Pacman Destroys Diaz in Nine Bloody Rounds

Pacman just took the lightweight division by storm with his impressive performance against David Diaz. The Pinoy Boxing icon took the WBC lightweight Title with his first fight in the division.

The Filipino boxing icon used his superior speed, quickness and power to wrest the WBC belt from the defending champion. Pacquiao battered Diaz for nine rounds causing numerous cuts and bruises which erupted all over the champion's face. The fight ended mercifully at the ninth round when Pacquiao landed a short left that laid Diaz face first on the canvass. The referee did not bother with a count and announced Pacquiao the winner by TKO.

Although Pacquiao was favored to win this fight, many boxing experts did not expect a one sided beating. Many boxing predictions projected that Manny would win by UD and some by late KO. However, they did not foresee that Pacquiao would totally dominate Diaz.

I personally thought that Diaz would offer some form of resistance against the Pinoy boxing star. Well, he did last for 9 rounds which is a testament of his toughness. However, he was virtually a punching bag in those rounds. He was trying to land some punches but Pacquiao is just too quick and fast for his punches to do significant damage.

Some boxing pundits describe Diaz as a fighter who is willing to take two punches to land a single oner. However, against Pacquiao, it was more like five or six punches to a single Diaz punch. And it's a known fact that Manny hits hard so a even a two to one exchange may not have worked for Diaz.

With this win, Pacquiao became one of the best fighters to come out of Asia. He has won four world titles in different divisions. He won titles at flyweight, super bantamweight, super feather weight and light weight division. This success makes him the most accomplished Asian fighter of all time.

Now, what's next for Pacman? Well, recent boxing updates and news indicate that Bob Arum is trying to get Edwin Valero as next Pacquiao opponent. That fight will be one of the top fights that can be made for this year. Valero is feared for his power and all of his fights have ended in KO victories, most of them in the first round. Now that the V-nom ( Valero) has been cleared to fight in the US, a mega fight against Pacman has become possible.

There are also a lot of talks about a fight against Ricky Hatton in early 2009. Many observers point out that Pacquiao seems to be at ease at the 135 lb division and can easily make the transition to 140 lbs. I don't know if Pacquiao can carry his strong points to junior welter weight but a fight against Ricky Hatton will surely bring big bucks for the Filipino boxing star.

Well, I guess we all just have to wait and see what Bob Arum can come up for Manny's next fight. One things for sure. We'll all be cheering for Manny come fight time.

Pacquiao VS Diaz This Weekend!

Its only two days before Manny Pacquiao meets David Diaz in his debut at the light weight division. The Pinoy boxing icon will challenge Diaz for his WBC title. I'm very excited to watch this fight and see if Pacquiao can make an impact on the light weight division. But there's one little problem.

Last Saurday, Typhoon Fengshen or Frank ravaged Iloilo and covered it in mud and water. As a result, power lines are down and many towns still do not have electricity including my hometown. We haven't had electricity for a week now which proves how devastating the effects of typhoon affected our region.

Well, the typhoon wasn't that powerful but the flood that came with it was really destructive. I witnessed the rising waters because I had been foolish enough to travel in the middle of a raging storm. I saw people frantically trying to escape the flood waters as I am being "rescued" together with others stranded by the deluge.

But I'm not here to talk about that tragedy. After all, this is a Philippine boxing blog. But that's my problem. If we still won't have electricity by Sunday, then I won't be able to watch Pacquiao-Diaz live (well, technically none of Pacquiao's international fights on national TV are live because of the delays).

Fortunately, I have heard rumors that the government will try their best to restore power to all the towns in my province. Maybe they know that the people's morale will be lifted by a Pacquiao victory. Well, I hope that they can fix this problem in time. Watching the fight as it happens is the best way to view a boxing match.

