MANILA - House Speaker Sonny Belmonte on Friday advised boxing champ and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao to just show proof he already paid his taxes in the United States. Read more on ABS-CBN News.com

Is Manny Pacquiao really broke?

Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is fresh from his impressive victory against Mexican/American brawler Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios this weekend in Macau, China. Pacman's reported guaranteed purse is around USD 18M for this fight plus his PPV revenue shares.

However, Manny Pacquiao borrowed PHP 1M for super typhoon Yolanda victims, according to a report written by Dennis Gasgonia of ABS-CBN.com -- Philippines' giant TV network website.

Hindi ako makapag-withdraw ni isang singkong sentimo sa sarili ko pong pera, hindi ko magamit para man lang makatulong.” (I can't withdraw a single cent from my own money; I can't even used to help).

Pacquiao promised to typhoon Yolanda survivor that he will help and visit Tacloban.

Pacquiao's bank accounts were garnished by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) because he allegedly failed to declare the P2.2 billion in taxes, which he paid to the US Internal Revenue Service for the years 2008 to 2009.

In a live interview by Noli de Castro, also from ABS-CBN during their primetime news, Pacquiao told that he already gave to BIR copy of documents to prove that he already paid the IRS, but the BIR didn't honored.

In a separate interview, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares told ABS-CBN that Pacquiao provided only a letter coming from Top Rank. Henares pointed out that what the BIR need is the IRS income tax return that Pacquiao paid in the US.

Henares added that when BIR issued 'garnished order' to the banks -- to freeze Pacquiao accounts -- only two banks replied in which Pacquiao had only PHP 300,000 and PHP 800,000 deposited.

Ang pagka alam ko ho… dalawang banko lang ang nag sabi na may pera sya (Pacquiao) sa kanila at ito ay isang 300,000 at isang 800,000 pesos, so ito ay 1.1 million pesos… (In my knowledge… two banks only said that they have money from him (Pacquaio) and one amounting 300,000 and one amounting 800,000 pesos, so this is [total] 1.1 million pesos)

We are only talking 1.1 million pesos, which is way too little compared to what Pacquiao earned, Henares told in Filipino.

So, if for the amount mentioned above, Manny Pacquiao was appealing to BIR to lift the 'freeze order', does it mean that Pacquiao had no other source of money? If so, then yes he is broke. But then Pacquiao's desire to help didn't stop here. He still help even if it means he will borrow money.

Related articles

• Manny Pacquiao Says He's Broke; Has to Borrow Money for Typhoon Aid


• Pacquiao says he is borrowing to give typhoon aid


• Pacquiao too broke to donate to typhoon relief


• Pacquiao says he is borrowing typhoon aid


• Pacquiao: It's earned money, not DAP, PDAF

European professional boxers are breaching the American boxing scene and are gaining international recognition with representation from heavyweight to featherweight division. They barreled through and captivated the eyes of casual down to hardcore boxing fans.

Without further delay, take a look at SPB's Top Ten European boxers.

1. Wladimir Klitschko, 61-3-0 (KO 51) UKR, Heavyweight

2. Sergey Kovalev, 21-0-1 (KO 18) RUS, Light Heavyweight

3. Ruslan Provodnikov, 26-2-0 (KO 16) RUS, Junior Welterweight

4. Alexander Povetkin, 26-1-0 (KO 18) RUS, Heavyweight

5. Kubrat  Pulev, 18-0-0 (KO 9) BUL, Heavyweight

6. Tomasz Adamek, 49-2-0 (KO 29) POL, Heavyweight

7. Evgeny Gradovich, 17-0-0 (KO 8) RUS, Featherweight

8. Lucian Bute, 31-1-0 (KO 24) ROM, Super Middleweight

9. Viktor Postol, 23-0-0 (KO 10) UKR, Junior Welterweight

10. Andrzej Fonfara, 24-2-0 (KO 14) POL, Light Heavyweight

Honorable mentions:

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, 47-2-1 (KO 33) POL, Cruiserweight

Denis Lebedev, 25-2-0 (KO 19) RUS, Cruiserweight

Zaurbeck Baysangurov, 28-1-0 (KO 20), Junior Middleweight

Khabib Allakhverdiev, 19-0-0 (KO 9) RUS, Junior Welterweight

Grigory Drozd, 37-1-0 (KO 26) RUS, Cruiserweight

Sergey Rabchenko, 24-0-0 (18) BEL, Junior Middleweight

Macau, China -- Former eight division champion Manny Pacquiao won impressively in a one-sided affair against tough-as-nail Mexican/American opponent Brandon Rios.

