How popular is GGG?

Photo by Ray Flores

With Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather approaching twilight of their respective careers sweet science is looking for new stars and new heroes. Could current middleweight champion from Kazakhstan, Gennady Golovkin become a cross over star?  HBO executives bank on it. They have been featuring Golovkin’s fights on HBO since September of 2012 when he stopped rugged Gregorz Proksa in five rounds. Every fight since resulted in a knock out.

Now I enjoy watching the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins apply their craft in the ring, but I would prefer violence and a knock out every time. There is something mystical about a knock out when in the heat of battle a man can strike his adversary with such a force that renders him unable to stand upright. Everyone loves a knock out. People love Mike Tyson. They didn’t care what he said or what he did outside the ring, as long as he came inside with his black shorts and no socks and knocked somebody out. They didn’t mind paying hefty pay per view fees even when he knocked Mike Spinks out in the very first round. Everyone loves a knock out.

Gennady Gennadievich Golovkin, also known as GGG produces knock outs. His professional record consists of 30 wins, no defeats and 27 wins by a knock out. That’s ninety percent knock out ratio. In fact, last seventeen of Golovkin’s opponents did not get to hear the final bell. When I asked which was the toughest fight of his professional career, Gennady told me that it is yet to come. At least on paper it was Kassim Ouma who lasted ten rounds in 2011 in Panama. In the ring Ouma put up quite a fight and Gennady’s handsome face showed signs of it. It is amazing to think that with a record of 30 professional fights and being a champion since 2010 Golovkin has never fought for twelve rounds.

But it is not just knock outs, Golovkin is a good looking guy with a kind smile. He is a humble champion who was raised by a very traditional family in Kazakhstan. He treats everyone around him with respect and makes sure he attends to every one of his fans. He is learning English at a good pace so that he can communicate with American media. He has been groomed to be a star from an early age.” He is already a star,” said legendary HBO judge, Harold Lederman.

Legends about Golovkin’s prowess started to roll downhill from Big Bear Mountain five years ago, almost as soon as he moved here to train with Abel Sanchez. “ Did you hear what that Russian guy at Big Bear did to Chavez Jr. in sparring? How about Canelo?” those were questions posed to me or:” Did you hear Golovkin knocked down a light heavy in sparring?”

My initial impression was that Abel Sanchez was running a boot camp of former Soviet Union commandos. But when I first saw Gennady in the ring sparring I had a feeling that he might be special. In contrast to most power punchers Golovkin is very relaxed; he walks around the ring as if he owns it. Two other fighters who feel at home in the ring  come to mind; Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins. These guys could go twenty rounds if necessary. That’s why Abel Sanchez is not worried about a fact that Golovkin has never fought a twelve round fight. Gennady knows how to not waste energy in the ring and could probably go as long as necessary. Golovkin also has a very good balance which allows him to be in the position to punch almost any time. His acute ring awareness along with extensive amateur background makes him a complete fighter.

Using all his skills along with debilitating power in his fists Golovkin gives fans what they want; knock outs. What’s not to like. Fans love him. His popularity has been growing. After developing a following on the East Coast Golovkin moves his show to Southern California. October 18^th , middleweight unification bout with Mexican veteran, Marco Antonio Rubio at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California marks this as Golovkin’s debut performance in Los Angeles. HBO will televise.” It’s my first fight in California, said Golovkin about a month ago during a press conference to announce their showdown:”In the future, bigger fights may be at Staples Center, may be Forum.”

Future might be sooner than later, because two weeks prior to the fight Stub Hub Center is sold out. I heard from reliable source that Gennady had difficulties getting tickets for officials from Kazakhstan who wanted to fly out here for the fight. There are no tickets unless you are willing to use scalpers or what they are called today ticket brokers. Ironically, Stub Hub, ticket broker has two tickets for sale, front row, at a premium of $2202.00 a piece.

Fans will pack Stub Hub Center on October 18^th expecting a knock out. Trainer, Abel Sanchez promised this fight will not go past five rounds. Can GGG  deliver ? If so next stop will be at The Forum or Staples Center as Gennady suggested. Can Golovkin continue to sustain the hype that eventually will take him to a super stardom? Stay tuned.

