Another endorsement deal for Pacquiao is to create jobs in Philippines

Photo courtesy of IMD

“Boxing world just doesn’t seem the same without Manny Pacquiao in it,” exclaimed Big Steve during our morning java at Starbucks onWestern AvenueinGlendale:” What is Pacman doing these days?”

 While his trusted promoter Bob Arum has just finalized a lucrative deal with HBO to televise and distribute Pacquiao Marquez rubber match on November 12^th in Las Vegas and final preparations are being made for a World wide promotional tour for the upcoming bout, Congressman Manny Pacquiao is at home in Philippines working to help his people. Last week Pacquaio has signed yet another promotional deal which aims to create thousands of jobs and cut unemployment inPhilippines.

 

 

 

 Last week Internet Media Direct, a global marketing company has signed an endorsement deal with Manny Pacquiao, a world famous boxer, a Philippine congressman, and a national hero for his pugilistic conquests and philanthropic endeavors. This endorsement agreement includes use of name and image, official role as a company spokesperson, personal appearances, media clips and co-branding initiatives as well as activities on behalf of Internet media Direct.

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/another-endorsement-deal-for-pacquiao-is-to-create-jobs-philippines

 

A promotional contract with Golden Boy is Angulo’s birthday present

Photo by Ray Flores

“What’s going on with your son, El Perro,” asked Big Steve as he picked me up from Pacific BMW onBrand Boulevard, a place where I service my wife’s X-5:” I heard he was ordered by WBC to fight our local boy, Vanes Martirosyan.”

 That’s old news,” I replied:” Angulo and Martirosyan were ordered to fight a title eliminator with a winner to be mandatory for a current WBC champion, Canelo Alvarez, but neither one thinks this fight is going to happen.”

According to Lem Satterfield of Ring Magazine, on the day of his twenty ninth birthday Alfredo Angulo has signed a contract with Golden Boy Promotions. This could quite possibly be the best birthday present the popular Mexican boxer got in his twenty nine years of existence.

Angulo (19-1,16KO’S) has not seen action in the ring since last July’s one round demolition of former champion Joachim Alcine. His promising career has come to a halt due to visa issues and troubles with promoter Gary Shaw.

Earlier this week in Los Angles when I interviewed Shaw I asked him about Angulo. “Anything he says, I don’t even want to talk about it,” shrieked Shaw;” I don’t even want to hear his name. Next question.”

Few days later Shaw has reached a financial agreement with Golden Boy Promotions for the rights to Angulo.

“Yes it is correct. We have signed Alfredo Angulo,” sated Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy promotions via email:” Alfredo is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and a real threat to anyone in the 154-pound weight class.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/a-promotional-contract-with-golden-boy-is-angulo-s-birthday-present

 

Would the winner of Showtime tournament be the best bantamweight or the next opponent for Nonito Donaire?

Photo by Tom Casino

“Why is Abner Mares favorite to beat Agbeko this Saturday night?” asked Big Steve as we finished our light work out at the Y inGlendale:” I thought Agbeko was the champion and a more experienced fighter.”

  Facing two common opponents with current IBF King, Joseph Agbeko, Abner Mares didn’t have it easy with either one; he fought to a highly contested draw against IBF champion, Yonnhy Perez  in 2010 and then had to rally from behind to pull out a gritty win over tough, hard punching, Armenian banger, Vic Darchinyan. Joseph King Kong Agbeko fought Perez twice; after loosing a brawl in Las Vegasin 2009, he dominated Yonnhy in a bantamweight tournament in 2010. “That first fight just did not go well for me due to a few issues,” admitted Agbeko (28-2,22KO’S):” So I came back and was able to do better next fight.” Joseph Agbeko also defeated Darchinyan in 2009 in a convincing fashion. He is a current IBF champion, yet according to Las Vegas book makers he is an underdog in a August 13^th Showtime Bantamweight tournament final with Mares. Why?

 Is it because their first meeting scheduled for April 23 was cancelled due to Agbeko’s sudden back injury?  “When I had the injury the only thing I was worried about was the fight that I had coming up,” said Agbeko on the phone earlier this month:” I knew definitely that it wouldn’t affect my career. My main concern was disappointing every one because I knew I couldn’t fight. I didn’t want to let any one down.”

 What is it about the twenty five years old challenger that has odd makers pick him as almost two to one favorite?

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/is-the-winner-of-the-tournament-best-bantamweight-or-the-next-foe-for-donaire

 

Which Manny Pacquiao fight is your favorite?

Photo By Chris Farina

“Which Manny Pacquiao fight is your favorite?” asked Dave, the Barber when I came to his shop onSan Fernando Roadand Western to get a trim.

