Photo: Pacquiao and Rios Meets Yao Ming in Shanghai

Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Mexican former champion Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios had the chance to meet NBA superstar, Yao Ming in Shanghai, China. Pacquiao and Rios are both in Shanghai for the promotion of their upcoming fight on November 23, 2013 in Macau, China.

I can see the delight from the eyes of Pacquiao while he stands next to the towering Yao Ming in the photo taken by Chris Farina of Top Rank. Pacquiao was really amazed with the giant NBA star beside him. Yao Ming also stares at Pacquiao below perhaps thinking how short the Pacman is.

Photo Credit: Chris Farina Top Rank

Pacquiao stands at 5 feet 6½ inches or 169cm while Yao Ming stands at 7.5 feet or 2.29 meters.

Pacquiao who also like to play basketball, told in his past interviews that basketball is his first love, and that if he has the height, he would choose basketball over boxing.

Prior to their promotional tour, Pacquiao has been playing basketball almost every day to build stamina, in his hometown in Southern Philippines. He considers playing basketball as part of his preparation before officially starts training camp for the Rios fight in August.

Meanwhile, Brandon Rios was all smiles as he poses for the photo on the other side of Yao Ming.

Rebuilding Pac Man

By Michael Nashed: Manny Pacquiao is a generational talent and a future boxing hall of famer, yet if he were to have retired after his December loss to rival Juan Manual Marquez, as was the conjecture of many, the enduring image of Pacquiao would have been that of him laying face-down and motionless at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It would have been a cruel fate for a boxer whose career has been marked by unparalleled accomplishments, such as being the only man in history to win titles in eight weight divisions.

Read More on Boxrec News

Shiming wins, Estrada retains title, results from Fist of Gold II in Macau

Two-time Olympic medalist and China’s boxing superstar Zou Shiming wins unanimous decision in his second professional boxing fight. Shiming 2-0-0 puts on a show and engages his young opponent, Jesus Ortega into a crowd pleasing fight. The crowd is very ecstatic and would roar every time Shiming landed shots after shots to his overwhelm yet very game opponent. After a very entertaining six rounds of action, the scorecards read 59-55, 59-55 and 59-55 all for Zou Shiming.

While American fans sipping their morning coffee, boxing fans in the other side of the planet were thrilled by action packed fight on their evening prime time television. Fist of Gold II in Cotai Arena, Ventian Resort, Macau, China is airing live in the early morning hours on the east coast.

Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Milan Melindo
Prior to the Shiming-Ortega fight, Juan Francisco Estrada retains WBO and WBA titles against former undefeated Filipino Milan Melindo. Estrada wins exactly the same way he won against Viloria. But this time he scores a knockdown. He started slow and behind the scorecards early in the fight but came back strong in the second half.

Milan Melido after his bout in Macau, China

Melindo outpointed Estrada with his clean counter shots in the first five rounds and was comfortably ahead in my scorecards. But Estrada slowly came back in the sixth round and it becomes a close fight that you can score either way without a problem. And I think the judges gave those close rounds to Estrada.

The fight became more decisive in favor of Estrada when he scored a flush knockdown. A solid right hand to the chin sent Melindo to the floor. Melindo was able to beat the count but was very wobbly. If there was time remaining he could have been taken out.

In the final round, Melindo still wobbly and there were no sting in his punches, and was in the verge of going down if hit again by a solid shot.

He managed to hang on and finished the fight.

It was a hard earned fight for Estrada, but did not manifest in the scorecards. The scorecards read 118--109, 117-109, and 118-109 all for Estrada. I think this is way too wide margin. Although Estrada really deserve the win, but the score should have been a little bit closer.

Other results on Fist of Gold II

Big Butterbean look-a-like Andy Ruiz Jr. TKO Joe Hanks in the fourth round.
The chubby Andy Ruiz Jr. yet has tremendous power in both hands plus speed should not be underestimated. He looks like a sumo wrestler to me but this kid can punch. He handle former undefeated Joe Hanks in just four rounds.

