PACQUIAO FIGHT UPDATES

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2011-04-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

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No trash talk needed to promote the fight

2011-04-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, last fought in November 13, 2010 against Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito. Prior to the fight, there were a lot of trash talks and Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach ,was mocked by Margarito and his friend boxer Brandon Rios because of the coach’s Parkinson’s disease. On that fight, Margarito had to go through 12 punishing rounds, suffered a broken orbital bone and went to a Dallas hospital right after the fight. Margarito almost got blind with that barrage of punches Manny Pacquiao gave to him. During that fight, Shane Mosley was at the sideline watching Pacquiao display his skills. He then discussed with Pacman’s promoter, Bob Arum, presenting himself as the next opponent of the 8-division world champion.

Pacquiao and Mosley showing respect at each other

Pacquiao and Mosley showing respect at each other

Shane Mosley got Pacquiao’s nod and helped in the promotion of the Pacquiao-Mosley fight. There were no trash talks at all and both boxers showed respect at each other. Mosley believes that it probably wasn’t worth inciting Pacquiao if he were to fight him.

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and “Sugar” Shane Mosley believes there is no need to talk trash or ridicule each other just to sell the fight. They are both popular boxers and have distinctions in the sport. The only fireworks that will happen will be in the ring at the MGM Grand Arena on May 7.

Sugar Shane and Pacman were correct in being respectful with each other. They distributed about 98% of the tickets within 3 hours after it was sold to the public. The MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas has a seating capacity of over 17,000, which is not as large as the venue of Pacquiao’s last two fights, Dallas Cowboys Stadium which can accommodate over 70,000 viewers. The good thing about the Las Vegas venue is that they can sell tickets at a higher price and hotels also take advantage from it.

“I may trash talk a little bit” according to Freddie Roach (while laughing), in an interview by Las Vegas Review-Jounal. “But I do think my guy will knock Mosley out.”

Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach are already in the second phase of their training. They are in Hollywood, California at Roach’s Wild Card Gym and are closing their doors to the public so they can work out a plan on how to defeat Mosley. They are not taking Shane lightly. Shane is now training in Big Bear, California with Naazim Richardson. The Pomona native can punch in both hands and if Pacquiao is not careful, he might get tagged by a solid punch and lose in a knockout.

Many are already excited to watch the Pacquiao-Mosley fight. For those who want to buy the remaining tickets you may buy it at TicketNetwork.com.

Fans were complaining, tickets for the Pacquiao-Mosley fight hasn't been given yet even if it's already paid

2011-04-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Plenty of tickets were allegedly sold by MGM Grand Hotel and Casino for the Manny Pacquiao-Sugar Shane Mosley WBO world welterweight title fight this coming May 7.

According to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, right now the MGM Grand have endured to recover all their excessive sold tickets because many people who have bought tickets earlier have been complaining that until now tickets weren't given to them even if they have already paid for it.

If you remember, on the first three hours of ticket selling for the Pacquiao-Mosley fight, Top Rank have announced that almost 1,000 tickets were only left for more than 17,000 seating capacity of the MGM Grand Arena and two months before the fight the tickets have already been sold.

According to report from Las Vegas, Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s boxing matches were the only main events that could fill up the entire boxing arena in Las Vegas.

Additional report was told that even the bout of WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and Mark Maidana, Mandalay Bay was giving away more free tickets just to fill up the arena.

This situation also happened in the "Action Heroes" pay-per-view card wherein the main event of former three-division world champion Eric Morales against Marcos Maidana this coming Saturday at the MGM Grand Arena.

What if Clottey beats Pacquiao, What Then?

2010-01-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

What are the ramifications for Manny Pacquiao if Ghanian Joshua Clottey defeats him at the Cowboy’s stadium on March 13th. Will Pacquiao’s world come tumbling down around him like Tysons did in 1990, when massive underdog James Buster Dougles knocked him out in the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan.

What will happen with the much anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather mega-fight? A sure matchup between Tyson and Holyfield was in tatters after Iron Mike’s defeat in Tokyo. The bout did take place six years later, but Tyson’s antics outside the ring had a huge part to play. Nevertheless had Mike Tyson not been sent to Prison a Holyfield bout would have been somewhat in the distance, as he was already rebuilding his career after the Dougles defeat.

Clottey has only fought a few top tier opponents during his career, losing to two of them, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto. But on occasions fighters rise above, sometimes a fighter has that one moment that defines his career. When against all the odds everything falls into place for him, what better motivation does Joshua Clottey need than sharing a ring with the hugely popular pound for pound king and staged in one of the greatest venues on the planet.

Tommy “The Duke” Morrison was all but ready for a fight with Riddick Bowe until he ran into the right hand of Michell Bentt and was blown away in the first round when the two met in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1993.

You could be forgiven for thinking Wladimir Klitschko was on a collision course with WBC heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, only for Mr Sanders to spoil the party knocking Wladimir out in the second round in Germany, 2003.

Zab Judah was somewhat fortunate to keep the fight with Flod Mayweather on track, considering three months earlier he lost his WBC welterweight title to Carlos Baldomir. But with the defeat the fight lost something and did not seem as important on the greater scheme of things. I have no doubt Miguel Cotto would have shared a ring with Oscar De La Hoya had he got past Antonio Margarito.

And Roy Jones Jr losing to Danny Green could have upset the applecart with a Bernard Hopkins fight on the horizon, and probably would have if it occurred five or six years ago, but this fight is all about cashing in. So was never in doubt from the fighters standpoint.

The list goes on, boxing has no script. Anything can happen anywhere, anytime and more importantly to anyone. It’s happened to the best of them and if it happens to the Pac-Man he won’t be the last.

Obviously if Clottey where to win a rematch would be imminent, and that very clause probably resides tucked away in some filing cabinet as of writing (sending a Pacquiao – Mayweather bout even further into the distance). Another opportunity to face the biggest name in boxing, and be in a position to get a bigger slice of the cake, it would be the best offer out there for the Clottey. I’m guessing he would also want to prove the first fight was no fluke either.

Pacquiao-Clottey, and Pacquiao-Morales IV Pacquiao should be ashamed of sparring a 0-6 fighter

2010-01-30T03:12:00.000-08:00

January 29th, 2010 | by Quentin Reed

“Don’t listen to their words, fix your attention on their deeds.” —Albert Einstein

So I wake up this morning on this beautiful sunny day in Southern California doing my normal daily routine. A routine that consisted of me signing online checking the OfficialScoreCard web site, my GMail, Twitter, & Face Book accounts just like any other day. Then after I checked those sites I went to BoxingScene.com and to my surprise I see a headline entitled “Manny Pacquiao Gives His Sparring Partner a Beating”.

I was anxious to read the article because I wanted to hear exaclty what kind of damage it was that Manny inflicted on this “sparring partner”. Apparently “Pacquiao dished out a beating to Brooks” claimed Freddie Roach and on the surface it appeared as if Manny Pacquiao had just destroyed a top prospect or legitimate contender. But waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt a minute boys & girls, if you actually look through the “SMOKE SCREENS” blown out by Team Pacquiao, you will see that Bryan Brooks is no more than an 0-6-1 fighter who has been knocked out twice in his minimal career by 2 fighters who were fighting in their pro debuts.

On top of all that, Brooks hasn’t fought in 5 years. His last fight was in 2005 in which he fought to a draw.

Wait it gets better, Brooks was born in September of 1970. Now I am no Calculus Major, but if my math serves me correctly, Brooks should be 39 years of age quickly approaching the tender age of 40.

Why would Freddie Roach release statements to the media about Manny beating up a sparring partner of this caliber? Is this really news?

Are we supposed to bow down and praise Manny Pacquiao for beating up a guy in sparring with a record of 0-6-1 and hasn’t been in a proffesional fight in 5 years. Also, Brooks has never been in a proffesional fight longer than 4 rounds.

Is Team Pacquiao THAT desperate to get attention to the Pacquiao-Clottey fight that they have to make Pacquiao’s sparring sessions seem larger than life?

Maybe Top Rank & the rest of Team Pac are realizing the fight everyone is now interested in is the Mayweather-Mosley fight and they are grasping at straws trying to get any attention they possibly can?

WBC NAMES PACQUIAO 'BOXER OF THE YEAR'

2010-01-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 30 Jan 2010

The World Boxing Council has named pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao as "The Boxer of the Year" following his devastating victories over Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton and WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto last year.

The WBC saluted Pacquiao who has set a record of winning seven world titles in seven different weight divisions and as the First Diamond World Champion of the pre-eminent boxing organization and holder of the very first and historic Diamond green and gold belt.

WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman made the announcement based on voting by the World Boxing Council, Mexican journalists and fans through the WBC website. Sulaiman said the awardees would be hnored in a special gala ceremony in February although no date has been set as yet.

Named "World Champion of the Year" is the king of the heavyweights, Vitali Klitschko, of Ukraine, with a total of three defenses which was more than the usual number of title dvefenses by a heavyweight within within such period of time.

Klitschko knocked out Juan Carlos Gomez and Chris Arreola in March and September, respectively, and also defeated Kevin Johnson in a very clear decision.

Undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr won the award for the "Comeback of the Year". Mayweather returned almost two years after he announced his retirement and scored a lopsided unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.

Mayweather has won five championships as well as five green and gold belts in five different WBC divisions, having faced rivals of the highest level of recognition in the world.

Voted the "Revelation of the Year" was Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, of Mexico, with a record of 30 wins, 22 of them by knockout and a draw.

With seven wins in the year “Canelo” has already become an idol of Mexican fans.

Pacquiao hurts sparring mate

2010-01-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

by Joseph Pimentel, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau | 01/29/2010 6:23 PM

LOS ANGELES, California -- Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao concluded his first day of sparring on Thursday (Friday in Manila) by dominating journeyman boxer Bryan Brooks in four rounds.

“I feel good. I’m very well conditioned. My opponent was big. I did well against him. I’m happy and my coach is happy,” said Pacquiao.

Roach said Pacquiao followed the game plan well during the four-round sparring session. He also said Brooks was hurt a few times while sparring with the pound-for-pound king.

“[Pacquiao] did really well. He’s already following the game plan. This was a good sparring partner for Shane Mosley but I don’t think I’m going to bring him back… he got hurt a few times. Manny was too much for him,” he said.

He added: "Yes, he did whatever he wanted too. He was playing with him a little bit. He likes to play with his audience a little bit … overall, it was a great day."

Pacquiao will be facing Joshua Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on March 13.

The 7-time world champion is heavily favored to win the bout but Roach is not taking any precautions. He did not allow any media members to film the sparring session or mitt work.

Pacquiao also believes they have their work cut out for them. He said Clottey is a tough, durable opponent. In 39 fights, the boxer from Ghana has never been knocked out.

“Clottey is strong and sturdy. He can take a punch and has a good defense. This is not going to be an easy fight,” said the Filipino.

Roach said that the key to beat Clottey is Pacquiao’s quickness

“Don’t stand in front of him. Use lateral movement, in-and-outs and side-to-side pretty much because he’s a big strong guy but again boxing ability is going to win this, not size,” said Roach.

If Thursday’s sparring session was an indicator of how the fight will be against Clottey, then Clottey has his work cut out for him.
as of 01/30/2010 12:11 AM

10 questions going into the Pacquiao-Clottey fight

2010-01-29T03:06:00.000-08:00

Posted Jan. 27, 2010 at 01:27am
By Michael Rosenthal
Buzz up!
1. Is Clottey a worthy opponent? Short answer: yes. Pacquiao is THE RING’s No. 1-rated welterweight; Clottey is No. 5. That’s a good matchup. The Ghanian is coming off a loss to Miguel Cotto, one of the most-respected fighters in the world, but some believe he did enough to win a close decision. Clottey has never been knocked out and has good defensive skills, which means he’ll probably survive at least until the late rounds. That said, it’s difficult to get excited about Clottey’s chances or the fighter himself. He’s merely a very good boxer with pretty good power, which won’t be enough to stave off a fierce, quick-handed marvel like Pacquiao. The Filipino is roughly a 4-1 favorite for a reason. And Pacquiao went from Floyd Mayweather Jr. to a relative unknown for his opponent. A drop off that enormous will limit the buzz surrounding the fight.

2. Can Pacquiao hurt Clottey? Pacquiao has faced two welterweights. One, Oscar De La Hoya, could barely fight back. The other, Cotto, doesn’t have the best chin in the world. Clottey is different. The reason he has never been knocked out is he can take a punch. He has proved that over and over again. Thus, there is a very real possibility that the Clottey will remain standing for the full 12 rounds. I don’t see that happening, though. I believe Pacquiao has legitimate welterweight power. Plus, Clottey has never seen this kind of hand speed or punches coming from so many unpredictable directions. The punches that hurt opponents most are the ones they don’t see coming. Pacquiao might not take Clottey out with one punch but an accumulation of them should do the job. If not? Doesn’t matter. Pacquiao will just outbox his inferior foe.

