The last man to beat Pacquiao, Morales is still in love with boxing

Photo by Gene Belvins

“Who was the last man to beat Manny Pacquiao?” asked Big Steve as we were walking out of theGlendale’s Y after a light work out.

“That’s too easy. You forget that I am a boxing scribe,” I replied:” It was Erik Morales.”

“ It’s incredible, the man is fighting for another title,” continued Big Steve:” I remember like it was yesterday, his third fight with Pacquiao and the look in his eyes after he was floored again in the third, that look that said I am done; there is nothing left. Who would have ever thought that he would be back five years later fighting for a title?”

 

Former three division world champion, from Tijuana, Mexico, Erik “El Terrible” Morales (51-7,35KO’S) is scheduled to duel hard punching Argentine, Lucas Matthysse (28-2,26KO’S) on September 17^th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on the undercard of the biggest boxing event of this year that will feature return to the ring of Floyd Money Mayweather against young and hungry welterweight champion, Victor Ortiz. With WBC light welterweight tile on the line, Erik Morales hopes to make history and become the first Mexican fighter to win championships in four different weight divisions.

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/the-last-man-to-beat-pacquiao-erik-morales-is-still-love-with-boxing

 

Could Mayweather beat Pacquaio in pay per view buys this fall?

Photo by Ray Flores

“We got two monster fights this Fall,” exclaimed Big Steve during our morning coffee at Starbucks onWestern AvenueinGlendale:” Floyd Mayweather in September and Pacquiao in November. I wish they were fighting each other, but since they are not, who wins the pay per view war?”

This is an intriguing question that deserves some consideration.

Floyd Mayweather will face newly crowned WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz on September, 17^th at the MGM Grand Arena inLas Vegas.

On November 13^th, Manny Pacquaio will battle Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time at the same venue, MGM Grand Arena inLas Vegas. Both fights will be televised via PPV; Mayweather’s by HBO and Pacquiao’s not yet determined (HBO and Showtime are in the running).

According toLas Vegasbook makers both Pacquiao and Mayweather are eight to one favorites to beat their perspective opponents and both are expected to win in a dominant fashion. Despite huge odds each match up is intriguing enough to generate public’s interest.

With Mayweather being out of the ring for sixteen month and having to face a young, strong and fast opponent, ten year his junior: it is simply a risky fight. In awe of Mayweather’s skills and ring smarts fight fans have been dying to see master boxer get beat. Could this be the night where thirty four year old Floyd suddenly gets old?

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/could-mayweather-beat-pacquaio-pay-per-view-buys-this-fall

 

“You haven’t seen the best of Robert Guerrero yet “

Robert and Ruben Guerrero

Covering boxing inspires me to eat healthy some times. Staying with that thought I met my friend Douglas for lunch at Pho Co. onGlendale Boulevardclose to Broadway. Full of spiced flavor beef pho for lunch made me feel like a real athlete. “Are you covering Guerrero fight inSan Jose?” askedDouglas:” I think Maidana might be too big for him. Don’t you?”

 

Several divisions world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is moving up in weight again to a talent rich 140pounds division in search for bigger, more lucrative fights. On August 27^th Guerrero will face one of the hardest punchers in the sport of boxing, Argentinean, Marcos Maidana. Twelve rounds or less contest for the WBA light welterweight title will be televised live by HBO’s Boxing After Dark from HP pavilion inSan Jose.

Twenty eight year old Guerrero who is very religious, believes that everything that happened to him in the past prepared him for the bright future’, even or especially the only loss of his professional career, a split decision to Gamaliel Diaz in 2005(the other loss to Orlando Salido in 2006 was declared a no contest, because Salido subsequently tested positive for enhancement performance drugs).

 

“That was the first time I didn’t have my father in my corner and only time I didn’t have my father in my corner,” said Robert who is training for this fight at Big Bear with his father, former two time State Golden Glove Champion, Ruben Guerrero:” As soon as I brought him back everything changed. Not having him there I got lazy, started taking things for granted, got big headed; go to the gym when I wanted to go to the gym, run when I wanted to run. Like every young fighter, you get a little taste of success, your head swells up and Gamaliel Diaz popped that balloon in my head. I honestly think that it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It was a rude awakening.” Some boxing pundits say that a spirit of a true champion only emerges in a fighter after a loss. Robert Guererro makes a good case in favor of that theory.

 http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/you-haven-t-seen-the-best-of-robert-guerrero-yet

 

Could Vanes Martirosyan ever get a shot at a title?