 

Farewell to Dan Goossen.

Photo by Ray Flores

Promoter Dan Goossen was a real mensch. Read on if you don’t know what that means.Mr. Goossen died early Monday morning at the age of sixty four- his family informed.Rest in peace Mr. Goossen. You will be missed.

I last attended Goossen promoted boxing card in August of this year at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Southern California. I was very surprised and a little bit concerned that I did not see larger than life Dan and his lovely wife Debbie sitting front row directing traffic. Frankly it felt like something was amiss.

Now I know why. Dan Goossen’s passing after a brief bout with liver cancer struck a chord in my heart, because I just buried my father last year after a long battle with stomach cancer.

My dad met Dan about seven years ago when I brought him to attend one of Goossen’s legendary press conferences. As always, Dan went all out hosting Margarito, Paul Williams’ presser at Burbank’s Arnie Morton’s Steakhouse. Noticing that my father was not part of the media Dan made sure Lev (they got on a first name basis right away) was comfortable and had enough to eat. That’s just the way Dan was. He was a family man and he took care of other people’s family. He always made sure my colleague, Francisco Salazar could bring his father to the fights and gave tickets to photographer Joe Miranda to bring his dad, Joe Sr.

I first met Dan Goossen about ten years ago. I was an intern for a local paper, Burbank Times and this was to be my very first interview. Publicist, Rachel Charles made the introductions. Even though I had all my questions prepared, I was as anxious as a novice – boxer entering the ring may be more; I was terrified. I took the elevator up to the bright Sherman Oaks office and Dan Goossen treated me as if I was a veteran reporter from Los Angeles Times; he took his time and answered all my questions and not once did he make me feel stupid or inadequate . That was just the way he was. The man did not demand respect, he commanded it.

On my way out I ran into former champion, Gabriel Ruelas who looked like he came by to visit his father for lunch. That’s just how Dan was. He was like a father figure to all of his fighters. Whether it was an exceptionally talented Michael Nunn or less than motivated Chris Arreola or on again off again, James Toney, they were all his children and he treated them all as such.

Speaking of Gabe Ruelas, I must say that you have not experienced a full extent of LA’s boxing flavor unless you saw Gabe or his brother fight at Goossen’s promoted club cards at Reseda Country Club or Olympic Auditorium. Dan was an old school promoter. He didn’t need a television network to put on a boxing show or to develop a real fighter. Those were the days.

Yes, Dan Goossen was a real old school promoter, but what I admired about him the most was his ability to live and have fun every single day. It’s as if he knew in advance that his life would be cut short and decided to enjoy it while he could. Dan Goossen knew how to have fun. He was a prankster. My last memory of him was when he wagered Don King that looser promoter of Arreola vs. Stiverne fight would cut his hair bold. Just thinking about Don King or even Dan Goossen for that matter, without hair brought tears to my eyes.

Yes, Mr. Dan Goossen was a real mensch, a Yiddish word for a man of distinction. Ina turbulent world of boxing he distinguished himself as a man of character, who will forever remain in the hearts of people he touched.

 

Greatness could be a curse for Guillermo Rigondeax.

Boxrec.com

Sometimes being great at something could be a curse instead of grace. Legendary Dutch impressionist, Vincent Van Gogh died in obscurity in 1890. Today some of his paintings are considered priceless. It took regular folk sometime to understand and appreciate a true talent of exquisite Dutch painter.

Similar things happen in boxing. Fans never really appreciated the talent of Roy Jones Jr. because of the ease with which he dominated his opponents. Fans claimed that he picked and chose his foes, even though he dominated future hall of famers like James Toney and Bernard Hopkins. May be we will truly appreciate his greatness after he retires and gets inducted into boxing’s hall of fame.

