Happy New Year!

Dear Readers,

2012 has been a wonderful year for the sport of boxing in general. We are treated and entertained with match up like this, that really live up to the hype and expected action. September is loaded with the most action-packed matches. But December is also unforgettable—performances of Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez and Filipino star Nonito Donaire that voted as ‘fighter of the year’ by several leading boxing websites.

Here in Shuttlepen, I would like to wish you all a happy and flourishing new year. Hope you guys will continue to visit this tiny web blog for the sport we love.

I am expecting a lot of rematches in 2013. What do you expect in boxing come next year?

RingTv picks Pacquiao-Marquez 4-round 5 as 'round of the year'

RingTv (ringtv.craveonline) picked Pacquiao-Marquez 4-round 5 as the 'round of the year' for 2012. It is in this round that former ten-time and eight division champion scored a knockdown against his long-time nemesis and now tormentor--Mexican boxing icon Juan Manuel Marquez.

In round five Pacquiao was obviously mentally and physically recovered from a knockdown in the third round. Pacquiao was flat on his back when Marquez threw an overhand right that landed flush on Pacquiao's face.

Pacquiao stepped up the pace and went for a broke and Marquez was game. A compact left hand landed on Marquez face made him out of balance and eventually hit his glove on the canvass--technically a knockdown.

Marquez although unhurt adhere to referee Kenny Bayless mandatory eight count. Marquez broken nose was bleeding intensely. Pacquiao equalizing the knockdown now ahead of the scorecards. Sensing all these factors, Pacquiao thinking that he got Marquez continue the onslaught and wobbled Marquez.

However, the Mexican champion answered back countering Pacquiao and ended the round still standing although bleeding profusely from a broken nose. And in the sixth round Marquez finally ended the eight year rivalry knocking out the Filipino superstar cold in what became 'knockout of the year' for almost all of the leading media and boxing sites.

Marquez-Pacquiao named KO of the year by ESPN.com

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ESPN.com named Marquez-Pacquiao fourth fight on December 8 as knockout of the year. The big right hand of Juan Manuel Marquez gave a definitive end of a rivalry that spanned for eight years. Former eight division champion Manny Pacquiao was knocked out cold in round six and was motionless for a few minutes.

The knockout was the culmination of their controversial three previous fights.

Also included in the list;

Mikkel Kessler KO4 Allan Green (May 19 at Copenhagen, Denmark)
Nonito Donaire KO3 Jorge Arce (Dec. 15 at Houston)
Danny Garcia KO4 Erik Morales II (Oct. 20 at Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Shinsuke Yamanaka KO7 Tomas Rojas (Nov. 3 at Sendai, Japan)
Adonis Stevenson KO1 Jesus Gonzalez (Feb. 18 at Montreal)
David Lemieux KO1 Alvaro Gaona (Oct. 12 at Montreal)
Angelo Santana KO5 Juan Garcia (Nov. 16 at Miami)

This year was big for Philippine boxing. Two Filipino boxers made it for ESPN. Earlier Nonito Donaire was named fighter of the year and now Manny Pacquiao for Marquez-Pacquiao as knockout of the year. This time it is Pacquiao who was knocked out.

In 2009, Pacquiao's KO win against Hatton was ESPN's knockout of the year.

Who Donaire might fight next Mares or Rigondeaux?

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire mention that he will fight WBC super bantamweight champion Abner Mares. He also said that after Mares, WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will be next. Donaire made this statement during an interview with veteran HBO boxing analyst and commentator, now retired--Larry Merchant, after his big win against Jorge Arce in Toyota Center.

Why Donaire wanted Mares first over Rigo?

Many boxing fans wanted Donaire to fight Rigo. They even think that Donaire is ducking Rigo. Right after Donaire knocked out Nishioka, fans are talking about Rigo to be Donaire's next opponent. But he dismissed the idea. Rigo needs to prove himself more as an opponent.

Now let us see how feasible Donaire vs. Mares. Donaire is being promoted by Top Rank while Mares under Golden Boy promotion. We all know that these two promotions have differences. It is easier to mix water and oil thoroughly than to put Bob Arum and Oscar de la Hoya in one production.

Donaire-Mares is a very good fight. The fighting style is perfect. Two masters of their respective styles, both champions and in their prime. This could be another Pacquiao-Marquez rivalry. Mares has his own fan base. No doubt about Donaire of his.

However, a fight with Rigondeaux is easier to materialize. Arum promoted both. Rigo at 11-0 may not have the same fan base as Mares but this is still a big fight.

Do you think Donaire will be granted his wish list? That is to fight Mares first, then Rigo.

Who is your "fighter of the year" for 2012?