3. Are Pacquiao’s last four victories misleading because of the opposition? Pacquiao supporters will roll their eyes when they read this but it’s a legitimate question. Diaz is good but limited; De La Hoya had nothing left; Hatton was overrated and some will argue that Cotto never fully recovered from the beating he took from Margarito. So what does that say about Pacquiao? Not much. As his trainer, Freddie Roach, has pointed out, we thought these opponents were all pretty good going into their meetings with Pacquiao. It was afterward, for the most part, that we began to question to them. Clottey might actually be the most-difficult to criticize even after the fact because he has had a fine career and has shown no signs of decline. Still, some will find serious fault with him and anyone else Pacquiao fights short of Mayweather or Mosley. The bottom line is that he’s destroying whomever they put in front of him. Let’s enjoy it.

4. Has Pacquiao’s reputation taken a hit after the failed negotiations with Mayweather? I don’t think so. Most fans seemed to blame Mayweather for the impasse, insisting that he was out of line to make blood-testing demands outside normal protocol even though Pacquiao has never failed a drug test. I also don’t think many people believe he has taken performance-enhancing drugs. Most adhere to the innocent-until-proven-guilty philosophy, which is the only fair approach to take. Undoubtedly, a small percentage feel strongly that he should’ve taken the blood test two weeks before the fight if he had nothing to hide. And a smaller percentage, those convinced he couldn’t have such success at heavier weights without some help, will accuse Pacquiao of wrong doing. That’s a very small group, though. He is relatively unscathed.

5. Will Pacquiao suffer a letdown after his epic showdown with Mayweather fell through? Not a chance. Pacquiao is the most-focused, most-professional boxer I’ve ever seen in spite of myriad distractions. In part, that’s just how he is. He is so committed that he left his homeland and traveled halfway around the world seeking a good trainer simply because he wanted to tap into what he knew was vast potential. The fact he has the hopes and dreams of an entire nation on his shoulders also is an immensely powerful motivating factor. He knows too much is riding on every fight to let down. And even if he were to slip up, Roach would be there to give him a good kick in the behind. Pacquiao will be as ready as ever on March 13.

6. Could Pacquiao’s demanding schedule the past few years catch up to him? Pacquiao, 31, hasn’t had a particularly hard fight since the rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez in March of 2008. He cruised past David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, although the first few rounds against Cotto were brutal. However, Pacquiao, one of the hardest workers in the world, has been training diligently to perfect his craft for 15 years without a significant break. That includes countless sparring sessions in which he has absorbed considerable punishment. Also, no one has a more hectic and demanding personal schedule than the Filipino idol. It’s not farfetched to wonder whether all of the above will take a toll on him at some point.

7. How many people will attend the fight at the new Cowboys Stadium in Dallas? An estimated 20,000 tickets were sold the first day they were available. That’s probably a tribute to Pacquiao’s growing popularity in the U.S., a large number of boxing-friendly Latinos in the Dallas area, a strong sports culture in Texas and the novelty of the first boxing card there. The stadium reportedly will be configured for 45,000 seats. I doubt that many people will buy tickets but I won’t be surprised to see a large crowd. I suspect the atmosphere will be festive but those in attendance shouldn’t necessarily expect electricity. I attended the Wladimir Klitschko-Ruslan Chagaev fight at a packed 60,000-seat soccer stadium in Germany and the energy dwindled to nothing when it became clear that Klitschko was going to win easily. Then again, the 126,000-seat Estadio Azteca in Mexico City rocked throughout the Julio Cesar Chavez-Greg Haugen fight.

8. How many pay-per-view buys will the fight generate? Pacquiao-Mayweather, featuring the two biggest pay-per-view draws in the U.S., might’ve smashed records by generating a record 3 million-plus buys. Pacquiao-Clottey? I think 800,000-900,000 –- or just shy of the 1 million Pacquiao-Cotto drew -- is realistic. Clottey isn’t nearly the attraction Cotto is in part because he doesn’t have a Latino fan base in the U.S. However, the fascination with Pacquiao is still growing and the unusual venue -– Cowboys Stadium -– adds to the appeal of the event. Plus, Antonio Margarito’s return from suspension would give the show a significant bump if he receives a license in Texas.

9. What if Pacquiao wins? Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, has come up with a fascinating plan to have his star attraction fight Antonio Margarito this year if the disgraced Mexican fighter receives a license in Texas. That would be a very lucrative matchup. The fact Margarito would be returning from his suspension in California –- for illegal hand wraps -– and a large following among Mexicans and Mexican-Americans would make him a hot commodity and the fight much more attractive than Pacquiao-Clottey. Thus, we might be looking at 2011 for the Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown. That’s assuming neither of the star participants slips up in the meantime and can get past blood-testing issues in the end.

10. What if Clottey wins? A Clottey victory would turn the boxing world upside down. Suddenly, the sport’s most-popular figure would be exposed as human after all and lose the remarkable momentum that has experts comparing him to the greatest fighters of all time. The landscape would be far less interesting, to say the least. Pacquiao would remain an attraction –- particularly if he could beat Clottey in a rematch -– but he probably would never be quite the same. Pacquiao-Mayweather or Pacquiao-Mosley would still be big but, with a diminished Pacquiao, wouldn’t smash pay-per-view records. Clottey would set himself up for some healthy paydays but will never be a true star. This is fantasy, though: Clottey isn’t going to win.

Michael Rosenthal can be reached at RingTVeditor@yahoo.com

Pacquiao – Clottey “The Event” and what’s good for boxing

2010-01-29T03:04:00.001-08:00

Posted on Jan. 29th, 2010 by DB News Room
Pacquiao – Clottey “The Event” and what’s good for boxing

By: Albert Alvarez

Pacquiao Vs. Clottey- The Event scheduled on March 13th Live from Cowboys Stadium, will be Pacquiao’s toughest fight. I have been hearing and reading that many believe that this will be an easy fight for the Pac-Man. Many are even saying that Pacquiao is going to knock out Clottey. As much as I love the Pac-Man’s fire assault that he brings, I just feel that Clottey is going to be at his very best. Clottey feels that he has been overlooked alot, a whole lot, Clottey also has been hearing that he can not step on the gas when needed. I am expecting a very determined and trigger happy Clottey to appear come March 13. Pacquiao will need to dart in and out with his blazing speed and fire out his deadly combinations. I see a very close fight that could very well go either way, the fact that Pacquiao has never met anyone close to the style of Clottey, and the fact that Clottey has never faced a anyone close to the style of Pacquiao, makes it harder to pick a winner in this one. The Event can not get here soon enough.

Allan Green to seize the Opportunity- When the Super 6 tournament was first announced, I was loving the idea, I just was not loving the idea of Allan Green not being included. With Jermain Taylor exiting the tournament, Allan Green will now make his entrance. Green will enter the tournment in April, in April Green will take on a major player on the rise in Andre Ward Live from Oaktown. Green will have his hands full with Ward, Tarvis Simms gave Green some trouble this past October, Ward, like Simms is a thinking boxer that can adjust and dig into his bag of tricks. Green, however is coming to the west coast to make a statement. Should be a great battle.

I want Gamboa/Lopez now and not later- I thought that the whole idea of pinning Lopez and Gamboa in these double headers was to pair them up to do battle this year in 2010, and not in 2011. I’m hearing that Uncle Bob stated that we can F ourselves and that he would rather build this into the greatest featherweight fight of all time. I am all for building up a pebble into a mountain, but unless Uncle Bob is planning to keep Gamboa and Lopez undefeated until the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend of 2011, then what’s the point? I feel that both fighters are hot right now so now is the time to strike while the iron is hot. I would say that it would be best to do another double header with both fighters some time in May, then Gamboa vs. Lopez towards the end of the year. This is a fight that fans want to see, this is a fight that fans want to see now, and not 1 or 2 years from now. In order for our beloved sport to continue to bloom, we must keep watering it daily. The second we take a day off just to do what benefits Uncle Bob’s pockets the most, that is when the sport will live in it’s final days and will no longer continue to grow. I was very turned off by his comment, as you can tell. I feel that giving the fans what they want is always the way to go. Especially the hardcore Fans, the hardcore fans are the most loyal in the sport. Bob has been in this business a long time, so I know that Bob knows what he is doing. In saying that, I don’t tend to wonder much about what Bob has in store for us. The one thing that I find myself wondering about these days is, What will Bob then do when Chris John and Celestino Caballero join forces to run a smear campaign on Gamboa/Lopez 2011? Is keeping Gamboa and Lopez far away from John and Caballero in Bob’s plans? I sure hope not, because that would also be cheating out the fans out of great potential fights.

Boxing News www.diamondboxing.com

MANNY PACQUIAO: A PRAYER WARRIOR, AIN’T NEED A METH

2010-01-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

By Samuel H. Cilocilo
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Jan 2010

Dauis, Bohol - The “Black Mamba“, Floyd’s uncle, Roger Mayweather recent baseless verbal fuselage against Pacman that he’s into PEDs like the Filipinos “500 years ago against the American soldiers“ smacks of historical ignorance and prison cell paranoia.

He should check the Bible and history books.

Pacman’s secret weapon is prayer to the source of all power - the God of the universe.

His motivation and assurances?, “ If God helps my ring battle, I am invincible..?(.Romans 8:31) and.. not by boxing skill and power or ring savvy but God’s power …..(Zech 4:6)

If you have the ultimate power from God who needs poor substitutes as PEDs?

Uncle Roger should know that during the Philippine-American War 100 years ago, (1899-1902) the Pinoys employed mostly bolo, balut and bravado against the Yankees.

Pacquiao was recently made an adopted son of Bohol. He has now in his BLOOD the courage and invincibility of Dagohoy who led the longest revolt in Philippine history against the Spanish rule for 85 years (1744-1829).

Is it any wonder the “Black Mamba” is crazy to subject Pacquiao to Olympic-style blood test?

Yes. PED is indispensable in boxing.. Prayer Eliminates Detractors.

PACQUIAO TO GET CRACKING ON TUESDAY

2010-01-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 25 Jan 2010

Manny Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king and boxing icon will get cracking in his preparation for “The Event” with former world champion Joshua Clottey at the state-of-the-art $1.2 billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium on March 13, on Tuesday, Manila Time.

When Pacquiao walks into Freddie Roach’s Gym at around 1:00 p.m. he will see people walking out because that’s the way Roach wants it. He knows how serious the fight against Clottey is and he is not taking any chances although he knows Pacquiao likes training with his fans around him.

Nobody but the most essential members of Team Pacquiao will be allowed into the Wild Card Gym when Pacquiao is training but there’s no word on who will be allowed in with rumors typical of the Pacquiao camp claiming that Manny’s trusted adviser Michael Koncz won’t be allowed in. If by chance the rumor turns out to be true then it will be a test of just how much Pacquiao is in control of his own training camp.

Conditioning expert Alex Ariza who had a minor altercation with Koncz during the Baguio City training camp as Pacquiao prepared for the WBO welterweight title fight against Joshua Clottey told us he hadn’t seen Koncz the two days that Pacquiao worked out at the gym but didn’t wish to say anything that could spark unnecessary tension within Team Pacquiao.

Pacquiao himself has told us more than once that he trusts Koncz, values his loyalty and says Koncz does what he asks him to.

For his part Koncz looks after Pacquiao’s needs 24/7 and doesn’t bother about anybody else, except perhaps Manny’s wife Jinkee, or what anybody else has to say.

Ariza said they took a day off Sunday which is normal but that they would get cracking on Monday as both he and Roach realize they cannot take Clottey for granted because a hungry fighter is always a dangerous opponent.

Ariza said he would know about who Roach has picked as sparring partners for Pacquiao even as there were indications he could start sparring sooner than later because the seven division world champion looked like he hadn’t taken a break after the November 13 fight against Cotto.

Ariza told us he plans to get Pacquiao working on his rigorous strength and conditioning exercises on Monday when he shows up at the gym.

Meaning of 'Emmanuel' and 'Joshua'

2010-01-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

Joshua Clottey and Manny Pacquiao (AP)

Intro: Boxing fans are looking forward to the anticipated match-up simply dubbed as "The Event" between the Philippines' Manny Pacquiao and Ghana's Joshua Clottey. Tickets went on sale over the weekend for the March 13th fight that will take place at the $1.2 billion Texas Cowboys Stadium.

Similarities & Differences

There are little similarities between these fighters labeled as the "Pacman" and the "Grand Master." Pacquiao has ascended through the weight ranks all the way from light flyweight to welterweight. On the other hand, Clottey is a fairly sizeable 5'8" welterweight who may weigh in as much as 170 lbs during fight night.

The Philippine-based boxer typically trains in California in preparation for his boxing matches. While the Ghana, Africa native has relocated to, and trains in, New York on the U.S. east coast.

Ghana is a geographically small country on the western coast of Africa with a population of nearly 24 million. On the other hand, the Philippines is an archipelago comprising of over 7,000 islands and consists of a population approaching 100 million. Pacquiao sports a 50-3-2 record and will likely retire sometime in 2010. Clottey, who hails from Accra, Ghana, goes into the March bout with a 35-2 record and likely has a few years of boxing ahead of him at both welterweight and junior middleweight.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Fight Full Replay Video (UPDATED)

2009-11-27T04:15:00.000-08:00

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PACQUIAO VERSUS COTTO FIGHT REPLAY VIDEOS (UPDATED!)

