With the lesser lights out of the running in the Manny Pacquiao derby, the Philippines’ ring icon makes a giant move to cement his future by jumping over two weight divisions to take on Oscar de la Hoya in a welterweight brawl.
A contract is to be signed after the Coto/Margarito title clash in Las Vegas where Bob Arum and Oscar de la Hoya are expected to complete details of a year-ending fight once belittled as a fantasy-clash of boxing money-makers.
The December 6 blockbuster if realized, will test Pacquiao’s toughness as well as de la Hoya’s resolve to win a huge one at a time he is ending his lifelong romance with the Sweet Science.
The question of the hour is whether Oscar can adjust with ease going down in weight or if Manny can go up with his power and speed intact in a barnburner of two ring hotshots.
Both their handlers are emphatic Oscar can bring his weight to 147 pounds while Manny can meet the required limit with ease as well.
However, I find it inexplicable why his promoters are fast-tracking the Pinoy marvel to complete a 3-fight calendar with the Golden Boy’s ‘adios’ fight rather than working out a deal for a gigantic paycheck with the ever-colorful Ricky Hatton.
Can anyone justify the imposition of such a matchup, one that smacks of an outright edge in height, weight and heft for Oscar? A veteran who’s marvelously gifted as a slugging boxer?
Manny will have to outdo his past ring “spectaculars” to survive a bigger and stronger welterweight belter in Oscar.
Not that he can’t do it. It’s such a giant leap from 135 to 147 lbs. Not at this time. Delicado?
Sure, his handlers are insisting the Pacman can beat the lone six-division champ with an Olympic gold medal to boot.
It will take quite a doing for the Filipino icon to pull this one out of the fire, if ever.
And who among his posse are putting the pressure on Pacquiao’s promoters to produce quickly such an uneven pairing?
Are we talking here of a pile of greens the certified warriors are likely to rake in? More money for Pacquiao? Not really since he has a lot stashed away already. For Oscar? Nah. The ultra- rich East Los Angeleno has earned a bundle which he can’t dispose of in his lifetime. Maybe in the life hereafter assuming he invests some in infrastructures such as the Golden Gate (gay) bridge?
In today’s declining market of the once-lucrative sport, Manny Pacquiao is playing by his own rules at a time of his choosing.
So far he’s had his way with the proven greats in the light flyweight division where he started, up to his current lightweight throne.
Can he bulldoze his way and beat a heavy favorite in Oscar? Can a fattened but sweet-punchin’ lightweight defy the odds and beat the Golden Oscar?
One thing is clear as day bells The loser will get the brunt of a harsh retribution but richer by 20 million U.S. dollars in freshly-minted Franklin’s–plus a huge take in pay per view orders.
Pretty heavy huh?
Now, if Manny asks for my two cents worth of advice, I’d offer a change in priority on who goes first; Hatton and then a wee-bit later—de la Hoya
Two giant birds kayoed with scintillating hooks and mind-numbing straights?
The old saying is to the victor go the spoils. I do not think anyone was thinking about rotten goat meat when they conjured up the phrase.
Which reminds me that canny promoter Bob Arum did miss one cute trick when it came to the smartest member of the David Diaz camp, Billy The Goat. Years ago, the National Lampoon had a cover photo of a cute puppy. The cover line was something “if you don’t buy this magazine, we will kill the dog.”
Talk about an attention grabber. But back to the WBC lightweight champion’s pet cabrito or, as we say in Tagalog, “kambing.”
Yes, the Mandalay Bay is not kid-ding. Yes, the hotel-casino granted the nagging Billy a Team Diaz credential.
But the question I am debating with our imbedded Team Pacquiao correspondent Hermie “Chiz” Rivera is what is the fate of the tin can eater if, as we all expect, Megamanny Pacquiao dethrones Billy’s bossman.
It seems as though once Pacman slaughers Diaz, Billy gets slaughtered. I’d hate to be the one who has to relate this tragic news to Billy’s nanny!
Surely, there will be budget cuts for Team Diaz. I don’t want to get anyone’s goat but I bet Billy will be let loose so to speak when that happens.
Rivera said he has already discussed Billy’s dim future with Manny.
