3-1, 35 KO's) and Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4, 42 KO's) were living up to the billing of "Fearless" as both fighters held a press conference in Los Angeles yesterday before heading out to Nevada। Both Marquez and Barrera appeared to be the picture of confidence
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By Dennis Principe, FightNews.com, 14 Mar २००७
Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao believes ex-foe Marco Antonio Barrera has what it takes to win over another former rival Juan Manuel Marquez this coming weekend। In a long distance telephone interview Pacquiao said Barrera throws more quality punches apart from having better ring craft compared to the usually rugged Marquez। “Barrera has the edge and I guess he will win this fight,” said Pacquiao a few h
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By Joaquin Henson, The Philippine Star, 14 Mar 2007
Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao must like living dangerously. He’s got less than a month to train at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for Mexican mystery fighter Jorge Solis but that doesn’t seem to bother him. Pacquiao battles Solis in San Antonio on April 14 and it’s a must-win situation for the Pinoy idol. A loss would be devastating not only for his career as a prizefighter but also for his campaign to unseat Darlene Antonino-Custodio as congressman in the first district of
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PhilBoxing.com
13 Mar 2007
Jojo Bardon of the Rex 'Wakee' Salud Stable will depart for Japan on Thursday confident that when he goes back home the OPBF flyweight belt is already strapped on his waist.
The 27-year-old Bardon will take on undefeated Japanese Masaharu Naganawa in a 12-round bout for the vacant OPBF 112-lb title on March 18 at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.
Bardon will be accompanied in his trip to Japan by trainer Juanito Ablaca and Filipino boxing judge Sev Necesario, although his manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud remained non-commital to the trip as he has been invited to watch the Gerry Penalosa-Daniel Ponce De Leon bout this weekend.
Salud stressed that he is having a hard time choosing which event to attend, saying that although Penalosa's fight is far bigger, Bardon is his boxer and should be given moral support.
Trainer Juanito Ablaca has indicated that Bardon has prepared long and hard against the undefeated Japanese by sparring against tough boxers at the Wakee Salud Gym.
Naganawa is undefeated in 11 fights with 2 knockout wins, which indicate that he may not be a solid puncher and may opt to outpoint Bardon.
The San Carlos City-raised Bardon, who holds the Philippine flyweight title, parades a less-than-stellar record of 16-10-1, 8 KO's.
PhilBoxing.com
13 Mar 2007
Rex 'Wakee' Salud, a comparatively honest man when it comes to boxing figures and certainly more adept at using the multiplication table, today confirmed that indeed, Solar Sports will pay $800,000 to Manny Pacquiao for the rights to cover the April 14 bout with Jorge Solis on free television.
Doing the math, $800,000 times 48 (at today's exchange rate) is P38.4 Million or P40 Million if we use the P50 rate.
"That's just for free tv, that does not include the upsides on closed circuits nationwide," Salud stressed.
ABS-CBN, according to inside sources, did not match Solar's offer as the price was already four times higher than their previous cash out.
The giant network, however, can claim to having clinched the better cards: the April 18 GBP card featuring Marco Antonio Barrera versus Juan Manuel Marquez plus Gerry Penalosa versus Daniel Ponce De Leon.
ABS-CBN's biggest catch, meanwhile, is the May 5 superbout between Oscar De la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, which dwarfs the Pacquiao-Solis fight in terms of magnitude.
PhilBoxing.com
13 Mar 2007
Manny Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin “Jing” Gacal has branded as “tsismis” reports that Solar Sports had agreed to pay Pacquiao P40 million for free TV, cable and all other ancillary rights for his April 14 showdown against undefeated but unknown Mexican Jorge Solis.
Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today learned that Pacquiao had called the giant Philippine broadcast network ABS-CBN to inform them that he was meeting with Solar Sports CEO Peter Chanliong who flew to GenSan and was ready to sign a deal unless ABS-CBN made a counter offer. Apparently the giant network which had invested heavily in Pacquiao in the past and promoted him and his fights extensively both in the country and abroad through its TFC Filipino channel, was not prepared to engage Solar in a bidding war and pay a heavy price.
Chanliong who is currently in Miami, Florida confirmed they had acquired the TV rights but declined to disclose the amount which he said is accepted business practice. He also revealed that the fight would be telecast on RPN 9 but did not rule out the possibility that it may be aired on GMA 7, the top competitor of ABS-CBN.
Gacal who initially indicated he did not know the exact amount and branded the figure “tsismis” (gossip) at the same time he disclosed that part of whatever income Pacquiao makes will go towards his election campaign for the congressional seat in South Cotabato in May.
Gacal claimed Pacquiao was the underdog in the battle to unseat incumbent congresswoman Darlene Antonino Custodia who is seeking a third term and possesses what Gacal termed “a 20 year old machinery.” Custodio is herself known to be wealthy besides being a smart, intelligent and charming lady.
