Capiz Sports Blog

Pacquiao eyes history against Cotto

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:22:00 +0000

To pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, size really doesn't matter. The Filipino boxing hero, gearing up for a world title clash with Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto that could give Pacquiao a slice of boxing history, said he doesn't put much stock in those who say Cotto's superior size could prove too much. "I have heard that a couple of times the past two years," Pacquiao said with a smile Wednesday, as reporters, photographers and TV cameramen jammed Hollywood's WildCard boxing club to see him train. After all, Pacquiao's most recent victories have come against bigger opponents. Admittedly Oscar De La Hoya was past his prime when Pacquiao stopped him in the eighth round in December of 2008. On May 2, Pacquiao knocked out Britain's Ricky Hatton in the second round of their junior welterweight clash. "It's not about comparing size, not about comparing power," Pacquiao insisted. "Knowledge is power. You don't have knowledge, you don't have power." Pacquiao handed Hatton his first defeat at junior welterweight. He claimed the International Boxing Organization belt to match a ring record with a title in a sixth career weight class. Pacquiao secured his place among boxing's all-time greats, adding the junior welterweight crown to past world titles at lightweight, super featherweight, junior featherweight, featherweight and flyweight. With the hard-hitting Cotto's World Boxing Organizagion welterweight belt on the line in a bout to be fought at 145 pounds, Pacquiao could capture an outright record by claiming a title in a seventh weight division. "If I win it's boxing history - seven titles in seven different weight divisions," Pacquiao said. "I would be so proud - being a Filipino who captured titles in seven weight divisions." Pacquiao's prowess in the ring has made him a hero in his homeland, and his victories over De La Hoya and Hatton have raised his profile in the United States. This week, he appeared on US television's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" programme, impressing with his singing performance. It wasn't such a big departure for a man who has appeared on television and in film in the Philippines, where he is also a sought-after product pitchman and a budding politician who plans to run for a seat in the nation's parliament in next year's elections. Pacquiao also took some time out last month to devote himself to humanitarian work in the wake of a devastating typhoon in his homeland. It's the kind of gesture that has earned the devotion of his compatriots, and is now garnering attention and accolades elsewhere. "This kid is something that now transcends boxing," promoter Bob Arum said.

Pacquiao eyes history

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:16:00 +0000

To pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, size really doesn't matter. The Filipino boxing hero, gearing up for a world title clash with Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto that could give Pacquiao a slice of boxing history, said he doesn't put much stock in those who say Cotto's superior size could prove too much. "I have heard that a couple of times the past two years," Pacquiao said with a smile on Wednesday, as reporters, photographers and TV cameramen jammed Hollywood's WildCard boxing club to see him train. After all, Pacquiao's most recent victories have come against bigger opponents. Admittedly Oscar De La Hoya was past his prime when Pacquiao stopped him in the eighth round in December of 2008. On May 2, Pacquiao knocked out Britain's Ricky Hatton in the second round of their junior welterweight clash. "It's not about comparing size, not about comparing power," Pacquiao insisted. "Knowledge is power. You don't have knowledge, you don't have power." Pacquiao handed Hatton his first defeat at junior welterweight. He claimed the International Boxing Organization belt to match a ring record with a title in a sixth career weight class. Pacquiao secured his place among boxing's all-time greats, adding the junior welterweight crown to past world titles at lightweight, super featherweight, junior featherweight, featherweight and flyweight. With the hard-hitting Cotto's World Boxing Organization welterweight belt on the line in a bout to be fought at 145 pounds, Pacquiao could capture an outright record by claiming a title in a seventh weight division. "If I win it's boxing history - seven titles in seven different weight divisions," Pacquiao said. "I would be so proud - being a Filipino who captured titles in seven weight divisions." Pacquiao's prowess in the ring has made him a hero in his homeland, and his victories over De La Hoya and Hatton have raised his profile in the United States. This week, he appeared on US television's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" programme, impressing with his singing performance. It wasn't such a big departure for a man who has appeared on television and in film in the Philippines, where he is also a sought-after product pitchman and a budding politician who plans to run for a seat in the nation's parliament in next year's elections. Pacquiao also took some time out last month to devote himself to humanitarian work in the wake of a devastating typhoon in his homeland. It's the kind of gesture that has earned the devotion of his compatriots, and is now garnering attention and accolades elsewhere. "This kid is something that now transcends boxing," promoter Bob Arum said.

Source: timeslive.co.za

Miguel Cotto has some strong words for Manny Pacquaio

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:14:00 +0000

Miguel Cotto appears to be confident and focused just days away from the biggest fight of his career against the pride of the Philippines. Far from being intimidated by the prospect of facing a six weight champion, Cotto feels he isn't getting enough respect as a great fighter in his own right. Claims from Freddie Roach that his first loss had hit him hard were rebuffed by Cotto, who responded: “Why don’t you ask Manny that question because he has had three losses I have just one,” “Sometimes when you lose you win. Since Margarito great things have come to my career. “This is the problem,” Cotto said. “Freddie Roach is not the guy who is going to climb into the ring. If he prepares Manny for just nine rounds then he has three more rounds. “He (Roach) can say whatever he wants. One day he says the first round and the next day he says round seven. “He (Pacquaio) can fight Mayweather as many times as he wants after I beat him,” Cotto said. Whether this confidence will transfer well into the ring when the fight starts is another matter, but if nothing else, Cotto will come at Pacquaio with everything he has. The real decider of the fight will be how well Pac-man's power has translated into yet another weight class, and whether Cotto can hurt Manny with his famous body punching. Many people thought Ricky Hatton would provide a similar test for Pacquaio, but a sloppy defence and a great game plan from Freddie Roach saw him blasted out in the early rounds. Most still think Manny's march towards a showdown with the other pound for pound claimant Floyd Mayweather will continue, and that he will run right through Cotto. Certainly the odds have Cotto as an underdog, but this wouldn't be the first time that he has been counted out and won anyway.