“I’m no punching bag" said Rios as a response to the press during the final presser. But last night Rios looked like one, and can't punch back the desired combination he needed to make every round more competitive. The obvious difference: is the speed. Not the power.

Pacquiao, now improved his record to 55-5-2 (KO 38), used his superior foot speed to outmaneuver and fast combinations to outland the much slower California brawler Brandon Rios. Pacquiao won a lopsided unanimous decision with the scores of 119-109, 120-108, and 118-110. Thanks that there is no odd scoring tonight.

Pacquiao, according to this punch graphic from ESPN with statistics from Compubox, landed 48 percent of his power shots against Brandon Rios. Most of Pacquiao punches landed on both side of Rios' face.

Talking about Pacquiao's power, it seemed that it was the same it used to be. It’s just that Brandon Rios has a granite chin. A very tough hombre to crack, I gave credit to his toughness, not that Pacquiao's power has diminished. Those kinds of punches that landed on Rios used to drop lesser opposition.

Rios, now 31-2-1 (KO 23), was unable to impose his seek-and-destroy style as Pacquiao was very quick on his feet and constantly moving around the ring. Rios' will to win had no match for Pacquiao's elusiveness.

This is by far the lowest punch output of Rios (based on the link above) its either he was very busy defending his himself or looking for Pacquiao that he forgot to let his hands go.

Pacman proved that his career is 'not done yet', now, I'm excited with the monetary figures for this fight. Did Arum unlock the potential in China? Are we going to see more fights of this magnitude frequently in Macau? Does Pacquiao next fight would still be outside the US?

Two-time Olympian, Zou Shiming won impressively against Juan Tozcano from Mexico in a six round flyweight action. Shiming started fast and finished the fight strong at the Cotai Arena in Venetian Resort Macao, China. Shiming 3-0-0 looking to knockout the overwhelmed Tozcano, but Tozcano 4-1-0, was able to fight stayed the entire fight.

Shiming won via unanimous decision to the score of 60-54, 60-54 and 60-52.

Puerto Rican Felix Verdejo remained undefeated, won against tough opponent from Thailand Duanaaymukdahan in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macau, China as the under-card of Pacquiao vs Rios.

Verdejo 9-0 (KO 7) is moving very well around the ring and threw precise combinations. Most of Verdejo's punches, if not all, landed. but unable to knockout a very tentative and predictable opponent. Although Duanaaymukdahan 8-2 (KO 1), is very tough and was able to absorb whatever Verdejo thrown, but don't have power to intimidate Verdejo.

Verdejo is actually fighting a punching bag, the only thing is that it punches back.

Verdejo won via decision.

There's two things I observe in this fight: One, Verdejo is good, no doubt, but (two) don't have enough power to knockout even stationary target.

 

Here's my preview and prediction of the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios.

Filipino boxing icon, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, will be back in the ring, after almost a year, to face American Brandon “Bambam” Rios. The fight will be available live on HBO PPV and will be held on November 23, 2013 at the sprawling Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, in Macao, China – Pacquiao’s first fight outside the United States since defeating Oscar Larios in Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.

Do you think this fight is a 'ceremonial passing' or a comeback fight of a 'great' champion?

Pacquiao insisted in every interview he had, that he's career is 'not done yet'. And that he's still young at age 34. But Rios pointed out that 'everybody gets old', and he will come out as the new superstar. Pacquiao is seven years older than Rios.

How important this fight to Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios?

Pacquiao and Rios are both coming in from losses in their previous fights. Both can’t afford to lose this time. Pacquiao, if he loses, it could mean retirement. For Rios it would mean going back to the long line.

Pacquiao, 54-5-2 (KO 38) will be coming in from back-to-back losses of his career. The first was against Timothy Bradley. Although many considered that Pacquiao was clearly robbed. The second loss was brutal and devastating: Pacquiao visit the mat face-first with a single punch from archrival Juan Manuel Marquez.

Brandon Rios, 31-1-1 (KO 23) will be coming in also from his first career defeat. He lost via decision by Mike Alvarado in their rematch.

My Prediction

I think, in the very first round, Rios will never engage Pacquiao. I'm sure he will not march forward towards Pacquiao like he did in his fights with Alvarado. Why? Because it's a foolish thing to do against Manny Pacquiao. Ask Ricky Hatton.

Rios's told that he is not scared of Pacquiao. I agree. But it doesn't mean to me that he will not respect Pacquiao's power. It will be cautious early rounds for Rios. And Pacquiao will be raking points from first up to four or five rounds.

