The Moment: Mayweather vs Maidana final presser (Undercards)

(Update: At 4:00 PM ETD tonight it will be the final presser for the undercards. The other night that was the final presser for the main event only -- which can be viewed below)

At 4:00 PM ETD the fighters for the much awaiting "The Moment" boxing event this Saturday evening at the MGM Grand will meet up for the final press conference. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (45-0, 26 KO’s), Marcos Maidana (35-3, 31 KO’s) and the under-card fighters: Amir “King” Khan (28-3, 19 KO’s), Luis Collazo (35-5, 18 KO’s), Adrien “The Problem” Broner (27-1, 22 KO’s) and Carlos Molina (17-1-1, 7 KO’s) will be in front of the media to tell us what we are going to expect Saturday night. Don't miss it.

Mayweather, Maidana, Khan, Broner, Collazo, Molina grand arrivals

 



The stars of Showtime's big event this Saturday night arrived at the venue: at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada. Below is the arrival video of boxing's pound-for-pound best Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. (45-0, 26 KO’s) and Argentinean hard hitting Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (35-3, 31 KO’s) from SB Nation's FIGHT HUB TV.

You'll find the rest of videos for the grand arrival of England's Amir “King” Khan (28-3, 19 KO’s) and his opponent Luis Collazo (35-5, 18 KO’s) plus Adrien “The Problem” Broner (27-1, 22 KO’s), Carlos Molina arrival (17-1-1, 7 KO’s).on FIGHT HUB TV's Youtube channel.



 

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya want a piece of LA Clippers

Boxing's pound-for-pound boss Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya showed interest in having a piece of Los Angeles Clippers basketball team. In a report from Yahoo Sports Kevin Iole, Mayweather told that he's interested in buying the Clippers.

"You know with me, I can't come in here and talk about, 'Mayweather's only going to get three percent, four percent.' I've got to get a solid percentage. Do we want to buy the Clippers? Yes, we do. We're very, very interested in buying the Clippers."

As per Bad Left Hook De La Hoya also said that he's interested in owning a piece of the Los Angeles Clippers.

"The league has made it known that it wants more minorities involved, and as a proud Mexican-American, I will bring a different perspective to the NBA in general, and the Clippers in particular," said De La Hoya. "

The Los Angeles Clippers is believed to sell franchise as owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life from the NBA after a racist remarks. You can listen to Donald Sterling's recorded tape here. Sterling also fined $2.5 million following racist comments he made over the phone with his ex-girlfriend, V. Stiviano.

I don't know if Mayweather and De La Hoya are serious about the possibility of owning Clippers. It might be just sort of throwing their selves into this hot issue that the basketball world has been following about in order to hype the upcoming fight of Floyd Mayweather Jr. partly promoted by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

In a separate report in Fox News according to this video clip Jim Gray says Donald Sterling says Clippers 'not for sale'.

All eyes wide open: Adrien Broner vs Carlos Molina preview and prediction

It is very interesting to see how the former undefeated three-division champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner (27-1, 22 KO's) performs against 17 months inactive Carlos Molina. Both men were coming off from their respective defeats in their previous fights. And they're hoping to get back in the winning column in the expense of each other. That motivation alone makes this fight extremely interesting.

But all eyes will be wide open on Adrien Broner. Critics and fans will pay attention to this guy if he can really get back where he was prior to the Maidana fight (fresh, fly and flashy). Broner, Prior to Maidana fight, has been perceived or shall I say being hyped to be the "heir apparent" of boxing's pound-for-pound best Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Well, we can't deny the fact, that Broner has the potential to be the future's boxing best because this kid have the talent and skills to bring to the table against any fighter in his "ideal" fighting weight. He has also the character that he successfully portrayed:  just like Floyd -- playing the role as villain in boxing. His cocky character worked like charm because he catches a lot of attention.

Character/charisma and talent are the key ingredients that Broner already have to become the sport's future main draw. But, what is in question is his dedication and discipline. Boxing above any other sport needs enormous discipline and dedication. Without these key values: a boxer can't hang on any longer, in this sport, than he could imagine.

An evidence that I can say why Broner lacks discipline; is that he ballooned in between fights. And because of that he thought that it's easy to jump to welterweight from lightweight (or just tired making the lightweight limit , which I think he can still make if he don't put on too much weight in between fights). Well, it looks easy though as he managed to win the welterweight belt from light-hitting champion Paulie Malignaggi. But not against real welters that hit hard. Maidana showed him how a real welter connects.

Now in this fight Broner will move back down to 140 pounds, which is the advice of most boxing analysts. He will debut at light welterweight against Molina.