Source: examiner.com

Roach bets on Pacquiao victory by KO

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:13:00 +0000

The joke among journalists huddled around trainer Freddie Roach Tuesday afternoon at the Wild Card gym was that they were betting on Manny Pacquiao stopping Miguel Cotto either in the first, ninth or 10th round. Anybody hoping to make a little money on the side knows that Roach has been spot on with his predictions concerning the Filipino champion lately. And “I put a thousand on the first, ninth and 10th rounds,” said Roach. Pacquiao hunts for Cotto’s WBO welterweight belt on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the cerebral Roach believes his ward will snatch the crown from an opponent pasted to the canvas. “Cotto gets hit early and once we hit him early, we’ll take him down,” Roach said. Pacquiao, who is tapering off as fight night approaches, fought eight more rounds of sparring with Raul Beltran and Urbano Atillano and Roach hopes to have just 10 more rounds—six on Thursday and four on Saturday—of simulated matches before Team Pacquiao heads for Las Vegas. After the session, Pacquiao went off to his first nationally televised appearance in the United States via the Jimmy Kimmel show where, according to Top Rank in its official website, the reigning pound-for-pound champ even belted out a ballad. Pacquiao is slated to hold his media workout Wednesday afternoon at the Wild Card gym. “I’m happy with everything and he’s where I want him to be,” said Roach, who has been on target with his predictions in Pacquiao’s last two fights. Against Oscar De La Hoya in December 2008, Roach predicted a knockout by Pacquiao in the ninth round. After helplessly staying on the receiving end of a relentless barrage, De La Hoya did not answer the ninth-round bell. Five months later, Roach predicted a second-round KO victory by his ward over British sensation Ricky Hatton. True enough, Pacquiao ended Hatton’s night—and possibly the Briton’s career—in the second round with a powerful left which his current foe, Cotto, described as a punch that could have brought down even Mike Tyson. Roach said the only way Cotto is going to escape the fury of Pacquiao is to fight dirty, but the multiawarded mentor said he is counting on Kenny Bayless to keep things clean on fight night. Roach said the game plan is to stay off the ropes and to keep the fight in the middle of the ring. The American has also tipped off Pacquiao on a Cotto mannerism that may help in fulfilling his predictions. “Cotto cocks the left hook before he throws it,” Roach said of the Puerto Rican champ’s pet punch. “He basically tells you it’s coming.”

Source: inquirer.net

Miguel to prevent Manny from winning 7th title

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:13:00 +0000

By Manuel Perez: Manny Pacquiao will be trying to make boxing history on November 14th by winning seven world titles in seven different weight divisions when he steps in the ring with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cotto, 29, will have his World Boxing Organization title on the line despite the fight being held at a 145 pound catch weight for the bout, a move to make it a tad easier for Pacquiao to match up with the talented Puerto Rican fighter. It’s sad that there has to be a catch weight for this fight, because it taints the bout in my eyes. How can a title be on the line when the fight is being held at a catch weight? I have no problem with the made up Diamond belt being on the line considering that it was designed at the spur of the moment just for this type of occasion. But the WBO title shouldn’t be on the line unless the fight is being held at the full 147 pound limit of the welterweight division. Never the less, the title will be on the line for this fight and there’s nothing Cotto can do about it other than beat Pacquiao black and blue and send him packing. Pacquiao needs to forget about trying to pick up belts and should focus more on picking up his teeth after this fight is over with. Pacquiao has bit off more than he can chew by moving up in weight to fight Miguel Cotto. This isn’t a shot Oscar De La Hoya or a Ricky Hatton fighting in a primitive caveman style against him. This is a skilled fighter still in his prime and ready to take Pacquiao’s head clean off his shoulders. Cotto is going to rip into Pacquiao and bust him, cause both eyes to bleed, his nose to leak blood everywhere and color his trunks a bright red for this fight. I just hope that Pacquiao can stay standing long enough for Cotto to finish the beating without Pacquiao bowing out of it quickly. Pacquiao may be going into this fight hoping to get a 7th world title, but he’ll come out of it with by far the worst beating of his career, one that will cause him to think seriously about retiring from boxing. Pacquiao may pick up a 7th title in the future if he sticks around after this fight and finds an easier mark to fight, but he won’t be getting any 7th title in this fight. What Pacquiao will be getting is bloodied and battered in the worst way. I rarely feel sorry for a fighter when they’re taking a beating, but I think I’ll feel bad for Pacquiao if Cotto takes him apart too badly in this fight. I don’t want Pacquiao to be torn apart by the hard punching Cotto. I just want him beaten badly enough to the point where Pacquiao understands that he’s over reached the potential of his body. Every fighter much know their potential, and for Pacquiao he’s going to find out his limit against Cotto on November 14th. After they carry Pacquiao out of the ring on a stretcher, Pacquiao may rethink his desire for a 7th world title. Who knows, maybe one of the boxing organizations can create another special made up title for Pacquiao to fight for against one of the smaller, weaker fighters so that he can try to get his 7th world title that way. But I don’t see it happening against Cotto nor any of the other welterweight champions unless they’re forced to fight at some god awful catch weight of 140 or less.

Source: boxingnews24.com

PBA vows support for Smart Gilas RP Team

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:59:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines - What appeared to be a brewing war between the SBP and PBA has turned into a reconfirmation of unity for the country’s sake. When PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios recently ruled to make Smart-Gilas’ games in the Philippine Cup no-bearing, there was speculation that the decision was premised on malicious intent. But PBA special assistant to the commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday insisted the ruling had nothing to do with Gilas’ 33-point loss to sister team Talk ‘N’ Text when naturalization candidate C. J. Giles played five scoreless minutes last Oct. 21. Marcial doused cold water on the rumor that some PBA governors feared Gilas would be used as a leverage tool to favor the Tropang Texters in the standings. Barrios said he was faced with two options. The first was to continue to reflect the outcome of Gilas’ games in the PBA teams’ standings but Giles would be disqualified from playing. The second was to allow Giles to suit up but Gilas’ games would be no-bearing, including those previously played. He decided on the second option, initially raising a howl from SBP executive director Noli Eala who questioned the wisdom of changing rules in the middle of a tournament. “We picked the better option for the SBP and Gilas,” said Barrios in a text to Eala, his predecessor. “I was left to choose between two options only. I prefer Gilas maintaining its independence as far as its lineup is concerned. I know you prefer the status quo but that was not an option I had authority to pursue.” Eala said the decision was a complete surprise. “When we agreed to play in the PBA as a guest team, this condition that the PBA will exclude Giles from playing was never imposed,” said Eala. “We submitted a lineup with Giles and it was accepted by the commissioner’s office without condition. In fact, we played with C. J. against Burger King without question or issue. “While I do not question the prerogative of the commissioner to decide on this matter, this decision to change their own rules in mid-conference based on limited parameters imposed by the Board is highly unusual and simply unfortunate. Also, to insinuate that Giles did not play well versus Talk ‘N’ Text is unfounded and lame. We are a national team and we are expected to play our best regardless of whom we play but in accord with how our coaches see fit. To question whom we choose to use or not to use is an infringement on our independence as a federation, program and team. Sadly, this smacks of discrimination.” Eventually, both sides came to an agreement that Barrios’ decision would be followed. Marcial explained that from the start, there was uneasiness on the PBA’s part to give in to Gilas’ request to make the games bearing for the PBA teams so as to avoid a “practice” atmosphere. “When Derick Pumaren was the coach, the PBA played no-bearing games with the national team,” recalled Marcial. “And the first time coach Ron Jacobs’ national team played in the PBA, the games were no bearing. The second time, it was decided to make the games bearing and the national team, playing as Northern Consolidated, won the title in 1985. In Gilas’ case, the Board wanted to avoid another physical game like what happened against Burger King. While Gilas will learn from the PBA’s physical style, it didn’t simulate a typical FIBA game. In FIBA, there are no flagrant one and flagrant two fouls, only unsportsmanlike fouls where the penalty is two free throws and possession. In the PBA, the three-point arc is farther. So the PBA wasn’t really helping Gilas for future FIBA tournaments.” Marcial said in Gilas’ last seven games in the Philippine Cup, FIBA rules will be used by PBA referees, including the shorter three-point arc. Even timeouts will be according to FIBA guidelines although the timing of quarters will remain 12 minutes each. Marcial said the PBA will no longer require Gilas to contribute P15,000 for operating costs each game. “The PBA is committed to the national team,” said Marcial. “Under this arrangement, Gilas may bring in any number of new players without restrictions. The PBA is convinced this is the right way to show support for the national team. Instead of trying to teach the national team the PBA way, it will try to help the team play the FIBA way.” Eala said Giles, who went on a brief home leave to visit his ailing four-year-old son in California, returned last Sunday and will play against Coca-Cola in the first game of a PBA tripleheader at the Cuneta Astrodome today. Eala welcomed the new agreement as a sign of unity, lauding the efforts of all involved parties in forging cooperation among the SBP, Gilas and the PBA. For its part, the PBA said it will do what is necessary to support the SBP’s ultimate goal of bringing Gilas to represent the country at the 2012 London Olympics.