The lawyer indicated that if Pacquiao wins “we can rule it an upset because he is the underdog even as he disclosed that incumbent Mayor Pedro Acharon was supporting Custodio since they both belong to the opposition.
PhilBoxing.com
13 Mar 2007
If the reports out of General Santos are true that Manny Pacquiao hardly bothered to watch a tape of Jorge Solis and trainer Buboy Fernandez criticized the fighting style of the undefeated Mexican and virtually said he wouldn’t be a problem, then it confirms initial reports that promoter Bob Arum was handing Pacquiao a patsy.
Whatever it is Pacquiao has apparently been working hard in the stifling heat of the ABAP Gym while also finding time to pursue his congressional bid by meeting with barangay leaders, attending oath taking ceremonies and generally doing what certified politicians normally do. That’s fine because, as we said before, its his right to run for public office if he chooses to and we cannot impose our will on him although we share the disappointment of millions that he decided to enter politics at a time when his career is at its peak.
But, as an aspiring public official we sincerely hope that Pacquiao will be different. And that means following the law, not breaking it. We raise the issue following reports that he is being paid some P40 million for the free TV and perhaps other ancillary rights for his fight against Solis. That is a lot of money way beyond the $30,000 TV rights when he was IBF junior featherweight champion. Of course Pacquiao is now the most exciting fighter in the world and No.1 in terms of the best fighter pound-for-pound and because of his exploits in the ring probably deserves what he gets.
However, we believe that in fairness to the countrymen he always says he is fighting for and his pronounced love for our country then, as WBC founding secretary general, the eminent lawyer Rudy Salud points out , he expects Pacquiao to do his duty and declare the correct income and pay the corresponding taxes since he has been cited by the BIR in the past as a model. More so since his fight against Solis is on April 14, one day before the tax filing deadline.
Every hardworking Filipino whose comparatively meager incomes are drained of what is due the Bureau of Internal Revenue through the withholding tax system has a right to demand that in this respect at least the BIR treats Pacquiao as any other simple Filipino. That should make millions of taxpayers feel good.
Beyond the P40 million bonanza and the minimum $2 million purse looms the reality, as admitted by Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin “Jing” Gacal, that part of the income will go into Pacquiao’s congressional campaign. We can only hope that in this respect he will set a worthy example by not resorting to the despicable tactic of using his money to buy votes.
Gacal told us that the report about the P40 million was “tsismis” or gossip but we have it on good authority that Pacquiao who was supported by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN in his recent endeavors at substantial cost – although the network almost surely recovered its expenses with a plus like any business enterprise would do – had been left out in the cold by the Solar Sports offer. In fact we understand that Pacquiao informed ABS-CBN that he wanted the huge amount and that Solar Sports was in GenSan waiting for him to put pen to paper like he’s done so many times in the past when the price was right.
Recent history proves the point. After signing a seven-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya and collecting $500,000 with $250,000 in cold cash which is what Pacquiao wanted according to celebrated trainer Freddie Roach, two months later he signed another four-year contract with Top Rank’s Bob Arum for $1 million which was paid by check – not cash – as though it makes that much of a difference in the methods used to “lure” Pacquiao as one American writer put it.
The handlers of Pacquiao cannot dismiss the taxman from their door by claiming the P40 million deal is mere gossip. They’ll have to do better than that.
PhilBoxing.com
13 Mar 2007
The handlers of IBF minimum weight champion Muhammad Rachman are asking for too much money to defend his title against mandatory challenger Florante Condes of the Philippines who is jointly managed by former boxer Aljoe Jaro and American Dante Ortiz.
Ortiz informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Condes’ new promoter Bobby Bostick had offered Rachman $25,000 plus a rematch if he loses but that Indonesian matchmaker Tourino Tidar came back with what he termed “ a final offer” of $75,000. IN addition he wanted the purse tax free plus four roundtrip airline tickets including one business class ticket, two options and a ten day stay with hotel accommodation and meals.
Bostick branded the demand “not even realistic” and made a final offer of $30,000. At the same time he said the IBF was “tired of waiting” since Championship Committee chairman Lindsey Tucker indicated earlier that the IBF “ordered Rachman to start negotiations back in late January” stating that this fight will be Rachman’s mandatory defense.
In an offer made to stage the title defense in Indonesia, Rachman’s promoter said he would give Condes only a $10,000 purse prompting Bostick to tell Tidar “if you want to work together for the future let’s get real.”
Rachman was planning on a unification bout against WBO champion Ivan Calderon but the IBF stepped in and directed the champion to first defend his title against the heavy-handed Condes who is 26 years old and has a record of 20 knockouts in 21 wins with 3 losses and 1 draw.