Currently, former two time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, Guillermo Rigondeaux is suffering the same fate. Guillermo was one of the most decorated amateurs in history of sweet science. Aside from two Olympic gold medals Rigondeaux won two world amateur championships as well as seven Cuban national championships. After a failed attempt to defect Cuba in 2007, Guillermo finally made it to the land of the free in February of 2009.

I remember watching Guillermo spar at the Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California during a brief stint he had with legendary trainer, Freddie Roach. I remember writing that Cuban southpaw was like a cross between Mayweather and Pacquiao, only his offence was more accurate than Pacman’s and his defense was more subtle than Floyds. I remember watching him knock out a solid featherweight contender in sparring with one crisp uppercut. Freddie Roach said that Guillermo is probably the greatest talent that he has ever seen.

Still fans have a hard time getting behind his talent because there is little competition during his fights; he dominates his opponents. Guillermo Rigondeaux epitomizes the essence of sweet science – to hit and not get hit. So, what’s the problem? The problem is he doesn’t get hit enough, he doesn’t take chances and he doesn’t face adversity. At least he hasn’t faced it so far.

Rigondeaux won his first legitimate world championship title in January of 2012. The Jackal knocked out Rico Ramos in the sixth stanza with a single body shot. Exciting, it was not. It was not competitive. Then Rigo dominated one of the top pound for pound fighters, Nonito Donaire in a unification bout in April, 2013. Fans were not happy it wasn’t a shootout. Networks were not happy. Guillermo felt disrespected by his promoter, Bob Arum for not being able to secure a meaningful fight following a signature win.

New promoter, Caibe promotions recently won a purse bid to secure Rigondeaux title defense against hard punching Chris Avalos from Southern California. But before they could even secure a date and a venue, camp Avalos turned down the fight in favor of other opportunities. Why? Isn’t it obvious?

Frustrations are mounting in camp Rigondeaux. At the age of thirty three his window of opportunity to shine seems to be slipping away. What can he do?  Guillermo’s most formidable challenge up to date Nonito Donaire demonstrated that he did not want a rematch by moving up to featherweight and looking at other opportunities. Another worthy opponent, a fellow super bantamweight titlist, Leo Santa Cruz recently called out Rigondeaux on Showtime right after winning his title defense. But Guillermo noted that it was just a news ploy since he never heard from camp Santa Cruz.

May be Rigondeaux should follow Donaire and move up to featherweight for better opportunities. And if Nonito declines a rematch, there is a fellow two time Olympic gold medalist from Ukraine, Vasyl Lomachenko who holds one of the featherweight trinkets. That could be the fight for the ages.

The Greatest Muhammad Ali had to face Joe Frazier three times to prove his greatness. Could Guillermo Rigondeaux find his Frazier?

 

Pacquiao has added incentive to fight Algieri

By Zimbio pictures

Considering legendary battles with the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito it is difficult to imagine that boxing’s super star Manny Pacquiao(56-5-2,38KO’S)could get excited about facing little known, Chris Algieri(20-0,8KO’S). They are to face off in the ring on November 22nd, 2014 at Cotai Arena of Venetian Resort in Macau, China. HBO PPV will televise 12 rounds, WBO welterweight championship contest.

“I want the Marquez fight,” admitted Pacman during a media day at the plush Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles:” But he refuses it.”

Let’s face it Chris Algieri is not a household name. In fact, even hardcore boxing fans did not know who Chris was until earlier this year when he out boxed Emanuel Taylor on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, nationally televised boxing show. That performance gave Algieri an opportunity to fight on HBO against Siberian Rocky, Ruslan Provodnikov. After being down twice in the first stanza and being badly cut a little later on in the fight, thirty year old Algieri showed his warrior spirit and out boxed the Russian slugger for the remainder of the fight. Judges awarded Algieri a split decision victory. Boxing gods awarded Chris Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes.

It really is a very good Cinderella story and they couldn’t have found a better young man to deserve such a chance. Still, how does eight division world champion, Manny Pacquiao motivates himself for such a fight? How does he avoid a disaster like Mike Tyson experienced overlooking huge underdog, Buster Douglas in 1990?

