Pacquiao: If the Mayweather fight happens, I can retire

During the ABS-CBN TV patrol news on Wednesday, Filipino boxing icon, Manny Paquiao admitted to Anthony Taberna, host of ABS CBN program, "Tapatan ni Tunying" that he's still wanted to fight until the age of 37. He also said that, if the fight with undefeated, American Floyd Mayweather Jr., will finally happen, he will retire after.

"Pag mangyayari ang laban na yon, puwede na akong mag retire. Iyon na lang ang inaantay ko eh!" Pacquiao told Taberna in Filipino.

Pacquiao also told Taberna that he has around five more fights left, including the Algieri fight. Taberna ask if until when he will fight, Pacquiao said that he can still fight until 37.

"Hanggang 37 siguro kaya ko pa." said Pacquaio.

Pacquiao is slated to fight 5'10" Chris Algieri of New York when he returns to the ring this coming November in Macau, China.

Pacquiao has avenged his loss to former undefeated Timothy Bradley Jr. in his previous fight, while Algieri earned the slot fighting the Filipino superstar by defeating hard hitting Ruslan Provodnikov in June.

How powerful Gennady "GGG" Golovkin's right hand?

Gennady Golovkin's right hand that landed as a hook on Daniel Geale's face, was the punch that ended the fight at the Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

If you look at that right hand punch on GIF provided by Zombie Prophet posted on Badlefthook.com, you'll notice that prior to that punch, Geale connected first and landed on Golovkin's face, with a right straight. It happened when Golovkin's right hook already traveled, but because a straight punch travels a shorter path, it landed first on Golovkin. In short, Golovkin was beaten by the punch. 

What made me wonder, is how really powerful Golovkin's right hand? The fact that: he was hit in the face, before his right hook landed -- the power have been deflected and should have been ineffective. But still it possessed a devastating power. Although, Geale got up quickly, but it was obvious that he was hurt. And the gesture he showed opted referee Mike Ortega to stop the fight. 

In this Golovkin-Geale highlight video from HBO, you'll see that Geale shook his head -- that it seemed to me indicating that he don't want to continue to fight.

Now my mind keep wandering, what if Golovkin was not hit in the face? And his right hand landed in full swing? What could possibly happen to Geale?

Fight Note: Absurd happening on Golovkin-Geale fight

On Saturday night, at the Madison Square Garden, Gennady Golovkin won against Daniel Geale via knockout in Round 3. Boxing experts expected this result and Golovkin just did what was expected from him.

Golovkin (30-0, 27 KO) just did what he normally do in the ring: knocking opponents after opponents. This has been his 17 straight victories by way of stoppage. The most on current champion in the sport.

There are few absurd happenings during the fight. In the first round we've seen Geale (30-3, 16 KO) tripped by a camera-strap by one of ringside photographer and went down. I just don't know why our dear photographers on that fight spread the strap of his camera deep down inside the ring. 

That incident was really dangerous, but I'm glad that there's nothing serious happened to Geale. He can be seriously injured. And take note; that was Geale's first knockdown of his career -- not by a punch but by a camera strap -- absurd!

Don't you know also that the first round lasted for four minutes instead of the regulations 3-minute a round. I don't know what exactly the reason. But it looks likely that the timekeeper enjoyed watching the fight and forget the time. That's a possibility.

I was not able to notice the time during the fight, I just happen to read it from here: http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/19044-gennady-golovkin-vs-daniel-geale-live-round-by-round-results and by watching the replay -- it's too obvious.

Golovkin stops Geale in Round 3

The hard-hitting Gennady Golovkin has again proved that he can do the same thing what he's been doing -- not just any middleweight, but against real middleweight contender and former champion, Daniel Geale of Australia, knocking Geale out in Round 3, at the Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

Geale, who now dropped to 30 wins, 16 by KO with three losses, started the fight more active, using foot movement and slipping most of the power punches. But was not throwing something of note. He went down in the first round but that was due to a slip. He was also cut over the right eye.

In the second round, Golovkin dropped Geale, this time with a punch, but he was able to get up immediately. Geale has been officially down for the first time in his career in the second round. The two losses of Geale in his career prior to his fight were all from split decisions.

In the third round, Golovkin, who now improved to 30 wins, 27 wins, by way of knockouts, without defeat, stepped up his game plan and tried to close the gap, applying tremendous pressure on Geale who was able to smother and slips punches extremely well in the first two rounds. Golovkin was able to pin down Geale towards the ropes and the they exchanged right hands.

Geale even beat Golokin to that exchange, landed clean on Golovkin's face, but as Golovkin's own right hook landed (although Golovkin was hit first) still has tremendous power and sent down Geale again for the second time. Although Geale was able to get up immediately after the knockdown, referee Mike Ortega stopped the fight, as Geale was in no position to continue. Geale was shaking his head when ask if he's okay. The official time of the stoppage 2:47 in Round 3.

After the fight Golovkin was asked by HBO's Max Kellerman who he will fight next and he answered that he wanted the best middleweight out there.

"My focus right now... I want unification fight... there were a lot of champion... Miguel Cotto... Peter Quillin." said Gennady. "If you have preference who would that fighter be? Who do you want first?" asked Kellerman again. "Miguel, I respect him Cotto..." said Golovkin.

"Does your game plan change from fight to fight or depending on the opponent or you just Gennady Golovkin search and destroy guy and doing the same thing for everyone?" ask Kellerman. "This is my style, this is my fighter style... this is my style like the Mexican style, this is not game, this is fight and I love fighting." answered Golovkin with a charming smile.

With the win, Golovkin continues his knockout winning streak:17 straight victories by way of knockout.

Fight Note: Servania, Villanueva headline Pinoy Pride 27 in Dubai

I'm planning to attend ALA Promotion's Pinoy Pride 27 that will headline Genesis “Azukal” Servania and “King” Arthur Villanueva dubbed "Duel in Dubai". My idea to watch this fight live pops-up because Dubai is less than an hour away from Kuwait. And the fight falls on Friday at the Dubai International Convention Center. It's my day-off actually and besides, a close friend of mine, Michael Imperial, ask me if I can come to Dubai for this fight. I assume he could share his place for a couple of nights. But due to the high air-ticket rates in August; I decided to give it a pass.

Servania will face challenger Jose “Matador” Cabrera (22-4, 10 KO) of Mexico in the main event. And Villanueva (25-0, 14KOs) will fight Henry “El Crespo” Maldonado (18-3, 13 KO) of Nicaragua for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight title. Rey ‘Boom Boom” Bautista clashes with Mexican Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez for a non-title supporting bout.

This is the second fight being held in Dubai that featured Filipino fighters. The first time, was the first world title fight actually held in Dubai. Filipino hard-hitting Denver Cuello fought Xiong Zhao Zhong for Zhong's WBC minimumweight title. A fight that sidelined Cuello for more than a year now because of an injury he suffered from this fight. And the bad news, it was reported that he was not paid for this fight. You can read that story here: http://www.boxingscene.com/denver-cuello-not-paid-post-loss-drama-dubai--67179

However, for the Pinoy Pride 27, I'm sure the fighters will be well compensated as ALA Promotions is a very reputable boxing promotions spearheaded by Mr. Aldequer from Cebu. So, I'm urging my Kabayans' that leave in the cities of Emirates, like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Quwain , Khor Fakkan and Dibba Al-Hisn to come to Dubai. And support this fight card in the same manner that we supported Team Azkals and concerts that has been held in the past, in Dubai. The success of this card will encourage ALA Promotions and other promoters to come to Dubai and provide world class boxing event in the future. This will enable to showcase our fighters to the world stage without necessarily travelling as far as the United States just to find international recognition. 