2009-11-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

Pacquiao-Cotto (Fight Video Replay, Download Links)

source: TIM DAHLBERG | sports.yahoo.com

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Manny Pacquiao’s speed and power were way too much for Miguel Cotto’s heart.

Pacquiao put on yet another dominating performance Saturday night, knocking down Cotto twice and turning his face into a bloody mess before finally stopping him at 55 seconds of the 12th round.

The Filipino star used his blazing speed and power from both hands to win his seventh title in seven weight classes and cement his stature as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Cotto took such a beating that his face was a river of red from the fury of Pacquiao’s punches but he refused to quit even as his corner tried to throw in the towel after the 11th round.

MEGAUPLOAD LINK 1

MEGAUPLOAD LINK 2

MEGAUPLOAD LINK 3

TORRENT LINK 1: (511 MB, Sky Sports version, AVI format)
http://www.mininova.org/tor/3151807

TORRENT LINK 2: (462.73 MB, AVI Format, Private Tracker)
http://www.mininova.org/tor/3151677

TORRENT LINK 3:

TORRENT LINK 4:

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Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

PACQUIAO WINS OVER COTTO BY TKO!

2009-11-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Again Pacquiao wins and proclaimed to be the new World Welterweight Champion! Congrats Manny! Another Achievement! Watch the Full Replay Video here in few hours!

HBO Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episode 4 : FIRE POWER

2009-11-14T00:39:00.000-08:00

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Duration: 28mins
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Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Official Weigh In

2009-11-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds, his heaviest ever, while Cotto was 145 at a weigh-in Friday attended by some 7,000 fans.

The fight has the potential to be one of the most entertaining of recent big bouts, if only because Pacquiao fights in a frenetic style and Cotto loves nothing better than to move forward while throwing a relentless swarm of punches. But there are still questions about Pacquiao’s chin against a bigger fighter as well as how much Cotto has recovered from the beating he took last year at the hands of Antonio Margarito.

HBO Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episode 3

2009-11-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

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HBO Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episode 2: FIRE POWER

2009-11-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 2 MEGAUPLOAD

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HBO Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episode 1 : FIRE POWER

2009-10-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

Cotto Getting Ready In Florida; Arum Says Pacquiao's Trainer Gives Edge

2009-10-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

By Rick Folstad

TAMPA - Interesting tattoos. They spread out across the arms and torso of Miguel Cotto like a creeping vine, growing upward, closer and closer to his cheek and chin, toward that crazy Mike Tyson look that Cotto might want to avoid.

When it’s jokingly suggested by a member of the media that Cotto doesn’t let the tattoo creep up onto his face ala Tyson, Cotto just grins. He’ll do what he wants, but I’m guessing the artwork won’t stretch past the collar line.

The tattoos have grown some since the last time Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) was here training at the Fight Factory. That was this spring when he was getting ready to fight Joshua Clottey in June at Madison Square Garden. He won that fight, but it didn’t come easy. He won by split decision and received a bad cut over his eye from a head butt early in the fight. Any questions about his heart were answered.

So he and his growing tattoos and his young trainer, Joe Santiago, are back in Tampa, training for his fight with Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2) on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Cotto likes training in Tampa. There aren’t a lot of distractions here and the weather in October is hot and humid, kind of like it is back home in Puerto Rico.

“Puerto Rico is my country and that's where I live,” he said, talking with the media after a two-hour workout that included skip roping, bag work, a session on the focus mitts and some crunches. “But there are a lot of distractions when I’m there. That’s what I like best about Tampa, there are no distractions. I do two things when I’m here. I train and I rest. Train and rest.“

Cotto’s training regimen is a lesson in routine. Everything is planned, precise and consistent. And he seldom says a word. He just listens to his music and works the rope or the bag or the mitt. The last time we were here when he was getting ready for Clottey, he went through the same routine he went through for Pacquiao, again, hardly saying a word.

He doesn’t give out secrets.

Promoter Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, was in town this week to see how the second half of his promotion was doing. Earlier this month, he was in the Philippines checking on Pacquiao, who is training in his home country intil later this month.

“I’m very, very careful not to favor one fighter over the other,“ Arum said as he watched Cotto train. “Right now, with Manny so far away, it makes it easier (not to show favoritism). I never interfere. I just want to see that they are both getting the best possible training.”

Arum might not have a favorite, but Pacquiao is a bigger draw right now than Cotto, and he’ll get a bigger piece of the pie.

“I take great pride in this fight,“ Arum said. “We have two guys who are going to make their biggest payday on Nov. 14. Pacquiao will make over $20 million and Cotto will make over $10 million. And I helped create that.“

Still not showing any favoritism, Arum said Pacquiao’s biggest advantage going into the fight was having trainer Freddie Roach in his corner.

“Manny is an offensive machine,” he said. “He blends in his defense in the best possible way. In essence, he turns himself into a magician in the ring. He can disappear while in plain sight.

“Manny is an explosive puncher, but he doesn’t have the ultimate power Miguel has. Miguel is the bigger guy, and Manny might be vulnerable to Miguel’s left hand to the body and the head. It’s how Manny reacts to those left hands that will be the story of the fight.”

Arum said there are no secrets about what each one brings into a fight.

“They both have histories,“ he said.

The two will be fighting for Cotto’s WBO welterweight title, though they’ve abandoned the 147-pound limit and agreed to a catch weight of 145 pounds.

Asked what he thought of the catch-weight, Cotto said if he thought he’d have trouble making 145 pounds, they wouldn’t have taken the fight.

“I weighed 146 when I fought Clottey,“ he said. “I’m in my best shape ever.”

Pacquiao-Cotto "Firepower": Free Live Streaming

2009-10-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Watch Out for the free live streaming of the fight, only here. On November 14, 2009

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Pacquiao-Cotto showdown set for November: Reports

2009-07-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - – Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rican fighter Miguel Cotto will meet in Las Vegas in November at a catch-weight of 145 pounds, ESPN and Filipino newspapers reported Monday.

The US sports network and Phillipines media reported that Pacquiao, considered the pound-for-pound world champion after flattening England's Ricky Hatton in the second round in May, will meet Cotto on November 14.

Reports also had the fight at 145 pounds, two below the welterweight limit and five above the light-welterweight category maximum.

Promoter Bob Arum handles affairs for both Pacquiao and Cotto.

The reports come after moves by unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather Jnr and World Boxing Association welterweight champion Shane Mosley to try and lure Pacquiao into a deal.

Mosley, a US veteran, said he was willing to take only 40 percent of the purse and would agree to fight at the light-welterweight limit in order to strike a deal with the Filipino star.

Mayweather, whose ring return from retirement was pushed back to September due to a rib injury, is the fighter most fans would enjoy seeing Pacquiao face in a showdown between the former and current pound-for-pound kings.

But Mayweather said last week it was unlikely he would fight Pacquiao because both camps insistent on the lion's share of a 60-40 fight purse split. Mayweather also has bitter feelings toward Arum, his former promoter.

PACQUIAO CONFIRMS OCTOBER 17 FIGHT - FAVORS FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.!

2009-06-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

Pinoy boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that October 17 will be his next fight date after his successful campaign against Ricky Hatton last May 2.

Pacquiao, the current pound-for-pound (P4P) king, will have to choose among todays boxing stars Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, and his bitter rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

The hard-hitting southpaw from General Santos City, however, is leaning towards a match with Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound ruler.

Mas ok si Floyd Mayweather [Jr.], gusto ko nga iyong maraming sinasabi, said Pacquiao.

The undefeated Mayweather, however, said Pacquiao would have to find an antidote for a slick boxer like him.

Nobody has the antidote to beat Floyd Mayweather Manny has been beaten in the past, said the former pound-for-pound king.

The undefeated Mayweather will be having Marquez for his comeback fight on July 18, and Pacquiao thinks the undefeated black American has the upper hand.

Walang kasiguruhan pero [may] advantage si Mayweather, he said.

But Pacquiao believes that Marquez is also capable of beating Mayweather.

He's fast also but he doesnt want to get hit, Pacquiao said referring to Mayweather. So tapang ang pinaguusapan.

Pacquiao has already collided with Marquez twice with both fights ending in controversies.

The Filipino knocked down Marquez thrice during their first meeting in 2004 but the Mexican managed to get a draw.

Pacquiao and Marquez fought again in 2008 with the Filipino winning via split decision. With a report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

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2009-05-23T07:17:00.001-07:00

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Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton Fight Full Replay Video (UPDATED)

2009-05-04T04:35:00.000-07:00

Pacquiao vs Hatton Full Video British Version Sky Sports

Pacquiao Hatton Fight Replay Video (Updated)

2009-05-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

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Victory for Pacquiao!

2009-05-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

1st Round - Pacquiao let Hatton Kiss the floor twice
2nd Round - Pacquiao hits jaw of Hatton letting him off to sleep and unconscious

Congrats Manny Pacquiao!

Replay Video Click Here

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 4

2009-05-02T03:06:00.000-07:00
The Last Installment of Pacquiao Hatton 24/7. Enjoy and see you here Live on for the coverage of my Free Livestreaming of the Pacquiao Hatton Fight 11hours from now

Pacquiao vs Hatton Official Weigh In!

2009-05-01T22:24:00.000-07:00
Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton (45-1 32 KOs) came in right on the mark at 140 lbs while Manny "Pac-man Pacquiao (48-3 6 KOs) came in two lbs shy at 138 today at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas...

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 3

2009-04-26T01:07:00.000-07:00

Episode 3 of the HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 2

2009-04-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

Pacquiao Hatton HBO 24/7 Episode 2 Watch Pacquiao vs Hatton Fight for free Live Streaming at http://pacquiaovshattonfight.blogspot.com on May 2,2009 (U.S. Time) May 3, 2009(Philippines Time)

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 1

2009-04-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Watch Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao and Ricky "HITMAN" Hatton Prepare for their MAY 2, 2009 Mega Fight. Episode 1

Trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr., Freddie Roach exchange verbal jabs before Pacquiao-Hatton

2009-04-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton junior welterweight championship fight May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, feuding trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Freddie Roach continue to slug it out for the best pound-for-pound title in their profession.

It's almost as much fun as the matchup in the ring.

The bad blood got spilled again in the pre-fight media gatherings leading up to "The Battle of East and West" on HBO pay-per-view ($49.95) next month.

A special four-tier trophy standing more than 5 feet tall, with the inscription "No. 1 Pound for Pound Best Trainer in the World," was unveiled Monday at a Hollywood red-carpet news conference to promote the fight. It prompted both trainers to up the ante in their long-raging war of words.

As usual, Mayweather, of Grand Rapids, belittled Roach.

"They've got Roach in the hall of fame. He should be in the hall of shame," he told the international media. "Let's tell the truth like it is: You see Freddie Roach training and you see me training, it's night and day. Don't even compare. Don't even come close. Freddie Roach is a joke. And that's why I say his name is Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach, as far as I'm concerned.

Roach didn't hesitate to fire back.

He, after all, recently was named 2008 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America -- for an unprecedented third time.

"Floyd can read some good poems. That he's all good at that I know of. What has Floyd Sr. achieved? His son's a natural-born fighter. His brother, Roger, trained him anyway. Floyd never trained his son for a world title fight," he said. "He tells me he's the greatest (trainer), but what has he done?

"He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar has already won four world titles," he added, for emphasis. "Floyd is a legend in his own mind."

The feud flared up again during a private media luncheon.

The animosity between the rival trainers stems from when De La Hoya fired Mayweather in 2007 and hired Roach to prepare him for a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A transcript of their latest verbal exchange Monday, captured by Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, appeared on BoxingScene.com. Some of the highlights:

Mayweather Sr.: My man is all those good things we were talking about. And then you went over to Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach.

Roach: Please change that. Get a new line. That one's old.

Mayweather Sr.: It's old Freddie, but it's got to be used because you is a roach. You is a joke, Roach.

Roach: You were the greatest. Just shut up.

Mayweather Sr.: Freddie, don't get upset. We are all just here talking. I know I get up under your skin, don't worry about it.

Roach: Can I borrow some of your rings?

Mayweather Sr.: You can buy them. Sure you can.

Roach: I can't afford them.

Mayweather Sr.: You can't afford them? We both (got) a lot of money. Is that what you're trying to say. It's like the stupid thing you said before. You are in the Hall of Fame. No, you belong in the hall of shame.

Roach: I'm in the hall of fame. Are you?

Mayweather Sr.: I have to stand up when I hear a guy like you is in the hall of fame. You have to be joking me. Everybody knows that you are a joke. You know that you don't belong in the hall of fame. You know the old guy that died, Eddie Futch. I'm saying that because you didn't get in the hall of fame yourself.

Roach: Why aren't you (in there)?

Mayweather Sr.: You didn't get in the hall of fame yourself. You don't know nothing. We all know that you're punch drunk anyway.

Roach: And you're not? And you're not?

The report concludes with Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, interrupting the affair: "Alright, we are going to put that on the undercard."

Hilarious stuff.

