Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton will happen in Las Vegas on Saturday May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand. This will be one of the greatest fights of 2009. With the recent defeat of Oscar de La Hoya by Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao he was hungry for a fight with one of the greatest punchers of our time. Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton lost a match to Floyd Mayweather last year and afterwards hired his coach and moved forward looking to revamp his career. With the addition of Floyd Mayweather Sr. as his coach Ricky Hatton defeated Paulie Malignaggi in November and looked to regain his old form. This could very well be the super fight and the infusion of excitement that the sport of boxing needs. We started a blog about this super fight between Hatton and Pacquiao so check it out and comment on who you think will win this awesome fight. Who is gonna be the zestful puncher form the UK or the Philipino legend? Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton will be a huge box office success and with all levels of seating available act soon and secure your ringside seats. Hatton vs Pacquiao is going to be one awesome fight thanks to Golden Boy productions.
Manny Pacquiao Record:
Total fights 53
Wins 48
Wins by KO 36
Losses 3
Draws 2
Ricky Hattons Record:
Total fights 46
Wins 45
Wins by KO 32
Losses 1
You can buy ticket here:
http://www.ticketstub.com/tickets/manny-pacquiao-vs-ricky-hatton/980894/
http://www.justbuytickets.com/Tickets_Split.php?eventID=980894
Source: http://www.justbuytickets.com/Tickets/Manny-Pacquiao-vs.-Ricky-Hatton-Tickets.php
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Pacquiao amasses huge lead in ESPN’s ‘champ of champs’
MANILA, Philippines – Might as well add the ESPN Star Sports' Champion of Champions’ title to Manny Pacquiao’s growing list of achievements.
Pacquiao, who fought in three weight divisions to go 3-0 in 2008, could very well be the winner of the online poll contest as he enjoys a huge lead over Malaysian squash player Nicol David.
As of Saturday, results of the online poll gave Pacquiao an overwhelming 80.74 lead over Nicol. The Filipino boxing icon garnered 90.73 percent of the votes while the world’s top ranked squash player earned 9.63 percent.
Pacquiao made history in 2008 when he became the first Asian to wear four world titles in three different weight divisions. He is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) and The Ring magazine’s super featherweight champion after beating Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in a split decision on March 15.
He then added the WBC lightweight belt after scoring a ninth-round knockout win over David Diaz on June 28. But what made Pacquiao sort of a demigod in the boxing world is his eight-round demolition of future Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya on December 6.
He also earned the nickname as the “Mexecutioner" after nine of his last 14 fights were against Mexican champion boxers. He fought Erik Morales three times and, faced Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez twice in that span.
Pacquiao won 12 of those 14 fights losing only once in his first meeting with Morales on March 19 2005. He was held to a draw by Marquez on May 8, 2004 and had to wait for four years before beating the Mexican in a split decision.
He earned the Ring Magazine’s top pound-for-pound boxer after then holder Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired this year. Pacquiao is also a former Ring Magazine featherweight champion, once hold the International Boxing Federation bantamweight crown and held the WBC flyweight belt.
David earned a spot in the finals after becoming the first Asian to top the world rankings. She is the reigning World Open and British Open champion, titles which she also won in 2005 and 2006.
Pacquiao and David arranged a finals showdown after beating cricket superstars Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in the semifinals.
The final day of voting is on December 30 with the winner to be announced in ESPN Sports Center.
Other big name sports stars in the list are NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, Indian cricket sensation MS Dhoni, Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, reigning world no.1 tennis player Rafael Nadal, Beijing Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, world 100-meter record holder Usain Bolt, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, golf’s Tiger Woods and world MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/141411/Pacquiao-amasses-huge-lead-in-ESPNs-champ-of-champs
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Pacquiao, who fought in three weight divisions to go 3-0 in 2008, could very well be the winner of the online poll contest as he enjoys a huge lead over Malaysian squash player Nicol David.
As of Saturday, results of the online poll gave Pacquiao an overwhelming 80.74 lead over Nicol. The Filipino boxing icon garnered 90.73 percent of the votes while the world’s top ranked squash player earned 9.63 percent.
Pacquiao made history in 2008 when he became the first Asian to wear four world titles in three different weight divisions. He is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) and The Ring magazine’s super featherweight champion after beating Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in a split decision on March 15.
He then added the WBC lightweight belt after scoring a ninth-round knockout win over David Diaz on June 28. But what made Pacquiao sort of a demigod in the boxing world is his eight-round demolition of future Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya on December 6.
He also earned the nickname as the “Mexecutioner" after nine of his last 14 fights were against Mexican champion boxers. He fought Erik Morales three times and, faced Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez twice in that span.
Pacquiao won 12 of those 14 fights losing only once in his first meeting with Morales on March 19 2005. He was held to a draw by Marquez on May 8, 2004 and had to wait for four years before beating the Mexican in a split decision.
He earned the Ring Magazine’s top pound-for-pound boxer after then holder Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired this year. Pacquiao is also a former Ring Magazine featherweight champion, once hold the International Boxing Federation bantamweight crown and held the WBC flyweight belt.
David earned a spot in the finals after becoming the first Asian to top the world rankings. She is the reigning World Open and British Open champion, titles which she also won in 2005 and 2006.
Pacquiao and David arranged a finals showdown after beating cricket superstars Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in the semifinals.
The final day of voting is on December 30 with the winner to be announced in ESPN Sports Center.
Other big name sports stars in the list are NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, Indian cricket sensation MS Dhoni, Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, reigning world no.1 tennis player Rafael Nadal, Beijing Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, world 100-meter record holder Usain Bolt, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, golf’s Tiger Woods and world MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/141411/Pacquiao-amasses-huge-lead-in-ESPNs-champ-of-champs
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Thursday, December 25, 2008
Pacquiao off to LA with upcoming Hatton fight on mind
MANILA, Philippines - Although he plans to spend spend the holidays with his family in Los Angeles, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s has also set his sights on his much-awaited match against reigning junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton.
Earlier reports indicate that Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. has already met with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaeffer, Hatton’s promoter, to discuss minor details of the 2009 fight.
Pacquiao, however, kept mum about the details.
“Wala pa. Wala naman pa kaming usapan about that so siguro hintayin na lang natin (There’s no final talks of the fight. Let us just wait for further developments)," Pacquiao said when he was interviewed during Monday night’s victory party hosted by Deputy National Security Adviser Chavit Singson.
The celebration was attended by ambassadors from Italy, France, Turkey, and Great Britain as they partied with Sen. Gregorio Honasan and movie stars Rufa Mae Quinto, Jasmine Villegas, and Diana Zubiri, and singer Rico J. Puno.
Schaefer, in an earlier report said, that Hatton’s father is hoping they could finalize details of the fight before year’s end.
The Pacquiao-Hatton fight is being planned on May 2 with Las Vegas as one of the venues being considered.
If Pacquiao takes on Hatton, the catch weight will be at junior welterweight (140 lbs), Hatton's domain. Pacquiao fought at 132 lbs last April, 135 in June and 147 earlier this month when he blasted Oscar de la Hoya.
Pacquiao is currently the world lightweight (135lb) champion, while Hatton is the reigning 140lb world champion.
Pacquiao left for Los Angeles Tuesday night with his sons and daughter to join wife Jinky where they would spend Christmas and New Year there.
Jinky is also expected to give birth next month to a baby girl they would name Queen Elizabeth. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140901/Pacquiao-off-to-LA-with-upcoming-Hatton-fight-on-mind
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Earlier reports indicate that Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. has already met with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaeffer, Hatton’s promoter, to discuss minor details of the 2009 fight.
Pacquiao, however, kept mum about the details.
“Wala pa. Wala naman pa kaming usapan about that so siguro hintayin na lang natin (There’s no final talks of the fight. Let us just wait for further developments)," Pacquiao said when he was interviewed during Monday night’s victory party hosted by Deputy National Security Adviser Chavit Singson.
The celebration was attended by ambassadors from Italy, France, Turkey, and Great Britain as they partied with Sen. Gregorio Honasan and movie stars Rufa Mae Quinto, Jasmine Villegas, and Diana Zubiri, and singer Rico J. Puno.
Schaefer, in an earlier report said, that Hatton’s father is hoping they could finalize details of the fight before year’s end.
The Pacquiao-Hatton fight is being planned on May 2 with Las Vegas as one of the venues being considered.
If Pacquiao takes on Hatton, the catch weight will be at junior welterweight (140 lbs), Hatton's domain. Pacquiao fought at 132 lbs last April, 135 in June and 147 earlier this month when he blasted Oscar de la Hoya.
Pacquiao is currently the world lightweight (135lb) champion, while Hatton is the reigning 140lb world champion.
Pacquiao left for Los Angeles Tuesday night with his sons and daughter to join wife Jinky where they would spend Christmas and New Year there.
Jinky is also expected to give birth next month to a baby girl they would name Queen Elizabeth. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140901/Pacquiao-off-to-LA-with-upcoming-Hatton-fight-on-mind
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Sunday, December 21, 2008
Report: Pacquiao, Hatton sides hope deal settled before year ends
MANILA, Philippines – The promoters of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton stressed that a match pitting their fighters is close to being finalized, ESPN.com reported on Saturday.
Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., Pacquiao's promoter, told ESPN.com writer Dan Rafael that he is "upbeat" about developments.
"I think we're there. We're just mopping up little details."
Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Hatton, echoed the optimism.
"I talked to Ray Hatton [Ricky's father] and my hope is that we can finalize everything before the end of the year. I feel pretty good about it."
A May 2 date is being eyed, both promoters said. Although Las Vegas is seen as the host city, a specific venue has yet to be named.
Pacquiao, who is on track to be named 2008's Fighter of the Year, will be fighting in his fourth weight division in as many matches.
If Pacquiao takes on Hatton, the catch weight will be at junior welterweight (140 lbs), Hatton's domain.
Pacquiao fought at 132 lbs last April, 135 in June and 147 earlier this month when he blasted Oscar de la Hoya.
Pacquiao is currently the world lightweight (135lb) champion, while Hatton is the reigning 140lb world champion. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140558/Report-Pacquiao-Hatton-sides-hope-deal-settled-before-year-ends
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Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., Pacquiao's promoter, told ESPN.com writer Dan Rafael that he is "upbeat" about developments.
"I think we're there. We're just mopping up little details."
Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Hatton, echoed the optimism.
"I talked to Ray Hatton [Ricky's father] and my hope is that we can finalize everything before the end of the year. I feel pretty good about it."
A May 2 date is being eyed, both promoters said. Although Las Vegas is seen as the host city, a specific venue has yet to be named.
Pacquiao, who is on track to be named 2008's Fighter of the Year, will be fighting in his fourth weight division in as many matches.
If Pacquiao takes on Hatton, the catch weight will be at junior welterweight (140 lbs), Hatton's domain.
Pacquiao fought at 132 lbs last April, 135 in June and 147 earlier this month when he blasted Oscar de la Hoya.
Pacquiao is currently the world lightweight (135lb) champion, while Hatton is the reigning 140lb world champion. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140558/Report-Pacquiao-Hatton-sides-hope-deal-settled-before-year-ends
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Thursday, December 18, 2008
Promoter: Pacquiao fight vs Hatton nearly finished
SAN FRANCISCO — Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton are close to finalizing a deal to meet in a 140-pound (63.5-kilogram) bout on May 2, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The proposed fight, likely to be held in Las Vegas, would match boxing's unofficial pound-for-pound champion against one of the world's most popular brawlers, assuredly generating huge paydays for both fighters.
"I'm encouraged by the way it's going, and I'm talking to the Hattons (on Friday) again," Schaefer said. "You really have two of the most popular fighters of their generation fighting each other, and that's the kind of fight we want to make."
Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) seems to be at the peak of his skills and international fame after stopping Oscar De La Hoya in their long-anticipated bout on Dec. 6. The Filipino star had never fought above 135 pounds (61 kilograms), but he moved up two weight classes to batter De La Hoya, who didn't get off his stool after the eighth round.
He would move back down one weight class to face Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), the hard-living English star who won his last bout against Paulie Malignaggi on Nov. 22, defending his 140-pound (63.5-kilogram) title. Hatton won twice this year after the only loss of his career, to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007.
Schaefer said the sides are still negotiating the fight's location, but he would like to see it in boxing's capital city.
"This is a fight with tremendous global appeal, and both of them have built up a very strong following here," Schaefer said. "With Manny's following in Asia and Ricky's support in Europe, you could say Las Vegas is the center of everything."
Golden Boy has a promotional deal with Hatton. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who represents Pacquiao, was traveling back from the Philippines on Thursday after celebrating Pacquiao's title.
Schaefer also will soon make a formal announcement of a Feb. 28 bout in Houston between Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz.
Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KOs), the Mexican star who has been Pacquiao's toughest opponent in recent years, won his lightweight debut in late September, stopping Cuba's Joel Casamayor.
Diaz (34-1, 17 KOs), a longtime lightweight champion, won his comeback fight against Australia's Michael Katsidis in September after losing his three 135-pound (61-kilogram) title belts last March to Nate Campbell. - AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140244/Promoter-Pacquiao-fight-vs-Hatton-nearly-finished
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The proposed fight, likely to be held in Las Vegas, would match boxing's unofficial pound-for-pound champion against one of the world's most popular brawlers, assuredly generating huge paydays for both fighters.
"I'm encouraged by the way it's going, and I'm talking to the Hattons (on Friday) again," Schaefer said. "You really have two of the most popular fighters of their generation fighting each other, and that's the kind of fight we want to make."
Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) seems to be at the peak of his skills and international fame after stopping Oscar De La Hoya in their long-anticipated bout on Dec. 6. The Filipino star had never fought above 135 pounds (61 kilograms), but he moved up two weight classes to batter De La Hoya, who didn't get off his stool after the eighth round.
He would move back down one weight class to face Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), the hard-living English star who won his last bout against Paulie Malignaggi on Nov. 22, defending his 140-pound (63.5-kilogram) title. Hatton won twice this year after the only loss of his career, to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007.
Schaefer said the sides are still negotiating the fight's location, but he would like to see it in boxing's capital city.
"This is a fight with tremendous global appeal, and both of them have built up a very strong following here," Schaefer said. "With Manny's following in Asia and Ricky's support in Europe, you could say Las Vegas is the center of everything."
Golden Boy has a promotional deal with Hatton. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, who represents Pacquiao, was traveling back from the Philippines on Thursday after celebrating Pacquiao's title.
Schaefer also will soon make a formal announcement of a Feb. 28 bout in Houston between Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz.
Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KOs), the Mexican star who has been Pacquiao's toughest opponent in recent years, won his lightweight debut in late September, stopping Cuba's Joel Casamayor.
Diaz (34-1, 17 KOs), a longtime lightweight champion, won his comeback fight against Australia's Michael Katsidis in September after losing his three 135-pound (61-kilogram) title belts last March to Nate Campbell. - AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140244/Promoter-Pacquiao-fight-vs-Hatton-nearly-finished
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Roach wants ‘De la Hoya-level training’ for Pacquiao vs Hatton
MANILA, Philippines – If Manny Pacquiao’s projected showdown with Ricky Hatton finally gets the green light, trainer Freddie Roach wants his boy to undergo the same regimen as he did when he trained for Oscar de la Hoya.
“I want him to be there (Wild Card gym) first week of March," said Roach, stressing that the length of training should just be fine for Pacquiao in a proposed but yet-to-be-finalized May 2 play date with the Hitman in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao prepared for more than two months for his fight against De la Hoya, a match that ended in a stunning eight-round technical knockout win for Pacquiao.