Other markets in boxing has started to open in huge success. Macau has been the alternate boxing venue for big cards of HBO and Top Rank. Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will be back in Macau for his fight on November against Chris Algieri. I'm optimistic that Dubai could be the next huge boxing venue apart from the boxing mecca, Las Vegas. I'm hopeful that before Pacquiao will call it quit in boxing for good; will have one of his fight to be held in Dubai. I'm hopeful of a Pacquiao-Khan in Dubai in the near future, or a Mayweather-Pacquiao in May 2015. Who knows? So to all boxing fans, not just boxing fans but to all the OFW's in the GCC, if you have the time, watch and support this fight card and for sure your weekend will be entertained with high quality world class boxing entertainment. 

Golovkin-Geale reasons to watch

It's been a while that I was not able to watch live boxing fights. Not because I don't want to, but this is because I've been too busy with my day job. As a recruiter, I've got a huge manpower requirement to fulfill this last quarter of the year. It's a massive short term mobilization actually.

However, on Sunday morning (Saturday night US) I will make sure that, I will not miss the fight between Kazakhstan's heavy hitter Gennady Golovkin and Australia's Daniel Geale. This is a 12-round middleweight fight that features the number one middleweight fighter in the world that yet to be tested. I really like Golovkin as a fighter because he is there to do the work straight away. He's a fighter that will immediately start his job inside the ring without any delay. As a fighter, you can't see any hesitation in his eyes, or any fear. He will be on hot pursuit to his opponent and will unleash punishing blows that so far, 26 opponents out of 29, were not able to hear the sound of the final bell against the man who has name initials of "GGG", "Triple G" or Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin - that is his complete name. Here's my preview of this fight, and you can read it here if you want by clicking this link: http://shuttlepenboxing.com/2014/07/gennady-golovkin-vs-daniel-geale-preview-and-prediction.html

Not just that I love to watch Golovkin, but I'm interested also on his opponent. Tonight, Golovkin fights Daniel Geale. It is actually a step-up in competition for Golovkin and a step-up in venue too. He will headline the fight in Madison Square Garden. The undefeated Golovkin, six fights ago, fought in Turning Stone Resort and Casino. And now he's headlining a fight at the famous MSG. So, imagine how fast Golovkin catching the attention of American boxing fans. But anyway this is still interesting to see whether he can draw the crowd at the arena. This one of the reason also why I need to watch this fight. 

Daniel Geale is a battle tested veteran who has fought who's who in the middleweight division. He has been an alphabet belt holder and has been defeated only twice. And that's against split decisions -- a fight that may go in his way, but he was just unlucky on the scorecards. Geale would really give Golovkin some serious problems based on his ledger. He throws volume of punches that can overwhelm an opponent. If Golovkin has to be exposed it should be tonight, as Geale will be there and tries to handle what he really got. 

However, this could be easier said than done, as Geale has to receive some power punches while giving his own volume of punches. For sure, If he wanted to give some he will receive also something from Golovkin that has tremendous power on both hands. It's obvious that Golovkin has more power on his hands. But Geale has more bullets in his magazine that he will unleash in rapid fire. 

Wallah! This is really an exciting fight. This the type of fight you should not missed. It is by far much more better than any pay-per-view fights out there that has keep on coming and coming this year. So as a boxing fan is a must fight to see.

Power vs volume punching: Golovkin-Geale preview

On Saturday, at the Madison Square undefeated Garden Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan will face Daniel Geale of Australia. The hard-hitting Golovkin will be facing the toughest opponent in his career. It has been said before, when he fought Mathew Macklin. But Macklin was not able to provide Golovkin any test, as he was neutralized in Round 3. This time, it is Geale who is thought to give the real test.

Not too long ago, in fact six fights ago, the totally unknown Golovkin, 29-0, 26 KO, first fought in the US, at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, stopping Gregorz Proksa in Round 5. From that fight onward, Golovkin continued stumping opponent with ease, amassing 16 knockout-winning-streaks in the process. He has faced hard-hitting Curtis Stevens, highly regarded Gabriel Rosado and middleweight contender, Mathew Macklin. But no one gave something that would tell us that this is the way to beat Golovkin. They might have shown some hints but Golovkin's power overwhelms them before they could capitalize.

Here comes Daniel Geale, 30-2, 16 KO, a former alphabet middleweight champion and Transnational Boxing Ranking's Board rank number five. Geale has the ledger better than any opponent Golovkin has faced. And he defeated all of them, except, against Darren Barker and Anthony Mundine -- whom he lost to both by split decisions -- which means no one has dominated Geale.

Golovkin is a scientific pressure fighter. He knows how to cut an opponent off in the ring. He uses his jab well and has tremendous power in both hands. His power punches are so devastated once it landed to an opponent, especially to the body. Not just power -- but he also understand, timing and distance. He has good defense and decent chin. On the other corner, Geale throws a lot of punches, although there's not a lot of power behind those punches, it is enough to overwhelm an opponent if it landed in regularity. While throwing those punches, Geale is always there for counters -- a situation he can avoid if he throws them with angles.

I think Geale will have early success in the fight with those sheer of volume-punching. But as Golovkin starts to connect his power punches -- it will boils down on how well Geale, can absorb those power punches and move forward from there. I think Golovkin will wear down Geale in the middle rounds and stop him from there, or even earlier. The fight might be drag beyond Round 6, which will depend on how Geale will adjust. If he tries to box and throw combinations with angles, avoiding Golovkin's counter. But it seems to me that this is not Geale's style. Avoiding Golovkin the entire fight is somewhat next to impossible, as he is good at cutting the ring off. And I don't even see the provability of Geale knocking out Golovkin. With the above being said, I've got Golovkin by knockout between rounds four to eight.

Macau boxing card results: Shiming, Rigondeaux, Viloria win

[caption id="attachment_3741" align="alignnone" width="937"] Photo: Top Rank[/caption]

This past weekend, the "Champions of Gold" boxing card in Macau produced the anticipated results with ease. The main man of the card, Zou Shiming won via unanimous decision to the tune of 99-91, 99-91, and 97-93. Although Shiming (5-0, 1 KO) still unable to duplicate the lone win via knockout (he's looking for that KO the entire fight but his punching power would not warrant the KO) in his career, dominated Luis De la Rosa of Columbia the entire fight. His quickness and boxing carried the night This was Shiming's first full ten-round fight. It seems, he will be gearing up for world title, for his next fight.

Cuban former two-time Olympic gold medalist, Guillermo Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 KO) had stepped up his game and wanted to erase the notion that he's a "boring" fighter. In the process of doing so, he extremely rushed to the extent that it looked like a bad win for him. In Round 1, for me, it looks like he pulled a Mayweather cheap shot that finished the still head-butt-dizzy Sod Kokietgym of Thailand. You can find my complete observation of the fight here.

Fil-American Brian Viloria (34-4, 20 KO), also won with ease against Jose Alfredo Zuniga who was not able to get up after absorbing a left hook to the body that appeared to be a liver-punch, in Round 5.

Why Guillermo Rigondeaux's cheap shot is cheaper than Floyd Mayweather?

Photo Credit: Top Rank

This past weekend, Guillermo Rigondeaux, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, knocked out Sod Kokietgym of Thailand, with a much cheaper, cheap-shot than that of Mayweather to Victor Ortiz. 

Why I said it's cheaper than the Mayweather version of cheap shot? 

First and foremost, Rigo and Kokietgym's clash of heads was pure accident. There's nothing wrong about it. It happens in boxing most of the time. But Ortiz deliberately head butt Mayweather. And he touched gloves with Mayweather, and then the cheap shot happened.

However, Rigondeaux was never apologetic. It's acceptable because the head butt was unintentional. But what is not acceptable for me: is that when the referee resumed the fight, Rigondeaux touched Kokietgym's glove with his right hand. And he immediately pulled back the same hand and came back as a right hook that landed on Kokietgym's left side of the face, followed by a left hand that sent Kokietgym down.

Kokietgym was counted out and the official time 1:44 in the first round.

Normally, when fighters touch gloves, they step back and then resume the fight. It's not a written rule in boxing, but it is a golden rule written in the heart of an athlete who understands sportsmanship. Rigondeaux absolutely understand only the rule that says "protect yourself at all times". But for me it doesn't mean attack at all times. 