Rachmann is coming off a seventh round TKO victory over another Filipino Benjie Sorolla last December 23. Rachman won the title on September 14, 2004 with a split decision victory over Daniel Reyes in Jakarta. Rachman is 35 years old and has a record of 61-5-5 with 20 knockouts.
A devastating puncher Condes won the Philippine minimum weight title on December 10, 2005 with a sixth round KO over Philip Parcon who was dropped in rounds four and six. Among his three losses was a split decision to Sorolla on May 1m 2005.
By Michael Gonzalez, Boxing Confidential, 13 Mar 2007
Daniel Ponce De-Leon (30-1, 28 KOs) is set to defend his WBO Super Bantamweight Title against tough Filipino vet Gerry Penalosa (51-5-2, 34 KOs) on the undercard of the Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Juan Manuel Marquez scrap this Saturday in 'Sin City.' Ponce De-Leon is a descendant of the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico, who are world renowned for their long distance running ability,
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By Mark Snow, Boxing Confidential, 13 Mar 2007
Before you build a snowman to hang in effigy take a second and listen up. Manny is taking a breather in his April fight, deservedly so, since he’s been among the busiest of the elite fighters, is entering into a new kind of area which is far more brutal & dangerous than boxing(Philippine Politics), and because his trainer is dedicated a good chunk of his time to a Junior Middleweight a few spots down
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By Steve Kim, MaxBoxing.com, 13 Mar २००७
Next Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Marco Antonio Barrera faces Juan Manuel Marquez in defense of his WBC jr. lightweight title. Barrera is a surefire, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, while Marquez was regularly listed among the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound before his dubious loss to Chris John last year in Indonesia. Long avoided by the sport's blue-chippers, Marquez finally get his chance to break through to the upper echelon. It's truly an outstand
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 13 Mar २००७
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — From the looks of it, there’s no turning back for Manny Pacquiao. Shirts, streamers and posters stuffed in several huge boxes were delivered yesterday to the palatial home of the country’s boxing icon in Barangay Lagao this city indicating that he’s indeed running for a congressional seat in the First District of South Cotabato. The stuff will be distributed to barangay leaders starting March 30 – which is the first day of official ca
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 13 Mar २००७
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — When asked how good is Mexican Jorge Solis, Manny Pacquiao just came up with a wide grin. Without saying a word, he began imitating Solis’ moves even though there was not enough space inside his library on the second floor of his mansion that housed his trophies, pictures and other memorabilia. Pacquiao put on a stance, threw a punch and took a backward step. Then he smiled again as if he had flattened the Mexican with that punch. "He is unbeaten a
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By John Herndon, Boxing Confidential, 13 Mar २००७
For a long while certain boxing writers from certain Internet boxing web-sites and boxing magazines were telling their readers that Marco Antonio Barrera was maybe afraid of matching his skills against Juan Manuel Marquez. That his team was making sure that Barrera never faced the native of Mexico City who is a stellar technician in his own right with a warrior's heart. Juan Manuel Marquez, has long been a favorite among boxing purists for his counterpunching brilliance and willingness to gut it
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 12 Mar २००७
CEBU CITY--Undefeated prospects Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista and Alex John Banal, both of the ALA Boxing Gym, are set to fly to Puerto Rico to join trainer Freddie Roach and Oscar De la Hoya in their build-up for the historic May 5 event in Las Vegas dubbed 'The World Awaits.' Bautista and Banal, accompanied by Filipino trainer Edito 'Ala' Villamor, will leave on March 26 for Los Angeles, California, stay one week, before flying out to Puerto Rico for their training. "We will train for one w
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By Santos A. Perez, The Miami Herald, 12 Mar 2007
Acceptance of the masses in his native Mexico has come with daunting challenges for Juan Manuel Marquez. When identifying their favorite current fighters, Mexican fans often cast their lots on bitter rivals Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, Jorge Arce or Marquez's younger brother, Rafael. Despite his draw against Manny Pacquiao, who convincingly beat Barrera and Morales, Marq
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By Ricardo Lois, Boxing Confidential, 12 Mar २००७
Remember when Mike Tyson spent more time touring Japan and playing the role of celebrity with then wife Robin Givens than preparing for his bout with James “Buster” Douglass? What was Lennox Lewis pre-occupied with prior to his tremendous 2001 let down against Hasim Rahman in South Africa? Filming his bit role in the film Ocean’s Eleven. Seeding the sow of another major fistic upset, Manny Pacquiao seems more concerned with his political future in the Philippines and has
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GMANews.tv, 12 Mar २००७
You're on your own. This was the follow-up "advice" Monday of Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr to Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao who ignored his advice not to enter politics. Abalos, who said he gave the advice to Pacquiao as a "father figure," said he can not do anything about it if Pacquiao decides to run for congressman this May. "Karapatan niya. Kaya lang bilang parang ama niya kung siya nagpa-practice sa Mandaluyong yan ang aking pangar