Evgeny Gradovich defeated Mauricio Munoz.

A tactically sound Rex Tso from Hongkong outboxed a swarming Rusalee Samor of Thailand via majority decision.

Manny Pacquiao in Macau to promote fight with Brandon Rios in November

Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao with his wife vice governor Jinky are already in Macau, China for the promotional kickoff of his upcoming fight against Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios on November 23, 2013, at the sprawling Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort according to ABS-CBN TV patrol report.

The promotion will tour around Asia that will end in the U.S. will officially start on July 23, 2013. And then will continue to another two major cities in China—Beijing and Shanghai. After these two cities they will proceed to Singapore before going to ESPN headquarters in Bristol and will be followed by press conferences in New York and Los Angeles.

In the interview, Pacquiao said that he is happy that the fight will be held in Macau because it is near from Philippines. Pacquiao will also have a chance to watch Filipino boxers fight against their respective opponents in a card billed “Fist of Gold II” on July 27. Pacquiao wish the Filipino fighters good luck.

“To all the boxers that will going to fight tomorrow, good luck and may God bless you…” Pacquiao said.

The card will headline Milan Melindo, challenging Juan Francisco Estrada for the flyweight world title. A title once held by Brian Viloria, which he lost to Estrada in the same arena last April.

Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Milan “El Metodico” Melindo fight preview and prediction

Milan Melindo taking on Tommy Seran

TBRB rank number one in the flyweight division, Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada will defend his WBO and WBA titles against undefeated Filipino tactician Milan Melindo in a 12Round slugfest in Venetian Casino & Resort, Macau, China on July 27, 2013.

Estrada 24-2 (KO 18) will be coming in fresh from his win against Filipino-American, Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria on April 6, 2013 in the same arena in Macau. Viloria is very eager to take a rematch against Estrada to prove that he is still the top-dog at 112pound division. But Top Rank boss, Bob Arum gives the shot to Milan Melindo.

Milan Melindo 29-0 (KO 12), easily handled Indonesian Tommy Seran on his last outing, also in the same date and venue in Macau, China, wherein Viloria-Estrada was the main event. Melindo knocked out Seran in the fourth round. After a short night with Seran, Melindo got a chance to watch Estrada dealing with Viloria. Melindo is confident that he can handle Estrada.

Estrada is the taller and having the longer reach. He stands at 5’4” and has 66” in reach. While Melindo stands two inches shorter at 5’2” and 64” in reach. Estrada has the substantial advantages in this department. He will be able to use these advantages if he chooses to fight Melindo from the outside to maintain a striking distance. But if he likes to stay toe-to-toe—have each other in striking distance—the two-inch advantage in reach and height will have no significant difference.

The difference would be who has the superior ring technique and better conditioning. I can’t say that both men have power in their hands—their KO percentage will not lie. Although, Estrada has the slight edge, wherein he stopped 69 percent of his opponent while Melindo got only 41 KO percentage.

The key for Estrada to win is to stay outside, keep the distance utilizing his height and reach advantages, and use his footwork. Estrada had problem with pressure fighter. Roman Gonzalez defeated him by applying tremendous pressure. To avoid getting pressured, Estrada should utilize the whole ring and win on points.

The key for Melindo to win is to pressure early on Estrada. He should fill the gap that Estrada will impose. He should keep coming inside throwing combinations. But he must come in with angles that would make him difficult to counter. He should avoid pot shots.

Melindo, which is a more of a boxer than a puncher, should adjust more on the offense. The fact that he is the challenger, Melindo should put on a performance that he is willing to unset Estrada from the throne once held by a comrade.  I believe he can do it because he has a decent chin.

If Melindo can engage and handle Estrada on a phone booth battle more that Estrada can handle a fight from the outside: my final verdict is that Melindo will win via unanimous decision.