Perhaps more entertaining is what'll happen if Hatton defeats Pacquiao and lures Mayweather Jr. out of retirement for a rumored megafight in November.

Imagine the verbal sparring match between trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and his estranged brother, Roger, who replaced him in corner and helped guide "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather's rise to the title of pound-for-pound king.

If that happens, it'll be a Mayweather three-for-all leading up to that contest.

Source: http://www.mlive.com/boxing/index.ssf/2009/04/trainers_floyd_mayweather_sr_f.html

Hatton-Pacquiao buzz hits Hollywood

2009-04-04T13:14:00.000-07:00
As hundreds of fans filled the area in front of the historic Roosevelt Hotel, with hundreds more gathered on the sidewalk across the street on Hollywood Blvd. on Monday night, actors Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg made their way down the red carpet.

This was no Hollywood premiere, but a news conference for the highly anticipated junior welterweight fight between Ricky Hatton of England and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines on May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

It was an affair befitting two fighters with fanatical rooting interests.

"I mean, this is fun," said Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter. "It's over and above the usual press conference."

Minutes earlier, Arum had climbed under the velvet rope to talk to a group of screaming fans who were trying to get his attention. A hotel employee said, "Oh, that's cool," of Arum's move.

"They're my fans, they're my customers," Arum said. "You gotta say hello to your customers."

Richard Schaefer stood on the red carpet doing interviews and exchanging pleasantries with fans.

"This is great," said Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Hatton. "You have the two most popular fighters in the world fighting each other and to do a red carpet on Hollywood Blvd., I think they deserve it. They've earned it."

And just think, if Coach Ben Howland's UCLA basketball team hadn't been eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Howland might not have been able to
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attend.

But Howland was there, taking it all in at the hotel that hosted the first Academy Awards 80 years ago.

"Yeah, I love boxing," Howland said. "I'm very excited about this fight. And I'm looking forward to attending, hopefully, in May."

Howland marveled at the tremendously animated crowd.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "I mean, look at the amount of attention and interest for this fight. It's spectacular."

It was all that.

Even Pacquiao, who is swarmed just about everywhere he goes, had that deer-in-the-headlights look as he turned the final corner of the red carpet before heading into the hotel.

"You know, I understand that there are a lot of fans coming here tonight because there is a Hatton and Pacquiao conference," Pacquiao said. "I understand they are rooting for me."

Most of them were. But once this event hits Vegas, it will be difficult to tell which fighter has brought along the stronger following. Pacquiao's fans seem to make more noise than any other group. They are ultra-passionate.

But Hatton's might be the most tireless. When some 35,000 of them ventured across the pond for Hatton's Dec. 2007 fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, many didn't even have rooms, let alone tickets. They just stayed up all night drinking and filling the casinos with one rendition after another of "Walking in a Hatton Wonderland."

"It's going to be electric, really electric," Arum said. "And one prediction I can make, which I can guarantee 100 percent - they will sell more beer at the MGM Grand Garden than in any night in years."

Shoot, try ever.

There also was a bit of boxing talk at Monday's gala. Some of it centered on the speed advantage of Pacquiao and the size edge Hatton will bring into the ring.

Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) has said, since this fight was made, that he doesn't put much stock in Pacquiao's welterweight victory over Oscar De La Hoya last December because

De La Hoya appeared spent from the opening bell.

"He looked a shell of the Oscar we know, and I don't want to put Manny down a bit too much, but I don't think it was hard to beat Oscar that night," Hatton said.

Before then, Pacquiao had never fought at higher than the 135-pound lightweight limit. Even though he and Hatton are virtually the same height, Hatton has fought most of his career at the 140-pound junior welterweight limit.

And, he's fought a couple of times at welterweight (147).

Furthermore, even though Hatton said Monday that he weighed 150, he claims he will weigh 154 pounds on the night of the fight, which would be a gain of 14 pounds from the weigh-in.

"I think size will play a big factor," Hatton said. "I've beaten bigger men, like (welterweight) Luis Collazo, a strong, fast, massive southpaw. I made Kostya Tszyu quit on his stool (after the 11th round). Manny's nowhere near as big or strong as these guys. Obviously, he's dangerous in other areas, like his speed, his footwork and the southpaw (stance). But I'm boxing a lot cuter than I was maybe a few fights ago."

But Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said he believes his fighter is going to overpower Hatton.

"In studying Hatton for the last two months, I mean, his chin's up in the air, he swings from outside, he's so hittable," Roach said. "If Manny just punches down the middle, he's going to kill Hatton."

Whatever transpires, it should thrilling.

"It's going to be crazy," Pacquiao said. "If you look at the style of Hatton and my style, it's kind of similar styles. So we expect a lot of action."

It will be available on HBO pay-per-view for $49.95.

Who's really the best junior welterweight?

The May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton is the junior welterweight fight everybody is looking forward to. But Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt want to eventually have something to say about who is the best in the division.

Neither Hatton nor Pacquiao hold one of the four major belts, but Bradley and Holt have one each, and they will square off tonight in a title unification fight in Montreal (on Showtime).

During Thursday's final news conference, both Bradley and Holt made reference to Pacquiao and Hatton.

"I consider us the best fighters in the division," Bradley said of he and Holt. "I want to fight the best in boxing and that is exactly what Kendall and I are doing here. We are at the top of the division."

The winner will face the stars.

"Pacquiao is moving up to 140 and he is the best pound-for-pound fighter," Holt said. "Hatton is a star at 140 as well, but we are the champions and these stars are going to have to face us."

Holt also talked about what the future might hold.

"After I win, if Hatton wins, then I'd like to fight him," he said. "Pacquiao is pound-for-pound the best, but he hasn't fought at 140, so we'll see what he can do."

It might seem like Bradley and Holt have forgotten they have a fight with each other. That is somewhat understandable because Hatton and Pacquiao are where the money's at in the division.

But Bradley (23-0, 11 KOs) is one of the most focused fighters out there. And it's doubtful he is looking ahead.

"I respect every fighter I fight," Bradley said. "But going into this fight, it is plain and simple: I just think that I am better.

I'm going home with both belts. I'm hungry for this victory."

To which Holt (25-2, 13 KOs) replied, "Tim said he is hungry. Well, (tonight) I'm going to give him a lot of leather to eat."

Source: http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_12069527

PACQUIAO ENTERS 5TH WEEK OF TRAINING (WITH PHOTOS)

2009-04-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, CA.:- As promised, here is my Wednesday report from the Pacquiao training camp at the Wildcard Gym.

I purposely got to the gym a whole lot earlier just so I can catch up with the training of Gerry Penalosa who comes to the Wildcard Gym way ahead of the Pacman.

Gerry came in at exactly 11:30am and immediately got on with the business of getting ready for his April 25th date with Juan Manuel Lopez in Puerto Rico.

With 24 days still to go before that fateful day, Gerry is already looking very sharp. In fact, one of the pundits at the gym stated that he looks so ready that he can fight even if his match with Lopez is done tomorrow.

Gerry sparred four rounds with a Filipino-American boxer they called Diamond.

He is a 130 pounder and had been boxing for six years and taller than Penalosa.

The young man gave a good account of himself but of course he was no match for the defensive strategist in Penalosa. He managed to sneak in a few good right hooks but he ate a lot of leather in return.

Then the Pacman came in way pass two o’clock. Apparently, he run up the hills of Griffith Park earlier in the morning and didn’t have time to get ready in time. Besides, he apparently wanted to finish some business before he came to the gym.

But as soon as he got to the gym, which incidentally was cleared out of people not connected to the Team and to HBO by security chief Rob Peters, he proceeded to the dressing room to changed.

His initial tasks were stretching exercises with Alex Ariza to get him warmed up.

Following that procedure which lasted about 20 minutes, he donned his sparring gloves assisted by Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri and climbed up the ring to do the punch mitts with Freddie Roach.

What was supposed to be a 10 round deal turned out to be 12 at first, then Pacquiao asked for more so they ended up doing 16 rounds.

All during the procedure, they were strategizing and rehearsing their battle plans in anticipation of what Ricky Hatton and Mayweather will come up on May 2nd.

Then the Pacman went on to do the single and the double speed bags followed by shadow boxing and the rest of the usual routine.

The crew from HBO’s 24/7 filmed the whole training regimen of Pacquiao.

After Pacman was done, Dennis Laurente of the Elorde Gym in Paranaque came up to do his thing. He was ably assisted by Buboy Fernandez with the punch mitts.

Bernabe Concepcion came along too. Although his fight with Steven Luevano has been called off, Concepcion appears upbeat and continued to do his part. “I am hoping they will find another fighter,” he said to this writer. “The promoter tells me that we should know in a week or two,” he added.

Concepcion worked with Freddie Roach and it was amazing to see Roach do some more punch mitts with him almost right after the grueling 16 rounds with Pacquiao. Truly, the man is a work-horse and a marvelous trainer.

Also spotted on the ring sweating it out were Bobby Pacquiao and Rodel Mayol.

Both of them indicated that they have no immediate schedules but they are keeping in shape just in case something comes along.

A couple of large boxes of shoes and training outfits, jackets and t-shirts were delivered to the gym. A quick perusal of the stuff revealed that the brand name was different from the usual ones we see with Team Pacquiao. But just the same, they were gifts to the Team and they were graciously accepted.

Also spotted at the Wildcard Gym today was the basketball varsity team from the University of the East headed by Coach Lawrence Chongson. They are in town to do a basketball camp in the San Fernando Valley area and then will compete against other teams in Las Vegas in about two weeks.

source:philboxing.com

Hatton’s got no defense — Roach

2009-04-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Day in and day out, trainer Freddie Roach just couldn’t seem to understand why fight fans keep on asking him why he thinks Manny Pacquiao will get past Ricky Hatton as though the British is just a mere speck on the road and not a roadblock that some aficionados love to portray him to be.

“Hatton gets hit easily and he’s got no defense,” Roach told the Bulletin Friday from the Wild Card Boxing Club, site of Pacquiao’s training camp for the May 2 battle with Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Manny is way much better than Hatton. I just can’t see Manny losing the fight,” said Roach, who believes Pacquiao will get the job done in three rounds or less.

“I am more confident in saying that Manny will beat Hatton than when he fought (Oscar) De La Hoya,” said Roach, who presided over another heated eight-round sparring session involving Pacquiao against hot welterweight prospect Raymond Serrano of Philadelphia and rugged lightweight Urbano Antillon.

“Eight rounds of good and hard rounds and Manny just keeps on getting better and better and I am happy where he’s at right now,” said Roach.

Still, Roach wants to instill in Pacquiao’s mind that he cannot afford to relax against Hatton.

“Getting his back on the ropes would be the biggest mistake (that Manny will make),” said Roach, when reminded that in one of the workouts with Antillon, Pacquiao allowed his sparmate to pound away as though he was a punching bag.

“He’s getting bored that’s why he does that,” said Roach, noting however that Pacquiao will be on his guard next week with the arrival of Mike Alvarado, an unbeaten junior-welter from Denver, Colorado.

Alvarado holds a 25-0 record with 18 knockouts and is fighting underneath the Pacquiao-Hatton show.

Roach stressed that Pacquiao just cannot elect to stay stationary against Hatton, who thrives against fighters who stand still and trade at close range.

Under Roach’s plans, Pacquiao will go eight rounds on Saturday “then go nine rounds next and ten rounds before going 12 rounds (sometime in the third week of this month).”

Manny Pacquiao Promises 'Once in a Lifetime Fight' vs. Ricky Hatton

2009-04-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

In a telephone interview with FanHouse, Manny Pacquiao, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, talked about his dominant win over Oscar De La Hoya, his upcoming fight with Ricky Hatton (Saturday, May 2 on HBO pay-per-view) and what it's like to be the biggest star in the Philippines.

Michael David Smith: We're a few months removed from your fight with Oscar De La Hoya. When you look back on that fight, are you surprised at how thoroughly you dominated him?
Manny Pacquiao: Well, before the fight I believed, of course, I was going to beat Oscar -- but not in an easy fight like that. I am surprised that it was an easy fight.

Most people consider you the best boxer in the world. Do you consider yourself the best boxer in the world?
I don't want to think about that, whether I'm the best in the world. I want to focus on my career and give a good show in my fight with Ricky Hatton.

The person who was considered the best boxer in the world before you was Floyd Mayweather Jr. Do you think Floyd is really retired, or will we see him in the ring again?
I think he's going to fight again. He's not really retired.

Do you think you will fight him some day?
That's possible. Maybe after this fight. I heard from Floyd Jr.'s camp that he's coming back to the ring.

So people around Floyd have told you that you should expect him to return?
Yes, that's what I heard from the people around Floyd, that he's not really retired.

Do you think he would want a tune-up fight against an easier opponent or would he jump right in and fight you if you beat Ricky Hatton?
For me -- if I'm Floyd -- I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me. That's for me, but I don't know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away.

Obviously, before you can fight Floyd you'll need to beat Ricky Hatton. What kind of challenge does Ricky Hatton pose to you?
Ricky Hatton is a strong fighter, a good fighter. He's the top guy, and he's never lost at 140 pounds. I would never underestimate Hatton. I consider this fight the toughest fight of my career. I'm not looking past this fight.