I think fighters should not only fight to win. But fight with honor so that you will earn glory -- not just money.

In team-game, they said "it's not whether you win or lose its how you play the game", but I think this phrase is also applicable for contact sport. Rigondeaux should understand that not all wins are good wins. He should have that better because of his win against Nonito Donaire that didn't give any good at him after that fight.

Viloria knocks out Zuniga in Round 5

Brian Viloria digs a left hook to the body that sends Jose Alfredo Zuniga down. Zuniga was not able to recover from what has been a punch to the liver.

Viloria who improves his record to 34 wins, 20 by way of stoppage and only 4 losses, is part of the fight card held in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao, China promoted by Top Rank.

It was a terrific performance from the 33 year old, Viloria, who's trying for a second push of his boxing career. Viloria has been 2-1 in his last three fights. He decisions Juan Herrera in March and lost to Juan Francisco Estrada of in the same arena in April last year.

Photo: @BrianViloria drills Jose Zuniga with a left hook to the liver. Zuniga didn't get up after that. pic.twitter.com/AYaijId5cC
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 19, 2014

Mayweather and Maidana branded each other as dirty fighter

Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

During the Mayweather vs Maidana rematch press tours in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles; the word "dirty fighter" is the common word that both men called each other. But who do you think is dirty?

Here's what Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Marcos Maidana said that says the other is a dirty fighter.

Official fight announcement - New York

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"Is Maidana a better fighter than Canelo? No. Cotto? No. He's just a dirtier fighter. I didn't get a deep gash from a punch; I got it from a head butt."

Marcos Maidana

"I fight dirty? He's the king of the elbows."

Press Tour - Chicago

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"I have to watch this guy in there. He's dirty."

"It's obvious he's doing something right if he is facing me again and he won a few rounds from me. But the referee had a bad night last time. We forgive him but this is going to be a much cleaner fight. Note of those dirty rabbit punches or elbows."

Press Tour - Los Angeles

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"Marcos Maidana is a very, very dirty fighter. In our last fight he had over 10 low blows, head butts. He's in the wrong sport if he wants to fight a bare knuckle brawl, this is boxing. We are both looking to have careers after boxing; I don't want to risk my health."

"To be honest, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez are better fighters than Maidana. They are better, stronger boxers. With me and Canelo, it was more of a chess match as opposed to Maidana who came at me very dirty and reckless. I knew something crazy was going to happen in our fight, which it did, I got a headbutt."

"Back in May, I tried to get the attention of the referee in the eighth round because Floyd was fighting very dirty and he didn't even honor that, he tried to pull a Victor Ortiz shot on me. That's the type of fighter he is - dirty and sneaky.

Marcos Maidana 

"In all of his fights, he [Mayweather] brings his elbows out. He really likes to use his elbows. One of his moves is to put his elbow in the fighter's throat and the referee for some reason let him get away with it. We all know he [Mayweather] does whatever he wants because he has the judges in his pocket. He is a dirty fighter.

Mayweather vs Maidana II LA press tour quotes and photos

Photos Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME® and  Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

The Mayweather vs Maidana II held Los Angeles press tour on Thursday, July 17, 2014 for the rematch dubbed #Mayhem.

Here's what Floyd Mayweather Jr. and  Marcos Maidana had said:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, Eleven-Time, Five-Division World Champion 

"Everything on this media tour has been going great. It was crazy to be able to go to Washington D.C. and hold a press conference at midnight and it still be packed. That shows that boxing is very much alive and has loyal fans.

"I started training last night after the ESPYs at 2 a.m., there is no more partying for me, it's time to start getting focused on this fight.

"Marcos Maidana is a very, very dirty fighter. In our last fight he had over 10 low blows, head butts. He's in the wrong sport if he wants to fight a bare knuckle brawl, this is boxing. We are both looking to have careers after boxing; I don't want to risk my health.

"The reason I chose Maidana for a rematch is because of the fans. The bar is set so high for me, the fans expect so much out of me.

"In past fights I would go out and win all 12 rounds. This is the first time my fans have seen someone win multiple rounds against me.

"To be honest, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez are better fighters than Maidana. They are better, stronger boxers. With me and Canelo, it was more of a chess match as opposed to Maidana who came at me very dirty and reckless. I knew something crazy was going to happen in our fight, which it did, I got a headbutt.

"Even though we are in a brutal sport, if you beat me, do it the right way. I got here with hard work and dedication and a strong belief in my team. Please don't cheat to beat me, if you are going to beat me, earn it the hard way.

"I don't have to make any adjustments going into this fight, but he does. I won the fight. If I spar against someone and they win three of 12 rounds against me, that's a bad day for me. I am a perfectionist and I set the bar so high. Maidana knows in his heart that he didn't win.

"I know that if I lost this fight, then I wouldn't take it again. Maidana isn't stupid, the reason why he is trying to fight me again is because he is going to make more money fighting me than anyone else, even though he knows he will lose again."

MARCOS MAIDANA, Former WBA Welterweight World Champion

"The situation with the gloves is an open issue. It hasn't been closed yet. I'm going to talk to my team, we are going to push for my gloves and he's probably going to fight back. But we won't surrender, we'll keep pushing.

"In our first fight, the glove' issue affected me a little. But now, I know how he [Mayweather] operates and if he wants different gloves, I'll have different gloves waiting for him. I'll bring a few options so I'm not caught off guard again.

"Back in May, I tried to get the attention of the referee in the eighth round because Floyd was fighting very dirty and he didn't even honor that, he tried to pull a Victor Ortiz shot on me. That's the type of fighter he is - dirty and sneaky.

"In all of his fights, he [Mayweather] brings his elbows out. He really likes to use his elbows. One of his moves is to put his elbow in the fighter's throat and the referee for some reason let him get away with it. We all know he [Mayweather] does whatever he wants because he has the judges in his pocket. He is a dirty fighter.

"There were rumors that I got paid to use Floyd's gloves, but that's not true. I had to accept his gloves because otherwise there was not going to be a fight. He basically called off the fight if I didn't use his gloves, so I had to, I had no choice. Unlike him, I had come to fight, not to whine.

"It is no secret that I won the first rounds and he [Mayweather] did better on the last ones. This time around I'm planning to keep up with his rhythm. I'm making adjustments, when he presses I'm going to press him too.

"In my first fight against Floyd, I learned that he's not that great, he's not that superhuman boxer everybody talks about. If I wouldn't have been so anxious looking for the knockout, I would have beat him.

"I think Floyd is going to run around inside the ring. In our first fight, he said he was going to stand up and fight and he didn't. So, it wouldn't surprise me if this time around he does the same thing.

"I pushed him in San Antonio because he gets too close to my face.

"I really don't understand him [Mayweather], so I don't really care for what he says about me. I know he speaks ill, but I don't care."

Maidana: "He's [Floyd] not that great, he's not that superhuman boxer"

Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®

During the Los Angeles press tour of the Mayweather vs Maidana rematch, Marcos Maidana says that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is "not that great" or "superhuman boxer".

[For more photos of the Mayhem LA press tour visit here: http://shuttlepenboxing.com/2014/07/mayweather-vs-maidana-ii-la-press-tour-quotes-photos.html

"In my first fight against Floyd, I learned that he's not that great, he's not that superhuman boxer everybody talks about. If I wouldn’t have been so anxious looking for the knockout, I would have beat him." says Maidana.

But with the above being Maidana said, he has proven to his self that Floyd isn't the superhuman boxer everybody talks about. In the first fight, he cut Floyd. He bulldozed Floyd to the ropes that the undefeated American boxer almost went out from the ring. Maidana won several rounds -- that no other fighters did -- except Jose Luis Castillo.

Well, literally of course Mayweather is not superhuman boxer. But he made those fighters; he met in the ring look extremely bad. They look like ordinary fighters in front of Floyd. Then, I don't know how you'll call that. That even includes those who are perceived to give Floyd problems prior to the fight. Ask Canelo Alvarez.

