4 boxing stereotypes Mayweather vs Pacquiao breaks

Prior to a big fight in modern era of boxing, there are events that should take place that builds the hype leading into fight night. But Mayweather vs Pacquiao has broken and will be breaking few of these boxing stereotypes that supposed help promote the fight that is set to happen on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

After Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced that his fight with Manny Pacquiao is a "done deal" on the social media "Shots" in February, it is anticipated that the normal pre-boxing events will take place.

But check out these 5 boxing stereotypes that Mayweather vs Pacquiao has broken or will be breaking before they exchange punches in the ring.

1. Multi-city press tour

The fight was announced by Floyd in February, less than three months from fight night. The timing of the announcement will not warrant the usual 11-city press tour because it will used up the days intended for training camp. But the joint promotions between Top Rank and Mayweather Promotions decided not to hold the usual 11-city press tour because the magnitude of the fight will sell by itself. Instead they held only one press tour in Los Angeles.

2. Grand Arrivals

When the fighters break camps and travel to the venue, there's a usual grand arrival ceremony to formally kick start the fight-week. But Top Rank boss Bob Arum said that Pacquiao will not participate the usual Grand Arrivals. Instead, the Filipino fighting congressman held what Top Rank called "Las Vegas fan rally" at Mandalay Bay's South Convention Center.

3. Press Conference is not for all media men

Surprisingly, the press conference that is supposed to accommodate every media, big and small has been limited to those credentialed. Prior to the press conference, members of the media needs to be approved first before they can participate the Mayweather vs Pacquiao press conference.

4. Weigh-in ain't free

The weigh-in has been always free for the public to watch, but this time and for the first time Mayweather vs Pacquiao weigh-in will cost you $10 to watch.

According to Brad Jacobs, the executive event producer for Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promoter that "the money that is generated from the weigh-in, every dollar, is going to charity”. Jacobs further said that the reason for the nominal charge is to help with "crowd control”.

And Still! Wladimir Klitschko is the champion

Well, as expected, Wladimir Klitschko retains heavyweight crown. He won via scores of 118-109, 116-111 and 116-111 at the historic Madison Square Garden, New York on Saturday night.

Klitschko (64-3, 53 KO's) used his long left arm in a form of a jab to put Bryant Jennings where he wanted. His left jab not only serves as a potent offensive weapon but also serves as defensive arsenal to hold Jennings. And again, the piston-like left jab of Klitschko leads him to victory.

Many believed that Klitscko would wipe out Jennings. Basically, a prediction based on Wlad's impressive performance against Kubrat Pulev. Because of that Jennings, proved something on Saturday night. He's a tough neophyte.

But being tough is not enough. Jennings (19-1, 10 KO's) I think, did not explore all the possibilities to win. I mean, going until the final bell is not the same as finding a way to win.

While Klitschko, did not come out the way most of boxing fans expected. I expected him to use more of his right hand and to use his left hand, not just a jab, but as a check hook. But I didn't see any of those. His right hands were almost holstered the entire night.

To make my recap precise, let me describe in the words I read on twitter: Klitschko did not attempt to finish Jennings. Jennings did not attempt to win.

Commentary: Rey Loreto unpayed purse

If Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be getting the highest paycheck for their mega-fight on May 2, expected to generate USD 200M. But Filipino light flyweight titlist Rey Loreto is still unpaid for his USD 42,000 purse in his title defense.

Loreto (20-13, 12 KO’s) successfully defended his title against Nkosinathi Joyi in a rematch in Joyi’s home turf at the Mdantsane Indoor Centre in East London, South Africa on March 22, 2015.

Unfortunately, up to this writing, the African promoter was still unable to pay Loreto’s purse.

“Reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) world junior flyweight champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto is now back home in Davao City but has not yet been paid of his purse – a $42,000 for successfully defending his title in South Africa last March 24.”, writes Lito De los Reyes of Philboxing.com.

The first bout was also in the same arena; Loreto scored a highlight reel knockout victory over African Joyi. The then champion Joyi was very popular in his home country.

In the rematch, Joyi (24-4, 17 KO’s) is expected to regain his title from the ill-prepared Loreto. But Joyi was brutally knocked out at 1:46 mark in Round 1.

Earlier, I wrote a commentary about the reported condition of Loreto prior to the fight. Loreto underwent appendectomy procedure. Appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix to cure appendicitis.

The fight happened on March 22. And Loreto was operated on Feb 6.