“I always have motivation,” said Pacquiao, 35:” I don’t need to get motivation. I always have it. I always have the fire in my heart and in my mind.” Frankly, even the most devoted Pac maniacs have been skeptical about that fire in his heart. But here is something that would add a lot of fuel to that fire. Long anticipated and long overdue mega showdown between two boxing’s top dogs Mayweather and Pacquiao is being talked about once again.

In spite of it being a few years past its expiration date this fight could ignite fire not just inside Manny Pacquiao heart, but also inside millions of fans hearts. This match up still has the capacity to become the largest and the richest event in boxing history. The main reason this encounter is becoming more feasible than ever before is because both Floyd and Manny ran out of name opponents.

Promoter Bob Arum speculated that he could see the last two fights in Mayweather’s career to be against Pacquiao. Floyd, who just defeated Maidana in a rematch set up because Mayweather had no other viable opponents, did not deny the possibility of facing Pacman. “If Manny Pacquiao fight presents itself. Let’s make it happen,” said Mayweather, 37, right after defeating Maidana in the rematch:” I don’t know who I will fight in May, but I expect to fight. Manny needs to focus on the guy that’s in front of him. Once he gets past that task we’ll see what the future holds.”

The guy in front of Manny is Chris Algieri. He’s got quite a story. He is an underdog. Americans love the underdog. But does he have a chance against Pacquiao? Few experts believe that Chris is a live underdog and has a good chance at upsetting Pacman and the balance in the world of boxing. He does have youth on his side as well as significant physical advantages such as height and reach.

“I am not alarmed or worried about that,” said Pacquiao:” It’s not new for me to fight taller opponents. I know what I am doing. I know what I have to do in preparation for this fight.” Tune in November 22nd.

 

Just How Good Can Taishan Dong Be?

Photo by Jessica Rosales

By Darryn Albert –

Some of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all-time were mammoths of men.  Joe Louis was 6’1″ and 197 pounds.  Sonny Liston clocked in at 6’1″, 214.  Muhammad Ali was a mean 6’3″, 210.  George Foreman measured up 6’3″ and 217 pounds.  Lennox Lewis was 6’4″, 220.  And in more modern times, the Klitschko brothers are in the range of 6’7″ and 245 pounds apiece.  All of these great fighters were larger than life figures, giants among us.  They carried a certain aura, a certain command of the room that made them these imposing, almost mythically so, both in and out of the ring.  But what if I were to tell you that there’s a man coming up in the heavyweight division that would dwarf all those legendary fighters.  Ladies and gentlemen, meet Taishan Dong.

By now, you or may not have heard about Dong, the Chinese fighter heralded by some as the next big thing in the heavyweight division (no pun intended).  He tips the scales at a staggering 7 feet and 287 pounds.  Wow.  Go back and read those measurements again.  And let it sink in.  I’ll wait……………………(twiddles thumbs)…………………………..Has it sunk in yet? Good.  Because the sport of boxing has never seen anything quite like Dong.  The 26-year old fighter hails from the province of Gansu in China and even if he’s had but one professional fight, the hype surrounding him is enormous, perhaps based on sheer size and potential alone.  You think about all of the advantages a fighter like him would have on paper.  Reach advantage (84″ in case you’re wondering).  Punching power.  Physical intimidation.  Ability to withstand blows.  It’s astounding really.  And if Dong is able to hone his considerable physical gifts and turn himself into a devastating fighter? Well they just might have to fold professional boxing all together.

Now there’s not a lot of video of Dong available on the Internet to scrutinize mostly because he’s only fought professionally once (a 2nd round TKO of one Alex Rozman of San Francisco) but from that fight alone, you can see a ton of potential.  Dong isn’t as immobile as you might think and actually exhibited modest footwork and movement around the ring, especially for a man of his size.  He has a destructive right jab capable of sending an opponent to the canvass if it connects (which it actually did against Rozman).  He’s blessed with good instincts and knows how to counter-punch (though a lot of his counter shots didn’t actually connect).  Dong also isn’t a timid fighter as he was often the first to initiate his attack.  He maintains his ground in the ring and is able to use his size to his advantage and bully opponents.  One can definitely see a lot of promise in Taishan Dong.