We all know what exactly Pacquiao will be doing in those early rounds I mentioned: he will outbox Rios. He will be fighting in the middle of the ring to give more room for maneuvers. Pacquiao will look for more angles before throwing combinations and step-out before Rios can mount counter-shots.

After that cautious four or five rounds, Rios's will start to engage, and try to brawl. At this pointt, he'll probably know those punches to avoid coming from Pacquiao. And that probably are the left straights.

Somewhere between rounds six and seven, Rios will have his moment and will steal rounds. It will be in these rounds, that Rios may land the game changer punch. I believed that in these rounds, Rios, will be able to force to close the gap between him and Pacquiao. However it will be in these rounds that Pacquiao will catch him with the punch that he never see coming that will knock him out. Therefore I predict a Pacquiao TKO/KO win somewhere between round seven to nine.

But wait; there are some interesting links and info-graphic that I wanted you to read.

Manny Pacquiao Info-graphics - created by Financeonline.com

Requiem for a Welterweight - an interesting article in a long-form, but worth a read, written by Brin-Jonathan Butler. It was very well presented on BLH website, plus a documentary of Pacquiao's long-time trainer Freddie Roach at the end of the article.

Inspiring a Country to Fight: How Manny Pacquiao Can Help the Philippines - an article written by Kelsey MacCarson of Bleacher Report with my thoughts on how a Pacquiao fight would inspire a country suffering from the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

“Alex Ariza kicked me in the chest” said Coach Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s long-time trainer, in a report written by Renee Fopalan of GMA News. This was Freddie Roach’s side of the story.

“He called me a piece of shit, then he called my friend a 'fucking Mexican,' then he called Elie (Seckbach) a 'fucking Jew.' What the fuck is that?" said Robert Garcia in a post I quote from Badlefthook written by Scott Christ. This was Robert Garcia and Alex Ariza side of the story.

I’m quite surprised when I first read the headlines this morning here in Kuwait. This is regarding the scuffle between Alex Ariza (former Pacquiao conditioning coach, now with Rios camp) and Robert Garcia, Rios trainer.

I just don’t understand why a kick has been directed to a person who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. I’ mean come on. Roach, whatever he might be saying something really bad, or ‘racist comments’ whatsoever, but I think don’t deserved to be kicked. He’s an old fellow.

Throwing verbal jabs are quite normal prior to a fight. I mean, this is part of hyping the match. But kicking someone, which is suffering already an illness, for me, isn’t necessary.

I tried to find any comment from Pacquiao regarding the scuffle, but I didn’t found any.

Please check also the video below by Secondsout.com

 
It’s getting nearer and nearer fight fans! Here’s a time converter and quick-check your location for difference in timing here.

MACAU, CHINA (November 19, 2013) – Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUAO and former world champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS are back together – almost – at least in the same hotel, ensconced inside luxury suites at The Venetian Macao.  Boxing’s top-two pound-for pound all-action superstars will make their Grand Arrivals – full of pomp and circumstance --  Tuesday night – in Prime Time – at the Main Porte Cochere of the host resort.  Rios will make his entrance, greeting his fans and meeting with dignitaries, at 9:00 p.m. local time, followed by Congressman Pacquiao at 9:30 p.m.

Upon their arrival at Macau International Airport on Monday evening, Pacquiao and Hall of Fame trainer World-Famous Freddie Roach had this to say:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“Am I confident for my fight with Rios?  I am more than confident.  Rios is bigger than me. Remember Goliath was bigger than David and yet David needed just one stone to fell the giant.  I enter this fight stronger than ever.  I have the strength of my country and my people coursing through my body.  I fight for them, not for me.  I fight for their glory, not mine.”

 

FREDDIE ROACH

"Manny’s last training session was nothing short of amazing.  We were supposed to do six rounds on the mitts and I cut it off after four rounds.  They were the best four rounds of mitts I have ever done with Manny.  He was blazing.  He was throwing the heat.  This was the happiest and most productive camp I have had with Manny in years.  I know I predicted that Manny would knock Rios out inside six rounds but based on our last workout, I don’t see how Rios makes it past the fourth round.”

Rios and Garcia hosted a roundtable in their suite with the first wave of international media who arrived earlier in the day.