Stats via Boxrec.com

 

Lucas Matthysse vs. Danny Garcia co-main event for Mayweather Jr. vs. Canelo Alvarez on September 14

It's official! TBRB rank number one light welterweight Lucas Martin Matthysse will face Danny "Swift" Garcia, TBRB rank number two on September 14, 2013 as co-main event for Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez fight card billed "The One" at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA according to Golden Boy Promotion press release on Thursday July 18, 2013.

The appearance of Matthysse vs. Garcia as co-main event on Mayweather-Canelo fight will make the whole fight card more than worthy of boxing fans hard-earn bucks. These are two of this year’s most anticipated fight to be showcased on the same night. Mayweather, Canelo, Matthysse and Garcia were ranked at either number one or two in their respective division. The boxing fans are the obvious winner.

Let’s take a look at Lucas Matthysse 34-2 (KO 32), resume.

Lucas Matthysse came from a very impressive win against Lamont Peterson on May 18, 2013. He knocked out Peterson in just three rounds. Peterson was on top of his game during the fight that came out from a spectacular win against Kendall Holt and Amir Khan--both ranked inside top five in this talent-packed light welterweight division. But Matthysse handled Peterson with ease. Note that Matthysse 32 wins out of 34 came by way of stoppage--a whopping 87 percent KO ratio. His hands were loaded with ammunition having high percentage stopping power.

Here take a look at Lucas Matthysse's highlights.

Now, let’s take a look at Danny Garcia 26-0 (KO 16) resume.

Danny Garcia is a young and undefeated champion. He is fresh from a unanimous decision win against veteran Zab Judah. Garcia also won two wars against Mexican warrior Erik Morales. And his most impressive win is against Amir Khan that he stopped in just four rounds in July 14, 2012.

Let’s watch some of Danny Garcia's highlights.

I will not get surprise if Mattyhsse-Garcia will outshine Mayweather-Canelo. I am not saying that I am not a fan of Floyd’s clinical exploits in the ring. But it is just that Matthysse is a scary fighter that would force every bit of the action against a younger Garcia who is also a fighter that will stand his ground for any onslaught an opponent may offer inside the squared circle. This fight is really mouthwatering.

The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Top three boxing bloody riots and stampede

Boxing without a doubt, is being considered as a dangerous sport along with other combat sports. Boxers put their lives at risk every time they lace a pair of glove and enter the squared circle for the sake of entertainment. But not only boxers were in danger during a live boxing match. Spectators and boxing officials as well, at times are in danger when someone forgets the meaning of sportsmanship.

Here are my top three boxing bloody riots resulting to spectators and boxing officials trampled to death or suffered injuries while in attendance for a boxing match.


Dodie Boy Penalosa vs. Julius Tarona – In August 12, 2005 when I am just 17 years old I saw live on TV how the riot went on. The fight was held in Cebu Coliseum, in the Philippines. Chairs were flying all over the ring resulting to injuries. It was also reported that somebody fired a gun but fortunately no fatalities in the incident

Penalosa, his trainer Jun Buouli, promoter Wakee Salud and referee Gerardo Villarante were all under preventive suspension by the Games and Amusement Board after the bloody incident.

John Riel Casimero vs. Luis Alberto Lazarte – In February 10, 2012, Philippines John Riel Casimero stopped Luis Lazarte in the tenth round to capture the vacant IBF junior flyweight belt in Lazarte’s hometown in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Lazarte, being knocked down in round nine, was clearly betrayed by his legs during the tenth round. He was just holding on at Casimero to keep going. He was pinned to the ropes and Casimero unleashed unanswered combination and the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Later on bottles started flying all over the ring and followed by chairs. Then the Argentine fans rushed into the ring and attacked Casimero and his team, journalists, boxing officials and anyone who tried to calm the situation.

Sean Gibbons, manager and international agent was beaten badly and likely suffered a broken rib. Casimero and his team suffered minor injuries. But Casimero, if not pulled under the ring, might have beaten up badly. Referee Eddie Claudio was also sent to the hospital for mouth injuries.