That Roach wants his most prized ward to mimic his preparation time with De la Hoya for Hatton is well-founded.
“Hatton’s a very good body puncher and is very dangerous," he admitted.
A former junior lightweight champion, the noted puncher from Manchester, England packs an impressive win-loss record of 45-1, 32 of which came by way of knockout.
His relentless style and vicious punching makes him “tailor-made" for Pacquiao, according to the two-time Trainer of the Year.
“Manny should stay away from the ropes when he fights Hatton," said Roach.
Along with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, the celebrated trainer arrived in the country Tuesday to join the lavish celebration of Pacquiao’s 30th birthday. The two left for Los Angeles Thursday night via Philippine Airlines. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140209/Roach-wants-De-la-Hoya-level-training-for-Pacquiao-vs-Hatton
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“I want him to be there (Wild Card gym) first week of March," said Roach, stressing that the length of training should just be fine for Pacquiao in a proposed but yet-to-be-finalized May 2 play date with the Hitman in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao prepared for more than two months for his fight against De la Hoya, a match that ended in a stunning eight-round technical knockout win for Pacquiao.
That Roach wants his most prized ward to mimic his preparation time with De la Hoya for Hatton is well-founded.
“Hatton’s a very good body puncher and is very dangerous," he admitted.
A former junior lightweight champion, the noted puncher from Manchester, England packs an impressive win-loss record of 45-1, 32 of which came by way of knockout.
His relentless style and vicious punching makes him “tailor-made" for Pacquiao, according to the two-time Trainer of the Year.
“Manny should stay away from the ropes when he fights Hatton," said Roach.
Along with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, the celebrated trainer arrived in the country Tuesday to join the lavish celebration of Pacquiao’s 30th birthday. The two left for Los Angeles Thursday night via Philippine Airlines. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140209/Roach-wants-De-la-Hoya-level-training-for-Pacquiao-vs-Hatton
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Hatton lawyer: Pacquiao camp was never in touch
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is fighting Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas.
The only problem is Hatton doesn't know about that yet.
Hatton's lawyer admitted in a BBC Sport report on Wednesday that the English boxer's camp hasn't even began talking to Pacquiao's people yet.
Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. promotes Pacquiao, has said recently that he has been in negotiations with Team Hatton.
"We're in negotiations with the (Ricky) Hatton people and I’ll leave it at that," Arum said in a separate report.
Gareth Williams told BBC Sport that no such negotiations have transpired.
"He's [Arum] not talked to us at all," Hatton's lawyer said. "We're happy to fight Pacquiao but it has to be on our terms."
Arum said that he is looking at a May 2 date for a Pacquiao-Hatton tiff and will most likely hold it in Las Vegas, not in London where Hatton is based.
Williams denied anything close to being formalized.
"We won't be bullied. We've had no contact whatsoever with him. That is the fight we want to make but we've got other options, we will do what is best for us." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140079/Hatton-lawyer-Pacquiao-camp-was-never-in-touch
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The only problem is Hatton doesn't know about that yet.
Hatton's lawyer admitted in a BBC Sport report on Wednesday that the English boxer's camp hasn't even began talking to Pacquiao's people yet.
Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. promotes Pacquiao, has said recently that he has been in negotiations with Team Hatton.
"We're in negotiations with the (Ricky) Hatton people and I’ll leave it at that," Arum said in a separate report.
Gareth Williams told BBC Sport that no such negotiations have transpired.
"He's [Arum] not talked to us at all," Hatton's lawyer said. "We're happy to fight Pacquiao but it has to be on our terms."
Arum said that he is looking at a May 2 date for a Pacquiao-Hatton tiff and will most likely hold it in Las Vegas, not in London where Hatton is based.
Williams denied anything close to being formalized.
"We won't be bullied. We've had no contact whatsoever with him. That is the fight we want to make but we've got other options, we will do what is best for us." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/140079/Hatton-lawyer-Pacquiao-camp-was-never-in-touch
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British paper names Pacquiao as world’s top fighter
MANILA, Philippines – A British newspaper has named Manny Pacquiao as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, beating nine other boxers and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters.
To shed light on the issue, The Sun compiled a list of who they think deserve to be called “Top 10 fighters."
Pacquiao beat the already retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Anderson Silva, who is still undefeated and the reigning middleweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in a poll made by The Sun from both boxing and MMA fans.
Pacquiao earned the status after an eight-round demolition of Oscar De La Hoya in their “Dream Match" last December 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He forced the Golden Boy to call it quits as the ninth round is about to start.
The Filipino boxing icon, who is celebrating his 30th birthday Wednesday, has only lost three times in his 53 fights where he won 48 times with 36 by way of knock out. He was twice held to a draw by Juan Manuel Marquez and Agapito Sanchez.
Mayweather, who is aiming to come out of retirement to fight Pacquiao, placed second while Silva placed third. BJ Penn, another MMA fighter who was the first non-Brazilian gold medalist in the Mundial World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship came in fourth.
Marquez placed fifth and is challenging Pacquiao for a rematch after losing by split decision in their fight last March.
Rounding up the Top 10 pound-for-pound list are UFC’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (no.6) and Georges St. Pierre (no.7), light heavyweight Ring champion Joe Calzaghe (no.8), reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Antonio Margarito (no.9) and World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Miguel Torres.
Meanwhile, the World Boxing Council (WBC) – one of the largest boxing organizations in the world – also gave Pacquiao a grand recognition by naming him as “World Boxer of the Year."
A separate online survey made by ESPN Sports also showed Pacquiao as the fourth most favorite sports hero.
Pacquiao, in an interview with 24Oras, and his promoter Bob Arum were elated by the results. The ring icon, however, humbly said he does not want such recognition to get into his head. “Ayokong isipin yan, pasalamatan natin lagi ang Panginoon dahil sa kanya lahat ito (I don’t want to think about it. Let us just thank the Lord because these are all his)." – With Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139938/British-paper-names-Pacquiao-as-world%E2%80%99s-top-fighter
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To shed light on the issue, The Sun compiled a list of who they think deserve to be called “Top 10 fighters."
Pacquiao beat the already retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Anderson Silva, who is still undefeated and the reigning middleweight champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in a poll made by The Sun from both boxing and MMA fans.
Pacquiao earned the status after an eight-round demolition of Oscar De La Hoya in their “Dream Match" last December 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He forced the Golden Boy to call it quits as the ninth round is about to start.
The Filipino boxing icon, who is celebrating his 30th birthday Wednesday, has only lost three times in his 53 fights where he won 48 times with 36 by way of knock out. He was twice held to a draw by Juan Manuel Marquez and Agapito Sanchez.
Mayweather, who is aiming to come out of retirement to fight Pacquiao, placed second while Silva placed third. BJ Penn, another MMA fighter who was the first non-Brazilian gold medalist in the Mundial World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship came in fourth.
Marquez placed fifth and is challenging Pacquiao for a rematch after losing by split decision in their fight last March.
Rounding up the Top 10 pound-for-pound list are UFC’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (no.6) and Georges St. Pierre (no.7), light heavyweight Ring champion Joe Calzaghe (no.8), reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Antonio Margarito (no.9) and World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Miguel Torres.
Meanwhile, the World Boxing Council (WBC) – one of the largest boxing organizations in the world – also gave Pacquiao a grand recognition by naming him as “World Boxer of the Year."
A separate online survey made by ESPN Sports also showed Pacquiao as the fourth most favorite sports hero.
Pacquiao, in an interview with 24Oras, and his promoter Bob Arum were elated by the results. The ring icon, however, humbly said he does not want such recognition to get into his head. “Ayokong isipin yan, pasalamatan natin lagi ang Panginoon dahil sa kanya lahat ito (I don’t want to think about it. Let us just thank the Lord because these are all his)." – With Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139938/British-paper-names-Pacquiao-as-world%E2%80%99s-top-fighter
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Pacquiao sheds tears in his thanksgiving Mass
MANILA, Philippines — The world’s pound-for-pound king Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao on Wednesday shed tears upon hearing that God heard his prayers during a thanksgiving Mass held for his 30th birthday.
QTV’s Balitanghali’s JP Soriano reported that Pacquiao was unable to hold back his tears when the priest celebrating the Mass explained in his homily how Pacquiao’s victory made him cry.
“Pinipigilan kong maiyak. Naiyak ako kanina kasi totoo ‘yung mga sabi ng pari na hindi dahil sa magaling ako, nanalo ako hindi dahil sa masipag akong mag ensayo, nanalo ako dahil napakinggan ng mahal ng Panginoon yung dasal ko (I was trying to hold back my tears from falling. I cried because what the priest said was true. I did not win because I am a great fighter, not because I train hard. I won because God always listens to my prayer)," Pacquiao said after the Mass.
The prelate also thanked him for the honor he brought to the country.
The Mass was held at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Pacquiao’s hometown in General Santos City. During the Mass, he was accompanied by his mother - Aling Dionisia - and his supporters and well-wishers.
Right after the Mass, Pacquiao proceeded to Malungon, Sarangani to join his relatives and friends for lunch.
The report also said that it was "all systems" go for the grand birthday celebration Pacquiao.
The party would be held Wednesday evening at the convention center of KCC Mall – the largest in General Santos City.
About 1,500 people including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Top Rank Promotions chief executive officer Bob Arum are expected to attend his “strictly invitational" Las Vegas themed birthday bash.
Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach and his defeated opponents Marco Antonio Barrera and David Diaz were also reportedly attending the celebration.
The Filipino boxing icon recently routed Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya in their much-touted "Dream Match" in Las Vegas last December 6. Dela Hoya was reportedly invited to the birthday party but could not make it. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139910/Pacquiao-sheds-tears-in-his-thanksgiving-Mass
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QTV’s Balitanghali’s JP Soriano reported that Pacquiao was unable to hold back his tears when the priest celebrating the Mass explained in his homily how Pacquiao’s victory made him cry.
“Pinipigilan kong maiyak. Naiyak ako kanina kasi totoo ‘yung mga sabi ng pari na hindi dahil sa magaling ako, nanalo ako hindi dahil sa masipag akong mag ensayo, nanalo ako dahil napakinggan ng mahal ng Panginoon yung dasal ko (I was trying to hold back my tears from falling. I cried because what the priest said was true. I did not win because I am a great fighter, not because I train hard. I won because God always listens to my prayer)," Pacquiao said after the Mass.
The prelate also thanked him for the honor he brought to the country.
The Mass was held at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Pacquiao’s hometown in General Santos City. During the Mass, he was accompanied by his mother - Aling Dionisia - and his supporters and well-wishers.
Right after the Mass, Pacquiao proceeded to Malungon, Sarangani to join his relatives and friends for lunch.
The report also said that it was "all systems" go for the grand birthday celebration Pacquiao.
The party would be held Wednesday evening at the convention center of KCC Mall – the largest in General Santos City.
About 1,500 people including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Top Rank Promotions chief executive officer Bob Arum are expected to attend his “strictly invitational" Las Vegas themed birthday bash.
Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach and his defeated opponents Marco Antonio Barrera and David Diaz were also reportedly attending the celebration.
The Filipino boxing icon recently routed Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya in their much-touted "Dream Match" in Las Vegas last December 6. Dela Hoya was reportedly invited to the birthday party but could not make it. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139910/Pacquiao-sheds-tears-in-his-thanksgiving-Mass
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Pacquiao pumped up for Las Vegas-themed bday bash
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao is excited for his 30th birthday celebration Wednesday evening, a radio report said.
A report over dzBB said Pacquiao started the day by attending a Mass at the Our Lady of Good Voyage in his hometown, General Santos City. The report said Pacquiao was also greeted by well-wishers in his mansion.
The pound-for-pound king’s Las Vegas-themed birthday bash will be attended by bigwigs in politics and boxing, including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Top Rank Promotions chief executive officer Bob Arum.
Top Rank is Pacquiao’s promoter.
Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach and his defeated opponents Marco Antonio Barrera and David Diaz were also reportedly attending the celebration.
Pacquiao’s “strictly invitational” birthday party will be held at the convention center of KCC Mall – the biggest mall in General Santos City.
Some 1,500 top personalities from show business, politics and the boxing world have been invited to the party, organizers earlier said.
The Filipino boxing icon recently routed Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya in their much-touted "Dream Match" in Las Vegas, USA last December 6. Dela Hoya was reportedly invited to the birthday party but could not make it. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139894/Pacquiao-pumped-up-for-Las-Vegas-themed-bday-bash
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A report over dzBB said Pacquiao started the day by attending a Mass at the Our Lady of Good Voyage in his hometown, General Santos City. The report said Pacquiao was also greeted by well-wishers in his mansion.
The pound-for-pound king’s Las Vegas-themed birthday bash will be attended by bigwigs in politics and boxing, including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Top Rank Promotions chief executive officer Bob Arum.
Top Rank is Pacquiao’s promoter.
Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach and his defeated opponents Marco Antonio Barrera and David Diaz were also reportedly attending the celebration.
Pacquiao’s “strictly invitational” birthday party will be held at the convention center of KCC Mall – the biggest mall in General Santos City.
Some 1,500 top personalities from show business, politics and the boxing world have been invited to the party, organizers earlier said.
The Filipino boxing icon recently routed Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya in their much-touted "Dream Match" in Las Vegas, USA last December 6. Dela Hoya was reportedly invited to the birthday party but could not make it. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/139894/Pacquiao-pumped-up-for-Las-Vegas-themed-bday-bash
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Friday, December 12, 2008
'Dream' 2008's richest; Pacquiao earns P548M
NEW YORK - Boxing and the economy may both be struggling, but Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao proved the biggest fights can still create a buzz.
Pacquiao's complete domination of De La Hoya last Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas generated about 1.25 million pay-per-view buys, according to numbers released by HBO on Wednesday. It's only the fourth time a non-heavyweight bout in the US reached at least one million, and De La Hoya has been involved in all of them.
The pay-per-view take generated about $70 million in revenue, HBO said, making it the most successful pay-per-view event in 2008.
Of that amount, HBO will get half the earnings and the other half will be split between Pacquiao and De La Hoya based on the estimated 30-70 split they had earlier agreed on. Pacquiao’s cut was pegged at least 32 percent.
That means Pacquiao will get an estimated gross amount worth $11.2 million or P548.8 million.
As stipulated in his contract, Pacquiao was guaranteed $11 million to fight De La Hoya. GMANews.TV learned that Pacquiao would only get the higher amount between the guaranteed clause and the PPV earnings, and not both.
"When it's all counted up, it will end up at 1.35 or 1.4 million [subscriptions]," Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank told ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael.
Rafael’s report noted that Pacquiao’s previous pay-per-view high was 405,000 buys registered in the Juan Manuel Marquez rematch last April.
De La Hoya owns the top four non-heavyweight pay-per-view earnings. Only his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 (2.4 million buys) and a 1999 match versus Felix Trinidad (1.4 million) were higher than the weekend match.
"In this economy, our expectations were appropriately tempered," Mark Taffet, in-charge of HBO pay-per-view, also said on the ESPN report. “But 1.25 million buys shows tremendous support from boxing fans all across the country and reinforces the importance of continuing to present the biggest and best fights the sports has to offer."
The MGM Grand Garden was packed, with an announced attendance of just over 15,000.
Considered the top pound-for-pound boxer and a hero in his native Philippines, Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) moved up two weight divisions to fight at welterweight. The one-sided bout was stopped after the eighth round when, with the fighter bruised and swollen, De La Hoya's corner threw in the towel. - AP, with GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138745/Dream-2008s-richest-Pacquiao-earns-P548M
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Pacquiao's complete domination of De La Hoya last Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas generated about 1.25 million pay-per-view buys, according to numbers released by HBO on Wednesday. It's only the fourth time a non-heavyweight bout in the US reached at least one million, and De La Hoya has been involved in all of them.