“We will immediately grab Billy by that beard of his, right at ringside,” Rivera said. “Then the only question is whether Billy is boiled, broiled, baked or steamed. His next destination is the nearest fiery pot. He will not return to Chitown unless he is frozen or burning on a skewer.
“Goat meat and a San Miguel beer is a typical Pacman treat when he is not in training,” Rivera said. “We put goat into our calderata and marinate it for kilawen. I’ve told Manny, ‘We must slaughter the goat for our victory party, for our celebration after you KO or stop David.”
Rivera, who reports that Manny will exit the lightweight class and move up to 140 for a Ricky Hatton fight next, said Billy only has one supporter on Team Pacquiao.
“It’s your Boston boy, Coach Freddie Roach,” Rivera said. “Freddie is an animal lover and wants to send Billy to a petting zoo for the kiddies. Freddie is opposed to our eating Billy in any form.
“Freddie told me, ‘Hey, Hermie, the goat is a Chicago Cubs baseball fan. Hasn’t he suffered enough?”
June 28 is when the Philippines boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao authors an ambitious bid for a fourth title when he takes on David Diaz for the lightweight championship of the world.
The Mandalay Bay resort/casino in Las Vegas is is where the Filipino idol will accost the Mexican-American champ in a slugfest boxing purists are betting won't go the assigned distance of twelve rounds.
Indeed, such pairing of game finishers in a toe-to-toe outing ends usually early or will wind-up being stopped in the late rounds.
Now, Manny who's on leave as a junior lightweight boss is looking at a November meeting with the Manchester cyclone Ricky Hatton while David wants such plan himself due to previous wins as an Olympic silver medalist (139 lbs. Atlanta), and as a pro campaigner in the 140 pound class.
The privilege of competing with the new pound for pound king is where Diaz is looking at right now.
Unaccustomed to fighting in the 135 pound limit, the Pinoy hotshot is assuring his followers as well as doubting devotees that he is not straying out of his comfort zone in facing the aggressive, combat-ready Diaz.
Diaz beats Pacquiao and sky's the limit for the Chicago native. Besides, the Windy City Mex-Am is obsessed. David's fixation in retaining his WBC belt is legend. If he had his druthers, Chicago's pride wants Manny's scalp real bad.
What makes this fight appealing is the limitless bonanza the winner pockets.
So much is at stake with both warriors pledging a furious start which could only translate into an intensely violent ring battle in sustained velocity.
Oh yes, the winner comes out triumphantly pleased (but of course) with the loser a ruined wreck.
This happens when a crowd-pleasing puncher like Manny is matched with a relentless belter like David.
"I'm ready for David in case he tries to pull a fast one in our Mandalay party. I can't let my fans down who are rooting for a smooth acquisition of Diaz' belt," Pacquiao assured.
Pacquiao completed 137 rounds of sparring Thursday (June 29), the last of his torrid sessions with his preferred sparmates and will break camp for Vegas after Monday's presser at the Sta.Monica piers.
A marked improvement in ticket sales and PPV orders have been noted by the antsy promoters as the lightweight toasts starts easing-off from their back-breaking grind.
Now what?
Somewhere in the boardrooms of the world's leading promoters are stacks of proposal for a megabuck year-ending thriller featuring England's Ricky Hatton & the Philippines' Manny Pacman Pacquiao.
Berkeley, CA– Manny Pacquiao, coming off a hard-earned win over Juan Manuel Marquez clashes with a heavier David Diaz in a face-off that’s certain to generate absolute thrill among fight fans.
The intriguing lightweight scrap at Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Casino is Pacquiao’s ticket for a fourth world title—one he longingly hankers due to the failure of his compatriots in garnering such masterstroke.
When the celebrated Carlos Ortiz ended the blue-ribbon reign of Joe Brown—no Filipino—to include the remarkably-clever Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde succeeded in becoming a 135 lbs. ace.
Odds favor the Pinoy challenger over the Mex-Am titleholder. Not unlike the time Pacquiao succeeded in grabbing Marquez’s junior lightweight belt in a war that continues to torment followers of both camps claiming victory for their man.