Photo by Miguel Salazar

Pride ofGlendale, hot, undefeated, super welterweight contender, Vanes Martirosyan has been nicknamed Nightmare for reeking havoc on his opponents, ever since his amateur days. But these days former US Olympian is living a nightmare of his own; Vanes can not get a title shot. Fresh off a scintillating seventh round knock out of Saul Roman, a fight that was supposed to be WBC light middleweight title eliminator for the privilege to face the champion, Canelo Alvarez, Vanes is ordered by WBC to do another title eliminator, this time against Mexican slugger, Alfredo Angulo. On paper, the fight with Perro Angulo would be a terrific match up of boxer versus brawler, that would undoubtedly be picked up by HBO, but it has as much of a chance of happening as snow falling down from the sky in Los Angeles. Angulo is entangled in a legal battle with his promoter, Gary Shaw and he has other legal issues with INS which prevent him from enteringUnited States.

 

“It’s crazy,” said Martirosyan when interviewed on Friday by Boxing Scene’s, Ryan Burton:” I am just waiting for the next fight. I am ready for the best and I think I deserve a shot. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I just can’t wait; I want to get in there and fight. I want to fight the best. This has nothing to do with Angulo or anybody else. I just want to fight all the top guys and I think I am ready. I just need the shot.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/could-vanes-martirosyan-ever-get-a-shot-at-a-title

 

“Once I beat Pacquiao…” says Floyd Mayweather

Photo By Chris Farina

“You know what they say in football, defense wins championships,” said Big Steve sipping on his Java during our morning coffee at Starbucks onBrand BoulevardinGlendale:” That’s why I believe Mayweather will beat Pacquiao. Will they ever fight?”

 Floyd Mayweather believes it is not if but when he fights and beats Pacquiao “Once I get to him and beat him, it’s going to be an excuse,” said Mayweather, 34, when I asked him about Pacquiao:” They are going to bring another fighter and say, well Floyd can’t beat him. When Diego (Corrales) was undefeated, they said Floyd can’t beat him, and then they said he had weight problems. There is always an excuse. And then once I beat Pacquiao, because he is going to take the test, they are going to say, you know what… And if a fighter is clean, which Manny Pacquiao says he is a clean fighter. Top Rank and Pacquiao said, Floyd this is what we want from you. I said it’s not a problem at all. I’ll do whatever you all want. All I ask you to do not just you but both to take the test. He said OK, I’ll test for four weeks, but another four weeks or twenty one days; I don’t want to test at all. But once again this is the guy that you are all praising, the guy that beat all my leftovers, a guy that beat drained De La Hoya.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/once-i-beat-pacquiao-says-floyd-mayweather

 

Victorious on Saturday Kid Chocolate calls out Sergio Martinez

Photo by Dr. Ed De La Vega

While pushing a treadmill to the limit at the Y inGlendale, Big Steve inquired:” What happened to Kid Chocolate? I thought his fight on Saturday was supposed to be on HBO?”

 

 While millions of fans were able to watch Amir” King” Khan destroy Zab Judah on  premiere television network on Saturday night only few thousands in the arena saw  his stable mate from Wildcard Boxing Club, Kid Chocolate perform. Rising middleweight Peter Quillin also known as Kid Chocolate made easy work of a late replacement opponent from,Dover,New Hampshire, Jason Le Houllier scoring a fifth round knock out in front of intimate crowd at theMandalayBayEventsCenterinLas Vegas.  “I always feel like there is room for improvement,” said Quillin when I asked him to grade his performance.

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/victorious-on-saturday-kid-chocolate-calls-out-sergio-martinez

 

Like Marquez against Pacquiao, Alfonso Gomez plans to die in the ring

Photo by Michele Chong

While having a hearty breakfast at Marie Callender’s on Pacific Avenue in Glendale, Big Steve asks:” Who is this guy, Canelo is planning to fight in September, Alfonso Gomez? I have never heard of him.”

 Alfonso Gomez originally won the hearts of American fight fans in 2004 on a first year run of popular Contender series when he challenged and beat tournament favorite, Peter Manfredo Jr. Since then he broke the hearts of the same fans when he brutally knocked out and practically retired Arturo Gatti in 2007 and then did the same thing to an aging Mexican ring great, Jose Luis Castillo in 2010.

 

Originally fromGuadalajara,Mexico, widely popular Alfonso Gomez lives and trains inSouthern California. At the age of thirty he has developed into a complete fighter and a tough out for anybody.

 

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” said Gomez (23-4-2,12KO’S) who will challenge Saul Alvarez for WBC light middleweight title on September 17^th atStapplesCenter in Los Angles:” From the very first second they told me this fight is going to happen I’ve been in the gym. I don’t want to leave anything behind. I don’t want to have any excises.” Alfonso Gomez vs. Canelo Alvarez championship bout will be a co- feature of a twin bill PPV telecast with a main event fromLas Vegas with Floyd Mayweather facing WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz. Even in his wildest dreams Alfonso Gomez could not imagine being featured on a biggest boxing event of 2011, headlining at Stapples center with over one million homes tuning in and buying Pay Per View.