The pay-per-view take generated about $70 million in revenue, HBO said, making it the most successful pay-per-view event in 2008.
Of that amount, HBO will get half the earnings and the other half will be split between Pacquiao and De La Hoya based on the estimated 30-70 split they had earlier agreed on. Pacquiao’s cut was pegged at least 32 percent.
That means Pacquiao will get an estimated gross amount worth $11.2 million or P548.8 million.
As stipulated in his contract, Pacquiao was guaranteed $11 million to fight De La Hoya. GMANews.TV learned that Pacquiao would only get the higher amount between the guaranteed clause and the PPV earnings, and not both.
"When it's all counted up, it will end up at 1.35 or 1.4 million [subscriptions]," Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank told ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael.
Rafael’s report noted that Pacquiao’s previous pay-per-view high was 405,000 buys registered in the Juan Manuel Marquez rematch last April.
De La Hoya owns the top four non-heavyweight pay-per-view earnings. Only his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 (2.4 million buys) and a 1999 match versus Felix Trinidad (1.4 million) were higher than the weekend match.
"In this economy, our expectations were appropriately tempered," Mark Taffet, in-charge of HBO pay-per-view, also said on the ESPN report. “But 1.25 million buys shows tremendous support from boxing fans all across the country and reinforces the importance of continuing to present the biggest and best fights the sports has to offer."
The MGM Grand Garden was packed, with an announced attendance of just over 15,000.
Considered the top pound-for-pound boxer and a hero in his native Philippines, Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) moved up two weight divisions to fight at welterweight. The one-sided bout was stopped after the eighth round when, with the fighter bruised and swollen, De La Hoya's corner threw in the towel. - AP, with GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138745/Dream-2008s-richest-Pacquiao-earns-P548M
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Promoters leaning toward Pacquiao-Hatton ... in April?
MANILA, Philippines - The group promoting hard-hitting Ricky Hatton of England will begin talking to their counterparts on Manny Pacquiao's side before the month ends reportedly to see where the discussion of Pacquiao-Hatton showdown "goes".
Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer said on Tuesday that he and Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, would begin discussing details of Pacquiao's next fight within the next seven days.
"I'm sure Manny wants to go home and enjoy the birth of his child," Schaefer said. "But we'll start talking and see where it goes."
The opponent isn't surprising. But the proposed date for Pacquiao's next match somehow is.
Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s names have been thrown inside the ring as possibly Pacquiao's next foe, with either foe creating a match-up expected to excite the boxing community.
But Schaefer suggested that Pacquiao could return to the ring as early "as April or May".
Pacquiao said recently he wanted to take a break and that he was looking at "around five or six months" of inactivity. His trainer Freddie Roach said he wasn't looking to be back in training camp until after six months.
Roach did admit, however, that the power-punching Hatton is the better choice over Mayweather Jr., who retired earlier this year with an undefeated record.
"Hatton is the best fight out there for us right now, money-wise, style-wise. He's a hard guy. He likes to fight. It would be a very interesting fight. I think the world would love to see that and Manny has been always wants to give the world what they want," Roach said. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138639/Promoters-leaning-toward-Pacquiao-Hatton--in-April
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Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer said on Tuesday that he and Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, would begin discussing details of Pacquiao's next fight within the next seven days.
"I'm sure Manny wants to go home and enjoy the birth of his child," Schaefer said. "But we'll start talking and see where it goes."
The opponent isn't surprising. But the proposed date for Pacquiao's next match somehow is.
Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s names have been thrown inside the ring as possibly Pacquiao's next foe, with either foe creating a match-up expected to excite the boxing community.
But Schaefer suggested that Pacquiao could return to the ring as early "as April or May".
Pacquiao said recently he wanted to take a break and that he was looking at "around five or six months" of inactivity. His trainer Freddie Roach said he wasn't looking to be back in training camp until after six months.
Roach did admit, however, that the power-punching Hatton is the better choice over Mayweather Jr., who retired earlier this year with an undefeated record.
"Hatton is the best fight out there for us right now, money-wise, style-wise. He's a hard guy. He likes to fight. It would be a very interesting fight. I think the world would love to see that and Manny has been always wants to give the world what they want," Roach said. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138639/Promoters-leaning-toward-Pacquiao-Hatton--in-April
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton - Pacquiao Speaks
After dominating Paulie Malignaggi this past Saturday, Ricky Hatton hopes to land a fight with the winner of Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao. De La Hoya and Pacquiao face off next month on December 6th and Hatton reportedly will be there at ringside.
Pacquiao who remains focused on De La Hoya, admits he watched Hatton's destruction of Malignaggi and is prepared to face Hatton. Although Pacquiao is willing to fight Hatton, he is not willing to do so at the
expense of overlooking De La Hoya.
In regards to watching Hatton's last fight, in media interview sent to us here at Doghouse Boxing, Pacquiao stated :" I watched the fight happen. It was a good fight. I’m ready to fight him. I’m willing to fight Hatton but right now I’m just focused on this coming fight. And I don’t want to to change something that can affect my concentration to that fight.
Source: http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Benz/Benz_1126b08.htm
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Next fight: Pacman vs Mayweather?
LOS ANGELES – So who’s next for Manny Pacquiao?
Well, at least for now, he’s got Ricky Hatton to his left, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. to his right.
And all Pacquiao has to do is choose.
Pacquiao, fresh from his eight-round destruction of Oscar de la Hoya at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, said Sunday that the Mayweather camp had sent feelers about a possible fight with the Filipino superstar.
“They sent a message to us that if I beat De la Hoya, he will come out of retirement to face me,” said Pacquiao, referring to Mayweather who suddenly retired after beating De la Hoya and Hatton last year.
But following Pacquiao’s unbelievable win that pushed De la Hoya closer to retirement, there are calls for another big match, another dream match against Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound champion.
Pacquiao now wears that billing, and a fight with Mayweather, sometime in May or June, will be another great night of boxing.
But Hatton wants to face Pacquiao, too, and also offers a huge opportunity at 140 pounds. Pacquiao said he’s also willing to face the British superstar even if it means fighting him at the Wembley Stadium in England.
But whoever it is, Pacquiao should be in for another huge payday.
“Whoever is fine. You know me,” said Pacquiao inside his customized bus as he travelled four hours to get back to Los Angeles. He took the front seat with his pregnant wife Jinkee and was joined by relatives and friends.
“Are there any more Mexicans out there? I think Zorro is the only one left,” said the fighter who has beaten some of the great fighters from Mexico - Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Looking back at the fight against De la Hoya, Pacquiao said his speed, and good head and body movement enabled him to take away De la Hoya’s jab, and that made it easier for him in dominating his taller opponent.
“He couldn’t move anymore because I was so fast. And each time he threw his jab, I countered. That’s what we trained for - how to counter. I was a moving target and it was very difficult for him to catch me,” he added.
Pacquiao said he was only worried about his head because he knew De la Hoya’s jab and left hook are one of the best in the sport, and that he was never worried getting hit in the body.
“Imagine, I did 2,500 sit-ups a day so I didn’t have to worry about my body. De la Hoya worried about both his head and body. That’s why he looked so scared each time I hit him. I heard him moan after I hit him once in the body,” he remembered.
“Para siyang kandilang unti-unting nau-upos,” Pacquiao said.
The Filipino champion thought that it would have been over in the ninth round if De la Hoya got up his stool to answer the bell because he knew he had him, and that’s what his trainer Freddie Roach told him.
“Manny, this is it. Finish him off. Knock him out. You’ve got him,” he was told during the break.
And so he said he was surprised when he saw De la Hoya walking toward him, thinking he was charging at him until he saw his cornermen signaling the end of the fight.
Pacquiao said he felt that at 148 1⁄2, his weight when he climbed the ring against De la Hoya, he was even faster when he fought David Diaz for the WBC lightweight (135 lbs) crown only last June.
“Imagine, I’ve jumped and fought in three weight divisions this year,” he said, reminding everyone that last March he also defeated Marquez for the WBC super-featherweight (130 lbs) title.
Pacquiao said that after the fight, he received a phone call from Diaz, and he was surprised with what he said.
“Oh, man. You’re unbelievable. What kind of human (being) are you. You were so fast,” Pacquiao remembered Diaz as telling him.
Source: http://philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=422437
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Sunday, December 7, 2008
Pacquiao-De la Hoya fight highlights
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32876/Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-fight-highlights
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Shutting the critics: Roach grades Pacquiao 'A-plus' for work vs de la Hoya
MANILA, Philippines - If this was school, Manny Pacquiao would be consistently on the dean's list.
Because after his brutal schooling of Oscar de la Hoya on Sunday, Pacquiao's long-time teacher is giving him another high grade.
Coach Freddie Roach was clearly satisfied with the way Pacquiao executed their game plan which resulted in an eight-round, technical-knockout victory over de la Hoya.
Asked to rate his student's performance, Roach said Pacquiao deserved an "A plus".
"Manny went out there and fought the fight we were supposed to fight," said Roach, who stressed during training camp the need for Pacquiao "to fight the perfect fight" against de la Hoya.
At 35 years old and with his better days behind him, de la Hoya was a step behind Pacquiao throughout the contest.
Needing to trim down to 147 pounds for the first time in seven years, the naturally bigger de la Hoya remained a heavy pick to roll past Pacquiao.
But Pacquiao, despite jumping 12 pounds higher in the last six months, used his vaunted speed and maintained his power to give de la Hoya his worst beating in his career.
Roach also previously gave Pacquiao high marks in his matches against David Diaz (last June) and the first time he fought Marco Antonio Barerra (2003).
"He (de la Hoya) got older overnight and looked like he could not pull the trigger. I think Manny had a lot to do with that," Roach said.
"He was flawless in his in-and-out motion. When he's on his toes, he is going in and out like that, you know where he's coming and going. He darts in so fast and it's hard for anybody to deal with it, but it was really hard for Oscar because he was very slow," the Hall of Fame trainer added.
Despite being confident about his chances - and bordering on cocky on more than a few occasions - Roach admitted he had his anxieties too, facing de la Hoya, a 10-time world champion and an Olympic.
"I had sleepless nights and that’s why I’m tired right now. I thought maybe I bit off more than I could chew. Maybe I'm wrong," Roach went on.
"Then I couldn't sleep at night thinking about the fight, but I told myself that my guy is faster and he (Oscar) has trouble with southpaws and Manny's on top of his game and by the time I went to bed, I had Manny winning again," he added.
But the moment the bell rang for the opening round and Pacquiao began hitting de la Hoya with those bombing left straights, Roach knew the fight was Pacquiao's.
"Oscar was hesitant all night long," he recalled.
Winning against a legend like de la Hoya ranks among Roach's best works. But defying the odds is the one that gives him the most satisfaction.
"You know what, my favorite thing is to all those people who said we can’t do it, I just want to smile at them because that says it all." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138074/Shutting-the-critics-Roach-grades-Pacquiao-A-plus-for-work-vs-de-la-Hoya
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Because after his brutal schooling of Oscar de la Hoya on Sunday, Pacquiao's long-time teacher is giving him another high grade.
Coach Freddie Roach was clearly satisfied with the way Pacquiao executed their game plan which resulted in an eight-round, technical-knockout victory over de la Hoya.
Asked to rate his student's performance, Roach said Pacquiao deserved an "A plus".
"Manny went out there and fought the fight we were supposed to fight," said Roach, who stressed during training camp the need for Pacquiao "to fight the perfect fight" against de la Hoya.
At 35 years old and with his better days behind him, de la Hoya was a step behind Pacquiao throughout the contest.
Needing to trim down to 147 pounds for the first time in seven years, the naturally bigger de la Hoya remained a heavy pick to roll past Pacquiao.
But Pacquiao, despite jumping 12 pounds higher in the last six months, used his vaunted speed and maintained his power to give de la Hoya his worst beating in his career.
Roach also previously gave Pacquiao high marks in his matches against David Diaz (last June) and the first time he fought Marco Antonio Barerra (2003).
"He (de la Hoya) got older overnight and looked like he could not pull the trigger. I think Manny had a lot to do with that," Roach said.
"He was flawless in his in-and-out motion. When he's on his toes, he is going in and out like that, you know where he's coming and going. He darts in so fast and it's hard for anybody to deal with it, but it was really hard for Oscar because he was very slow," the Hall of Fame trainer added.
Despite being confident about his chances - and bordering on cocky on more than a few occasions - Roach admitted he had his anxieties too, facing de la Hoya, a 10-time world champion and an Olympic.
"I had sleepless nights and that’s why I’m tired right now. I thought maybe I bit off more than I could chew. Maybe I'm wrong," Roach went on.
"Then I couldn't sleep at night thinking about the fight, but I told myself that my guy is faster and he (Oscar) has trouble with southpaws and Manny's on top of his game and by the time I went to bed, I had Manny winning again," he added.
But the moment the bell rang for the opening round and Pacquiao began hitting de la Hoya with those bombing left straights, Roach knew the fight was Pacquiao's.
"Oscar was hesitant all night long," he recalled.
Winning against a legend like de la Hoya ranks among Roach's best works. But defying the odds is the one that gives him the most satisfaction.
"You know what, my favorite thing is to all those people who said we can’t do it, I just want to smile at them because that says it all." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138074/Shutting-the-critics-Roach-grades-Pacquiao-A-plus-for-work-vs-de-la-Hoya
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Pacquiao wants a breather; no fights until June
MANILA, Philippines - Three fights. Three wins. Two championships. One legend downed.
Nobody can blame Manny Pacquiao if he decides to rest on his laurels.
After his eight-round demolition of Oscar de la Hoya on Sunday, Pacquiao looks to have an extended break and doesn't see himself getting back in the ring until middle of next year.
"Let's see if we can do it again may be May or June?" Pacquiao told reporters while he was signing autographs on Sunday just outside the press room of the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
For the fight with de la Hoya, Pacquiao trained for nine weeks, the longest he had in training camp.
He fought Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz in two title fights in a span of three months between April and June. In each of his meetings with Marquez, Diaz and de la Hoya, Pacquiao needed to go up in weight.
Trainer Freddie Roach, who admitted to also being exhausted, said he and Pacquiao both needed the rest.
"With Christmas coming up and his birthday party and he's going to have a baby soon," Roach said, "We'll need six months to rest before we start training again."
As who the next guy will be on line, Roach said it’s a toss up between hard-hitting Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr., the acknowledged pound-for-pound king before he retired recently.
Given a choice, Roach admitted he was leaning toward the latter.
"Hatton is the best fight out there for us right now, money-wise, style-wise. He's a hard guy. He likes to fight. It would be a very interesting fight. I think the world would love to see that and Manny has been always wants to give the world what they want," he said.
Then again, Roach pointed out he’s not the one to decide on it.
"A lot depends on what makes sense. The economy is bad right now and we can't wait too long because I want to see Manny fight Hatton and Mayweather and retire the greatest fighter of all time," Roach added.
But for now? "I just want to enjoy this for a while." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138073/Pacquiao-wants-a-breather-no-fights-until-June
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Nobody can blame Manny Pacquiao if he decides to rest on his laurels.
After his eight-round demolition of Oscar de la Hoya on Sunday, Pacquiao looks to have an extended break and doesn't see himself getting back in the ring until middle of next year.