Carlos Molina (17-1-1, 7 KO's) has been undefeated for 17 fights before Amir Khan, who will be seen in action also of the same Showtime card, retired him in round 10. Since then Molina has been away from fighting inside the ring. I think his major problem against Broner on fight night will be ring rust. He's been away for 17 months.

Molina is a massive underdog of this fight. It looks like he's been thrown to this fight to make Broner secure a sure win -- because he (Broner) badly needs a win. Molina was lightly regarded and was get noticed when he fought Khan. But Khan (who badly needs also a win on that fight) overwhelmed him with superior hand-speed. Molina for sure will always come forward to press for a win. He's also tough and rugged opponent that may test Broner's composure at some point.

My Pick:

Molina has got nothing to do more or less, to let Broner's critics upload tons of Broner memes -- with hands hanging on the ropes after suffering a knockdown, and then Rey Mysterio will execute his signature move.
Molina's problem would be ring rust. And as he adjusts during the fight Broner will be racking up points on the scorecards. Although, I love upsets, but I don't see on this fight. Broner will be back being the same "fresh, fly and flashy, rich and famous young man" (these are Broner's words) in this fight to the tune of unanimous decision.

 

SPB's Mayweather vs Maidana fight coverage

It's fight week boxing friends!

From today until fight night, I'll be posting as much as I can, updates for Showtime's May 3 boxing event: the fight between boxing pound-for-pound kingpin and undefeated American boxer that calls himself "TBE" or The Best Ever, and that's Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. (45-0, 26 KO's) and Argentinean hard hitting Marcos "El Chino" Maidana (35-3, 31 KO's). And of course I'll be posting also the recent happenings of Mayweather-Maidana exciting under-cards; the highly disappointed (for not landing the Mayweather fight) but now extremely motivated fighter from Bolton, England Amir "King" Khan (28-3, 19 KO's) against the dangerous Luis Collazo (35-5, 18 KO's) of New York. And whew... I'll be posting updates too on the fight wherein everybody will be eyes-wide-open; for former undefeated three-division champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner (27-1, 22 KO's) fighting Carlos Molina (17-1-1, 7 KO's).

In this post you'll find below related videos of "The Moment" created by the rightful owner (all these videos are not my own and are property of their respective owners) that I compiled just for you, starting from the fight press announcement, previous fights of Mayweather, Maidana, Khan, Molina and Collazo.

Don't forget to check back again on this post because I'll be updating this one with links from any other post related to this fight card. If you like some related videos to add, just leave a comment and I'll find it for you and add it here. Thanks.

(Posts that I'll write related to Mayweather vs Maidana fight coverage will be linked below, just before the videos.)

• Mayweather vs Maidana weigh-in live streaming


• The desire to fight TBE: Amir Khan vs Luis Collazo preview and prediction


• All Access: Mayweather vs. Maidana episode 3


• Power vs. Ring IQ: Floyd Mayweather vs Marcos Maidana preview and prediction


• Why Maidana’s purse is lower than expected?


• All eyes wide open: Adrien Broner vs Carlos Molina preview and prediction


• Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya want a piece of LA Clippers


• Mayweather, Maidana, Khan, Broner, Collazo, Molina grand arrivals


• The Moment: Mayweather vs Maidana final presser

Floyd Mayweather vs Marcos Maidana - Full Preses Conference

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Maidana All Access Episode 1

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Maidana All Access Episode 2

Mayweather vs. Maidana: Maidana media workout highlights

Mayweather vs. Maidana: Mayweather media workout

Mayweather vs Canelo Hightlights

Adrien Broner vs Marcos Maidana BEST Highlights

Saturday night fights recap: Thurman, Matthysse win; and more...

[caption id="attachment_2434" align="alignnone" width="690"] Photo credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images[/caption]

Saturday night is full of action-packed fights that ended with brutal knockouts. I am talking about Showtime's triple-header as the co-featured bout between Argentina wrecking machine Lucas Matthysse (35-3, 33 KO's) and resident of California John Molina (27-4, 22 KO's) turned into a bloody slug-fest. A fight that I almost missed as I slept late, catching late night fights (Kuwait time) in the UK and Germany.

However, I saw how Matthysse stops the gallant Molina in round 11. The fight already started when I tuned into my favorite live streaming site. Matthysse has been down twice -- in rounds two and five, and cut over his left eye in third round from accidental head butt. However, Matthysse returned the favor to Molina, sending him (Molina) down too, in rounds eight and 10, and then again for good.

The featured fight of the evening, the hard-hitting Keith Thurman (23-0, 21 KO's) retired the extremely game Julio Diaz won (40-10-1, 29 KO's) on his stool after the third round. Upon the advice of the Diaz corner, referee Jack Reiss stops the fight and the fight commentator told that Diaz suffered rib injury. I'm glad the fight has been short or else, I'll be late again for work, which has been the case every Sunday. However, I wanted to see more action from this fight and the crowd at Stub Hub shares my sentiment. They want more from Thurman.