In Floyd's career he made only one rematch -- against Jose Luis Castillo for the lightweight world title. In the first fight many believed Castillo won. Many had criticized Floyd and he gave Castillo a rematch right away. But in the rematch, it was totally a different story. Floyd dominated Castillo. The fight didn't look as competitive as the first fight.

Maidana anticipates what will happen in his rematch with the best boxer in the planet, and says Floyd is going to run around the ring. "I think Floyd is going to run around the ring. In our first fight, he said he was going to stand up and fight and he didn't. So, I wouldn't surprise me if this time around he does the same thing."

Mayweather will of course do the thing he did best and that includes a lot of footwork and ring usage. The burden is on Maidana on how to sustain the kind of assault that won him rounds.

Why Manny Pacquiao has so much to lose against Chris Algieri?

It is likely that Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will defend his welterweight title against Chris Algieri on November 22 in Macau, China. I think, Pacquiao has so much to lose than to gain in fighting the 5-foot, 10 inches tall Algieri.

The undefeated Algieri (20-0, 8 KO) earned his spot to face Pacquiao following his victory over heavy handed Ruslan Provodnikov in June. Although he picked up fans, after his gallant performance against Provodnikov, Algieri is totally unknown in China. And for sure, boxing fans there will come to see only Pacquiao. So, in the business standpoint it is solely Pacquiao who will draw fans in the venue. Without getting any backing from Algieri, who don't have a solid fan base, Pacquiao-Algieri could have an extremely disappointing result. Pacquiao-Bradley II has been reported having a disappointing result. And in fact it is held in the US. How much more for Pacquiao-Algieri?

Apart from a potential unfavorable revenue outcome, the 35 year old, Congressman, Singer, Commercial model, Product endorser, Basketball playing coach and Pastor, Manny Pacquiao (56-5-3, 38 KO) for sure will be having a lot of problems against Algieri in the ring. And right now, I wanted to lay down my prediction. My gut feeling tells me that Algieri will upset Pacquiao via unanimous decision.

Algieri has the style height and reach to pose problem with the lone eight division champion. Alright, you are correct, Pacquiao has been facing taller opponents; like Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito. But these fighters were there to come forward. But Algieri is a slick boxer, who has long arms and height to dwarf the 5 foot, 6 inches Pacquiao.

It is obvious that Pacquiao is no more as quick as he used to be. What has been the tailor made style for him recently are the guys that comes in. But the only thing, I see in this fight that Pacquiao can gain: is the experience to fight a tall and pure technical boxer. Algieri is a solid measuring stick to determine the chances of Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather Jr. -- if they ever fight in fall next year.

Pacquiao of 2009, I'm sure, will win against Mayweather Jr. But at this point, I think Mayweather will win against Pacman. Opppss! don't get me wrong, why I'm talking about a fight that will never happen. But wait, Mayweather announced during Mayweather-Maidana official fight announcement in New York that he has a surprise in May. And I'm anticipating that the fight you want, I want, they want, and we all want will finally happen.

Thomas Lamanna steps up in class against Jamaal Davis

Atlantic City, NJ—Middleweight prospect Thomas LaManna, of Millville, NJ, faces the toughest test of his three-year pro career when he goes against Jamaal Davis, of Philadelphia, PA, in a scheduled eight-round fight on Saturday evening, Aug. 23, in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.

Headlining the seven-bout card is a scheduled 10-round welterweight contest between Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, and Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL.  The card will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv  First fight is 7.30 p.m.

LaManna (right) turned pro early in 2011 and he has a record of 14-0, 7 K0s.  He is ranked No. 5 among 160-pounders by the United States Boxing Association (USBA).

In his last fight April 12, also at Bally’s, he earned unanimous eight-round decision over Ahsandi Gibbs, of Tampa, FL.  This will mark LaManna’s sixth fight at Bally’s.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for a while because I feel I need to prove something to myself,” LaManna said.  “Jamaal Davis is a tough, nitty-gritty veteran who’s been in the ring with everybody.  This is a huge step for me, but if I want to become a relevant boxer, I have to beat Jamaal Davis.

“Bally’s in Atlantic City has been my second home and has been great to me.  I’m excited to be the co-feature again and to be part of another Philly vs. Jersey battle.”

Davis, 33, is 14-11-1, 6 K0s.  He has lost his last three, all against world-class competition:  Patrick Majewski, of Atlantic City, NJ; Yuri Foreman, of Brooklyn, NY; Jorge Melendez, of Manati, Puerto Rico.

A pro since 2003, Davis has fought some of the best junior middleweights and middleweights up and down the East Coast, including:  Peter Quillin, of Brooklyn; Gabriel Rosado, of Philadelphia; Ossie Duran, of Paterson, NJ; Joel Julio, of Miami, FL.

Davis has beaten Doel Carrasquillo, of Lancaster, PA,Josh Onyango, of Trenton, NJ, and Eberto Medina, of Paterson, NJ.
“I know this is a do-or-die fight for me,” Davis said.  “Everyone is counting me out but I’m not ready to leave it alone (my career) quite yet.  LaManna will be the favorite in this fight and I am the stepping stone but fights are won in the ring and not on paper and not in people’s hearts or their hopes.

“LaManna has skills but he hasn’t fought the kind of opposition I have fought.  This could be a whole new ball game for him.  I’ll be ready for him but will he be ready for me.”

Six additional fights complete the card.

ABOUT AUGUST 23

The Jones-Herrera  and LaManna-Davis fights top a seven-bout card atBally’s Atlantic City.  First fight is 7.30 pm.  Tickets are priced at $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000).  Tickets also are on sale atwww.peltzboxing.com and www.ticketmaster.com.  www.gofightlive.tv will stream the card on the internet.  The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with Bally’s Atlantic City.

Floyd Mayweather Jr: "Germany did a tremendous job, September 13, will be the same thing"

I watched the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Marcos Maidana rematch official announcement, via live streaming, and as usual it's full of Mayweather's swag and antics. From flaunting his flashing bling bling, and telling the boxing fans present in New York, for the announcement of their rematch, to check their Forbes list. Floyd has been Forbes number one highest paid athlete in 2014.

Floyd compared the FIFA World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina, wherein Germany won the 2014 World Cup. "Germany did a tremendous job yesterday, September 13, will be the same thing." Floyd said with certainty.

Argentinean Marcos Maidana earned a rematch for giving Mayweather a tough fight in their first encounter in May. He was relentless and threw a lot of power punches while pinning Floyd towards the ropes. He cut Floyd. The first cut Floyd suffered in his career. In one of the judges scorecard, Maidana won six rounds. While the other two judges scored in favor of Floyd, resulting to a majority decision victory.

I admire Floyd when he's doing mind games to his opponent. He's just too good at it. As early as today's fight announcement, he started playing mind games toward Maidana. Floyd challenge Maidana to bet his purse money. I know he's just taunting the confidence of Maidana. But if you look at it, if Maidana really believed he can win the next fight; he might think about betting his purse. But that is a foolish thing to do. But it certainly get through his head.

"He believe in his skills and I believe my skills, so how much money you make in this fight, I bet I will beat you." said Mayweather, challenging Maidana.

Floyd also told Maidana that if he wants to bet him, he should beat him clean and earned it the hard way.

"I'm trying to find out if I'm fighting a boxer or an MMA fighter. I mean, I don't know, you know elbows... What I can't believed is this one (referring to Robert Garcia) is one of the best trainer in the world, telling his fighter to fight dirty." said Mayweather.

The most important thing that was not clearly answered during the fight announcement in New York was about the gloves issue. I've been following that glove controversy in the first fight. But it seemed that question was not answered although it was the highlight of Robert Garcia's talk at the podium.

"I think he's afraid, that's why he don't want me to use my gloves. He says I fight dirty? He's the king of the elbow." said Maidana. 

