For more than three years now, hard core to casual fans are longing for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.

When Pacquiao (54-3-2 KO 38) defeated Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton, the idea of this match-up afloat; so with the alibis not to fight against each other emerge. Instead, both Pacquiao and Mayweather give us the fight we don’t want.

Mayweather fought Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Victor Ortiz and recently Miguel Cotto. Alright, I accept I am watching all of those fights because I am a boxing fan, but it doesn’t mean I like the match-up during the time it happened.

On the other hand Pacquiao fought Miguel Cotto–at least this one makes sense, Joshua Clottey–what for?, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and again Juan Manuel Marquez–that even if they will fight a hundred times you will get the same result.

Again I accept I watch all those fights because I am a boxing fan and it doesn’t mean I like the match-up during the time it happened. 

On June 9, 2012, again I will watch the fight on PPV between Pacquiao and undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley (28-0-0 KO 12) although this is not the match-up I want, because I am a boxing fan, (for so many reasons). What about you? Will you watch? Why not? Maybe you are not a boxing fan.

For PPV subscription in Kuwait follow this link https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Filipino-Community-tfc-Kuwait/118468738262789

Boxers that caught using enhancing drugs hurt boxing. It is like the sharp claws of wolverine– scratching the sport we love. Each scratch represents every boxer that failed the test. The deep of the scratch depends upon the boxers’ popularity.

Last week two deep scratch keep boxing bleeding up to now.

Rising star Andre Berto (28-1-0, 22KO) failed to pass random drug test conducted by VADA (Voluntary Anti Drug Association) positive for Nandrolone.

On the other hand, Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15KO) fresh from his upset win against Amir Khan also failed to pass the same drug test conducted by VADA.

Both fighters scheduled to fight rematches against different opponents. 

Who will forget the action-packed fight between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz that I crave for this rematch. Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan is equally exiting rematch wherein Khan vows to redeem his title.  However, under the present circumstances, these fights blown like a bubble in the midst of sunny day. 

The sad thing these incident happen in a very short interval. Antonio Margarito–the last popular fighter caught allegedly cheating which until now dismayed by fans. That was three years ago–at least for a long period until these two boxers’ failed their respective drug tests.

Earlier, when Floyd Mayweather Jr. accused Manny Pacquiao using PEDs and demanded him to take OSDT testing until the day of the fight my stand was to disagree. Now, with the recent incidents I consider evaluating from where I stand.

It is very much unfair to the opposite fighter to lose a fight if the other is using PED’s. Imagine, you will take all the punishment the training regimen has to offer but then you lose because the other fighter is invincible to exhaustion. This is true in a close fight that runs until the last round and stamina is the factor. 

I think the authorities that govern boxing drug testing in any level of competition should implement a stricter testing and should fight to any party that influenced such acts. This is to stop the bleeding caused from deep scratches that might put boxing to death due to hemorrhage

To think that I am alone ranting about this, I am wrong Morgan of Sportage.com shares the same sentiment.

The major problem here in Kuwait if you are basketball enthusiasts is the availability of basketball courts. Since football is the main sports for Kuwait and the majority of the expatriates; you will find almost every blocks – football field. Basketball court is outnumbered maybe in a ratio of 10:1 or even more.

For more than six years now, working here in Kuwait and being basketball as my favorite sport aside from boxing, I’ve been playing several basketball courts available in Kuwait. Knowing the scarcity of basketball courts I tried to compile and rank the top ten basketball courts I’ve experienced to play. I hope it will help to those who are still seeking the most accessible basketball court. You’ll never know it is just in your neighborhood.

This compilation is a ten-part article that I will publish each time I’ll be back to every basketball court that I will highlight in each post for I will take a snap for these courts – for you to have a better judgment  which court is accessible and preferably you and your team will visit.

Not-to-mention the indoor courts that is for sure will be very nice to play whole-year-round for a very extreme weather condition here in Kuwait, whatever time of the day but definitely it is not-for-free. That is why I decided to compile only free-of-charge courts – the best things in this world are freebies right? That’s why I’ll go for the free.

Without further ado here is my first pick.

This court is in the heart of Mishrif, near Yarmouk sports club, that is why its accessibility is not favorable for commuters – taxis rarely roam in this area and above all, they will charge you more. There is no bus route assigned also in the area.

This is the reason why I love this basketball court because it is not crowded at all anytime (do not even think that I have my own car, because really I do not have. :)Not accessible means – only few would like to come and I can play immediately as soon as I arrive. Unlike Salmiya, (I'll highlight this court in my next post) you will be in long queue before you can play.