Pacquiao vs. Cotto: Manny Doesn’t Look Focused pacquiao vs cotto

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:58:00 +0000

After watching HBO’s Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7 episode 2 last Saturday night, I couldn’t help but notice how disengaged Manny Pacquiao appeared to be while preparing for his November 14th fight with World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Not only did Pacquiao look distracted as he one person after another vying for his attention, but Pacquiao also was getting pummeled in his sparring session with Shawn Porter. This is really bad. I was hoping that Cotto would be facing a motivated and well trained Pacquiao, but the way Manny looks now, he’s going to get mowed down if he goes in the ring looking that. Pacquiao looks like he’s going to the gallows as the days draw closer to his epic fight with Cotto. I can’t remember seeing a more demotivated fighter in all my days. Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, tried to give Pacquiao a pep talk after an especially bad sparring session but Pacquiao wasn’t meeting his eyes and didn’t seem to be attentive to what Roach was saying to him. Roach let Pacquiao walk away without making sure that he understood what he had been telling him. I couldn’t believe it as I watched the whole scenario. Roach needed to make sure that Pacquiao was following what he was saying. I would have asked Pacquiao, “Do you understand me?” Roach is a nice guy and all, but he needs to be more assertive with Pacquiao because he’s not firm enough with the Filipino star. I would have gotten in Pacquiao’s face and jammed him up for the way that he sparred with Porter. He looked really bad. Not only that, I’d have Pacquiao toeing the line. There wouldn’t be any basketball games or singing on television programs. God that was some awful singing if you ask me. Sounded like a wounded hound dog. The HBO 24/7 camera men could have done well to leave that bit out of the telecast. Frankly, the entire episode 2 was painfully boring to watch, worse than any other 24/7 I’ve seen before. That’s saying a lot, because I’ve seen some really bad 24/7 episodes in the past couple of years. It seems like the whole bunch of them were sleep walking through the entire episode. What was especially sickening was the different players trying to curry favor with Pacquiao, as if he were some kind of king. I could never do that myself. I’d give Pacquiao the straight talk and tell him to quit with the singing and make him ignore the boxing fans that are all over him trying to meet him. I’d have him with blinders on out in the some god forsaken place putting him through a torturous training camp that he’d never forget. Pacquiao might hate me afterwards, but at least he’d win the fight against Cotto. But the way that Pacquiao’s training camp appears to be going, I don’t give him a chance in hell of winning. Pacquiao looks spaced out, distracted by something and not focused on Cotto. I don’t see any real training going on. Roach needs to have Pacquiao wired for this fight, but instead Pacquiao looks like a zombie, distracted and not tuned in. That’s too bad because it looks like Pacquiao is going to get a beating of his life against Cotto. I feel sorry for Pacquiao.

Source: boxingnews24.com

Why Manny Pacquiao won’t KO Miguel Cotto in round 1

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:58:00 +0000

I have huge respect for trainer Freddie Roach, but I can’t agree with his prediction that Manny Pacquiao will knock out Miguel Cotto in the first round next Saturday night. I don’t dispute Pacquiao has incredible speed, and I accept that he carries fantastic power, but even so, one look at Pacquiao’s record will tell you that he seldom wins fights in the first round. The last time he achieved that was more than seven years ago, when he was still a junior-featherweight. That is 17 fights and 130 rounds ago! That’s when he stopped Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym of Thailand two minutes 46 seconds into the first round. His previous first-round stoppage came in June 2000 against South Korea’s Seung-Kon Chae, then an unbeaten fighter. In his days before becoming a world champion, Pacquiao scored four first-round KOs for a career tally of six. But his best round for finishing an opponent is the second, which he’s achieved seven times. Pacquiao has executed five stoppage wins in round three and five in round four, which means that 23 of his 37 career stoppage wins have come in the first four rounds. It’s awesome stuff, but remember this: Miguel Cotto is tough. Sure, Zab Judah rocked him in round one, but he recovered quickly. Secondly, he has been stopped only once in his career and that was in the 11th round against a hard fighter who might have been packing plaster-of-paris in his gloves! And don’t forget, for all the similarities and weaknesses that Roach claims to have spotted between Cotto and Hatton, Pacquiao didn’t stop Hatton in round one. Furthermore, if you look back on superfights throughout history, how many of them ended in the first round? Almost none! Pacquiao and Cotto fans seem to think their fighter will have an easy night on November 14. The last time both these men went the distance they had to settle for split decisions – Cotto against Joshua Clottey in June and Pacquiao against Juan Manuel Marquez in March last year. I have a feeling that this fight will go to the final bell, although I think Pacquiao will emerge victorious. If there is a stoppage, it will be in the later rounds. I’m not entirely sure how this will end, but that’s what makes this an intriguing fight – nobody knows what will happen!