After surfing the web for predictions on this fight, I have noticed that Pacquiao is expected to win. Well, that's not a difficult prediction to make because people feel that Diaz is a hand picked opponent and the weakest among the lightweight titlists. However, I feel that Diaz is a live opponent who will not give up his title easily. As the bigger man with a good chin, he is capable of pulling the upset.


Filipino Boxing Updates:

I've just found out that another Pinoy boxing champ, Nonito Donaire, has signed a deal with Bob Arum. Apparently, Donaire decided to junk his contract with Gary Shaw because he is not getting any fights. His last fight was against Luis Maldonado last December and he needs a fight to keep him in top shape.

I think this is a good decision on Donaire's part. Arum is perfectly capable of setting up the fights he need to become successful in his boxing career. Inactivity can cost him his title just as in the case of Florante Condes.

PacMan Wins by Split Decision!

After twelve rounds of hard fought rounds, two of three judges gave the nod towards Pinoy boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao. With this close win, Pacquiao solidifies his claim as the top 130lb fighter in the world.

Personally, I thought Marquez won. I thought that Pacquiao did not work hard enough to win the last two rounds to secure the victory. If he had been more active in the eleventh and twelfth rounds, then I don't think that a lot of people would argue that Marquez won. Then again, maybe I'm not just satisfied with Manny's performance so I came under the impression that he was not active enough in the last couple of rounds

It was a close fight so it's understandable that boxing fans have different opinions about who won. The knockdown scored by Manny in the fourth round probably won him the match but I admire Juan Manuel Marquez for getting up and surviving the fifth round. I really thought that Pacquiao would finish him off since he was very unsteady when he came out at round five.

I can also understand that Marquez felt that he was robbed again. The fight was close so I can't blame him for thinking that he won. I also know that he has a lot of pride so losing this fight is hard for him to accept.

I think the more important matter to think about now is a third bout between these warriors. Arum said that an immediate third fight between the two would not be profitable. That means the best we can hope for is that Pac-Marquez 3 will be at the final months of the year. Arum wants to match Pacquiao against David Diaz next so I'm not sure if a third match between Manny and Marquez will happen this year.

All we can do is hope that a third match between them will indeed happen. It might be at light weight but I'm sure that they will bring us another classic.

Pacquiao-Marquez Two Press Conference Pics!

The photos of the recent press conference for the Pacquiao-Marquez rematch have released. The two boxing superstars will clash for the second time on March 15 in Las Vegas. The Pinoy boxing superstar and "Dynamita" fought to an exciting draw during their first meeting and every boxing fan expect great action and drama from the anticipated rematch.

Here are the photos:

Manny Pacquaio and Juan Manuel Marquez pose for the cameras.



Promoter Bob Arum and Philippine boxing icon, Manny Pacquaio applaud JMM.


Arum selling the superfight to boxing fans around the world. This fight is an obvious sellout.


I am really excited to see both future Hall of Famers go at it again in the ring. Manny better come prepared in this one. Juan Manuel Marquez will surely do his best to claim the title as the best 130 pounder in the world. If Pacquiao will not focus in his training and on Marquez, then he might not be able to escape with a draw this time.

Pacquiao's Delayed Arrival does not Worry Freddie Roach

Pinoy boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao’s delayed arrival in Los Angeles to begin training for his rematch with legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6, does not worry top boxing trainer Freddie Roach.

He revealed in an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Pacquiao was scheduled to arrive in the US on August 4. This date appear to match the announcement that Pacquiao will depart on Sunday aboard a Philippine Airlines flight for LA with trainers Buboy Hernandez and Nonoy Neri.

Pacquiao's departure had previously been postponed no less than four times. He is said to be shooting a movie with sexy star Ara Mina. He was also seen playing pool at a Japanese-owned pool hall in Mabini, One Side.

However, Roach indicated that Pacquiao having late nights playing pool and shooting a movie is not a big concern since he is the most dedicated athlete in the world when he gets into the Wild Card Gym.

It's also important to note that Top Rank promoter Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotions was forced to re-set a news conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel which Pacquiao and Barrera were scheduled to attend last week due to Pacquiao's failure to leave for the US.

