Showing posts with label Marco Antonio Barrera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marco Antonio Barrera. Show all posts

Friday, January 25, 2008

Marco Antonio Barrera to Make A Splash in Pinoy Ad Market

It seems that the Baby Faced Assassin will grace the Filipino TV screen with his acting talent. Apparently, the Mexican boxing star will test his luck on the Filipino advertisement industry. You can check out this story and other boxing articles at Philboxing.com

The information about this bit of news came from Barrera's cutman, Tony Rivera. Rivera told a reporter that, "It's a done deal,we're just waiting for the paperwork. However, Rivera did not reveal the name of the company that will be promoted by the Mexican legend.

Maybe he wants to enjoy the same success as his compatriot, Erik Morales. El Terrible has starred in a few commercials in the Philippines including a San Miguel Beer commercial with Manny Pacquiao. Here is a video of one of Erik's commercials in the Philippines.



I think Erik looked good looked in that ad with Pinoy boxing star, Manny Pacquiao. Even Freddie Roach was given a break in that one.

Anyway, it seems that Barrera is not going to do ads in the Philippines. Barrera is also interested in investing in the Philippines. He is planning to establish gyms and discover Pinoy boxing talent. He knows by experience that Filipinos have great potential as boxers.

I hope that Barrera will be able to make a commercial in the Philippines. Pinoy boxing fans have a lot of respect for him and will surely welcome him into the country and give him a taste of our hospitality.

Monday, October 8, 2007

PacMan Victorious!


Philippine boxing sensation, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao emerged victorious in his his long anticipated rematch with Mexican great, Marco Antonio Barrera. As most people predicted, Pacquiao came on top as he proved to be the busier and more accurate fighter. However, the fight was different than what most boxing fan expected.

In my observation, there were two main predictions for this long awaited rematch. The first scenario that people expected is similar to their first meeting, Pacquiao would overwhelm Barrera with his superior power and speed ending the fight via TKO. The second scenario was that a more prepared Barrera would use his superior boxing skills to use Pacquiao's aggression against him and earn a decision.

However, the fight was unlike what most boxing fans envision. The match was not the usual exciting and exhilarating Pacquiao fight. Barrera was unwilling to engage Pacquiao and he was waiting for the counter while Pacquiao seems to have abandon his usual attacking style and was more calculating. Pacquaio did not take a lot of risk and did not aggressively attack Barrera. In fact, he seems to be waiting for Barrera to attack. He was using feints and footwork to avoid Barrera's counter and win the decision with his aggressiveness and higher work rate.


In the end, Barrera's unwillingness to mix it up and the Filipino bosing icon's decision to not put a lot of pressure Barrera resulted in a fight that was fought in spurts. Except in a few of the rounds, the fighters would spend most of the round looking for an opening then exchange punches and clinch. Pacquiao was the more accurate and busier fighter in these exchanges and he was taking the fight to Barrera. Barrera seems to be in survival mode as he kept on backpedaling and gave most of the rounds to Pacquiao.

The last two rounds of the fight were probably the most exciting round of the fight. In the eleventh round both fighters opened up as if responding to the crowds hunger for action. Pacquiao manged to open a cut beneath Barrera's right eye. and the fighters end their furious exchange with a clinch. However, Barrera hit Pacquiao with a right hand as referee Tony Weeks was separating them. Pacquiao appeared to have been hurt with the foul as he walked into a neutral corner and one of his knees wobbled.

However, when I watched the replay, Barrera seemed to have only landed a glancing blow and that Pacquiao did a bit of an acting job. Pacquiao may have done a good job of appearing to be hurt because the referee deducted a point from Barrera. In the end, the deduction did not play a very important role other than convince some fans that Barrera can be a dirty fighter because Pacquiao was comfortably ahead in the judges scorecards. Judge Tom Schreck scored the bout 115-112 while judges Jerry Roth and Glenn Trowbridge scored the contest at 118-109 all for The Pinoy boxing star.