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By John Whisler, San Antonio Express, 12 Mar २००७
The April 14 megacard at the Alamodome is still a month away, but you can already feel the momentum starting to build. It's not every day that Bob Arum, arguably boxing's greatest promoter of all-time, decides to bring a major fight card to San Antonio featuring unquestionably the most exciting fighter in the sport today in Manny Pacquiao. Yes, the hyperbole from Thursday's news conference was a little strong. But most of it was justified. This boxing event could be one of the biggest and t
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 12 Mar २००७
There is growing concern at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles over Manny Pacquiao’s delay in reporting for workouts in preparation for his April 14 showdown with undefeated but unknown Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas. Justin Fortune who was set to take over from celebrated, two-time “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach as well as others in the gym are worried after Pacquiao postponed his latest departure set for March 6 and will now leave on March 1
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 12 Mar २००७
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — All it took for Manny Pacquiao to size up his Mexican opponent Jorge Solis was a mere one-and-a-half rounds. Several days ago, Pacquiao asked his training assistants Nonoy Neri and Buboy Fernandez to join him in assessing the fighting style of Solis inside the entertainment room of his P30-million palatial home here. Neri said Pacquiao, who faces Solis on April 14 in San Antonio, Texas, did not finish the entire fight featuring Solis against Fernando Lizar
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By Aquiles Z. Zonio, Inquirer News Service, 12 Mar २००७
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—People’s Champion Manny Pacquiao is cramming for his super featherweight bout against Mexican Jorge Solis, drawing concerns that he may not be fully prepared for the April 14 bout in San Antonio, Texas. Pacquiao, the WBC International super featherweight champion, now tips the scales at 137 pounds, the lightest he has been at this point of his preparation for a fight. Although he is fighting at the 130-lb ranks, experts say he is “dangerously underweig
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By Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star, 12 Mar २००७
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Manny Pacquiao is neither blind nor clueless about his next opponent – the undefeated Jorge Solis of Mexico. The other day, the slugger from Mindanao caught a glimpse of the 27-year-old Mexican by way of a fight video, which Pacquiao watched at the entertainment room of his 2,300-sq meter mansion here. On the tape was Solis, a native of Guadalajara, pounding out a fifth-round technical knockout of Fernando Omar Lizarraga at the Orleans Hotel and Casino i
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By Joaquin Henson, The Philippine Star, 11 Mar 2007
It’ll be a while before Freddie Roach retires but when he does, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s trainer plans to settle and live the rest of his life here. Roach, 47, was in town last January to film a TV commercial and inaugurate his personal boxing camp on the fourth floor of the five
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 11 Mar 2007
Devastating puncher Ranee Ganoy’s manager Dido Bohol believes the newly crowned IBF Pan Pacific lightweight champion has an exciting future following his spectacular 8th round knockout victory over former IBF super featherweigh
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Respect for Juan Manuel Marquez Comes Through Fellow Mexico City Neighbor Barrera
By Ricardo Lois, Boxing Confidential, 11 Mar 2007
Juan Manuel Marquez has spent an entire career searching for recognition as one of the best in boxing. While fellow countrymen Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales engaged in one of the s
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 11 Mar 2007
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — In a span of less than two weeks, Manny Pacquiao has already left a trail of aching bodies behind and his Canadian adviser Mike Koncz had no choice but to call on somebody from Manila who is not only fresh but somebody who might be able to endure the fury of the Filipino&
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By Abac Cordero, The Philippine Star, 11 Mar 2007
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Manny Pacquiao skipped his early-morning run yesterday for a tougher afternoon grind in the gym as he entered his third week of training for his April 14 fight against Mexico’s Jorge Solis. Pacquiao sparred for eight rounds against welterweight Arnel Tinampay wh
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 11 Mar 2007
Ex-WBC superfly champ Gerry Penalosa yesterday sparred for 12 rounds against Mexican sparmates, and after the grueling sessions which would be his last before he motors to Las Vegas, declared himself to be in the most perfect
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Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has made up his mind-- he will definitely run for a congressional seat in the May 14 elections. Pacquiao confirmed his decision to GMA News in an exclusive interview to end talk that he had turned his back on politics.
The people's champ also admitted that at first he was hesitating to jump into the political fray due to his April fight with Mexican champion Jorge Solis.But he said his heart dictated that he should serve the people of South Cotabato. He told the network that he had already talked with village chairmen from various towns in South Cotabato Friday to solicit their support.
Pacquiao had earlier said he will set aside for the meantime his plans to seek the congressional post in the first district of South Cotabato.