Have you watched a lot of tape of Hatton's fights to prepare?
Yes, I've watched his last few fights. I study every opponent I fight, and as I train for Hatton I look for certain techniques that I can apply to this fight.

You've fought everywhere from strawweight (106 pounds) at the start of your professional career to welterweight (147 pounds) against De La Hoya. What do you think is the ideal weight class for you?
I'm comfortable at 140 pounds. I weigh 148 right now.

You're the most popular athlete in the Philippines, but is there a down side to your fame? Do you wish you could just walk down the street and be left alone?
I wish I could. I wish I could. But that would never happen. Especially right now. I can't walk down the street in the Philippines.

You're 30 years old, you've been boxing professionally since you were 16, and you have 53 professional fights under your belt. How much longer will you box?
I don't want to fight much longer. I'm planning right now to retire soon.

What will you do after you retire?
My plan is to run for office.

I know you've run for office in the past as well. What is it about politics that appeals to you?
I want to run for office because I want to help people. I grew up in poverty, and I want to see other people have better lives. I think I can improve the situation for a lot of people.

I've heard that you are recording your own entrance music, and against Hatton you'll come out to a song that you sing yourself.
Yes, I have a new album and I'm going to use my song as my ring entrance on May 2.

Will you get more involved in music when you retire from boxing?
Yes. I love to sing. I'd like to have a concert soon after my boxing career ends.

What would you like fans to know about you?
Just that they should watch my upcoming fight on May 2 against Ricky Hatton. It's going to be a great, great fight, a once in a lifetime fight.

source:boxing.fanhouse.com

Fight will be short and sweet

2009-04-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Those hoping for a long, bitter struggle between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton on May 2 won’t get it.

“It’s going to be short and sweet,” said Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, during Monday’s red-carpet meeting between the two great boxers and their trash-talking handlers in Hollywood.

Roach said it could or should be over in three rounds.

“I think it’s going to be the best three rounds you’ve ever seen. Ricky is going to force the action and Manny is going to respond to it. But Manny is going to get him early and I believe he will knock him out in the early rounds.”

Even Mark Wahlberg, the rapper, actor, endorser and producer rolled into one said during the press conference he doesn’t expect the fight to last the distance.

The 38-year-old celebrity, who ran a series of underwear ads for Calvin Klein before he became a movie star, is Roach’s friend, and is obviously rooting for Pacquiao.

“Freddie is the best,” said Wahlberg who visited Pacquiao at the Wild Card Gym as the latter trained for his Oscar dela Hoya fight last December.

“We know what he did to Dela Hoya and he’s going to do the same to Hatton. Obviously, the winner will fight Floyd Mayweather (Jr.),” he said in a video clip posted on the net by Lance Pugmire of the LA Times.

The world is waiting for that Pacquiao-Mayweather fight although Bob Arum, the promoter of the Pinoy icon, and Roach are not too keen on fighting the ex-pound-for-pound champion.

But Pacquiao could be open to anything.

“For me – if I’m Floyd – I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me,” Pacquiao told FanHouse.com. “That’s for me, but I don’t know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away.”

“I think he’s going to fight again. He’s not really retired,” added Pacquiao of the American who retired last year undefeated in 39 fights.

During the same press conference, Roach traded jabs with Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr.

“Pacquaio’s going to go from first class to coach, because of the Roach,” said Mayweather Sr., so flamboyant he can move around in a pink suit.

Then, according to reports, chants of “Man-ny! Man-ny!” filled the room, and Pacquiao, as if on cue, took the microphone by saying “I fight for freedom. I fight for Scotland” the way it was delivered by actor Mel Gibson in his epic film “Braveheart.”

“They’ve got Roach in the Hall of Fame (when) he should be in the Hall of Shame,” added Mayweather Sr.

Roach didn’t take it sitting down.

“Floyd can read some good poems that’s all he’s good at that I know of. What has Floyd Senior achieved? His son’s a natural-born fighter. His brother, Roger, trained him anyway. Floyd never trained his son for a world title fight. He tells me he’s the greatest but what has he done? He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar has already won four world titles. Floyd is a legend in his own mind,” said Roach on the TimesOnline.

source:philstar.com

Red carpet Ricky

2009-04-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ricky Hatton is an old stablemate, and good friend of Michael Gomez. They were together under Billy Graham.

Ricky pitched up in Hollywood this week and was handed the real red carpet treatment. Film stars Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg were on hand at the famous Roosevelt Hotel on Monday night, for the final media leg of the worldwide attraction that's 'Hatton-Pacquiao'!

We are Stateside to gain a real insight into the camps of both Hatton and his outstanding ring foe Manny Pacquiao, and this special evening press conference was a great start! Hundreds of Hatton and Pacquiao fans had been waiting all day for a glimpse of their heroes, and there was a real fight fever in the air.

Men, women, children... everyone. Plenty of supporters on both sides, but especially for Pacquiao. Yet I spoke to some knowledgeable fans who feel this is Hatton's fight. They were passionate with their views.

Ricky appears to be in serious shape already, and there is a burning desire and edge to him. As the underdog, he is desperate to prove people wrong again, and is utterly convinced that he will finally become the pound-for-pound champion.

Pacquiao was cheered by the hordes hanging out on Hollywood Boulevard. Sharply dressed, relaxed and cool, Pacquiao once again offered no real fight prediction.

Sideshow

This is one classy champion, who prefers to keep his quotes to a minimum and let it all fly on fight night. Tremendously dedicated, Pacquiao seemed in excellent condition with over four weeks to go; there was a glow about Manny, and he really looked the part.

A sideshow was provided between trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather, who continues to goad and wind up his arch rival. Mayweather's poems have hit Manchester and London on this global tour and he was off again here.

Promoter Bob Arum added to the circus by providing a garish trophy for the winning coach - just to add some spice and a sub-plot to the fascinating main event.

Fight figures joined the celebs on show, and I caught up with Victor Ortiz, one of the finest prospects in world boxing. What a great guy. Victor will soon be in hard training for a crack at the WBA Light-Welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik, but he cannot wait for the Hatton-Pacquiao fight. He sparred with Oscar De La Hoya before the Golden Boy's nightmare against Pacquiao. He might be a fine southpaw for the Hitman's camp too this time, if they can work something out.

The media turn out was enormous - you know it's a big event when photographers bring step-ladders - and there was much jockeying for position, but our excellent cameraman out here, Oli Hallowes, managed to fight his way through through the madness so we could interview the main protagonists on the red carpet. It was a different, fun and memorable event: tune into Friday Fight Night for our exclusive piece from Hollywood.

Back home, well done to Tony Quigley for his rousing British Super-Middleweight title win against the always-brave Tony Dodson last week. I would love to see Quigley in another Liverpool showdown against Paul Smith.

As a commentator, it is obviously imperative to remain impartial, but it's only human nature to get close to people, and it's very easy to find friends within the fighting industry - mostly those who I have worked with for years.

Adamant

'Smigga' is a pal - we were brought together through our passion for Liverpool Football Club. Not only do I think his boxing talent will turn him into a domestic champion one of these days, I fully expect to see Paul in Rome for the Champion's League final on May 27th!

Ricky is another good mate of mine. But that's not the reason I feel he may upset the odds and defeat Manny Pacquiao. I really think he can win this fight. I never thought he'd beat Floyd Mayweather in December 2007, and as others began to sway towards him when that mega-match closed in, I remained adamant that Ricky would, unfortunately, come up short. The weight, the timing, really just the simple brilliance of Mayweather.

Pacquiao deserves his place at the top; he is a supremely fast, skillful, powerful southpaw who has achieved truly great things, but he is not the defensive genius that's Mayweather. I'm not sure Manny beats Floyd - a fight we should see if Pacquiao wins on May 2nd - because Mayweather's 'retirement' was never permanent.

Yet I don't think Pacquiao necessarily beats Hatton. This time the weight is correct, and the time may be right for the Hitman. Ricky Hatton could well become pound-for-pound king.

Having said that, I have been mightily impressed with Pacquiao's attitude and drive ahead of the super-fight. I also really like, admire and rate his trainer Freddie Roach. Freddie told me over and over again that Pacquiao would easily stop De La Hoya in the middle rounds. I ignored him.

Now he predicts Hatton's downfall in a short, explosive tear up a la Hagler-Hearns. Roach actually has a big soft spot for Hatton, but he really likes his fighter in this, and says Ricky won't last three rounds.

I am standing poised to ignore my friend Freddie again - maybe that's my folly - but it's not a heart-over-head call. I just have a sneaky suspicion that Ricky Hatton will be too much for Manny Pacquiao at his beloved 10 stone.

However, if you read my exclusive report next week from the training camp of the man Hatton must topple, you will see why Manny Pacquiao is the heavily fancied pre-fight favourite...

Source: skysports.com

Hatton to pack kryptonite vs Super Pacman

2009-04-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao will assume the role of Clark Kent when he meets Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Hatton trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. told Doug Fischer of The Ring magazine’s online edition on Wednesday that the British banger’s knack for throwing body blows will be “Pacquiao’s kryptonite.”

For Hatton to improve on his chances of scoring an upset at the MGM Grand, he will have to get through Pacquiao’s first line of defense.

“I have to be aggressive because Pacquiao is aggressive. Everyone pulls away from him and that’s when he catches him. I hope to move in on him,” said Hatton, who set up camp in Las Vegas over the weekend after six weeks of hard training in Manchester.

”Floyd is teaching me to use my jab and to move my head as I come forward, which will help me get inside without getting caught, but once I’m there it will be the old Ricky that breaks (Pacquiao) down,” said Hatton, who is a 2-1 underdog.

The final push of Hatton’s training will be supervised by Mayweather Sr. and assistant Lee Beard and the fighter’s agent, Paul Speak, stressed that they have “acclimatized” to the desert weather.

Speak said “everything is going well” and that “Ricky's younger brother Matthew will fly out to join the camp soon.”

Since turning professional in 1995, Pacquiao has been stopped twice — by countryman Rustico Torrecampo with a head blow — and by Medgoen 3K Battery of Thailand with a right to the ribcage when Pacquiao lost the World Boxing Council flyweight title on the scales for failing to meet the 112-lb limit.

Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico had also hurt Pacquiao with a body shot in their rematch last year, making Team Hatton more than confident of getting the job done in sensational fashion.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said his fighter will have to stay away from the ropes since Hatton is a devil when given the chance to pound away when his man is pinned on the ropes.

Pacquiao is making his debut at 140 lbs, a weight class that Hatton considers as his territory.

Source: mb.com.ph

Ricky Hatton focused on Manny Pacquiao showdown

2009-03-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Ricky Hatton's mindset and focus is "very similar in frame of mind to when he fought Kostya Tszyu", according to the British boxer's father and manager Ray Hatton.

Hatton has cut to within 10lb of the 10st weight limit for his showdown with Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao, a month from now in Las Vegas on May 2.

"I've not seen Ricky in this frame of mind since 2005, when he was preparing for the biggest step up in his life," Hatton Snr said on Wednesday.

Hatton battered Tszyu, then considered in the top five pound for pound fighters, to a standstill at the MEN Arena to take the IBF 140lb title, the Australia-based Siberian unable to come out for the 12th round.

"Yes, he was hyped up when he fought Floyd Mayweather 16 months ago, but without the controlled focus he is showing this time," Hatton's father said.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Pacquiao-Hatton Hollywood premiere highlights

2009-03-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

t was quite a night Monday, as Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton and all of their entourages made for a unique "Hollywood Red Carpet" news conference at the Roosevelt Hotel, attracting hundreds across Hollywood Boulevard who saw not only the boxers but also celebrities such as actors Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg, a close friend of Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, discussed the event and the coming May 2 fight in Las Vegas in this video:

Hatton's entertaining trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., unveiled his latest fight poem to everyone's delight.

And the media mobbed the Philippines' national icon Pacquiao as he walked off the red carpet into the Roosevelt.

What emerged beyond the hype orchestrated by publicists Fred Sternburg and Kelly Swanson was the strong sentiment that the bout won't last 12 rounds because Hatton usually charges forward to bully his opponent and Pacquiao became 2008 fighter of the year by unleashing a barrage of precise blows in three fights.

Roach, who correctly predicted his fighter would stop Oscar De La Hoya by the ninth round, says Hatton's going down by the end of the third.

Pacquiao admitted, "I expect [Hatton] to come forward," but added "only God knows" when the fight will end. "The styles of both of us look similar. It's expected to be a lot of action."

Hatton agreed. "Manny doesn't box to box [for the judges], he goes for the knockout."

Hatton said his move back down to 140 pounds after a December 2007 knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. is important. He said he'll enter the ring at around 154 pounds, making him Pacquiao's largest foe yet. He told The Times earlier Monday that he sized up Pacquiao in their personal meeting and is confident he'll be able to impose his will on the smaller foe.

"This is my weight division, that'll make a tremendous difference," Hatton said inside the Roosevelt. "I'm stronger [under Mayweather Sr.], attacking and jabbing better. I think that gives me an edge."