Canelo wins split decision over Lara

[caption id="attachment_3643" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credit: Hogan Photos[/caption]

The 23 year old, Saul Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KO) wins split decision over Cuban slickster Erislandy Lara (19-2-2, 12 KO). Judge Roth scored it 115-113 for Lara, Moretti 115-113 for Canelo and Martinez 117-111 for Canelo.

It was a close fight that if you have to score; the outcome will depend on which four components in scoring you will give weight. It is a debatable fight of who "really" wins. Judges tends to give weight to one or two of these four components in scoring; ring generalship, effective aggressiveness, clean punching and defense. But judges are supposed to equally put in mind those above factors in assigning their scores. But some judges favor certain characteristics.

With the above being said, I believed judge Roth favor ring generalship, Moretti and Martinez favor effective aggressiveness. I try to keep in mind those components equally in my mind and I have it a draw.

Lets talk about the fight

As expected, Canelo was in pursuit for Lara from the opening bell down to the final round as Lara used the entire ring. Canelo looked composed and not frustrated, although when he missed, he missed wildly, catching nothing but air. He was inclined to target Lara's body, hoping this would slow down Lara. And he connected most his punches to the body. However, Lara was able to maintain his footwork and movement around the ring.

"The body shots connected but they didn't have any force. I still have no respect for him. I'm asking for a rematch. One hundred percent I'll do the same and we'll win again." says Lara after the fight. But Canelo's body work did bother Lara especially in the fourth and fifth round. Lara signaled to the referee that Canelo's punches-to-the-body were below the belt line. But I think those punchers were good.

Lara on the other hand, was able to catch Canelo clean upstairs, causing welt around Canelo's right eye. At times, he made Canelo looked extremely bad, making Canelo missed wildly. Lara was upset of the decision and thought he won. "One hundred percent I won this fight. I was controlling the rounds and, worse, I made him look bad in front of his fans. People know I won this fight." Lara said.

Canelo said that he came to fight. "I came to fight, I didn't come to run here," Canelo said. "You don't win by running. You win by hitting. He does have a great jab and he moves around, but you don't win a fight that way. You don't run."

About a possible rematch.

Canelo told (maybe jokingly, or seriously) that he will give Lara a rematch if he learns how to fight. "When he learns how to fight then I'll give him the rematch." Canelo said.

During the post fight conference, here's Oscar De La Hoya had said when asked about a possible rematch.

Boxing Babe discusses Canelo vs Lara

Boxing Babe discussed about Saul Canelo's statement during the press conference on how he will going to beat Lara on Saturday Night.

Canelo vs Lara weigh in photos and weights

Photo Credit: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME and Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions

Canelo vs Lara weigh in photos and weights

Final Weights PPV:

• Saul Canelo Alvarez 155 Ibs. vs Erislandy Lara 155 Ibs. Junior Middleweight (155 Catch weight) 12 Rounds


• Abner Mares 126.5 Ibs.  vs Jonathan Oquendo 126.5 Ibs. Featherweight, 10 Rounds


• Juan Manuel Lopez 130 Ibs. vs Francisco Vargas 129 Ibs. Featherweight title, 10 Round


• Johan Perez 140 Ibs. vs Mauricio Herrera 140 Ibs. Junior welterweight, 10 Rounds

Canelo: "How will I beat him? With speed, movement and combinations"

During the final press conference of "Honor and Glory" PPV fight card, Saul Canelo talks about how important his fight with Lara and how he will beat him.

"He might not have the most recognizable name, but in the boxing world, everybody knows he is the most dangerous opponent.  This will be a very important victory." says Canelo. "How will I beat him?  With speed, movement and combinations." added Canelo about how he will beat Lara.

Canelo is talking about speed, movement and combinations as the tools he need to beat the man considered as the most dangerous opponent for him out there. Speed and movement has been the edge Lara has, according to several boxing observers. Reading into a lot of fight previews and prediction around the web, pundits says that Canelo's advantage is his size and power. 

Canelo is struggling against Austin Trout, because in that fight he has heavy legs. And he looks tired and sluggish in the later rounds. What made him win is that he landed the heavier and telling blows. He was tagged too with combinations, but he's size withstands all those punches. With regards to combinations, of course he can unleash combinations once Lara is in the punching range.

Against Alfredo Angulo, Canelo was able to land combinations, because we know Angulo, he loves to stay in the pocket and throw his own power punches. And Canelo's power and precise combinations made the referee stopped the fight.

For Lara to win, he needs to use what Canelo mentioned. Lara needs to move with speed ahead of Canelo. And throw combinations, then stay out of the pocket before Canelo mount his counters.

As for Canelo, I think he needs to utilize his advantages. His power and size. He needs to cut the ring, corner Lara and pound him with what he told -- combinations. He needs to impose his size against Lara while he's (Lara) is in the ropes.

Against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Canelo tried to match Floyds speed. He tried to outbox the best boxer in this planet. That didn't work. Wherein the conventional wisdom is that he needs to engage Floyd into a slug-fest. A tactic that has success early for those who tried. The only thing is that they were not able to sustain throughout the fight as Floyd adjusted later on the fight. Ask Miguel Cotto and Marcos Maidana.

Although, Lara is no Floyd. But "out-boxing" (using the speed and movement he mentioned) would not be the perfect way to beat Lara.

Video: Canelo-Lara against common opponents

Shosports released a video: "Canelo vs. Lara: Common Opponents Highlight Challenges Ahead" that discussed the common opponents of Canelo and Lara. Both men faces common opponents in hard hitting, pressure fighter Alfredo Angulo and slick boxer Austin Trout. Canelo and Lara both won against these opponents but in a totally different style. The style of these men has the biggest factor in the outcome. Watch this video of Canelo-Lara against common opponents to find out for more.

Canelo vs Lara final press conference photos

The junior middleweight clash between Saul Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara held the final conference earlier this afternoon at the MGM Grand prior to their Saturday night bout on July 12. Canelo appeared in a casual look, wearing green sweat shirt, while Lara looked elegant on his coat with tees underneath. Above is the Canelo vs Lara final press conference photos.

Erislandy Lara: "The Cuban style is the best style in boxing"

Photo Credit: Hogan Photos

Erislandy Lara talks about what is the best style in boxing. And for him it's "the Cuban style". I'm excited to to hear what will be the reactions of Mexicans on this statement.

During the final press conference of the anticipated clash between Mexican Saul Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara of Cuba, Lara pointed out that the best boxing style is the Cuban style.

"The Cuban style is the best style in boxing.  Everybody knows that we win the most medals at the Olympics, at international tournaments.  And that's shown throughout our history." said Lara.

Well, Lara has a point, the Cuban boxers had tremendous success especially in amateur boxing. One good example, is Lara's countryman Guillermo Rigondeux, which is I think, the most decorated amateur boxer in the sport before he dominate also the pro-ranks. And here is a link of the TOP TEN best Cuban Boxers complied by Marty Mulcahey of UCNLive.com, a new boxing website inaugurated today. You can read it here: http://ucnlive.com/the-pugil-list-10-best-cuban-boxers/

Cuban style found success in the amateur ranks because of its adherence to the basic fundamentals and tactical aspects of boxing. However, in the pro-ranks, the decorated amateur boxer Rigondeux had been branded as "boring" even by a network -- where his fight aired, when he schooled Nonito Donaire.

In professional boxing, which is purely business and entertainment, tactically sound fighters were usually branded as "boring". Floyd Mayweather Jr. is an exception because he compensate his style with his relentless verbal attacks outside the ring, coupled with his promotional antics, using all sort of social media. But boxing purists of course praise tactical and scientific boxing approach.

The tactical style, which tends to be Cuban's preferred style, will win fights (most likely on points), but at times, will not win fans. Whereas all-out brawler, (a fighter who fights toe-to-toe) normally earned fans -- win or lose -- which the usual Mexican style.