In a short video interview from Showtime right after the fight Thurman said that he was disappointed.

"I was disappointed that they were disappointed, you know, but like what I said, people don't understand the power that I produce. You have to step in the ring and you know that's a judgement call on their behalf. I know I landed the body shot." stated Thurman.

He further told that he was surprised why Diaz didn't go down from the body shot.

"And you know obviously it just had a delayed reaction he probably felt it when he sit down when he was breathing and the corner made a judgement call."

He said also that he will put on more pounds and enjoy life a little bit more. Thurman has a dangerous plan in the welterweight division. I like to see him fight the hard hitters in the hottest division, the likes of Shawn Porter, Ruslan Provodnikov, Brandon Rios and even Mike Alvarado.

With the win, Thurman remains on SPB's "Top Ten Pound-for-pound Undefeated Boxers List".

Meanwhile, in an earlier fight at Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (another Lucas wins) Lucas Browne stops Eric Martel Bahoeli in round five. I struggled to finish this fight because. I wanted to sleep early for the triple header in the morning. However, the KO enabled me to finish the fight. Otherwise, if it ended a little bit longer, I might fall from my seat. Not that the fight is boring… it is actually good. Browne is fighting with adversity and won. Browne cut on the left eyelid in a 3rd round accidental head clash, and again, mid-way through the fourth round.

Well, not a bad decision to watch this fight but it cost me to missed Omar Figueroa vs. Jerry Belmontes. I read that Figueroa was disappointed about the fight but happy to get the win. I think he's not disappointed with the fight because he won. He might be disappointed with his performance.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Alex Leapai is the fight that I willfully missed. Apart from it's too late night here in Kuwait to watch that fight, come on! You know and I know what will be the outcome of this fight from the beginning. The question is that: what round Leapai will kiss the canvas goodnight. Well, the clip from Fight Saga.com in the fifth round confirmed our prediction. Klitschko knocked out Leapai in round five. He successfully defended his ABCDEFG title strap for the 16th time from a very limited challenger who landed only ten punches?

Tax, politics will keep Pacquiao fighting even beyond 2016

“At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since.”  ― Salvador Dalí

You might wonder why a boxer as accomplished as Pacquiao would still continue fighting despite pleading from his wife Jinky and mother Dionesia to retire from boxing.

Teary eyed Jinky -- who's in General Santos City waiting for the birth of her fifth child, told his husband , Manny via an interview with local TV channel in the Philippines that he has proven a lot after  winning this second match against American Timothy Bradley.

Jinky further told that he (Pacquiao) has proven everything, and that he's not getting any younger. He should retire. All throughout the 12 rounds, Jinkee was seen cradling her womb. She is expected to give birth within the month.

Manny Pacquiao, now 35, has been a champion in eight different divisions. A feat that no other boxer has reached so far, which I believe -- no other boxer will ever equal or surpass -- in the near future. He was champion at flyweight all the way to junior middleweight in his 19-year career as a professional price-fighter.

Financially, Pacquaio was among the top 100 world's Highest-Paid Athlete. He placed at number 14, tied with rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. He amassed a total of $300 million since 2009, in salary/winnings and endorsement.

What else a Manny Pacquiao needs to prove in the sport of boxing?

I believed his reasons to continue boxing were beyond boxing.

Politics

Manny Pacquiao is not only a boxer: he's also a congressman in the lone district of Saranggani. A government position that needs full time attention. If I to choose between boxing and being a congressman; I will choose being a full time congressman than to keep punching people in the head.

But for Manny Pacquiao he wanted to keep on fighting at least until 2016, because he's planning to run for a higher position in 2016 national and presidential election in the Philippines.

Vice President Jejomar Binay told the media that Pacquiao has a slate in his senatorial line-up. Although Pacquiao didn't confirm that he will run for senator in a separate interview.

But I believed he will. And a win in late December 2015 or early 2016 could boost his campaign -- not by popularity because he's no doubt the most popular senatorial candidate but of course I'm talking about financially. He needs to fund a campaign at a national level.

Taxes

The more you earn the more you spend, and the more taxes you need to pay.

"Despite earning nearly $200 million during his brilliant career, Pacquiao always hemorrhaged money." wrote Brin Jonathan Butler in a long form article entitled "Requiem for a Welterweight" published on SB Nation.

If we're going to sum up: Manny is a generous man that shares his blessings to his countrymen. It becomes a common thing for Pacquaio to distribute money and rice to his constituents every after fight and during his birthday.  He also maintains a payroll of hundreds if not thousands of employees. With or without fight in a particular month, Pacquiao needs to pay their salaries.