Source: timeslive.co.za

Sparmates: Cotto hits like a mule pacquiao vs cotto

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:56:00 +0000

Even with heavily-padded gloves and protected by headgear, the punches of Miguel Cotto still pack a lot of power, Cotto’s two southpaw sparring partners told the Puerto Rican press over the weekend. Super-lightweight Kenny Abril and welter Fred Tukes told the newspaper Primera Hora that Cotto, who will be facing Manny Pacquiao on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, has been superb and awesome in their sparring session at the Fight Factory Gym in Tampa, Florida, and that they both wonder if the Filipino can withstand the impact of Cotto’s punches. “Miguel hits like a mule,” said Abril, a New Yorker who has Puerto Rican lineage. “Even with 18 oz gloves and head gear, we can still feel his blows. I just could imagine what the effect would be on Pacquiao.” The 12-round clash between Pacquiao and Cotto will feature the use of 8 oz gloves. Aside from Cotto’s tremendous power, Abril revealed that Cotto has shown vast improvements in lateral movement and precision-punching that Pacquiao will be in for a big surprise come fight night. Both Abril (9-3-1 with five KOs) and Tukes (7-1-1 with five KOs) are lefties like Pacquiao but are relatively inexperienced. Cotto, 29, is now headed for Las Vegas and his team is scheduled to arrive in Sin City on Sunday afternoon but is likewise expected to host an open media workout at the Pound-For-Pound Gym in Los Angeles on Tuesday noon. Pacquiao, 30, is the prohibitive favorite in what is being hailed by aficionados as a fight that has all the trappings of a classic. (Tempo News)

Source: mb.com.ph

Fight's off if Cotto weighs over 147 lb pacquiao vs. cotto

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:47:00 +0000

There’s just one thing that can keep the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight from happening, and that’s if the champion from Puerto Rico weighs in at over 147 lb. “That’s the highest we could go (147 pounds),” Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, was quoted as saying in an Internet report that came out yesterday. Pacquiao and Cotto are fighting at a catchweight of 145 lb even if the 27-year-old Puerto Rican has agreed to stake his WBO welterweight (147 lb) crown. At the start of the negotiations, Team Pacquiao tried to drag Cotto down to as low as 143 lb, but the latter said he can’t go lower than 145, and the fight was sealed. “ I would call the fight off if he comes in weighing more than that,” Roach also said, meaning Cotto will have to make sure or even die trying to make the catchweight. Or face the severe consequences, like losing all his purse, or even facing a legal battle. Based on reports, Cotto will be fined $1 million for every pound in excess of 145. He can weigh in at 147, pay Pacquiao $2 million and go on and fight the Filipino pound-for-pound champion. But if Cotto weighs just a fraction over 147, Roach said he’s pulling the plug on what could be or what should be the biggest fight of the year. In the fight contract that either fighter who exceeds 145 lb will have to pay a fine, but it’s only today that the details had come out. “We’re just protecting Manny,” Mike Koncz, Pacquiao’s adviser, had said. Pacquiao is three days into training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood after spending more than 30 days training in three different gyms in the Philippines. Before he boarded the plane to Los Angeles last Saturday, Pacquiao walked around 150 lb, and was happy to report in his regular column that he still gets to eat as much as he wants. Cotto, on the other hand, must be bleeding to get down in weight. In New York, during the press tour last September, Cotto said he was at 160, and Pacquiao’s conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, liked what he heard. “It means he has a lot more work to do than us in losing weight,” said Ariza.

Source: philstar.com

Pacquiao foe Cotto ends camp, headed to Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Miguel Cotto has again taken one step ahead of Manny Pacquiao as the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion already broke training camp in Tampa, Florida and is now headed towards Las Vegas. The 28-year old Puerto Rican held the final day of training at his camp Friday and is now looking forward to departing for the “Sin City", about two weeks before meeting Pacquiao inside the ring in one of the year’s biggest fights. WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico Top Rank photo Cotto also began training three weeks ahead of Pacquiao. Chief trainer Joe Santiago was very much satisfied with the way Cotto’s camp turned out the past eight weeks. “We’ve had the perfect camp. Miguel is determined and focus. We are about to head out for Las Vegas." In contrast, Pacquiao is still training at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles and won’t be heading for Las Vegas until Nov. 9. The Filipino boxing champion didn’t arrive in L.A. until last week after spending the first part of his training camp at the Shape-Up gym in Baguio City. Trainer Freddie Roach said the 30-year old pound-for-pound king is almost 95 percent ready for the bout, saying that his ward “is jus getting better and better." Roach added, “he’s punching so much harder than he used to."

But in what has been a growing word of animosity between Roach and Cotto’s team, Santiago said they are not taking seriously what Pacquiao’s trainer had been preaching about. “We do not pay attention to whatever Freddie Roach is saying. We are focused on one person – Pacquiao. Roach is trying to play mind games with us, but it’s not working," said Santiago. Team Cotto is expected to be in Las Vegas on Sunday. Except for Tuesday (Nov. 3) when the 2000 Sydney Olympian travels to Los Angeles for a press workout, Cotto will be training on a daily basis. “It’s been a while since Miguel has had this kind of drive, determination and focus," added Santiago, who replaced Cotto’s uncle Evangelista, as the champion’s trainer. And if Pacquiao is punching so much harder this time, Cotto is now also throwing punches by the volume, according to conditioning coach Phil Landman. “During sparring I count every punch. For the Clottey fight, Miguel averaged 45 punches per round. Here in Tampa while training for Pacquiao, Miguel has averaged 65 punches a round," noted Landman. “This is a very good number. Miguel is ready, prepared to fight and will win." – GMANews.TV

Source: gmanews.tv

The Fighters Will Do The Fighting: Joe Santiago

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:56:00 +0000

Joe Santiago looks like a guy who might sell you insurance or do your taxes or fix your car. There are no serious scars on his face or wrinkles under his eyes, and he doesn’t have one of those crooked, telltale noses that says he’s been in a few ring wars. His fingers are all pretty straight, and if you passed him on the street, you wouldn’t look at him twice. He looks young and educated, someone you might meet at a stockholders meeting. So how did this guy become head trainer of one of the best fighters in the world? Aren’t trainers suppose to look like Mick from the Rocky movies? You know, the gravelly voice, the cauliflower ear, maybe a stogie stuck in the corner of his mouth. A real trainer should be older than dirt and he should wear tired shoes and a watch cap. He should be someone who could tell you how he almost won the middleweight title back in 1959, but he got cut in the 13th round when he was fighting Kid Savage at The Garden, but damn, he was so close. If they just could have stopped the cut from bleeding. That’s not Joe Santiago. Bet a few eyebrows popped up when he suddenly took over the responsibility of getting Cotto ready to fight Joshua Clottey this past June. Wasn’t Santiago a nutritionist or something? So how did he get this job? Well, he pretty much inherited it. When Cotto’s uncle/trainer, Evangelista Cotto threw a cinder block through the car window of Cotto’s new Jaguar after the two had an argument and threw a few punches back in Puerto Rico earlier this year, their relationship became a little strained. The uncle was let go, camp was moved to Tampa and Santiago was handed the franchise. Santiago passed his first test when Cotto beat Clottey despite a bad cut he suffered in the early rounds. But there were some problems in the corner that night. “Sometimes in the corner we were a little late getting in and getting out and being where we should be between rounds,“ Santiago said on a recent conference call. “We had different people going in there and at times, it was difficult to work.“ With the biggest fight in Cotto’s life just up ahead, they need to smooth out those rough edges. The franchise will earn about $10 million on Nov. 14 when Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) defends his WBO welterweight title against Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, though the fight should carry an asterisk since Pacquiao’s corner demanded they fight at a catch weight of 145 pounds instead of the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. But Cotto and his camp don’t seem too concerned about the catch weight. Cotto weighed 146 for his last fight, that gutsy win over Joshua Clottey. So what about Santiago. Is he in over his head? “I have known (Cotto) for seven years and I know they talked about bringing in well-known trainers,” Santiago said from their training camp back at the Fight Factory in Tampa where they trained for the Clottey fight. “But I think the fact that I have known him for a long time and he feels comfortable with me gave me an advantage over all those guys. I think it‘s a question of getting everybody on the right page and I think we’ve done that.“ While Santiago is still learning his way around as a head trainer, Pacquiao will be sitting in his corner listening to Freddie Roach, one of the most respected trainers in the game. But Santiago said he doesn’t feel intimidated. “I have a lot of respect for what Freddie Roach has done, but it has nothing to do with us,“ Santiago said. "It’s the fighters that are going to do the fighting. They have their work to do and we have our work to do. As long as our guy wins, we are going to get recognized for it.” Promoter Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, said Roach, who has talked about a first-round knockout, is a great trainer, but he’s also a great psychologist. “A lot of what Freddie says is to get in camp Cotto’s head,“ Arum said on the same conference call. “There is nothing wrong with that. That’s boxing. The fight could go a lot of different ways, and that’s why it’s going to be a great fight.“ Any predictions from Cotto’s camp? “On the 15th, we will be at 145 pounds, no question,” Santiago said. “On the 14th, it’s going to be a great night. And on the 15th, we are going to celebrate with the country of Puerto Rico.”