He also irked Pacquiao by saying, "Anyone who knows boxing knows that the Oscar Manny beat isn't the Oscar we've known."

Pacquiao said he's heard that criticism from others. "Part of being a fighter is that they're not all your fans," adding, "To fight [De La Hoya] was an honor, to win was a big bonus. I brought honor to my country."

Keeping with the Hollywood theme, Pacquiao drew laughs when he spoke like Mel Gibson in "Braveheart," declaring, "I'm fighting for freedom against the Englishman."

Source: latimes.com

Pacquiao, Hatton: Expect an action-packed bout

2009-03-30T10:11:00.000-07:00
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton were both on the same page in declaring that their upcoming fight will feature nothing but pure action.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Los Angeles to promote their bout, both Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) and Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) said they are looking forward to a night of toe-to-toe fighting.

"I expect (Hatton) to come forward. The styles of both of us look similar. It's expected to be a lot of action,” Pacquiao said.

Hatton echoed the current pound-for-pound king’s statement, acknowledging that his opponent always goes for the kill.

"Manny doesn't box to box (for the judges), he goes for the knockout," the British slugger said.

Yesterday’s news conference, dubbed “Hollywood Red Carpet,” enjoyed the presence of accomplished actors Mark Wahlberg and Mickey Rourke. Both celebrities are known to be Pacquiao fans, having visited the southpaw regularly at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles whenever he trains for a fight.

The Pacquiao-Hatton fight, titled “The Battle of East and West,” will be aired live on pay-per-view on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).

Source: philstar.com

HATTON'S PACQ-ING A PUNCH

2009-03-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ricky Hatton has landed the first shot on Manny Pacquiao - a month before they clash in the ring.

Hatton rubbished world pound-for-pound king Pacquiao's win over Oscar De La Hoya when they squared up at a red-carpet event in Hollywood.

'The Hitman' claims 'Golden Boy' was just a shell of the fighter who has graced the world stage for 15 years because he was weight-drained.

"Any win over Oscar is magnificent," said Hatton."But was that the Oscar De La Hoya we have come to love? I don't think so.

"Only Oscar can say what happened on the scales, but he looked a shell of the man we know. I don't think it was hard to beat him that night."

Hatton, 30, jetted out to his training camp in Vegas at the weekend and is confident of becoming the new world pound-forpound king after going toeto-toe with Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Filipino is moving up to light-welterweight, where Hatton has never been beaten, and the Hitman feels he has underestimated his speed.

"A lot of people are seeing it as size versus speed," said the IBO champion.

"These same people thought Paulie Malignaggi would outspeed me in my last fight and that wasn't the case.

"And that was only after seven weeks working with my new trainer Floyd Mayweather Senior. "We're even quicker again.

Ultimately I think size will play a big factor. He has dangers in other areas, like his speed and footwork, but I'm boxing a lot cuter than I was a few years ago.

"I respect Manny but he should be a bit more worried about my power."

Source: mirror.co.uk

News PACQUIAO AT WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL (PHOTOS)

2009-03-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

London, ENGLAND -- Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines is greeted by hundreds of Filipino fans as he arrives to attend mass at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and home to one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Pacquiao is in London for his mega UK media tour to officially announce his upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. -- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Hundreds of Filipino fans await the arrival of four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and home to one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Pacquiao is in London for his mega UK media tour to officially announce his upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. -- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines is greeted by hundreds of Filipino fans as he arrives to attend mass at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and home to one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Pacquiao is in London for his mega UK media tour to officially announce his upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Ricky Hatton comes face to face with Manny Pacquiao

2009-03-02T17:42:00.000-08:00
By Steve Bunce, sundaymirror.co.uk 1/03/2009

When Manny Pacquiao fights, the whole of the Philippines stands still and crime drops to zero.

Pacquiao meets Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 2 for the IBO light-welter weight belt - but the Filipino idol believes that there is something far more important on the line.

"It is a fight between two great boxing nations - there is national pride," said Pacquiao, who came face to face with Hatton and 6,000 cheering fans at the Trafford Centre on the outskirts of Manchester yesterday.

"This fight will be a great challenge because Ricky is a great fighter. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime fight.

"I wanted to come to Britain to meet Hatton's fans - they are great fans just like mine.

"I've seen Hatton's fans in Las Vegas and I know just how devoted they are. Hatton should be proud of them because I'm proud of my fans.

"My fans know that when I fight I fight for every single one of them."

Not only does crime cease in the Philippines when Pacquiao is in action, even the rival and warring political parties call a truce.

Yesterday's appearance in Manchester was part of a short promotional tour that will end in London tomorrow before Pacquiao takes up residence at Freddie Roach's Wild Card gym in LA.

Hatton presented Pacquiao with a Manchester City shirt and nailed double two to beat him at a game of darts - and he is convinced history will repeat itself in the ring.

Hatton said: "This is a fight between two nice men but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring. We're both aggressive but where some other fighters have been worried about him, he certainly won't worry me."

Pacquiao and his close friends will share a small apartment near the LA gym and cook all their own food.

"I know about sacrifices and that is why I will be with Freddie next week," added Pacquiao. "This will be the hardest fight of my life.

"I've been in a lot of big, big fights and beaten a lot of great fighters.

"My last fight against Oscar De La Hoya was important but Ricky Hatton will be much harder.

"He is a great fighter with great fans and I will have to train harder than I have ever trained before. Freddie knows just how serious this fight is for me and the Filipino people.

"I will be using the best sparring partners to prepare and on the night I will be perfect for victory."

Hatton will remain in Manchester for another four weeks before shifting his own training camp to Las Vegas to join up with Floyd May weather Snr.

Lee Beard, who looks after Hatton's training in the UK, is convinced that the Manchester boxer is in the best possible shape at this point in his strict training regime.

"Ricky is sharp and his weight is fine," said Beard.

"This is the biggest fight available and Ricky is determined not to make a single mistake.

"We will prepare before the move to America and when he gets on the plane he will be in terrific shape."

HATTON-PACQUIAO ENGLAND PRESSCON PHOTOS

2009-03-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Manchester, ENGLAND -- "MANNY MANIA" --- Six thousand screaming fans all wanted to touch or just get near four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (ctr), General Santos, Philippines as he arrived for a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday. This stop today was one of the first press events on the mega UK media tour to officially announce Pacquiao's upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao(R), General Santos, Philippines speaks as Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton(L), Manchester,England looks on during a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank

Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (R), General Santos, Philippines talks with reporters during a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday. This stop today was one of the first press events on the mega UK media tour to officially announce Pacquiao's upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton,Manchester,England on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.

"EYEING THE TARGET" -- Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao(L), General Santos, Philippines and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton(R), Manchester, England throw a friendly game of darts at a local pub in Manchester,England Saturday during one of the stops on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina

Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (R), General Santos, Philippines and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England pose at a press rally where 6000 fans showed up to support the fighters at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday during one of the stops on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank

Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines speaks during a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester, England on Saturday on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank

IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion (Left) signs autographs for fans in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce his May 2, 2009 world championship bout against Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.

IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton (Left) and Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao (Right) pose in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce their May 2, 2009 bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.

CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer (Center) addresses the media in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce the May 2, 2009 world championship bout between IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton and Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.

IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton speaks to the media in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce his May 2, 2009 world championship bout against Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.

Manny Pacquiao lives the dream as Ricky Hatton awaits

2009-03-01T17:37:00.000-08:00
Manny Pacquiao slipped quietly out of The Grosvenor House Hotel on London's swanky Park Lane to meet the dawn chorus at Hyde Park, before boarding a train for Manchester to be greeted by a different chorus altogether: 'There's only one Ricky Hatton' boomed out in the now-familiar chanted monotony, with its ubiquitous brass band accompaniment.

By Gareth A Davies
Last Updated: 11:21AM GMT 01 Mar 2009
Manny Pacquiao darts up to Manchester as Ricky Hatton awaits

Doubling up: Ricky Hatton fronts up to Manny Pacquiao in Manchester Photo: GETTY IMAGES

"Can't they get a new song?" quizzed Pacquiao's veteran promoter Bob Arum.

Four thousand Mancunians waiting at the Trafford Shopping Centre trumpeted Hatton's popularity as the two fighters came face to face for the first time.

For the record, the crowd included a sizeable Filipino section, too.

The 30-year-old Filipino, a world champion in four weight divisions from flyweight to welterweight, widely-regarded as the world's No 1 pound for pound prize fighter, cut a dapper figure in the public waiting room of Euston Station yesterday morning, accompanied by promoter Arum, American trainer Freddie Roach, and his team of advisers.

The Sunday Telegraph gained exclusive access to travel with the fighter as he prepared to meet local hero Hatton for the first time. Pacquiao arrived in the UK on Friday, his first time here.

It says a great deal about his interest in England, that he named his fourth child 'Queen Elizabeth', and had urged the ambassador of The Philippines in London to try to obtain an audience with The Queen. Pacquiao's eyes lit up yesterday when your correspondent informed him that Buckingham Palace was less than a ten minute walk from Park Lane.

If Pacquiao's boxing skills are remarkable, so too is his life. Born in Kibawe, on the island of Mindanao, he was a street urchin as a child who slept in a cardboard box, surviving the poverty that kills many.

Today he is seen as a saviour by millions of Filipinos living in privation. In his home town, General Santos City, in South Cotabato, where he lives with his wife Jinkee, and their four children, he requires 24-hour armed guard and intense security.

His aspirations to become a politician when he retires from the ring have intensified the attention on him at home. Outside his home, a queue of citizens forms day and night to be 'gifted' by the boxer. Think sporting popularity of Beckham, and add the political aspirations of Cameron. It is a heady mixture.

"He is generous almost to a fault," said one of his team. "He is [italicize 'is'] a one-man charity."

Pacquiao told The Sunday Telegraph: "My dream was to come here to England and it has come true. I also have the desire to take the light-welterweight title, and it's a big honour to be in another fight which the fans want to see. Hatton's style is very good, he's strong, and for me it will be a big fight, and a crowd pleaser."

"Every time I fight, I have to win because millions of Filipinos are hoping for victory. Every time I go home, after my fights, I do activities to help the people - and that's a part of my political career. It is incredibly hard to be a politician and popular, but that is to my advantage in running for office," explained Pacquiao, totally serious.

Jeng Gacal, Pacquiao's lawyer, explained: "Manny is a cultural icon, and a unifying force in the Philippines, the epitome of the American dream. He has totally entered the consciousness of every Filipino. The entire country looks at him, wants him to do something, change something. He has genuine kindness and caring for other human beings, and he wishes to use that in his political career."

Somehow, that kindness will be spared Ricky Hatton when the two fighters meet in the ring in Las Vegas on May 2. The fistic meeting has all the makings of fight of the year.

MANNY PACQUIAO PRE-DEPARTURE STATEMENT

2009-02-27T05:14:00.001-08:00

PhilBoxing.com
I am looking forward to the promotional tour that will be held in London and Manchester this weekend as I have received tons of emails from English boxing fans, who are one of the most passionate in the world.

Even if it’s going to be hostile territory for me--as Ricky Hatton comes from this boxing-crazy country--I know that I will enjoy every minute of my brief stay there as I have heard a lot of great things about England, its notable people, its amazing culture and its proud history.

After my trip to England, I will proceed to Los Angeles so I could kick off my preparation for Ricky Hatton, who is one of the world’s most exciting fighters. Hatton is a very dangerous opponent as I have seen most of his high-caliber fight on video and you cannot take somebody like him lightly.

This is going to be a big challenge for me. This early, I am confident in saying that I will train harder for Hatton and I won’t be surprised if I end up in a much better shape than when I fought the legendary Oscar De La Hoya last December.

Once I report for training camp at the Wild Card under my very capable trainer Freddie Roach, my sole focus will be training. I will be eating, breathing and living Ricky Hatton from the day I start my training camp.

I assure fight fans that when I get into the ring on May 2, I am going to show my best--as always--and ours will be an explosive and exciting fight.

And most importantly, I am dedicating this important fight to my beloved countrymen and to all boxing fans from around the world.

Manny Pacquiao
Boxing’s Pound-For-Pound King
February 27, 2009

Editor's Note: Pacquiao left Manila for London on board Cathay Pacific at 6:30 a.m. Friday.

The Hatton Strategy

2009-02-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

BY: Rota Em

The Hitman has seen many brands of fighters in his eleven and a half years in the ring. From the likes of veteran Kostya Tszyu and speedster Paulie Malignaggi, to rugged brawlers like Jose Luis Castillo and Juan Urango, Hatton has undoubtedly cemented his own style as a dominant governor of the junior welterweight division. With an exception to the sole loss, a knockout at the hands of the undaunted slickster Floyd Mayweather Jr. at welterweight, Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) has rarely been touched let alone be in danger of defeat in a 140-lb fight. This is an extremely bold statement considering the catch weight has bred many exceptional champions and has seen many more pass through its gates within the last decade. And in those ten plus years, even his decision wins were great in disparity. Simply put, all 12 fights that have gone to the cards have been clear-cut unanimous decision wins in the eyes of the judges. Even his gaudy conqueror, Mayweather Jr., cannot assert this notion about himself.