On paying taxes, it seemed that every Pacquaio fight was not taxed (or not fully taxed) accordingly in the Philippines. So the taxes were accumulated, that he needs a whole earnings in one fight to cover all his taxes in the Philippines. In an article by Robert W. Wood of Forbes.com, Pacquiao owes as much as $50 million.

"For a time, his promoter, Top Rank Inc., evidently submitted correspondence to the Philippines tax man showing that he did pay U.S. taxes via withholding. But the official IRS documents to confirm it were long debated. Some reports say that in all, he owes as much as $50 million."

He earned $20 million for his dominating performance against Timothy Bradley. He needs to fight more than two times with the same earnings.

Taxes and politics is a lethal combination that will push Pacquiao to keep fighting even beyond 2016.

Do you have any other reasons why Pacquiao will keep on fighting beyond 2016?

Sources:

After win, tearful Jinkee asks Pacquiao to retire. ABS-CBN News.com. April 13, 2014. Available online.

The World's Highest -Paid Athlete. Forbes.com. Values calculated on June 2013. Available online.

Brin-Jonathan Butler. Requiem for a Welterweight. SB Nation. November 20, 2013. Available online.

Robert W. Wood. Manny Pacquiao's $20M Victory Over Bradley Is Big Win For IRS Too. Forbes.com. April 13, 2014. Available online.

Christine O. Avendano. BIR: Pacquiao misdeclared ’09 income. Philippine Daily Inquirer. November 29, 2013. Available online.

 

Saturday night recap: Hopkins, Porter, Quigg win

This Saturday night is fully loaded with boxing matchups starting from the UK all the way to US. If I could watch all these fights without getting myself groggy during my day job; I'll really do. But the time difference is just too much.

Most of the UK fights will start at 10PM and will finish at 1AM the following day. And my work starts at 8AM Sunday. We have work during Sunday's here in the middle-east. Sunday is the first day of the week and Friday is weekend (most of the time, I'm late during Sunday). Ok… enough with my rant… let's start.

Scott Quigg TKO 2 Tshifhiwa Munyai

Let's start with UK's AWE, Sky Sports, Matchroom boxing. When open my favorite live streaming site; the first round of Scott Quigg vs. Tshifhiwa Munyai fight has already started. Within a minute watching it, I can tell that the last minute substitute Munyai (24-3-1, 12 KO) will not last long against Quigg. And yes! Quigg dropped Munyan with a left hand counter shot to end the very first round.

Quigg (28-0-2, 21 KO) again blasted Munyan in the second round with a cracking right hand that send Munyan again to the floor. I bet this could be it. It's going to be a short night for the bomber from Bury, Lancashire. Munyan still in wobbly legs and groggy that made referee Howard foster to halt the fight.

At times it's very difficult to be a late substitute. You don't have time to prepare and study your opponent. But sometimes, late substitutes rise to occasion and score stunning upset. But this is not the case for Munyan last night. Pacquiao fought Ledwaba in 2001 with only two weeks' notice but stopped the 'hands of stone' capturing the IBF 122 pound title.

Anthony Crolla TKO 10 John Murray

My eyes were really closing when I tried to watch this fight. It’s not that the fight is boring -- I'm too sleepy. So I decided to close my laptop and sleep. It will be too late if I'll finish this fight and for sure I'll wake up late and might miss Hopkins Shumenuv at 6AM (Kuwait time). I read that this indeed a very good fight, and that Crolla (28-4-1, 11 KO) stopped Murray (33-3, 20 KO) in the 10th round.

It seemed that Murray gas out and was dropped with a punch that did not even fully connect. Now let me jump to Hopkins Shumenov. I am not able to neither watch nor read about the outcome between Josh Warrington (17-0, 2 KO) and Rendall Munroe (28-5-1, 11 KO). What happen in this fight? I heard Warrington retired Munroe on his sit.

Bernard Hopkins SD 12 Beibut Shumenov

I passed Crolla-Murray and slept to watch this fight. But I almost fall asleep again. Really! If not that strong coffee partnered with creamy Kuwaiti milk; I might fall down from my computer chair. However, I'm happy with the split decision win although other media outlets called it a 'bizarre' decision. It's a close fight, isn't it?

In the first three rounds it's really a snoozer. Both men simply staring each other. But it doesn't mean that you should give those rounds to Hopkins. The problem with judging: is that when a round is too close; the judges would blindly give it to the favorite fighter. Remember that both men here have titles.Well, I give credit to the judge that scored the fight 114-113 for Shumenuv. For sure he gave close rounds to Shumenov.

No Holds Barred also fell asleep during this fight. I don't know why? His asking if Hopkins looked good. Below is his FB wall status.

Post by NoHolds Barred.

