So it appears November 21st we will potentially see Puerto Rico VS Mexico at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. This is not a cherry picked fight we are used to seeing as of recently (A la Thurman vs Collazo, Garcia vs Malignaggi, Chavez Jr vs Reyes). No ladies and gentlemen, we are going to see the WBC middleweight champ of the world, Miguel Cotto take on Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

This is a real fight between two champions that will for sure give boxing a boost. We have Miguel Cotto, who self admittedly stated he is not a "true" middleweight, square off against ex-champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Although Cotto is no stranger at taking risks, this is a very dangerous fight he is taking. He has faced the best throughout his career from the junior welterweight division all the way to the middleweight division. He has fought world champions like Antonio Margarito (twice), Shane Mosley, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah, and the list goes on and on. Canelo has also fought the best with a sole defeat to pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Canelo is a full fledged junior middleweight. As hall of famer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini put it, "He is built like a linebacker." Let's just say Canelo has not exactly had "soft touches" in his last few fights. He has beaten Cotto conqueror and ex champion Austin Trout along with one of the most feared boxers in the sport today Erislandy Lara. Canelo has also recently demolished Alfredo Angulo and James Kirkland with one of the most vicious knockouts of the year. All of these fighters are or were the best in the 154 pound division. Canelo has beaten them all.

In the last two fights Cotto has had, his opponents were not exactly at their best. Cotto beat a decrepit Sergio Martinez, who was at the time the recognized middleweight champion of the world. Cotto also went on to beat Daniel Geale, who was previously knocked out in three rounds by some who say is the current true middleweight champion of the world, Gennady Golovkin. I take nothing away from Cotto. He looked spectacular in those fights under the tutelage of Freddie Roach. Cotto had spring in his step and a left hook to the body that looked like the Cotto of old.

Miguel Cotto has his work cut out for him this time around. Canelo hits like a truck and paralyzes his opponents with his left hook and right hand. Cotto has power but not for a man who is bigger, stronger, and exceptionally skilled. Cotto will use his foot work to evade those powerful punches Canelo will be shooting at him. Cotto will slip, counter, and move. But in the later rounds, Canelo will catch him...and drop him. I hope that Roach can devise a plan that can keep Cotto a float in the championship rounds. Although I have to say, Canelo will catch him and beat him in the 9th.

Even though I believe Cotto will lose, I am giving him all the credit in the world for taking this fight. As the great Teddy Atlas put it, "He's behaving like a fighter." Cotto is not only behaving like a fighter, the man is behaving like a champion.

[caption id="attachment_1853" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo Credit: AP/Lionel Cironneau)[/caption]

Hard hitting undefeated middleweight Gennady Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) will face yet another hard hitting 160 pound titlist David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs) for a unification bout on 17 October at the Madison Square Garden on HBO PPV.

I will fight @lemieuxboxing in a Middleweight Title Unification on #October17 @TheGarden & @HBO PPV! #GolovkinLemieux pic.twitter.com/E6BTxueSWB

— Gennady Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) July 25, 2015

The undefeated boxing's pound-for-pound best Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have a brilliant plan before retiring. He said that his September fight is his last, but I doubt. In my opinion, he will fight one more time to surpass Rocky Marciano's perfect 49-0-0 record and retire 50-0-0.

Mayweather (48-0-0) will be fighting in September to fulfill his contractual obligation of his mega-buck, 6-fight deal with Showtime. The most likely opponent is Andre Berto.

With Andre Berto the likely opponent, many boxing observer believed that the 2015 Forbes highest paid athlete is looking for an easy fight. By beating Berto in September, Floyd will equal Marciano's record. In 2016, most likely, Floyd will hand-picked the easiest opponent he'll find. He will make sure that his 50th opponent will not derail his plan to retire 50-0-0 and break Marciano's record. Don't hope for a Pacquiao rematch.

But there's one fighter that will ruin Mayweather's brilliant plan: The master tactician, Cesar Rene Cuenca. He will ruin Mayweather's plan by not even fighting him in the ring.

Cuenca's 48-0-0 records equals Floyd.

Cuenca defeated China's Ik Yang last Saturday and ruined China's chance to have the second world champion after the sport of boxing was reinstated in this country.

If Cuenca, will fight again before Floyd fights on September, he'll equal Marciano's record first. That of course granted if he will win. OK, granted he wins. And if he will fight again before Mayweather fights next year, then again granted that he wins, then he will break Marciano's record first.

Floyd will end up chasing Cuenca's record.

If I were Floyd, I'll offer Cuenca to be my next opponent in September instead of Berto or I will pay Cuenca and I will let him retire.