Photo via Google Images

The year 2012 is great for boxing. What makes it even greater is the stunning achievements of those boxers who excel this year. Every year, there should the best among the best fighter. Who do you think deserve to be the "fighter of the year" for 2012?

Here is my short list.

1. Nonito Donaire
2. Sergio Martinez
3. Juan Manuel Marquez

Out of my short list who do you think will get the award this year? You may pick your fighter by leaving a comment below. If your bet is not listed above you may name it below.

Write few sentences why you choose such fighter.

2012: A Great Year for Boxing

Many believed that boxing is dying. Many said that the sport lost its grandeur when the likes of Mike Tyson in the heavyweights retire from boxing. Gone were the days that every Sunday morning in the other half of the planet and Saturday night in the other half, were watching boxing.
 
Okay, I agree at some degree, maybe. But 2012 I believed is really great for boxing. A lot of great events happened this year. The "dying sport" as what they said produce the top two boxers in Forbes list of highest paid athlete for 2012. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao at number one and two spot respectively.


Nevertheless, not all events are good for boxing. There were sad news too. In this year, two of boxing legends passed away. In March, boxing veteran journalist Bert Sugar and boxing analyst, commentator, trainer Emanuel Steward died.

Recently, boxing analyst and HBO commentator Larry Merchant announced retirement after the Donaire-Arce bout. I am personally, sad on his retirement. I cant imagine watching boxing without Larry Merchants voice on air and post fight interviews along with his striking questions.

Apart from retiring and passing of boxing legends, the stunning loss of Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez capped this year's great events.

Positive and negative stunning events of boxing is always good for boxing. With the above being said. Do you believe boxing is dying? For the casual fans? Maybe.

However, for the fans wherein a weekend will never be complete without watching boxing match. A day that never be complete without reading boxing article even in between a very busy day in their offices. Fans that read from the biggest and leading boxing websites all the way to the smallest boxing blog like this--boxing is always alive.

If you are one of boxing fans that I am referring above that gives time to read this blog, then congratulations and thank you. Boxing needs you--to keep it alive.

Together, we will hope for the best for the sport that we love for the coming year 2013. As a preparation for the coming year this blog will say goodby to its present URL. Yes, goodby to http://shuttlepen.blogspot.com and welcome http://shuttlepen.com.

This blog will undergo this step to make little improvements for the coming year. I hope you will continue to visit. For suggestion to help improve this blog please leave your comment below.
  
Happy Holidays!

Donaire knocked out Arce in Round 3

Photo via Google Images

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire knocked out Jorce Arce in Round 3 with his killer signature punch--the left hook, moments ago at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, USA. Donaire retains WBO super-bantamweight title.

Arce was very cautious in round one. I expect him to came forward early. But Arce fight from the distance and Donaire 31-1-0 (20) dominated with his jab. I begin to think that Arce is coming here only to collect his paycheck.

However, before I even convinced that he just came to survived; Arce step up the pace and start swarming Donaire. Arce landed good shots to the body. But Donaire is very quick to counter and scored a knockdown. Arce survived the round and advised his corner that he is alright.


In round three, again Arce started strong--throwing punches with real bad intentions and tried to tied up Donaire once he missed or landed. Donaire pushed Arce whenever he got tied up.

Donaire finally exacted revenge that the Filipino fans wanted, when he knocked out Arce with his left hook. Arce was flat on his back unable to get up or I think, thinking not to get up.

In an interview with Larry Merchant after the fight Donaire said that Filipino fans really wanted him to take Arce but said "I love Mexico". He added that his Coach, Robert Garcia is a Mexican too.

Donaire was asked who he will fight next, and he said "bring them all on". Larry wanted him to name names and Donaire told him he wants Mares first, then Rego, because "he calls me out" Donaire continued.

This is Donaire's fourth straight victories in 2012. He is more active this year compared to only two fights last year.

Donaire vs. Arce Prediction Analysis: "The Filipino Flash" by TKO Round 7

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"The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire will share the squared circle against veteran Mexican warrior Jorge Arce 61-6-2 (KO 46) in a twelve Round WBO and WBC-Diamond super bantamweight title. The fight will be in Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, USA on December 15, 2012. Referee Laurence Cole will be in charge of the action.

Donaire 30-1-0 (KO 19) is in virtual pressure to win this fight from his Filipino legion of fans and supporters. Filipino fans expected Donaire to exact revenge for their fallen boxing hero—Manny Pacquiao from the big right hand of Arce's countryman.

The former Eight Division champion was knocked out cold by his arch-rival “the magical man” Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012 at the historic MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada to close their historic rivalry spanning eight years.

