Manny Pacquiao No. 1 Pound for Pound!

With Floyd "Money" Mayweather announcing his official "retirement", the Ring Magazine, the recognized “Bible of boxing" elevated Pinoy boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao to the top spot of its pound-for-pound ratings.

Well, this is certainly a great achievement for Pacquiao. He is the first Filipino boxer to be ranked no. 1 of the P4P rankings. He is probably the first Asian to hold the coveted top spot. He has been ranked number two behind Floyd for some time now so it's logical that he'll take over now that Floyd has hung up his gloves.

Granted, the P4P rankings are subjective and every one can make a list of the top active boxers. However. the Ring has the respect of many boxing fans and the rankings are decided upon by boxing writers and experts. The list offers an alternative to the muddied rankings found on the different boxing organization.

Then again, since Golden Boy now owns The Ring there have been talks about the rankings being biased towards Pacquiao. Golden boy shares Pacquiao with Top Rank so marketing Pacquiao as the top P4P boxer certainly seems a good business move.

It's also important to consider the Pacman's top competitor for the top P4P spot. Joe Calzaghe is also a very good candidate for the top boxer in the world. he is undefeated and is coming off a string of high profile wins against Hopkins, Kessler and Lacy.

Well, I think Pacquiao's performance against Diaz will prove if he indeed deserves the top spot in the P4P rankings. If he can knock out Diaz then it will solidify his status. It will also bring him more high profile and lucrative fights.

Darchinyan VS. Gorres on March!

Pinoy boxing prospect Z :the Dream" Gorres will have his second chance in the spotlight when he takes on the very Dangerous Vic Darchinyan next year.



Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions have finally managed to secure the elimination bout after hard rounds of negotiation.

The fight will be not be staged in either fighter’s home soil much to trhe dismay of the fighter's teams. Instead the bout will be on the undercard of Israel Vasquez vs Rafael Marquez contest for the WBC super bantamweight title.

This promises to be an exciting fight from the perspectives of styles. Gorres is a skilled boxer who uses his skills to outpoint his opponent while Darchinyan relies largely on his power to pound his opponent to the canvass.

This will not be an easy one for Gorres, as Darchinyan though old and has little defense is an experienced fighter. Vic has fought good competition when he defended his IBF title several times. Gorres also has a tendency to fade in the late rounds and I don't think he has the power to KO Darchinyan. Vic also wants to regain his honor after Donaire shamed him. And what better way to do that than to KO a Filipino boxing top prospect like Gorres.

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.

Barrera: I Know What to do to Win

I(n anticipation of his rematch against Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera vows to show everybody what he is really capable of in the ring. The two super feather weight super stars will have their highly anticipated rematch at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on October 6.

In their first encounter, Pacquiao demolished Barrera in eleven rounds by Pacquiao. Barrera claimed that he was distracted because of forest fires that forced him to move his training camp in Los Angeles. The medical tests he had to undergo following claims he had a metal plate inserted to protect his brain several years before also disrupted his training.

However, Barrera has told Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer that, “I am going to show everybody now. The time I was distracted and had issues and so on but this time I know what to do to win.”

Well, we will find out if Barrera has what it takes to take out Pacquiao, when they meet again on October 6. I expect it to be an interesting fight, as Barrera wants to prove that he can beat Pacquiao while manny wants to prove that his win over Barrera was no fluke.

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.

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.

Gorres vs. Guerreo Added to World Cup of Boxing

After his failed bid for the WBO super flyweight world title in the classy presentation of “The Moment of Truth” at the Cebu City Sports Complex last February, Z “The Dream” Gorres wants to gets back into contention for a shot at the IBF title. However, he has first to get over Gerson Guerrero of Mexico on August 11 in Sacramento, California.

According to respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer, Golden Boy Promotions had informed him that the fight contract had been signed and the bout will be part of the “World Cup” of boxing between the Philippines and Mexico.

Gorres' oponent, “El Nene” Guerrero has a record of 33-7 with 25 knockouts. He is coming off back-to-back KO victories over Julio Grimaldo and Lupillo Sanchez. He is known to be a tough fighter who could give Gorres problems. However, Gorres should prevail and set himself up for an IBF title shot if he demonstrates the superb skills he showed against WBO champion Fernando Montiel .

Included in the "World Cup" of boxing card is the eadly young southpaw AJ “Bazooka” Banal. He will fight former WBC light flyweight champion Eric Ortiz on the undercard. The WBO super bantamweight battle between undefeated emerging ring sensation Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and reigning champion Daniel Ponce De Leon will be the main bout of the World Cup.

Former WBC super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa clashes with WBC bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzales in the other title fight on the six-fight extravaganza for the $500,000 trophy studded with diamonds. World-rated Bert Batawang will also slug it out against Francisco Rosas in an IBF light flyweight eliminator while Philippine bantamweight champion Michael Domingo will face Miguel Roman in a super bantamweight bout in the " World Cup" of boxing.

More Pinoy Boxers to Fight in High Profile International Fights

Pinoy boxer, Czar Amonsot has been named as the challenger of WBO lightweight king Michael Katsidis in a 12-round showdown on July 21 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a major development for Philippine boxing as it is uncommon for Pinoy boxers to get a title shot.

Originally, Katsidis was slated to face Joan Guzman last May 26, but the fight was canceled because Guzman suffered an injury while he was in training. On the other hand, Amonsot was slated to defend his WBO Asia-Pacific lightweight crown against Hero Katili in Cebu on July 7. However, in view of this more promising bout, he has too pull out from the fight.

However, this will be an uphill climb for Amonsot as Katsidis, an Australian named 'Rocky,' holds a perfect record of 22 wins with 20 KO's. He gained world prominence following his bout with Graham Earl last February. It was a give-and-take bout now considered by many as a possible Fight of the Year candidate.

AJ 'Bazooka' Banal, an unbeaten young Filipino boxing sensation will get the toughest test in his career when he faces former WBC light-flyweight king Eric Ortiz. The upcoming clash is one of the bouts for the August 11 'World Cup' of boxing at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California.

This bout is a great stepping stone for Banal and he needs to capitalize on this opportunity. A big win over Ortiz will certainly boost his stock and will give him more opportunities and possibly a world title shot in the future.

No Rematch Against Barrera or Marquez for Pacman

Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said that despite the pronouncements of Top Rank promoter Bob Arum that he was working on a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and legendary Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on September 15, either of the fights can't happen.

He explained that on September 15 the current WBC super feather weight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (47-3-1, 35 KO’s) will fight the exciting Jorge “La Hiena” Barrios of Argentina (47-3-1, 34 KP’s) at the plush MGM Grand. He also informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Barrera wants to do “an easy fight next” coming off his tough and classic battle against Marquez.

Schaefer also made it clear, despite claims to the contrary by Arum who is remembered for his classic statement - yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth – that Barrera has “several fights left with us (Golden Boy)” although Arum has spread the word that Barrera is tied down for only one more fight and wanted a rematch with Pacquiao to avenge his November 2003 demolition in San Antonio, Texas.

Well, that means Pacquiao may face Edwin Valero, Joan Guzman or Humberto Soto on September 15. As he has had a tune up fight against Jorge Solis, it's a big possibility that Pacquiao will not fight another tune up opponent. However, I'm not giving up on a rematch yet. After all, a Manny Pacquiao rematch with either Marquez or Barrera is what we boxing fans want.

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....