Source: thesweetscience.com

Pacquiao works out at Wildcard

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:55:00 +0000

Six-time world champion pound-for-pound king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao worked out Monday with chief trainer Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood during his first day training since arriving in the United States on Saturday. Pacquiao is preparing for his upcoming “FIREPOWER” welterweight championship fight against three-time world champion and the pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao vs Cotto is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate, and will take place November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It will also be available on pay per view.Source: fightnews.com

Fight still on even if Cotto is 2lbs overweight

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:55:00 +0000

Even if Miguel Cotto comes in over the catch weight for his Nov. 14 showdown with Manny Pacquiao, trainer Freddie Roach would still agree to push on with the fight. Of course, on one condition. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion from Puerto Rico has to be just two pounds over at 145. Anything more than that, and the 12-round title bout would be called off. “That’s the highest we could go (147 pounds). I would call the fight off if he comes in weighing more than that," said Roach, now back in the comforts of his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, California after a month-long stay in the Philippines for the first part of Pacquiao’s training camp for his Nov. 14 slugfest with the 28-year old Cotto. “We’ll let that fight happen, but I think 147 pounds is our limit." Floyd Mayweather Jr. came up with that devious plan in his recent comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez as he came in two pounds heavier than the agreed catch weight of 144. Although the unbeaten American shelled out $600,000 ($300,000 per pound over) as penalty for being overweight, Mayweather was spared from draining his body to meet the catch weight, and thus, came out fresh and the stronger fighter between the two. In contrast, Marquez had to add weight (from 135 pounds to 144) in his first foray in the welterweight class, resulting in a spectacular, one-sided win for the 32-year old Mayweather. Cotto has not fought below the welterweight limit (147 pounds) since 2006 and needed to go two pounds below to make the fight possible. In contrast, Pacquiao will be fighting as a welterweight for the second time in a year. He first fought at 147 when he retired the great Oscar De La Hoya in their “Dream Match" last December. Under the terms of the contract, Roach said Cotto is bound to pay Pacquiao $1 million for every pound over the 145 catch weight. The WBO could also strip Cotto of his welterweight title in case he comes in overweight. Prior to departing for the U.S. for the last two weeks of training camp, Pacquiao already weighs in at 146. Roach said he plans to have the boxing champion comes in at 140-142 pounds during weigh-in, and then be at 148 or 149 on fight night. In contrast, Roach expects Cotto to be 160 by fight night. “The bigger he is, the better for us," said Roach.

Source: gmanews.tv

Watching Manny Pacquiao train in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:54:00 +0000

The next time somebody says that it’s a small world please ignore him. Take it from me, having just done a whirlwind tour to the Philippines, then to New York, followed by a trip to Tampa, it’s still a very big world. I recently visited the training camps of both pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, and WBO titleholder champion Miguel Cotto in Florida. Since my first visit was to Baguio in the northern part of Luzon, where Manny is training, I will tell you about my impressions of Manny’s preparations in this article. In my next column, I’ll do the same about Miguel’s training base in Tampa. To get to Baguio, one must first fly to Manila, the country’s capital. Philippine Airlines has a regular daily flight direct to Manila that includes a one-hour stop in Vancouver, Canada. Its rates are reasonable and the service is excellent. The plane arrives in Manila at approximately 5 a.m., and the drive to Baguio takes four to five hours, depending on traffic. Only part of the drive is on a regular highway, after which the road continues through one small town after another with traffic moving very slowly. About one hour before arriving in Baguio, the scenery becomes spectacular. Green mountains and valley vistas highlight beautiful scenic views of the China Sea. Baguio itself is a mountain town 5,000 feet above sea level. It was built by the United States after taking control of the Philippines from Spain after the Spanish American War. Our government constructed Camp John Hay, a beautiful recreational area with huge pine trees, a great golf course and other amenities. It served as a rest and recreation area for U.S. servicemen in Asia until 1990, when it was transferred to the Filipino government. Camp John Hay now houses the Manor, a luxury hotel constructed entirely from Canadian logs. This is a very popular summer vacation resort for the Manila elite. Freddie Roach, Manny’s trainer and Alex Ariza, his conditioning guru, were both ensconced at the Manor when I arrived. Pacquiao, on the other hand, chose to stay in a hotel in town which housed the gym in which he was training. If Freddie’s hotel rated five stars, which it does, Manny’s hotel was so awful it would not even get one star. If there was a minus category, it would rate a minus five. But there is no accounting for taste. Manny was happy as a clam at his hotel and refused constant requests to move to the more luxurious Manor Hotel where the rest of us stayed. The gym that Manny trained in was not much different from the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California, so I could see right away why Manny and Freddie felt so comfortable training there. The residents of Baguio respected the rules with regards to private workouts, enabling Manny to train in relative solitude. On the other hand, the morning runs were quite different. Manny would start at five in the morning and soon, hundreds of runners would materialize out of the darkness and run with Manny up and down the hills and roads. It was quite a scene. Manny’s workout at the gym can only be described as awesome. In more than 40 years as a boxing promoter, working with Hall of Fame fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran, I’ve never anything like it. His training sessions go on for about four hours without a break. After the usual warming-up exercises, Manny boxes most days with two or more sparring partners, then hits the mitts with Freddie for at least 10 more rounds. This display of energy and stamina exhausts anyone watching, Manny doesn’t stop. He skips rope and works the heavy and light bags continuously for more than an hour. Only then does Manny finally stand still, which allows his Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez to pound his midsection with a bamboo pole for about twenty more minutes. The brutal workout finally concludes more than four hours after it starts. In the sparring sessions, Manny trots out his entire arsenal of tactics and weapons. I was amazed once again to see him attack from one side and then the other. When his sparring mate reacts, Manny’s no longer there but is either right in front of his opponent or on the other side entirely. This unique tactic of disappearing in plain sight is the “Siegfried and Roy” weapon in Manny’s arsenal. The shear athleticism that Manny brings to his workouts reminds me of the great martial artist Bruce Lee. The more one reflects on Manny and his ring performances, the clearer it becomes that he is the Bruce Lee of boxing. This athletic style is unique in boxing to Manny. In more than four decades of promoting fights, I have never seen anyone like Manny Pacquiao and his Bruce Lee style of boxing. The mitt sessions with Freddie were also revealing. While Manny hits the mitts Freddie coaches him in moves he will undoubtedly use when he faces Cotto. It is fascinating to watch the teacher and pupil converse while Manny pounds on Freddie’s leather pads. Three years ago, the mitt session would have consisted of Freddie giving instruction to Manny. Over time Manny the pupil, having learned so much from Freddie, takes an active and important part in the dialogue which sets out the plan Manny will use in fight night against Cotto. Watching the two of them interact now is like being at a boxing ballet, so well attuned are they to each other. After three days in Baguio I headed down to Manila to catch my plane home. It left at 5 p.m. Sunday and arrived in Las Vegas at about 6 p.m. Sunday. Somewhere, somehow, I picked up a day which seems only fair since I lost one when I flew to the Philippines. I also came away with the impression that Manny is getting better, improving all the time. Bottom line, Manny is getting into great shape as he prepares to give us another Pacquiao-Bruce Lee type of performance. He knows that in Cotto he faces his toughest foe ever, a real tough, determined opponent. In my next column I will discuss Cotto’s training and just what he is doing to counteract the typhoon that is Manny Pacquiao.