In my calculation, Loreto fought Joyi 45 days after the surgical operation. This raised the red flag.

According to Healthonline.com,“it takes about four to six weeks to fully recover”.
But Loreto agreed to risk not only his title but his health with money as the main motivation.

“Hindi pa kasi tapos yun pinapagawa kong bahay sa Calinan. Yung premyo ko po sana ang gagamitin ko para matapos na ang bahay namin,” said Loreto.

Even if a boxer is 100% healthy, he still put his health at risk because boxing is a contact sport. Loreto’s condition at that time was pretty bad. Luckily he pulled out an early stoppage. But if he did not, I doubt if he will last up to five rounds.

The guy was too motivated to finish his dream house for his family. I can relate to that because my dream house is not yet finish. And I’m putting all my efforts to finance and finish it up.

But in Loreto’s case, it’s so unfortunate and I feel bad about it. He tried to risk it all, but until now he was not paid.

Watch: Manny Pacquiao media workout live stream

Watch Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao performs media workout 6pm ET/3pm PT.

Look: Floyd Mayweather Jr. wears cool T-shirt at media workout

 

[caption id="attachment_5418" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo credit to the owner[/caption]

Floyd Mayweather Jr. showed a glimpse of his fighting form during the media workout held in Las Vegas. This would be Mayweather's last public appearance ahead of his mega-fight against Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, which is scheduled on May 2. After the workout Mayweather was interviewed by the media present during the workout. What catches the attention of those who were inside the gym was the very cool T-shirt Floyd was wearing during the interviews. He's wearing a T-shirt printed with Philippine colors with his photo on it. If I'm not mistaken, I saw the same print before. But of course it was Manny's image printed on it. But I'm not surprised the idea about it, as Mayweather did the same concept before. During his fight with Oscar De La Hoya, he wore a boxing trunk and robe with Mexican colors. He also wore the traditional Mexican hat during his ring walk.

JAMES KIRKLAND'S SAN ANTONIO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES , PHOTOS

[caption id="attachment_5399" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credit: HoganPhotos/Golden Boy Promotions[/caption]

SAN ANTONIO (April 8) - Texas knockout artist James "Mandingo Warrior" Kirkland(32-1, 28 KOs) today hosted a media workout in San Antonio in advance of his face-off against Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KOs) on May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®.  In attendance were James Kirkland's trainers, Bay Bay McClinton and Rick Morones and Leija*Battah Promotions' Mike Battah in addition to Texas boxing legend Jesse James Leija.

Texas fighters featured in the non-televised undercard for May 9 were also at today's media workout including James Leija Jr., the son of Texas Boxing Legend Jesse James Leija; Austin's Curtis Meeks (9-1-2, 3 KOs), San Antonio's Cresencio Ramos (2-0, 1 KO), Cut and Shoot, Texas's light heavyweight Alfonso "El Tigre" Lopez (23-3, 18 KOs), Houston lightweight Antonio Capulin (14-0, 6 KOs), and San Antonio's Joseph Rodriguez (8-0, 2 KOs),  all participated in the media workoutS.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts on May 9 at Minute Maid Park:

JAMES KIRKLAND, Super Welterweight Contender:

"Gerald Tucker, Bay Bay McClinton, Rick Morones are all on my camp. They are working me hard, doing what it takes to win.  Right now I am very happy that they are keeping me busy, motivated and are providing a tough camp for me to be ready on May 9.

"This is the opportunity I have been waiting for and overall I am happy. I feel blessed, and I am going to go out there and make history happen.

"I want to fight Canelo because I know his style.  You see something, you analyze it, and I feel like I can beat him.

"I know Canelo is going to put in the work on fight night.  I want to be a step ahead of him, so if he comes to box or comes for a slug fest, I will be ready."

RICK MORONES, Head Trainer to James Kirkland:

"We all know he can fight; he is not a boring fighter.  We have been improving his defense, his jabs to make him a more complete fighter.

"This fight will take him to the next level and he is very motivated. I see him in the gym everyday.  He has a desire and passion for the sport.

"I am going to promise a great fight on May 9, with fireworks in the ring, and history will be made at Minute Maid Park"

BAY BAY McCLINTON, Strength and Conditioning Trainer to James Kirkland:

"We are ready to rock and roll.  This fight will bring fireworks and will be more exciting than the fight the week before [May 2].

"I have been training him since he was 15-years-old, and he is very comfortable with his new training team.

"This fight will not go the distance, it's not.  I expect James to win via knockout.  Be ready for a good fight James will not let his fans down."