I commented and said: that I slept after the quigg fight and woke up just in time for the Hopkins-Shumenuv fight. Yes. Hopkins looked good in round 11. The same Hopkins style Ryan, potshots, 1-2-hug combination, for 12 rounds.

Although there's nothing to do about it, because this is the style of Hopkins. What would intrigue us to watch Hopkins is his ability to neutralize the power and strength of youth. He's fighting fighters ranging from 15 to 20 years his junior. But he's beating this guys mentally and physically. Now, I heard his calling out Stevenson (I'm not able to watch the interview; I went to the shower to get myself ready to work) during the interview. It seemed Hopkins will be fighting the best Light Heavyweights in his golden age. I thinks this guy is really an alien.

Shawn Porter TKO 4 Paulie Malignaggi

I hate this one. I'm still snoring when this fight takes place. We love KO' ending fights Anyway I saw a clip of the knockout. I think that will sum up the story.

Tapales wins in Japan against Kimura

As the boxing fans of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao celebrates his victory over Timothy Bradley in a rematch on Saturday night at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas another Pinoy boxer wins in foreign soil.

World bantamweight and pride of Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte, Marlon Tapales wins via 5th technical decision over Hayato Kimura of  Tokyo, Japan.

In a report from Philboxing.com, Tapales's Japanese opponent was cut on the right eye with Tapales ahead on points. Juanito Ablaca, Tapales' trainer relayed the good news to Philboxing.

With the win Tapales now improved his record to 25 wins, 9 by way of stoppage, 2 defeats.

Pacquiao dominates Bradley, regains title

Fighter of the Decade and congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao dominated former undefeated two-division world champion, Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley in their rematch, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KO's) regains the title back that Bradley took away from him in their highly controversial (or shall I say highway robbery) fight in 2012. He proved that he's the better fighter, and still a top caliber athlete. And can beat younger pound-for-pound fighters.

The scorecards reflect what transpired in the ring that reads 116-122 twice and 118-110 in favor of the Filipino southpaw.

I'm glad that there's no odd scoring tonight.

Although it is evident that Pacquiao speed is no longer the same when he fought Oscar Dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton or Miguel Cotto, but at 35, his speed could still match Bradley which has decent speed. Pacquiao still have coordinated footwork and balance that played well in this fight.

Prior to the fight both men wanted to win convincingly and looking for a knockout.

However, the knockout never came out.

Maybe Pacquiao's power has diminished, or it's just that Bradley is too tough.

Yes! Bradley (31-1, 12 KO's) is a tough fighter. He stayed and absorbed the best Pacquiao punch that landed. Look at Bradley's abdominal muscle during the weigh-in. He can be an outright cast of "300" movie.

But yes, Pacquiao did win convincingly.

Although many believed Bradley has improved since the last fight, but I think he's not. The thing is that in his recent fights he looked exciting to watch as he engaged toe-to-toe more often against Provodnikov and Marquez. And he showed that against Pacquiao on Saturday night. In round 4, he hurt Pacquiao with a solid punch during the exchanges. But he wasn't able to follow up.

In rounds 5 and 6 Bradley engaged and challenged Pacquiao into a brawl. But Bradley's lack of fire power made him backpedal when Pacquiao landed much heavier shots at him. Pacquiao had the power advantage. This is evident in round 7 wherein Bradley forced to back down as Pacquiao landed hard shots.

Pacquiao started to step up his offense in this round. Bradley would throw wide strong right hands over the top as Pacquiao lunged in for offense. I believe Bradley hope to emulate Marquez who landed a brutal right hand as Pacquiao rushed in. But Pacquiao was too cautious.

Retired HBO commentator Larry Merchant ask Pacquiao's thoughts about the wild punches that Bradley throws that Merchant referred to as look like "amateur". Bradley took the microphone and answered Merchant that it was part of the game plan to throw strong right hands over the top when Pacquiao comes in.

With the win, Pacquiao told Merchant that he proved that his journey in boxing will continue for a couple of years.

Pacquaio could have finished the fight unscathed. But the clash of heads with 20 seconds left in the fight leaves Pacquiao a cut above the left eye.

This was Pacquiao's first fight in the U.S. since his 2012 knockout loss against arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez. And he rocks the crowd at the MGM Grand with his dominating performance against Bradley.

Photo credit: Top Rank

Pacquiao vs Bradley undercard results: Monaghan, Vasquez, Gvodzyk win

Here are the Pacquiao vs Bradley undercard results that happen before the anticipated rematch between Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao vs. undefeated American Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley Saturday night, April 12, 2014 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ray Beltran UD 12 Arash Usmanee

Former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner, Ray Beltran (29-6-1, 17 KO's) becomes the new NABO lightweight champion winning via wide margin against Arash Usmanee (20-2-1, 10 KO's) of Red Deer, Canada. Beltran lands the telling blows of the night. He's been landing hooks to the the body that hurt Usmanee especially in round 4. But Usmanee seems landed more shots that necessary to win rounds. The fight is competitive but it doesn't reflect to the judges scorecards that's to wide that reads 118 -110, 117-111 and 117-111 in favor of Beltran.