"Let's see if we can do it again may be May or June?" Pacquiao told reporters while he was signing autographs on Sunday just outside the press room of the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
For the fight with de la Hoya, Pacquiao trained for nine weeks, the longest he had in training camp.
He fought Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz in two title fights in a span of three months between April and June. In each of his meetings with Marquez, Diaz and de la Hoya, Pacquiao needed to go up in weight.
Trainer Freddie Roach, who admitted to also being exhausted, said he and Pacquiao both needed the rest.
"With Christmas coming up and his birthday party and he's going to have a baby soon," Roach said, "We'll need six months to rest before we start training again."
As who the next guy will be on line, Roach said it’s a toss up between hard-hitting Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr., the acknowledged pound-for-pound king before he retired recently.
Given a choice, Roach admitted he was leaning toward the latter.
"Hatton is the best fight out there for us right now, money-wise, style-wise. He's a hard guy. He likes to fight. It would be a very interesting fight. I think the world would love to see that and Manny has been always wants to give the world what they want," he said.
Then again, Roach pointed out he’s not the one to decide on it.
"A lot depends on what makes sense. The economy is bad right now and we can't wait too long because I want to see Manny fight Hatton and Mayweather and retire the greatest fighter of all time," Roach added.
But for now? "I just want to enjoy this for a while." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138073/Pacquiao-wants-a-breather-no-fights-until-June
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Pacquiao: ‘It ain’t over yet, folks, more fights to come’
MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from his historic win over legendary Oscar de la Hoya, the world's pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao made this assurance Sunday: “It ain’t over yet, folks, I’m still up for a few more bouts."
GMA-7's Showbiz Central asked Pacquiao if his fight against De la Hoya would his last, and the 29-year-old boxing icon was quick to clarify: “May mga ilang laban pa (There are still more fights)."
Pacquiao, however, did not name his next opponent. For now, he said, he wants to enjoy his victory with his family, loved ones and countrymen.
Last September, Pacquiao’s business manager Eric Pineda said that Pacquiao is still good for a couple of fights. Pineda’s announcement came days after Pacman said he is set to retire by August next year.
Pineda said Pacquiao must face two of the world’s renowned boxers - Ricky Hatton on March or April 2009 and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on July or August 2009 – regardless of the result of the Filipino boxing hero’s fight against De la Hoya.
Also last September, Pacquiao was officially sworn in as a member of the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi). Pacquiao said he plans to seek political office again in 2010. Kampi is the political party of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Pacquiao ran but lost in the 2007 congressional elections.
During the interview, Pacquiao also thanked God for giving him strength to stand up against De la Hoya. He said the fight was not just for him but for the whole country as well.
Pacquiao plans to fly home Wednesday.- GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138042/Pacquiao-It-aint-over-yet-folks-more-fights-to-come
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GMA-7's Showbiz Central asked Pacquiao if his fight against De la Hoya would his last, and the 29-year-old boxing icon was quick to clarify: “May mga ilang laban pa (There are still more fights)."
Pacquiao, however, did not name his next opponent. For now, he said, he wants to enjoy his victory with his family, loved ones and countrymen.
Last September, Pacquiao’s business manager Eric Pineda said that Pacquiao is still good for a couple of fights. Pineda’s announcement came days after Pacman said he is set to retire by August next year.
Pineda said Pacquiao must face two of the world’s renowned boxers - Ricky Hatton on March or April 2009 and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on July or August 2009 – regardless of the result of the Filipino boxing hero’s fight against De la Hoya.
Also last September, Pacquiao was officially sworn in as a member of the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kampi). Pacquiao said he plans to seek political office again in 2010. Kampi is the political party of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Pacquiao ran but lost in the 2007 congressional elections.
During the interview, Pacquiao also thanked God for giving him strength to stand up against De la Hoya. He said the fight was not just for him but for the whole country as well.
Pacquiao plans to fly home Wednesday.- GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138042/Pacquiao-It-aint-over-yet-folks-more-fights-to-come
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
Pacquiao Wins TKO 8
The fighters has decided... and it goes to Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao, it's a TKO round 8.
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Pacquiao weirded by weigh-in difference
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao was sure he was at 146 pounds for the final weigh-in.
So it surprised him to see he came out four pounds lighter.
Pacquiao tipped the scales at 142 pounds, way off the weight he and his team were expecting.
"Yes, a little bit of a surprise. Seems the scale got calibrated," Freddie Roach told Manila-based journalists inside the press room on Friday after the weigh-in.
Shortly after the weigh-in, Pacquiao went back to his room and used a different scale. He came in at 145.5 pounds, the same weight he had in the morning after breakfast, according to Roach.
Pacquiao was amazed at the difference, disclosing the night before and just an hour before the official weigh-in that he both checked in at 146 pounds.
"I didn't do anything to reduce weight, so I don't know why I came in at 142?" Pacquiao said. "It's hard to be suspicious but as you can see, there's a difference between how I weighed out there and here."
Pacquiao said if there was a four-pound difference between his two "weigh-ins", it could be the same for de la Hoya. "So does that mean Oscar was at 149 pounds?"
A clause in the contracts signed by both Pacquiao and de la Hoya will have de la Hoya paying a $3-million penalty for every excess pound over 147 pounds.
Pacquiao said he didn't want to make a big deal out of the situation. "I don't want to make that an excuse for whatever happens."
Roach agreed.
"Maybe the scale … I'm not sure. But I'm not accusing anything (sic)," said Roach, who incidentally, also got a positive response from the Nevada State Athletic Commission later in the day, allowing the use of one-inch tape for the boxer's hands instead of two inches.
"But it really doesn't matter to me," he added. "The fight's on. The fight's here." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137922/Pacquiao-weirded-by-weigh-in-difference
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32826/Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-official-weigh-in-contested
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Former Pacquiao prospect Valero culprit of De la Hoya black eye
MANILA, Philippines - Edwin Valero had nothing nice to say to Manny Pacquiao when he was hot on the heels for a shot at Pacquiao.
But tables have been turned since Valero was unceremoniously banished from Oscar de la Hoya's training camp.
Valero spoke to a handful of reporters on Friday just outside the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas and he said he was rooting for Pacquiao.
"Pacquiao will gonna knock Oscar out. I like Pacquiao," Valero, who hails from Venezuela, said through an interpreter.
Known as a vicious knockout artist, Valero was being built up by Bob Arum a few years back to go up against Pacquiao. He currently owns a 24-fight winning streak, 19 of those coming by way of a first-round knockout.
Valero, 27, taunted Pacquiao endlessly during that time and belittled Pacquiao's chances should their fight have pushed through.
On Friday, not only was he singing Pacquiao praises. He was also recalling his unpleasant experience at de la Hoya's Big Bear training.
Part of Valero's story? He admitted he was responsible for inflicting de la Hoya a black eye.
"I hurt Oscar a lot," Valero revealed. "I got kicked out after what I did. Oscar doesn’t want to spar with me anymore. They told me I couldn’t be there."
That black eye has posed a mystery to everyone who has seen it. De la Hoya would later say it was inflicted by welterweight prospect Victor Ortiz. Valero said it was "a lie".
Valero added that he was upset at the way de la Hoya treated him and that was the reason why he was "talking that way".
He even went on to say that De la Hoya did "not like to work out".
Valero, a southpaw like Pacquiao, sparred with De La Hoya for only eight rounds before he was promptly replaced after battering de la Hoya during their training.
Despite favoring Pacquiao, Valero said he still looks forward to meeting him in the future, even at a higher weight class.
"I've been waiting for years for Pacquiao. We can fight at 140 pounds if he likes to," he said. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137920/Former-Pacquiao-prospect-Valero-culprit-of-De-la-Hoya-black-eye
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But tables have been turned since Valero was unceremoniously banished from Oscar de la Hoya's training camp.
Valero spoke to a handful of reporters on Friday just outside the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas and he said he was rooting for Pacquiao.
"Pacquiao will gonna knock Oscar out. I like Pacquiao," Valero, who hails from Venezuela, said through an interpreter.
Known as a vicious knockout artist, Valero was being built up by Bob Arum a few years back to go up against Pacquiao. He currently owns a 24-fight winning streak, 19 of those coming by way of a first-round knockout.
Valero, 27, taunted Pacquiao endlessly during that time and belittled Pacquiao's chances should their fight have pushed through.
On Friday, not only was he singing Pacquiao praises. He was also recalling his unpleasant experience at de la Hoya's Big Bear training.
Part of Valero's story? He admitted he was responsible for inflicting de la Hoya a black eye.
"I hurt Oscar a lot," Valero revealed. "I got kicked out after what I did. Oscar doesn’t want to spar with me anymore. They told me I couldn’t be there."
That black eye has posed a mystery to everyone who has seen it. De la Hoya would later say it was inflicted by welterweight prospect Victor Ortiz. Valero said it was "a lie".
Valero added that he was upset at the way de la Hoya treated him and that was the reason why he was "talking that way".
He even went on to say that De la Hoya did "not like to work out".
Valero, a southpaw like Pacquiao, sparred with De La Hoya for only eight rounds before he was promptly replaced after battering de la Hoya during their training.
Despite favoring Pacquiao, Valero said he still looks forward to meeting him in the future, even at a higher weight class.
"I've been waiting for years for Pacquiao. We can fight at 140 pounds if he likes to," he said. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137920/Former-Pacquiao-prospect-Valero-culprit-of-De-la-Hoya-black-eye
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Hall-of-Fame trainers take back seat to Pacquiao, De la Hoya
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya will occupy the main billing.
But that doesn't mean their celebrity trainers don't deserve the star treatment.
Freddie Roach and Angelo Dundee are getting as much attention as their "bosses", their high-profile status adding yet another subplot to The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time).
Roach, who used to train heavyweight champions James Toney and Mike Tyson, is responsible for molding Pacquiao into the fighter that he is today.
Dundee, who worked the corners of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, was called on by de la Hoya to be his special trainer for this specific fight.
But even though they've had their share of print space and air time in the buildup to The Dream Match, they would rather let their wards be at the front and center.
"I am who I am right now because of Manny Pacquiao," Roach said. "I feel that he's my best work and I'm only good because he's been great."
"Hey, we don’t matter," Dundee added. "Trainers don’t matter. It's the guys on the stool."
Dundee has been exchanging notes with Nacho Beristain, a respected trainer from Mexico who has been tapped by de la Hoya as the lead cornerman.
When asked how far they thought de la Hoya would go, Dundee predicted a decision.
"I noticed (Marvin) Hagler, as great a fighter as he was, had to step before he punched," Dundee said. "Now this kid Pacquiao does that same thing. Oscar will tear him to pieces if he does that."
Roach has maintained that Pacquiao would win via ninth-round stoppage.
"I go through scenarios before I go to bed every night," Roach said. "I can't sleep until I come up with the right ending. And it always ends with Manny knocking him out." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137919/Hall-of-Fame-trainers-take-back-seat-to-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya
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But that doesn't mean their celebrity trainers don't deserve the star treatment.
Freddie Roach and Angelo Dundee are getting as much attention as their "bosses", their high-profile status adding yet another subplot to The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time).
Roach, who used to train heavyweight champions James Toney and Mike Tyson, is responsible for molding Pacquiao into the fighter that he is today.
Dundee, who worked the corners of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, was called on by de la Hoya to be his special trainer for this specific fight.
But even though they've had their share of print space and air time in the buildup to The Dream Match, they would rather let their wards be at the front and center.
"I am who I am right now because of Manny Pacquiao," Roach said. "I feel that he's my best work and I'm only good because he's been great."
"Hey, we don’t matter," Dundee added. "Trainers don’t matter. It's the guys on the stool."
Dundee has been exchanging notes with Nacho Beristain, a respected trainer from Mexico who has been tapped by de la Hoya as the lead cornerman.
When asked how far they thought de la Hoya would go, Dundee predicted a decision.
"I noticed (Marvin) Hagler, as great a fighter as he was, had to step before he punched," Dundee said. "Now this kid Pacquiao does that same thing. Oscar will tear him to pieces if he does that."
Roach has maintained that Pacquiao would win via ninth-round stoppage.
"I go through scenarios before I go to bed every night," Roach said. "I can't sleep until I come up with the right ending. And it always ends with Manny knocking him out." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137919/Hall-of-Fame-trainers-take-back-seat-to-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya
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Up-and-comer to share RP spotlight with Pacquiao in Dream Match
MANILA, Philippines – Richie Mepranum hopes to share the boxing spotlight with fellow Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao when the pride of Maasim town in Saranggani defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental flyweight title against Cesar Lopez on Sunday (Saturday, US time).
Mepranum, who tipped the scales at 113 lbs in the final weigh-in Friday, will be the lone Filipino boxer besides Pacquiao that will be climbing the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, QTV reported Friday.
The Mepranum-Lopez fight is one of the eight undercard matches lined up prior to the Pacquiao-de la Hoya main event.
This will be Mepranum’s first shot to international fame as he goes up against the El Paso, Texas-native Lopez, who weighed in at 114lbs, in a scheduled eight-round fight.
Mepranum, also a lethal lefty, said he imitates Pacquiao’s style inside the ring. “I likened my style to Manny (Pacquiao). I go in, out and in, out," he said in Filipino.
“I am very excited with this fight since this will be my first visit to Las Vegas. I will do my best," said Mepranum, who is also a southpaw like Pacquiao.
But aside from aiming to beat Lopez, Mepranum’s biggest challenge is to win the hearts of boxing-loving Filipinos who will be watching him fight around the world.
He started boxing as a teenager and at age 14, with his blitzing hands and fancy footwork inside the ring, already caught the attention of local scouts when he joined a boxing tournament in Maasim.
His trainer and coach Nathan Tinangsak said he saw Mepranum’s potential when he scouted him in a local tournament. “I saw the speed of his jab and the strength of his straight shot. That I think are the main weapons that caught his opponents by surprise."
Boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz believes that if Mepranum is in the same shape like he was when he beat Rocky Fuentes last December he is "likely to beat" Lopez, who is an energetic young fighter which also had something to prove.
This will be the second fight on foreign soil for Mepranum, who holds an 18-1-1 fight record with seven knockouts, after losing to Denkaosan Kaovichit in Thailand in September last year.
Lopez, who lost his last three fights with two against Brian Villoria and Glenn Donaire, boasts of 24 wins with six losses. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137916/Up-and-comer-to-share-RP-spotlight-with-Pacquiao-in-Dream-Match
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Mepranum, who tipped the scales at 113 lbs in the final weigh-in Friday, will be the lone Filipino boxer besides Pacquiao that will be climbing the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, QTV reported Friday.
The Mepranum-Lopez fight is one of the eight undercard matches lined up prior to the Pacquiao-de la Hoya main event.
This will be Mepranum’s first shot to international fame as he goes up against the El Paso, Texas-native Lopez, who weighed in at 114lbs, in a scheduled eight-round fight.
Mepranum, also a lethal lefty, said he imitates Pacquiao’s style inside the ring. “I likened my style to Manny (Pacquiao). I go in, out and in, out," he said in Filipino.
“I am very excited with this fight since this will be my first visit to Las Vegas. I will do my best," said Mepranum, who is also a southpaw like Pacquiao.
But aside from aiming to beat Lopez, Mepranum’s biggest challenge is to win the hearts of boxing-loving Filipinos who will be watching him fight around the world.
He started boxing as a teenager and at age 14, with his blitzing hands and fancy footwork inside the ring, already caught the attention of local scouts when he joined a boxing tournament in Maasim.