[caption id="attachment_5911" align="alignnone" width="750"] Chavez connects a left to the head of Reyes. Photo: Naoki Fukuda[/caption]

The third week of July was perhaps the busiest boxing weekend. Here we compiled 23 results. That of course might not cover every result globally as there were professional bouts happening in the very remote areas of the globe. So that's in addition to these 23 fight results.

Here they are, the week's boxing results Roundup July 13-19:

18 July 2015

Julio César Chávez Jr. UD 10 Marcos Reyes

Chavez (49-2-1, 32 KOs) weighed over the the contracted 168-pound super middleweight limit during the official weigh-in. They let Reyes camp agreed to push the limit up to 170 pounds. Again Chavez weighed more than what is agreed. He came in at 170.8 pounds. Instead of shedding the extra baggage, he paid Reyes (33-3, 24 KOs) a penalty fee. He refused to undergo weigh-in during fight night to determine his weight. His estimated weight on fight night was between 190-200 pounds. Chavez is expected to dispatched early the undersized Reyes. But Chavez still unable to deliver what is expected, although he won on points. The official scores were: 97-92, 98-91 and 96-93.

Nonito Donaire TKO-2 Anthony Settoul

You can read here my fight report here: http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/07/donaire-delivers-a-spectacular-showing-in-macao.html

Cesar Rene Cuenca UD 12 Ik Yang

Cesar Rene Cuenca (48-0, 2 KOs) displayed a master class performance against tough brawler and China's hope for second world championship Ik Yang. Cuenca was able to lure Yang to a tactical fight from the opening round until Round 11.

He let Yang (19-1, 14 KOs) think of out-boxing him by staying in Yang's punching range but constantly moving from side to side and engaging from an angle. There's no way Yang can outbox Cuenca. Cuenca's punches were like good morning towel that wipes Yang's every morning. Yang did not make the drastic tactical adjustment until round 11, which was too late as Cuenca was too wide well ahead on the scorecards.

Yang forced Cuenca to a brawl in Round 12, which was really effective. Making it a war was Yang's right option if he wanted to win the fight but one round was not enough to rattle and topple the master tactician. Even a feather-fisted well-schooled boxer will always give trouble to a wild heavy-handed brawler.

Scott Quigg TKO 2 Kiko Martinez

If Nonito Donaire demolished Anthony Settoul in two rounds, Scott Quigg (31-0-2, 23 KOs) dispatched Spain's Kiko Martinez (32-6, 24 KOs) in two rounds too. This could set-up a Donaire-Quigg world title clash in the 122-pound division in Dubai, which is what promoter Bob Arum said. But it seemed the UK boxing fans were interested for a Quigg-Frampton showdown. Frampton won a UD against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

Carl Frampton UD 12 Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

Still undefeated and held the IBF junior featherweight title Carl Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs) got up from twin knockdowns he suffered in the opening round and started racking up points from there. Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) lost two points for low blows. Official scores were: 116-108, 116-108 and 115-109. With Frampton's victory, UK boxing fans were excited of a Frampton-Quigg showdown but Quigg's trainer is looking the other way around.

Joe Gallagher, Quigg's trainer, is "interested in a Donaire fight" than a title match against Carl Frampton because of his past "experience" in dealing with Frampton's handlers.

McJoe Arroyo UD Technical Decision 10 Arthur Villanueva

A highly tactical super flyweight fight that appeared unpalatable to boxing fans ringside earning boos from them. The fight has been shortened by a deep cut resulting from accidental clash of heads and the fight went to the scorecards. Villanueva (27-1, 14 KOs) deducted a point in Round 6 for coming head-first. Official scores were: 98-91, 98-91 in favor of Arroyo (17-0, 8 KOs).

Other results for 18 July 2015 :

• Chris Jenkins Draw 12 Tyrone Nurse


• Amir Imam KO-4 Fernando Angulo


• Denis Shafikov TKO-3 Roy Mukhlis


• Darleys Perez Draw 12 Anthony Crolla


• Rex Tso TKO-4 Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth


• Arthur Abraham TKO 6 Robert Stieglitz


• Fred Kassi DRAW Chris Arreola


• Charles Manyuchi TKO6 Gianluca Frezza


• Martín Murray TKO5 Mirzet Bajrektarevic

Results for 17 July 2015 :

• Sandor Martin TKO-1 Anzor Gamgebeli


• Suriyan Sor Rungvisai TKo-4 Ibuki Tanaka


• Srisaket Sor Rungvisai KO-1 Jack Amisa


• Jose Perez TKO-1 Rafael Castillo


• Takuya Kogawa UD 10 Hiroki Saito


• Nawaphon Por Chokchai (AKA Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai) TKO-3 Wiljan Ugbaniel


• Artem Dalakian UD 12 Angel Moreno


• Erkan Teper KO2 David Price

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire delivered the performance he was expected, stopping Anthony Settoul of France in the second round of their junior featherweight clash Saturday at the Cotai Arena in Macao.

