Pacquiao vs Hatton 24/7 Episode #2

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Hatton vs. Pacquiao - Can Mayweather be the Difference?

WHAT CAN THE "GURU" REALLY DO FOR HATTON?

I want to say a few words about this fight because many people who are somewhat neophyte when it comes to boxing betting place too much of an emphasis on trainers. For this fight against Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton hired Floyd Mayweather Sr. to be his trainer, and brought him over to Coventry to head up the camp. There’s a lot of talk about “transformation” and how this is what is going to somehow elevate Hatton to the point where he can score the upset of the guy considered by most to be the sport’s #1 pound-for-pound competitor.

In this sport, you really need a scorecard to keep up with who is training who, perhaps more than ever before, at least during the time I have been around this business. It is a constantly revolving door in which a "celebrity" trainer as piggy-backed onto an already established fighter, bringing the hope of that magic pill that provides a missing ingredient meant to propel that fighter to victory, often as an underdog.

I have rarely seen this kind of thing work, except for the trainer who gets a nice payday out of the whole thing. I don't want to put down trainers in general, because I think the ones that have worked with a fighter from the beginning, taught them how to box, and really KNOW their fighter deserve all the credit in the world. As far as the "piggy-backers" are concerned, some of them taught someone how to box, some didn't. I know that Floyd Sr. taught Floyd Jr. the finer points.

Look - when a guy has risen to world-class status, he has gotten there by being a certain kind of fighter. In a sense, after a while, he trains himself. What is someone just coming into the picture really going to tell the fighter about his own style that he doesn't already know? And for those trainers who figure they are going to perform miracles by changing a fighter around, like one of these johnny-come-lately coaching "gurus" in football, that often brings negative results. Because when a fighter gets in trouble, he is going to revert back to that which he's been successful with in the past. Either that, or he implements change to the point where he is very conscious about it, and that takes away that which can be gained by instinct.

What I'm saying is that at the very outside there is no real effect, even psychological, by the switch to a piggy-backing trainer (if that's what the fighter needed to motivate him, he wouldn't have gotten there in the first place), and the downside is potentially big, especially when the style the trainer likes to teach is opposite that which the fighter is used to employing. That may be the case with Mayweather, who like to train guys to jab, move and be defensive-minded. That's fine, if you have an exceptional talent who is athletic enough to fight in a number of different ways, but Hatton is here for only one reason - he is aggressive, charges hard and outworks his opponent. Trying to tinker with that kind of thing is going to be a mistake, no matter what the claptrap you hear in the hype leading up to the fight.

Like I said, lots of trainers, including Mayweather Sr., deserve plenty of credit for what they've done with some fighters, and certainly there are certain guys who need a little push to get into the gym. What some trainers are best at, however, are selling themselves. In the wrong situation, whether intentionally or not, they're selling a bill of goods.

Source: http://www.betus.com/sports-betting/boxing/articles/hatton-vs-pacquiao-can-mayweather-be-the-difference/

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Pacquiao camp checks out Cotto for possible fight

MANILA, Philippines – There’s a new entry in the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes: Welterweight champ Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

According to Top Rank boss Bob Arum, the Filipino superstar himself has expressed interest in possibly duking it out with Cotto (33-1, 27 KOs) after he’s done with his business with Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas.

But to get himself in the running for a coveted lucrative fight with the world’s top pound for pound fighter, WBO 147-lb kingpin Cotto would first have to dispose of Joshua Clottey of Ghana in their June 13 title fight at the Madison Square Garden.

Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach will be at the Big Apple at that time to receive their awards as Fighter and Trainer of the Year, respectively, from the Boxing Writers Association of America and they will take the opportunity to look at Cotto.

“Manny Pacquiao said he wants to watch that fight. If Cotto wins that fight, Manny wants to check out Cotto’s style and then we’ll argue about a catch-weight underneath 147 and maybe make that fight," said Arum, in Manila for “The Flash & The Furious" card at the Araneta Coliseum.

Cotto is the latest among the names floated as possible opponent for the 30-year-old ring sensation, apparently aimed as a dig at comebacking Floyd Mayweather, Jr. who’s reportedly asking for the moon should he fight Pacquiao. Arum had maintained that given the big superstar that he is now, the Pacman deserves the lion’s share of the pie against anybody.

It’s also seen as Top Rank’s a way of cornering sole promotional rights and earnings as Cotto belongs to the same stable as Pacquiao, just like another Top Rank fighter earlier floated, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

For before he could think about Cotto, Mayweather, Chavez, Sugar Shane Mosley or even Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao still has an important business at hand – Hatton. – Olmin R. Leyba, GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/157691/Pacquiao-camp-checks-out-Cotto-for-possible-fight

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Hatton not afraid to reinvent himself

Ricky Hatton has a plan. Doesn't everyone?

He believes. Doesn't everyone?

He trusts that come the evening of May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden, he will beat the world's best pound-for-pound fighter in Manny Pacquiao.

Doesn't everyone?

Well, no.

Does anyone?

Pacquiao is a strong favorite in the 140-pound junior welterweight title fight, and you would be pressed to find any viewpoint outside those members of the Hatton camp and streets of Manchester, England, who don't agree that thousands of disappointed Brits will be strolling the Strip a few weeks from now.

The local economy still should earn a boost at all drinking establishments that night. There just won't be many smiles with all those pints of Guinness.

"There is nothing to worry about," Hatton's trainer said. "The only thing I'm worried about is if there will be an ambulance to take (Pacquiao's) ass to the hospital.

"He's a southpaw. We're going to be the northpaw. We are going to beat him. We are the northpaw. He's the southpaw. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

No one does.

They are the always amusing and rambling thoughts of Floyd Mayweather Sr., the man Hatton turned to when his career seemed at that point of either advancing to more memorable heights or crashing like the 5-year-old from sugar overload.

This is why Hatton can win May 2. He is unlike most fighters. He admits weakness. He is not stubborn enough to think 45-1 with 36 knockouts can't be improved.

He was roughed up and knocked out by Mayweather's son in December 2007, followed that by looking pedestrian in winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Juan Lazcano and promptly fired longtime trainer Billy Graham.

Fighters boot trainers all the time. But in showing Graham the door, Hatton parted ways with his mentor, his close friend, the man he partnered with to form one of the most successful duos in British boxing history. Hatton is 30 and worked with Graham since age 18.

This was as personal as you get in this business.

"I needed to get beat by Floyd Jr. to know what I had to do," Hatton said. "If I had kept getting away with it, getting away with it, getting away with it, I would have stayed with my friend.

"Nobody can take away what Billy and I did together, but for years he showed signs of slowing down. Consequently, it slowed me down and showed in my performances. Not his fault. Father Time. It will happen to all of us. Billy was having needles in his hands for his pain and saying, 'You're punching hard, Rick.' I'd think, 'You can't feel your hands, Billy.'

"As hard as it was, it was the right decision to part with Billy."

He wanted and needed to become a more technical fighter. A better defensive one. Someone who would not sprint from his corner on a straight line with a head that didn't move and feet that seemed stuck in concrete and merely brawl his way to wins. He hired Mayweather Sr. with the hopes of changing it all.

The partnership was alive for just seven weeks when Hatton in November punished Paulie Malignaggi to the point his corner threw in the towel 28 seconds into the 11th round. This is what gives Hatton and his brazen trainer such confidence about the Pacquiao fight, that the passing months have created an even quicker and smarter version of Hatton.

They see a Pacquiao who while extraordinarily fast and powerful, counts his greatest win against an aging Oscar De La Hoya who many believed had one foot in the ring that evening in December and the other in retirement. They are convinced that if Hatton gets into trouble early, he won't revert back into his old, statuesque self. That he will choose, even when prodded, to be a boxer over a brawler.