He said he will first focus on his fight in Texas. Pacquiao left for United States on March 5 to prepare for his April 14 bout against the undefeated Solis.
Pacquiao got unsolicited advice from sports and political analysts to think twice about entering the political arena.
Veteran sportscaster Ed Picson said Pacquiao should focus on his boxing career instead of seeking the congressional seat in the first district of South Cotabato.
"Right now Manny's career is on the rise ... Right now he is at the peak of his strength. It will be unfortunate if it goes to waste," Picson said in Filipino during an interview with GMA News.
He noted that even the brightest boxing stars fade, in a profession which can end before the final bell.
"But in politics, even until the very end [when you're old], you can still be fit there," Picson said.
Pacquiao is fresh from his three-round conquest of Mexican boxing legend Erik "El Terible" Morales last November 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. - GMANews.TV
By Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manila Standard Today, 10 Mar 2007
WHEN Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao strode into the Cebu City Sports Complex for the “Moment of Truth” fight card last Feb. 25, the fans who jammed the grandstand booed him. In many ways, that was Pacquiao’s personal moment of truth. Pacquiao was confronted with the stark re
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By John Chavez, Boxing Confidential, 10 Mar 2007
There’s a saying that goes something like, “It takes two to tangle, or was it tango.” Whatever. Erik Morales has been the consummate tangler throughout his career.
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, Boxing Confidential, 10 Mar 2007
Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao did one familiar thing during his build-up for his April 14 showdown with Jorge Solis: knock down his sparmate. Last Thursday, Pacquiao sent down sparmate Jesar Ancajas in the second round during their sparring session at Rey Golingan's ABAP Boxing Gym in Gener
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BoxingScene.com, 10 Mar 2007
Two-time world champion Jorge Arce has had spectacular ring entrances -- first on a motorcycle, then on a dancing horse and now he is mulling around his ring walk for Top Rank's big 'Blaze of Glory' PPV championship fight card at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 14. "Please Jorge - no elepha
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 10 Mar 2007
Hard-hitting Filipino super featherweight Ranee Ganoy grabbed the biggest break of his ring career when he scored a sensational eighth round knockout over former IBF junior lightweight champion Robbie Peden to win the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title in Brisbane, Australia late Friday. Ganoy&
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By Nick Giongco, FightNews.com, 10 Mar 2007
Manny Pacquiao has a message to those who are eagerly awaiting for his arrival at the Wild Card in Hollywood. "I am deep in training," said Pacquiao after working out Friday afternoon in General Santos City in preparation for his April 14 duel with unbeaten Mexican Jorge Solis in San Antonio, Texas.
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By Joaquin Henson, The Philippine Star, 10 Mar 2007
Gerry Peñalosa is determined to come back a world champion and wife Goody said the other day he changed his departure out of Los Angeles for Manila from March 28 to 22 to celebrate his victory at home earlier. "No premonition," said Goody. "He’s just very confident. He always texts that Go
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SkySports.com, 10 Mar 2007
Marco Antonio Barrera has promised to roll back the years and put on a vintage display against Juan Manuel Marquez. The pair square off in an all-Mexican clash for the WBC Super-Featherweight title and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas o
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By Isagani Palma, The Manila Times, 10 Mar 2007
GENERAL SANTOS CITY: Two Bureau of Internal Revenue district offices in Central Mindanao expect a loss of some P250 million in revenue collection this year after two big taxpayers, including Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao, have been ordered to pay their taxes to the BIR offices in Manila. L
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 10 Mar 2007
WITH A little over a month left, the regulars at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood are asking why Manny Pacquiao has yet to arrive. According to maxboxing.com, Australian conditioning coach Justin Fortune, the right-hand of Freddie Roach at the Wild Card, wonders why it’s taking this
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Sun.Star Cebu, 10 Mar 2007
WITH the De la Hoya-Mayweather megafight still a few months away, fight fans have been curious on what bouts they should look forward to in the coming weeks. Well, here’s a brief rundown. Tomorrow, Wladimir Klitschko, that soft chinned Ukranian giant, will defend his IBF/WBO heavyweigh
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EastSideBoxing.com, 10 Mar 2007
Leading up to the super featherweight title fight between Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez -- set for Saturday, March 17 in Las Vegas and broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View-- HBO Sports will present the exclusive back-to-back replay of two action-packed fights showcasing their considera
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SkySports.com, 10 Mar 2007
On May 5th the multi-million dollar mega-fight between Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas. But over the past couple of weeks, during the press tour, most of the talk has been about th
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By Dong Secuya, PhilBoxing.com, 09 Mar 2007
Just moments ago, Ranee Ganoy of the Philippines knocked out former IBF super featherweight champion Robie Peden of Austrialia in the 6th round at the Chandler Arena, Sleeman Centre in Brisbane, Australia to capture the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Lightweight Title. The sensational win by Ganoy over t
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 09 Mar 2007
IBF minimumweight champion Muhammad Rachman of Indonesia wants “more money and other considerations” to defend his title against hard-hitting Florante Condes of the Philippines. The co-manager of Condes, Dante Ortiz, told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that the promoter of the 35
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 09 Mar 2007
In a rare stroke of generosity, some members of Pacland are chipping in to show their empathy and support to the victims of last Wednesday's conflagration in Mandaue City. The 'Paclanders' are definitely not paid hacks of Manny Pacquiao's political foes, as they set out to dig into their own pock