BRANDON RIOS

“I want to feel Manny’s power.  I want to feel all of it.  This is the first training camp I have kept to the game plan and done everything I was told to do.  Manny Pacquiao is a big step.  I am going to shut everyone up and prove I am the best.  The second Alvarado fight was my bad.  I was focused on knocking him out and that’s how I trained and fought, throwing one shot at a time trying to land that knockout punch.  It was also the first time I ever lifted weights and by the third round I was slowing down.  This time I am focusing on winning -- not on the knockout -- and Robert and his dad have designed a lot of ways for me to do that.  My body clock has finally adjusted to Macau.  I slept until 7 a.m. and was in the gym before 9 a.m.  I know we are in Manny’s backyard and I want to win every round.  I have trained not to give up a minute to Manny Pacquiao.”

ROBERT GARCIA

“Twice during the two episodes of “24/7” I’ve heard Freddie Roach say he will ask Manny Pacquiao to retire if he loses to Brandon Rios.  Well, Freddie had better buy that gold watch for Manny, because the retirement party begins on Saturday night.  I guarantee you this will be the last time you ever see Manny Pacquiao on an HBO Pay-Per-View.”

*******************************

 

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures "Grudge Match," and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™.  It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch's first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines.  Rios, one of boxing's most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out  Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy®Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios.  The final episode of “24/7: Pacquiao/Rios” debuts Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

For fight updates go to WWW.TOPRANK.COM or WWW.HBO.COM/BOXING, on Facebook at FACEBOOK.COM/TRBOXING, FACEBOOK.COM/TRBOXEO or FACEBOOK.COM/HBOBOXING and on Twitter atTWITTER.COM/TRBOXING, TWITTER.COM/TRBOXEO, and TWITTER.COM/HBOBOXING.  Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

- See more at: http://www.toprank.com/news/boxing-promotions-pacquiao-rios-make-grand-arrivals#sthash.gJnVisUc.dpuf

Former world heavyweight champion David Haye has been advised to retire after major shoulder surgery.
The 33-year-old Briton had a five-hour reconstruction operation on his right shoulder in Germany on Thursday.

Read More on BBC Sport...

 

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and American Brandon Rios will meet in the ring on November 23 in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort in Macao, China.  Both men coming off from respective loses and can't afford to lose their very next fight. On Saturday night 8 PM EST, Sunday morning in Macao we'll find out who will get back to the winning column.

Watch this video from GP promo for this fight that features both fighter's career highlights.


Here's a video of Brandon Rios' career tribute also by GP promo that showcased the ring exploits of "Bambam" Rios.



More on Pacquiao vs. Rios coverage:

• Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios: Watch Pacquiao workout livestreaming


• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business


• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight


• Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?


• Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios 24/7 first episode

[caption id="attachment_763" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Ward dominates Rodriquez in a 12-round one sided affair[/caption]

Andre Ward showed no ring-rust on Saturday night's HBO fight card in Ontario, California. Ward dominated Rodriquez in 12 rounds of one-sided action.

Andre Ward 27-0-0 (KO 14) was coming off from over a year lay-off due to shoulder injury and subsequent surgery. But his performance showed no ring-rust and still sharp with his jab and quick on his feet. Rodriquez face was the constant target of those precise jabs.

Although the fight got nasty on early because of the usual hit-hug approach of Ward, it was in round 4 that referee Jack Reiss issued tough warning to both combatants.

Both men ignored Reiss instruction as he (Reiss) tried to separate them. Rodriquez got Ward's head locked in his left arm, while Ward was moving forward.  The referee stepped in the separate them but both men didn't adhere and continue punching instead.

Reiss was almost knocked down by a left hand from Rodriquez as he tried to hold Ward to stop the action. He then sent both men to each neutral corner and needed a second to shake-off that punch. After that he issued two-point deduction to both guys.

The fight went on, minus, a little bit of roughhousing.

But we can't deny that the style of Ward is just too clever, which he don’t need it against Rodriquez. I mean, he can win the fight minus the routine clinching. His hit-and-hug approach or 1-2-hug combo is no longer necessary.

Rodriquez clearly had no answer to Ward's quickness and precise jabs. "La Bomba" was just too sloppy and tentative. His punches were wide, wild and traveled like 5 KPH it seems?

Personally, I don't like this approach: the hit-hug. It's like hitting and then apologizing and then hitting again. Sounds like betrayal to me. Anyway that is Ward style.

Ward won the scores of 118-106, 117-107, and 116-108.

[caption id="attachment_749" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Glazkov dominates short noticed Wilson on NBC[/caption]

 

Despite being named to replace Tomasz Adamek in a four days notice, Garrett Wilson showed his entertaining factor against Vyacheslav Glazkov on Saturday afternoon on NBC.