Our team, United COE for PhilBack holds practice in this court every Saturday’s and Tuesday’s. My teammates prefer this court for the reason I mention above and they are the one who have cars anyway. (I always ask a free ride from them. :)

What makes this court especial?  The place has also tennis court, volley ball court and Football field. Aside from basketball, I love to play tennis also. Few locals play here, so whenever we have practice, I consider bringing my tennis racquet. Locals are friendly that I enjoyed playing with them too.

I salute the caretaker (Harris, as they call it in Arabic) for the place is well maintained. You cannot see rubbish at all. It has also clean washrooms, wide parking area and cold drinking water.

Accessibility: Poor

Court’s Appearance/Maintenance: Good

Timing: Open Saturday to Thursday until 11:00PM, Close during Fridays and all holidays.

The backboard

My team-mates in United COE enjoying the practice.

More on United COE click here. United COE is one of the team that participates in Philippine Basketball Club in Kuwait known as PhilBack. More on PhilBack please click here. You can also view here the list of basketball clubs here in Kuwait if you wish to join.

Outside the fence across the road is Burger King and Arabic Restaurant for after-game refreshment.

Next to the basketball court is the tennis court.

Well-lighted tennis court.

Tennis court small bleacher for spectator and players as well.

We already watch the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Miguel Angel Cotto last week. Here are my three thoughts after the fight and subsequently after watching the reply 3 times.

First, I believed it is much a closer fight for me compared to what the judges’ scorecards revealed. There were good rounds for Cotto more than the scorecards.

Second, I am now convinced that Manny Pacquiao can definitely defeat Mayweather Jr.

Although we can not directly predict a certain fight based upon the result of a fighters common opponent or to his previous fight. But what gave Mayweather Jr. a problem was Cottos’ aggressiveness and relentlessness that I can say was a little bit short or shall I say lacking.

I say lacking or short because I think this is the word that best describe to the quality of a certain fighter that would give Mayweather a problem all night. And speaking of relentlessness and aggressiveness – Pacquiao has a lot from these qualities that can be executed differently. It would be a more different approach of relentlessness and aggressiveness against Mayweather. A much more powerful flurry that comes from many angles, side-to-side, in-and-out and head movement.

However, and again we can not base previous fights in predicting, but it is noted also that Pacquiao somewhat shows decline in speed and footwork. Maybe because he is not getting also any younger anymore or that reported problem in his foot because of wearing formal leather shoes when he is doing his job as a congressman in the Philippines.

I can say that a Pacquiao of his old self, shall we say a Pacquiao on his fight against Ricky Hatton would simply blow away Mayweather, even a Maywether at a younger age.

Third, I am also hopeless to say that this fight would never ever happen because Floyd will definitely unable to fight this year due to his jail sentence. Pacquiao who needs to get past Bradley this June might again fight once more this year, probably on December. 2013 is still a long way to go, and we don’t know if Pacquiao after two fights with different opponents might retire or maybe defeated. Then, there will be different scenario at that time.

Even though Miguel Cotto loses his bout against defense minister and smart but less footwork–Mayweather during the fight, he was able to expose him (Floyd) a bit.

In my earlier prediction, I picked Mayweather as the winner by unanimous decision (UD 12) if the bout will come to the very last round. However, I didn't dismiss the possibility of Cotto knocking out Mayweather in Round 1.  And that if he will come out relentless from the first sound of the bell. Because I believed this is the only way to beat Mayweather. Aggressiveness and relentlessness – these was shown by Cotto but came up short in these aspects.

In my round-by-round recap of the fight, I gave Cotto two rounds against ten. It is in these rounds where he bloodied Floyds’ nose and pushed him (Mayweather) to the corner where he landed his best shots although some of those shots were blocked by Floyds’ trademark shoulder roll.

If Cotto cornered Floyd more often against the rope and unleashed more flurries but cautious for incoming counters, for sure Floyd will be in serious trouble all night. That is why boxing fans want Pacquiao to fight Floyd not just because they are the best in the world now but with opposite style which is interesting to watch which style will prevail and who will be effective against the other.

Pacman has the aggressiveness and relentlessness that I am talking about plus quick footwork and side-to-side movement to evade counters, which Cotto came-up short in his fight yesterday. It is noted that at times Cotto stands idle in front of Mayweather and is susceptible to sneaky left hook and right uppercut – Floyds’ effective punch during the fight.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. still unbeaten for 43 fights dominates almost every round against a very game Miguel Cotto from start to finish. Below is Shuttlepen’s round by round recap of the fight.

Round 1: Floyd outboxes Cotto with fast hands, quick combos and uppercuts. Cotto counters but unable to land a clear punch. Floyd’s Round.

Round 2: Cotto wrestle Mayweather up, pushes him towards the corner and pummeles him with combinations but Mayweather was quick to counter, throws a jab and two big right hands. Floyd’s round.