Finally! Peace Pact Between GBP and Top Rank

It seems that Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank have finally reached a settlement of the various legal disputes including that pertaining to Manny Pacquiao. This entails that bouts between Manny Pacquiao and marquee fighters under contract to Golden Boy will be co-promoted by Golden Boy and Top Rank.

Top Rank will promote fights between Manny Pacquiao against fighters other than Golden Boy fighters with Golden Boy retaining a promotional interest. The Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera II super fight on October 6, 2007 at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas will be the first fight which will be presented under this arrangement.

The CEO's agreed that the settlement will be great for boxing as Top Rank fighters will be taking on Golden Boy fighters in the months and years ahead. There is not much else to report as all other details of the settlement remain confidential.

Ruy Salud, the founding secretary general of the WBC welcomed reports of a settlement reached between former bitter rivals Golden Boy Promotions and Bob Arum of Top Rank.
Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao’s former business manager Rod Nazario joined
Salud this great news. Nazario helped steer Pacquiao to two world titles before they parted ways amicably when Pacquiao signed up with Shelly Finkel.

I think boxing fans are also relieved by news of the peace settlement between both camps. Finally, we will be able to see the super fights that we have been hoping for and Pacquiao will finally be free to let his fist go.I just hope that this pact works out and that Manny resist the temptation to foolishly sign any contracts that will jeopardize his career.

Happy Birthday Boom Boom!

Today, rising Pinoy boxing star and undefeated ALA Boy Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista turns 21. However, he cannot afford to spend a lot of his time in celebrations as he continues to train for his August 11 challenge of WBO superbantam king Daniel Ponce De Leon.

We Pinoy boxing fans don't have to worry as the birthday boy seems to be foceused on his mission. In fact, he placed 8th among thousands who participated in the annual DYAB 10-Kilometer Run in Cebu last Sunday. He even bested some professional runners on the way to a 37-minute clocking. The decent finish in the 10-K event is a welcome sign that the young boxing phenom is well on his way to being ready for De Leon.

Pacman Update

Yesterday, Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain revealed a plan to make Pacquiao's next fight as main attraction of the 45th World Boxing Council Convention which the country will host from November 11 to 17 this year. The next fight of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao against either Humberto Soto or undefeated Joan Guzman will be held in Manila if this plan pushes through .

Buhain said, "we have ongoing series of meetings with MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions about the possibility of bringing Manny's next fight in the country during the boxing convention and Manny is considering that proposal."

He also added that, "whoever will be the next opponent of Manny would remain a big attraction during the World Boxing Convention and, hopefully, we can bring his next fight here in Manila again.

Buhain and his staff will have another meeting on Tuesday morning. However, this time it might be with Pacquiao himself who returned on Monday from the United States where he received the prestigious Boxer of the Year award from a group of American boxing writers.

The big boxing match will be held at the Araneta Coliseum, if Pacquiao's handlers, including Arum, agreed to GAB's proposal.Pacquiao defeated Mexican Oscar Larios on July 2, 2006 at the same venue.

Wakee to Pacquiao: Look Long Term

After arriving from Los Angles where he was at ringside for the Miguel Cotto-Zab Judah fight in New York, popular boxing manager and promoter Rex 'Wakee' Salud, advised Pinoy boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, to look at his career from a long-term perspective in terms of legacy and financial stability. he also advised him that he should carefully weigh the options available to him, as these only come once in a lifetime and to a very select people like him.

Since two of the world's top promotional outfits--Oscar De la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and Bob Arum's Top Rank--are feuding over who is the rightful promoter for the Filipino icon, Pacquiao has to think over whatever decisions he will make.

In other news, hard punching Florante Condes of the Aljoe Jaro Stable is expected to reach 150 rounds of sparring as he prepares to challenge IBF minimumweight champ Muhammad Rachman. The date for this oft-postponed card is now slated on July 7.