Yulianus Pigome vs. Alvius Rumkorem – In July 15, 2013, local boxers in Indonesia compete for the Bupati Camp (Regent Cup) in Kota Lama Sports Stadium that caused riot after hometown favorite Yulianus Pigome was beaten on points. Pigome's fans got angry with the discrepancy in scoring.

The riot claimed at least 17 lives. Mostly women died at the stampede when more than a thousand spectators’ descended to the stadium exits. Spectators were trampled to death as they fled the riot. There were also nine children out of 39 injured according to Nabire Police. The government deployed at least 1, 250 police officers and soldiers to Nabire, Papua, to maintain security.

This is by par the most fatalities caused by a riot in a post-boxing match that I’ve ever heard.

A possible lawsuit awaits Drian Francisco after a UD defeat to Chris Avalos

The hard hitting boxer from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro Drian "Gintong Kamao" Francisco suffered a hearhbreaking Unanimous Decision defeat over a more determine fighter from Lancaster, California, Chris "The Hitman" Avalos for another edition of ESPN2 Friday Fight Night. The fight was held in Texas Station Casino, Las Vegas Nevada on Friday night, July 12.

The all action fight lasted until the final bell; both men have their own moments as the fight come to its end. But Avalos got the most out of the slugfest. Avalos was the aggressive fighter that pushed the action towards Francisco.


Right after the first bell, Avalos engaged and throw combinations that made Francisco fighting on the back foot. Although Avalos was the busier fighter, Francisco landed the crispier blow in the early going. In the succeeding two more rounds, I believe Francisco had it too. His awkward style surprised Avalos, which caught him with uppercuts and body shots.

However, in the middle rounds Francisco was clearly outworked by Avalos and at times, no answer to Avalos combinations and would tied the younger foe several occasions that opts Tony Weeks to issue caution at him. His work rate clearly slipped as the fight wore on.

In the last three rounds, the fight was still up for the grab, for the fighter that will be more willing and determine to raise his hands for victory. And it was Avalos who finished strong and confidently raise his hands after the final bell while Francisco looks exhausted and seems smell his evitable defeat.

The 23 year old fighter, Chris Avalos wins, on the official scorecards that read 96-94, 97-93 and 97-93.

With the defeat, what's next for Drian Francisco?

It is obvious that he would go back to the Philippines to be with his family. But it seems a lawsuit await him there. Prior to the fight Francisco dump his long-time manager Elmer Anuran of Saved by The Bell Promotions according to an article written by Rich Mazon in Philboxing.com.

“A lawsuit is also waiting for him if he returns to the Philippines in case he loses according to Anuran” Mazon wrote.

In Francisco’s situation right now it looks like he suffered back-to-back losses. If he won the fight, the evitable lawsuit could possibly be stalled because for sure Top Rank will negotiate with Anuran for another clearance to fight—Anuran cleared Francisco for this fight.

A man who decides to lace up a pair of gloves to make boxing as a way of living desires to become a world champion someday, and get the biggest payday of his life. A fighter once given a break for a bigger stage, one of the turning points is to replace a manager. A manager that has the capabilities and abilities to provide his boxers the best fight in the bigger scene.
I believe this is what Francisco’s perceive on his new management. I can’t blame him on his decision. “Aim high and hit the mark”. But what matters is the manner how he seek release from his previous management.

A binding live contract should be respected after all.

However, managers should also understand fighters of their dreams, because they are the ones who eat blows and absorb punishment in the squared circle that sometimes cause their lives.

If I am a manager, and believed not capable to handle to bring out the best fight for a fighter I am handling, which have tremendous potential, then I will be happy to let him go for his betterment.

I am not taking anything away from Anoran or from his promotion.
 
I hope this will be realized by Francisco and Anoran’s camp. I hope they will settle amicably and these differences will not go further into the court of law.

Tapia stops Han after Round 8 in a classic Friday Night Fight

Abraham Han's corner waived it off after Round 8 and Glen Tapia became the new titlist for NABO for ESPN2 Friday Night Fight co-featured light middleweight fight at the Texas Station Casino, Las Vegas.