His trainer and coach Nathan Tinangsak said he saw Mepranum’s potential when he scouted him in a local tournament. “I saw the speed of his jab and the strength of his straight shot. That I think are the main weapons that caught his opponents by surprise."
Boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz believes that if Mepranum is in the same shape like he was when he beat Rocky Fuentes last December he is "likely to beat" Lopez, who is an energetic young fighter which also had something to prove.
This will be the second fight on foreign soil for Mepranum, who holds an 18-1-1 fight record with seven knockouts, after losing to Denkaosan Kaovichit in Thailand in September last year.
Lopez, who lost his last three fights with two against Brian Villoria and Glenn Donaire, boasts of 24 wins with six losses. – GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137916/Up-and-comer-to-share-RP-spotlight-with-Pacquiao-in-Dream-Match
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Pacquiao on verge of history, ready to reign over Dela Hoya
MANILA, Philippines - The last of the formalities has been formalized.
A final weigh-in, as usual, officially ended the training period and began a 24-hour wait for the main event. This final weigh-in, as expected, was trouble-free.
Manny Pacquiao tipped the scales at 142 pounds on Saturday (Friday, US time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Oscar de la Hoya came in at 145 pounds.
Both were well within the welterweight (147-pound) limit set for their match.
Now that that has been set aside, everybody knows what time it is. Game time.
"There's nothing more we can do. Now Manny knows he’s going there to do his job," Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, said.
"If you have a fighter who is going to come at me and has the heart to fight as hard as he can, then I welcome it," de la Hoya said. "I open up the door and I let them right into my home. Hey, let's fight."
Pacquiao (47-3-2, win-loss-draw) clashing with de la Hoya (39-5-1, win-loss-draw) was unthinkable only earlier this year.
But then Pacquiao got bigger, looked far more improved in terms of his skills, and began to string up one world title after another.
At the same time, de la Hoya, who was ready to hang up his gloves, was looking for a bankable high-profile opponent who would give his stellar resume a pretty, final entry.
Pacquiao-de la Hoya, why not?
After the paycheck kinks were ironed out (to satisfy Pacquiao) and the playing weight was established (to entice de la Hoya), the date was penciled and the venue was booked.
With all that being set aside, everybody knows what time it is. Time for the biggest boxing event of the year.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win this fight," said Pacquiao. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him."
"This type of fight calls for a knockout," said De La Hoya. "I may box, but if Manny Pacquiao hits me with a good shot, let's fight. Bite into my mouthpiece and let's get down to it."
Pacquiao has been on a roll. He came out of his rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera in October 2007 a winner by unanimous decision. He outlasted Juan Manuel Marquez in their own sequel last March and won via split decision.
Less than three months later in June, Pacquiao blew by David Diaz en route to a technical knockout win in Pacquiao's rousing debut at 135 pounds, his heaviest to that date. That gave Roach, Pacquiao's father figure of a coach, the confidence to tinker with a Golden Boy face-off.
De la Hoya has gone the opposite direction. He has fought only four times in the last four years, splitting the results. That gave Roach the confidence to call de la Hoya a fighter who "can't pull the trigger".
That wasn't his only jab at de la Hoya. He called him "old". He predicted Pacquiao would knock him out in the ninth round. He said he was using all that he knew about de la Hoya (from the time he trained him a year ago) against him.
And he wasn't through.
"Oscar's so tight," Roach said. "I've never seen a fighter who is so experienced so tight before a fight."
Pacquiao, who has constantly reminded his team to relax, has never been in a fight as big as this.
De la Hoya is Pacquiao's biggest opponent ever. De la Hoya isn't only at least four inches taller than Pacquiao, he is some 15 pounds naturally heavier than he is.
Figuratively, nobody among active boxers is as big as de la Hoya. He is an Olympic gold medalist. He is a six-division world champion. And he will leave the sport as the richest pay-per-view fighter in history.
There's no telling how high up the heavens Pacquiao's status will shoot up if he takes down de la Hoya.
"If you sacrifice and dream about a fight, you can win," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to explain how happy I am right now."
He'd have a harder time explaining how happy he will be when this fight is over. Win or lose, Pacquiao is guaranteed $11 million or some P539 million, easily the biggest purse won by any Filipino athlete ever.
Barring a killjoy, recession-stricken US economy, Pacquiao stands to earn more in pay-per-view sales.
"We know based on those early numbers and based on experience the event will perform extremely well," Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., who promotes Pacquiao, said.
To cushion the blow that a grim economy might bring, the promotions side led by Arum and de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions went on overdrive.
There was a crosscountry media tour that began at The Statue of Liberty. Several international press-conference calls were held. HBO Sports, which holds the PPV rights of the match, produced a four-part special that chronicled the camps of both fighters during their training. Major web sites were constantly flooded with news, updates, tidbits and blogs. Hollywood celebrities and stars from other sports were regular visitors during training camp.
A "Mexicans for Pacquiao" movement was even launched. De la Hoya, on the other hand, called this bout personal and reminded Pacquiao of how he "dishonored" him in a botched deal between them two years ago.
With all the hype, the intense buildup and the exposure, it can't get any better than this for Pacquiao. Well, yes it can. If he goes on to beat de la Hoya.
"I go through scenarios before I go to bed every night," Roach said. "I can't sleep until I come up with the right ending. And it always ends with Manny knocking him out."
Recent news reports showed that this bout won't any be different from the ones the country used to see on a Pacquiao red-letter day. Cops expect zero crime. The roads will be empty. Pacquiao's General Santos City hometown will be rocking. His family, especially his mother Dionisia, will be waiting with bated breaths and a rosary in hand. Moviehouses, hotels and bars with pay-per-view access will host dozens of fight fans.
The only difference may be that Pacquiao's wife Jinkee, who is pregnant, will not be at ringside. Her husband advised her to stay in their suite.
Jinkee and her mother-in-law Aling Dionisia did say they were concerned about Pacquiao facing de la Hoya. "Because Oscar is big," each said on separate interviews.
De la Hoya reminded the two and the 80 million other citizens of Pacquiao nation the challenge that lies ahead.
"I will be extremely, extremely disappointed if this fight doesn't end in a knockout," De La Hoya said. "It will be a total disaster for me."
Now that that has been said, everybody knows what time it is. Game time. - GMANews.TV / With AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137895/Pacquiao-on-verge-of-history-ready-to-reign-over-Dela-Hoya
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A final weigh-in, as usual, officially ended the training period and began a 24-hour wait for the main event. This final weigh-in, as expected, was trouble-free.
Manny Pacquiao tipped the scales at 142 pounds on Saturday (Friday, US time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Oscar de la Hoya came in at 145 pounds.
Both were well within the welterweight (147-pound) limit set for their match.
Now that that has been set aside, everybody knows what time it is. Game time.
"There's nothing more we can do. Now Manny knows he’s going there to do his job," Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, said.
"If you have a fighter who is going to come at me and has the heart to fight as hard as he can, then I welcome it," de la Hoya said. "I open up the door and I let them right into my home. Hey, let's fight."
Pacquiao (47-3-2, win-loss-draw) clashing with de la Hoya (39-5-1, win-loss-draw) was unthinkable only earlier this year.
But then Pacquiao got bigger, looked far more improved in terms of his skills, and began to string up one world title after another.
At the same time, de la Hoya, who was ready to hang up his gloves, was looking for a bankable high-profile opponent who would give his stellar resume a pretty, final entry.
Pacquiao-de la Hoya, why not?
After the paycheck kinks were ironed out (to satisfy Pacquiao) and the playing weight was established (to entice de la Hoya), the date was penciled and the venue was booked.
With all that being set aside, everybody knows what time it is. Time for the biggest boxing event of the year.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win this fight," said Pacquiao. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him."
"This type of fight calls for a knockout," said De La Hoya. "I may box, but if Manny Pacquiao hits me with a good shot, let's fight. Bite into my mouthpiece and let's get down to it."
Pacquiao has been on a roll. He came out of his rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera in October 2007 a winner by unanimous decision. He outlasted Juan Manuel Marquez in their own sequel last March and won via split decision.
Less than three months later in June, Pacquiao blew by David Diaz en route to a technical knockout win in Pacquiao's rousing debut at 135 pounds, his heaviest to that date. That gave Roach, Pacquiao's father figure of a coach, the confidence to tinker with a Golden Boy face-off.
De la Hoya has gone the opposite direction. He has fought only four times in the last four years, splitting the results. That gave Roach the confidence to call de la Hoya a fighter who "can't pull the trigger".
That wasn't his only jab at de la Hoya. He called him "old". He predicted Pacquiao would knock him out in the ninth round. He said he was using all that he knew about de la Hoya (from the time he trained him a year ago) against him.
And he wasn't through.
"Oscar's so tight," Roach said. "I've never seen a fighter who is so experienced so tight before a fight."
Pacquiao, who has constantly reminded his team to relax, has never been in a fight as big as this.
De la Hoya is Pacquiao's biggest opponent ever. De la Hoya isn't only at least four inches taller than Pacquiao, he is some 15 pounds naturally heavier than he is.
Figuratively, nobody among active boxers is as big as de la Hoya. He is an Olympic gold medalist. He is a six-division world champion. And he will leave the sport as the richest pay-per-view fighter in history.
There's no telling how high up the heavens Pacquiao's status will shoot up if he takes down de la Hoya.
"If you sacrifice and dream about a fight, you can win," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to explain how happy I am right now."
He'd have a harder time explaining how happy he will be when this fight is over. Win or lose, Pacquiao is guaranteed $11 million or some P539 million, easily the biggest purse won by any Filipino athlete ever.
Barring a killjoy, recession-stricken US economy, Pacquiao stands to earn more in pay-per-view sales.
"We know based on those early numbers and based on experience the event will perform extremely well," Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., who promotes Pacquiao, said.
To cushion the blow that a grim economy might bring, the promotions side led by Arum and de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions went on overdrive.
There was a crosscountry media tour that began at The Statue of Liberty. Several international press-conference calls were held. HBO Sports, which holds the PPV rights of the match, produced a four-part special that chronicled the camps of both fighters during their training. Major web sites were constantly flooded with news, updates, tidbits and blogs. Hollywood celebrities and stars from other sports were regular visitors during training camp.
A "Mexicans for Pacquiao" movement was even launched. De la Hoya, on the other hand, called this bout personal and reminded Pacquiao of how he "dishonored" him in a botched deal between them two years ago.
With all the hype, the intense buildup and the exposure, it can't get any better than this for Pacquiao. Well, yes it can. If he goes on to beat de la Hoya.
"I go through scenarios before I go to bed every night," Roach said. "I can't sleep until I come up with the right ending. And it always ends with Manny knocking him out."
Recent news reports showed that this bout won't any be different from the ones the country used to see on a Pacquiao red-letter day. Cops expect zero crime. The roads will be empty. Pacquiao's General Santos City hometown will be rocking. His family, especially his mother Dionisia, will be waiting with bated breaths and a rosary in hand. Moviehouses, hotels and bars with pay-per-view access will host dozens of fight fans.
The only difference may be that Pacquiao's wife Jinkee, who is pregnant, will not be at ringside. Her husband advised her to stay in their suite.
Jinkee and her mother-in-law Aling Dionisia did say they were concerned about Pacquiao facing de la Hoya. "Because Oscar is big," each said on separate interviews.
De la Hoya reminded the two and the 80 million other citizens of Pacquiao nation the challenge that lies ahead.
"I will be extremely, extremely disappointed if this fight doesn't end in a knockout," De La Hoya said. "It will be a total disaster for me."
Now that that has been said, everybody knows what time it is. Game time. - GMANews.TV / With AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137895/Pacquiao-on-verge-of-history-ready-to-reign-over-Dela-Hoya
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Friday, December 5, 2008
No one to blame if De La Hoya loses this time
LAS VEGAS — Oscar De La Hoya might have beaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. had he stayed with his jab and found a way to land a left hook or two. He would have beaten Felix Trinidad if he hadn't decided to run instead of fight in the last few rounds, and he might have gotten the best of Shane Mosley if he hadn't faded late in their two fights.
One common theme emerged after all of those losses — it always seemed to be someone else's fault.
"It's his nature," trainer Freddie Roach said. "He's never been a man who blames himself. He'll always blame someone else."
There will be plenty of blame to spread around on Saturday if De La Hoya can't beat an undersized Manny Pacquiao in a 147-pound (67-kilogram) non-title fight even the oddsmakers expect him to win. Unlike De La Hoya's fight last year against Mayweather, though, Roach won't be a target of it because he'll be in the opposite corner doing everything possible to carry Pacquiao to victory.
He'll settle for a decision win. But what Roach would really like is a knockout that could bring an end to De La Hoya's long career.
"I go through scenarios before I go to bed every night," Roach said. "I can't sleep until I come up with the right ending. And it always ends with Manny knocking him out."
Part of Roach's confidence comes from the knowledge that Pacquiao is supremely talented, so good that many in boxing have given him the mythical title of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game. The other part comes from training De La Hoya for several months to fight Mayweather, and seeing what happened just before his fighter went into the ring.
"He's so tight," Roach said. "I've never seen a fighter so experienced be so tight before a fight."
De La Hoya vigorously disputes that, of course, and points to a number of wins in big fights against Julio Cesar Chavez, Fernando Vargas and Pernell Whitaker, among others. But he hasn't won a significant fight since knocking out Vargas six years ago. At the age of 35, De La Hoya needs a spectacular performance against Pacquiao if he expects to keep fighting for the huge purses he has been so accustomed to getting every time he steps into the ring.
De La Hoya the fighter knows that. Just as important, so does De La Hoya the promoter.
"I will be extremely, extremely disappointed if this fight doesn't end in a knockout," De La Hoya said. "It will be a total disaster for me."
De La Hoya hopes to avoid that disaster by trading often and frequently against a fighter who has built a career on coming forward with little regard for his chin. Pacquiao has been extremely successful doing that, but will be moving up two weight classes and be forced to face a fighter who will not only have a height and reach advantage but an edge in strength, too.
Pacquiao weighed 142 pounds (64.4 kilograms) at Friday's weigh-in, well below the welterweight limit, while De La Hoya was 145 (65.7).
The scheduled 12-round fight at the MGM Grand hotel-casino will be lucrative for both fighters, thanks to a $54.95 pay-per-view price tag that will generate millions of dollars even in a bad U.S. economy. Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 knockouts) is guaranteed $11 million (8.7 million euros), while De La Hoya (39-5, 30 knockouts) could easily double that with his percentage of the profits.
After trying to chase a slippery Mayweather for 12 rounds, De La Hoya may have found a perfect opponent for this time of his career.
"If you have a fighter who is going to come at me, a fighter who is going to throw strong punches with full force and is going to stay in front of me and has the heart to fight as hard as he can, then I welcome it," De La Hoya said. "I open up the door and I let them right into my home. Hey, let's fight."
Pacquiao knows no other way to fight, ever since his debut 13 years ago as a 106-pounder (48-kilogram fighter) in his Philippines homeland. He's won his first title at 112 pounds (50 kilograms) and his last at 135 pounds (61 kilograms) when he stopped David Diaz in the ninth round in June in his first fight at lightweight.
But he's never been in the ring against a fighter as big as De La Hoya, who has fought as high as 160 pounds (72½ kilograms) and is coming down to welterweight for the first time since stopping Arturo Gatti in 2001.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win the fight," Pacquiao said. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him."
So far that's been the case in most of Pacquiao's fights, and an entire nation will be holding its breath on the outcome of this one. Pacquiao is a national hero, mobbed everywhere he goes and beloved for staying close to his humble roots even while becoming the country's biggest sports star.