No one is saying it loud but there are bettors who believe David Diaz can scratch out a win over the Philippines’ reigning idol.
And why not if one is tempted to ask? David was only beaten once enroute to his lightweight throne. He foiled challenges with his unquestioned ability topped by a go-for-broke style of brash boxing.
Listening to David’s endless claptrap of retaining his WBC crown, there just is’nt a way or so it seems for Manny to wiggle out from a trap Diaz is set to impose in their June 28th showdown. Or is there an exit really for our man from this planned jam?
Freddie Roach, Pacman’s resolute coach says David is in a situation that entails grave difficulty—neutralizing Pacman’s lethal combination of speed and power..
Manny’s threat of a fast start that can end the brawl early is a reality that’s not easy for David to master.
Pacquiao repeated his intimidating plan even as Roach paraded him in a well-attended public workout at Berkeley’s Westwind School, showcasing Manny’s rythmic cadence with the mitts and the bags.
“David Diaz is in for a rough evening in this meeting of vaunted sluggers and my Manny will send him to dreamland only to awaken when gas prices goes interminably down” adding “the end will come in the late rounds.” Roach concluded.
What started off as a balanced pairing of brave lefties is shaping up as one heck of a donnybrook involving worldbeaters with violent fistic traits.
This awaited free-for-all usually fires up salivating fans to the delight of the promoters who are making it a reality.
And when Pacman’s timely roll of the dice shows crap for Diaz, England’s Ricky Hatton must gear up fast for a humongous payday with arguably the planet’s hottest draw—Manny Pacquiao of General Santos, Cotabato.
Los Angeles, CA– He’s had 13 years in his harsh calling and Manny Pacquiao finally gets the chance to add a fourth title when he challenges World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz at the Mandalay Bay resort/casino in Las Vegas Nevada.
Pacquiao attempts to be the first Filipino champion in the 135-pound division. Others, notably Hall of Famer Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde failed twice against the redoubtable Puerto Rican Carlos Ortiz.
“Malaki ito at sisikapin kung maagaw yung korona ni Diaz (It’s the big one definitely and we’ll let it all hang out to grab the crown.),” the Filipino superstar declared at a well-attended presser at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A.
In Diaz, the Pacman will be unleashing his ghastly blows against a fighter who also wields his own brand of power shots.
“First round pa lang talagang upakan na, bakbakan at maganda ito para grabe ang action sa ring (an all out war starts in the early going so the fans will lap it up),” enthused the Filipino ring idol. “Yan ang gusto natin ‘todo buhos’. Importante makuha natin ang belt (We have to win the belt),” he added.
“It’s going to be a lovely brawl (magarang palitan ito),” assured the GenSan mauler who’s not wanting in humility in projecting a decisive ending of his June 28 ring date.
Undefeated since his loss to Erik Morales, the new WBC junior lightweight champion’s last win was against Juan Manuel Marquez who remains steadfast in having another shot at the Pinoy idol. “But that won’t happen,” says promoter Bob Arum who ruled out a rubber bout between the bitter jr. lightweight rivals.
Manny’s inability to take out Marquez in their March duel has fueled the Mexican’s obssessive drive for a third match despite Pacman’s effective punching throughout their hard-fought thriller.
“We’ve put that fight behind us,” Pacquiao shrugged as he braced for a slugfest with Diaz.
Diaz himself vowed not to let Pacquiao breathe all throughout the 12 round war since, by his own reckoning is in top shape.
“It’s all go,” boasted the defending champion as he let go with a yell of gratitude to Manny and Bob Arum for making the fight happen.
Quite a mean feat really if the Chicago Mex-Am can accomplish what no Mexican has ever done— stop Manny dead with heart-pounding respiratory tract barrage.
Fact is, a lot depends on how fresh the contending warriors will be feeling as they reach the final two rounds— if ever the fight goes that far.
Boxing or what some call the Sweet Science is all about heart.
That’s why Manny Pacquiao eked out a well-deserved victory over Juan Manuel Marquez due largely to a ticker twice bigger than Mexico’s external debt.
End of discussion?