Jessie Vargas UD 12 Khabib Allakhverdiev

Jessie Vargas (24-0, 9 KO's) of Las Vegas, Nevada, captures title from Khabib Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KO's) by out boxing the champion in over 12 rounds of somewhat less compelling fight. Khabib is not risking it all to defend his title. Although he's fighting with adversity -- his corner did a good job working in between rounds on nasty cuts above both eyes. Vargas jabs his way to a unanimous decision to the tune of 115-113, 115-113 and 117 111.

Bryan Vasquez UD 12 Jose Felix

Heavily underdog Bryan Vasquez (34-1, 17 KO's) gets his win against former undefeated Jose Felix (26-1-1, 21 KO's) of Los Mochis, Mexico and defends the interim super featherweight title. Felix has been hitting Vasquez with foul blows. and referee Robert Byrd penalized him in round 9 for kneeing Vasquez.

Oleksandr Gvodzyk TKO 1 Mike Montoya

Oleksandr Gvozdyk (1-0, 1 KO) of Kharkiv, UKR, quickly finishes Mike Montoya (4-3-1, 2 KO's) in his professional debut tonight, in the light heavyweight bout.

Oscar Valdez TKO 4 Adrian Perez

Oscar Valdez continues stopping opponent, and improves his undefeated record to 10 wins, 10 KO's. Valdez lands a left hook that stops Perez who drops to 10 wins, 6 losses,1 draw, 1 KO's for the super featherweight junior title.

Esquiva Falcao UD 6 Ethan Pena

Esquiva Falcao (2-0, 1 KO) of Vitoria, Brazil does an easy shout-out job against Ethan Pena (2-1-0-1, 1 KO's) in over 6 Rounds of middleweight action. The scores reflects well on the judges scorecards, 60-54, 60-54 and 60-53.

Sean Monaghan TKO 5 Joe McCreedy

In a 10-Round light heavyweight fight Sean Monaghan (21-0, 14 KO's) of Long Beach, NY, stops Joe McCreddy (15-7-2, 6 KO's) and defends the Continental Americas title.

Marlon Tapales leaves for Japan

[caption id="attachment_2329" align="alignnone" width="720"] In this photo Marlon Tapales (right) connects to the body. Photo by Philboxing/Dong Secuya[/caption]

World rated bantamweight Marlon Tapales silently leaves for Japan on Friday (April 11 PHI time) for his fight with Hayato Kimura at the Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.

[Also: Tapales in top shape against Kimura]

In a short chat via Facebook, Tapales told this writer that, he will leave for Japan, on the dawn of April 11. He also added that he's in good condition compared to his previous fights.

"April 11 ko mo larga sa kadlawon… ok kaayo akong kondisyon. Mas ok karon kay sa uban nakong duwa kay naa ko nag puyo karon sa balay sa akong coach…" Tapales said in his native tongue. (On April 11, I'll travel at dawn... and my condition is okay. Much more okay compared to my previous fights because I stayed with my coach's home…)

Tapales reiterated that he's coach Joanito Ablaca has strictly kept an eye on his morning jog and diet.

"…gi-bantayan ko ug maayo sa akong jogging og sa akong kaon." Tapales said. ([My coach]… keeps an eye on my jogging and diet.)

[caption id="attachment_2327" align="alignleft" width="215"] Tapales took a selfie of his ripped body. Photo via Facebook[/caption]

Tapales will leave from Cebu while the boxing world fixed their eyes on the biggest boxing spectacle between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley rematch at the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Tapales-Kimura is set on April 13 (Manila Time) with the same time Pacquiao-Bradley rematch on April 12 (US Time).

Tapales vs. Kimura might be overshadowed by Pacquiao Bradley, but this doesn’t give me the reason not to follow this fight. We all know that fighter of the decade Manny Pacquiao has few remaining fights before he will call it a career and go full time to politics.

Who knows that the next Manny Pacquiao might be the 'Maranding Nightmare'?

The 22 years old native of Maranding, Lala, Lanao Del Norte is just among a small number of boxers that comes from Northern Mindanao that has received international recognition.

Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley Jr II preview and prediction

[caption id="attachment_1808" align="alignnone" width="793"] Photo Credit: Top Rank[/caption]

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley will face each other again to settle once and for all the controversial decision during the first fight.

Pacquiao, according to popular opinion won the fight. Bradley won from the scorecards of two boxing judges. On April 12 (April 13 Manila), at the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, both men have the chance to prove who really is the better fighter.