Analysis
I expect Arce to come forward early and throw a lot of punches—that is his trademark. He will pressure Donaire and try to pin him to the ropes to unleash damaging blows to the body. I see Arce emulating Abner Mares, when he (Mares) fought Anselmo Moreno. Arce needs to let Donaire fight his fight to become effective.

However, to do this he needs to keep up his stamina. Arce at 33 years old may not have a stamina problem in the early going. But half way to the fight, this might be an issue, depending on how he prepare for this fight.

In the past, I saw Arce wearing his opponent down the stretch. The accumulation of blows from Arce made his opponents kiss the canvas for good. Meaning he does not have that single lights-out punch which Donaire have.

Focus is the key for Arce. If he will make a mistake; like Pacquiao did, against a counter-puncher then, goodbye.

Donaire will definitely use the entire ring and his ring savvy to evade a raging Arce. He will use his footwork to keep Arce at bay and always ready to let his hands go whenever Arce leaves off guard. Donaire should take this fight in the center of the ring wherein he can use his reach and height advantage.

Donaire needs also to take care of his left hand which he injured in the past fights. Donaire’s left hook is big factor in this fight.

Prediction 

I see Donaire knocking out Arce in Round 7. Arce will be a bloody mess. This fight will be like Arce-Mijares the only difference is that Donaire’s power will be too much for Arce to finish the entire 12 Rounds.

Manny Pacquiao: The three knockout losses in his career

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The Filipino boxing fans and the fans of lone 8 Division Champion Manny Pacquiao around the world is still in the state of shock. Pacquiao was knocked out cold by Marquez in their fourth fight in MGM Grand, Las Vegas Nevada on Saturday, 8 December 2012.

Pacquiao went down face first after Marquez landed a powerful counter right hand. Pacquiao was motionless for few minutes before he finally recovered.

Like any other competition, in boxing there is always a winner and a loser. It is just happened that Pacquiao is in the losing end which is a rare sight for the Filipino boxing icon.

In a span of 17 years as a professional boxer, Pacquiao defeated five times. He lost two by decision and three times by stoppage.
 
Pacquiao was first knockout by a fellow Filipino—Rustico Torrecampo in February 1996. Pacquiao is undefeated at that time with 11-0-0 (KO 5) record in the flyweight division. A left hand to the body sent Pacquiao down and unable to continue. His eyes are crossed while grimacing in pain.

Pacquiao’s second knockout loss was in the hands of Thailand’s Medgoen Singsurat while defending his WBC Flyweight title on September 1999. Singsurat already won in the scale for this fight as Pacquiao did not make it to the division limit at 112 pounds.

A body shot knocked out the dehydrated young champion. After that defeat start the extraordinary journey of one the greatest boxer ever to lace a pair of gloves. Pacquiao move up from division after division bulldozing every opponent put in front of him.

The Filipino whirlwind compiled 13 wins via stoppage and drawn two in 15 fights from 1999 to 2004 before losing to Erik Morales in 2005. One of the draw came from the first fight against his archrival and recent tormentor—Juan Manuel Marquez.

The third loss was the most devastating of all as Pacquiao remain unconscious for few minutes.  A knockout that put his remarkable career into question whether he will continue or retire.

Marquez knocked out Pacquiao in Round 6

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The 39 year old Mexican warrior was vindicated and proved that he was the better boxer, knocking Pacquiao out in Round 6. He perfectly timed Pacquiao’s assault and countered with his fully-powered right hand, a second before the bell sounded at 2:59. Pacquiao went down face first to the canvass for good. It took few minutes before Pacquiao finally sat on a stool.

Before that, Marquez scored a knockdown in Round 3 that put Pacquiao flat on his back. He caught Pacquiao with a beautiful overhand right. Pacquiao seemed not badly hurt and continue the action. In the fourth round Pacquiao fought cautiously and landing couple of lefts.

In the fifth round Pacquiao scored a knockdown to equalize the knockdown earlier scored by Marquez. He caught Marquez with his signature double right jab left straight combo. Marquez glove hit the floor. After scoring the knockdown, Pacquiao got his confidence back. The same confidence that made him reckless on his aggressiveness. This leads to his mistake that he paid dearly.

Marquez capitalized that mistake. He perfectly countered, which I guess team Marquez fight plan—how to counter Pacquiao’s signature combination—double right-jab, left-straight combo.

Finally in Round 6 when Pacquiao throw the double right jab, Marquez duck a bit and position his right hand to counter without moving his feet. Then, throw the counter-right quickly in the middle while Pacquiao lunging in (leaving his left side open) to throw the left. Marquez right hand landed on Pacquiao’s face. The Filipino boxing icon dropped face first. His wife Jinky broke into tears as the MGM Grand crowd erupted.