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 09 Mar 2007
MAKING THE 130-lb class without really much trying is not a weighty issue for Manny Pacquiao. General Santos City boxing patron Rey Golingan said this yesterday after the 28-year-old lefty showcased catquick reflexes against two sparring partners who he engaged for a total of seven rounds at t
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By Ed Picson, The Manila Bulletin, 09 Mar 2007
WITH THE controversial defeat of Z Gorres a fortnight ago in his bid to win a world title for the Philippines, many have been left disillusioned. It seemed outside of Manny Pacquiao we really don’t have much of a chance to snare that coveted world crown in boxing. But as we have pointed
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By Bob Hanna, SouthCoastToday.com, 09 Mar 2007
If you believe boxing historian Bert Sugar, it's the biggest non-heavyweight fight since Leonard-Duran. If you believe Floyd Mayweather, it's the biggest fight in the history of boxing. But that's Floyd being Floyd. But regardless of where you think the fight belongs on the list of mega bouts, t
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By David Finger, FightNews.com, 09 Mar 2007
WBC World super featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4, 42 KO’s) opened up his training camp at Big Bear, California this week to the media as he prepares for his March 17 showdown i
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PhilBoxing.com, 08 Mar 2007
Undefeated young Filipino prospect Alex John Banal today made clear his dream of challenging WBO superfly king Fernando Montiel in the future. Banal, who has the talent of Z Gorres and the power of Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista, said he can take care of Montiel when they meet. "I can take care of h
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 08 Mar 2007
Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista and Czar Amonsot, both from Tagbilaran City, are slated to receive the Young Boholano Achievers award from no less than Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for their outstanding exploits in boxing. The power duo will get their awards at the awarding ceremony on March 1
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by Ricardo Lois, Boxing Confidential, 07 Mar 2007
With the world’s boxing media already in Las Vegas for Oscar De La Hoya’s Super Fight against Floyd Mayweather on May 5, why not hold a card the day before the big fight and showcase some of your
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By Ricardo Lois, Boxing Confidential, 07 Mar 2007
Call me a geek, I enjoy baseball statistics, boxing trivia, and sibling rivalries. During the media conference call for Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, which featured questions that could put a speed freak with a sleeping disorder to bed, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions p
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By Associated Press, Fox Sports, 07 Mar 2007
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Boxer Omar Nino-Romero was suspended for nine months and fined $18,750 Monday for testing positive for methamphetamine after a November bout. The decision by regulators means the 30-year-old Mexican won't be able to fight in the United States during his suspension. Nino-Romero's
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By Benn Schulberg, BoxingTalk.net, 07 Mar 2007
If all fistic opponents could thrill their audiences the way Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez did this past Saturday night in Los Angeles, the sport of boxing would never have to answer to its critics who blame the scores of
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By Nat Gottlieb, TigerBoxing.com, 07 Mar 2007
Although raw power is generally associated with the heaviest weight divisions, some of the biggest punchers in boxing today perform from 122 pounds down to 108. They are the “Little Big Men” of the fight game. Just their names conjure up visions of brutality in the ring. Daniel Ponce
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By Manolo Iñigo, Inquirer News Service, 07 Mar 2007
MANILA, Philippines -- More and more people are expressing their opposition to Manny Pacquiao throwing his hat into the political arena. Online polls, and even people in the streets, are against his political ambition, saying he should stick to boxing and make hay there while the sun still shines
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The Philippine Star, 07 Mar 2007
Bob Arum, whose promotional rights to Manny Pacquiao is being disputed by Oscar de la Hoya, on Monday called Golden Boy’s reported cash deal to Pacquiao last year as "unprofessional and inappropriate." "Come on, give me a break. What legitimate business person pays someone with 12,500 $20
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BoxeoMundial, 07 Mar 2007
Marco Antonio Barrera has been preparing for his upcoming fight against his country man Juan Manuel Marquez in Big Bear for the last seven weeks The Title fight is schedule for March 17 at the Mandalay Bay Res
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 06 Mar 2007
Philippine minimum weight champion Florante Condes is to get a crack at the IBF title currently held by Indonesia’s Muhammad Rachman according to Dante Ortiz one of the co-managers of Condes along with former boxer Aljoe Jaro who has
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By Pedro Fernandez, RingTalk.com, 06 Mar 2007
STORY OF RAY ROBINSON, DURAN & HEARNS TOO! Las Vegas, NV- Having been a student of the game for longer than most of you have been alive, suffice to say that I have probably seen a bit more than you when it comes to professional prizefighting. Definitely not intending to slight anybody, I say th
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manila Standard Today, 06 Mar 2007
MILLIONS of Filipinos want ring idol Manny Pacquiao not to run for a congressional seat this May and instead concentrate on his remarkable ring career for the next couple of years and then, if he still wants to run for political office, wait until the 2010 elections. Besides, if he really wants
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A do-or-die campaign is in the offing for Filipino prizefighter Gerry Peñalosa, and the mission is to regain his World Boxing Council (WBC) superflyweight title before hanging up his gloves for good. And the latest opportunity for Peñalosa to regain the belt will be against a young and strong Daniel Ponce de Leon of Mexico, the reigning WBO super bantamweight champ.