“Not quite” says an esteemed colleague John Chavez who insists otherwise: “While Pacquiao might possess a ticker twice the size of Mexico’s external debt, Marquez, at 34 years of age showcased an equally large heart twice the size of Manny Pacquiao’s stable of alleged mistresses.
In battling a prime “Pacman” possessing a five year youth advantage, the Mexico City counter-puncher fought gallantly picking himself up off the canvas in order to show the world that Mexican fighters are what truly drives the sport of boxing.
Unlike Pacquiao, Marquez is one of the many great fighters to come from a country that has redwood-like roots embedded within the sweet science.
While the bout between “Dinamita” and the Filipino legend has provided much fuel for controversy, you can’t take away from the future hall-of-famer who gave Manny all he could handle for every second of every round.
The fight itself was a beautiful specimen of counter-punching in Marquez and controlled aggression in Pacquiao.
For those spectators that favor the come forward style of a pressure fighter, they scored the bout for Pacquiao. For those that favor the tactical, but equally effective matador-type approach to boxing, they tended to favor the Mexican.
Being an aficionado of the sport, I appreciated the subtle effectiveness in Marquez’s ability to sneak his punches inside the slightest of openings as Manny showed a vast improvement in his defensive capabilities.
It was a magnificent display by “Dinamita” as he showed the world that there is more than one facet to Mexican prize fighting.
He showed that not only does the warrior blood pump fiercely through their veins but also that they are an extremely intelligent group of soldiers that can out-fight and out-think their opponents whoever they might be.
If you’ve been watching boxing for quite some time and genuinely have a firm grasp of the sport, you’d understand that Juan Manuel Marquez was the true victor in the March 15 rematch.
End of story.”
Wow! Son of a real gun!
Careful John, you might just re-ignite another Filipino-Spanish war with that kind of anti-Pinoy belligerency.
Showing Fans That There’s More to Boxing Than Just Winning
By John Chavez
This past Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez showed the world exactly how true prize fighters “get down”. Both men displayed what they do best with “Dinamita” playing the role of matador to the ever aggressive bull-style of the “Pacman”.
It was a bout that showcased why boxing encompasses all of the drama and developments of an award-winning script.
It was plain to see in the early evening hours on Saturday that this fight would most definitely surpass the electricity felt from Pacquiao’s most recent bout with Marco Antonio Barrera in October of 2007. You could sense that the stakes were much higher being that many people considered Marquez to be the last Mexican standing in addition to being overly determined to avenge the defeats of his fellow countrymen in Morales and Barrera.
The entire country of Mexico was riding on the Mexico City resident’s 130 pound frame.
As for Manny Pacquiao supporters… there were several of them in attendance.
More like several tens of thousands as they flocked in droves to Sin City in order to cheer and support their hero to victory.
In the opinion of this hack labeled “The Boxing Bookie”, this rematch solidified the greatness of both Marquez and Pacquiao being that they showed the world that boxing is a tremendous blend of science, grit, heart, dedication, focus, and a whole lot of balls.
The crowd brought the flint and the combatants brought the flame creating an atmosphere on par with any of the most dramatic fights in recent times.
While Marquez attempted to utilize his well developed counter punching tactics throughout the night, Pacquiao showed his development as a fighter leaving only the slightest of openings for “Dinamita” to capitalize on. While I had officially predicted the Mexican to defeat Pacquiao by decision, it was a bout that could have easily gone either way for each participant being that several rounds, especially the seventh and eleventh were extremely close in terms of scoring.
While supporters of both warriors will argue until their death as to who was the clear victor this past Saturday night, it’s boxing as a whole that came out as the definitive winner.
The sweet science needs more action-filled championship bouts such as Marquez-Pacquiao II in order to leave each paying customer satisfied with their purchase. The fight itself delivered in every aspect and most of those tuning in will probably continue to follow the career paths of both men including the sport as a whole.
Other News and Notes from Las Vegas:
Apparently Erik “El Terrible” Morales is enjoying retirement with little chance of returning to the ring anytime soon being that he’s been seen hovering around the super middleweight limit if not more. Hopefully “El Terrible” will leave his legacy intact and continue to engorge his body with foods he deprived himself for years while having to boil down to unnatural weight restrictions. Piles and piles of carnitas anyone?
Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions seem to have a friendly and at times not-so friendly rivalry in the air as both Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum let off some verbal jabs and right crosses at one another during the post-fight press conference. It’s great to see some fire in the promotional firms as it livens up the atmosphere and let’s the world know that competition will always remain fierce in boxing.
Steve “Two Pounds” Forbes seems very focused on upsetting the “Golden Boy” this coming May as he’s looking to surprise Oscar with his strength and toughness. Forbes gave much praise to both Marquez and Pacquiao for their great performances but is looking to outdo both of them as well as the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy bout by giving fans a “Fight of the Year”-type battle in just a few short months.
Michael “White Gorilla” Marley laughed all the way to the cashier at the Mandalay Bay sports book as the crazed individual cashed in what it seemed like 7 or 8 winning tickets on the closely contested rematch. Good move by this amusing individual as it now seems that he’ll be able to raise the wages of myself and Ricardo Lois by at least double if not triple.
Hermie Rivera attempted to leave the “Boxing Bookie” in a comatose state, foaming at the mouth with his deeply appreciated present of two extremely large bottles of Crown Royal and Belvedere. Thanks Hermie… my liver feels as though the “Pacman” himself used it as target practice.
Preston Wada conceded that although he lost over $30,000 betting on Marquez this past weekend, Manny has vastly improved as a fighter and deserves his pound-for-pound status. He has no qualms about the decision stating, “That damn Manny is one bad ass m$%#$@#@!”
Zab Judah seems to have mellowed out in his “old” age as he was rather subdued throughout the press conference announcing his May 31 bout with “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Hopefully this won’t translate into a lack of fire when the two speedsters square off as I’m picking “Super” to upset the veteran Mosley being that he’s recently opened up as a slight underdog at the MGM Mirage sports book. Nasty left hand my friends…
A big shout out goes to TouchPoint Marketing for assisting in giving boxing fans a break from the Pay-Per-View rampage due to their superior relationships and ability to bring on corporate sponsors such as Tecate, Southwest, Rockstar, and Cazadores. Hopkins-Calzaghe and De la Hoya-Forbes will take place on regular HBO rather than HBO Pay-Per-View which is based on the increased level of corporate sponsorship for both shows.
In closing… Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez deserve all the credit in the world for putting together two magnificent performances that brought together two nations to celebrate a sanctioned war. They represented their proud countries to the fullest and showed the world why boxing’s health has much more to do with the quality of the bouts rather than the heavyweight division. Both men should hold their heads extremely high as there was nobody on earth that could have competed with either man on Saturday night based on the elevated level of skill and prowess that they showed.
It was one for the record books, one for the ages, and one to look back on as one of the best of 2008.
Boxing isn’t back…. it never went anywhere. It’s just here bringing us the best and hungriest of what the sport has to offer.
I can’t recall a better time to be a boxing fanatic and this past weekend gave me much ammunition to continue pushing the fact that there is nothing on earth that compares to a highly anticipated fight that delivers on all cylinders.
Thank you Juan Manuel, Manny, and all those that made the fight a reality.
PS. Big props to all the Pacquiao and Marquez supporters for letting their warriors do the fighting in the ring. While the Mexico-Philippines rivalry has grown to an exorbitant level over the past several years, they still maintain a level or respect for one another which is great to see. There’s no need for an immediate rematch as of this moment but I’m sure we’ll see another hungry Mexican attempt to dethrone the absolute beast of a man that is Manny Pacquiao. I have to hand it to you Pac-maniacs… your guy is one tough nut to crack.
Advocate Arum: Pacquiao, At Peak Of His Powers, Will Stop Marquez In Round 8 Or 9!
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW BY HERMIE RIVERA
Here’s a surprise. Uncle Bob Arum tells Boxingconfidential’s ace reporter, Hammering Hermie Rivera, that Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez will make his greatest ring performance March 15 in Las Vegas against Manny Pacquiao.
Here’s a non-suprise. The 76-year-old promoter and head of Top Rank says that won’t be enough to stop the Pinoy idol because, as Arum sees it, Pacman is reaching the peak of his pugilisic powers at the age of 28.