Donaire (35-3, 23 KOs) dropped Settoul (20-4, 8 KOs) twice in the first round. His body punches forced Settoul to take a knee twice; first in the middle of the round and then again in dying seconds of Round 1.

Donaire was obviously in serious business not allowing his confidence to make unnecessary movements in the ring like showboating.

In the second, Donaire continued to execute the effective game plan he used in Round 1, which was keeping his punches together, setting up the power punches and careful counter-punching.

"We worked really hard for it. You know, we did everything that we need to do like the body shot, setting up the punches and of course the counter punching", says Donaire.

We'll fight the biggest guy, we'll fight the fastest guy, we'll fight the smartest guy and I will be ready this time" says Donaire when ask about what's next for him.

"Hopefully a world title shot, if God's willing."

Midway to the second round, Donaire connected a solid left hook to the head of Settoul that sent Settoul down for the third time. Settoul was able to beat the count, but as he bounced on his feet, his corner threw in a towel. Referee Tapdasan waived the contest off.

Official time: 1:41 mark in the second round.

Donaire could be up against Scott Quigg next for a world title fight. That of course if Quigg get past Kiko Martinez on Saturday night.

When I was a kid, I really love the WWE. Later on, as I grew up, of course, I discovered that WWE is not a legitimate sporting contest. It is just pure entertainment. It is scripted and staged. That's the time I focus my attention to boxing and lost interest to wrestling.

Although professional boxing is a legitimate sporting contest, but still it is not immune from staged fights. Few prominent figures in boxing crazy nations staged fights in their favor for personal interest. Some boxers paid opponents to take a dive in order to boost their records if not boosting their macho image or for political ambition.

Since following boxing at an early age, it is only in this year that I witnessed two boxing bout that is obviously staged. It is freaking fraud! A fucking freak show! And it's too obvious that I wanted to shit on my pants. Pull my shit out from my pants and wipe it on the TV screen. Maybe I was able to watch before, but I was not able to recognize it because the dive did not look too obvious. But these two bouts? Naaaa!!!

Mickey Rourke vs. Elliot Seymour

Update: Sorry for the bad title, but this actually happened in 2014.

At 62 years old and 20 years removed from his last bout, who will think that Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke will return to the ring? But he did! And he won against a guy half his age via knockout in just two rounds. Hmmmm... Will you believe? Watch below!

Jorge Kahwagi vs. Ramon Olivas

Jorge Kahwagi, 47, till undefeated in 12 fights with all wins coming by way of knockout, made a stunning come back fight ten years after his last bogus fight and won via first round KO. Weeeee! Watch the freakishness below!

Undefeated middleweight Antoine Douglas dropped Istvan Szili three times en route to a third round stoppage and won the Inter-Continental middleweight title Friday at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Right from the start Douglas (18-0-1, 12 KOs) slugged it out against Szili. He was able to tag Szili (18-1-2, 8 KOs) with right crosses, which was the main weapon that dropped and stopped the 32 years old Szili. In the second round, a right hand dropped Szili to his knees. In the third, a right hand and a left hook dropped Szili flat onto his stomach and then again ultimately down for good at the 0:29 mark in Round 3.

It was an impressive performance by Douglas overall. But it remains to be seen where this victory would lead him later this year.

Arif Magomedov UD 10 Derrick Webster

Height doesn't matter.

Russian, Arif Magomedov dominates six-foot, 4-inches tall Derrick Webster to capture regional middleweight title in the under-card. In the get-go, Webster (19-1, 10 KOs) tried to use his height advantage using his jab from outside. But Magomedov's constant pressure found success, landing combinations to the body and right hands to the head of Webster. He was able to score effectively with his lead right hand every round.

Magomedov, 22, dropped Webster with a right hand six seconds remaining in the seventh round.

In the eighth, Magomedov stepped up his offensive pace a little bit more looking to end the fight by a knockout, but Webster was able to survive.

Sensing the urgency as a knockout is the only way to win, Webster turned aggressive in the ninth frame. He landed stiff jabs and left hooks to the head that derailed Magomedov's offense. It's the only round that Magomedov looked dominant.