They have a plan.

They believe.

"Ricky is still learning," Mayweather said. "Nobody is going to erase everything from before in one day or two fights. But he's coming along. He could win this fight without me. I feel that good about it.

"Manny has a good left jab, but when I see the way he throws punches, I see an amateur. When you beat De La Hoya with that, it means De La Hoya quit, forget, end of story.

"Ricky is going to beat his ass. I'm not looking for a beat down. I'm looking for a stop down."

I can't see it. Can't see Hatton successfully controlling Pacquiao's quickness and skill. Can't see anything but what the odds suggest. Can't envision anything but thousands of Brits boosting our economy by drowning their sorrows.

But the chance is there for Hatton because he showed the wisdom to embrace change and not look back. Because after losing for the first time as a professional following 43 wins, he wasn't afraid to reinvent himself.

Source: http://www.lvrj.com/sports/43243127.html

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Nothing Posh: Ricky Hatton is 'charming little chappie'

There’s nothing Posh about this blue collar, Mancunian pug named Ricky Hatton. But I can truthfully say that the working class fighter wouldn’t know me from one or any of the Spice Girls.

Hint, hint, Ricky. ( I might be a little slimmer than some of the girls, maybe Sporty, I am not the same, old whale who literally sat AROUND ringside at some of your bouts.)

I’ve been wondering, as the runup to Hatton’s May 2 Vegas fight against Pound For Pound titan Manny Pacquiao inchles closer, what makes Hatton tick? When TV cameras roll, he likes to play the practical joker. He’s twice paraded for HBO wearing a decidedly unsexy thong.

But, when the cameras are down, what is Megamanny’s foe really like? I decided to go to my favorite British sporting source, the decorated Daily Mail sports columnist (since 1966) and my bosom buddy, Lord Jeff Powell.

Oh, by the way, “Lord Powell” is no upper class twit. He’s like UK promoter Frank Warren in that he rose out of the hardscrabble East End—perhaps born within the sound of the bells of St. Mary’s, I’m not sure—and his father was a professional boxer who lived a hale and hearty life well into his 80s.

I just gave Powell the “Lord” handle as a lark. I should mention that he’s a four-time British Sports Reporter of the year so that gives you an idea of his lofty standing among his peers. (You can locate the Powell Archives of delicious columns, here.)

'There is something desperate about Paul Collingwood's demeanour on the cricket field - sweaty, paranoid, staring, self-obsessed. Whatever the short-term results, the sooner England find a man capable of captaining both test and one-day teams the better. Born leaders transmit confidence through their teams, not fear of failure.'

Speaking of Spice Girls, Powell has also taken on football icon David Beckham, who is married to Posh Spice. As the biographer and close friend of UK football legend Bobby Moore, Powell felt Becks and fans were overrating his sporting status.

Here’s Powell’s zinging prose on Beckham:

“It is not my intention to belittle Beckham, only to cast him in his proper place behind the absurd ballyhoo. I have praised and chastised him in turn, commending his singlehanded rescuing of England's place in the 2002 World Cup finals with his stand-out game against Greece, but lamenting the betrayal of his most saving grace, his work ethic, when he turned up overweight for Euro 2004.

He has been a very good but not great player, limited as he is by his one-footedness and lack of pace...

Beckham has flattered to deceive since his peak seasons at Old Trafford. Now, on his transatlantic jaunts between the dollar and the euro, he is even more brand than substance.

In the improbable event that they erect his statue, the wording should go something like this: Celebrity husband of fashion icon. Symbol of the Me Generation. Treasure hunter. Milker of Wembley crowd. Pampered princeling. Captain who won nothing for England. Most overpaid footballer of all time.”

Lest I give the impression that Powell is a literary snake, a vicious viper whose pen is always dipped in arsenic, consider his praise of late colleague Ian Wooldridge.


"I joined the Mail full time in 1966 and we worked together for a hell of a long time. I was younger than him and he was very helpful to me.

"He was an inspiration… no one who asked for help from him ever lacked it.

If you've got talent like that you can afford to give it away.

"He was great fun — you had to have a good liver to be his friend. But it was always ‘job first' with him. He was not driven by any false ego… and of course he was a beautiful writer. Irony was his great strength. He could fillet people without them even knowing. It was almost a privilege to be taken apart by him."

So that gives you a snapshot of Powell’s considerable talent. Now let’s get boxing pertinent. Does the scribe think Hatton really is the proletariat, salt of the Manchester eart type he’s generally viewed?

“Oh, yes, indeed he is,” Powell told me by phone from his London office. “Ricky is a charming little chappie.

“He makes fun of drinking, eating to excess…all that Ricky Fatton stuff,” Powell said. “He doesn’t have to try to be ‘one of the boys’ down at the local. He is one of the boys, cut from the same solid stock as the rest of the lads.

“He’s a crazed football fan and fervent supporter of Manchester City, the big rival of course to higher profile Manchester United. Ricky backs the Blue of Man City and that’s where his fans get the ‘Blue Moon’ song from.”

Powell said he thinks Hatton’s grounded mentality comes from his mother, father and friends.

“Don’t forget Manchester’s roots come from the Industrial Revolution,” Powell said. “They call it the Second City of England and it is the blue collar, old industry area of Northwest England.

“The Hattons come from a lower middle class background and Ricky acts like someone who has no airs. I’d call him the most popular British fighter since the heyday of Lennox Lewis, popular in a way that Joe Calzaghe never was.”

Powell said Hatton and his loyal fans are of the same stock as past UK champions and their followers.

“There was a bit of Hatton or vice versa in Dave Charnley, the welterweight,” Powell said. “Dave was a working class boy as well and he was what they used to call a ‘Nobbins fighter’ meaning a small hall boxer. The fans used to throw coins or ‘Nobbins’ into the ring to show their appreciation for great scraps and scrappers like that.

“I think you can also classify the Scotsmen, Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt, as the same types. Watt is a bit more articulate than most and it’s helped him as a TV commentator on boxing. But all of these boxers were feisty guys who got their start in the milieu of the workingman’s clubs and pubs.”

What of relatively new fistic face, WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch who hails from Nottingham?

(“Frochie” makes his first title defense next Saturday night at Foxwoods in Connecticut against ex-champ Jermain Taylor.)

“Froch is just coming on to our national radar,” Powell said. “But he’s in the mold of industrial Nottingham, the city of Trent water and famous Nottingham Lace. Their famous football manager and hero is Brian Clough.

“It would’ve been great fun if Carl and Calzaghe had fought but that appears very unlikely.”

Even though I won’t be wearing an MP Pinoy beanie or waving a Pacman pennant at the MGM Grand two weeks hence, I’ve already copped out to rooting (silently) for the Little Guy from Gensan.

But, based on what insiders like Powell say, I won’t be rooting against Ricky Hatton.

I make it a strict practice to never, ever root against a “charming little chappie.”

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m4d18-Nothing-Posh-Ricky-Hatton-is-charming-little-chappie

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EA Sports: Pacquiao vs Hatton

While the fight doesn't go down until May 2nd, EA Sports is going to give us a chance to replay the fight using Fight Night Round 4 demo. So even if your favorite fighter loses the bout, you will be given the chance to virtually redeem him and beat the other guy like he stole something. From the history of the two fighters, this is guaranteed to be a slugfest and should start the game off in the right direction. Look for the demo to be released in mid-May, with the full game release on June 30th. Fight Night Round 4 will feature 45+ fighters including one of my favorites Arturo "Thunder" Gatti. If you have never heard of the man, just pull up a Google tab and prepare to be amazed. Locations will be highlighted in the game, with the possible choices of venues being Las Vegas, London, the Philippines, Mexico, New York, and Chicago. Check out the trailer of the actual fight below.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-2069-Hartford-Video-Games-Examiner~y2009m4d18-EA-Sports-Pacquiao-vs-Hatton

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Exclusive: Hatton and Pacquiao interviews and Roach three round KO prediction a ruse

From now until Hatton-Pacquiao Battle if The East and The West fight night at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on May 2, Telegraph sport will be publishing at least one daily video and newsline on this blog building up to the biggest fan's fight of the year.