I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with the fight. Perhaps it was because I was expecting Pacquiao to go after Barrera and I was waiting for the knock out in every round. Upon further reflection, I realize that Pacquiao made the smart choice by not rushing in against Barrera. The situation in this rematch is different than their first meeting. Manny is now a top fighter and does not need to take the same risks as he did before. He realized that he can probably win the fight by just being busier than Barrera since his opponent does not want to go toe to toe.

Most of his fans want to see the old Pacquaio who was willing to take the punishment in order to dish out his own. However, since he was against a dangerous opponent who wants to counter and survive, he has no choice but to choose the smart strategy. When the Philippine boxing start is up against an opponent who is willing to mis it up then we will see the old Pacmonster again.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Nike Immortalizes Manny Pacquaio's Crest!


A Nike endorsement for Manny Pacquiao has added more glamor to The Pinoy boxing icon's superstar status. Pacquiao will be wearing a red-and-white robe with his personalized crest emblazoned at the back on Oct. 6 when he enters the ring to face Marco Antonio Barrera for the second time.



Mike Friolo designed the crest or coat-of-arms at the Nike Asia-Pacific headquarters in Beaverton,Oregon. The crest was then approved by Pacquiao. The conceptualization and execution process of the design took eight months. Nike also developed an identity mark or logo for the Philippine boxing superstar. The identity mark and crest are featured in Pacquiao dri-fit T-shirts.



Manny Pacquiao's crest is similar to Nike’s execution of the Michael Jordan anniversary shoe because it is full of graphic detail. The Filipino boxing star's 44 wins are depicted in the tattoo-style waves at the top of the crest. Pacquiao's national following is symbolized by six bare fists in arms and the left-handed gloved fist at the center that rises above the rest expresses his punching power. The Filipino flag is represented by the rising sun. The rest of the crest's symbols, as well as downloads,pics and more can be found at:

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Boxing Legends to Visit the Philippines!

Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain announced a few days ago that some boxing greats are scheduled to visit the Philippines to attend the World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention slated from November 11 to 17. Among those scheduled to come is former world heavyweight king, Mike Tyson.

Boxing icons Oscar “Golden Boy” de la Hoya, boxing great Muhammad Ali, Marco Antonio Barrera, Julio Cesar Chavez, Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield are also participating in the country’s hosting of the convention.

Needless to say, the presence of these boxing superstars will make Pinoy boxing fans happy. They may not see some of their boxing heores in action but meeting them alone or seeing them in person will make any Philippine boxing fan's day.

OF course, the convention is not just all about the boxing stars, as the GAB hopes that some of it's proposal will be approved during this event. The proposal on the imposition of a drastic change in a boxer’s contract involving multiple managers is one of the important proposals that the GAB will make.

Pinoy boxing fans will also be treated to 60 rounds of exhibition matches lined up under de la Hoya productions and in coordination with GAB and “WBC Cares.” This matches are meant to drumbeat the event and raise funds for the various projects and community services of the WBC.

Let us hope that this event will be able to help Filipino boxing, benefit our boxers and provide happiness to the legion s of Philippine boxing fans.

Friday, September 7, 2007

More Filipino Boxing Updates

Manny Pacquiao Training Camp


After reaching the halfway point of his training for his rematch against the great Marco Antonio Barrera, Pinoy boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao is on schedule with his preparations. Despite the minor distractions from his Philippine boxing fans and a bout of flu, Pacquiao's weight is now at 136 pounds. This means that he will be able to make the 130 lb. limit for the rematch with Barrera. Manny Pacquiao's current weight also places him way below the maximum 143 pounds or 64.864 kilos set by the WBC for a fighter to weigh 30 days before a fight under the super featherweight division.

According to WBC Rule 4.6, fighters should undergo compulsory "safety weigh-ins" 30 days and seven days prior to their fights. This rule was instituted in 1997 and was ratified during the 2nd WBC World Boxing Medical Congress last April 30 in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It addresses the safety concerns involved in a boxer losing too much weight during intense training.