Juan Martin 'Bai' Elorde, Flash Elorde's grandson will return to the ring on July 14 against a soon-to-be-named foe at the family's Elorde Sports Center or at one of the malls in Manila. Like his famous grandpa, Bai is a southpaw and is campaigning at super-featherweight. He is hoping to continue his winning ways following his decision victories over Joseph Mateo and Leo Albao since turning professional.

Bobby Pacquiao to Go For the KO Against Soto!

The game plan for Bobby pacquiao's upcoming fight against the very tough Humberto Soto would be to go for the knock out. The younger brother of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao takes on the No. 2 WBC super featherweight contender at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Manila Time. Freddie Roach says Bobby Pacquiao has the power to knock out Humberto Soto so they will definitely go for it.

The celebrated trainer said they will look “to close the distance and get this guy out of there” in an interview with Brad Cooney of Boxing Talk. Even Manny Pacquiao himself expressed confidence that his younger brother would win. Booby had been training hard for the past two months at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles so he has the capability of finishing the fight early.

Additionally, Pacquao is “more hungry than ever” besides training very hard. Roach also pointed out that Bobby is a good puncher and can defintely KO Soto if he catches him with a solid punch. Boobby has “great power” even if he doesn’t have the speed and combinations like his brother Manny. Of course, Roach realizes that it would be “tough” for Bobby to win on points against the very tough Soto so he will do his best to go for the knock out.

I personally think that Bobby will not be able to defeat Soto as he was very disappointing in his past fights. However, should he succeed in winning against Soto in a convincing manner, he will earn my respect and the respect of other boxing fans.


Manny Pacquiao Update

The are runors that a fat purse awaits Pacquiao if he will agree to fight Marco Antonio Barrera in a rematch. Reportedly its a fat eight-digit amount, which could refill his depleted bank account. Manny could earn more than 400 million pesos since the lowest eight figure amount is $10 million.

However, this deal would only be possible if the rematch will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. Since Bob Arum's Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions are fighting over who owns the right to Pacquiao's fights, the rematch is not really a big possibility. But then again, given Pacquiao's fickleness he might just make another crazy decision to defect to Golden Boy Promiotions.

A Great Article and Pacman Update

I just read an excellent boxing article written by Manny Pinol on why Philippine Sports suck. The article compares the sports program of Cuba and the Philippines and how can the sports program in the Philippines can be improved.

Cuba like the Philippines does not have a big budget for sports development yet it is the top producer of Olympic quality amateur boxers. Ingenuity and dedication on the part of Cuba's sports officials as well as an excellent sports program is the key to their amateur boxing success. Joel Casamayor is probably one of the best known professional fighters who was trained as an amateur in Cuba.

Anyway, the point is that we we can also duplicate Cuba's success if can apply the same principle in our Sports program. We need more dedicated sports officials whose main concern is the development of our athletes. We need to cleanse our Sports program of corrupt officials who are siphoning funds that are meant for Sports development.

On to Manny Pacquiao...

Next week, Manny Pacquiao is expected to face a crack legal team of Golden Boy Promotions when his deposition in Los Angeles. The deposition is in connection with the case filed by Golden Boy against Top Rank promoter Bob Arum for “tortuous interference” in their seven fight contract which Pacquiao signed in mid-September last year.

This was because Arum signed Pacquiao to a four-fight contract some two months later and the popular and exciting fighter turned his back on the Golden Boy contract. Pacquiao then fought under Arum after receiving $1 million as bonus which was twice as much as he received from by Golden Boy.

Pacquiao is expected to have trouble answering questions about the signing of a contract with Golden Boy and then signing another contract with Arum. This is because he received $1 million as compared to the $500,000 he took from Golden Boy.

Schaefer: We Can Help Make Manny a Legend

Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer feels confident that Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao can “the legend he wants to be” and could also make “the big fights in the big venues” with their help. Hmmmm.... What would Bob Arum feel upon hearing this statement?