Although, Wilson lost the fight against a taller and bigger Glazkov, he (Wilson) showed how to win the crowd (at least for the crowd) how to fight, and how to entertained, which is the most important for the fight fans.

In the early going it is obvious that he will be dominated by a much agile and skilled undefeated slugger from Ukraine. But Wilson 13-7-1- (KO 7), is dangerous throughout the fight.

Most of his sweeping power hooks missed its target, but Glazkov 16-0-1 (KO 11), knows he's in trouble once he got caught. Glazkov fought cautiously and used his height advantage to evade those looping power shots that Wilson unleashed.

Every time Glazkov connects, Wilson will come back on his own power shots that some find mark on Glazkov chin. But those were not enough to topple the bigger opponent.

Glaskov won on the scores of 97-93, 98-92, and 99-91.

 

In 2006, honestly this is the year when I first have access on the internet, I'm one of those boxing fans that surf the net to find interesting stuff about the sport I love---more than any other sport---that's boxing.

But even before I've got internet access, I already followed boxing. And that's watching boxing match every Sunday morning in the Philippines (Saturday night EST) wherein big boxing cards usually aired.

I can still recall fighting sleepiness just to watch Tyson vs. Douglas on our 12" black-and-white TV set. The fight was on delayed telecast on our local TV network jam-packed with commercials. Don’t get me wrong, the fight isn't the cause of my lethargy, but it was the commercials.

The fight finished at 12 midnight, (12 midnight is very late in the southern part of the Philippines) this was Tyson's first career defeat. The fight was held in our neighboring country Japan in 1990.

Then, the following morning (Monday) I'll be telling the whole story of the fight to my classmates. I just really don't care if they were interested or not.

That's how I followed boxing in the past: watching fights every Sunday, talking to my classmates about the fight every Monday.

In the late 1990's Oscar De la Hoya became a household name in the Philippines, the same time wherein Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao can be seen boxing on local TV network bulldozing opponents on a program called "Blow by Blow".

With the rise of De la Hoya (my favorite non-Filipino fighter, not as a business man though) aside from Tyson, Leonard and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, just made me love 'the sweet science' even more.

When I got access on the internet, my passion about boxing became more and more intense. The more I found leading boxing sites with up to date information, the more I crave for more.

I think I almost have all the login account to most boxing sites. And I tried to comment every time I visit. But I hate forums. I just hate when I read crazy argument. Boxing, of all the sports, had the most brilliant heads (boxingheads as what they call it) but had also craziest fans and followers.

In 2010, I incidentally stumbled upon into a blogging plat form, I thought never exist. I never thought I can own a free blog site. I never thought I can write my craziest thoughts about boxing instead of messing around boxing websites with my craziest thoughts about boxing.

But blogging is not just about writing stuff. It's about being responsible and fact checking, not offending anyone even when laying down commentaries and opinions.

I'm not having degree in journalism, but it will not stop me from writing about something I'm passionate about. I agree with what World Boxing News.net editor Phil D. Jay wrote in his article.

"I can understand when you hear some arguments on grammar and standard of writing, but not everyone can get a degree in this day and age - with my philosophy being "the more you write, the better you can become".

This is true especially to those who are trying to write in English, but English is not the mother tongue---like me. But as what I have said, there's no stopping me about writing for the sport I'm passionate about.

As long as I can utter the very same words I wrote face-to-face to my subject person, (plus of course fact-checking my works), then I having nothing to worry about.

To those boxing fans that wanted to put your thoughts into writing, but hesitant because you don't have the proper background to back it up, don't stop, and simply write something from the heart.

Here's my personal list of excellent boxing blogs that I recommend worth reading, in no particular order.

• Doran's Boxing Blog


• Bleacher Report Boxing


• Filipino Boxing Journal


• Mandirigmang Pinoy


• The Queensberry Rules


• The Fight Score Collector

 

Manny Pacquiao will perform live workout. You can watch it via live stream. The live workout will start today, Thursday 14, November 2013 at 2 pm EST.

Filipino boxing icon, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, will be back in the ring, after almost a year, to face American Brandon “Bambam” Rios. The fight will be available live on HBO PPV and will be held on November 23, 2013 at the sprawling Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, in Macao, China – Pacquiao’s first fight outside the United States since defeating Oscar Larios in Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.

You can watch the live workout by simply clicking on the above photo.

(Update: If you missed out Pacquiao live workout on Thursday; here's the link on the the replay. Click here.)