Round 3: Cotto has not done offensively in the start. Big right hand–Mayweather.  Uppercut from the inside lands for Mayweather from the ropes.  Cotto landed to the body and the head. The fighter gets in the center of the ring, Cotto again to the body and then upstairs. Cotto lands a jab, not a good round for Floyd although showed a good defense every time he was in the corner. I give it to Cotto.

Round 4: Mayweather lands overhand right to the head. Cotto lands body shot. Maywaether landed four-punch combo. Mayweather tie up Cotto in the corner and lands uppercut. Left hand–Mayweather finish the round.  Floyd’s Round.

Round 5: Cotto start busy–corners Floyd towards the ropes. Cotto unleashes combination from the corner, Floyd ties once Cotto works from the inside.Cotto plants his head against Floyd’s chest. Right hand lands for Cotto. Maywather answers combos from outside. Cotto’s upper left eyebrow cuts. Floyd’s Round.

Round 6: Jab lands for Cotto,Mayweather nod and smile at Cotto. Cotto lands again a jab to the body. Mayweather now stalks Cotto. Mayweather finish the round with bloody nose. Cotto’s round.

Round 7: Mayweather stays in the center of the ring. Floyd lands jab and uppercut. Floyd’s  so quick on his feet. Right hand–Cotto. Floyd lands to the body and double left hook upstairs. Left hand–Mayweater. Floyd’s round.

Round 8: Uppercut lands for Mayweather. Money leans against the rope, Cotto unleashes flurries but unable to land a clean blow. Left uppercuts land at well for Floyd as Cotto leans forward. Cotto lands left hand to the body. Couple left hand lands for Cotto. Good Round for Cotto.

Round 9: Big uppercut lands for Floyd. Mayweather tie Cotto in the middle of the ring. Cotto pressures Floyd in the ropes. Floyd’s round.

Round 10: Floyds lands right hook and uppercut. Cotto answers body shot. Cotto continue missing his shots. Sneaky jab lands for Cotto. Uppercut– Cotto. A slack round for both fighters but Mayweather obviously wins the round.

Round 11: Right hand lands for Floyd to the head. Cotto stalks Floyd and lands two combos. Floyd ties Cotto in the middle of the ring. Floyd blocks Cotto’s punches. Cotto lands to the head in the corner. Floyd’s lands overhand right from the outside. Floyd lands telling blows. Floyd’s Round.

Round 12: Cotto wrestles Floyd again to the ropes. Money tied up Cotto. Cotto pushes his head to Floyds’ chest. Floyd lands popping jab and left uppercut staggered Cotto. Fans are up on their feet. Left-right-hand lands for Floyd and toys Cotto. Bell sounds to end the round. Big round again for Floyd. 

My score 10 rounds against 2 in favor of the winner via UD Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Finally tonight Floyd Mayweather Jr. (28-0, KO 12), and Miguel Cotto (37-2, KO 30) will share the same ring after all the promotion and marketing had been done. From press tours to several major cities, HBO’s 24/7 series, final press tour and weigh in. The fight dubbed as "Ring Kings" is set at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States for the WBA Super World light middleweight title.

Each fighter, after all the hard work in the training, had in mind now as to how to beat the other. Cotto has a lot to gain in this fight; a win over the regarded as the best pound-for-pound recently, would secure him yet again another big fight – a possible rematch with multi-division champion Manny Pacquiao or and a rubber-match with Floyd, depending on how his win would unfold.

Now, let us get a closer look at each fighter keys to win.

Miguel Cotto should come out smoking in Round 1, be aggressive and look directly for a kill. Both Cotto and Mayweater are slow starter, but Miguel Cotto should adjust and start fast from the beginning–right after the first bell, otherwise the defensive wizard–Floyd will out-boxed Cotto with his superior skills.

It is noted that, Mosley’s only opportunity to beat Mayweather was only in the second round that is when he (Mosley) was aggressive and caught Mayweather with a big right hand. The undefeated champion survived because of his great defense and the remainder of the fight was all for him.

Cotto would not be having any problem being aggressive for it will capitalize his advantage against Mayweather and neutralize his disadvantage to him.

Cotto is bigger, heavier (154 at weigh-in) and stronger than Floyd but 5” shorter in reach and 1” shorter (height) should push hard to even Mayweather reach and slight height advantage.

On the other hand, Mayweather will just simply do what he does best; that is to outbox Cotto, dragging the fight till the end. Tying and using his high elbow guard with his shoulder roll once the Puerto Rican star go for the inside to deliver the punishing body punch. Money should frustrate first a charging Cotto before picking him apart scientifically.

Now, that I am able to post again about this fight I am now more comfortable waiting for the fight

tomorrow morning (5:00 am, 6^th May 2012) here in Kuwait.