It is very exciting to see whose style will prevail for the Canelo-Lara match-up. Lara will bring the typical Cuban style, while Canelo presents the Mexican usual style. Both men have faced common opponents in the past, that has different fighting styles. Austin Trout is a slick fighter that Canelo struggled, but won. While Lara Dominated Trout. Another fighter is the hard-hitting, pressure fighter Alfredo Angulo that Canelo dominated from round one until the referee stopped the contest in round 10. While Lara was dropped twice by Angulo before he (Angulo) quit in round 10. Here's a video that "Shosport" released that discussed the common opponents of Canelo and Lara. Click here: http://shuttlepenboxing.com/2014/07/canelo-lara-against-common-opponents.html

On Saturday night, whose style do you think will win? And what other factors that will contribute that win?

Canelo vs Lara media workout photos

Photo Credit: Gene Blevins/Hogan Photos and Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

The most awaited fight on Saturday night, the clash between top junior middleweight, Saul Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy had a media workout earlier today. Above are the photos during the workout. The bout will be on Saturday night at the MGM Grand live via SHOWTIME PPV.

Abner Mares: "Saturday it is going to be my night"

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Abner Mares is looking to return to the winning column and keep his career back on track. He said during the Grand Arrival at the MGM Grand that "Saturday it is going to be my night in the ring." But he knows what he's up to. "This fight is no walk in the park. Jonathan is a warrior and that's why I trained very hard".

Mares (26-1-1, 14 KO) is Transnational Boxing Rankings Board's rank number six featherweight. But I don't know about Jonathan Oquendo. Without taking anything away from Oquendo, but I like to see Mares fighting on a rematch with Jhonny Gonzalez. The guy who knock him out in the first round. The knockout he suffered in the hands of Gonzalez, in very first round should be avenged, if he ever wanted to pick-up where he left, prior to the Gonzalez fight.

Prior to the Gonzalez fight, Mares was atop of the featherweight division. Boxing fans wanted him to square off against Nonito Donaire, who was also the top dog at 122 division at that time, but because of this so-called "cold war" in boxing, that fight didn't happen.Instead, Donaire took Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux and lost. Mares took Gonzalez and lost.

But Mares is hesitant to have a rematch with Gonzalez. I don't know if he doubt his own self now. But I agree that, that KO loss he suffered is really confidence zapping.Taking on Jonathan Oquendo (24-3, 16 KO) and winning is just a confidence booster. It will not keep to where he was a fight before. But losing this fight would bring him deep down to the deep list of featherweights.

I hate writing underdog off, but Oquendo's prominent opponents in his ledger were the exposed Juan Manuel Lopez and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and he lost both fights. But I like to see underdogs that rise to the occasion and win upsets. In boxing you will never know.

Oquendo was very confident and said "The knockouts come naturally to me; if it presents itself I will definitely knock him out." But he admits that he has enormous respect with Mares, "I'm not going to lie; I have a lot of respect for Abner Mares, but don't let that fool you. I don't feel any pressure, he's a great champ but there will be blood in the ring on Saturday, and it won't be mine." 

Alfonso Gomez vs Ed Paredes weighin photos

Credit:  Gene Blevins/Hogan Photos

Tonight Alfonso Gomez (23-6-2, 12 KO) will return to the ring to face Ed Paredes (35-3-1, 23 KO) after two years of inactivity. In his last two fights in 2012 he lost via unanimous decision against Shawn Porter and by knockout against Saul Canelo Alvarez. Tonight he's looking to rejuvenate his career on Fox Sports 1 & Fox Deportes at the The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Here are the official weights of Alfonso Gomez vs Ed Paredes card:

• Alfonso Gomez 150.2 lbs. vs Ed Paredes 150 Ibs. Junior Middleweights, 10 Rounds


• Joseph Diaz Jr. 123.6 Ibs. vs. Ramiro Robles 124 Ibs. Featherweights, 10 Rounds


• Diego De La Hoya 124 Ibs. vs. Miguel Tamayo 122 Ibs. Featherweights 6 Rounds


• Oscar Negrete 118.6 Ibs. vs. Carlos Medina 118.2 Ibs. Junior Featherweights 4 Rounds


• Joet Gonzalez 122 Ibs. vs. David Clark 122.6 Ibs. Featherweights 6 Rounds

Can Alvarez silenced Lara?

One thing that Saul Canelo Alvarez don't like about Erislandy Lara is that Lara "talks too much", says Canelo. I agree, Lara really talks a lot. If he's not talking, he'll not be able to get this fight against Canelo. In Canelo's post fight conference with Angulo, Lara asked Canelo "when can we fight". Canelo answered that he has to "wait".

But, Canelo was not able to keep his word and instead fight Lara next. I think Canelo's ego was hit at what Lara did in the post fight conference. And he's taking the fight personal. So, his ultimate mission is to silence Lara on fight night. I think Canelo has the tool to do so. He's bigger, and for me, much more powerful.

But, Lara is a precise puncher from the distance. He's also a southpaw, by default is a problem for orthodox because orthodox needs to adjusts. He needs to be precise from the distance if he wants to win against Canelo.

I look at their previous fights against common opponents, in Austin Trout and Alfredo Angulo. Lara won with ease against Trout. Canelo won but struggling against Trout. Angulo dropped Lara twice before stopping him in Round 10. Canelo dominated and stopped Angulo in Round 10 also.

But Canelo I'm sure was not 100% on Trout fight. He was sluggish and hydrated too much during the fight. With Angulo, he's too quick and too strong. I think he learned a lot on his fight against Mayweather.

Lara, was drop twice by Angulo, I suspect his chin. And Canelo punches harder than Angulo. With regards to speed I think Canelo is not light years slower than Lara. Against Floyd yes. But against Lara, I think its pretty even.

Now for me it boils to one thing. Who will be able to take one's best punch, and will able to come forward, will win. And I think that's Canelo. He will silence Lara on fight night.

Canelo vs Lara Grand Arrival Quotes and Photos

 

Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME and Gene Blevins/Hogan Photos

The fighters for the much anticipated junior middleweight clash between Mexican Saul Canelo Alvarez and Cuba's Erislandy Lara finally arrived at the venue and made their Grand Arrival at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Here are what the fighters had said during the Grand Arrivals:

Saul Canelo Alavarez

"Erislandy Lara insulted me and my country. He insulted my ability to box, and I take that seriously. This is more than just a fight for me. On Saturday, I'm not only fighting for my honor, I'm fighting for the pride of my country.

"We're ready to fight and I'm so happy to see all these people anxious for the day to finally arrive.

"The fans are my motivation to keep winning and competing at a high level.

"There's a lot more of my story to be written so I am completely focused on Saturday night.

"Lara can get motivated however he wants, talking or not. The best man will win on Saturday.

"This fight will give me personal satisfaction. It's about fighting the best and beating the best. The media and the fans know that this is a dangerous fight and them knowing that will make my win that much better. It's a personal satisfaction to be fighting the best and beating the best."

Erislandy Lara

"When I arrived to the United States from Cuba, times were tough. I've built what I have from nothing. I take pride in the opportunities that this country has given me. And I'm not about to let this one go by.

"On Saturday I will trudge through the doors that my boxing skills have opened up for me and the world will know who I am.
"I feel very special to be here right now. I don't feel any pressure because I am ready to fight.

"They can say what they want Canelo is Canelo. I'm ready to fight because I believe the best should fight the best.

"Right now Canelo is my enemy and this is war now.

"I trust my trainer Ronnie Shields. He knows exactly what he is doing. Ronnie is the best trainer that I have ever had. I had great trainers as an amateur, but Ronnie is the best professionally.

"I'm fighting for my family, to put food on the table for them. No one can take that away from me."

Abner Mares

"This fight is no walk in the park. Jonathan is a warrior and that's why I trained very hard. I'm here to make a statement.

"The Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry lets you know this is going to be a great fight.

"I'm glad he has the mentality of the knockout, but on Saturday it is going to be my night in the ring."

Jonathan Oquendo

"I'm not going to lie; I have a lot of respect for Abner Mares, but don't let that fool you. I don't feel any pressure, he's a great champ but there will be blood in the ring on Saturday, and it won't be mine.