However, like with any young, raw fighter, Dong has a lot of things to work on.  His offensive attack isn’t the most impressive: his arsenal so far is mostly basic 1-2 combos and hooks as he relies more on punching power than actually boxing an opponent.  Some of his punches are slow and predictable and he also didn’t exhibit much head movement, leaving himself more susceptible to shots upstairs than I would have liked (though in his defense, he might be better off focusing on offense since opponents will have a hard time punching up to reach his head area without tiring).  He had a tendency to get flustered when his opponent threw, turning his head away in an attempt to get out of the line of fire and trying to parry opposing blows with an open palm, two habits experienced fighters would exploit to death.  Also, while his footwork is decent for a man his size, it’s obviously not one of his strengths since he has to carry that frame around the ring.  Additionally, I’d worry about his stamina and ability to go into later rounds since this fight only went 2 rounds and he seems like he would tire easily.

All in all, Dong might be the prototypical high-risk, high-reward fighter.  His upside is enormous (literally and figuratively) and size alone could take this guy very far.  However, he’s still incredibly raw, has some inherent flaws, and his sample size is too small to pass final judgement from.  If I had to take a guess, it’s that Dong will have a high floor in terms of potential thanks to the sheer physical advantages he’ll have against virtually any opponent who gets into the ring with him.  But I don’t think he will be a gamechanger in the heavyweight division because once he starts running into established talent that doesn’t get easily intimidated and keeps the fight a methodical one in the center of the ring, he will no longer able to rely on his size to bully opponents and will be forced to box (something I’m not all that sure he can do yet).  My first instinct when I first heard about Dong was that a guy like Stiverne or Deontay Wilder would destroy him.  And after watching him fight, I still think that’s true.  But with a little hard work and a lot of hours in the gym honing his technique, Taishan Dong just might prove me wrong and live up to all this hype that he’s generating.  Only one thing’s for sure and that’s that I’ll definitely be watching Taishan Dong the next time he steps into the ring.  And you should too.

 

Keith Thurman plans to take over welterweight division in 2015

 

Photos from MGM Grand Garden Arena 09-13-2014 by Al Applerose

Chino attacks Floyd in corner

Soto lands left uppercut

Leo Santa Cruz

Humberto Soto a winner

John Molina lands a right cross

Leo Santa Cruz

Leo Santa Cruz looks at Roman

Floyd connect with a right hand

Floyd shows Bayless the glove_a

Floyd looks at Maidana’s left

Floyd lands a left

Floyd bends back over rope

Chino hurts Floyd in corner

Chino rocks Floyd

 

Live boxing in Santa Monica!

Hump day, Wednesday night in Santa Monica is usually a dry affair unless… What do you get when you cross breed Hollywood and boxing? Holy bang or “Boxing at Barker” that was staged by Hollywood mogul and newcomer boxing promoter, Michael King. Indeed from the first glance it did look like a Hollywood party. Red carpet entrance, plush white couches strategically placed around the arena. Long legged servers distributing food and drinks. Stars everywhere. Former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger looked smaller than he usually does on the screen. Wayne Knight who played Newman on Seinfeld looked exactly the same and so did Tommy Flanagan from Sons of Anarchy. Scott Caan looked better in person than he does on Hawaii Five-O. Brittany Phillips looked much better up close and personal than she did on Miami CSI. Legendary singer Tom Jones was on hand posing for pictures with the ladies. Infamous attorney Robert Shapiro, a huge boxing fan who is also a fixture at every major boxing event in Las Vegas was mingling with the stars and looked right at home.

Speaking about Sin City, on the second thought, it did look like a major boxing event in Las Vegas. Ring greats such as Motor City Cobra, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard and Ray Boom Boom Mancini were posing for pictures with fans. HBO boss Ken Hershman was on hand, probably considering televising future promotions. Long time Santa Monica resident, legendary boxing commentator Larry Merchant was present as well as Showtime current commentator Mauro Randall whose voice is just as booming in person as it is during a telecast.