Denoy Scheduled to Defend Title in Thailand

Reigning WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight Along Denoy will defend his title in a rematch with Kaichon Sor Vorapin that will be held in Bangkok on October 3. Denoy took the tile away from Kaichon last July 13 with a spectacular fifth round TKO win.

This will be the third meeting between Philippine boxing prospect, Denoy and Kaichon. Denoy lost by a sixth round technical decision in their first encounter on July 8, 2005. Denoy currently has a record of 15-6-1 with 8 knockouts while Kaichon who has a record of 25-10 with 9 knockouts.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Trouble in Pacquiao Training Camp!

Philippine boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao's training camp experienced a bit of trouble a few days ago. The cause of the trouble was the huge turnout of spectators who came to the gym to watch Pacquiao in training. Pinoy boxing fans numbering over a hundred flocked the Rex 'Wakee' Salud gym, raising questions as to why they were allowed inside the heavily-guarded gym while Pacquiao was training.

Understandably, highly respected boxing trainer Freddie Roach was not pleased with the distractions to Pacquiao's training. Roach was so frustrated with the lack of security in the gym that he has threatened to pull-out and return to Los Angeles. Although Roach appreciate the love and support of the fans, he has no choice but to limit the number of gym spectators.

In response to Roach's complaint, Gym owner Rex 'Wakee' Salud, promised to impose a "No Pass, No Entry" policy. Roach has expressed that Salud should keep his promise to prevent fans from jamming the gym and effectively distracting Pacquiao or he will go back to the US. He is also implementing a no-video camera policy when it comes to Pacquiao's sparring sessions.

Fortunately, Rex 'Wakee' Salud has made good on his promise to keep the fans away from Pacquiao's training. Those who were not part of Team Pacquiao were kept outside the gym when Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao started his 3PM workout with Freddie Roach.

This is exactly why many Pinoy boxing fans were concerned when Pacquiao decided to train in the Philippines. We know that Pacquiao couldn’t focus on his first fight against Erik “El Terrible” Morales and eventually lost when fans crowded the Wild Card Gym.

I am also concerned with reports that Pacquiao is playing basketball while in the midst of his training. He may suffer an unnecessary injury and this kinds of activities will divert his focus from his upcoming bout. Let us hope that Pacquiao will focus all his energies into his training and get into the best shape possible when he meets Marco Antonio Barrera for the second time.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Early August Philippine Boxing Updates

Manny Pacquiao Training Update:

Pinoy boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao has began the sparring phase of his training for his scheduled rematch against Mexican legend, Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao sparred three rounds with David Rodela at the RWS Gym. The Philippine boxing hero is slowly picking up the tempo in preparation for his upcoming megabout against Barrera and weighed around 137 pounds after his workout.

Celebrated American boxing trainer Freddie Roach gave his brightest pupil a satisfactory grade in his first sparring session yesterday. However, he admitted that the Philippine boxing hero still has a lot of things to work out in order to emerge victorious in his upcoming match.

Roach commented that Manny, "got hit several times, but we're not rushing things for him. He'll get better. We've got a couple of guys coming in. I'm very happy though for the first day. He's very good."

However, Roach said that the game plan this time is to gog for the kill against Marco Antonio Barrera using body shots. He explained that, "Breaking fighters down is the key. I think that's how we gonna win this fight, with body shots"

I hope that everything works well with Manny's training and that he can finally focus on how to win his upcoming fight. There has been many delays with his training and holding his training in the Philippines may not be the best option for him. He still holds the advantage over Barrera but he needs to have a good training camp to ensure victory.

Pacquiao-Barrera II Undercard

It has been announced that two outstanding Pinoy boxing prospects from the Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao will see action in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Marco Antonio Barrera rematch.