 

“That’s easy,” barged in Downtown, Ronnie Brown, who was getting a shave next to me:” It’s the one with Ricky Hatton inLas Vegas. It was the most violent one punch knock out I have ever seen. My heart almost stopped; I was worried about that British boy. I was worried he would never get up.”

 

“It was too quick for my taste,” countered Dave’s partner, Al, the Barber who was shaving Ronnie:” I didn’t even get a chance to finish my beer. The one that stands out in my mind is the first fight with Barrera. No one even knew Pacman then. HUGE UNDERDOG, I remember you told me to bet all my money on that young Pilipino kid and I wish I’d listen to you then. Huge underdog, Manny came into the ring and went through Barrera like a sharp knife through a steak. Marco had no chance on that night; he was swept away by a hurricane, Manny Pacquiao.”

“Wait a minute,” exclaimed Dave, the Barber:” Barrera didn’t show up for that fight. I heard he had a lot of problems outside and couldn’t get his mind around to fighting.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/which-manny-pacquiao-fight-is-your-favorite

 

Believe it or not! Bernard Hopkins reveals a secret to his fountain of youth

Photo by Gene Belvins

“My favorite boxer is fighting in LA in October. Can you get me a couple of tickets?” inquired my dad while we were having lunch atCaliforniaPizza

Kitchen onBrand BoulevardinGlendale:”Hopkinsis like Picasso in the ring. You have to understand him to appreciate him. To appreciate him is to know him, to know him is to love him. I have to go to that fight, because this might be the last time I will get to see the artist live. You know, I‘ve been saying this for years.”

 

Forty six year old Bernard Hopkins also known as “The Executioner” will defend his WBC light heavyweight tile against fast handed, young, Bad Chad Dawson at the StaplesCenterin downtown Los Angeleson October 15^th. Twelve rounds contest will be televised live by HBO Pay Per View.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Richard Schaefer got very creative promoting this fight; with an unlikely corporate sponsor, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the whole event was dubbed “Believe it or Not”

Schafer stated that Hopkinshas been making doubters into believers for a very long time and will continue to do so on October 15^th.

But who cares about creative promotional gimmicks when we are following an ageless wonder such as Bernard Hopkins who continues to function on an elite level of the fight game at the age when most men have a hard time just getting out of bed in the morning. What is the secret of his success?

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/believe-it-or-not-bernard-hopkins-reveals-a-secret-to-his-fountain-of-youth

 

Three reasons, third try, Abner Mares knows his time has come

Photo by Tom Hogan

“What’s your take on this kid, Abner Mares?” inquired Big Steve during our Sunday morning coffee at Starbucks onBrand BoulevardinGlendale:” He has a skill set of a black fighter and a heart of a Mexican.” Former Mexican Olympian is probably the best fighter in the game without a title belt around his waist. He plans to change that on August 13th when he steps in the ring to challenge current IBF king, Joseph Agbeko(28-2,22KO’S) at the Hard Rock Hotel inLas Vegas.

 

“Training has been going perfect,” said Mares (21-0-1,13KO’S) during his media work out day inLos Angeles:” This fight is really big for me – it’s for a world championship, it’s for the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament, it can lead to bigger fights and I’m headlining in Vegas – so what else could I ask for?” A lot is riding on this fight and there is one more important reason why some people are holding their breath for Saturday night. Should Mares be victorious he will become the first champion developed By Golden Boy Promotions form the beginning.

 

Abner’s first attempt at a title ended up in a highly contested draw against Colombian champion, Yonnhy Perez. Mares thought he won the fight and was extremely disappointed with judge’s decision. However despite a draw his stock as a fighter went up and he was invited to participate in a Showtime Bantamweight tournament. Abner’s second attempt at a title that was scheduled for April 23rd this year got cancelled due to Joseph Agbeko’s sudden injury. Going through two training camps for the same opponent, Abner Mares believes third time is his time.

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/three-reasons-third-try-abner-mares-knows-his-time-has-come

 

Is Victor Ortiz a prelude for Pacquiao or disaster for Mayweather?

Photo by Tom Hogan

“Did you ever think prime Roy Jones Jr. could get beat, let alone knocked out?” asked Big Steve while finishing his Lula kebob at Café Bravo onGlenoaks Boulevard:” Yes, every dog has its day. Do you think it could be Mayweather’s day against Victor Ortiz?”

“Victor’s promoters believe so,” I replied.

 

“On September 17^th as I am standing here a CEO of Golden Boy Promotions,” said Richard Schaefer from the podium during a press conference inLos Angeles:” Believe me undefeated Floyd Mayweather, he will meet his match.” In a much anticipated return to the ring Floyd Mayweather will face WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz at the MGM grand Garden Arana inLas Vegas.