Pacquiao humbly admitted his defeat, "He got me good. That's boxing," "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose"

Marquez hands finally rose to victory. This is the moment that has been longing for since he first met Pacquiao in 2004. Marquez closed the eight year rivalry in a brutal manner. He made sure of excluding the judges in the equation and not even bothering the referee to count. His big right hand decided the ending of the fight.

Pacquiao’s extraordinary career is put into question. Either he will continue or retire. Arum said he might schedule a fifth fight “Why not”, Pacquiao answered.

The next question is: how about the super-fight between Pacquiao and pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. With Pacquiao’s devastating defeat against Marquez, will this fight ever or most likely to happen? Maybe it will be a mere fight but not super at all.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4 Fight Result: Gamboa win over Farenas in 12

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Yuriorkis Gamboa 22-0-0 (KO 16) is expected to put on show for his comeback tonight in MGM Grand Garden Arena. I believed he did. Gamboa scored knockdowns in rounds two and seven.

Nevertheless, Michael Farenas 34-4-4 (KO 26) is a no easy opponent for Gamboa. He scored also a knockdown of his own in round 9. He caught Gamboa by a counter left on the ropes. That is when Gamboa engaged exchanges. For the record, Farena's was the only boxer so far that put Gamboa to the canvass.

Even after 15 months of inactivity, Gamboa merely showed ring rust. He still at the top of his game. He is fast and accurate in his punches.

The official scorecards read 117-109, 118-108 and 117-108 all for Gamboa.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4 Fight Result: Vazquez schooled Gesta in 12

Mercito Gesta 26-0-2 (KO 14) failed to win world title against a sneaky fast opponent Miguel Vazquez 33-3-0 (KO 13). Let me put this fight into simple words what had happened from round one all the way to 12.

Vazquez is doing what he does best. He continues to move around Gesta while setting his punches. When Gesta tried to close to gap Vazquez tied him up. Simple. Vazquez moves around, throw combination and again moves around. Gesta tried to counter, swinging wildly stalk Vazquez, closes in and gets tied up. The above action times 12. That's what happened.

Gesta was almost no idea what he is up to or it is just Vazquez to good for him? I don't know if he trained for the style of his opponent for this fight. Anyway, really "styles make fights".

The official scorecards 117-111, 119-109 and 118-110 all for the winner by unanimous decision--Miguel Vazquez.

Pacquiao vs Marquez 4 fight result: Fortuna dominates Hyland in 12

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Javier Fortuna 20-0-0 (KO 15) dominates Patrick Hyland 27-0-0 (KO 12). Fortuna is too slick and too fast for Hyland. Fortuna mimicks middleweight kingpin Sergio Martinez. He was throwing fast combinations and use his feet to move around. Hyland's corner is telling him to let his hands go.

In round nine, Fortuna took a low blow from Hyland. They went for a broke after they get back. Fortuna was cut and beginning to slow down a bit in round 10. This was Fortuna's first full 12 round fight.

Hyland stepping up his game in the championship round as Fortuna seems tired. But Fortuna is too way ahead from the judges scorecards.

The official scorecards 118-110, 116-112, 115-112 for a unanimous decision in favor of Javier Fortuna.

Pacquiao vs Marquez 4: Tonight all questions will get answers

Tonight, Manny Pacquiao 54-4-2 (KO 38) will finally meet Juan Manuel Marquez 54-6-1 (KO 39) in a squared circle for the fourth time at the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas Nevada, USA, to answer all the questions: Who is the better fighter? Can Pacquiao knockout Marquez? Or can Marquez knockout Pacquiao? Will the fight go to the distance?

These and many more questions that lingers around the grandest rivalry in our time might get a conclusive answer tonight. So do not miss this fight. If you do not have PPV subscription--click here. It might solve your problem. But I am not sure. Just try.

After each fight of this card, I will post the result. But I will post only the below under-cards, plus of course, the main event.

Mercito Gesta 26-0-1 (KO 14) vs. Miguel Vazquez 32-3-0 (KO 13).
Yuriorkis Gamboa 21-0-0 (KO 16) vs. Michael Farenas 34-3-4 (KO 26).

Mercito Gesta is a promising undefeated Filipino pugilists that slowly but surely climb into the ranks of boxing while keeping his unblemished record. A very exciting match-up also that you should not miss.

Yuriorkis Gamboa wanted to comeback big-time also tonight after 15 months of inactivity. He will be up against Michael Farenas for the interim WBA World super featherweight title. Farenas, also a Filipino, has nothing to lose but have everything to gain. Farenas might spoil Gamboa's grand return.

Oh! I love upsets. And I love undefeated boxers losing that big "O" in their records.

Curious about my prediction about Pacquiao-Marquez 4? Click here.