It was a solid win for Tapia who scored a knockdown in Round 7. Referee Nady ruled it a knockdown when the ropes prevented Han from going down. Han beat the count and continue to fight, but the cut from the left side of his head was getting nasty.

At the start of Round 8 he seemed a finished fighter to me. And yes, after that round, Han did not answer the bell.

Zou Shiming to train with Pacquiao in the Philippines

It is reported on ABS-CBN that Chinese two-time Olympic medalist boxer Zou Shiming will train side-by- side with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines.

Shiming 1-0 (KO 0) will face Jesus Ortega of Mexico on July 27 in Cotai Arena, Venitian Casino in Macau China. And will be back in the same arena to fight on the undercard of Pacquiao-Rios on November 23.


Shiming won his professional boxing debut in April against Eleazar Valenzuela in the same arena.

Although the report did not indicate when Shiming will travel to Philippines, but I believe this will be after his July 27 fight because obviously Pacquiao did not start yet his training camp for the Rios fight. It is most likely that they will train together for the preparation for their respective fight in November.

According to Shiming it is a great honor to train with Pacquiao in the Philippines.

It is a busy year for Shiming who fought last April, scheduled to come back on July 27, and again on the under-card for Pacquiao-Rios on November 23. With tremendous backing from Top Rank honcho Bob Arum, I will not be surprised, that in just a couple of wins he will be in line for the ‘world championships’.

Garcia-Matthysse rumored fight close to reality, but nothing is official

A possible fight between fellow light welterweight titlist Danny Garcia and Lucas Matthysse has been the talk all over the boxing world these past weeks, but nothing was official yet. The rumored fight will be on the undercard for the Mayweather-Canelo showdown on September 14.

Garcia-Matthysse will be a great boost in the card billed ‘The One’ if it will materialize. It will be a co-featured bout if Golden Boy doesn’t come up with anything bigger than Garcia-Matthysse. Both men held titles in the light welterweight division and looked very impressive on their previous fights.


Matthysse 34-2 (KO 32) is coming from a fresh TKO win against Lamont Peterson in May. He is a knockout artist that stops 86 percent of his opponent.  Garcia 26-0 (KO 16) also won his last fight against savvy veteran Zab Judah.
  
Now that the 11-city, two-country promotional tour for Mayweather-Canelo was over, Golden Boy Promotion will have time to make this fight happen. I think the reason of delay is that they are very busy with the promotional tour.

However, if Garcia-Matthysse has been official prior to the promotional tour—it could have helped the promotion.

Haye vs. Fury: 'You're the haymaker, but I am the playmaker' says, Tyson Fury

The fight between TBRBs rank number three heavyweight fighter David Haye, and number seven, Tyson Fury held a press conference on Thursday, July 11 in England for their September 28 all British showdown in Manchester Arena.

Haye came out all business while Fury was playing around. Fury did not even agree to a faceoff, which is a common act during press conference. “I don’t want to faceoff today because I don’t want to see the fear in my eyes…” Fury told during the pictorials.


The verbal jabs that both men started in twitter continued in the press conference. “If you are the haymaker, but I am the playmaker here”, said Fury.

Fury also told Haye that, “you are nothing but a little girl”. Haye also said that “the more he talks, (Fury) the quicker he gets destroyed.”

Below are photos during the press conference.

David Haye is on board, it is all on Tyson Fury now (Update)

David Haye (left) during his arrival in Kuwait

David Haye reportedly signed the dotted line for a September 28 clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury.

David Haye wrote on his twitter, "I've just signed to fight Fury on September 28, let's hope he finally agrees (and signs today)..."

So the ball is in with Tyson Fury's court now, to decide to finally sign the contract and let this fight happen.

Haye and Fury has been calling out each other on twitter and seemed not in agreement with purse split.


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Update*

Tyson Fury reportedly signed also the contract that David Haye had signed on Monday. So the fight is officially on for September 28 at Manchester Arena, England.