Former MGM director Bob Halloran was ringside observing the action which by the way was scintillating. All five fights were intense, competitive and fought at a skill level worthy of being a major boxing card in Las Vegas and being televised.

In the opening bout of the evening middleweight Louis Rose (9-1-1,2KO’s) stopped his opponent Emanuel Ledezma (12-1-2,2KO’S) in a dramatic fashion at the end of the eighth round only seconds prior to the conclusion of the contest.

Next on tap was a cruiserweight clash between highly rated American Eric Fields (24-2,16KO’S) and Cuban amateur stand out Yunier Dorticos scheduled for ten rounds. It ended early and was the fight of the night in my book. Bombs away Dorticos and Fields traded knock downs in the first round and kept fighting their hearts out until Dorticos scored a spectacular right cross knock out at the end of the fourth stanza. Referee Jack Reese didn’t even have to count. Eric Fields was out. Dorticos improved his record to 16-0 with all 16 wins by the way of knock out. He is the man to watch.

Ten rounds welterweight scrap between Chris Van Hearden (20-1-1,11KO’S) and Ray Narh (26-4,21KO’S) featured nonstop back and forth action from the opening till the final bell. Ray Narh seemed to have out boxed his opponent for the majority of the rounds, but the judges awarded a split decision victory to Van Hearden. Narh was visibly upset by the judge’s decision at the post fight interview.

Super middleweight contest between former world title challenger Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (29-1,18KO’S) and a veteran banger Fulgencio Zuniga (26-8-1,23KO’S) was not as competitive as the welterweight clash, but it produced drama and dynamic action. N’Dam hurt his left hand early in the contest and dominated the fight with just one hand earning a unanimous decision victory.

They saved the best for last as two undefeated heavyweights Charles Martin (15-0-1,13KO’S) and Alexander Flores (14-0,12KO’S) concluded the night with a bang. Surprising most ringside observers Martin out boxed and out fought his opponent and found a way to land a booming right hand that ended the night in the fourth stanza.

No one in the intimate arena at the Barker Hanger asked for their money back and most observers stayed late into the night to watch all the fights.

“I have a passion for boxing,” said debutant promoter Michael King:” Without question boxing is one of the most exhilarating sports in the world.” That passion was obvious to everyone in attendance.

Don’t miss Holy-Bang two scheduled to take place at Santa Monica Pier on May 21^st.

 

 

 

 

Lack of fierce exchanges between Pacquiao and Mosley disappoint fans

 

Photo by Romeo M. Balboa

LAS VEGAS, NV – Many boxing fans, particularly Pacquiao fans, from among the 16,412 that trooped to the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 7 were disappointed to see the much-publicized and well-advertised fight between pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and the former four-time, three-division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley ended without the usual fierce exchanges.

Round 1 would tell boxing enthusiasts that the two protagonists were very careful with their moves, trying to size up each other.  But the fans were alive and excited when Mosley was knocked down in Round 3.

A closed up shot of Mosley’s face showed he was in pain.  At the postfight press conference, Mosley told the members of the press that Pacquiao stunned him with the knockdown.

“That’s the most legitimate knockdown I got hit with in a long time,” said Mosley, admitting that Pacquiao’s speed and power is scary and unmatched.

And the fight went on until Pacquiao was literally floored in Round 10 when Mosley pushed him with all his might.  And referee Bayless thought initially that Pacman was knocked down, and he began the mandatory count.  Eventually, he apologized publicly for his error in judgment.

The hot and aggressive Pacquiao pursued Mosley most of the time during the 12-round bout, but Mosley did nothing but backed off instead of exchanging punches that truly dissatisfied even his own fans.

“I expected Shane to exchange toe-to-toe with me for at least five rounds, but it did not happen,” said Pacquiao with disappointment.