[Also: Pacquiao vs. Bradley II: Early picks]

• The Date: April 12, 2014


• Venue: MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada


• Division: Welterweight

Can Pacquiao continue to rise at 35?

Prior to Pacquiao's UD victory over Brandon Rios last year, the question was: Can Pacquiao rise again? Well, he rose indeed. Pacquiao used superior foot speed -- out-maneuvering and fast combination -- out-landing the slow and predictable Rios.

Pacquiao, on whether he's declining, told during the media work out that, "I've already proved in the last fight with Rios, and this time around I have to confirm it, to prove it again."

Based on his previous performance against Rios, Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KO's), still had that vaunted speed and boxing skills. But where is his power and killer instinct? This is now the talking lines of the Pacquiao camp. The mantra is "Close the show. No mercy".

"Our mantra is 'Close the show. No mercy," You don't have don't have to be a groundhog to know that Bradley's days as welterweight champ are numbered. It's last call for Bradley on April 12." said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's long time trainer.

Ryan Songalia Rappler's sports editor wrote:

"The reality is that fighters aren’t meant to fight forever, and once that flame is out, it doesn’t come back. Sure, they can blow on those flames and reenergize enough embers to light their cigarette."

Well, I agree. If Pacquiao loses this fight; this could be it for the former eight division champion.

Although Bradley's punches don't have sleeping pills that may put Pacquiao to sleep if the fighting congressman becomes too aggressive and becomes careless to carry out the search and destroy mission.

Is Bradley an improved fighter or he's just exciting to watch recently?

I think Bradley (31-0, 12 KO's), is the same fighter he was before when he first met Pacquiao in the ring. The only thing is that he engaged frequently in exchanges recently than using his boxing skills from the outside. Fighting toe-to-toe made him exciting and entertaining to watch recently. But it doesn't mean he's an improved fighter.

If you look at the first fight, Bradley mixed his approach towards Pacquiao. At times he fought toe-to-toe but he was overwhelmed by Pacquiao's power although he landed too during exchanges. When he got hit with power punches during exchanges; he switched the approached and moved around -- boxing Pacquiao. In this approach he won rounds.

Bradley told on several occasions that he has a win-win fight plan for Pacquiao without hinting what it is. That might include the left hook? During the media day Bradley said, “I’m going to knock him out with the left hook,”

“Not the right (hand) but the left hook. That’s what I’m going to knock him out with,” added Bradley.

My pick:

I think the more Bradley will engage Pacquiao in a toe-to-toe action, the more he will lose rounds. And the more chances he'll get knock out. I expect Bradley to fight more from the outside. And this fight will be more of a chess-match. But Pacquiao's speed will make the difference as he throw fast combinations. Pacquiao will force the action and lands the authoritative punch of the night. But I don't see a knockout here, maybe a knockdown. That being said, I pick Pacquiao to win on points, in a fight that showcase, yet again, the ring smarts of both fighters.

Who do yah think will win? Paano kaya ang resulta? Share your predictions on the comment box below!

Pacquiao by KO?

Pacquiao by Decision?

Draw?

Bradley by KO?

Bradley by Decision?

Pacquiao vs. Rios Full fight

Manny Pacquiao vs Brandon Rios Full Fight by Boxingfightsperiod

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Timothy Bradley Full fight

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Timothy Bradley 12.10... by begemotya85

Frampton stops Cazares

Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton did what he needs to do in the ring to be in line for a fight against Leo Santa Cruz (but looks like with the help of the referee to finish it early?) for the world super bantamweight title.

Transnational Boxing Ranking Board super bantamweight ranked number three Frampton (18-0, 13 KO) drops Cazares (40-8-2, 27 KO) with a counter left hook that sends him (Cazares) to the floor. Cazares legs were too wobbly that he stayed on the floor with his knees while listening to the referee's count.

Cazares was looking at Frampton and seemingly gestures acknowledgement of the great punch that put him down. But, it seems to me that the referee takes it as a gesture of submission. And after the count of nine, the referee waives it off, to the surprise of Cazares who immediately stands up and protests the referee's call. The official time of the stoppage: 1:30 in the second round.

What do you think of the stoppage?

Although it also looks like Cazares miscalculated the count and wasn't able to stand at the right time. But I think it's the referee's job to make sure the fighter knows the count.

Eamonn O'Kane KO 1 Alvaro Gaona

[caption id="attachment_2300" align="alignleft" width="300"] Eamonn O'Kane lands the perfect right hand over the top that stops Alvaro Gaona[/caption]

Eamonn O'Kane (12-1, 4 KO) delighted the ringside crowd in Belfast  knocking out Mexican Alvaro Gaona (13-4, 8 KO) in Round 1 with a perfect counter right hand to the face.