This late April, May and June are three major months for British fighters...Carl Froch fights Jermain Taylor in the United States next weekend, defending his WBC supermiddleweight title, and David Haye pits his heavyweight wits against Wladimir Klitschko and his two world title belts in Germany on June 20.

Between times, the two most popular fighters in the world face off, a fight riven firstly by hype, but now by myriad opinions in a rich tapestry of claim and counter-claim about which of the two fearsome men (both fear-less in the ring) will win, why, and how.

Not only do the national media in both countries have strong opinions, the fans are trading on the forums, too. There are plenty of keyboard KOs around. Indeed, it appears that Pacquiao is highly representative of the machismo of the young Filipino male. It has made for great reading.

My only sadness is that so many of Manny's fans do not have the funds to travel to Vegas (many Hatton fans saved for a year to go to see him fight Mayweather) and I believe if all the respective fans could afford to go to Las Vegas, there would be an invasion upwards of 100,000, the like of which has never been seen before...

Back to the fight. The issues under discussion are numerous.

Weight advantage, cute movement, lateral movement, upper body and head, commitment early in the rounds of the fight, body punches, the lifestyles of the two fighters, their physical engines, the ability to feint, the ring nous of miniscule, subtle movements to bring the opponent onto the punch, Hatton unbeaten at 140lbs, Pacquiao untested at 140lbs, hand speed...I could go on and on.

I have already nailed my colours to the mast. My gut instinct is that Pacquiao will be more clinical and could have an advantage as the fight wears on and he catches Hatton more. He could stop the Pride of Manchester in the third section of the fight. Hatton, though, will be very dangerous early on, and will unleash his ferocious hooks to head and body from the off.

I don't believe Freddie Roach's assessment that Pacquiao will win in three rounds. Nor do I believe they are setting their stall out to win that way. I believe it is a ruse. Pacquiao will be assessing Hatton early on, avoiding the bigger man until he sees openings (rather like he did in the first 2-3 rounds with Oscar De La Hoya). Reading between the lines, hearing Roach talk about Manny's "growing maturity" as a fighter, I expect he will wait. And wait.

Click on the Ricky Hatton audio below. When I spoke to him in Las Vegas, Ricky was convinced - 100 pc - that technically he has improved in droves since taking up with Floyd Mayweather Snr. Hatton has an eye on a re-match with young Floyd and from what he told me, the defeat gnaws at him, and he wants to have a re-match with the American to prove his tactics were so wrong that night.

"You have to jab, use your defence, feint, be clever. I should not be relying on my strength. There was no method to my madness. It makes no sense at this level. You've got to set them up, move your head. I got used to relying on power and strength." It is good to hear Ricky saying such things. No doubt had he looked at another strategist, rather than long time trainer Billy Graham, there may have been a more gratifying outcome against Mayweather on Dec 8 2007.

I believe that if Hatton had got through the 12 rounds with Mayweather, lost on points, and not been knocked out, it would not have irked him so. Nor would he want the re-match. It was all about being knocked out.

On Manny, Ricky believes he has the skills to master him. (Enter legions of Manny fans to disagree vehemently)

Click here to listen to Ricky Hatton talking from his Las Vegas apartment

If you missed the video of my visit to Manny's apartment in LA, and an interview with him...here it is again. The highlights ? Pacquiao a total gent; the three darts boards in preparation for the Pacmania darts tournament, and his smiling friends.

I was told there was a 9pm curfew for Manny at the apartment, with all friends out.

Looked to me like Manny was happy to have his mates there. It was great to meet Pacman the dog, too, who has some engine. That dog can run.

On the same day Telegraph Sport visited Pacquiao at his apartment, I had an intriguing interview with Granville Ampong, an LA-based journalist from the Phlippines, who is editor and publisher of The Maharlikan Times. Ampong also writes for several Filipino news agencies and newspaper titles. He knew the intimate, and intricate details of the culture from which Pacquiao hails, and offered a detailed insight into just why Pacquiao is so revered in his homeland. More on that on Monday...it makes for an intruiguing read, and shows just how much pressure Manny faces from all quarters. Perhaps too much.

Source: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/gareth_a._davies/blog/2009/04/18/exclusive_hatton_and_pacquiao_interviews_and_roach_three_round_ko_prediction_a_ruse_

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PACQUIAO VS HATTON -- A MUST SEE RUCTION

Los Angeles, CA.-- This will be a showcase of heavy punching when Manny Pacquiao clashes with Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Always looking for ways to beat riotous challengers, Pacquiao is ready to hurt Hatton in their May 2 encounter.

This, to complete a triumphant tour of the eight-weight divisions he has figured in.

“Balderdash” cried Hatton on claims the British hitman does not have what it takes to counter what the GenSan stinger is bringing to the MGM bop.

“I’m the unbeaten boss of junior welterweights and I plan to finish him off,“ the IBO defending champion underscored after a heated session in a Vegas gym,

Ricky says Manny gets rattled when pressured, citing Erik Morales’ win in their first match and Juan Manuel Marquez’ controversial loss in a rematch.

The 31 year old Briton insists he is much stronger and a better fighter -- hence an early exit of the Filipino idol is possible.

But Manny has iced more fighters than what Ricky has chilled--(39 limp bodies for the Pacman as opposed to 36 stiffs for the Hitman)

And more experts are lining up in his corner.

Al Bernstein for one is looking at Manny to stop Ricky.

“Hatton will be competitive with Pacquiao because he is a natural 140 pounder who is better than what he is given credit for. However, Manny’s hand and foot speed plus combination punching will be too much for Ricky. I could easily see Hatton cuts being a major factor as well,” the reliable Bernstein emphasized.

Echoes Lance Pugmire of the L.A. Times: “A 10th round stoppage of Hatton due to Pacquiao’s combination of speed and power.”

Hizzoner Al Fernandez of Dagupan City says it would be unlikely Manny will blow this one out calling a late round KO of Ricky as well.

The Philippines’ pride does have the capacity to arouse enthusiasm even from non-believers each time he suits up for a fight.

I was a witness at Pacquiao’s Hollywood camp when he mangled his sparring partners forcing his handlers to scramble for a sturdier group that could withstand Manny’s power.

Relaxing at a Thai eatery called Nats on Vine street in Holywood, the Pinoy ace confided he is almost at peak form.

And once there, Hatton will know the kind of mess he’ll find himself in.

For sure, fans will be treated to a rousing brawl in this pairing of a British whopper against a Filipino whacker.

Hatton will get in his licks alright but Pacquiao will be landing his bombs where it counts.

This is one compelling fight left in Manny’s calendar before he chases other pursuits.

So far, I see nothing showing up to derail the “Pacman Express” -- on track for merry Las Vegas where the game Mancunian awaits.

Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-23469.html

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Manny Pacquiao is poised to be the new golden one

On the day after Oscar De La Hoya retired, the man best poised to succeed him as the world's most popular active boxer made it clear he knows his drawing power comes not from his smile or magnetic personality but from his work in the ring.