“When they fought before, Manny was a one-handed fighter,” Arum said. “He just used that left hand like a howitzer. Now he can really box along with his punching power and he uses both hands so well. Manny is also in the best condition of his boxing life, far better than the shape he was in for his last two bouts.”
Hermie asked Uncle Bob for a prediction.
“I see Manny being too strong and powerful. He will stop Marquez in the eighth or ninth round.”
San Francisco, CA. — “The best conditioned Manny Pacquiao will face Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15″ the Filipino boxing hero crowed as he met the press on his first Bay Area visit since his torturous draw with Agapito Sanchez at the Civic Center.
Even with a torpid recollection of that bloody fight wherein the Dominican roughneck tried robbing him of his newly acquired title — Pacquiao wants another pugnacious scrap in his pet city by the bay.
And in an outright dig at Marquez’ brag of a more rounded training for their rematch, Pacquiao insists his trainers are superior and have negated whatever advantages the Mexican champ gained by his early start.
So then, both warriors are in shape–their best-ever conditioning brought about by their exacting workouts.
Expect a barn-burner when these intrepid boxers collide at Mandalay Bay Events Center in glitzy Vegas..
This is a must-see thriller made compelling by their mutual enmity engendered by their drawn match four years back.
Since that disputed draw at the MGM Grand, Pacquiao has matured while Marquez aged.
Marquez turns 35 in August and whether he admits it or not, unwanted extra years places one in a situation that entails difficulty for the aging fighter.
A clear-cut winner will emerge in the ‘unfinished business’ featuring today’s remarkable talents in the junior lightweight division.
Manny Pacquiao who is not only strong but skillful as well remains the favorite in the posted odds at various betting centers. (Illegal bookies included.)
Any of the two combative warriors digging too big a hole in the early rounds will find it tough recovering lost ground.
And who’ll pocket all the marbles in this awaited return bout?
It will be highly unlikely for the Mexican defending champ to upset the Filipino lefty who’s on a roll—on a tear, if you please with a ten win streak.
Pacquiao has been ruthlessly productive since losing to Eric Morales.
Unless Marquez starts growing steroid-laden hormones (quite late in the day right?), Pacquiao will have his butt whupped when the battle smoke clears at the Mandalay.
Sorry Juan Manuel but it will take a lot more than a great camp to overcome the smooth rhythm of the power punchin’ Pacman.
By Abac Cordero Philippine Star
Saturday, February 23, 2008
As he enters the most crucial phase of his training, Manny Pacquiao has quashed any concern regarding his weight for the March 15 rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez.
“We will make the weight. No problem,” said Pacquiao as quoted by Hermie Rivera, one of his constant companions in Los Angeles.
Reports coming out of LA last week, barely a month before the fight, placed Pacquiao at 139 lbs compared to Marquez’ 133 lbs, which is just a little over the super-featherweight limit of 130.
Pacquiao is in the peak of his two-month training, and after three more heavy workouts next week, should begin tapering off before he travels to Las Vegas less than a week before the fight.
Pacquiao spars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Wild Card Gym. Last Tuesday he did 10 rounds against Ramon Montano, Juanito Garcia and Raymundo Beltran.
Pacquiao, according to Rivera, a respected Pinoy boxing analyst, is expected to top the 100 rounds of sparring prepared by trainer Freddie Roach.
“At the rate he’s reaching peak form, Pacquiao is executing with ease the drills being imparted by his excellent crew. A well-conditioned challenger will answer the call of Marquez,” he said.
While Pacquiao is in LA, Marquez is doing his thing in Mexico, and based on the calendar is almost a month ahead of Pacquiao in training, saying he normally trains three months for a big fight.
“In the ring there is no such thing as a easy fight or a small challenge, and I keep that in mind and base my philosophy on that when I am preparing for a fight,” Marquez told the Mexican press.
For the last two months now, Marquez has done nothing but train.
His day starts at 4 a.m. with a one-hour run at the snow-covered mountains of Toluca, a few hours of sleep in his home, nutritious breakfast by 9 a.m., gym work at 1 p.m., and back home at 5 p.m. to rest with his family, and dinner of chicken, fish, vegetables and fruits. Lights are out at 9 p.m.