"We have great fighters from Puerto Rico and this is for those fans who will see something great Saturday.

"The knockouts come naturally to me; if it presents itself I will definitely knock him out."

Juan Manuel Lopez

"I feel good and very confident. I'm simply a better fighter. Come Saturday night, Puerto Rico will school Mexico. Vargas better watch out.

"Everything I did in the gym takes the pressure away and makes my confidence rise.

"We've got two great countries, Puerto Rico and Mexico battling it out and I just want to prove Puerto Ricans can fight."

Francisco Vargas

"I'm ready for war, Juanma better be ready to fight a true Mexican warrior.

"I don't feel any pressure, that stuff just motivates me.

"I'm glad to have all my countrymen here and we will give them all a war."

Johan Perez

"I know what I have in front of me. Mauricio is a tough, aggressive fighter and we're going to give a great fight.

"Make sure you don't miss my fight Saturday. I'm going to be his problem, not Danny Garcia."

Mauricio Herrera

"I'm coming off of a controversial loss, and I'm not about to let that happen again. I'm going to come out victorious on Saturday night and no judge will think otherwise.

"We're going to go through Johan first before worrying about another chance at Danny Garcia.

"Johan is the guy in front me and I'll show all of you a great match on Saturday."

Oscar De La Hoya

"Fights like these are all for the fans, that's why we're in this business. The match-up between Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara is going to be explosive and everyone in attendance and watching on television will witness the heart and will of two true champions.

"When the final bell sounds on Saturday night, there will not only be a winner in the ring but the fight fans will walk away the winners as well because they will have seen boxing at it's best.

"Make sure you get there early for fireworks in the ring.

"Top to bottom, this card is going to be explosive.''

Canelo vs Lara: The Undercards

The much awaited match-up between two top junior middleweight in the sport today, Mexican Saul Canelo Alvares and Erislandy Lara of Cuba, announced their undercards via Golden Boy Promotions press release. Here they are, the Canelo vs Lara undercards:

• Yamaguchi Falcao (1-0) vs Jesus M. Cruz (1-1-1) Middleweight, Four/Six Round


• Jason Quigley (Debut) vs Howard Reece (2-6, 1 KO) Middleweight, Four Rounds


• Yoandris "El Nino" Salinas (20-0-2, 13 KOs) vs Enrique Quevedo (15-7-1, 9 KOs) Junior featherweight, 10 Rounds


• John Karl Sosa (11-0, 6 KOs) vs Luis Bello (5-1, 2 KOs) Welterweight, Six Rounds

Co-main event:

• Abner Mares vs Jonathan Oquendo Featherweight, 10 Rounds

PPV Opening bout:

• Johan Perez vs Mauricio Herrera Junior welterweight, 10 Rounds


• Juan Manuel Lopez vs Francisco Vargas Featherweight title, 10 Round

The good and bad effects in blogging and writing boxing

As an avid fan and follower of the sport, since I was a kid, boxing has bad and good effects in me. As a kid, I grew up fighting with other kids, in our neighborhood, in my native place in Mindanao. It helps me build my confidence. But also gives me welt.

I never dreamed to be a boxer. I just love to lace those gloves and having fun doing sparring. Human emotions, such as fear and courage, would mixed up inside my heart. Fear to get hit and courage to throw a punch. It is such a great feeling. Try and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

My rope-less battle

As I grow older, no more boxing sparring. I need to face the real battle. The battle of life. My own rope-less battle. The battle to find daily my bread in order to live. In short, I need to work. So, boxing simply becomes a Sunday morning entertainment. I worked as a merchandiser at San Miguel Corporation (SMC) in Manila, merchandising SMC products in supermarkets.

The desire to have more income, to suffice the growing needs, of my growing family, is the reason that brought me here in Kuwait. It is same reason that brought many Filipinos to countries not our own. I'm lucky to land a career in Human Resources here in Kuwait. Where in fact, this is not the field, I studied in college. I took up and finished Marine Transportation. I'm supposed to be ship a Captain. What am I doing here?

The power of the Internet

The internet is the major help, in keeping me in touch, with my family back home. And it is also the internet that brings me back closer to boxing. With the internet, I can watch every fight I like. No need to elaborate farther, everybody knows very well the power of internet. Unlike before, back home, I can only watch boxing through TV that happened only every Sunday. Granted that I'm having day-off. I seldom got day-offs during Sundays. And it sucks, delayed telecast, too many advertisement.

The internet even brought me to another level in following the sport I love. I discovered how to create a website. And I created one for boxing. I named it shuttlepenboxing. In the beginning, it really sucks. Writing stuff about boxing in English--which is not my native tongue--is the perhaps the hardest thing to do. But I just love boxing. And I like to write.

From 2011, I'm blogging and writing for boxing in my blog. From writing preview and predictions on upcoming fights, to fight recaps. After three years of reporting and writing stuff about boxing on the internet, I felt the bad and good effects.

The bad side effects

I developed bad sleeping habits - Most of my free time, I devoted it on boxing. It's either updating my blog or reading articles or watching fights on the net. Every weekend, I sleep at 2:00 AM, just to watch fights-- especially UK-fights--that fall in the late hours here in Kuwait and wake up at 5:00 AM. I don't know now how to sleep early.

It divides my focus on my day job - more than half of boxing writers were not paid writers. They have their day job. So, I know that in one way or another, blogging and writing about boxing, divides their focus. During Sundays, I have to work here. Sunday is the first day of the work week. Big fight cards happen during Sunday morning (Saturday night in the US).  It will end at 8:00 AM, especially PPV fights, wherein the main event starts late. So, every Sunday I'm late for work. And once I've got in the office, I can't help but at times write blog post even during office hours. It's really bad. I know.

Credit Card usage - I hate credit card. I heard stories of my friends that become slave of credit card. But I took credit card mainly because of boxing. I need credit card to pay for my blog domain/hosting. Thanks to my friend, Zaldy Agustin for hosting my shuttlepenboxing site for free. Adsense might cover the domain fee, but I can't get it till it reaches the threshold. After having the credit card, it doesn't meant that I will used it solely for blogging. Other purchases follow. It becomes a bad habit now.

The good side effects

It helps develop my English - the English language is not my native tongue. I struggle each post I write. If my grammar is bad now, it was worse before. Practice makes perfect. So I practiced. But still my grammar is not perfect. But at least, I improved. Before, I need 20 minutes to compose a single paragraph email. Now I can write emails faster.

I gain friendship with peers - Major print media in the US has NFL in the front page of the sport section. Only a small portion covers boxing, if there's any. There are plenty of internet boxing writers out there. Some of them become my friends and fellow members of the Transnational Boxing Ranking Board--a ranking body that aimed to provide authoritative top-ten rankings. I'm proud to be part in realizing this mission in today's boxing environment, wherein sanctioning bodies has more two than champions in each division.

In the end, my love of this sport prevails and I will continue to love it although at times the bad effects outweigh the good ones. I just need to balance it. To those bloggers out there, drink plenty of water, sleep also sometimes and stop counting page views.

Fight Note: The guerra of Guerrero

Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (32-2-1, 18 KO) showed the boxing fans what it means to have "Guerrero" as surname. Guerrero in Spanish means warrior. Robert is indeed a warrior on that night at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. He fought his war against tough... tough opponent Yoshihiro Kamegai (24-2-1, 21 KO) of Japan. Guerrero showcased his extreme toughness as a warrior. He engaged Kamegai the kind of fight that Kamegai wanted. Toe-to-toe. Hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back. Boxing observers believed that this fight is a "Fight of the Year" candidate.

It is a fight that according to Scott Christ of BLH that don't need a "22-foot" ring but instead a "12-foot" ring would be enough. Exactly, because Guerrero and Kamegai had their head planted against each other and threw bombs after bombs. Guerrero is making the most out of every exchanges as he tended to change angles and feint Kamegai's punches. While Kamegai is willing to absorb everything that Guerrero thrown.

Here's  CompuBox statistics posted at Theboxingblog.sho.com of the guerra of Guerrero against Kamegai.