"I try to focus only on training and fighting," Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday inside Hollywood's Wild Card Gym in a news conference in advance of his May 2 junior-welterweight fight against England's Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Riding the heights of his unexpected battering of De La Hoya in December and feted to a hero's welcome in his native Philippines, Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 knockouts) has been confronted by what his business manager describes as "the double-edged sword of stardom," where endorsement and media requests beckon at new levels but the grunt work of training remains his most important task.

"Manny overextends himself with kindness; he can't say no," Michael Koncz said. "We all knew the torch was passed when Manny beat Oscar . . . how he'd be the face of the sport now. So even though there are times he's overwhelmed, he's focused here in the gym. He's back in his zone now."

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, said he worried about Pacquiao's conditioning habits before taking a December trip to the Philippines to celebrate the boxer's birthday.

"No one could keep up with him," Arum said. "He was running, playing basketball just like always, and he's having his best training camp ever. He did not allow himself to get out of shape." Even though Pacquiao has been sporadically distracted by celebrities visiting his gym -- actors Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg have stopped by to say hello -- the Filipino star said his strength is peaking for his first fight at 140 pounds.

"This fight will give more action," Pacquiao said when asked how it'll differ from his hammering of De La Hoya. "I feel the same intensity."

Now, however, Pacquiao finds himself as the favorite against Hatton and is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He has heard the warnings that it's harder to stay on top than to get there. "I keep myself on an even keel," he said. "I just always believe in God and say my prayers."

His trainer, Freddie Roach, has pushed sparring partners to ensure that Pacquiao's not slipping. Roach offered unbeaten super-featherweight Urbano Antillon and junior-welterweight Mike Alvarado (each 25-0 with 18 KOs) a $1,000 bonus if they could knock down Pacquiao in sparring. No one has been paid.

Roach said he has been pleased with Pacquiao's training -- which also includes advice from the Wild Card's new assistant trainer, former heavyweight world champion Michael Moorer -- and said the boxer's training has resulted in improved strength.

"This will be a quick fight," Roach said. "Ricky's a tough guy, but we'll knock him out. I'll bet my house on it."

Arum, who for years has relied on his skills to sell bouts, admits Pacquiao's ring performances (nine consecutive victories over the likes of De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales) are the fighter's most attractive selling points.

"That's why people are becoming fascinated with him," said Arum, who also promoted most of De La Hoya's fights. "Manny's looked at as an exotic, and once people see him fight they are looking up information about him to help transcend the lefts and rights and jabs. It's why CNN is out here today, why Time magazine has listed him one of the 100 most influential people in the world."

That influence is due to take him to AT&T Park in San Francisco on Tuesday, where he'll throw out the first pitch of the San Francisco Giants game and visit with the players while fans receive a Pacquiao bobblehead doll on Filipino Heritage Night. The Giants expect a crowd that will include 10,000 Filipino Americans.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-boxing-pacquiao16-2009apr16,0,59933.story

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PACQUIAO: DE LA HOYA IS STILL MY IDOL

Manny Pacquiao has said recently retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya is still his idol.

The "Golden Boy" and former Olympic gold medallist revealed his decision to quit on Tuesday with a 39-6 (30 KOs) professional record, four months after being outclassed by Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

His Filipino nemesis said he thought it was a "good decision".

Speaking at a workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, Pacquiao said: "Whatever happens people won't forget him as a good fighter, as a best fighter in the world. For me he's still my idol."

Pacquiao, currently the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, is preparing to take on Ricky Hatton in Vegas on May 2.

When asked if he would send the 30-year-old Mancunian the same way as De La Hoya, he said: "I don't know - God will know."

Comparing the two opponents, the light-welterweight said: "For me it's the same - the intensity of the training is the same.

"Of course I'm hungry for this fight, to win, because [it's my] first time to fight an English fighter.

"Right now we're in heavy training and I'm in 100% good condition," he said, although he admitted Hatton would be one of the toughest boxers he had faced in his career.

He added: "He's a strong fighter and he's a good fighter too and he's a champion, so I don't want to underestimate him."

But Pacquiao, 30, said the Briton's weaknesses included his "body punch", saying: "He doesn't like to hit the body."

He added: "I won't tell you the other things!"

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach spoke confidently about the fight, saying: "Manny has speed, power, boxing ability - so I think he will overwhelm Ricky in this fight."

But he added: "Ricky's a tough guy, no doubt about that. He's very resilient; he's tough. He comes to fight.

"One thing we know is there will be a fight for sure."

He also spoke critically of Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Senior.

"He says he's the greatest trainer in the world but I think he's the only one saying that, and he's going to try and change Ricky Hatton," said Roach.

"I think that's a mistake, in changing people, this late in their career. I don't think it's possible."

Roach said Amir Khan, who he also trains, would not be sparring against Pacquiao because "style-wise he just wasn't the right guy".

Former Olympic silver medalist Khan, 22, is set to take on WBA light-welterweight champion Ukrainian Andreas Kotelnik in June.

"The day after Manny's fight though I'll start getting him ready for his fight," Roach said.

"I think he has a huge chance; I think he'll be a real champion and hopefully my next superstar."

Source: http://www.sportinglife.com/boxing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=boxing/09/04/16/BOXING_Pacquiao_De_La_Hoya.html

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Pacquiao shuts out distractions

LOS ANGELES - Well before the media throng invaded Freddie Roach's gym Wednesday, a distinct smell filled the room.

Boxers' sweat and pain, coupled with a small hot room.

That odor — reality — hits Roach and his star pupil Manny Pacquiao every day. Away from the interview requests, photo shoots and guest TV spots, Pacquiao gets down to business in a Hollywood gym.

But, just like with the odor, you couldn't dodge reality when you arrived. This neighborhood seemed a world away from the glitz and glamour that Hollywood is known for.

Pacquiao's megafight with junior welterweight king Ricky Hatton is a little more than two weeks away, but Roach said his man is ready. He added, however, that "we can always improve."

Nobody at the Wild Card Boxing Club is fooling themselves. Pacquiao — with his interests in acting, politics and philanthropy to name a few — will likely retire in a year or so.

That isn't to say that the man widely regarded as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter isn't interested in training.

"I stay focused," Pacquiao said. "I have to step (away from) the commitments and think all about the fight."

His trainer made supremely sure of that, closing the gym when Pacquiao works out.

It would be completely understandable to think that after sending Oscar De La Hoya into retirement, Pacquiao would have a letdown in intensity. Ricky Hatton is a big name, but Oscar De La Hoya was the face of this era of boxing. And Pacquiao not only beat him — he destroyed him.

Pacquiao said he's just as intense now as he was for December's De La Hoya fight because "boxing is my life. Boxing is my passion. ... I have to maintain my name on the top."

To prove that point, Pacquiao has added weight training to his regimen. One of his regular sparing partners said he feels the new strength.

"Every once in a while, he's got that one punch," welterweight Raymond Serrano said.

Serrano added that Pacquiao's speed is still there.

What could be even more telling about Pacquiao's focus is that he added fellow southpaw and former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer to his team. Pacquiao said Moorer can help be a bridge between the fighter and Roach as well as offer fresh suggestions.

In talking with Pacquiao, one could get the sense of a quiet intensity. As he answered question after question, his mind never seemed to wander as he wrapped his hands in a small changing room.

He was quiet, calm and almost aloof in answering questions about the past and the future.

But Pacquiao was in the now. He didn't seem to be thinking about a fight with Hatton or about the tons of public relations events left to do. He just looked ready to get some work done in the gym.

"Once he got here, we cut those (distractions)," Roach said. "When Manny is training for a fight, he leaves that stuff out."