Glenn Gonzales and Jundy Maraon will be included in the preliminary bouts. Glenn Gonzales is a 22 year old featherweight prospect with a record of 6 wins, 1 draw, 4 KO's. He is the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight Asia-Pacific Interim champion. On the other hand,Maron is a 22 year old bantamweight with a record of 11 wins, 1 draw, and 9 KO's. Pacquiao wants to give these promising boxers a chance to get a break in the lucrative American boxing market.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Marquez Wants Pacquaio After Juarez

After WBC Super Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez's upcoming defense against Rocky Juarez, he wants to have a re-match against Pinoy boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao.

Manny and Juan have unfinished business to revolve according to Ignacio Beristain, the manager of Marquez. According to Beristain, it shouldn’t be too difficult to arrange now that the problems between Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank are resolved. Interestingly, it was Beristain who refused the offer for a rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez after the boxers fought to a draw.

Of course, Juan has to defeat Rocky Juarez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on September 15th, if he wants a rematch against Pacquiao. Rocky Juarez is the replacement for Jorge Barrios, who showed eye troubles after a medical examination and had to withdraw. Juan Manuel marquez will be on the United States until Sunday because he will be leading the Mexican team which will contest the Boxing World Cup against the Philippines.

Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, has began his training at the famed Wild Card gym. He has finally arrived in Los Angeles last night to begin the 7 week training for his rematch against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Pacquiao started his first day of training with a short jogging stint around his apartment at the La Brea district in Los Angeles. Pacquiao and his trainers, Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri proceeded to the Wildcard Gym to begin his official training after the Pacman had a short rest and a light breakfast. His training sessions consisted of stretching, single and double speed bag, shadow boxing and body conditioning.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Manny's Arrival Relieves Freddie Roach

Upon hearing that Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao will be in Los Angeles today, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach can now ease his worries. He is currently with Team Philippines in Sacramento as the Pinoy boboxing starts prepares for the World Cup showdown with Mexico at the Arco Arena this weekend.

According to Rob Peters, one of Roach’s assistants at the Wild Card Gym, he was going to pick up Pacquiao at the airport. Freddie Roach and all the people at the gym were reportedly "very happy" that Pacquiao was finally in Los Angeles and ready to begin training for the rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6 after so many postponements.

It is estimated that Pacquiao will be able to get in shape for Barrera in seven weeks. Since Manny works so hard when he is in training camp, seven weeks will be enough. Meanwhile, Barrera is said to have already begun training and was also "considering going up to Big Bear" where he used to train before. This is unexpected since Barrera had to abandon the training camp because of raging forest fires in the area prior to his first clash with Pacquiao.

"World Cup" of Boxing Update

It has been announced that the Bert Batawang-Gerardo Verde IBF eliminator has been canceled. Since Verde did not pass medical test due to detached retinas, he cannot compete in the event. This means that the World Cup will only have six fights.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Gorres Will Fight in the "World Cup" of Boxing

Z "The Dream" Gorres has been cleared to fight in the World Cup this upcoming Saturday. Since, Gorres' injury has completely healed, Dr. Steinschriber, the eye specialist has given the go signal for him to fight this Saturday.

Gorres' participation in the World Cup was nearly canceled after it was found that his retina a minor tear. Gorres had been advised to return to Dr. Steinschriber's clinic today for a final clearance, after being examined and treated by the eye specialist.

Meanwhile, Team Philippines has arrived in Sacramento. The Pinoy boxing team members are confident of pulling off an upset when they challenge Mexico's dominance in the World Cup of Boxing to be held at the Arco Arena on August 11. Mexico currently holds the title after thrashing Thailand in the inaugural staging of the World Cup.

Manny Pacquiao Update:

Pinoy boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao has finally left Manila for Los Angeles to begin training for his rematch against Barrera. Pacquiao's trainer, Buboy Fernandez is accompanying him on this trip. They are expected to land in LA Tuesday evening.