Source: lasvegassun.com

Pacquiao: "We Are Ready For Whatever Cotto Brings"

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:52:00 +0000

Manny Pacquiao's traing camp is starting to wind down for the toughest fight of his career. He challenges WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao is a heavy betting favorite but he is not overlooking Cotto in any form. He views Cotto as a very dangerous opponent and won't buy the heavy talk that has the Puerto Rican champion losing a step or two. "This is the toughest fight of my career and I will not waste this opportunity. I'm taking this fight with the seriousness it deserves. I won't let myself get carried away with the comments [of others]. Many are saying the punishment from Margarito and Clottey has affected him, but I won't depend on that. Cotto is still a very strong fighter, bigger than me. I have to fight smart and not underestimate him," Pacquiao said to Primera Hora. Pacquiao has spent many hours with Freddie Roach, studying film footage of Cotto's past perforances. Pacquiao says that he knows Cotto's strong and weak points. He is ready for whatever Cotto happens to bring that night. "The intensity remains the same. Perhaps what has changed somewhat is the type of training strategy, because we have to adjust to a particular style to fight Cotto. We need to apply certain techniques. I have spent many hours of studying [film] with Freddie, to identify his weaknesses and strengths and to find his key points," Pacquiao said. "We are ready for what they bring. We have studied him very well. What I do is stand in the ring, box and put on the best fight possible. I'm not looking for a knockout. But I'll welcome it if it comes."Source: boxingscene.com

Klitschko vs. Johnson Fight in Berne

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:26:00 +0000

The Vitali Klitschko vs. Kevin Johnson fight will hold at the PostFinance Arena, in Berne, Switzerland on December 12, 2009. Vitali will again face a very strong contender. Johnson (22-0-1, 9 KO’s) is undefeated, self-conscious and knows what a great chance this will be for him. The PostFinance-Arena in Bern is a fantastic venue and the right arena for a huge title fight. Vitali Klitschko (38-2, 37 KO’s) will defend his title for the 3rd time in 2009. In March, “Dr. Ironfist” won against Juan Carlos Gomez by technical KO in round 9 and last month he knocked out Chris Arreola in round 10 in Los Angeles.

“I am in an excellent shape and had a perfect preparation and fight in Los Angeles. I can hardly wait to step into the ring again. Kevin Johnson is very dangerous. He already had 23 fights as a pro and is undefeated. He is technically much better than my last opponent Arreola. I know I can’t underestimate Johnson but I have no doubt to keep the WBC belt.” Klitschko said.

Johnson is confident of taking Klitschko’s Heavyweight title

“I’ve been working hard for this chance and I will definitely take it. On December 12th, there will finally be an American heavyweight champion again. I am sorry for ruining Klitschko’s Christmas holidays.” Johnson said.

Ticket sale started last October 24 for the Klitschko vs. Johnson bout at the PostFinance Arena, in Berne, Switzerland.

UFC 106 Fight: Lesnar vs. Carwin

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:38:00 +0000

The UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar (4-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) will face top challenger Shane Carwin (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC). The Lesnar vs. Carwin will takes place at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 21, 2009 for Lesnar UFC Heavyweight belt. The main event is Brock Lesnar's first title defense after unifying the UFC's heavyweight belts with a UFC 100 win over the-interim champ Frank Mir. Meanwhile, Shane Carwin will seek his 12th-straight win in addition to the UFC's heavyweight title. While both fighters have apparently agreed to the contest, bout agreements have yet to be issued. If the bout is finalized, the match would be Lesnar's first title defense after unifying the UFC's heavyweight title with a UFC 100 win over then-interim champ Frank Mir. The 34-year-old Carwin has registered three-straight impressive wins in the UFC, scoring first-round wins over Gabriel Gonzaga, Neil Wain and Christian Wellisch. Carwin has registered first-round stoppage win in all 11 of his career bouts.
Other Main Cards includes:
• Tito Ortiz vs. Mark Coleman
• Luiz Cane vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira*
• Dustin Hazelett vs. Karo Parisyan
Preliminary Card (un-aired)
• Phil Baroni vs. Amir Sadollah
• Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders
• Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt
• Brian Foster vs. Brock Larson*
• Fabricio Camoes vs. Caol Uno*
• Jason Dent vs. George Sotiropoulos
* - Not officially announced

Tickets for UFC 106 are currently on sale to the general public. UFC 106 Lesnar vs. Carwin match is scheduled to take place Nov. 21 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Freddie Roach Speaks Highly of Pacquiao's Sparring Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:55:00 +0000