In the tenth, Webster tried to set the same tempo he started in Round 9 and is looking to finished the round strong. But Magomedov caught Webster again with a right hand that sent him down again to the canvas.

The official score was 99-89 on all three judges.

[caption id="attachment_5358" align="alignnone" width="2256"] Nonito Donaire pummels over-matched William Prado of Brazil, as referee Bruce Mc Tavish getting ready to step in to halt the contest. Photo: Retech Son[/caption]

Multi-division world titlist Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire (34-3, 22 KOs) and his opponent Anthony Setoul (20-3, 8 KOs) of France both came in one pound over the junior featherweight limit at 123 pounds for their 10-round scheduled bout at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao on Saturday.

'IK' Yang Lian Hui (19-0,14KO's) of China, who headlines the event, weighed in at 139.8 pounds. His opponent, Cesar Cuenca (47-0,2KO's) of Argentina weighed in at 139.4 pounds.

Britain's four-time world super-middleweight champion Carl Froch announced on Tuesday that he's "officially retired from boxing".

Froch, 38 has a record of 33 wins out of 35 fights, having 24 victories by knockout, with only two defeats.

Froch put an end to his own idea of fighting Gennady "Triple G" Golovkin. Few weeks ago, he's hinting on fighting undefeated middleweight titlist Golovkin.

In an interview, Froch told the Nottingham Post that he "fear no man - including Golovkin".

Boxing fans got excited for the last two weeks for this development, but on Tuesday Froch posted on Twitter about retirement.

I'm officially retired from Boxing. So much to say & so many people to thank. But for now, I just want to say THANK YOU to my amazing fans.

— Carl Froch (@Carl_Froch) July 14, 2015

However, history taught us that retired fighters keep on launching a comeback, especially if they initially retired on top.

Froch last fight was a high note. He knockout George Grooves in a rematch in front of 80,000 fans at the Wembley Stadium.

[caption id="attachment_5861" align="alignleft" width="300"] Photo: Dong Secuya[/caption]

Cebu City, Philippines - The longest reigning Filipino champion and the lone champion from the Philippines Donnie Nietes retained his light flyweight title by outpointing the 22-year old  mandatory challenger Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr. on Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City.

Nietes dominated Rodriquez in a tactical fight and won via unanimous decision. Two judges had it for Nietes in a wide margin: Robert Hecko 119-109 and Lisa Giampa 118-110, while judge Benoit Roussel had it little bit closer at 115-113.

Nietes, 33, now improves his record to 36 wins, with 21 wins by way of knockout,  1 defeat, and 4 draws. Rodriguez on the other hand falls to 17 wins, 3 defeats and a draw.

With the win Nietes, defended his championship for nearly eight years since winning the minimum weight championship in 2007 and the longest reigning Filipino champion in Philippine boxing history.

What's next for Donnie Nietes

Nietes could probably move up to the talent packed 112 pound division with Roman Gonzalez sitting at the top of the division with other titlist Juan Francisco Estrada (43-0, 37 KOs) , Amnat Ruenroeng (16-0, 5 KOs), who recently successfully defended title against Jhonriel Casimero (21-3, 13 KOs), Moruti Mthalane (31-2, 20 KO's) and Brian Viloria (35-4, 21 KOs).

Estrada would be an "easy fight" says Villamor, Donnie Nietes trainer.

The Nietes-Rodriguez match-up is the 31st edition of the successful ALA's Pinoy Pride Series.

The next installment could be in Dubai as the advertisement for a card dubbed "Duel in Dubai II" has been airing on ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel (TFC) in the Middle East.

LOS ANGELES (July 9) - Former WBA Interim Super Lightweight Champion Mauricio "El Maestro" Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) and top title contender "Hammerin'" Hank Lundy(25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia hosted their final press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 9 at the City Althetix Gym in The Golden Boy Building to discuss their upcoming 10-round showdown on Saturday, July 11 for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Championship.  Presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association withCES Boxing, Herrera vs. Lundy will possibly be the last boxing match held at the historicLos Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before it is demolished early 2016.

Also in attendance were the co-main event fighters Michael "The Artist" Perez and Luis Sanchez who will face off in 10-round lightweight battle for the vacant NABO title. Joseph "Jo Jo" Diaz, Jr. (16-0, 10 KOs) and Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado (22-4, 15 KOs) were also present to discuss their televised 10-round featherweight weight bout on HBO Latino ® Boxing.