• Guerrero (484) and Kamegai (293) combined to land 777 total punches (65 per round- nearly double the wgt. class avg.) and the most combined landed punches in a 2014 fight tracked by CompuBox.

• Guerrero (1082) and Kamegai (831) combined to throw 1913 total punches (159 per round- 50 more than the wgt. class avg. and the most combined thrown punches in a 2014 fight tracked by CompuBox

• Guerrero (411) and Kamegai (278) combined to land 689 power punches (57 per round- more than double the wgt. class avg. and the most combined landed power punches in a 2014 fight tracked by CompuBox

• Guerrero ( 764) and Kamegai (741) combined to throw 1505 power punches (125 per round- nearly double the wgt. class avg. and the most combined thrown power punches in a 2014 fight tracked by CompuBox

• 89% of Guerrero and Kamegai’s landed punches were power shots. CompuBox avg.: 68%

• Guerrero’s 484 landed total punches (40 per round- more than double wgt. class avg.)- the most in a 2014 fight tracked by CompuBox

• Guerrrero’s 411 landed power punches (34 per round- more than double wgt. class avg.)- the most in a 2014 fight tracked by CompuBox

• Kamegai’s 278 landed power punches (23 per round, nearly double the wgt. class avg.) is #3 for all 2014 fights tracked by CompuBox

The statistics were amazing. I don't know how both men remained standing after 89% of punches landed were power shots. Maybe their power shots were not that hard or it's just that they are tough? I doubt. Power shot is power shot. I think this is a result of tremendous training.

Following Guerrero's win, his name are among those that float in every discussion about Pacquiao next fight. Boxing observers believed that this is sure fireworks. Pacquiao is slated to return in action in November, probably in Venetian Casino & Resort in Macau, China, with still yet to determine opponent.

Frankie Gomez to face the hard-hitting Vernon Paris

Undefeated star Frankie Gomez to face the hard-hitting Vernon Paris in junior welterweight showdown on Friday, July 25 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Live on Fox Sports 1 & fox Deportes

INDIO, CALIF. (July 3) - Unbeaten Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez is considered to be the most dangerous prospect in the junior welterweight division and on Friday, July 25, he will face his toughest challenge yet when he meets Florida's Vernon Paris in the 10-round main event of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes' Golden Boy Live! at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The co-main event is expected to be just as heated when rising bantamweight star Ivan Morales is featured in a 10-round battle against an opponent to be determined.

As a special treat for fans in attendance, the legendary Erik "El Terrible" Morales won't just be at Fantasy Springs to cheer on his brother Ivan, the Mexican great will also meet and greet fans throughout the evening, making this a fight night that aficionados won't want to miss.

"We are so proud of the success of the Golden Boy Live! series to date and July 25^th will be no exception," said Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions. "We are thrilled to provide a national television platform for rising stars such as Frankie Gomez and Vernon Paris to continue their mark on the sweet science."

Gomez vs. Paris, a 10-round junior welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Golden Ram. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $45, $35 and $25, will go on sale Friday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. PT and will be available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online atwww.fantasyspringsresort.com.

After a stellar amateur career, East Los Angeles' Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez (17-0, 13 KOs) has made a steady rise in the ranks of the 140-pound weight class since turning professional in 2010. At just 22 years of age, sweet science insiders already expect him to make his move into the title picture within the next 12 months. To do that, he has to follow up his last four victories over Pavel Miranda (KO1), Lanard Lane (W10), Prince Doku Jr. (TKO1) and Orlando Vazquez (KO2) with another impressive showing against Paris, his toughest test to date on July 25.

A native of the boxing-rich city of Detroit, 26-year-old Vernon Paris (28-1, 16 KOs) has one thing on his mind heading into his July 25 bout with Frankie Gomez - handing the Californian his first professional defeat. And if anyone has the talent and desire to do it, it's Paris, a former USBA champion whose only loss came against multi-division former World Champion Zab Judah in 2012. Since then, Paris has won two fights straight and he's looking for three at Fantasy Springs.

Twenty-two-year-old Tijuana native Ivan "Nino Maravilla" Morales (25-0, 14 KOs) is a top Mexican prospect that hopes to add to his nation's rich boxing history by becoming a world champion in the coming years. While he's still young, his efforts thus far have shown him to be a mature fighter with a seemingly endless list of positive attributes. Coming off of a 10-round win over 40-fight veteran Jose Alfredo Tirado in April, Morales heads to Southern California later this month for his third fight in the United States against an opponent to be determined.

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

Pacquiao faces younger opponents in his remaining fights

9:00 PM July 6, 2014

Dear Diary,

When Manny Pacquiao first fought Marco Antonio Barrera on Nov. 15, 2003, he's only 24 old years, a month and few days short on his 25th birthday. While Barrera is 29 years old. Barrera is sitting at the top of the featherweight division. He's at the peak of his career. But Pacquiao made Barrera looks old on that night. He's a hungry lion that took Barrera's pride.

From 2003 until 2011, Pacquiao has been fighting older but more experienced opponents, except Jorge Solis (born 1979), and Miguel Cotto (1980). He won all those fights. He beat Morales, Marquez (twice) Barrera, Diaz, De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. These fighters are either current champions of former champions when Pacquiao defeated them. 

But at this point of Pacquiao's career, he would probably face younger and younger opposition in the remaining fights of his career. He's now in the position of older lion. And younger lions are just around, ready to take over his pride.

I thought that Pacquaio's career was over when he suffer back-to-back losses in 2012. In his comeback fight in 2013, a younger opponent in Brandon Rios challenged him. The older lion prevailed. Last April another young lion and former conqueror (at least on paper) in Timothy Bradley challenged him. The older lion still prevailed.

But until when can Pacquiao keep his pride intact? I'am sure he will face younger and younger opponents in all of his remaining fights. Marquez (another old lion) still ruled out a fifth fight with him. 

Chris Algieri, Terence Crawford, Shawn Porter, Kell Brook and Danny Garcia are few of the hungry lions looking for a pride to take over. I'm sure one of these names will be Pacquiao next opponent. My Dear Diary, who do you think among the names I mentioned above would retire Pacquiao?

Pacquiao is tentatively set to comeback in November most probably in Macau, China. Apart from those names above, Amir Khan (27) is also a hot name that floats whenever Pacquiao next bout is discussed. Robert Guerrero's (31) name also has been mentioned to be Pacquiao's next opponent following his FOTY candidate war with Kamegai.

Retech

Boxing media, fans rant on Garcia-Salka

[caption id="attachment_3376" align="alignnone" width="781"] Photo Credit: Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions[/caption]

I'm thinking Danny Garcia is fighting Lamont Peterson. But no! They are not fighting each other. And boxing media, fans rant about it.

Undefeated and unified light welterweight champion Danny Garcia will be back in the ring against little known or shall I say "absolutely unknown" Rod Salka in a triple header along with IBF 140-pound titleholder Lamont against, I think another also unknown Edgar "El Chamaco" Santana and Brooklyn's own Daniel "Miracle Man" Jacobs will challenge Australia's Jarrod "Left Jab" Fletcher for the vacant WBA World Middleweight Championship.

However the real eyebrow-raiser here is Garcia who fought a fighter who is not even in the top ten or even top 30 of the 140 division, because he's from lightweight division :)

"I can't wait until August 9^th. Its going to be a stacked card, and August 9^th is going to be my night." Garcia said during the press conference on Wednesday. But it's very obvious that he owns the fight the moment this fight is sealed. I hate to underestimate Salka. I don't even know him. But he should earn his spot before having a shot at the world title. What those rank number one down to number 10 will feel?

"I'm coming to work. I've been working really hard, and my whole boxing career I've worked to put myself in position to fight for a championship or a title." Salka said on the same presscon. 

So, I have my own rant also in this match-up. But who cares about my rant, and if you do, you can find it here. Anyway I compile here boxing media, fans rant on Garcia-Salka match-up.