More related articles on Pacquiao-Rios Coverage

• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business


• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight


• Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?


• Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios 24/7 first episode

Watch the Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios 24/7 first episode that highlighted both men's previous fights and their press tour that kick-off in Macao, China and culminated in the US.

Also in the video, Jinky Pacquiao, the wife of the Filipino boxing icon, spoke about how she and his husband get over and move on with the knockout loss Pacquiao suffered from his long time rival, Juan Manuel Marquez.

"We are not talking about the knockout seriously" said Jinky and that they "joke" about the KO sometimes. She also ask his husband, Manny after the fight to retire.

After the fight I did ask him to retire, but Manny still wanted to fight, so, whatever it is, we support his decision."

Manny reiterated that it is boxing, and if you don't want to lose, don't box. He asserted that his boxing career is "not done yet".

Okay that's it, if you'll read everything here, then what's the use of posting the video above. So come on hit the play button and enjoy!

Seriously, if you wanted to read a comprehensive recap, what about clicking the link here, that will lead you to the Pacquiao vs. Rios 24/7 recap written by Michael Woods from 'The Sweetscience'.

More on Pacquiao vs. Rios:

• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business


• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight


• Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?

HBO's Boxing After Dark Triple Header Results: featuring Mikey Garcia vs. Rocky Martinez, Nonito Donaire vs. Vic Darchinyan II in the featherweight division and Vanes Martirosyan vs. Demetrius Andrade at the American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Mikey Garcia KO 8 Rocky Martinez

Mikey Garcia stops Martinez in a very composed and methodical fight against Martinez making a statement in the super featherweight division, despite being knockdown in the second round. Garcia wobbled and hurt Martinez in the sixth and seventh round and I'm looking for that killer instinct in Mikey. Seriously, I'm a bit unhappy when a fighter refuses to finished off an opponent, which is on the verge of going down. But Garcia didn't frustrate me more or his legion of fans, but instead show that killer instinct I'm looking for in the eighth round landing a vicious body shot that took Martinez out of the fight.

Nonito Donaire KO 9 Vic Darchinyan

Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan started the fight very cautious. As the rounds progresses, the cautious style did good for Darchinyan. Donaire struggled to gain control of the fight. Occasionally, Darchinyan's left stunned if not staggered Nonito. But as Nonito start using his left hook more, he catches Darchinyan with the same counter left-hook that put Darchinyan out in their first encounter six years ago. Although, this time Darchinyan managed to get back on his feet, but only to be greeted again with tremendous barrage of punches from the attacking Donaire. The referee stops the fight as it should be.

Demetrius Andrade SD12 Vanes Martirosyan

After the first round knock down and losing a couple of rounds in the first half of the fight, Demetrius Andrade slowly pick up the pace and controlled the second half of the fight. He was able to stopped Martirosyan on his track with his jab delivered in a southpaw stance. Vanes work-rate somewhat dropped dramatically in the second half. And it seemed that the final round was in for the grab. However I've never seen any dramatic effort from Martirosyan. Andrade was still in control and that I feel he won the fight. The judges cards read 115-112 Vanes, 114-113 Andrade and 117-110 Andrade.

Alex Saucedo KO 3 Steve Hall

Alex Saucedo, 11-0-0 (KO 8) was in for a short night knocking out Steve Hall inside Round 3. Early on it was evident that Saucedo's power is dominant. Hall seemed to back down every punch that Saucedo landed onto him. And in the third round Saucedo finished Hall into the ropes.

Nicholas Walters TKO 4 Alberto Garza

WBA featherweight titlist Nicholas Walters, 23-0-0 (KO 19) stops Alberto Garza in Round 4. Garza was down once in the fourth round but was ruled by the referee as a low blow. However, in the replay it seems to me that it was a good shot, right in the food basket. The referee gave Garza time to recovee. When the fight resumed, Walters jumped in to Garza and finished him (Garza) off with series of punches that sent him down flat on his back, this time really for good.

Down below are the predictions from around the web of the rematch between Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire and Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan on Saturday night 9 Nov. 2013 at American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA.

Darchinyan had long been waiting for this rematch to happen since he lost to Donaire in 2007. But it took six years before this rematch to finally materialize. Darchinyan was 31 years old when he lost his IBF flyweight title to Donaire via 5th round TKO. Now Darchinyan 37 while Donaire is 31.

In the seven years gap, Darchinyan lost four out of 16 fights. These losses were all by decision. If Darchinyan have hard time moving on to any of that loses in his career, I guess that would be the TKO loss he suffered from the Filipino Flash.