Los Angeles based fan-favorite fighters, featured on the non- televised undercard, Nick Arce (3-0, 3 KOs), Jesus Ivan Delgado (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and Jason Quigley (6-0, 6 KOs) were also onsite joined by fellow Golden Boy Promotions fighter from Brooklyn, New York, Zachary "Zungry" Ochoa (11-0-, 5 KOs).

Christian "Chimpa" Gonzalez (10-0, 9 KOs), who attended the press conference and was set to face Jose Esquivel in a six-round super featherweight fight, had to cancel today due to illness, "due to unforeseen circumstances on my behalf I will not be fighting on Saturday. Unfortunately, I've had a fever for 3 days now. I tried very hard to save the fight, but I'm not at 100%. I'm bummed out, but my health comes first," said Christian Gonzalez.

Here is what the fighters, their promoters, and others had to say at the press conference in Los Angeles on July 9:

MAURICIO "EL MAESTRO" HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion:

"I want to thank Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity on July 11.

"I have been training very hard for this camp. We have been running hills, running in the sand, we did it all.

"Lundy is a tough fighter, we have both had tough careers. We have had it rough and this is the perfect fight for us. This fight will show who is hungrier, who has more heart.

"In Philly they know who I am, they know I beat the champion and they will know that I beat Hank Lundy.

"On July 11, Lundy will know who is the real monster is.  Provodnikov couldn't drop me, Garcia couldn't drop me, Benavides couldn't drop me and Lundy will not take me down.

"I am going to come out as a champion on July 11."

"HAMMERING'" HANK LUNDY, Top Super Lightweight Title Contender:

"Thanks Golden Boy Promotions, CES and my manager for making this fight happen.  This is going to be a good fight.  This is what boxing needs, two hungry warriors ready to get in there to put on a show.

"This is the fight that everyone will want to tune into and watch the fourth of the July all over again.  There will be fireworks on July 11.

"I live the life of a fighter: sacrifice, determination, it's all fair in the game of boxing.

"There is going to be hell to pay for, I'm coming for you [Herrera].

"Everywhere I go is my hometown, I always steal the show.  Hammerin' Hank coming to a city or town near you. It's hammer time baby!"

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman & CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

"Thanks for all the support, we have a special card for all the Angelenos.  The fighters featured on this card are all talented, explosive fighters.  This is a can't-miss event.

"We will kick off the celebration with a great Fan Fiesta for all the local fans.  We will have autographs signings, a special Corona Sponsored beer garden, food trucks and much more.

"This event might be the last event at the arena, if you haven't witnessed a boxing event at the Los Angeles Sports Arena you should get your tickets now.  The sports arena's first event was a boxing event and on July 11, we are paying homage to that great event.

"That is why they call him [Herrera] the People's Champion, the uncrowned champion, but that doesn't stop him from working hard.  He is a professional and is prepared for war, to give fight fans a show on Saturday night.

"This card features some of the brightest stars in the sport, Joseph Diaz, Jr., Nick Arce, Christian Gonzalez.  All of these fighters are Los Angeles based fighters with a lot of pride for their hometown."

JIMMY BURCHFIELD SR., President of CES Boxing:

"I wanted to thank everyone for giving us a big welcome; we have had a beautiful welcome. We work with a lot of promoters but no one is better than Golden Boy, the whole team is so great to work with and we want to continue to work together.

"HBO is a great network, thank you for the opportunity and thank you for the continual support to the sport.

"This is one of the best fight cards that I have seen, from top to bottom.

"Hank has fought everywhere, but the one thing about LA is that Hank had enough time to get ready for this fight.  He is coming with two hammers, he is in the best shape ever andtomorrow he will get on that scale and be ready.

"Hank has been ready for this fight since June, Hank Lundy is a Philadelphia fighter, everyone knows what a Philadelphia fighter is.

"The Hammer Man is coming with two hammers to take the title home to Philadelphia."

MICHAEL "THE ARTIST" PEREZ, Lightweight Contender:

"I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting this card. There is a lot of prospects, a lot of talent in this card.

"This card is going to bring fireworks to the Sports Arena on July 11, this will be our Fourth of July.

"Training camp has been going well, preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight. I promise to make a statement."

JOSEPH "JO JO" DIAZ JR., Featherweight Contender:

"I have had a great training camp and I am ready to fight Rene Alvarado, I know he is a very skilled fighter and he will bring out the best in me.

"I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, and Oscar De La Hoya for giving me this opportunity.  I am excited to be fighting in Los Angeles, in front of my friends and family."

RENE "GEMELO" ALVARADO, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

"I want to thank everyone for being here and showing their support, would like to thank God for the opportunity, Golden Boy Promotions who is my promoter for this fight.  This victory is for Managua, Nicaragua."