Strictly from a stature point of view, Ricky is just a tad short of the ideal height for a welterweight but that obviously hasn’t been a problem for him. He looks to be closer to 5’6” (as Wikipedia lists) rather than the 5’7 ½” that boxrec.com boasts. But in all fairness late greats such as “Homicidal Hank” Armstrong, Aaron Pryor, and Barney Ross are all 5’7” or under. His ‘boxy’, square-chinned build hides no secrets as to why he can take a good lickin’. Furthermore, he has excellent maneuverability and a nice pop in his punches.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. is entrusted with the delicate task of taking everything about Richard John Hatton and molding a specimen that can out-duel, out-gun, and out-last the former WBC lightweight champion and reigning pound for pound king, Manny Pacquiao. The self-proclaimed ‘shoulder roll’ trendsetter will embark on devising a defense system to neutralize the Pacman’s speed and movement. Much of the required ingredients, however, the Hitman should already have. We often hear that a fighter either has it or he doesn’t. With some things you simply cannot instill when it just doesn’t come naturally. So let’s go over what Hatton needs to do in order to thank (with a win) the hundreds of thousands of fans who have supported him every step of the way.

“There’s only one Ricky Fatton!”

Another poorly-kept secret is the fact that Manchester’s own has been known to balloon to forty pounds above his campaigning weight in between contracts, hence “Fatton”. Ring experts and analysts would credit this non boxer-like peculiarity for his low gas finishes of late. When you’re physically trying to hold your own against naturally bigger guys like Luis Collazo, most certainly depletion becomes a problem by the time the last bell comes. Some fighters utilize plyometrics training to hone strength and energy. With plyometrics, targeted muscles are loaded, contracted, and spent in rapid sequence to stimulate elasticity and innervation to ultimately increase the speed or force of muscular contractions. Some example areas that this training can address are to increase the height of a jump or to maintain speed bursts and fast recovery throughout an entire performance. Hatton wouldn’t necessarily need to follow this specific regiment but the ideal improvement region would surely be stamina and conditioning. He should be consistent in his offensive strategy to ensure that he has gas for the later rounds, should he need them. Normally when advising a prone-to-tire fighter, you wouldn’t suggest that he go after his opponent but in this case I think Pacquiao would have more trouble fighting while backpedaling so it should be mandatory that Mayweather Sr. infuse the ‘always forward’ mentality. You can’t wait for a faster guy to make the first move. Frankly put, come ready and in shape and stay consistent throughout the fight.

‘Float like a butterfly’… counterclockwise.

Hatton has speed. But in this fight with Pacquiao, it’s not about whether he has the quickness or not. It’s whether he can ‘catch up’ to the lighter man that makes the biggest difference. Now remember, Hatton is a ‘box’. He’s a large target compared to Pacquiao so his movement might not necessarily get him out of range all the time. His biggest defense against the lightning fast Filipino is a little dance called ‘jab, jab, body, body, side step.’ It’s crucial that he ends the dance with a ‘side step’. You might even catch the ‘step’ repeated more than once during some intervals. He won’t outrun Manny, but he can make himself harder to be reached. He’ll look like David Diaz if he just stands in front of the Pacman. And Diaz didn’t do it by choice.

‘Sting like a bee’… and add feints.

This key has to do particularly with his movement and timing. He can dance with Pacquiao all night but there’s only one direction that can bear fruits to this labor. The Hitman needs to move to his left, specifically away from Pacman’s left hand. Ever since the annihilating wins over Erik Morales, the implementation of the right hand (once dubbed the Manila Ice) has been central to Pacquiao’s success. This will surely make it harder for any opponent now that there are two fully functional cannons on board. Nevertheless, we all would tend to agree that it’d be a smarter idea to circle away from the naturally stronger hand and allow only fractional contribution. And since that left will partially be out of commission, Pacquiao will look to over-assert it and that’s when Hatton can time and ‘sting’ the daring Filipino.

Live downstairs but sneak upstairs.

Lastly, Ricky needs to go to the body. Aiming for a little guy who has the head and upper body movement of prime Tyson is extremely difficult. De la Hoya’s ill-fated plan to engage Pacquiao in his fight was easily trounced. Hatton should apply body shots to his combinations. In fact, his combos should revolve AROUND working the body. In standing toe-to-toe, Hatton will risk being bruised, bloodied, and cut. The last of the three poses the biggest threat (for both). Pacquiao was cut in his first fight with Morales and you could clearly see the Filipino flustered and bothered. Hint: this was his last loss.

Hatton has the tools to break down any opponent in front of him. Now it’s only a matter of whether he’ll use the right ones at the right time. Mapping the blue-print is a fraction of the equation, executing it is the other 99.99%.Catch the action live on May 2 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ricky Hatton Exclusive: “I will pressure Manny Pacquiao like no one has before!”

2009-02-27T05:06:00.000-08:00
FightFan.com's Ace Freeman caught up with 'The Hitman' Ricky Hatton and got his thoughts on his upcoming mega fight with Manny Pacquiao. Don't miss this detailed exclusive interview, only on FightFan.com!

FF: Ricky can you tell us how you plan on fighting Manny Pacquiao?

RH: Cut the ring off and stay in his face. I need to draw him into a fight. Manny is an aggressive fighter and he has a lot of pride in the way he fights. Obviously Manny has good footwork and he tries to hurt you with that big left cross so I do have to be careful as I put the pressure on. I plan to use lots of head movement and jabs to work my way in. I want to pick off shots and hopefully when Manny misses I’ll land some big shots. I think Manny is there to be caught quite a few times in fights.

Exclusive Ricky Hatton interview on Manny Pacquiao:

FF:FightFan.com here with ‘The Hitman’ Ricky Hatton. Ricky thanks for taking the time. Can you please tell us your thoughts on the style match up between yourself and Manny Pacquiao?

RH: I think it’s a good clash of styles. Manny is very aggressive and I’m very aggressive. Manny is a southpaw but he’s not necessarily an awkward southpaw. I think when he commits himself with some of his punches he puts all his eggs in one basket. He really tends to commit himself with some punches. If he hits you… you’ll feel it because he’s got good balance and shuffles in and out. He tends to go for broke with some punches. With that said, if he throws some of those punches - and misses… I think he sometimes puts himself off balance. I feel I’ve got good balance and good footwork and if he misses I’m going to slip some heavy shots of my own in there.

In his recent fights with the likes of Oscar, Diaz, Marquez, and Barrera… I don’t think anyone has really put the pressure on Manny. I think that because he’s so aggressive everyone has backed off. I’ve studied a lot of tapes and I think the last person to put him under pressure effectively was Eric Morales. Morales was able to push him backwards and he beat him doing it. I understand I’m the underdog but I’ll tell you I’m going in to this fight brimming with confidence. I feel anyone who fights me at 140 pounds will come in second.

FF:You got a good look at Manny when you were ringside for his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in December. Can you tell us what you thought of Manny’s improvements as a fighter in the last couple of years and how you thought he looked at that weight?

RH: He looked very good. Any win against Oscar De La Hoya is an exceptional one. Pacquiao showed good boxing ability. Not to take anything away from that, but I have to say - and I hope Oscar won’t take offense - that De La Hoya looked like a dead man walking that night. He didn’t look like he had his legs under him and he wasn’t throwing punches. I think the trouble with the weight effected Oscar’s performance. Manny did outbox Oscar, but I don’t think that was such a difficult task on that night.

FF:Ricky are you the bigger and stronger man in this fight, and if so how will that play a role in the outcome?

RH: Yes very much so. I also think my speed with surprise him. I think people underestimate my speed a little bit. I’ve changed up my training routine recently after years of doing heavy weight lifting. For the Mayweather fight I stopped doing the weights and I think my hands have been faster for it. With another training camp under my belt without the weights I think I’ll be even faster.

A lot of people are expecting Manny’s speed to cause me problems and I’m sure it will to an extent, but my speed is underestimated. Paul Malignaggi is a quick handed fighter and I feel I was faster than he was.

FF: If Manny elects to box and move, how do you plan to deal with that?

RH: Cut the ring off and stay in his face. I need to draw him into a fight. Manny is an aggressive fighter and he has a lot of pride in the way he fights. I’m hoping to draw him into a fight. Obviously Manny has good footwork and he tries to hurt you with that big left cross so I do have to be careful as I put the pressure on. I think if you look at my last fight my defense was improved. I think it will be even better with another training camp under my belt.

I plan to use lots of head movement and jabs to work my way in. I want to pick off shots and hopefully when Manny misses I’ll land some big shots. I think Manny is there to be caught quite a few times in fights.

FF: If Manny does stand toe-to-toe with you at some point do you feel that’s to your advantage?

RH: I do feel it’s to my advantage. Obviously there are dangers for myself as well because Manny can punch… but two of his previous defeats (when he was younger) were from body punches. Marquez has shaken him up a few times, and I also saw tape of a fighter who knocked him down with a body shot. I also saw Nedal Hussein knock Manny down hard with a jab. He’s been hurt in the past and I feel I will be more in-his-face than those fighters were. Manny is a very aggressive guy and because he fights the way he does it seems like opponents tend to back off and give him a lot of space. I won’t be giving up ground to him.

FF: You’ve started training already. How is camp going and what are you working on?

RH: We’ve been in the gym two weeks now. We’ve been working on putting the pressure on and jabbing my way in, picking off shots on the way in. I’m working on slipping the left cross, so it’s all really going according to plan so far. Me and my camp are extremely confident as we approach this fight. I understand I’m the underdog. Manny is a modern day legend when you think about how he won his first world title at flyweight. I understand we’re the underdog in the fight but I feel that’s a great position to be in. Not a lot of people expect me to win but I’m super confident.

FF: Ricky in this day and age a lot of fighters are very selective about who they fight. You seem to always be gunning for the biggest names out there. Do you feel you get enough credit for that?

RH: Well in certain areas I get the credit but I think any fighter like Manny or Mayweather or even myself… there’s always going to be people who will knock you and put you down. I spent the earlier part of my career listening to people calling me over-hyped and over-protected, saying I didn’t want to leave Manchester and that I was avoiding certain fighters. I think if you look at the last few years since I’ve been fighting in America I moved up in weight to fight the pound-for-pound best in Floyd Mayweather. I’ve won world titles and beat Kostya Tszyu. I was the first fighter to drop and stop Jose Luis Castillo (with a body shot).

Now I’m challenging the best pound-for-pound fighter again in Manny Pacquiao. There will always be people who will knock you but I don’t think too many people can complain about the fights Ricky Hatton’s been taking over the last few years. It seems all I’ve been doing is fighting world champions up in weight and down in weight. I’m taking on the best fighters in the world and that’s what I’ve said I was going to do since my early days. There’s no fear in Ricky Hatton.

FF: That’s a good note to leave it on. A lot of guys are quite selective about who they’ll fight but I guess that’s why they say there’s only one Ricky Hatton! Mad respect for that. Ricky thanks for doing this.

RH: My pleasure, thank you.

Ricky Hatton's excesses tamed as he prepares for Manny Pacquiao arrival

2009-02-27T05:04:00.000-08:00
According to several insiders from Ricky Hatton's camp, the thoughts of trainers Floyd Mayweather Snr and Lee Beard on Hatton's excesses between fights have found a foothold.

Hatton has not 'binged' on his family holiday this year, and is believed to have had an earlier 'cut-off' point in his celebrations. Hatton is deadly serious about this contest, having felt he underperformed when he fought the then world No 1 pound for pound fighter in Floyd Mayweather Jnr 15 months ago.

It also appears that Hatton has grown tired of looking 'big' next to his upcoming opponents, with Manny Pacquiao due for a public fan rally in Manchester on Saturday, with the pair then heading down to London for a press open day at the Imperial War Museum on Monday.

Several times now, Hatton the man who has promoted his contest three months before on a press tour is not the man who appears in front of the fans and media in fight week.

Hatton is serious - and that can only be good, as Manny Pacquiao has the potential to close Hatton's career if he is not in tip-top shape.

Beard insists fans should not worry. "Ricky is coming along and is in great shape."

Pleasing for the camp, is that Hatton has passed several early fitness tests with flying colours. It is also a sign of growing maturity with the Mancunian, who wants two more fights after this, potentially against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, and one other major name,

For now, having been dismantled by Pacquiao, last December, Oscar De La Hoya would seem out of the equation. Beard is insistent on having Mexican sparring partners to approximate the Pacquiao style, admitting there is no-one in the UK capable of creating the havoc that the Filipino can generate in a ring.

Beard, who has been studying Pacquiao's style in minute detail, said the hallmarks of Hatton's opponent were "extremely strong fighter, very active and throws every punches in the book, allied with variety of punches, good on his feet and fine defensively or offensively going forward or backwards." No wonder Hatton is already in shape !

The business begins this weekend. It will be a long haul until the moment they meet at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on May 2.