Darchinyan was a proud cocky champion at that time against the then unknown 25 years old Donaire. For Darchinayan, Nonito was just the brother of Glen Donaire, whom he defeated two fights prior to his (Darchinyan) first encounter with Noinito. But then Nonito Donaire knocked him out in a brutal manner with just a single punch. A defeat he has been longing to avenge.

On the other hand, Donaire accumulated another 13 straight victories after that TKO win against Darchinyan, before he was taken to boxing clinic by Cuban 2-time Olympian Guillermo Rigondeaux.

My Prediction:

If you will ask me, I'll go for Nonito Donire to win via stoppage in the middle rounds to Round 7.

Now let's take a look at prediction around the web for Donaire-Darchinyan II. Let's see how boxing pundits look at the fight between a fighter that seeks revenge and to a fighter, fighting to get back his stature.

Prediction from around the web:

Briggs Seekins, Bleacher Report -- Donaire to win by Round 9 TKO.

Niall Doran, Doran's Boxing Blog -- "Donaire by stoppage inside Round 7".

Cliff Rold, Boxing Scene -- "Donaire by stoppage sometime around the ninth".

Scott Levinson, ProBoxing-fans.com -- "Nonito Donaire wins by unanimous decision".

Badlefthook staff picks:

Ryan Bivins --  "Donaire by stoppage"

Scott Christ -- "Donaire by decision"

Fraser Coffeen, BloodyElbow.com -- "Donaire TKO 8".

Steve Janoski -- "Donaire KO-7".

Dave Oakes -- "Donaire TKO-8".

Ed Tolentino (via twitter) -- "Darchinyan should end up doing his best imitation of sleeping beauty".

Dateline Phoenix ...Phoenix Police arrested two men in connection with the brutal murder of 17 year old aspiring 2016 Olympic boxing hopeful Alexis Urbina on Friday November 8.

Read more on Philboxing.com

Golden Boy Promotions has pulled Victor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO’s) from the December 14th Showtime card and moved him to January 30th...

Read more on Boxing News 

The full card for the Nordic Fight Night at Musikteatret Albertslund has been set, with Bjoern Blaschke (9-2, 5 KOs) confirmed as the new opponent for Micki Nielsen. The unbeaten Danish cruiserweight (10-0, 8 KOs) was slated to face Andreas Guenther, who pulled out on short notice. “I don´t care who I fight,” Micki Nielsen said. “Whoever gets in the ring with me in my hometown will get defeated!”
Read more at Boxing News 24

On November 9, on HBO, 9:30 pm EST, will bring on a triple-header that for me I can call not just a sure hit in terms of action but of course worth for your hard earned bucks. This weekend you'll be into a big treat. Rocky Martinez vs. Mikey Garcia, Nonito Donaire vs Vic Darchinyan (rematch), Vanes Martirosyan vs Demetrius Andrade will be in one event, one night, for your entertainment.

Nonito Donaire will face Vic Darchinyan and looking to get back into the winner's column in a rematch that takes several years in the making. Darchinyan had long been gunning Donaire for this rematch and it's exciting see how this two will fight again. They met before early on in their career. Who do you think will be the better man after their last meeting more than 5 years ago.

Meanwhile Mikey Garcia will face Rocky Martinez for another division north of 126 pound division. Garcia failed to make the featherweight limit on his first title defense against Juan Manuel Lopez in his last fight. Garcia is looking to make a statement at the super featherweight division. Will Garcia continue his rise to the elite level?

Vanes Martirosyan will face Demetrius Andrade for the vacant light middleweight title. It is exciting to see who will keep their ledger unblemished.

Although Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao lost his last two fights, a controversial decision to Timothy Bradley and a stunning knockout defeat against long time rival Juan Manuel Marquez, but there is no doubt that he's still the number one active Filipino boxer.

Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (where I'm a member) had ten Filipino boxers rated in their divisional rating.  Without further delay, check out my Top Ten Filipino active fighters.

Click the page number below.



1. Manny Pacquiao, 54-5-2 (KO 38) Welterweight (147LBS) - The only fighter that won titles in eight weight divisions out of 17 current weight-class, from flyweight to junior middleweight. Pacman is scheduled to face the dangerous Brandon Rios, in Macao, in November, for his comeback fight after back-to-back losses.

Click the page number below.