TONY WALKER, Director, HBO Sports:

"Thank you for coming out. This is an exciting match up that will be well received by our subscribers.

"We're happy to work with GBP (Golden Boy Promotions) to bring this show to HBO Latino. It is going to be an exciting night of boxing and the fighters deserve attention."

[caption id="attachment_4014" align="alignnone" width="750"] Photos From Esther Lin/Showtime[/caption]

Undefeated pound-for-pound boxing best American Floyd Mayweather Jr. posted on social media Thursday that he plans "to go out on top" and says, "see you back in the ring September 12!".

The 2015 Forbes highest paid athlete, who earned more than $300 million for his May 2 bout against rival Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, apologize for subjecting his fans and followers to the nonsense and childish behavior of some people close to him.

"I apologize for subjecting my fans and followers to the nonsense and childish behavior of some people close to me. At this level, I understand the acts of the company I keep is often a reflection of me and I take responsibility to make sure those type of antics are not tolerated or rewarded."

Mayweather has been famous for his trash talking during the build-up on most of his fight. He's been portraying as the ultimate boxing villain. Love him or hate him you gotta buy his fight. This strategy has been working for years on his career as way to generate buzz and hype to every fight he is into apart from his almost flawless boxing style.

Mayweather apologizing to fans and followers in behalf of his company and people who are close to him, in my opinion, suggest that maybe he do not want exactly what he is being perceived today. Maybe he's just following the business strategy that his company and people close to him.

Whatever it is, Mayweather has been successful with the strategy that his company laid on his career. Apologizing to the fans about the effective way of handling his career, in my opinion, just revealed the real Mayweather from inside.

Mayweather and his company knows well "when" and "when not" to implement the "bad boy" strategy. Leading up to the build up of the Pacquiao fight, after he officially announced that the fight is on, Mayweather did not employ the strategy as the fight will sell by itself. And it did!

Sure I enjoy the company of my friends. I enjoy the unprecedented lifestyle my hard work has afforded me. I enjoy spending my free time traveling the world and having fun with my children- These are the things that mean most to me and I have become accustomed to blocking out negativity and refocusing my energy on those deserving of it...And more importantly, the people who bring me true happiness. With that said, I apologize for subjecting my fans and followers to the nonsense and childish behavior of some people close to me. At this level, I understand the acts of the company I keep is often a reflection of me and I take responsibility to make sure those type of antics are not tolerated or rewarded. Throwing stones is a sign of weakness- I choose to be strong. To My fans, your loyalty and support has given me the best 20 years I could ask for and while at the top, I plan to go out on top....see you back in the ring September 12th! - Floyd Mayweather Jr.

[caption id="attachment_5768" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Filipino light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes on the scales during the D-Day Official weigh-in[/caption]

D-Day official weigh-in

March 17 @ 10:00 a.m. - I went out of Manila International Airport terminal III. I still have an hour before the official weigh-in starts. I took a bus to Taft Avenue to catch a train (LRT) to Cubao station. From Cubao, it's walking distance to the weigh-in venue.

When I was inside the bus, sitting at the back sit a Chinese young lady sits beside me. She's around in her mid 20s, fair complexion, slim and pretty. She's wearing a simple blouse and skirt above the knee. A big round brown hat sits on her lap. She seemed alone.

"Hi how are you?" I tried to open up a conversation. "Hello!" her short reply to me.

I ask her where she's going and she said she wanted to buy some post stamp as a souvenir. She's in her last day as a tourist. Her flight will be tonight. She said she will be going to Mall of Asia, which is in the opposite direction. I give her the right direction how to go to MOA.

We disembarked from the bus together and we parted ways. I stopped for a while in a corner where you can find the famous Manila street vendors selling stuffs. I bought few sticks of cigarette, lighted one smoke for few minutes. Few minutes later, I started climbing the stairs leading to the LRT ticket booth, when I saw her moving in the same direction.

"Hey! You're supposed to take a bus at the other side of the highway going to MOA?" I told her.

She looks confused. I bought ticket for two to Cubao and told her to come with me and buy those post stamps from there. I wanted to help her. Filipinos are very hospitable people. But there are few who take advantage to some foreigners that look uncertain of their direction and alone. So I offered my help. I told her to be careful.

Although as a Filipino I don't like the way how the Chinese behaving the disputed Spratly Islands but I didn't hesitate to help her. I've been in foreign lands too and I know the risk being lost in a metropolis.