Many boxing fans have been waiting for this fight to happen--especially the British boxing fans. I think the hype for this fight will be like Malignaggi-Broner. Haye and Fury had been trading blows on twitter already these past weeks.

It is exciting to find out how far Haye and Fury will trash against each other out on social media. It is a trending norm now in boxing wherein the fighters involve will be trashing against each other out in social media: especially on twitter to the point that it is not good at all for the younger generation of boxing fans, for the sake of promotion.

Twitter trashing, as we can see, worked out well on Malignaggi-Broner. It took much fans attention as both men spit nasty words  against each other and that "girl" thing added also impact to its success. Although even before the fight was official, media was criticizing the match-up as 'insignificant' for both fighters.

Expect a lot more from Haye-Fury.

Let's stay tuned for this match-up and find out.

UFC162: Chris Weidman knockout cold Anderson Silva, never under-estimate your opponent

MMA│"Never underestimate your opponent"--this is the golden rule in any combat sports. "Protect yourself at all times"--is another word that a referee will remind the fighter before fight will commence in the ring or octagon. These words were ignored by former middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

Chris Weidman just proved these words its truest meaning that Anderson Silva disregard during their world middleweight championship fight in the MGM, Grand. Weidman knock Silva out cold after toying and showboating in the second round.


Silva seemed annoyed with what had happened in the first round. Weidman scored a nice take-down that put Silva in a difficult situation on the ground. Weidman was able to pound Silva several times. But Silva managed to stand-up and wanted to show to the crowd that what Weidman just did was nothing to him.

Right after the start of the second round Silva toyed and mimics a hurt fighter every time Weidman throws a punch. Wiedman made adjustment of what Silva just did and take advantage on Silva's cockiness. Weidman throws a right, and Silva pretended that he is hurt, and then Weidman followed up. And he caught Silva with a left hook while Siva was leaning backwards. Silva fell flat on his back. Weidman rushed in followed through, and the referee stepped in to stop the action.

The funny thing is that Silva unconsciously held the referee's legs. I guess his body still reacts as if he is still in a fight. But that was not the case--he was out.

Weidman becomes the new middleweight champion and improve his undefeated record to 10-0.

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. you can't just be kidding in a fight. It is a serious thing. It may cause a life at times.

Freddie Roach: Get one, loses one

Coach Freddie Roach

Originally posted on the TheScuffle.com│Sometimes when you lose something, eventually something else will comes your way in return. Although in most cases these things take time, that wasn’t the case for Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach this past week.  On the same week that he lost one of his young star fighters, he managed to add a veteral superstar to his list of Wild Card Gym members.

It has been announced that the celebrated trainer will be in Miguel Cotto’s side when the Puerto Rican star returns to the ring October 5 against Delvin Rodriguez in Florida.


Also news broke out that Julio Cesar Chavez will not have roach in his corner when he faces Brian Vera this upcoming September.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, during the tutelage of Roach, lost the precious “O” on his record when he fought Sergio Martinez. Their training camp for the Martinez fight was rough and on HBO’s 24/7 it was revealed that Chavez Jr. missed several training sessions and Roach had little control over the schedule of his fighter. With that history, it’s not surprise that the two have decided to part way.

Miguel Cotto will part ways with Pedro Diaz—Cotto’s head coach in his fight against Austin Trout in which he lost via unanimous decision. Diaz gained recognition in the sport when the unknown Cuban trainer first appeared with Miguel Cotto for his rematch against rival Antonio Margarito in which Cotto looked very impressive.

Where in Roach himself also suffered the same fate as a head coach, with all his top pupils at the time, such as Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and Jorge Linares, all loosing back to back fights.

Now with Cotto, it will be  exciting to see how Roach can help rehabilitate Cotto’s career after suffering from back-to-back losses, and whether  the Hall of Fame trainer himself can once get on the road back to gaining the title of the best trainer in the sport.