"You sacrifice and dream about a fight you can win," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to explain how happy I am now." - AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137884/No-one-to-blame-if-De-La-Hoya-loses-this-time
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One common theme emerged after all of those losses — it always seemed to be someone else's fault.
"It's his nature," trainer Freddie Roach said. "He's never been a man who blames himself. He'll always blame someone else."
There will be plenty of blame to spread around on Saturday if De La Hoya can't beat an undersized Manny Pacquiao in a 147-pound (67-kilogram) non-title fight even the oddsmakers expect him to win. Unlike De La Hoya's fight last year against Mayweather, though, Roach won't be a target of it because he'll be in the opposite corner doing everything possible to carry Pacquiao to victory.
He'll settle for a decision win. But what Roach would really like is a knockout that could bring an end to De La Hoya's long career.
"I go through scenarios before I go to bed every night," Roach said. "I can't sleep until I come up with the right ending. And it always ends with Manny knocking him out."
Part of Roach's confidence comes from the knowledge that Pacquiao is supremely talented, so good that many in boxing have given him the mythical title of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game. The other part comes from training De La Hoya for several months to fight Mayweather, and seeing what happened just before his fighter went into the ring.
"He's so tight," Roach said. "I've never seen a fighter so experienced be so tight before a fight."
De La Hoya vigorously disputes that, of course, and points to a number of wins in big fights against Julio Cesar Chavez, Fernando Vargas and Pernell Whitaker, among others. But he hasn't won a significant fight since knocking out Vargas six years ago. At the age of 35, De La Hoya needs a spectacular performance against Pacquiao if he expects to keep fighting for the huge purses he has been so accustomed to getting every time he steps into the ring.
De La Hoya the fighter knows that. Just as important, so does De La Hoya the promoter.
"I will be extremely, extremely disappointed if this fight doesn't end in a knockout," De La Hoya said. "It will be a total disaster for me."
De La Hoya hopes to avoid that disaster by trading often and frequently against a fighter who has built a career on coming forward with little regard for his chin. Pacquiao has been extremely successful doing that, but will be moving up two weight classes and be forced to face a fighter who will not only have a height and reach advantage but an edge in strength, too.
Pacquiao weighed 142 pounds (64.4 kilograms) at Friday's weigh-in, well below the welterweight limit, while De La Hoya was 145 (65.7).
The scheduled 12-round fight at the MGM Grand hotel-casino will be lucrative for both fighters, thanks to a $54.95 pay-per-view price tag that will generate millions of dollars even in a bad U.S. economy. Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 knockouts) is guaranteed $11 million (8.7 million euros), while De La Hoya (39-5, 30 knockouts) could easily double that with his percentage of the profits.
After trying to chase a slippery Mayweather for 12 rounds, De La Hoya may have found a perfect opponent for this time of his career.
"If you have a fighter who is going to come at me, a fighter who is going to throw strong punches with full force and is going to stay in front of me and has the heart to fight as hard as he can, then I welcome it," De La Hoya said. "I open up the door and I let them right into my home. Hey, let's fight."
Pacquiao knows no other way to fight, ever since his debut 13 years ago as a 106-pounder (48-kilogram fighter) in his Philippines homeland. He's won his first title at 112 pounds (50 kilograms) and his last at 135 pounds (61 kilograms) when he stopped David Diaz in the ninth round in June in his first fight at lightweight.
But he's never been in the ring against a fighter as big as De La Hoya, who has fought as high as 160 pounds (72½ kilograms) and is coming down to welterweight for the first time since stopping Arturo Gatti in 2001.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win the fight," Pacquiao said. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him."
So far that's been the case in most of Pacquiao's fights, and an entire nation will be holding its breath on the outcome of this one. Pacquiao is a national hero, mobbed everywhere he goes and beloved for staying close to his humble roots even while becoming the country's biggest sports star.
"You sacrifice and dream about a fight you can win," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to explain how happy I am now." - AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137884/No-one-to-blame-if-De-La-Hoya-loses-this-time
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(Update) US pay-per-view buys for Pacquiao-De la Hoya looking good, report says
MANILA, Philippines - Pay-per-view buys less than 24 hours before The Dream Match between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya showed promising figures, a USA Today online report said on Saturday (Friday, US time).
The report was based on DirecTV and Dish Network cable companies which were monitoring the PPV purchases.
Match promoters were looking to break the PPV record of 2.4 million buys until a global economic crisis dampened their outlook.
Recently, Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. said getting "at least" 1.6 million buys would be realistic.
"We know based on those early numbers and based on experience the event will perform extremely well," Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, said on USA Today. "If I had to guess, anywhere between 1.6 million and two million homes ... is a home run."
How well the Pacquiao-de la Hoya match does in PPV sales is crucial to each fighter's earnings. De la Hoya has a 60-percent cut in the sales, while Pacquiao has a 30-percent stake. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137879/(Update)-US-pay-per-view-buys-for-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-looking-good-report-says
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The report was based on DirecTV and Dish Network cable companies which were monitoring the PPV purchases.
Match promoters were looking to break the PPV record of 2.4 million buys until a global economic crisis dampened their outlook.
Recently, Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. said getting "at least" 1.6 million buys would be realistic.
"We know based on those early numbers and based on experience the event will perform extremely well," Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, said on USA Today. "If I had to guess, anywhere between 1.6 million and two million homes ... is a home run."
How well the Pacquiao-de la Hoya match does in PPV sales is crucial to each fighter's earnings. De la Hoya has a 60-percent cut in the sales, while Pacquiao has a 30-percent stake. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137879/(Update)-US-pay-per-view-buys-for-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-looking-good-report-says
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(Update) Pacquiao weighs in at 142lbs; De la Hoya 145lbs
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao tipped the scales much lower than expected, coming in at 142lbs during the official weigh-in on Saturday (Friday, US time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Oscar de la Hoya was also well within the welterweight (147lb) limit after he registered at 145lbs.
Pacquiao might enter the ring not weighing heavier than 150lbs, as advised by trainer Freddie Roach. Being bigger than that, Roach said, would take away Pacquiao's most important weapon - his speed.
Some 7,000 fans attended the official weigh-in, Philboxing.com reported. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137874/(Update)-Pacquiao-weighs-in-at-142lbs-De-la-Hoya-145lbs
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Oscar de la Hoya was also well within the welterweight (147lb) limit after he registered at 145lbs.
Pacquiao might enter the ring not weighing heavier than 150lbs, as advised by trainer Freddie Roach. Being bigger than that, Roach said, would take away Pacquiao's most important weapon - his speed.
Some 7,000 fans attended the official weigh-in, Philboxing.com reported. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137874/(Update)-Pacquiao-weighs-in-at-142lbs-De-la-Hoya-145lbs
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De La Hoya, Pacquiao make weight
Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao made weight with room to spare on Friday in Las Vegas for their highly anticipated megafight.
De La Hoya weighed 145 pounds, two under the contractual limit for the bout. Pacquiao weighed 142.
Weight has been a hot topic surrounding Saturday's 12-round fight at the MGM Grand Arena as it being fought at a catchweight.
Pacquaio, 29, has spent most of the past five years weighing in for 126 or 130 pounds, although through rehydration he has usually weighed 10 or more pounds heavier by the time the fight begins.
He fought for the first time at 135 pounds in June, battering usually durable David Diaz over nine rounds.
There have been questions as to whether De La Hoya, 35, will be too dried out to perform effectively. He was last forced to make 147 in 2001 when he stopped Montreal-born Arturo Gatti.
The Mexican-American came in the lightest he's been since 1997.
Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 knockouts) is guaranteed $11 million US for the fight.
De La Hoya, whose Golden Boy company is co-promoting the fight with Bob Arum's Top Rank, will make at least $15 million and possibly higher due to a percentage of pay-per-view buys.
Pacquiao reportedly agreed to join De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions fighting stable in 2006 but had a change of heart and re-upped with Arum.
As well, Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach worked with De La Hoya last year for his unsuccessful challenge against Floyd Mayweather.
Roach insists the size won't be an issue due to De La Hoya's diminishing reflexes and the speed and peak abilities of the Filipino icon.
De La Hoya has countered by hiring trainer Nacho Beristain. Juan Manuel Marquez, trained by Beristain, has battled Pacquiao to essentially even terms over two highly regarded bouts.
Montreal's Pascal ready to go
Jean Pascal of Montreal weighed in under the limit on Friday for his bout in Nottingham, England with Briton Carl Froch.
The two undefeated fighters will be battling on Saturday for the vacant World Boxing Council super-middleweight title, which was relinquished by Joe Calzaghe when he moved up to light heavyweight.
Pascal weighed just under the 168-pound limit, with Froch about a pound lighter.
Pascal, 26, is looking to recapture some of the flair that saw him beat fellow Canadian Kingsley Ikeke over 15 months ago.
The talented boxer has struggled at times in recent bouts, leading his braintrust away from a fight with powerpuncher Edison Miranda that had been planned. Pascal last fought in January, winning a 10-round decision over Omar Pittman.
Pascal (21-0, 13 knockouts) said his right shoulder has been a reason for the less-than-optimal displays of late.
"The shoulder is 100 per cent," Pascal said.
Froch (23-0, 19 knockouts) has stopped his last seven opponents. The 31-year-old carries his hands low, using his reflexes to overcome the stylistic flaw.
His stoppages have predominantly come from an accumulation of punishment, as opposed to single powerful shots.
Despite Calzaghe leaving, the division is heating up. The winner will able to call out the likes of Jermain Taylor, Mikkel Kessler and Montreal's Lucian Bute, who holds the World Boxing Association title.
Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3558298
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De La Hoya vs Pacquiao Weigh in Today
Live weigh-in: 5:35 p.m. ET stay tuned for links from Espn, yahoo and hbo. Watch online live.
HBO Live Streaming Weigh in Link
Yahoo Boxing Live Streaming Weigh in Link
ESPN Boxing Live Streaming Weigh in Link
Source: http://www.nowboxing.com/2008/12/de-la-hoya-vs-pacquiao-weigh-in-today/
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Weigh-in final hurdle before Pacquiao-De la Hoya collision
MANILA, Philippines - One more thing before the welterweights collide. Get them to stand on the scales first, and see how heavy they are.
Or for that matter, how heavy Manny Pacquiao is. And for Oscar de la Hoya, how lighter he has become.
There will be no problems, however, during the weigh-in on Saturday (2 p.m. Friday, US time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a formality really between two boxing superstars who expect something more earth-shaking to derail them than just ... failing to make the weight?
Weigh-ins, furthermore, really have an obscure purpose. They're being done 24 hours before a match. But in between that time the two fighters are expected to gain weight that, in some cases, are way over their weigh-in rate.
Pacquiao was at 146lbs on Friday (Thursday, US time). That's par for the course, trainer Freddie Roach said. That's at least where he wants his boy to be a day before The Dream Match.
"There's nothing to worry about in my mind," Roach said. "I'm very satisfied."
In the 24-hour weight-gain period, Pacquiao was advised to add only at least three more pounds (or not go over 150lbs) on fight night to preserve his speed, his most important weapon versus de la Hoya.
Pacquiao, who began as a 106lb professional fighter 13 years ago, has never been this heavy inside the ring. His heaviest was against David Diaz just last June where he bloated to 147lbs or 12lbs bigger than the prescribed lightweight limit.
"We'll have breakfast (the day of the weigh-in) and walk after," Roach said. "But we won't go outside if he doesn't want to. We'll just make sure the weight's okay and we're fine."
With former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson watching at ringside on the final day of training, Pacquiao sweated it out for almost two hours at the IBA Gym, going four rounds with the mitts and later on, getting on the double end and the speed ball.
In a relatively light mood, Pacquiao was seen winking and smiling at Tyson as he punched mitts with Roach in a corner. At one time, he even landed an unintentional left on Roach's cheek.
In all, Pacquiao logged in a total of 163 sparring rounds squeezed within a two-month period, the most number of rounds and the longest training period Pacquiao has ever had.
"We're good, we're happy," Roach said. "There's nothing more we can do. Now Manny knows he's going there to do his job."
What mismatch?
Meanwhile, the winning odds of Pacquiao and de la Hoya were narrowed down further, betting spreads on Friday (late Thursday, US time) showed.
De la Hoya's line fell to minus-155, while Pacquiao's increased to plus-125.
That means a $1.55 bet on de la Hoya will gain $1.00, while a $1.00 wager on Pacquiao will earn $1.25.
Betting insiders said they are expecting odds to be near even. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137794/Weigh-in-final-hurdle-before-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-collision
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Or for that matter, how heavy Manny Pacquiao is. And for Oscar de la Hoya, how lighter he has become.
There will be no problems, however, during the weigh-in on Saturday (2 p.m. Friday, US time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a formality really between two boxing superstars who expect something more earth-shaking to derail them than just ... failing to make the weight?
Weigh-ins, furthermore, really have an obscure purpose. They're being done 24 hours before a match. But in between that time the two fighters are expected to gain weight that, in some cases, are way over their weigh-in rate.
Pacquiao was at 146lbs on Friday (Thursday, US time). That's par for the course, trainer Freddie Roach said. That's at least where he wants his boy to be a day before The Dream Match.
"There's nothing to worry about in my mind," Roach said. "I'm very satisfied."
In the 24-hour weight-gain period, Pacquiao was advised to add only at least three more pounds (or not go over 150lbs) on fight night to preserve his speed, his most important weapon versus de la Hoya.
Pacquiao, who began as a 106lb professional fighter 13 years ago, has never been this heavy inside the ring. His heaviest was against David Diaz just last June where he bloated to 147lbs or 12lbs bigger than the prescribed lightweight limit.
"We'll have breakfast (the day of the weigh-in) and walk after," Roach said. "But we won't go outside if he doesn't want to. We'll just make sure the weight's okay and we're fine."
With former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson watching at ringside on the final day of training, Pacquiao sweated it out for almost two hours at the IBA Gym, going four rounds with the mitts and later on, getting on the double end and the speed ball.
In a relatively light mood, Pacquiao was seen winking and smiling at Tyson as he punched mitts with Roach in a corner. At one time, he even landed an unintentional left on Roach's cheek.
In all, Pacquiao logged in a total of 163 sparring rounds squeezed within a two-month period, the most number of rounds and the longest training period Pacquiao has ever had.
"We're good, we're happy," Roach said. "There's nothing more we can do. Now Manny knows he's going there to do his job."
What mismatch?
Meanwhile, the winning odds of Pacquiao and de la Hoya were narrowed down further, betting spreads on Friday (late Thursday, US time) showed.
De la Hoya's line fell to minus-155, while Pacquiao's increased to plus-125.
That means a $1.55 bet on de la Hoya will gain $1.00, while a $1.00 wager on Pacquiao will earn $1.25.
Betting insiders said they are expecting odds to be near even. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137794/Weigh-in-final-hurdle-before-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-collision
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Ticket-less Tyson offers his two cents to Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines - The only thing more surprising than Mike Tyson's visit to Manny Pacquiao's training session on Thursday was he didn't have a ticket to the match on Sunday (Saturday, US time).
"I told Mike, 'Are you kidding me?'" Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, told sports scribes. "But Manny said he'll give Mike four tickets."
Yet another twist in the bizarre career of "Iron Mike".
If he was stripped of the myriad of controversies that bedeviled him throughout his career, Tyson would be remembered for one and one thing only: As one of the best heavyweight boxers of all-time.
And straight-up boxing fans remember more that phase of Tyson's life, one that began when as a 20-year-old, he floored Trevor Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986. At that time, Pacquiao was just a few weeks short of turning eight years old.