Source: http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/9461126/Pacquiao-shuts-out-distractions

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It's a tie between Pacquiao and Hatton

For the past decade or so, anyone that has followed the sport, I take that back, even if you didn't follow the sport, everyone knew that Oscar De La Hoya was the straw that stirred the drink. Anytime that Oscar fought, it became more than a fight, it was an event. Point blank, the man put butts in seats. During Oscar's run, he set Pay Per View records that may never be broken.

Yesterday, the man we all grew to love, called it a career. The final curtain has dropped. As I watched his speech on the tube, I then began to think back at all of his fights, just like that the Oscar De La Hoya highlight reel replayed in my mind. A part of me felt anger, after all how could one walk away from the sport knowing that the last time you fought you lost so brutally?

After speaking to Oscar on Friday night, I remember leaving the Desert Diamond Casino thinking that his body looked like that of someone who has been training to go on, but his mind and eyes said otherwise. At one point, I actually thought that Oscar was going to announce that win, lose, or draw he would be fighting one last time against Felix Sturm at 154 pounds at the Staples Center. I thought I had it all figured out, I even thought that it would take place sometime in September, I even had the name picked out, Unfinished Business, so I thought, turns out that the Golden Boy's business inside the ring as a fighter is now finished.

So with the cash cow exiting the sport, the Pay Per View King has now left the building. Who now will take the title as the new Pay Per View King? Here is my list of the top 5 fighters that have the potential of taking the crown that the Golden Goose has left for the taking.

5- Christobal Arreola- What's not to like about Chris? He bangs, he loves to entertain, and is a heavyweight. If Arreola continues to knock heads off and stays away from the buffet line, Arreola may be the man to help bring the hevyweight division back.

4- James Kirkland- Yes, I know that he is young, and yes I know that he needs to be polished a bit more, but no doubt about it that Kirkland is a diamond in the rough. If Kirkland continues to bruise up and batter the opposition with the ferocity in which he is curently doing, this human wrecking ball has the attitude and look of being like Mike. Mike Tyson back then was a complete fighting machine with head movement and all, something that Kirkland needs to learn, Mike had that attitude and menacing look that Kirkland now has that made Tyson must see T.V.

3- Victor Ortiz- Another young gem added to the mix, Vicious Vic has all the makings of sitting in the Golden throne. Ortiz like Oscar is considered good looking, Ortiz like Oscar is well spoken and like Oscar seems to have that golden smile. It also doesn't hurt that Oscar is Ortiz's boss. The youth and the rough background rags to riches story all seem to be there, maybe one day it will all come together and make the Vicious One the Chosen One.

2- Floyd Mayweather Jr- It says here that he is retired, but come July all that may change. Money May is not always entertaining, because of that, Money May has always needed a big name opposite of him to make it big. One thing he can do is talk, he sure knows how to sell himself. With that I don't give a F flashy attitude he just may be America's favorite villain. Now if only we could get him to fight as well as he talks.

1- Tie between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton-

Everytime that Hatton fights no matter where it may be the scene turns into a Hatton Winter Wonderland. The legion of fans follow their man along with the marching band and sing it loud that there is only one Ricky Hatton. As for Pacquiao, the man is bigger than the President in the Phillipines, when the Pac-Man fights he shuts down the entire country, these two men do not just have fans they have fanatics. On May 2nd., both men along with their legions of fans will collide, something tells me that the pound for pound title won't be the only title up for grabs.

Source: http://www.diamondboxing.com/newsstory.php?list=7015

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Pacquiao's popularity puts even Hatton in the shade

Ricky Hatton will take an army of thousands out to Las Vegas again in the first week of May. But even he struggles to keep up with Manny Pacquiao in the popularity stakes.
Pac Man is already fortunate enough to be viewed, by most, as the best boxer in the world right now, although Juan Manuel Marquez and the rumoured-to-be-returning Floyd Mayweather Jnr might dispute that.

But at home in the Philippines, there is no argument. Pacquiao reigns supreme.
A national icon, he has made films, had a number one hit and is planning a career in politics once he has retired.

There seems every chance he will end up running the country, certainly if emergency elections were held tomorrow, Pacquiao would have a victory to savour long before the MGM Grand on May 2.

Hatton might be able to clear a small corner of Greater Manchester when he heads to Vegas. He will fill a few Hyde watering holes up when he is beamed back live on Sky Box Office and will take thousands across the Atlantic again.

He is, as CEO Richard Schaeffer admits, Golden Boy's box office blockbuster and even the notoriously unyielding American fight fans have taken him to their heart.
But Manny Pacquiao is a man that brings an entire nation to a standstill when he steps in the ring.

The streets of Manila, his hometown of General Santos City, the whole country will stop what it's doing. In fact that's not true, because everyone will have long planned be doing one thing - watching Pacquiao.

Even the criminal fraternity take time off. And in a country where a television, never mind pay-per-view, is not accessible to everyone, that often means a trip to the cinema.
Pacquiao's fights - which fall at around sunrise back home - are big, big business. So big that TV companies can name their price on air time during round breaks - and do. So big that after the first round, those commercials will run into minutes, not just the 60 seconds between bells.

And that in turn, sends a nation scurrying to big screens. The closed-circuit screenings carry no ads so in the Philippines, if you want to see the Pacquiao fight finish first, you pack the picture houses out.

The Pacquiao phenomenon is something even promoter Bob Arum struggles to come to terms with fully.

Implications
"This certainly has elements unlike any of the big fights I've promoted," he says of the Hatton fight.

"For example, I've done Hagler-Leonard, Hagler-Hearns, George Foreman fights, Oscar de la Hoya fights. But they've never had these implications because they've never been as popular as these two are in their own country."

"Yes we can!" continues Arum on the prospect of Pacquiao running for government, enthusiastically echoing the most high-profile politician to unite a nation.
The fighter himself reigns in the campaign manager-in-waiting, suggesting it will be another 10 years before he is ready to swap speedball for ballot box.

Until then, Pacquiao will do what he has done for the 10 years he has been a world champion. Represent his nation, fight for the people that follow his every move.
You only had to see him turn up in Manchester, Hatton's home, and be mobbed to realise his popularity.

It was the same again in Vegas when ex-pat Filipinos were on hand to greet their greatest export as he broke free from training to attend a red-carpet launch.
Freddie Roach was there too, by his man's side as always. He has experienced the Philippines phenomenon, from both sides. He has also seen the draw Pacquiao has with his people: although the Wild Card Gym is their training base from here on in, Pacquiao oftens starts his preparations training back home.

Representing
It has even caused rifts between the pair, Roach insisting the fighter is in Hollywood for the full duration of camp, focussed and firing and away from all the distractions that come from being the most famous face in your country.
Roach won that battle because Pacquiao knows what he means to his people. He knows when he beats Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Oscar de la Hoya, a nation celebrates.

He knows that being regarded as the best boxer on the planet makes sure the Philippines is mentioned in some despatches at least.

"I'm representing my country and I'm a very dedicated person," he says.
"All my fights are dedicated to the honour of the people of my country. And especially to people who love boxing."

For Pacquiao the Phllippines comes first. But for now at least, boxing is a very close second in the polls.

Source: http://www.skysports.com/hatton/story/0,25890,13305_5145405,00.html

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Pacquiao down to last few days of sparring

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao sparred for 10 rounds against three separate boxers Tuesday at the Wild Card Gym as he neared the last few days of sparring for his May 2 battle with Ricky Hatton.

David Rodela, Raymund Serrano and Urbano Antillon alternated on Pacquiao who has gone over a hundred rounds now, with five more days of sparring before heading to Vegas.

Pacquiao and his huge entourage leave for Sin City on April 27 or five days before the fight. Once he gets there, it’ll be a matter of staying in shape, light drills and watching his weight.