Boxing trainer and coach Freddie Roach spoke highly of Manny Pacquiao's sparring partners that include Jose Luis Castillo, the former lightweight champion of the world as Team Pacquiao leaves Saturday to continue training at the Wild Card Gym in L.A.Pacquiao's trainer and coach Freddie Roach is happy with Pacquiao's sparring partners and speaks highly of them as Team Pacquiao prepares to leave for Los Angeles, California for the last leg of the Filipino boxer's training and physical conditioning.Among Pacquiao's sparing partners who gets special attention from Roach because of the inputs that he gives to the Filipino boxer's quest for being the first boxer to win seven titles in seven weight divisions, is Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico, himself a former light weight champion of the world who also spoke highly of Manny Pacquiao.Castillo is convinced that nobody in the weight range where Pacquiao and Cotto are fighting is capable of beating Pacquiao based on his experience on the first few sparring sessions with the pound for pound king.Castillo's style according to abs-cbn news:resembles Cotto’s and that’s why he was brought in to spar with Pacquiao. He turned pro in 1990 and won his first 18 outings, 13 inside three rounds. In 2000, Castillo wrested the WBC lightweight crown from Stevie Johnston on points then lost it in his fourth defense to Mayweather in a close encounter in April 2002. Castillo was decisioned by Mayweather in a rematch eight months later but regained the vacant WBC title on a 12-round verdict over Juan Lazcano in 2004. Castillo then repulsed challengers Joel Casamayor and Julio Diaz before yielding the throne to Diego Corrales in 2005. He knocked out Corrales in a rematch but was prevented from claiming the WBC belt because he weighed in 3 1/2 pounds over the limit.“He’s a genuinely nice guy,” said Roach. “He’s probably doing 70 percent of what he can do. But he’s adjusting and getting more comfortable. He’s looking for a comeback to the big time. I’m willing to help him although I don’t know if I’ll be in his corner for his next fight.”Roach said Pacquiao’s sparring partners are top-quality. Aside from Castillo, Pacquiao spars with unbeaten junior middleweight Shawn Porter. Escobar is on standby. Another spar mate Urbano Antillon of Mexico was scheduled to fly back to Los Angeles yesterday. When Pacquiao reports for work at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Roach will likely recruit fresh spar mates including British world champion Amir Khan, the report added Shawn Porter, the other senior sparring partner of Pacquiao, is another dependable sparring partner of the Filipino boxer recruited by Team Pacquiao. Porter has a 10-0 win-loss record and a 2007 Golden Gloves champion who fought around 200 amateur fights. Escobar, another member of Pacquiao sparring team is undefeated in his last three fights which he won all via first round knock out.

Source: digitaljournal.com

Pacquiao vs. Cotto: The Firepower Mega-fight

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:54:00 +0000

If you are involved in real estate business, you are very much familiar with the housing adage "location, location, location." Not surprisingly, in boxing today there is a similar tune This is the most common topic in every boxing forum and every boxing website on the Internet: Who can accurately predict the outcome of the much anticipated, mega-welterweight showdown between the pound for pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and the current WBO welterweight champion Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico? Boxing fans from all over the world and of course, boxing experts (analysts, promoters, trainers, journalists, etc.) have something to say about this incredible and exciting match-up between the two best ring gladiators of the Sweet Science.Legendary boxing trainers like Angelo Dundee and Emanuel Steward predict that Cotto's skills and power will earn him a victory over the most exciting fighter in the world in Pacquiao, while Pacman's astute trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning guru Alex Ariza boldly claim that Cotto will not last against their fighter's blinding speed and vaunted power. Many popular fighters, who either currently have a championship title or have held one in the past, like Bernard Hopkins, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., agree with Roach and Ariza's assessment. Hopkins believes that Cotto's youthful face will be "busted up" in this fight; Mayweather states that Pacquiao "is a quick starter" and he leans toward the latter in this showdown; and Mike Tyson undoubtedly forecasts, "Pacquiao will win." There are countless predictions made by different, knowledgeable boxing experts for this championship duel and the fighters truly deserve all the accolades and recognitions because they amazingly stand out amongst all the fighters of today: two gallant warriors ready to face and destroy each other with their limitless arsenal of "Firepower."

Source: associatedcontent.com

Pacquiao May Stop Cotto in One Round, Says Roach

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:53:00 +0000

Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach has simplified the manner in which his prized fighter, Filipino and Asian boxing hero Manny Pacquiao will win the WBO welterweight title when he clashes with Puerto Rico’s champion Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 14.Roach told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that “definitely the left hand will set it up and the hook will finish him” in reference to Cotto. Roach said Pacquiao’s two hands had equal power and he “could knock him out with either hand without a doubt.”At the same time Pacquiao’s trainer praised sparring partner Shawn Porter, the undefeated light middleweight with a record of 9 knockouts in 10 wins “is giving him (Pacquiao) some great work. The kid comes to fight and gives one hundred percent everyday.”Roach said former world champion Jose Luis Castillo is “looking better every day although he came in a little out of shape. He is not up to par as yet but he’s getting better and better for Manny.”Porter who was dropped by Pacquiao in sparring last week after giving the Filipino southpaw a hard time in their first session said “with three weeks left he’s right on the ball. He’s right on track.”Porter said Pacquiao’s assets were “his speed and his quickness and he has a little but of power behind that left hand too. That kind of combination is hard to beat.”While conceding that Cotto is a tough opponent Porter said Pacquiao’s “speed and his quickness is his upperhand and I think he’ll catch off-balance a lot and I think he’s going to be very hard to hit. He (Pacquiao) is the angle man. He knows how to work those angles and get in and get out and you’ll definitely see that in the fight.”Overall Roach said the training in Baguio City was “one of the best camps we ever had.” He said that in the first week Pacquiao “looked like he had been training for a month the way he was looking especially the first day on the punch mitts he was on fire. Maybe he was trying to show me that he wants to work at home.”Looking at Pacquiao’s training camp and where he is right now Roach said “I think we have a shot at a knockout in round one. One thing for sure we’ll knock him out. This guy (Cotto) can’t hold up the way Manny punches. One thing about Cotto he is a tough guy and all that but tough guys don’t win fights, they get hit. And when he gets hit with power like that he’s gonna go.”Former two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa in whose gym Pacquiao trained on Monday after driving down from Baguio City said “its hard because if Pacquiao only had speed it would be okay but he’s got speed and power and Cotto will need a miracle.”

Source: boxingscene.com

‘Pacquiao to devour Cotto’—Peñalosa

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Filipino veteran prized fighter Gerry Peñalosa is certain that Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will prevail in his Nov. 14 fight against Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.He said this after watching Pacquiao hold an intense workout at the Gerry Peñalosa Boxing Gym in Mandaluyong City on Monday.“He was focused, determined and every inch the champion,” Peñalosa said of the pound-for-pound king in his Oct. 19 “Fearless” column on PhilBoxing.com.He added that Pacquiao did not even look exhausted after training.“I am every bit confident that the Pacman will devour Miguel Cotto... Manny might be the smaller guy but he was so fast,” he wrote.Peñalosa even suggested changing the Pacquiao-Cotto fight title of “Firepower” to “The Quick and the Dead.” He continued, “Pacman is the quick one... can Cotto be the ‘dead’?”Pacquiao left Baguio City on Sunday to continue his training in Manila as Typhoon “Ramil” is threatening to hit Northern Luzon this week.Stronger than ever“The People’s Champ” held a workout of more than two hours on Monday, spending 11 rounds in the mitts with Coach Freddie Roach.ABS-CBN Correspondent Dyan Castillejo noted Pacquiao’s huge improvement since he began training in Baguio City.He has new combinations plus great and swift movements. His punches even became stronger, especially his left and right hooks.Pacquiao is also comfortable with his current weight of 149 lbs. This has also contributed to his ability to throw stronger punches these days.Roach even told ABS-CBN News that his arm “really hurts” because Pacquiao hits so hard. “Manny will knock this guy out,” he said of his ward.New exercisesPacquiao, for his part, said: “Happy ako kasi naramdaman ko na malakas ako.”He added that the routine of conditioning coach Alex Ariza, which included new exercises, really improved his skills.He is now eating five times a day and his protein intake has been increased. “Eats a lot of fish, meat, veggies, recovery drinks,” noted Ariza.Pacquiao is expected to continue training at the Gerry Peñalosa Boxing Gym while he is in Manila.He said in his “Kumbinasyon” column that he will leave for the United States on Oct. 24 to train at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto - Official Update