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Founder of Leija*Battah Promotions and Texas Boxing Legend:

"May 9 is big for Texas and for boxing.  The fight can go either way and with Kirkland's power and Canelo's stamina, it will be a great fight for the boxing fans.

"We have so many great fighters on the card. We are trying to build world champions in Texas and a fight like this can definitely get them there.

"I see the fight ending early, the way these guys fight. I don't see a decision happening. It will definitely be an exciting night."

MIKE BATTAH, President of Leija*Battah:

"We have a great venue with Minute Maid Park, the roof can open and close in 45 seconds! Rain or shine, we will be there on May 9.

JAMES LEIJA JR., Featherweight Prospect:

"I am looking forward to seeing the crowd on fight night.  I have always dreamed of being in the ring in front of a large crowd and May 9 will be my chance to show everyone what I can do in the ring.

"I know my opponent, Eric Butler, has more experience than I do. But, I have seen him fight and I feel like I can out-box him.  I feel like I am a better boxer overall.

"I have been training for about for two months, and I always train as a professional even when I was an amateur.  We have picked it up and made it more challenging, having me spar with undefeated fighters in San Antonio.  I want to make my sparring sessions harder than what the fight will be."

CURTIS MEEKS, Super Lightweight Prospect:

"I'm looking to dominate the fight on May 9. That's what I've come to do. I'm in shape, I'm ready and I'm coming in to give the fans what they want to see.

"My opponent is a young fighter who will be prepared to fight. Kirkland and I grew up together. We've just got to give the fans what they asked for, which is an a**-whooping.

"I have been in camp with James Kirkland. So I've been focused on training every day.  Making sure that I am tested every day. That's what I do. I'm ready to work."

CRESENCIO RAMOS, Featherweight Prospect:

"I am looking to impress fans on May 9and get the win.

"I know my opponent has more experience, and I am going to try to wear him down.

"We started training two weeks ago and adding more power to my punches and using my quickness to me ready for an exciting night at Minute Maid Park."

ALFONSO LOPEZ, Welterweight Prospect:

"I'm looking forward to the excitement of the crowd on May 9. The whole atmosphere, the build-up and knowing that the level of fighters that are going to be there, it's going to be amazing.

"We're working hard. We know my opponent is a southpaw from Cuba. He's very slick. So, we're getting ready the best that we can.

"This year we've been steady at it [training camp] for 10 weeks. The focus has been more punches, more hand speed. I'm trying to sit down on my power a bit more."

ANTONIO CAPULIN, Super Featherweight Prospect:

"I'm looking forward to a big, hard fight. I want to perform; I want to be real good in front of all the fans at Minute Maid Park.

"They

 

have a couple of names in mind for my opponent. Angel Hernandez was one of them.

"I've been training for about a month and a half now, and my focus is to do as many rounds as possible and to be in top shape. I want to give fans a lot of action in the ring."

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

"I'm very honored and humbled to be part of the fight. I can't wait to show my speed. I'm very elusive so I can't wait to show my talent over all. To be part of this fight is very exciting and I can't wait to show what I have.

"For training camp, we stepped it up for this fight. I feel very confident and prepared for this fight.

"My opponent is from Houston, so I have that against me. He is 3-0, with one draw. He's a lot taller than me. Everybody should be expecting a good fight."

# # #

Tickets priced at $350, $150, $100, $50, $25 and $10, plus applicable fees and service charges, are available for purchase at Astros.com/boxing, the Minute Maid Park Box Office (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com. There is a 19-ticket limit per household.

Canelo Alvarez vs. James Kirkland is a 12-round super welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions, SMS Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions.  The fight will take place Saturday, May 9 at Minute Maid Park in Houston Texas and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico - Live it to Believe it!, Fred Loya Insurance and O'Reilly Auto Parts.  Doors open at 11:00 a.m. CT and first bout starts at 11:10 a.m. CT, the HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

An all-new edition of 24/7 Alvarez/Kirkland debuts Tuesday, May 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

All opponents will be announced shortly.  For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.smsboxing.com,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.astros.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @SMS_Boxing, @HBOBoxing, @Canelo, @KOKirkland, @Astros @LeijaBattahPR become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page,https://www.facebook.com/ SMSBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing orwww.facebook.com/astros and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @smsboxing and @HBOboxing, @Canelopower, @Kirklandsworld.  Follow the conversation using #CaneloKirkland.