In a Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today interview, Schaefer said that this could only be done if Pacquiao whom he claims is “totally misguided” will eventually recognize this fact and do the right thing which is ”to honor the contract he signed with us.”

The CEO also claims that he was sure that everyone would agree with him that Pacquiao’s career has been “mishandled ever since he left Shelly Finkel” his last manager. He also noted that Finkel “got him out of the mess he was in, got him the biggest fights and purses and he was at an all-time high.”

He also noted that Pacquiao was on the cover of Ring Magazine. The magazine is generally considered by many as the “Bible of boxing, won awards from the Boxing Writers and is on some lists as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He also added that, “a few more (Jorge) Solis or (Humberto) Soto like opponents and his (Pacquuiao’s) fame will start to fade.”

The CEO challenged Manny to “wake up and take control and be outside the ring, the man he is in the ring. A man who takes charge, who is the boss and does not let anyone push him around. Do what Oscar De La Hoya did several years ago. Stand up and say enough is enough!.”

And so the tug of war between Top Rank and Golden Boy promotions for the rights to Manny Pacquiao continues. Will his ever end? Not in the near future I think as a fighter of Pacquiao's talent and charisma is too valuable to give up. And how will this affect Pacquiao's chances of fighting the fighters that are under contract with Golden Boy? Only time will tell....

Jose Sulaiman: Pacquiao is Ill- Advised and Misguided on Declining Marquez Fight

Filipino boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao, is “ill-advised and misguided” in turning down the opportunity for a mandatory title shot at WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, according to WBC president Jose Sulaiman.

The respected WBC chairman revealed that the WBC Board of Governors was contemplating supporting a 50-50 split of the purses of Marquez and Pacquiao if there were no successful free negotiations and it went to a purse bid set for June 18 at the WBC headquarters in an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today.

According to him, the usual 75-25 split in favor of the champion would not be followed since “nobody can deny that Pacquiao is the top super featherweight fighter of today and we all believe that they both deserve equal purses.”

Sulaiman is clearly disappointed over Pacquiao’s rejection of the mandatory challenge offer.
He said winning the WBC gold and green belt was “the dream of most fighters in the world” and it would have helped establish “who is better between Marquez and Pacquiao” following their controversial draw in 2004.

A few days ago, Pacquiao asked the WBC to name someone else as mandatory challenger in a three-paragraph letter prepared by Michael Koncz who is reportedly an adviser but is believed to be Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s eyes and ears in Team Pacquiao.

While neither fighter can think that “he is superior to the other” Marquez holds the world championship and Pacquiao does not, the WBC chairman explained. He also added that, “while his ill-advisers might tell Manny the belt is not important the records of boxing in the future will show who is more and who is less as a boxer by the world championship records that are stated forever in history.”

Pacquiao: There is No Need to Hurry

Let us begin with an update on the national boxing scene:

On June 1, Olympian Danilo Lerio will battle Louie Bantigue for the vacant Philippine flyweight title. The fight will be held June 1 in Angono, Rizal. This event will be promoted by Aljoe Jaro, who also manages Lerio.

This figures to be a good match as Bantigue is on a three-bout winning roll including a Japan victory last October, while Lerio is coming off a huge win over erstwhile undefeated Apol Suico.


Pacquiao Update:

Yesterday, Manny Pacquiao there’s no need to hurry in choosing his next opponent in the ring. His promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, a free hand to choose his next opponent. Perhaps Pacquiao is still recovering from his failed congressional bid. Four possible opponents in Joan Guzman of Venezuela, Edwin Valero of the Dominican Republic, and Mexicans Marco Antonio Barrera and Humberto Soto has been offered by Arum as possible opponents.

Juan Manuel Marquez, the reigning World Boxing Council super-featherweight champion, is down the list although boxing experts believe that it could be the biggest fight of the year. According to online polls, boxing fans prefer a Marquez versus Pacquiao bout. The situation is complicated as , Top Rank is in a legal tussle with Golden Boy, which has ties with Guzman, Valero, Barrea and Marquez.