Pacquiao will be back sparring on Thursday (Friday in Manila). The following day, his chief trainer, Freddie Roach, will leave for Puerto Rico to be in the corner of Gerry Peñalosa.

The 36-year-old Peñalosa, probably the oldest Pinoy boxing champion ever, will climb a notch higher to challenge the undefeated Juan Manuel Lopez for the WBO super-bantamweight crown.

The fight is set April 25 at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Puerto Rico, and the day after the fight Roach should again board the plane to re-join Pacquiao for his last week of sparring.

Pacquiao may do 12 rounds on Thursday, and then should start tapering off by going down to 10, eight, six and four rounds until they call it off. He normally logs around 150 of sparring in training.

It will be the second time Roach will leave the training camp for the Hatton fight. Last March, he was away for a week to attend to Amir Khan who fought and crushed Marco Antonio Barrera in England.
In Roach’s absence, Buboy Fernandez puts on the mitts, while ex-heavyweight champion Michael Moorer and fellow trainers Alex Ariza, Eric Brown and Nonoy Neri lend a hand.
Hatton has been in Vegas for more than two weeks now, training under Floyd Mayweather Sr. at the IBA Gym, the same gym being used by Pacquiao when he’s in town.

Hatton was a couple of weeks ahead in training but brushed off insinuations that he may be overdoing things heading to his defense of his 140 lb title against the reigning pound for pound champ.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=458110&publicationSubCategoryId=69

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Pacquiao near peak form, says Roach

Manny Pacquiao is close to peak form, the Filipino fighter’s chief trainer Freddie Roach revealed Wednesday from Los Angeles.

“He’s about 90 to 95 percent now,” Roach told the Bulletin 18 days before Pacquiao collides with Ricky Hatton of England at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Roach said Pacquiao chalked up another 10 rounds of sparring and didn’t miss a beat in banging with Urbano Antillon, Raymond Serrano and David Rodela, the wiry fellow Pacquiao knocked out with a body shot over the weekend at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

Even though Pacquiao is right on target, Roach is bringing in a new sparring partner -- a 140-pounder -- this week to take the place of Rodela.

Roach disclosed that the touted Mike Alvarado, an unbeaten 140-pounder from Denver, “never showed up at the gym” after having his taste of Pacquiao’s power in their initial encounter last week.

Pacquiao will either spar 12 rounds this Saturday or Tuesday as his training enters the most crucial phase, making Roach even more convinced that Hatton will not get past three rounds.

“We will demolish him (inside three rounds),” said Roach, who had earlier predicted that it would take nine rounds for Pacquiao to soften up the rugged Hatton.

Meanwhile, over at Hatton’s training headquarters in Las Vegas, trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. also told this paper that they just can’t wait for the fight to take place.

“Ricky’s very confident (of winning),” said Mayweather Sr.

Asked whether the fight is going 12 rounds, Mayweather Sr. said he doesn’t think it would.

“Ricky’s winning the fight if the fight is short,” said the flamboyant New York-born taskmaster known for technique.

Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/202528/pacquiao-near-peak-form-says-roach

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DE LA HOYA: END OF THE ROAD FOR ME INSIDE THE RING

LOS ANGELES -- Boxing's Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya formally announced his retirement today during a press conference held at the Nokia Plaza in downtown Los Angeles surrounded by family and close friends and in front of the international media.

De la Hoya, a 10-time world champion and the only boxer in history to have won six titles in six divisions, kept his emotions in checked and told the fully packed media conference "now I understand why an athlete has so much hard time retiring."

De La Hoya looked like a shell of himself when he was pummeled from end to end by Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao last Dec. 6 in Las Vegas before Oscar quit on his stool in round eight. "After that fight, I thought that was it for Oscar," De La Hoya's wife Millie told the media when it was her turn to speak. But it took Oscar 'four agonizing months' before arriving a decision.

"The decision was based on making sure, first of all, I would not disappoint fans and myself. It is not fair to step inside the ring and not give my best," De La Hoya said.

On hand to give their support to De La Hoya were his wife Millie, business partner Richard Schaefer, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, his father Joel de la Hoya, Sr., AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke and head of HBO pay per view Mark Taffet.

Taffet revealed to the audience a few stats of the Golden Boy franchise where Oscar appeared in HBO-televised fights a record 32 times, 19 of them pay-per-views and garnered the highest grossing pay per view of $120 million against Floyd Mayweather. De La Hoya had an overall total of 14.1 million buys and $696 million total revenue, "a record," Taffet said, "that probably can never be duplicated."

De La Hoya, who is also well known for his philantrophic activities having sponsored a hospital in honor of his mother who died of cancer and chartered a high school bearing his name on top of his Golden Boy Promotions considered to be one of the top two boxing promoters on the planet, said he is now looking forward to excel outside the ring.

"This is only the beginning. I am extremely motivated and I am looking forward on the future outside the ring," De La Hoya said.

Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-23431.html

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END OF A GOLDEN ERA, DID PACQUIAO RETIRE DE LA HOYA?

De La Hoya last fought on December 6, 2008 when he absorbed a lopsided eight-round beating from Manny Pacquiao before ultimately quitting on his stool. Although it wasn't the first time De La Hoya lost to an elite fighter, it was certainly the worst fight of the Golden Boy's storied career. Unable to pull the trigger, Oscar was battered from pillar to post by the Filipino superstar. At times, De La Hoya simply covered up in the corner as he absorbed a barrage of punches. It was a sad sight for many to see; a fighter who so many times before thrilled the crowd with flurries, exchanges and dramatic moments was reduced to a weak and defenseless shell of his former self. "I just don't have it anymore," De La Hoya would admit to Roach in the ring immediately after the loss.

Later today, ten-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya will hold a press conference at the Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE, across from STAPLES Center, to announce his future in the ring. As usual, the media has been invited, but the event is also open to the public. Furthermore, an international conference call has been arranged to take place a few hours after the press conference to further discuss the announcement regarding his career. It's hard to imagine that De La Hoya would go through this much trouble to simply announce a future opponent. One has to believe that the retirement of the Golden Boy is just hours away and unlike Floyd Mayweather Jr., who announced his own "retirement" via a press release, it appears that De La Hoya will truly walk away from the sport of boxing.

In a way, De La Hoya's decision to retire is perhaps the right thing to do. It can be difficult for most fighters to admit that they no longer have what it takes to compete at the elite level anymore. De La Hoya, who certainly has no financial need to fight, really has nothing left to prove after winning ten world championships in six different weight classes. His place in the boxing Hall of Fame is secured and, although he lost his last fight, he certainly didn't take the easy route by facing the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world (for the second time in two years). It's much better for De La Hoya to finish his career now than to fight on and potentially lose to a fighter that's nowhere near the level of a fighter he once was. Muhammad Ali's final fight was a loss to Trevor Berbick. Pernell Whitaker's final fight was a loss to Carlos Bojorquez. Mike Tyson's last fight was a loss to Kevin McBride. If this is De La Hoya's retirement party, it's much better to be remembered for losing your last fight to Manny Pacquiao, the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time.

The clock is ticking and we'll find out shortly...

WHAT: 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist and future boxing hall of famer, "Golden Boy" Oscar de la Hoya will hold a press conference to announce his future in the ring.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 14 at Noon (Press Conference Begins)

WHERE: Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE - Across from STAPLES Center, 77 Chick Hearn Court Los Angeles, CA 90015

Source: http://fighthype.com/pages/content4730.html

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Forget the odds

Manny Pacquiao is favored to beat Ricky Hatton in their Las Vegas duel on May 2 but according to writer Phil Woolever of Boxing Digest, anything can happen because they’re big punchers with inherent weaknesses.