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PhilBoxing.com, 04 Mar 2007
Ryan Bito took the WBO Inter-continental minimumweight crown with a unanimous decision win last night over Thailand's Saengpetch Sor Sakulphan at the Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque, Manila. Judge Tony Comia scored the bout 115-112, while Jonathan Davis penned it 117-110. The third judge Warre
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By Benny Henderson Jr, DogHouseBoxing.com, 04 Mar 2007
Coming at yah from the Home Depot Center in Carson, Ca, live only on Showtime boxing 9:00 PM ET/PT a potential fight of the year candidate is at hand when the reigning WBC Super Welterweight champion Israel Vazquez 41
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 04 Mar 2007
MANNY PACQUIAO will get at least $ 2 million for his April 14 showdown with Jorge Solis in Texas, but the Filipino’s take-home pay will be much more than that after all expenses are deducted by promotional outfit Top Rank. "Under the promotional agreement made by Pacquiao’s MP promot
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The Philippine Star, 04 Mar 2007
Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao will receive his sixth straight Filipino Boxer of the Year award when he steps on stage during the seventh Gabriel "Flash" Elorde Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at the grand ballroom of the Elorde Sports Complex in Sucat, Paranaque City. Pacqui
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By Joaquin Henson, The Philippine Star, 04 Mar 2007
Breaking his silence a week after Z Gorres lost a controversial 12-round split decision to Fernando Montiel in a WBO superflyweight title fight in Cebu, ALA Boxing Gym owner Tony Aldeguer yesterday described the Mexican’s win as "a robbery in our own home" and took the Puerto Rico-based govern
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
Eriberto 'Yukka' Gejon showed his all-around skills with a shutout unanimous decision win just a few minutes ago over Thailand's Wisan Sor Suchanya at the Rajah Sulaiman Park in Manila. Two judges saw the bout 100-91, while the third had it 100-90 in favor of the lanky Gejon, a protege of Rex 'Wa
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By Ed de la Vega, DDS, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
LOS ANGELES, California--ALA boy Robert “Cliff Smart” Allanic ( 14-5- 0 (7KO) dreams of making a big splash in his US debut against a former Mexican Olympian, Abner Mares (11-0-0 7K0). His dream was however, effectively squashed by the undefeated pug from Guadalajara, Mexico. Mares won every
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By Roy Luarca, Inquirer News Service, 03 Mar 2007
MANILA, Philippines -- It’s crystal clear. Fans want Manny Pacquiao to fight in the ring, not in the political arena. Voting online, more than 91 percent of 15,305 respondents, as of 6 p.m. yesterday, said they do not want Pacquiao to pursue his bid for a congressional seat in South Cotabato.