Pacquiao has said that it's all up to the negotiations and a decision may be made when he arrives on the US. He is scheduled to go to the US on May 28 to receive his 2006 Boxer of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America on June 8 and watch his brother's fight against Soto.

Barrera to Retire if He can't have Rematch with Pacman

Marco Antonio Barrera has declared that he will retire if he cant fight Manny Pacquiao in a rematch this year. Barrera has indicated he wants a rematch with Pacquiao to erase the stigma of the eleventh round demolition he suffered in November 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.

Bob Arum has revealed in an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, that he had a number of fighters lined up for an October 6 fight date for Pacquiao. The problem, Arum says, is that, “there is a question about Barrera.”

Despite the fact that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer has firmly stated that Barrera is under a promotional contract with Golden Boy, Arum “is insisting that his lawyers will demonstrate he can do the fight.” As you probably know, Top Rank and Golden Boy are currently engaged in a sometimes bitter legal battle over who has the promotional rights to Pacquiao.

Barrera has “offered to talk to the Golden Boy people and tell them that’s the fight (against Pacquiao) that he wants otherwise he will retire” according to Arum. Arum added that, he had heard from “all of the possible contenders” and planned to “discuss with Pacquiao exactly who he wants to fight because I am going to produce everybody that I can and leave the decision up to him.”

I think that this will be a good fight for Pacquiao as Barrera is coming off a loss to Juan manual Marquez. He has also aged since he was taken apart by Manny in their first fight. A rematch will also erase the doubts that Pacquiao only got lucky in their first fight. This fight will draw a lot of people even if Pacquiao will probably destroy Barrera ijn the same way he disposed of Erik Morales in their third fight.

Bobby Pacquiao is Working Hard for His Upcoming Bout

There has been so much buzz about Manny Pacquiao's congressional bid that almost no attention has been given to his brother's upcoming bout. Bobby Pacquiao has a record of 27-12-3 with 12 knockouts while Soto's record is 41-5-2 with 25 KO's. He is coming off a third round TKO win against Humberto Toledo last February 22.

According to journalist Winchell Campos, Bobby Pacquiao who faces WBC super featherweight No. 2 contender Humberto Soto, is ”looking good.” Soto won a title eliminator over Ivan Valle last August 12. Campos added that, Bobby was “working harder than ever” in preparation for his June 9 showdown with Soto at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden. Of course, they were disappointed over Manny’s defeat in the congressional elections. Bobby is currently training under celebrated two-time “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach and has reportedly “changed his mental outlook” for the better.

Bobby Pacquiao is expected to give Soto who is handled by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum some problems as he has looked good in sparring. Soto is among four possible opponents of Manny Pacquiao that are being considered by Bob Arum. However, he first needs to overcome the challenge posed by the younger Pacquiao.

This Blog is registered at All-Blogs.net directory and other directories.

Arum to Aid The Pacman in Fight for Congressional Seat

There is news that Bob Arum is coming to General Santos City in the Philippines in order to provide support for Manny Pacquiao in his congressional bid. As you probably know
the Pacman is running for Congress against the incumbent Darlene Antonino-Custodio. This political bout was highlighted a few days ago by the proliferation of text messages that claimed Manny was killed in an ambush. Expectedly Manny accused his rival as responsible for misleading the voters.

This shop of support is a fulfillment of a promise that Arum made to Pacquiao. However, I think that Arum is just making sure that Manny will stay loyal to him. I sure can't blame him for that seeing as Pacman nearly defected to Golden Boy Productions a few months ago.

As for the possible future opponents of Manny's next bouts, Arum named Joan Guzman, Humberto Soto and Marco Antonio Barrera. I hope that these fights will happen later this year. I think Pacman needs a wake up call so that he will focus on the things that he can do very well.