“It wasn’t my best performance,” Pacquiao told reporters after being declared by the three judges winner by unanimous decision.  But he is not to be blamed.  First, there was the coward-like attitude shown by Sugar Shane who kept moving backward, not a step forward, after being decked by a left-hand hook of Pacquiao in the third round.

Later, in the interview, Pacquiao would claim that he was also hampered by leg cramps starting on the fourth round.  But Pacquiao showed his usual stance, attacking Mosley from Round 10, after he got off from the canvas from a “push” employed by Mosley to keep Manny away from him.

Before the May 7 fight (May 8 Manila time), Mosley was boasting that he would carry the fight to knock the Filipino hero out, but it turned out that it could only be better said than done.

The lone Congressman fromSaranganiProvincewore yellow Cleto Reyes gloves to symbolize unity.  He even encouraged Filipinos going to the venue to wear something yellow, but not many adhered to the suggestion of the WBO welterweight champion, who has won his 14 consecutive fights, including non-title fights, which I have covered from Day 1, along with my ace photographer Romeo M. Balboa, with support from well known L.A. photographer Benjie Uy whose tandem completes the news and photo coverages.

 Congressman Pacquiao, who has a soft spot in his heart for the poor, being one of them early in life, talked about how he could help alleviate his constituents from poverty.  He expressed his support, during the postfight interview, by helping provide housing through Gawad Kalinga, a pet project of Tony Meloto, founder and first Executive Director of GK.

International recording artist, Charice, now going intoHollywoodmovies, provided the impetus to the fight when she rendered flawlessly “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine National Athem, that drew a roaring applause from a huge crowd at the MGM.

Everyone was surprised when beauteous socialite Paris Hilton showed up at the postfight press conference and obligingly posed for press photographers with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and wife, Jinkee.

“I am an avid fan of Pacman,” said Hilton.  She added:  “I’m looking forward to my newest business endeavor in thePhilippines, and I’m so excited for my trip.”

When asked whom he prefers to fight next, Manny Pacquiao said he leaves the matter to his manager, Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank, to decide.  “Whoever it would be, I am ready to fight,” Manny told the members of the press. 

Since Floyd Mayweather is evading the encounter with Pacman, most likely it would be Juan Manuel Marquez again who would face Pacquiao in the November 12 fight, according to Bob Arum.  Having watched their previous encounters, we can expect a much better fight in the showdown of these two prize fighters.

 

“Tropical Lightning, Thunder from the Tropics”

By Ray Flores

It was a cool night in Las Vegas, 57 degrees to be exact but anticipation was beyond the boiling point at the MGM Grand. Everyone who was a fan of boxing were either in attendance or watching the HBO event from the comfort of their homes to witness what we hoped to be one of the greatest fights in boxing history. Two dangerous fighters from the tropics have come here to settle the score. Who will be the best pound for pound fighter? Someone was about to go down.

The fighters entered the ring with all the fanfare and spectacle of the gladiators of Rome. The crowd roared with excitement. Only one would prevail. These two island warriors were here to do combat they asked no quarter, and gave none.

The crowd went ballistic at the sound of the first bell, and so it began.

Cotto at the beginning snaped Pacquiao’s head back with a left jab and then another. Cotto pushed Pacquiao back, the Pacman landed a straight left and Cotto countered. Pacquiao showed Cotto some respect at that point. Cotto fought in close matching Pacquiao’s speed and an even exchange of blows ended the first round. Cotto having connected with much more solid punches but the Pacman fired back with sudden furry and the round was even.

With the sounding of the bell for the second round Cotto continued to jab away, Pacquiao fired three punches and Cotto ripped the Pacman with hard jabs. A speedy solid left hook by Cotto, followed by a rapid  response from Manny.  Cotto backs Pacquiao on to the ropes. Pacman fires back with combinations and then more power shots by the little Filipino as Cotto shows he can take Manny’s punches.The round again seems to be even.

Round three the Pacman came out swinging, Cotto was knocked down by a right hook that surprised him. He just didn’t see it coming Cotto was back up and takes a standing eight count. The action continued with Cotto landing  a left jab followed by a right hook. The Pacman fought back landing hard combinations. Cotto fired back snapping the Pacman’s head. At the end of the third round the fight was showing signs of weakness in the Cotto game plan. A mouse was formimg under the right eye of the proud man from Puerto Rico.