Hatton wants to train at home, not Vegas

2009-02-21T11:47:00.001-08:00
By Robert Morales, Staff Writer

Ricky Hatton of England is known to gain quite a bit of weight between fights. He likes to hang out with his buddies at the neighborhood pubs and drink lots of beer.
Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., is stationed in Las Vegas. He would like Hatton to come to Las Vegas for eight weeks of training leading up to his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand.
But Hatton told British newspapers earlier this month that he doesn't want to be away from home for eight weeks. He said he would miss his girlfriend, his son and his favorite soccer team.
Hatton, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be facing the best pound-for-
pound fighter in the world. Yet he is worried about being away from home too long?
That's not a good thing.
But Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, said he is not concerned.
"I have two comments on that," Schaefer said this week. "One, he should talk to Bernard Hopkins. He'd make sure his priorities are straight."
Hopkins is 44, but still one of the best fighters in the world, pound-for-pound. Sheer dedication is one of the reasons.
"The other one is, I'm not really worried about it because the guy who is going to train him is Floyd Mayweather Sr.," Schaefer said. "I can assure you Floyd Mayweather Sr. is going to make him forget his girlfriend and whatever else he has in his life, because Floyd Mayweather Sr. is a trainer who does not accept any of that whatsoever."
Schaefer said that although every fighter boasts he is going to be in the best shape of his life for a given fight, Mayweather is the trainer who will make sure Hatton is just that.
Schaefer said Mayweather also wants to show that he can train a fighter to beat Pacquiao. Mayweather formerly was Oscar De La Hoya's trainer, but not when De La Hoya fought and lost decisively to Pacquiao in December.
Schaefer said that to Mayweather, a win over Pacquiao would prove that De La Hoya made the wrong choice by not having him work his corner for that fight.
"One thing the Mayweathers have is an incredible will to win," Schaefer said.
So how long is Hatton going to be in Las Vegas? Only the last four weeks of his training camp. The first four will be spent in England.

Pacquiao to use footwork vs. Hatton

2009-02-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

By Jun Medina, Special Correspondent

Good footwork is a key element of Manny Pacquiao’s successful boxing career, a tool he used to advantage in pummeling to submission the bigger and stronger Oscar De La Hoya in their December 6 fight.

It’s a device he would need to employ again to the hilt when he tangles with British junior welterweight star Ricky Hatton in their coming May 2 bout, according to his renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

Nigel Collins, editor-in-chief of The Ring Magazine, observed that the signature move Pacquiao used in his “Dream Match” against De La Hoya carried the Filipino icon to his upset victory by “largely nullifying Oscar’s biggest weapon, his concussive left hook.”

“Pacquiao would step in quickly, deliver a rapid combination, pivot to his right, bend at the knee, and duck low,” Collins, a veteran boxing writer, wrote in his article “The Lost Art of Footwork” in the April issue of The Ring.

It is a routine that Pacquiao mastered at training camp and employed to near perfection during the fight, and handed De La Hoya, boxing’s biggest draw, his worst beating in his entire career.

“We developed that move especially to take away Oscar’s bread-and-butter [left hook] and work on it throughout camp,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainor for more than eight years. “Footwork is something of a lost art, but it was the key to Manny’s victory over Oscar.”

Collins observed that the top four boxers in The Ring’s current pound-for-pound ratings—Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins—are all known for employing intelligent footwork.

“Overlooked, misunderstood, and difficult to master, footwork [and its co-joined twin, balance] has always been and remains and remains the hallmark of the great fighter down throughout the generations,” said Collins, a keen student of The Sweet Science.

He said that among the iconic heavyweights, Jim Corbett, Jack Johnson, Gene Tunney, Joe Walcott, Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes were all gifted hoofers.

Collins said good movement in the ring also played a major role in the success of fighters not normally associated with fancy legworks, noting how the likes of Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, or better yet, Roberto Duran cut off the ring in their prime.

Among active fighters, Collins mentioned the ageless Bernard Hopkins, who practically gave unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik a boxing clinic using excellent footwork.

“It’s all about footwork, footwork and balance. They’re together,” Hopkins told Collins.

Hopkins said that “70 percent to 80 percent of winning a fight is based on positioning,” adding that it is proper footwork that allows a fighter to be in position to attack or defend himself.

Hopkins said the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard both had great footwork, a quality that helped earn them their status as best among the elite boxing greats in the history of the sport.

According to Collins footwork has always been a part of the development of boxing since the time of the bare-knuckle prizefighters of the 18th and 19th century.
“Footwork has always been the shifting foundation upon which boxing excellence is built,” Collins said.

Freddie Roach: “If Hatton goes toe-to-toe with Manny he’ll get knocked out!”

2009-02-21T11:39:00.000-08:00
By FightFan.com Staff (20-Feb-2009)

Photo: Ace Freeman

FF: Freddie, what do you think about the style match up with Manny set to face Ricky Hatton?

FR: It’s great. You know Ricky comes to fight. He’s young, he’s vibrant, and he loves to fight. He believes in himself and he’s a tough guy. It’s going to be a very competitive fight and I think it’s a good style match up for Manny and I. Manny does very well with guys who come forward like Hatton does. It’s definitely a great match up… but we’re going to knock him out.

Freddie Roach on Pacquiao vs. Hatton:

FF: Freddie now that the fight is set, and Manny Pacquiao will face Ricky Hatton… can you give us your thoughts on the style match up in this fight?

FR: It’s great. You know Ricky comes to fight. He’s young, he’s vibrant, and he loves to fight. He believes in himself and he’s a tough guy. It’s going to be a very competitive fight and I think it’s a good style match up for Manny and I. Manny does very well with guys who come forward like Hatton does. It’s definitely a great match up.

FF: Hatton is a very strong fighter. How will Manny deal with that strength?

FR: We’re not going to deal with his strength. We’re not going to fight him on the inside. We’re going to fight smart and box this guy. I don’t think Hatton’s strength will come in to play in this fight.

FF: Ricky really likes to work out of the clinch and makes things very physical. Will Manny’s footwork be a big asset in this fight to counter act that?

FR: Of course. You know we’re planning on dealing with it. We’re not going to rely on the referee or anything like that. We will definitely have an answer for it.

FF:How would you rate Hatton’s power? He is a strong guy and a strong puncher. Is there any concern there, maybe with Hatton’s body punching?

FR: He’s a decent puncher and he’s very good with attacking to the body. He’s a good puncher but we’re not going to stand in front of this guy and exchange with him. We’re going to fight a smart fight like we did with Oscar.

FF: If there are moments where they end up standing toe-to-toe do you like Manny’s chances even though it might not be the smartest thing to do?

FR: If Hatton stands toe-to-toe with us, we’ll knock him out.

FF:Hatton is a younger guy, very strong… do you think he can still pull the trigger?

FR: Oh yea… but I also don’t think he’s the same fighter he was before he lost to Mayweather. I think the Mayweather fight took something out of him and that he looked pretty shaky in the Lazcano fight. He did look very good in the Malignaggi fight, but Paulie looked really bad in that fight for some reason. We’re not that style of fighter though.

I’ve been watching tape of Ricky, I’ve studied the Lazcano fight and I have his last ten bouts on video. We’ll study him thoroughly and see what kind of game plan we can come up with. My new assistant Michael Moorer (former world heavyweight champion) is going to help with training Manny for this fight. We should be okay.

FF:Where do you think Hatton ranks up with the other fighters Manny has faced?

FR: He’s definitely up there… you know the top three guys were probably Morales, Marquez and Oscar and Ricky’s a world champion and that doesn’t happen by accident. Ricky’s a tough guy who likes to fight - and we like to fight - so it should be good.

FF:Did you notice any improvements with Hatton training under Mayweather Sr.?

FR: Oh yes! Tremendous improvements! (Laughs) Give me a break!

FF:I thought if anything else he looked a lot more like his old self…

FR: No comment.

FF:Okay… moving right along. What weight do you want to see Manny enter the ring at for this fight?

FR: The contracted weight for the fight is 140, and I’d like to see Manny at 147 in the ring on fight night.

FF:We’re going to put you on the spot. What’s the prediction for this fight?

FR: We’ll knock Hatton out.

FF:Freddie as always, thanks for this.

FR: My pleasure.

Inevitable war of words in Pacquiao-Hatton superfight

2009-02-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

Boxing's pound-for-pound No 1 Manny Pacquiao has hit back at Lee Beard's comments that Pacman "makes mistakes" in the ring, that there are flaws in the great Filipino's technique, and that Beard, Floyd Mayweather Sr and essentially, Ricky Hatton, will attempt to expose them come fight night on May 2.

"Let your ward train hard and good luck come fight night" was Pacman's response.

Part of the cut and thrust of a superfight are the intricacies, the discussions of styles, how they will meet, the records, the mutual opponents. One of the great aspects to this contest is that there are no mutual opponents, and that Pacquiao has never fought at 140lbs.

It has, and is generating, at times, fairly vitriolic debate. (Perhaps that is only to be expected with arguably two of the world's most popular boxers each with their own fervent following meeting in the square ring).

They say Pacquiao is more dangerous when riled. Like a coiled cobra. And that the more silent he is, the more dangerous he becomes. Humble men are often that way. There are similarities with Hatton. Focus is his key. He lost it against Mayweather. And I'm talking about the build-up in fight week here. So many fans, so much adrenalin. The finger across the throat stuff...just not Hatton.

It was good to see Hatton - back in light training this week - calm and collected about his fight with Pacquiao. And see him complimenting his opponent. "It's going to be an outstanding fight. None of us are ever in a dull fight. I don't think I've ever seen Manny in a boring fight. If I wasn't fighting Manny, I think I'd be a fan of him because he's always in outstanding fights." I assume the same will come from Pacquiao. Seeing him at Freddie Roach's gym it is clear that he lets his work ethic do the talking.

However, the likelihood is that Mayweather will get under the skin of the opposing camp for this fight, that Freddie Roach will bite, because the two have history. Beard also seems to have adopted the stance that he, too, will speak out and be vocal.

The diverse trainer-fighter relationships will have a bearing on this fight. They are stark in contrast.

Roach on Pacquiao: "Manny is like a son to me, he's more than just my fighter."

Mayweather on Hatton: "I will need more than a few weeks to teach him to box like my son, but you are going to see a different Ricky Hatton come fight night." I do not buy the arguments that Hatton can only brawl. I have watched almost all his fights, and there was a marked improvement in his fitness, movement and ring generalship against Paulie Malignaggi, who admittedly, was not a heavy puncher.

But criticism of Hatton's hit-and-hold tactics do not hold water. What he does, the way he fights, is within the rules. Look at the wily skills of Bernard Hopkins in defence. I believe we should admire fighters for their survival instincts.

One of the keys to the outcome of the fistic meeting between Pacquiao and Hatton may lie in whether Hatton can get Pacquiao onto the ropes, or into corners, to nullify his great lateral, bouncing, movement, which forms part of his great defence, honed and developed under Roach.

Long before we get to see these things, however, we are likely to have a protracted war of words between the camps. It just seems inevitable. What are the odds on Mayweather throwing the first verbal punch ? Odds-on.

Pacman in for tough fight–Roach

2009-02-16T05:06:00.000-08:00

By: Jun Medina, Special Correspondent ; Manila Times Online

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will be in for a tough, competitive match when he fights British junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton on May 2, according to Pacquiao’s renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach, who has trained 17 world champions, said he is devising a new game plan for the Hatton fight, which will be completely different from the strategy used in the Filipino icon’s last fight against Oscar De La Hoya.

Hatton is known for holding his opponents and crowding them in the inside to land his vaunted body punches. And unlike De La Hoya who was 35 years old when he fought Pacquiao, Hatton is only 30 years old.

Some boxing scribes also see Hatton improving under the watch of Floyd Mayweather Sr., who has succeeded in polishing Hatton’s defense at least for the Briton’s recent fight against Paulie Malignaggie.

However, Pacquiao’s camp is devising a game plan for the Hatton fight.

“We have a great game plan and look to fight the perfect fight again,” Roach told boxing columnist Scott Dryden of People’s Defender, an Ohio-based weekly. “If we do [execute the perfect fight] he [Hatton] will get knocked out in the later rounds. It’s going to be a good fight up until that point.”

Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, is guaranteed $12 million, his biggest paycheck, for the megabuck fight to be held at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

Roach said Pacquiao-Hatton would be an exciting fight because both boxers pack power in their punches and that they “come to fight.”

Roach, a three-time trainer of the year, said one thing he likes about Pacquiao is his discipline and focus while training for a match.

“Pacquiao is a machine. From day one his work ethic was unbelievable,” Roach said of his prized student. “He is the hardest working fighter I’ve ever seen.”

He recalled that while training for the Oscar De La Hoya fight, Mike Tyson dropped by the gym told Roach to slow Pacquiao down because they had a fight in a couple of days.

“I said, ‘Mike this is slow,’” Roach said. “Manny is just a machine.”

“Manny averaged 44 rounds per day. He runs a lot basically trains like he fights; no caution. He really works hard,” Roach said.

Roach said he expects Manny to report to the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood on February 24 as he and Hatton are scheduled to kick off the super fight’s promotional tour Hatton’s hometown, Manchester in the United Kingdom.

They will also promote the fight in London before flying back to the United States with stops in major cities, like New York and Los Angeles.

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