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:45:00 +0000

AMPA, FLA (October 19, 2009) -- With less than four weeks to go until FIREPOWER: MANNY PACQUIAO vs. MIGUEL COTTO, the World Welterweight Championship extravaganza, the major players in the most anticipated fight of the year will begin to make themselves available to the media.From their Tampa-based training camp, Cotto’s head trainer JOE SANTIAGO and strength and conditioning coach PHIL LANDMAN, along with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, will host a Media ConferenceCall, Tomorrow! Tuesday, October 20, beginning at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT to discuss Cotto’s conditioning and training as he prepares for the biggest and most important fight of his career.Firepower: Pacquiao vs. Cotto will take place Saturday, November 14 at the soldout MGM Grand in Las Vegas , Nev and will be produced and distributed Live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Source: doghouseboxing.com

Ross Greenburg speaks out on Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto - Pacquiao Special, Cotto Relentless

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:45:00 +0000

In a an interview playing now on DoghouseBoxing (see link below), Doghouse's very own David Tyler catches up with Ross Greenburg, the President of HBO Sports. The interview is very interesting and hits on tons of hot topics, from Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya to Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto.In regards to Manny Pacquiao's upcoming challenge against Miguel Cotto (Nov 14), the subject of size (Pacquiao being the smaller fighter) was addressed.Greenburg tells DoghouseBoxing: "...the question, will he be bigger? Manny has looked increasingly large in the ring against these opponents. His frame seems to be filling out, he is improving his strength as he carries a little more weight. He certainly hasn’t shown signs that he has lost anything by moving up, in fact quite the opposite, he seems to be getting better as he moves up. There is something special about this guy. He’s got everything and still getting better, he feels like he is right in the prime of his career." Greenburg then added: "And Cotto, has shown a relentless attack his entire career. His only loss was to a suspect Margarito. People except Cotto to bring the fight right to Manny from the opening bell."

Source: doghouseboxing.com

Will All Of These Distractions Be The Down Fall Of Manny Pacquiao?

noreply@blogger.com (Linkmoko) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:36:00 +0000

In numerous interviews on ESPN, Bernard Hopkins has stated that he feels Manny Pacquiao is the current number one pound for pound fighter in the world; and he's also stated that the only way Manny will lose, is if he makes himself lose.So that essentially means, that no one can defeat Pacquiao right now for he is in his prime and in the zone. But, if he starts to slack in training or get's too distracted, a defeat could be waiting in the wings.With report after report arising about the significant distractions and drama affecting Pacquiao's training camp, it can only be disadvantages for the pound for pound fighter.From the various TV and movie rolls, public appearances, future political plans, typhoons and humanitarian work, Manny may just have too much on his plate right now. Don't forget the recent drama with his financial advisor Michael Koncz, getting beat up by his strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza. It really does sound like HBO has a very interesting 24/7 on their hands.I began to worry about Manny when he was sitting ringside for the Clottey v Cotto fight. I saw Manny distracted from everything around him and not focusing on the fight. It appeared to be the look of over confidence as he witnessed Cotto struggling against the durable, tough Clottey.In past Pacquiao fights, when Manny has been rather distracted, the most seemed to be during his first fight with Erik Morales, the Oscar Larios match and his rematches with Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez.Whether it was management troubles, rock star lifestyle partying, or being too over confident, Manny's performance in the ring was affected by these distractions.The first Morales fight was Manny's last loss. I felt the fact he wasn't able to wear his signature Reyes puncher gloves, really affected him. Pacquiao without his Reyes gloves is like Popeye without his spinach.In both the rematch and rubber match, Pacquiao was able to wear his Reyes gloves and gave Morales his first knockdown of his career and first stoppage. He then totally destroyed him in the three rounds of the rubber match.In the Oscar Larios fight, which was back in his homeland at the famous Araneta Coliseum, many criticized Manny for not training as hard as he should have and not stopping Larios; but letting it go to a full 12 round decision. Other rumors indicated that Manny intentionally carried Larios for the full 12 rounds to fit in sufficient time to endorse all of his sponsors.This rumor can be viewed as more credible, as in the post fight ring interview, Manny was holding many different soda and energy drinks; as well as wearing several different endorsement hats.In the Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez fights, it was reported that Manny was enjoying his new rock star party life style and was not 100 percent devoted to training.The HBO countdown series focused more on Manny's distractions than his actual training.In both the Barrera and Marquez rematch, Paquiao took it to a decision win. The Marquez rematch ended up as one of the most highly debated split decision wins in recent boxing history.Now, when Pacquiao is fully focused and in prime animal conditioning, it can be hard to view him losing at all. Evidence of this can be seen in his near perfect fights with the stopping of Oscar De La Hoya and the demolition of Ricky Hatton.Miguel Cotto is also a machine that will not quit. His only loss came from the highly suspected illegally plastered hands of Antonio Margarito. When ever Cotto was hurt or down, he came back up to win like a true champion should.But one thing is for sure entering Nov. 14, Cotto will be the toughest fight of Paquiao's career. Cotto is the true Welterweight Champion of the world. He is the strongest, most devastating body puncher Manny will ever step into the ring with. Miguel Cotto is not a fighter to be taken lightly, over looked or to fight after a camp full of drama and distractions.As a big fan of both Cotto and Pacquiao, one can not be more than happy that this fight will be happening in less than a month.Again, these two guys have been keeping the sport of boxing alive. When many criticize boxing to be growing more and more boring and dying, one can easily defend it by showing them any of Pacquiao or Cotto's fights.So having both of these men in the ring with each other can only be a true fight fan's dream.Miguel Cotto has been taking this fight very seriously- to the point of possibly over training himself- as he started weeks before Pacquiao even began training camp.As for Pacquiao, until I see footage of him flooring and destroying much larger, stronger, sparring partners in camp at the Wild Card gym on a daily basis, I will not feel entirely comfortable about his performance come fight night.

Source: bleacherreport.com