We boarded the train together and we are on our way to the weigh-in venue. While on the train, I told her stories about boxing. I asked her if she known Zou Shiming... to my surprise she said "I don't know him". I thought Shiming is so huge in China. But not all people in China know him, or maybe she just doesn't care about boxing at all.

@ 11:00 a.m. - we are heading to the Araneta Coliseum and the weigh-in already started. I told her that I can't be with her around because I will be covering the weigh-in. I showed her the mall complex. I also showed her the direction how to get back to the airport too. Before that, we had lunch together at Jollibee Farmers Plaza. She left and said thank you several times. I reminded her to take care. I'm happy that in my little way I helped her. I watch her walked away till I lost sight of her. Then, I shifted my sight to the weigh-in. This is it!

"Can I come inside" I told to one of the security guard that secures the perimeter of "D-Day" boxing weigh-in. I've got no clear answer. Although, I'm hesitant to come in, you know... it's my first time, but I came in anyway.

I expected a huge crowd at the weigh-in. Boxing took a huge leap to prominence in the Philippines because of Pacquiao's accomplishments. If it was Pacquiao's weigh-in regardless of opponent, there must be massive crowd. But local fighters other than Pacquiao, even if the fight is held in the country's capital, don't have the massive support from Filipinos. Boxing is just secondary to basketball in the Philippines.

The venue of the weigh-in was the historic Araneta Coliseum. The venue of one the greatest fight in the sport of boxing: The "Thrila in Manila" in 1978, the final battle between Mohammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The weigh-in was situated near the Araneta Coliseum green entrance.

I took my camera and started taking pictures at the undercard fighters taking their turn at the weighing scale.



Moments later, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire's name was called by respected boxing analyst and journalist, Ronnie Natanielsz. Nonito came out. The look of his face showed he's so damn serious and ready to rumble. Moving back to 122 pound, Donaire's physique looked so strong. The baby fats hanging around his waist during the Nicholas Walters weigh-in can't be seen on Donaire's super bantamweight frame.

William Prado, Donaire's opponent, who tipped the scales earlier, stood beside Donaire for the photo-ops. Then I experience watching for the first time fighters doing the "face-off" live in front of me. It was a wonderful feeling. I can feel the intensity and tension. I can feel Donaire's desire to win this fight. He was knockout by Nicholas Walters in his previous fight. This time he's all business. I can see it in his blazing eyes. You can view the photos that I took during the weigh-in by clicking the link here: http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/03/pinoy-pride-30-weigh-in-photos.html

Next on the scale are the main event fighters.  Nathanielzs called Gilberto Parra onto the scales and then Donnie Nietes followed. Both men were right in the light flyweight limit 108 lbs. They looked strong and ready to rumble. Nietes really looks comfortable at the weight although he's been fighting at 108 lbs for several years and I heard few times that he's moving up to flyweight.

Parra also seemed comfortable at the weight but looked a little bit pale. His 18 wins although most of them were contested at the light flyweight limit Parra did weighed several pounds over in few fights. He even fought at flyweight in his fifth professional fight weighing in 112.5 lbs in the official weigh-in. But there's no serious indication that he struggled to make weight.

So, without any weight issues to all fighters, I'm so excited for fight night.

Read "D-Day" Diary Part I - http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/07/d-day-diary.html

[caption id="attachment_5755" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Early fans queue at the historic Araneta Coliseum green entrance[/caption]

After four years of writing (or if you like me to call it blogging, so be it) about the sport of boxing, I have been given the opportunity to cover live boxing event. As a boxing fan, as all of you guys knew, I've been covering the sport through TV and live streaming since 2011. And I posts fight recaps, preview and predictions on every fight I've cover on this blog.

I went for a vacation to the Philippines last March 12. The "D-day" boxing event, ALA's "Pinoy Pride" 30^th edition, featuring longest reigning Filipino boxing champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes, who will be defending his title against Francisco Rodriquez this Saturday,  and co-featured Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire vs. William Prado. The date of this spectacular boxing card coincided with the date of my vacation.

The fight happened last March 18 and my flight to Philippines was on March 12. I've got media accreditation with the guidance of respected Philippine Star journalist Abac Cordero. Since this is my first time, I wrote a diary of this wonderful experience. First time experience is memorable and unforgettable. Although this card, of course not the biggest fight that happened in the Philippines, but I have this card third in my list; next to "Thrila in Manila" and Pacquiao-Mira. It's still good to be well-documented.  So here’s it is, my diary of "D-day" boxing card in Manila.