“I am going to knock him out,” promised Victor Ortiz during the same press conference. But young champion like Ortiz is supposed to say that, even though Floyd is eight to one favorite to beat Victor according toLas Vegasbook makers. Not many other pundits believe that Ortiz has a shot against Mayweather. “I love Victor Ortiz, exclaimed Manny Pacquiao’s legendary coach, Freddie Roach when I interviewed him last month:” I wish him well. He can give me a blue print on how to beat Mayweather. May be we will be fighting Ortiz next and not Mayweather, if he pulls the victory off. I think he has a shot.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/is-victor-ortiz-a-prelude-for-pacquiao-or-disaster-for-mayweather

 

Vanes Martirosyan: “I’ll fight Canelo in his house”

Photo by Chris Farina

Glendale’s own, Vanes Martirosyan has been waiting for a title shot for a very long time. Former US Olympian stopped Mexican veteran, Saul Roman two months ago at aStaplesCenterinLos Angelesin a WBC light middleweight title eliminator. Twenty five year old unbeaten contender would love to fight the current WBC champion, Canelo Alvarez. “It doesn’t matter if I have to go get Canelo inMexico, I’ll get him,” said Martirosyan when I interviewed him yesterday at Chumash Casino:” I’ll fight Canelo in his house. I’ll fight him in his living room or his back yard. It doesn’t really matter. That’s how confident I am about fighting Canelo.”

 

Unfortunately Alvarez opted to face unranked Alfonso Gomez on September 17th and WBC ordered another title eliminator between Vanes Martirosyan and Mexican slugger, Alfredo Angulo. It just seems like WBC makes or changes the rules as they go along. When I asked Vanes what he thought about it, he said smiling:” The other day I was going to bed and I was sleeping and I was like I wonder if WBC was going to come up with a new title called the seven carat, 14 carat and then 24 carat gold belt, because they are doing whatever they can to protect Canelo and I don’t blame them.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/vanes-martirosyan-i-ll-fight-canelo-his-house

 

Stopping Tim Coleman Vernon Paris shines on ESPN Friday Night Fights

Photo by German Villasenor

Santa Ynez -Glendale’s Art “The Lion Heart “Hovhannesyan (19-1-2,5KO) was not happy after the fight with Mexican Veteran, Cristobal Cruz (39-12-3,23KO’S). Ten round super featherweight contest that was the opening bout on ESPN Friday Night Fights from Chumash Resort and Casino ended at 2:35 of the fourth round due to a cut sustained by Cruz during an accidental clash of heads. Even though four rounds were not completed the fight went to the scorecards and announced as a split technical draw. Judges scored the fight 38-38, 9-37 for Cruz and 39-37 for Armenian fighter, making it a split draw. Art was visibly upset. No one in the arena was happy. However, a main event, ten rounds USBA light welterweight championship showdown between Vernon Paris(25-0,15KO’S) and Tim Coleman(19-2-1,5KO’S) made up for it ten fold.

 

 

Unbeaten Vernon Forrest fromDetroit,Michiganstopped Tim Coleman within seven rounds in a brutal war of attrition in front of wild crowd at the Chumash Resort and Casino. The violent battle for Coleman’s USBA title was televised as a main event on ESPN’S Friday Night Fights. No one left disappointed. It was a brutal back and fourth fistic combat until the end where the body shots ofPariswere simply too much for defending champion.  “Everybody doubts me all the time,” exclaimed victorious Vernon Paris:” They looked passed the skills that I have. They don’t understand the things me and my team had to go through, being fromDetroit, the murder capitol. I’ve been out here in Vegas for two month busting my behind, working with Floyd Sr. People still denying me. People still underestimating me. And I was able to come out here and perform like I wanted to. They thought I was going to get tired as rounds went on, but I was ready to go ten rounds. I was ready. I was ready to go fifteen, twenty rounds.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/stopping-tim-coleman-vernon-paris-shines-on-espn-friday-night-fights

 

Charitable side of Floyd Mayweather

Phot by William Trillo

“Did you know that Floyd Mayweather paid for Genaro Hernandez’s funeral?” asked Big Steve while chewing on a juicy piece of shish kebob we were having at Café Bravo onGlenoaks Boulevard.

“The fascinating part about it,” I replied:” Was that he didn’t want any publicity on that.”

 

“I didn’t ask for it, “ said Mayweather while interviewed in Los Angeles last month after the press conference that announced his September 17^th return to the ring against young WBC welterweight champion, Victor Ortiz:” And whoever wrote about it thank you. Genaro Hernandez; that’s the guy that I looked up to. I was about fourteen or fifteen. I had Genaro Hernandez’s poster on my wall and I seen him fight, I think at Olympic Auditorium. He was an amazing fighter. He was one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing. Six or seven years later, there I go fighting Genaro Hernandez, very, very crafty gentleman. That’s were it all started for me. He gave me my first opportunity, my first chance.”

 http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/charitable-side-of-floyd-mayweather