Gaona never recovered from that punch and the referee stops the fight. The official time of the stoppage 2:42 in the very first round.

Stephen Ormond TKO 5 Karim El Ouazghari

Ormond (17-1, 8 KO) stops Spanish challenger El Ouazghari (16-4-2, 4 KO) and retains his WBO European lightweight title. Ormond was in control of the fight, landing the crispier shots from the inside, constantly pressing the challenger on the back foot. In Round 4, El Ouazghari getting more confident and backs Ormond as he land combinations from range. But in Round 5 Ormond turns up the heat catches El Ouazghari with a counter right hand, that sends El Ouazghari knee to the floor. El Ouazghari immediately gets up that keeps Ormond going and landing another right hand that put his knee back on the floor. The referee holds Ormond to stop him from throwing more punches from already down opponent. The referee did the mandatory count but then stops the contest as El Ouazghari is in no position to continue.

Marco McCullough TKO 3 Elemir Rafael

Marco McCullough (9-1, 6 KO) had an easy work tonight stopping late substitute, journeyman Elemir Rafael (27-80, 5 KO's) 59 seconds in Round 3. Prior to the stoppage McCullough dropped Rafael in Round 2 with a left straight to the body and a right hand over the top. In the first round Rafael had success in covering up, fending the big shots from McCullough. But early in the second round McCullough throw in some big uppercuts that sliced Rafael's guard. In the third stanza, the referee stopped the fight as Rafael is in no position to defend himself.

Jamie Conlan TKO 7 Benjamin Smoes

Jamie Conlan now improved his record to 11 wins 0 losses, 7 KO's) and continue to be undefeated dropping Benjamin Smoes of Belgium in Round 6. And he finished Smoes, 23rd seconds in Round 7. Smoes  (9-3, 1 KO) took a knee in Round 6 due to accumulation of punches from Conlan who was all over him. In Round 7, Conlan didn't wasted time and immediately followed up with punches in bunches to dropped again Smoes. The fighter from Belgium was able to beat the count but the referee has seen enough and stopped the contest without any complain from Smoes.

[Video] Pacquiao's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' appearance

Manny Pacquaio appeared once again on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' prior to his anticipated rematch with Timothy Bradley on April 12.

Tapales in top shape against Kimura

[caption id="attachment_2264" align="alignnone" width="575"] Photo from Facebook screen grab[/caption]

World rated bantamweight Marlon Tapales looks good and in top shape prior to his fight against Japan's Hayato Kimura at the Sangyo Hall, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. Tapales (24-2, 9 KO's) will be on the road to face Kimura (21-5, 15 KO's) in a 10 Round bout on April 13.

In the above photo, Tapales seemed in great shape several days away from the fight.

In a short conversation that we had, Tapales told that he will leave from Cebu to Japan on April 11.

On Wednesday, Tapales was one of the 12 boxers honored during the 32nd Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC)- San Miguel Beer (SMB) awards.

He received an award for his WBO regional title win. He defeated another Filipino, Fredirex Rodriguez by unanimous decision at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel to win the WBO Asia-Pacific bantamweight title last August 1, 2013.

Tapales is among those very few boxers from our province in Lanao del Norte, in Northern Mindanao, that climbs up the ranks in professional boxing and is earning national recognition. And is now also gaining regional attention.

Pacquiao breaks left ankle while playing basketball

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao injured his left ankle on Sunday evening and will likely pull-out from a rematch scheduled on April 12, with undefeated American, boxer Timothy Bradley. Pacquiao reportedly played basketball as he takes a day-off from training camp.

The doctor that takes care of Pacquiao’s injury told that the injury is severe that he (Pacquiao) needed plaster cast around his left ankle.

“It will take between three days to one week before the cast will be removed and it will take at least a month for the injury to heal completely.” the attending orthopedic said.

Although there is no official statement from Pacquiao’s camp or from Top Rank regarding the decision to pull-out or to reschedule the fight, but with the doctor’s assessment -- it’s no-brainer that Pacquiao will not be able to continue his training, which is now in the crucial stage. And will likely be forced to pull-out from the most anticipated rematch.

Pacquaio lost to a controversial majority decision against Bradley on the first bout nearly two years ago. He vows to show his aggressiveness and killer instinct when he meets again Bradley in the ring.

Pacquiao admitted in his earlier interview that his first love is not boxing – it’s basketball. In his previous fight with Rios, Pacquiao also suffered a minor injury caused by playing basketball. But it was not as serious that he managed to continue his training and eventually won the fight.

Roach was reportedly unhappy about the situation and said that it’s okay to play basketball when the fight is still far… but at this crucial stage of training, if he asks my permission… it’s a big NO.

For the full interview of Pacquaio’s attending doctor… click this link.