2. Nonito Donaire, 31-2-0 (KO 20) Junior Featherweight (122LBS) - Although he lost his first fight in 2013 against Guillermo Rigondeux, Donaire is still the top active Filipino boxers next to Pacquiao. He had a good run in 2012 and was named "Fighter of the Year" to most sports print and digital media. He is scheduled for a rematch with Vic Darchinyan also in November.

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3. Donnie Nietes, 31-1-4 (KO 17) Junior Flyweight (108LBS) - Famously known as "Ahas" (snake), Nietes won title in the minimumweight and light flyweight division. He defended his minimumweight title from 2007 to 2010 and then captured the light flyweight title in 2011. He will defend his flyweight title against Mexican Sammy Gutierrez in Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines on November 30.

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4. Milan Melindo, 29-1-0 (KO 12) Flyweight (112LBS) - Although he dropped a UD loss against Juan Francisco Estrada in his last fight in Macao. Melindo at 25 is still one of the rising stars in Philippine boxing with high potential. A rematch with Juan Francisco Estrada is possible down the line. He is scheduled to fight on November 30.

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5. Johnriel Casimero, 19-2-0 (KO 11) Junior Flyweight (108LBS) - After back-to-back losses fighting outside his native Philippines, Casimero had been 3-0 (KO 1) on the road, stopping hometown favorite Argentinean Luis Alberto Lazarte in Round 10, capturing the light flyweight title.  The fight resulted into chaos after Lazartez fans threw chairs in the ring, right after the official announcement. Casimero is unfazed of the previous fight experience, and instead traveled to Mexico and Panama and successfully defended his title.

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6. Arthur Villanueva, 24-0-0 (KO 14) Junior Bantamweight (115LBS) - He is undefeated in 24 fights and is only 24 years old. Villanueva has the potential to be the next generation star in Philippine boxing. He possessed a decent power in both hands and sound technical skills. He is fresh from a first round TKO victory against Mexican Edgar Martinez in October.

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7. Denver Cuello, 33-5-6 (KO 21) Junior Flyweight (108LBS) - Last fought in Dubai for his long been waiting world title fight but dropped to a majority decision loss, over minimumweight titlist Xiong Zhao Zhong in a hotly contested fight. Prior to his lost, he has a good run in the division tallying 12 consecutive victories, 10 by stoppage.

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8. Merlito Sabillo, 23-0-0 (KO 12) Strawweight (105LBS) - He is undefeated and stopped his last five opponents. Sabillo's last five fights were all by stoppage including a ninth round KO victory against Colombian Jorle Estrada for the world minimum weight title.

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9. Rocky Fuentes, 35-6-2 (KO 20) Flyweight (112LBS) - A veteran of 43 fights winning 35 of them, Fuentes at 27 years old is quite an experience guy on this list next to Pacquiao and Cuello. Although Fuentes had already six losses in his ledger but all were early on his career. After his last defeat in 2007, he amassed 15 wins, from 2006 till date.

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10. Malcolm Tunacao, 33-3-3 (KO 20) Bantamweight (118LBS) - After losing his flyweight title in 2001, Tunacao was nowhere headlined in the Philippine boxing scene. Tunacao, now 35 years old, took another shot for the world title, after 12 long years, stopping Christian Esquivel in Japan. It was a huge comeback win for Tunacao, but only lost the title on his first defense.

Face Off: Pacquiao/Rios (HBO Boxing) by HBO

Brandon Rios will face Pacquiao on November 23 and he's damn serious on this episode of Face-off with Max Kellerman. At some point Pacquiao tried to joke around but Rios is all business with his answers. He showed his enormous desire to win and be on top of the boxing world.

Rios told that boxing to him is "better than sex". Really Brandon? Come on! What do you think is it better than sex? Well, that's his opinion.

On the other hand Pacquiao insisted that he's boxing career is not "done yet" and that he's still young at age 34. He wanted to proved that he can still fight.

"My time is not done yet" said Pacquiao and that he wanted to give back the fans trust and confidence on him.

Pacquiao vs. Rios will live on HBO PPV on November 23 in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao China.

More articles and videos on SPB's Pacquiao vs. Rios Coverage

• Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight


• Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?

Watch the Gennady Golovkin vs. Curtis Stevens final press conference held on Thursday on this video from The Boxing Channel TV via youtube.

Curtis ("Showtime" Stevens fights Gennady (GGG) Golovkin’s WBA and IBO Middleweight World Championship. Golovkin is rank number 1 according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board middleweight ratings. The fight card is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events, GGG Promotions and Madison Square Garden. Don’t have tickets for the fight? It’s available here at ticketnetwork.