Pacquiao's departure for the US has been postponed at least four times. The scheduled press conference of his upcoming fight with Barrera at the plush Beverly Hills hotel jointly organized by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank has been canceled due to these delays.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

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.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

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.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Pacman vs. Baby Faced Assasin 2!

Manny Pacquiao is all set for tuning up for another super fight now that all the lawsuits have been settled. The Filipino junior lightweight superstar is set to leave the Philippines for the US this week to start training at the Wild Card Gym. He is scheduled for a rematch against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada in Oct. 6.

Now that he has no major distractions, Manny can focus on his training for a big money fight. As for his motivation, he could earn between $6 million to $10 million in purse prize alone for the upcoming super fight and plenty more if he can win it in impressive fashion.

All I can say with this matter is, "lets get it on!!!" This fight is winnable for Manny, basing on their first encounter, where he destroyed Barrera in eleven rounds. However, that was a few years ago and things have changed. Maybe Barrera can pull it off or maybe Pacquiao will destroy him in fewer rounds. I guess we can only truly tell when the two fighters meet and slug it out inside the ring.

Friday, June 29, 2007

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.

Friday, June 8, 2007

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.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

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.



Monday, May 28, 2007

Pacquiao Declines to Fight Marquez

Richard Schaefer, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, expressed his surprise upon being informed that Many Pacquiao signed a three-paragraph letter to the WBC prepared by his adviser Michael Koncz. The letter informed WBC president Jose Sulaiman that Pacquiao was relinquishing his mandatoru status and the WBC was free to name someone else in his place.

The letter is a response
to Sulaiman's calle for free negotiations or if it didn’t work, a purse bid on June 18. In effect, The Pacman has turned down a mandatory title shot at reigning WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

There are some speculations why Pacquiao would decline such a tempting offer. The first is that Team Pacquiao is not willing to accept the
usual 75-25 percent split of the purse between the champion and challenger. However the challenger would usually ask the WBC to change the purse split and the WBC usually does it in cases where the challenger is so well known.

Since Team Pacquiao dismissed the offer without making any effort, suspicions abound that the decision to decline the offer was from Bob Arum.
It is probable that Arum would want to have Pacquiao pullout since he had earlier wanted the WBC to name Humberto Soto whom he handles, as the mandatory challenger. Soto won a title eliminator against Ivan Valle several months ago. Should Soto beat Bobby Pacquiao in their June 9 clash at Madison Square Garden, he would be elevated to mandatory challenger status against Marquez.

Schaefer is now planning to sit down with Marco Antonio Barrera from whom Marquez won the title earlier this year to discuss the possibility of a rematch in view of Pacquiao’s decision not to fight Marquez. Golden Boy promotions have several other options including Jorge Barrios, Rocky Juarez, Joan Guzman or Edwin Valero should Barrera not wish to do the fight.



Thursday, May 24, 2007

Juan Manuel Marquez: Pacquiao is My Top Priority

A fight against Pacquiao is his top priority, and something that should be given to the boxing fans, according to Juan Manuel Marquez, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) super-featherweight champion. He also told compatriot Humberto Soto that he should fall in line and wait for his turn to fight Pacquiao.

However, he understands that a fight with Pacquiao is now at the hands of their respective handlers, and that the details are just being ironed out. A fight with Pacquiao is at the top of his plans for September 15 titular defense set for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Marquez also announced that he would be more than willing to give Marco Antonio Barrera a rematch. However, he says he is the champion and there are other big fights out there that can be made if the former champion wants to move in another direction.

As a boxing fan, I can say that I am excited for this fight to happen. Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a draw in their first meeting so a rematch is long overdue. Pacquiao probably has the advantage in this fight because he is younger and has improved tremendously since his first boiut against Marquez. On the other hand, Marquez is a very skilled and tough fighter who is coming of a huge win over Barrera so he cannot be counted out. Pacquiao has also been distracted in his distracted with his political campaign and he needs to be in his best if he want s to beat an elite fighter like Marquez.



Wednesday, May 23, 2007

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.



Monday, May 21, 2007

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.