“Besides an all-action approach to their craft, Pacquiao and Hatton have each exhibited moments of vulnerability that add to the ‘anything can happen’ factor,” he said.

“(Aside from) star power on the marquee and long-time legions of faithful fans, Hatton and Pacquiao share a fighting style that’s based on the same fistic foundation of punch first, strategy later. That’s not to say that either man is lacking in the basic skills but both start from an instinctual philosophy of generating pressure that is almost always channelled into highly effective aggression.”

Pacquiao is guaranteed a $13 million purse for the fight and his final take could reach $20 million based on his 52 percent share of the pay-per-view upside. Tickets for the fight are priced at $150, $300, $500, $750 and $1,000.

Pacquiao is shooting for his sixth world title after capturing the WBC flyweight, IBF superbantamweight, Ring Magazine or people’s featherweight, WBC superfeatherweight and WBC lightweight crowns. Hatton is unbeaten in the 140-pound division where he appears to be most comfortable. For Pacquiao, it is his first venture as a lightwelterweight although he beat Oscar de la Hoya in his last outing as a welterweight.

Hatton’s ability to take Pacquiao’s power will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the bout. Experts insist that if Hatton can withstand Pacquiao’s power, it will be a long night for the Filipino. The betting, however, is Hatton will go down once he is hit squarely by Pacquiao.

What Hatton will bring to the table is a question mark. With trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. in his corner, the word is a “different” Hatton will face Pacquiao in the ring. Mayweather is trying to transform Hatton into a semi-stylist with a lot of bobbing, weaving and head-moving. The idea is to make it difficult for Pacquiao to strike because the “old” Hatton would be a sitting duck.

But basic instincts won’t go away easily. When Hatton is pressured and under attack, he’ll rely on what he’s used to. He’ll fire back, come forward and engage – which suits Pacquiao just fine.

* * *

Jim Capers, who served 23 years as an NBA referee, is eager to lend his expertise to the PBA. He has conducted officiating clinics for PBA referees in 1979, 1981, 1983 and 1994 and even worked playoff games in 1981 and 1983 with another NBA whistle-blower Lee Jones. Now, 15 years after his last tour of duty in the PBA, Capers said it’s time for a revisit.

Capers, 73, has worked the last five years in the NBA as a group supervisor managing 15 referees. His focus was improving the efficiency of the officials under his wing and the work involved preparing development plans in conjunction with the personal goals of each referee in terms of enhancing performance to enable upward mobility, interpreting statistical information to facilitate performance assessment, conducting summer clinics for young officials and new applicants, submitting mid-year and year-end evaluation reports and participating in pre- and post-game meetings by travelling to game sites where officials in his group worked.

Capers said he reports to the gym at least thrice a week to stay in shape and can still handle the rigors of a grueling daily work grind. If the PBA invites him over for clinics, he hopes to bring his son Jim Jr., a 14-year NBA referee, to assist.

Capers’ wife Marlene passed away over 10 years ago. He has remarried and this October, will be celebrating his second wedding anniversary with Eileen, a Canadian. Capers has two children Jim Jr. and Steven (a district manager for a dental firm and a comedy show producer) and four grandchildren, Simone, Janae, Mariah and McKenzie.

Capers was saddened by news of former commissioner Leo Prieto’s death. He had hoped to call on Prieto in case he is able to work out a contract with the PBA. Capers said he had also looked forward to meeting former supervisor of officials Crispin Aldiosa who passed away two weeks ago.

“So sorry to hear about Leo and Crispin,” Capers wrote in an e-mail. “Over the years, I have often thought about them as they were instrumental in bringing me to the Philippines in the early days of the PBA. I remember going out with Leo on a number of occasions and with Crispin having great basketball discussions. Although I did not keep in contact on a constant basis, fond memories kept me in touch with them. I certainly feel a loss and I’m sure the PBA’s feelings are mutual. Please send my condolences to both families. And please say hello to ‘The Legend,’ Romy Guevara whom I’ve worked with and I respect a lot. I understand he is still very much involved with the PBA as a technical consultant. Hopefully, if things go right, I’ll be able to work with him again.”

Source: http://philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=457764&publicationSubCategoryId=69

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Las Vegas Journal - April 2009

It’s still early in Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola’s heavyweight career but you can tell in the Southern California area that the Riverside fighter is building a fan base. More than a few phone calls were received as I trekked through the desert toward Las Vegas last week.

Yes this is another Las Vegas journal.

For me to reach the Nevada capital of sin it takes about three hours to traverse the 230 miles. On Thursday the press conference by co-promoters Goossen-Tutor and Golden Boy Promotions was set for 1 p.m.

Because of unexpected Easter holiday and Spring Break traffic, the roads were a little congested on a Thursday morning. So when I entered the pressroom underneath the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino the talking heads were in perfect pitch.

Dan Goossen, the president of Goossen-Tutor, spoke about Arreola and his opponent Jameel “Big Time” McCline. All the parties gave their piece and were followed by Team Paul Williams and Team Winky Wright.

Williams sported a big smile that never disappeared throughout the weekend. It was the kind of grin that a cat might show knowing that its prey is there for the taking. In a few days he had his lunch.

After the press conference, we headed to Barry’s Gym in Las Vegas where more than a few solid boxers train on a regular basis. On this day the boxing facility was rather empty so we headed toward other destinations.

We spoke to one of the Golden Boy matchmakers to see if it was possible to take a look at Ricky Hatton work out. He told us he would get back with us. That means no.

After a night of margaritas at Palace Station it was time to go file a story. I had to wake up rather early to meet with Oscar De La Hoya who was going to talk with a few reporters on Friday morning.

That margarita was a little strong for me. It was difficult getting up so hurriedly; we drove over to the media room at the Mandalay, but we needn’t worry, De La Hoya had not arrived.

Waiting before us were super boxing and MMA writer Kevin Iole of Yahoo who lives in Las Vegas and another boxing writer whiz Dan Rafael from ESPN.com and Steve Carp who took over the boxing writer position from Iole at the Las Vegas Review Journal. GBP’s Nicole told us De La Hoya was running late and would not arrive until 1 p.m. Iole needed to depart.

As we waited a few more boxing writers and photographers arrived. Finally around 1 p.m. De La Hoya arrived wearing a gray leather jacket and dark shirt underneath. He looked rather thin, almost weak.

He talked about his coming announcement on Tuesday, and was slightly mysterious about whether he was going to jump back in the ring to show that his poor showing was because of an unexpected after-effect of over-training or a dietary miscalculation.

“I weigh 152 pounds,” said De La Hoya. “I can’t gain weight.”

This is very unusual. In the more than 16 years that I’ve covered De La Hoya, I’ve never seen him walk around when not fighting at less than 160 to 170 pounds. The sport of professional boxing is a very dangerous sport. Most fans do not realize this.

Every year about seven to 15 pro boxers die from injuries sustained in the ring. It’s one of the most dangerous sports in the world because of the risk boxers take. That’s why I never disrespect a boxer for quitting. I think boxing broadcasters should take note of this too.

Last month when Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero told a doctor that he could not see due to the cut over his eye. He was chastised by the HBO crew and fans at the event for quitting. Boxing writers ganged up on him like a bunch of cheap bullies.

Boxing is a very dangerous sport. People die. Remember that.

Personally, I’ve seen three fighters sustain injuries in the ring and ultimately expire, beginning with Kiko Bejines in 1983, Pedro Alcazar in 2002, and Levander Johnson in 2005. I was one of the last people Johnson spoke to as he walked from the ring to his dressing room. He spoke a few words to me and suddenly collapsed after he walked 20 more feet.