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/like-marquez-against-pacquiao-alfonso-gomez-plans-to-die-the-ring

 

Canelo Alvarez to join Floyd Mayweather in “Star Power”

Photo by Gene Blevins

“What is going on with Canelo? I hear he is fighting Alfonso Gomez the same night as Mayweather,” said amateur boxer known as Speedy Gonzales, when I met him at Starbucks on Western and Glenoaks this morning:” Is it going to be inLas Vegas?”

“No, Canelo and Gomez are fighting atStaplesCenterin LA,” I replied.

 

“ This is a historic and unprecedented night for boxing,” stated Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions: “ As we showcase Mayweather, Ortiz, Alvarez and Gomez from two iconic and world renowned venues in Staples Center in Los Angles, the capitol of sports and entertainment and MGM grand in Las Vegas, truly the boxing mega center of the world. This show now is even more loaded with stars, and to have Alvarez vs. Gomez join magnificent boxing match up of the year between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is exactly why we named the fight “Star Power”, which is expected to set attendance and viewership records in one night.”

 

If you are at StapplesCenterin Los Angeleson September 17^th, you can see Alvarez vs. Gomez live and then Mayweather and Ortiz on a jumbo TV screen. If you are inLas Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, you can see Alvarez Gomez fight on the screen which will be followed by live Mayweather Ortiz bout. If you are at home on your couch you can order HBO PPV and watch both fights and more for only fifty bucks.

“I am very happy,” said Alvarez when I interviewed him yesterday in Los Angles about sharing the bill with Mayweather:” It’s a great card; both sides. I am enjoying this.” May be this is a promoters strategy, putting a rising star, Canelo Alvarez together with one of the top fighters in the sport, Floyd Mayweather, so that hey could face each other some time in the future.

“Hopefully that fight happens,” said Alvarez about possibility of facing Mayweather:” May be soon, may be later, but I am into that fight with Mayweather.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/canelo-alvarez-to-join-floyd-mayweather-star-power

 

Would the real Floyd Mayweather stand up, please?

Photo by Tom Hogan

After a light work out at the Glendale YMCA, Big Steve asks me:” What’s up with Floyd? The other day in LA ,I saw him spend an hour signing autographs and talk to every single fan until they were all gone and then I find out that he was just charged for assaulting and threatening a security guard at his house development.”

 

 

American super star, boxer Floyd Mayweather is a complicated character. On one hand he changes his nick name from Pretty Boy to Money Mayweather and burns one hundred dollar bills in front of people during hard economic times. On the other hand he anonymously pays for the funeral of a fellow boxer, Genaro Hernandez. “I had to do it,” said Mayweather when he was asked about it last month inLos Angeles.

Whether he had to do it or not, Floyd did it and boxing fans around the world, especially fans of Chicanito Hernandez inSouthern Californiatook this generous gesture on notice.

 

Thirty four year old Mayweather has a perfect professional record with forty one wins and no defeats, with 25 wins by a knock out. When I asked him which was the most memorable win, Floyd surprised me once again.

“The main one is Genaro Hernandez, because that’s where it started for me,” said Mayweather who stopped Genaro in 1988 for his first, WBC super featherweight title:” Genaro Hernandez didn’t have to give me my opportunity. I was number eight in super featherweight division.”

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/would-the-real-floyd-mayweather-stand-up-please

 

What’s next for King Khan?

Photo by Dr. Ed De La Vega

Back inGlendale, lunch at Porto’s Bakery onBrand Boulevardafter covering a fight inLas Vegaswhere Amir Khan thoroughly dominated and stopped ZabJudahin five rounds, Big Steve pondered:” That wasn’t even close. Who is next for Khan?” That is a very good question.

 

“As soon as I get ZabJudahout of the way,” said Khan a week prior to his fight withJudah:” They can line up. I will fight any one.”

Amir”King “Khan got ZabJudahout of the way in impressive fashion, dominating every minute of every round untilJudahfound a way to get out of the fight.

 

“I going to go home on Tuesday,” said IBF and WBA light welterweight champion, Khan at the post fight press conference:” To spend a month with my family to observe Ramadan.” Ramadan is a month long holiday in which Muslims fast and learn about patience, humility and spirituality. Muslims believe Ramadan to be a month for revelations of God.

http://www.examiner.com/boxing-in-glendale-ca/what-s-next-for-king-khan