David Price vs. Tony Thompson II Result: Hamilton wins decision after 12-rounds, retains title

Darren Hamilton successfully defended his British light welterweight title tonight against Adil Anwar at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

Hamilton swept the championship round to make sure that he had Anwar's number in his resume. He finished the fight strong landing the telling blows in the last two rounds. His shots found its mark mostly on Anwar's head that made him (Anwar) looked shaky several times.

Anwar who slipped a couple of times, although bouncing on his toes, seemed too tired, his hands were down on his side most of the time.

Top three under 30, undefeated Filipino boxers that could be Philippine boxing next frontier

Filipino top tier boxers have been in the losing column recently. Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire and Brian Viloria suffered their respective losses. They need to win on their next fight to pick-up what they left before they were defeated—especially Pacquiao, which is in a make-or-break fight against Brandon Rios on November in Macau, China. Pacquiao 54-5-2 (KO 38) even if will get past Rios 31-1-1 (KO 23), has few fights left in him before he will finally decide to retire and end his stellar career in boxing.

The question now is who will be next possible frontier in Philippine boxing landscape?

Here are my top three prospect, under 30 years’ old, undefeated Filipino boxers that could become the leading edge in Philippine boxing and perhaps can emulate the achievement of the Filipino boxing icon.

Milan Melindo 29-0 (KO 12) – is the Transnational Boxing Ranking Board’s (TBRB) rank number 8 flyweight. The 25 years old from Southern Philippines is a savvy tactician in the ring. Although not known as a power puncher, Melindo is noted for his methodical approach. He knows basics and throws a lot of combinations during exchanges. He is coming from a fourth round TKO win against tough Indonesian Tommy Seran on April 6 in Macau, China. He is scheduled to fight against WBO and WBA flyweight titlist Juan Francisco Estrada also in Macau, China on July 27.

Merlito Sabillo 21-0 (KO 11) – is undefeated 29 years old and TBRB’s rank number 10 at the straw weight division. He is a heavy handed southpaw who stopped his Columbian challenger Luis de la Rosa with a single punch. He will headline Pinoy Prides’ 21’st edition on July 13 at the luxurious Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila to defend his WBO title.

Arthur Villanueva 22-0 (KO 12) – is only 24 years old and had the OPBF title in his resume. He is TBRB’s rank number 10 in the junior bantamweight division. Villanueva is a tough fighter. You will admire his precise counter-punching during exchanges. At 5-feet 5-inches tall he seemed to have the height advantage in this division. And he is able to use this advantage to maintain a comfortable distance to throw punches but out-of-range from opponents counter. He will co-feature the Pinoy Pride 21’st series on July 13 against Mexico’s Arturo “Fuerte” Badillo, a heavy puncher who has 19 knockouts out of his 21 wins.

Pacquiao playing basketball daily prior to Rios fight in November

While watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) TV Patrol tonight, ABS-CBN's sports correspondent Dyan Castillejo reported an interview of Manny Pacquiao after a break from playing basketball. Pacquiao told that he forget already the devastating loss that he suffered from his Mexican rival, Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao told that Rios is a good fight, "Kagaya ng pagkatalo ko dati noong nag uumpisa pa lang ako... babalik ako..." (Like my first defeat when I was just started... (boxing) I will come back...). "Sikap at tiyaga lang talaga" (It's just really diligence and perseverance).

The Filipino boxing icon is playing basketball daily in his residence in Southern Philippines to stay sharp and maintain stamina prior to his preparation for training for a fight against Brandon Rios in November. Aside from boxing, Pacquaio also loves to play basketball. He told in an interview before that if he had the height he would prefer basketball rather than boxing.

Playing basketball really improves stamina because it is more on running. But I blame basketball for Pacquaio's claim of cramp calves. Basketball not only plain running. It includes jumping running in a continuous changing direction that create strain in the ankle and calves.

I'm nagging about this not as an expert in cross-training but I speak through my experience. I'm a basketball addict too. When I played a lot basketball, lets say two games in a row. I started to feel cramps in my calves.

Do you think playing basketball really has more benefit than risk for Pacquiao?