Pacquiao would later admit that watching Tyson fight in the late-1980's inspired him to follow in his footsteps.
On Thursday at the IBA Gym in Las Vegas, the last day of Pacquiao's training for his match with Oscar de la Hoya, Tyson - inactive in boxing for the last three years, out of shape and a mere shadow of his old multimillionaire self - met up with Pacquiao - the first true inheritor of the no-holds-barred, devil-may-care style Tyson was always known for.
Although this wasn't the first time Tyson was this up close to Pacquiao, having watched Pacquiao at ringside in a couple of the Pacman's recent matches.
"He gets a little embarrassed when he's around people and he's not fighting anymore," Roach said, referring to Tyson's refusal to talk to reporters. "He doesn't want to get the limelight away from the star of Manny Pacquiao."
Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's confidante and assistant trainer, shared to the media the conversation that went on. It was as if the master was in the building.
"Mike said we needed to be active with our head movements and just keep on attacking and attacking," Fernandez said. "If we do that, if we keep Oscar close, we nullify his jab and his left hand. And that's exactly what we've been training all these months."
"It's all sensible stuff," Roach, who once trained Tyson, added. "He just said to be careful moving in straight lines because Oscar has the longer reach."
"It's something we've been working on," Roach assured.
Upon entering the IBA facility and seeing Tyson, Pacquiao approached him, shook his hands and had a photo-op before he went up the ring.
Tyson, who filed for bankruptcy five years ago despite an estimated $300 million in earnings, had clearly become a more ordinary figure. He was garbed in a lavender long-sleeved polo, gray pants and a worn-out pair of leather shoes.
Surrounded by friends and a throng of bodyguards during his prime, Tyson, named one of the greatest heavyweights of all time by Ring Magazine, was with just a single companion.
He told Roach he didn't have tickets to Pacquiao-de la Hoya. Roach couldn't believe it.
Tyson, according to Roach, dropped by the gym without prior notice.
"He just showed up."
It's a pity to see Tyson sink this low. But it's always a pleasure to be in the company of a boxing god. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137751/Ticket-less-Tyson-offers-his-two-cents-to-Pacquiao
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"I told Mike, 'Are you kidding me?'" Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, told sports scribes. "But Manny said he'll give Mike four tickets."
Yet another twist in the bizarre career of "Iron Mike".
If he was stripped of the myriad of controversies that bedeviled him throughout his career, Tyson would be remembered for one and one thing only: As one of the best heavyweight boxers of all-time.
And straight-up boxing fans remember more that phase of Tyson's life, one that began when as a 20-year-old, he floored Trevor Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986. At that time, Pacquiao was just a few weeks short of turning eight years old.
Pacquiao would later admit that watching Tyson fight in the late-1980's inspired him to follow in his footsteps.
On Thursday at the IBA Gym in Las Vegas, the last day of Pacquiao's training for his match with Oscar de la Hoya, Tyson - inactive in boxing for the last three years, out of shape and a mere shadow of his old multimillionaire self - met up with Pacquiao - the first true inheritor of the no-holds-barred, devil-may-care style Tyson was always known for.
Although this wasn't the first time Tyson was this up close to Pacquiao, having watched Pacquiao at ringside in a couple of the Pacman's recent matches.
"He gets a little embarrassed when he's around people and he's not fighting anymore," Roach said, referring to Tyson's refusal to talk to reporters. "He doesn't want to get the limelight away from the star of Manny Pacquiao."
Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's confidante and assistant trainer, shared to the media the conversation that went on. It was as if the master was in the building.
"Mike said we needed to be active with our head movements and just keep on attacking and attacking," Fernandez said. "If we do that, if we keep Oscar close, we nullify his jab and his left hand. And that's exactly what we've been training all these months."
"It's all sensible stuff," Roach, who once trained Tyson, added. "He just said to be careful moving in straight lines because Oscar has the longer reach."
"It's something we've been working on," Roach assured.
Upon entering the IBA facility and seeing Tyson, Pacquiao approached him, shook his hands and had a photo-op before he went up the ring.
Tyson, who filed for bankruptcy five years ago despite an estimated $300 million in earnings, had clearly become a more ordinary figure. He was garbed in a lavender long-sleeved polo, gray pants and a worn-out pair of leather shoes.
Surrounded by friends and a throng of bodyguards during his prime, Tyson, named one of the greatest heavyweights of all time by Ring Magazine, was with just a single companion.
He told Roach he didn't have tickets to Pacquiao-de la Hoya. Roach couldn't believe it.
Tyson, according to Roach, dropped by the gym without prior notice.
"He just showed up."
It's a pity to see Tyson sink this low. But it's always a pleasure to be in the company of a boxing god. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137751/Ticket-less-Tyson-offers-his-two-cents-to-Pacquiao
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Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-winning-odds-near-even
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
MANILA, Philippines - The Dream Match has been called a mismatch, a circus, and a no-contest.
Betting lines on Friday (Thursday, US time) in Las Vegas clearly showed otherwise.
Oscar de la Hoya's winning odds continued to slip after The Golden Boy was listed as a mere minus-165 favorite to beat Manny Pacquiao with two days to go before their highly anticipated showdown.
With that line, that means a bet of $1.65 on de la Hoya will net $1.00.
Pacquiao was listed reportedly as a plus-135 underdog ($1.00 to win $1.35) on the same day.
In simple terms, de la Hoya and Pacquiao have nearly the same winning odds.
Some personalities - including World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman, former world champion Roger Mayweather, among others - have branded the bout one that the naturally bigger de la Hoya will win lopsidedly.
But as the fight draws near, the so-called "circus" is starting to look a little more serious.
Just last Monday, de la Hoya was at minus-185 ($1.85 to win $1.00) and Pacquiao at plus-155 ($1.00 to win $1.55).
While Pacquiao's lines have been steady, there has been a noticeable drop on de la Hoya's winning odds since the Dream Match was formally announced in early September.
In mid-September, bookmakers installed de la Hoya as a minus-240 favorite ($2.40 to win $1.00). In late October, the line went down to minus-204 ($2.04 to win $1.00).
In the same periods, Pacquiao was at plus-190 ($1.00 to win $1.90) in mid-September and between plus-155 and plus-185 in late October.
Before the Pacquiao-de la Hoya tiff was formalized, Las Vegas oddsmakers put Pacquiao's value at plus-165 ($1.00 to win $1.65) and de la Hoya at minus-185.
Based on the trend, the welterweight bout between Pacquiao, who is going up in weight for a second consecutive match, and the naturally bigger de la Hoya appears to be a lot more even that some of the recent major boxing cards.
According to the Las Vegas Sun, Juan Manuel Marquez was a 3-1 favorite versus Joel Casamayor, Ricky Hatton a 5-2 favorite versus Paulie Malignaggi, Kelly Pavlik a 4-1 favorite against Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley a staggering 8-1 favorite against Ricardo Mayorga.
Among the four bouts, only Hopkins came away with a win as an underdog. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137739/Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-winning-odds-near-even
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32805/-QTV--Odds-narrow-between-Golden-Boy-and-Pacman
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De La Hoya Pacquiao 24/7 Episode 4
Source: http://nowboxing.com/forum/index.php?topic=60.0
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On target: 'Hitman' Hatton sees Pacquiao victory
MANILA, Philippines - Ricky Hatton couldn't wait to find out who he's fighting next.
So he's showing up for The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time) in Las Vegas.
Hatton, the man strongly considered to fight the winner between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya, will be at ringside at the MGM Grand Hotel to have a first-hand look at his next opponent.
His forecast?
"Pacquiao's aggressiveness will win it," the former world light-welterweight champion from England declared.
"De la Hoya will eventually fade. He may be in condition, but he may not know it but he'll feel tired as the fight wears on," Hatton, who has lost only once in 46 matches, added.
Hatton is coming off an 11th-round technical-knockout win over Paul Malignaggi of the US last November 22 also at the MGM Grand. He chose to stay on to watch Pacquiao-de la Hoya, with the winner of the bout being groomed to face Hatton in the middle of next year at Wembley Stadium in London.
But Hatton, popularly known as "the Hitman", said he wants one particular opponent so badly that even if he loses, he would still take him on.
"Of course, I want to fight the best," Hatton said, referring to Pacquiao, whose gung-ho style mirrors the Manchester native's.
Informed of Hatton's interest to fight him, Pacquiao told Hatton to bring it.
"We definitely accept the challenge," a smiling Pacquiao answered. "We'll even go to England to fight him."
Known for its loud and rowdy fanbase, London will present a new challenge to Pacquiao, having never fought in the Western Hemisphere other than in the US.
"I like the noisy crowd. I like people cheering for the opponent. That only adds fuel to my fire," Pacquiao said. "But we have to set our priorities straight. Let's me deal with de la Hoya first." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137729/On-target-Hitman-Hatton-sees-Pacquiao-victory
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So he's showing up for The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time) in Las Vegas.
Hatton, the man strongly considered to fight the winner between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya, will be at ringside at the MGM Grand Hotel to have a first-hand look at his next opponent.
His forecast?
"Pacquiao's aggressiveness will win it," the former world light-welterweight champion from England declared.
"De la Hoya will eventually fade. He may be in condition, but he may not know it but he'll feel tired as the fight wears on," Hatton, who has lost only once in 46 matches, added.
Hatton is coming off an 11th-round technical-knockout win over Paul Malignaggi of the US last November 22 also at the MGM Grand. He chose to stay on to watch Pacquiao-de la Hoya, with the winner of the bout being groomed to face Hatton in the middle of next year at Wembley Stadium in London.
But Hatton, popularly known as "the Hitman", said he wants one particular opponent so badly that even if he loses, he would still take him on.
"Of course, I want to fight the best," Hatton said, referring to Pacquiao, whose gung-ho style mirrors the Manchester native's.
Informed of Hatton's interest to fight him, Pacquiao told Hatton to bring it.
"We definitely accept the challenge," a smiling Pacquiao answered. "We'll even go to England to fight him."
Known for its loud and rowdy fanbase, London will present a new challenge to Pacquiao, having never fought in the Western Hemisphere other than in the US.
"I like the noisy crowd. I like people cheering for the opponent. That only adds fuel to my fire," Pacquiao said. "But we have to set our priorities straight. Let's me deal with de la Hoya first." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137729/On-target-Hitman-Hatton-sees-Pacquiao-victory
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Foe who KO'd Dela Hoya bets on Golden Boy win
MANILA, Philippines - Bernard Hopkins may have dealt Oscar de la Hoya the most embarrassing loss in his storied career.
But in the days leading to The Dream Match, Hopkins gave the Golden Boy some uplifting words saying that de la Hoya will overwhelm Manny Pacquiao.
"Manny Pacquiao is such a tremendous athlete but he is facing the fox. And that fox is Oscar," Hopkins, who reigned as the world middleweight champion for 10 years,
"The fox knows how to eat his lunch even if its is not yet served. The fox knows how to outsmart everybody."
Hopkins gave de la Hoya his only knockout loss in a world-middleweight title match in September 2004, the heaviest division de la Hoya ever climbed to. Hopkins would successfully defend his 160lb world championship the following year, retaining the belt for an unprecedented 20th time.
Hopkins' most recent bout was against Kelly Pavlik, an opponent 17 years younger than him. Hopkins won that match via unanimous decision.
Hopkins, who turns 44 in January, said he doesn't think the chances of an older de la Hoya (35) should be diminished against a younger Pacquiao (30).
"It's not the age. It shouldn't even be put into consideration. You don't decide on age. You give more weight on experience. Oscar has it," Hopkins said, adding that de la Hoya's decision to fight him showed de la Hoya has the "balls".
Hopkins said that de la Hoya's overall talent will prove too much for Pacquiao inasmuch as Pacquiao's limited skills will prove crucial to the outcome. His forecast? A de la Hoya stoppage.
"Pacman is 100-percent offense. He has questionable defense. That's how I look at it. Oscar will stop him in the eighth or ninth round." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137713/Foe-who-KOd-Dela-Hoya-bets-on-Golden-Boy-win
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But in the days leading to The Dream Match, Hopkins gave the Golden Boy some uplifting words saying that de la Hoya will overwhelm Manny Pacquiao.
"Manny Pacquiao is such a tremendous athlete but he is facing the fox. And that fox is Oscar," Hopkins, who reigned as the world middleweight champion for 10 years,
"The fox knows how to eat his lunch even if its is not yet served. The fox knows how to outsmart everybody."
Hopkins gave de la Hoya his only knockout loss in a world-middleweight title match in September 2004, the heaviest division de la Hoya ever climbed to. Hopkins would successfully defend his 160lb world championship the following year, retaining the belt for an unprecedented 20th time.
Hopkins' most recent bout was against Kelly Pavlik, an opponent 17 years younger than him. Hopkins won that match via unanimous decision.
Hopkins, who turns 44 in January, said he doesn't think the chances of an older de la Hoya (35) should be diminished against a younger Pacquiao (30).
"It's not the age. It shouldn't even be put into consideration. You don't decide on age. You give more weight on experience. Oscar has it," Hopkins said, adding that de la Hoya's decision to fight him showed de la Hoya has the "balls".
Hopkins said that de la Hoya's overall talent will prove too much for Pacquiao inasmuch as Pacquiao's limited skills will prove crucial to the outcome. His forecast? A de la Hoya stoppage.
"Pacman is 100-percent offense. He has questionable defense. That's how I look at it. Oscar will stop him in the eighth or ninth round." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137713/Foe-who-KOd-Dela-Hoya-bets-on-Golden-Boy-win
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Thursday, December 4, 2008
De La Hoya Pacquiao 24/7 Episode 4
Stay Tuned to HBO to watch the full episode of 4th and final installment of Pacquiao De La Hoya 24/7
Coming Soon
Source: http://www.nowboxing.com/
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A Free Boxing Lesson with Oscar De La Hoya
The Dec. 6 pay-per-view bout with Manny Pacquiao has been dubbed The Dream Match. Oscar de la Hoya takes time out from training for a private boxing lesson. For more check out http://www.time.com/time/video/
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Pacquiao, Dela Hoya can't wait for Sunday fight
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32752/-Saksi--Pacquiao-Dela-Hoya-can't-wait-for-Sunday-fight
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All set for showing of 'The Dream Match' on Sunday
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32757/All-set-for-showing-of-'The-Dream-Match'-on-Sunday
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Viewing places for Pacquiao fight seen to overflow
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32753/-Saksi--Viewing-places-for-Pacquiao-fight-seen-to-overflow
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De la Hoya sets strategy vs Pacquiao
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32733/De-la-Hoya-sets-strategy-vs-Pacquiao
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Amid 'Dream' atmosphere, Marquez still looking for Part 3 with Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines - Three of Manny Pacquiao's high-profile opponents from Mexico have differing views about The Dream Match.
Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales - dubbed Mexico's "Holy Trinity" in boxing - offered varying opinions about the Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya megabuck match.
Marquez, who has continued to chase Pacquiao after what he thought was victory robbed of him in their fight earlier this year, didn't blink about his forecast.
"Oscar will win the fight," said Marquez, who was in Las Vegas with younger brother Rafael to catch the December 7 (December 6, US time) event.
Marquez didn't dwell much on the Pacquiao-de la Hoya gig as much as he wanted to say his piece about another possible meeting with Pacquiao.
He forced Pacquiao to a draw in their first meeting in 2004, before they met again last April where Pacquiao won by a split decision.