The smooth travel to the venue

March 17 @ 5:00 a.m. - It was a cold Friday morning. The sun did not shine yet. But I expect another humid Philippine hot summer as soon as the sun shines. My DSLR camera, laptop, phone, pocket WiFi were all packed inside a small backpack.

I'm all set to catch my 7:55 a.m. domestic flight from Ozamiz City to Manila. For those who don't know yet, yours truly is residing in Baroy, Lanao del Norte, in Mindanao. So I need to travel for 45 minutes via plane to reach Manila.

7:00 a.m. - I reach Ozamiz airport just in time. Cebu Pacific Air flight from Manila just touchdown when I've got my backpack checked. It's the same plane that will take me to Manila. Although Cebu Pac is notorious for their delayed flights. Many complained their flights were delayed for hours and at times flights were completely cancelled without proper passenger guidance. But in fairness to Cebu Pac, all my flying experience with them were on time -- including international flights. My experience with Cebu Pac's international and local flights can be read here.

When I got inside the boarding lounge, most of the passengers were all in. Few minutes later, passengers from Manila have disembarked from the plane. After another 45 minutes, the airline announce for boarding. Since I arrived late, I did not bother to compete with other fellow passengers rushing to the queue to board the plane. I'm the last passenger who entered the plane.

7:55 a.m. - "All flight crew prepare for take off", says the pilot. I fastened my set belt and closed my eyes. I need to catch some sleep because it's gonna be a long day ahead in Manila for "D-Day" weigh-in that will takes place at 11:00 a.m. at the Araneta Coliseum green entrance and that will be on my next post that can be found here - http://theboxingdiary.com/2015/07/d-day-diary-part-ii.html

Longest reigning Filipino champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes and his Mexican challenger Francisco Rodriguez Jr. both weighed in at the light flyweight limit at 108 pounds during Friday's official weigh-in held at the activity center of SM City Cebu.

Nietes will be defending his light flyweight title this Saturday for the seventh time at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Nietes looked very strong without any indication of weight struggle despite fighting at light flyweight all these years. Rodriquez's cheeks although deeply set had no problem making the weight despite plans of moving up in weight.

Win or lose, I believed that both fighters will be moving up in weight in their next fight to join the mix of a very loaded flyweight division championed by pound-for-pound top two, Roman Gonzalez.

[caption id="attachment_5822" align="alignnone" width="640"] Manny Pacquiao prays with Mary Jane Veloso in his cell. Photo from Pacquiao's Facebook[/caption]

Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao visited and prayed with her kabayan Mary Jane Veloso Friday, who was convicted in Indonesia after being arrested in 2009 with 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) of heroin was found in her suitcase.

Pacquiao together with wife vice-governor Jinky arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday to film a commercial and confirmed that he will visit Veloso and to meet also Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Pacquiao said "I will visit her [Veloso] on Friday," to reporters while in Semarang. A place not too far away from the prison where Veloso is being held.

The Filipino boxing icon was able to visit Veloso and prayed with her on Friday, but it is still unknown whether he was able to meet President Widodo.

Late Thursday evening, Pacquiao said via text message that his meeting with Widodo is not yet certain.

Veloso was set to be executed via firing squad on April, but was granted a reprieve after her recruiter was arrested in the Philippines. The Indonesian government however stressed that the reprieve was only a "postponement".

Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) headlines Premiere Boxing Champions on ESPN against former titlist Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs) at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida says that "a hungry man is a dangerous man" referring to his opponent during the press conference.

“Luis Collazo, respectable fighter, has a great resume, has something to prove. He told you he was knocked down and he came back. He got into this fight, and he looks forward to taking my title home with him… A hungry man is a dangerous man” says Thurman who remains cordial the entire conference towards Collazo.

Prior to Thurman's statement above, Collazo owns the microphone first and says: “I feel great, I’m blessed. I’m just humble for this opportunity. I didn’t come here for no handouts. I coming for that W and bring that belt back to Brooklyn.

Although main even fighters were cordial, but it's not the case for the co-featured fighters.

Undefeated Tony Harrison (21-0-0, 18 KOs) and Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs) steals the show. Harrison did some pushing and a lot of talking. Nelson fired with his own verbal shots. The duo were inseparable and wanted to remain with their faces inches apart.

“I’m going to prove you all wrong once again, thanks for coming out, thanks for supporting him, and thanks for coming to see me lose, which I’m not going to do" says Nelson directing the comment to the media present as Harrison has been the favorite to win the contest.

“It’s not enough for me to beat Willie Nelson. I want to knock Willie Nelson out. I want to be the first person ever to knock Willie Nelson out" says Harrison when he has the microphone.