So if De La Hoya quits because of his inability to fight at peak capacity, so be it. He’s proven many times in the past that he has more guts than most people in the world.

Personally, I hope he retires. I don’t want to see him endanger himself in the ring. It would be great to see him enjoy the millions he gained from sacrificing his time, physical health and life since 1992.

De La Hoya said listening to boos doesn’t bother him. Over the course of his career he’s learned to endure them.

As he walked away De La Hoya looked very thin and small. Though his face looked healthy his body looked more like that of a teen.

“I lost a lot of muscle mass,” De La Hoya said.

It was clearly evident.

Later that night, we waited around for Alfredo “Perro” Angulo who was arriving with his trainer Clemente Medina and friends to watch the fights. He had agreed to stay at a friend’s house where I was also staying and needed someone to show him where it was located. Around 1 a.m. he arrived and we headed toward another section of Las Vegas.

Mosley

On Saturday morning, I had a breakfast meeting with Sugar Shane Mosley who met with about five boxing writers at the Border Grill at the Mandalay Bay. Also present were several Golden Boy reps including Richard Schaefer, Monica Sears and Nicole Becerra.

Mosley was concerned that after beating convincingly Antonio Margarito, suddenly he’s been lost in the shuffle of the aftermath concerning the Tijuana fighter’s suspension and the possible re-emergence of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

He also spoke of meeting Mayweather and his friends for a friendly game of pick-up basketball.

“We beat them,” said Mosley. “I made the winning shot.”

After the game Mosley asked Mayweather for a fight. The former Pound for Pound king muttered that he was retired and wanted to stay retired and spend time with his kids.

“He don’t want to fight me,” said Mosley.

The Pomona speedster, who is the only man to knock out Margarito, hopes that he gets the winner between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.

According to Mosley, the Pacman said he would fight Mosley and prefers a fight with the new WBA welterweight titleholder because of his crowd-pleasing style.

“I hope he fights me if he wins,” said Mosley. But he’s worried if Pacquiao has too tough of an outing against Hatton he might look for an easier fight. Or if Hatton wins that he may not want to fight at welterweight again.

Mosley just wants a mega fight.

When Williams' name came up Mosley honestly offered that the much taller fighter is a bad match for him because of his long arms. It’s a bad style match up. Plus, the Pomona fighter wants mega fights.

The topic turned to De La Hoya and when one of the writers mentioned that De La Hoya was not as good as people purported him to be, Mosley jumped to his defense immediately.

It was kind of cool to see.

Mosley and De La Hoya have been adversaries since childhood. The East L.A. boxer was seven and the Pomona boxer nine when they first met in the ring as amateurs. They fought two close and sizzling battles yet here they are friends and working for the same goal in the same company.

“Oscar De La Hoya is the best fighter I ever fought,” said Mosley who battled against many of the best in the last 15 years. “His left hand is one of the sharpest punches I’ve ever face. He could do so much with it.”

Mosley thinks that when De La Hoya changed his boxing style when Floyd Mayweather Sr. came aboard, he lost something.

“He was a much better fighter when he fought straight up and he was on his toes,” said Mosley.


Maybe he is right.

Williams and Arreola win

In the fight card Arreola reacted as I expected. Once Jameel McCline landed a blow I knew Arreola would open up with both barrels. The end came soon.

Williams, however, beat Winky Wright so convincingly I was a little in shock. I expected a closer battle with the younger fighter using fresher legs to pull it out. Instead he almost won every round with nonstop punching. It was amazing.

That night we had dinner with Perro Angulo and his people and talked about the fight. Angulo will be fighting Kermit “The Killer” Cintron next month in Miami, Florida.

After dinner, we headed for the Luxor Hotel where Arreola was having an After-Fight party at LAX. On the way we saw Librado Andrade and stopped to talk about his experience in Canada. It seems the fans love the Mexican slugger up there. He loves Canada.

Around 1 a.m. we reached the nightclub and after about 40 minutes finally spot Arreola and his crew. The party is in full gear and money is raining down on the crowd. The Riverside heavyweight looked solid in his fight and was having fun.

Around 2:15 a.m. I headed back to the pad.

Melinda Cooper

On Sunday I typed out my column for a newspaper and then spoke to Melinda Cooper, one of the most exciting female fighters today. If you’ve ever seen Cooper outside of the ring she’s a very pretty intelligent girl who could easily be an actress, lawyer or any other profession. She’s very poised and well spoken. Inside the ring, she’s as deadly as a rattlesnake. The speed of her punches and power behind them are awe-inspiring.

Cooper will be fighting on May 16 at the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. She’s preparing to fight Monica Lovato, a strong fighter out of New Mexico. It should be a great fight.

Because of her outstanding amateur experience and undefeated record as a professional, it’s difficult to find opponents. She gets some offers but they’re not frequent.

Plus, she’s one of the few female fighters below middleweight who has real knockout power.

One day soon, fans will discover Melinda Cooper.

Source: http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/6715/las-vegas-journal-april-2009/

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HBO's Pacquiao, Hatton, 24/7 specials lead up to fight May 2, PPV

Boxers Ricky Hatton of Britain (L) and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (R) play darts at the New Inn pub, near Hyde, Manchester, following a press conference at The Trafford Centre in Manchester, Britain, 28 February 2009. The two boxers are due to compete in a World Welterweight Championship fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, on 02 May 2009. EPA/LEE SANDERS

Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao go head to head in a sport whose viewership and fans have been eaten away by MMA and UFC fights.

HBO is hoping that the huge popularity of both boxers, Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Manchester hero Ricky Hatton, will ramp up with their Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 preview series, the lead up to fight night on May 2.

Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 is a four-part series that will extensively chronicle the respective training of Filipino pound for pound king Pacquiao and Ricky "the hitman" Hatton for their May 2 pay-per-view fight in Las Vegas.

According to HBO senior vice president of sports operations Mark Taffet, HBO looks at Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 as a tool to draw 18-to 49-year-old males to a sport whose median viewing age skews over 35.

“The goal of 24/7 is not only to provide an all access look at the sport's biggest events, but also to reach out to the next generation of boxing fans and to engage them with a compelling program which speaks their language," Taffet said in an article posted at HBO.com.

Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 is the fifth installment of the acclaimed HBO sports series, which debuted in 2006 in the leadup to the Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. megafight.

HBO is promoting a sweepstakes for a free trip to Las Vegas for the three days leading up to the fight. The sweepstakes runs from March 30 through April 22 on HBO.com.

A daily video journal will be posted on Facebook and HBO's YouTube site, according to Taffet. The winner also can have his or her photo on HBO.com.

Episode #2: The new influence of assistant trainer and former heavyweight champ Michael Moorer becomes more apparent in Manny Pacquiao’s Los Angeles training camp. Meanwhile, Ricky Hatton continues to train in Las Vegas and spends a relaxing night with friends downtown.

Debut date: Saturday, April 18 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: April 18 (12:05 a.m.), 19 (10:30 a.m., 11:30 p.m.), 20 (7:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 22 (10:00 a.m., midnight), 23 (10:30 p.m.), 24 (12:05 a.m.) and 25 (10:30 a.m.), and May 1 (8:30 p.m.) and 2 (3:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: April 21 (11:00 a.m., 11:30 p.m.) and 24 (8:30 p.m.), and May 1 (1:00 a.m.) and 2 (10:30 a.m.)

HBO On Demand availability begins: April 21

On Saturday, May 2 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), HBO Pay-Per-View presents “Pacquiao vs. Hatton,” live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Source: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1470621.php/HBOs__Pacquiao_Hatton_24_7_specials_lead_up_to_fight_May_2_PPV

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