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manila Standard Today, 03 Mar 2007
IN RECENT years, Filipino boxing promoters and managers, particularly boxing patron Tony Aldeguer of the world famous ALA Gym, have helped elevate the World Boxing Organization into the top four organizations in the world, behind the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association and the Internation
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
Golden Boy Promotions, in its San Francisco stop last Tuesday to announce the May 5 Oscar De la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather showdown, has announced that undefeated Filipino Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista of the ALA Boxing Gym will be the main supporti
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By Johnny Ortiz, Fox Sports, 03 Mar 2007
Of the two bouts that will be telecast on HBO, WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto should handle Oktay Urkal without putting himself in any danger of losing his title. Urkal's record of 38-3 (12 KOs) only lends credence to the fact that Urkal is not a big puncher. His 12 KO's in 41 fights will at
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By Winchell Campos, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
LOS ANGELES—Ten years after winning his first world title, Filipino dynamite Gerry Peñalosa thinks that Father Time hasn’t caught up with him just yet. Since losing his World Boxing Council superflyweight cr
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
What was shaping up to be a great fight between Abner Mares of Mexico and Filipino Robert Allanic was stopped at the start of the ninth round due to big cuts on Allanic's left eye. The ringside physician ruled that Allanic's cut were too severe for him to continue, although the Filipino would hav
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, Boxing Confidential, 03 Mar 2007
Highly-ranked ALA Boy Robert 'Cliff Smart' Allanic makes his American debut today as he takes on undefeated Mexican Abner Mares in a 10-round duke out at the New Alhambra in Philadelphia, USA. The event, promoted by Oscar De la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, will be aired by Telefutura's Solo Boxe
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By Salven L. Lagumbay, Boxing Confidential, 03 Mar 2007
Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao takes a breather from his training--or politicking--as he flies from General Santos City to Manila today as the promoter of tonight's big 'Rambol at the Bay' at the Rajah Sulaiman Park along Roxas Boulevard. After stories of his backing out from the congressional
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By Marlon Bernardino, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- Solar Sports, the country's leading sports channel, will air the much-anticipated bout pitting Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten Mexican slugger Jorge Solis on April 14 (April 15 in Manila) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. "Pacquiao is the pride of ou
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
Celebrated two-time “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach thinks Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao should cancel his planned fight against undefeated Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas on April 14. In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila St
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 03 Mar 2007
MANNY PACQUIAO’S American trainer Freddie Roach said yesterday that he doesn’t expect Jorge Solis to pull an upset win over his ward, saying the Filipino’s biggest rival is not the Mexican but himself. Roach made the assessment after reviewing three films involving Pacquiao̵
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
If it’s a question of money, Golden Boy Promotions says its no problem and has offered to up Manny Pacquiao’s signing bonus to $1 million to match what the Filipino ring idol was given when he inked a four year deal with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum two months after signing a seven-fight d
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By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 03 Mar 2007
Though not exactly in the mold of Vito Corleone in the famous movie "The Godfather," Oscar De La Hoya apparently made an offer Manny Pacquiao could not refuse. It is now being said that Pacquiao signed up with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) in September last year because
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By Homer Sayson, PhilBoxing.com, 03 Mar 2007
CHICAGO -- Out of pure spite or simple ignorance, referee Sammy Viruet deducted two crucial points on Z Gorres' scorecard, an atrocious absurdity that allowed Fernando Montiel to salvage his WBO superflyweight title. The "Moment of Truth" robbery was as brazen as any of the bank heists that have
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By Jason Aniel, RingTalk.com, 03 Mar 2007
CLAIMS GORRES “GOT SHORTED” LACK MERIT San Mateo, CA- Last Saturday, Z “The Dream” Gorres stepped onto the world class stage and proved he “belonged” with reigning and defending WBO champion, Fernando Montiel. That is until the bell rang for the 10th round. In Read Full Story >>>
By Jason Aniel, RingTalk.com, 03 Mar 2007
CLAIMS GORRES “GOT SHORTED” LACK MERIT San Mateo, CA- Last Saturday, Z “The Dream” Gorres stepped onto the world class stage and proved he “belonged” with reigning and defending WBO champion, Fernando Montiel. That is until the bell rang for the 10th round. In Read Full Story >>>
By Nick Giongco, The Manila Bulletin, 03 Mar 2007
PEOPLE CLAIMING to be followers of Manny Pacquiao yesterday denied that they were paid to heckle the Filipino boxing hero when he showed up to watch the fights at the Cebu City Sports Complex over the weekend. Reacting to an article in yesterday’s issue, the boxing fans, many of whom wri
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Sun.Star Cebu, 03 Mar 2007
AS IS typical in the aftermath of a huge boxing event such as the Montiel-Gorres tiff, I receive a lot of email from boxing fans eager to dissect the fistic event that just transpired. And since The Last Round is a boxing fan’s column for the boxing fan, today I give in to two Last Rounders, b
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By Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing.com, 02 Mar 2007
Two-time “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach can’t wait to get AJ Banal into the gym and to work on honing his skill just like he did with Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao. In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila
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What really happened to Gorres-Montiel fight??? Eventhough two points was taken away from him, many of us thought Gorres was way ahead by points.
He should or should have won that fight. Even a grade schooler can tell who won the fight.
I think Gorres' dream was taken away that night. Sad to say, though hard to admit, we were cheated on our ground.
A lesson to learn.... like "The Pacman", let not the judges to the talking.
That's why "The Pacman" always knock his opponent out.
That's the way of the "The Pacman".
Anyway, at least we've won three out of four fights... Still we can say.....
..... Mabuhay Filipino!!!!!