"I’m looking for that third fight wherever - 140, 147, 150, 160. If Manny wants to fight me at 147, I will fight him at 147," Marquez said.
"If he wants the fight to be in the Philippines, no problem with me. We can even fight in his house," the former world super-featherweight champion added.
While he hasn't gone on the record to say which side he is on, Morales, who has engaged Pacquiao in three memorable matches, will reportedly walk with Pacquiao on the red carpet to the ring.
Marquez is being promoted by de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Morales, like Pacquiao, is under Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc.
Barrera's remarks have been the most critical, calling the weekend bout a "circus."
"Oscar should win in two rounds," Barrera, who lost in the two times he faced Pacquiao, told Boxingscene.com. "Their pockets are the ones that are going to win. They are the ones who are going to leave full and satisfied."
Barrera, who is currently being promoted by Don King, used to be under GBP. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137555/Amid-Dream-atmosphere-Marquez-still-looking-for-Part-3-with-Pacquiao
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Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales - dubbed Mexico's "Holy Trinity" in boxing - offered varying opinions about the Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya megabuck match.
Marquez, who has continued to chase Pacquiao after what he thought was victory robbed of him in their fight earlier this year, didn't blink about his forecast.
"Oscar will win the fight," said Marquez, who was in Las Vegas with younger brother Rafael to catch the December 7 (December 6, US time) event.
Marquez didn't dwell much on the Pacquiao-de la Hoya gig as much as he wanted to say his piece about another possible meeting with Pacquiao.
He forced Pacquiao to a draw in their first meeting in 2004, before they met again last April where Pacquiao won by a split decision.
"I’m looking for that third fight wherever - 140, 147, 150, 160. If Manny wants to fight me at 147, I will fight him at 147," Marquez said.
"If he wants the fight to be in the Philippines, no problem with me. We can even fight in his house," the former world super-featherweight champion added.
While he hasn't gone on the record to say which side he is on, Morales, who has engaged Pacquiao in three memorable matches, will reportedly walk with Pacquiao on the red carpet to the ring.
Marquez is being promoted by de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Morales, like Pacquiao, is under Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc.
Barrera's remarks have been the most critical, calling the weekend bout a "circus."
"Oscar should win in two rounds," Barrera, who lost in the two times he faced Pacquiao, told Boxingscene.com. "Their pockets are the ones that are going to win. They are the ones who are going to leave full and satisfied."
Barrera, who is currently being promoted by Don King, used to be under GBP. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137555/Amid-Dream-atmosphere-Marquez-still-looking-for-Part-3-with-Pacquiao
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Golden Boy camp divided over how quick De la Hoya ends match
MANILA, Philippines - The man who claimed that Oscar de la Hoya has all the answers doesn't think The Dream Match will have an early resolution.
Angelo Dundee expressed confidence that de la Hoya would defeat Manny Pacquiao. But noting both fighters' endurance, the cornerman of ring legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard said the December 7 (December 6, US time) bout will go the distance.
"I think it will go 12," the 87-year-old Dundee said, stressing an earlier forecast that the de la Hoya will win by decision. "Both can take a good punch and both could fight."
Invited by de la Hoya as a special trainer during his camp in Big Bear city, California, Dundee hailed The Dream Match as a shot in the arm needed by a sport that has seen more moribund matchups.
"I see a great fight, a great night of boxing. And the year will end good for boxing with this fight. And the people knows who the fighters are, that's the most important,"
"This is the fight people want to see. People are excited. It's got to be a great fight because they are both great fighters. And the best name will win very simply."
'Cut' to the chase
Joe Chavez, de la Hoya's cutman, agrees that Pacquiao and de la Hoya will be intense once they enter the ring. But it's that same intensity, coupled with the fighters' top-of-the-line skills, that makes Chavez predict a stoppage.
"Either of these men could not go on 12 rounds because they throw too many punches, both of them. They're going away," Chavez said.
Chavez, who worked on Pacquiao's side in previous fights, wished Pacquiao well.
"Manny is a great guy. It happens that I was with Oscar for a long time," Chavez said. "Pacquiao remains my friend and everything. And I wish the best man wins."
Dundee and Chavez were with Team de la Hoya when the Golden Boy showed up at the MGM Grand on Tuesday before a throng of international press people, boxing fans and onlookers. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137506/Golden-Boy-camp-divided-over-how-quick-De-la-Hoya-ends-match
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Angelo Dundee expressed confidence that de la Hoya would defeat Manny Pacquiao. But noting both fighters' endurance, the cornerman of ring legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard said the December 7 (December 6, US time) bout will go the distance.
"I think it will go 12," the 87-year-old Dundee said, stressing an earlier forecast that the de la Hoya will win by decision. "Both can take a good punch and both could fight."
Invited by de la Hoya as a special trainer during his camp in Big Bear city, California, Dundee hailed The Dream Match as a shot in the arm needed by a sport that has seen more moribund matchups.
"I see a great fight, a great night of boxing. And the year will end good for boxing with this fight. And the people knows who the fighters are, that's the most important,"
"This is the fight people want to see. People are excited. It's got to be a great fight because they are both great fighters. And the best name will win very simply."
'Cut' to the chase
Joe Chavez, de la Hoya's cutman, agrees that Pacquiao and de la Hoya will be intense once they enter the ring. But it's that same intensity, coupled with the fighters' top-of-the-line skills, that makes Chavez predict a stoppage.
"Either of these men could not go on 12 rounds because they throw too many punches, both of them. They're going away," Chavez said.
Chavez, who worked on Pacquiao's side in previous fights, wished Pacquiao well.
"Manny is a great guy. It happens that I was with Oscar for a long time," Chavez said. "Pacquiao remains my friend and everything. And I wish the best man wins."
Dundee and Chavez were with Team de la Hoya when the Golden Boy showed up at the MGM Grand on Tuesday before a throng of international press people, boxing fans and onlookers. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137506/Golden-Boy-camp-divided-over-how-quick-De-la-Hoya-ends-match
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Golden Boy chief: 'You can't underestimate Pacquiao'
MANILA, Philippines – Oscar de la Hoya is fighting an opponent four inches shorter than he is and some 15 pounds naturally lighter than he is.
But it will be a mistake to play down Manny Pacquiao's chances.
The top brass of de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions gave some props to Pacquiao on Tuesday, saying they expect the five-foot-six Pacquiao to make the five-foot-10 de la Hoya's life on December 7 (December 6, US time) difficult.
"If you fight the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world," GBP chief executive Richard Schaefer, "it's not going to be a walk in the park and I don't think you can really underestimate Manny."
Schaefer certainly knows what Pacquiao is capable of doing.
Two years ago, de la Hoya and GBP pursued Pacquiao, whose fiery style has endeared him to American boxing fans, and tried to lure him into his promotional fold. But GBP's courtship of Pacquiao fell flat on de la Hoya's face after Pacquiao reneged on his word to sign with him and instead hooked up with rival Top Rank Inc.
Pacquiao has been vocal about how he idolized de la Hoya as a fighter who at the same time enjoyed success outside the ring.
Schaefer described Pacquiao as a "fierce warrior and relentless".
"They call him the Pacman because he keeps on coming and coming and coming," Schaefer, a former Swiss banker before he joined GBP, said.
"Manny's like the energizer bunny. You can't stop him. You can't pull the batteries out. Manny Pacquiao comes to fight."
And given the rigid preparations de la Hoya has undergone the last 10 weeks, so does his business partner, Schaefer said.
"Oscar feels better than ever, he feels fast, strong and rejuvenated," Schaefer added. "He really feels he's gonna go for the knockout." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137499/Golden-Boy-chief-You-cant-underestimate-Pacquiao
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But it will be a mistake to play down Manny Pacquiao's chances.
The top brass of de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions gave some props to Pacquiao on Tuesday, saying they expect the five-foot-six Pacquiao to make the five-foot-10 de la Hoya's life on December 7 (December 6, US time) difficult.
"If you fight the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world," GBP chief executive Richard Schaefer, "it's not going to be a walk in the park and I don't think you can really underestimate Manny."
Schaefer certainly knows what Pacquiao is capable of doing.
Two years ago, de la Hoya and GBP pursued Pacquiao, whose fiery style has endeared him to American boxing fans, and tried to lure him into his promotional fold. But GBP's courtship of Pacquiao fell flat on de la Hoya's face after Pacquiao reneged on his word to sign with him and instead hooked up with rival Top Rank Inc.
Pacquiao has been vocal about how he idolized de la Hoya as a fighter who at the same time enjoyed success outside the ring.
Schaefer described Pacquiao as a "fierce warrior and relentless".
"They call him the Pacman because he keeps on coming and coming and coming," Schaefer, a former Swiss banker before he joined GBP, said.
"Manny's like the energizer bunny. You can't stop him. You can't pull the batteries out. Manny Pacquiao comes to fight."
And given the rigid preparations de la Hoya has undergone the last 10 weeks, so does his business partner, Schaefer said.
"Oscar feels better than ever, he feels fast, strong and rejuvenated," Schaefer added. "He really feels he's gonna go for the knockout." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137499/Golden-Boy-chief-You-cant-underestimate-Pacquiao
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao Fight Watch live for FREE, Online video streaming results.
Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao Fight Watch live for FREE, Online video streaming results. If you want to see the live fight online, just post your yahoo account under post comments and I will add you on my yahoo messenger and give you access to view my web cam which is facing my television.
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Fight with Pacquiao is personal for De La Hoya
LAS VEGAS -- Isn't it funny how things work out sometimes?
After all, it was only a little more than two years ago, in September 2006, that a fight with Manny Pacquiao was the furthest thing from Oscar De La Hoya's mind.
De La Hoya was in the midst of a year-long break from boxing following his fight with Ricardo Mayorga. His match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. hadn't even been made yet. De La Hoya was instead focused on promoting Pacquiao, not fighting him, after signing the Filipino icon to a seven-fight contract with De La Hoya's company, Golden Boy Promotions.
Ultimately, Pacquiao never fought for Golden Boy and, after many twists and turns, boxing's most bankable star (De La Hoya) and the pound-for-pound king (Pacquiao) will meet in an unlikely welterweight showdown, the year's biggest fight, at the MGM Grand on Saturday night (HBO PPV, 9 p.m. ET).
After everything that happened, De La Hoya is still somewhat surprised the fight is happening.
"No. Never in my wildest dreams," De La Hoya said of the notion that someday he would face Pacquiao. "And that's why this fight is called 'The Dream Match.' I mean, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would fight Manny Pacquiao."
That's because De La Hoya thought they'd be a promoter-fighter team. But what happened in late 2006 -- Pacquiao reneged on the Golden Boy deal after also signing with rival promoter Top Rank -- left a bad taste in De La Hoya's mouth. He viewed what Pacquiao did as a betrayal, which serves as one of the many intriguing story lines surrounding the fight. The incident, De La Hoya says, has made the fight personal for him.
"It's very personal for me," De La Hoya said. "That moment there is what makes it personal, because I don't want him to be talking about honor and how he's honorable and this and that. No, he didn't honor me that night, so I'm not going to honor him come [Saturday]."
"That night" to which De La Hoya refers was the one on which he thought he had signed Pacquiao to become, outside of De La Hoya himself, the franchise fighter for Golden Boy Promotions.
Pacquiao had arrived in Los Angeles from the Philippines ahead of a news conference to announce his third fight with Top Rank's Erik Morales when De La Hoya met him at the airport with a limo and a briefcase filled with $300,000 to serve as a signing bonus. De La Hoya whisked him away for dinner in a private room at an L.A. steakhouse.
During the dinner, which was attended by De La Hoya, Pacquiao, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao attorney Jeng Gacal and a couple of Pacquiao's friends, Pacquiao eventually signed the promotional contract.
A few days later, De La Hoya gloated about signing Pacquiao, believing he had outsmarted Top Rank, which also wanted to sign him.
"It was basically us outthinking the competition," De La Hoya told ESPN.com at the time. "I had a goal and that goal was to sign Manny Pacquiao. We strategized and we figured it out and we were willing to do whatever it took to sign him."
Unbeknownst to De La Hoya, Pacquiao also agreed to a promotional contract with Top Rank, Bob Arum's company, which had long promoted De La Hoya before their acrimonious falling out.
The result of the double signing was a bitter feud between boxing's two biggest promotional powerhouses. There were lawsuits between the companies and a cold war that, to a large degree, paralyzed the sport in the United States because De La Hoya and Arum refused to make deals to match the stars of their stables.
Finally, with both companies drowning in legal bills, they reached a truce in June 2007 with the help of mediator Daniel Weinstein. Under the settlement, Top Rank, to which Pacquiao had pledged his loyalty, retained Pacquiao's promotional rights with Golden Boy receiving a small percentage of his contract.
Since the settlement, the alliance between Golden Boy and Top Rank has been uneasy, but the companies haven't let it stand in the way of their making numerous significant fights, starting with Pacquiao's rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera in October 2007. They've also co-promoted Miguel Cotto versus Shane Mosley and Pacquiao's rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, and they're putting on the first major fight of 2009, a Jan. 24 fight between Antonio Margarito and Mosley.
But the biggest fight the companies could make was one neither had thought of until HBO's Larry Merchant mused more than a year ago about the possibility of De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KOs), who is coming down from junior middleweight, fighting Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs), a lightweight titleholder jumping up two weight classes.
It's a fight neither side had conjured up when they reached the settlement.
"We didn't know [about the fight] at the time because Larry Merchant hadn't told us yet," Arum joked.
Even though there has been peace between the companies, De La Hoya said he hasn't forgotten what Pacquiao did to him.
"When he looked into my eyes and I looked into his eyes, and we shook hands and we had a deal, and he talks about honor? I never thought I would fight him," De La Hoya said. "That's also one of the reasons why this fight is so personal to me, because of that night when we signed the deal and he turned his back on me. He's going to have to pay come [Saturday]."
Said Schaefer, "Oscar was very disappointed in Manny. Manny somehow has that ability to attract chaos and I try to tell Oscar it's really Manny attracting this kind of chaos. But Oscar is ticked off. He is very disappointed. And more than once, he said, 'I'm going to make him pay.'"
Pacquiao rarely discusses the episode. When he does, his comments are brief.
When told of De La Hoya's feelings about the situation, Pacquiao offered only, "Well, if that is what he believes, let him do that, let him say that. But for me in the ring, I don't want to make it personal. Nothing personal for me. Just do my job in the ring and win the fight. Nothing personal."
Considering where the sides were two years ago and considering De La Hoya's apparent bad feelings toward Pacquiao, the fight still made for smart business for both sides. De La Hoya will make at least $15 million. Pacquiao will earn at least $11 million.
"Well, I think things happen for a reason," Schaefer said. "And when that whole episode happened -- when Manny signed with two people -- there were some hard feelings between the two promoters. There were some hard feelings on Oscar's part, vice versa with Manny Pacquiao, as well. But, ultimately, once the dust settled, and [what] some writers refer to [as] 'the cold war' was over, the result is you actually come out of these kinds of situations bigger, better and stronger.
"The fact is that Top Rank and Golden Boy in the last 12 months or so have put together some of the biggest fights of our sport. I think we realize we need to do what is the right thing for the sport and for the sport's fans, which is to keep on bringing them the biggest and best fights we can do."
Added Arum, "I also would want to give credit to the mediator, who talked sense into both of us, Judge Daniel Weinstein, who handled the mediation in such a way that it brought both sides together so we could resolve this issue and go on."
Go on to the biggest fight boxing has to offer.
Dan Rafael is the boxing writer for ESPN.com.
Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=rafael_dan&id=3741110
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