As the fight continued Pacquiao’s speed and punching power became more and more dominant. Cotto at times had Pacquiao on the ropes but it appeared to me that the Pacman was just taking a breather. At 1:27 secs in the fourth round Cotto was nailed with a left hook to the jaw and hit the deck for the second time in the fight. As he regained his senses and took another standing eight Cotto appeared to show a sign of doubt and loss of  confidence.

So far to this point Pacquiao had done everything perfectly. In round five Cotto landed a left upper cut that snapped Pacquiao’s head back and stunned by a left hook as he came of the ropes. Manny battled back but seem to have taken more than he gave. Cotto appeared to have won the fifth round.

The sixth round Cotto was trying to battle back but he was beginning to take a lot of punishment. Pacquiao, was trying to finish him off. Cotto nearly went down for a third time from a left hook. Cotto tried to finish the round with a straight right that landed flush on Pacquiao’s face. Despite his efforts Cotto was in trouble.

Pacquiao’s ring generalship and  explosive punches coupled with his ability to throw from all angles were taking their toll on the weary Cotto. A hard right at the beginning of the seventh round shook Cotto. He was withering in the Pacquiao onslaught.  Pacquiao was relentless in his pursuit of Cotto. Cotto was making a valiant attempt to stay away from Pacquiao’s power punches. The referee during the break came over to the Cotto corner and asked him how he was doing, Cotto responded by saying he was alright.

Landing punches with both hands Pacquiao was clearly dominating the fight. Cotto continued to try and stay active but his punches lacked power. He was in full retreat. The Pacman continued to pursue him and continued to try and end the fight. At this point Joe Santiago, Cotto’s trainer, should have stopped the fight. Cotto was taking a lot of punishment.

The ninth round found Cotto just barely holding on. The relentless pursuit of Pacquiao was unending. The referee appeared about ready to stop the fight. During the break Joe Santiago told Cotto just one more. He should have tossed in the towel at that point. Cotto was taking a beating there was a real danger of Cotto of being seriously hurt at this point in the fight. Why the fight had gone this far was anyone’s guess. Perhaps the Roach prediction of the ninth round loomed in Santiago’s mind?

Cotto, was again on his bicycle and fighting back when he could, There was no power in Cotto’s punches and he was doing his best to just stay out of the Pacman’s way. Pacquiao was becoming frustrated. Cotto was in terrible shape at the end of the tenth round. What was Santiago’s problem.?

In the 11^th round Cotto showed great courage and was just trying to survive the round. Manny was trying to cut off the ring and finish Cotto off at the same time.Cotto was a bloody mess.

Pacman continues to stalk Cotto who just doesn’t seem to have enough energy to finish the round. The referee was setting himself up to stop the fight. Cotto continued to take punishment till Kenny Bayliss finally stepped in and stopped the fight 55 secs in the 12^th round.

Manny Pacquiao was just to fast, to powerful, firing to many combinations with deadly accuracy. He took the best of Cottos punches and wasn’t really effected. Manny’s ability to throw punches from different angles that Cotto appeared never to be able to see was the dominant factor in this fight. His ability to find gaps in Cottos defenses was remarkable if not miraculous. He was the much better fighter plain and simple.

Cotto fought with real heart in a valiant but futile effort. The fight should have been stopped much earlier, Cotto didn’t need to absorb all this punishment.

Pacquiao fought a tactical and strategic fight. He was magnificent, speed, power, punching with accuracy from all angles, ring generalmanship, it was total perfection coupled with superb conditioning, discipline and team work.

Now the next question  that is on everyone’s mind. Will the future see a Pacquiao/Mayweather fight? After this fight how can Mayweather continue to side step the Pacman? Does it seem more like when, instead of if? Who else is there for the Manny to fight? But who knows? Mayweather, no doubt will be more elusive than ever. Only time will tell.