Does HBO's 24/7 Series Foil Pacquiao's Blood-Testing Assertion?

An unidentified gray-haired doctor walks into an office of the San Pedro Medical Center in Los Angeles, where Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao and his adviser, Michael Koncz, are awaiting the athlete's mandatory pre-fight physical.

Just over 14 minutes into Episode 3 of HBO's 24/7 series promoting Pacquiao's eventual second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton in May, the scene is described as "inescapable and tedious" by the narrator.

A closeup is shown of Pacquiao's left arm, into which a needle is deeply driven as the narrator tells viewers, "Blood is drawn, questions are asked." Later, the small glass cylinder containing Pacquiao's blood is in full view, held by the doctor as he scribbles notes onto a document.

Pacquaio is given "a clean bill of health across the board," as he leaves the office, a small cotton ball bandaged over the crook in his left arm being the only evidence of his visit.


The next day, in the 119-degree heat of the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Pacquiao is a blur of athleticism, firing blistering combinations at an imaginary opponent, the speed bag, the double-end bag, and the practice mitts of trainer Freddie Roach.

"The fight," says the narrator, "is seven days away."

The scene goes to the heart of a drug-testing controversy that has caused a negotiations impasse for the principles involved in a potential blockbuster matchup between Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) and Floyd Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) that is tentatively slated for March 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The camp of Mayweather, a five-time world champion, is demanding that both fighters be tested using random urinalysis and blood work that could be drawn as close to the fight as possible.

A seven-division champion who dethroned Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight title last month, Pacquiao is OK with having urine tests done, but has argued that he would prefer not to have blood drawn within 30 days of the fight because taking blood from him that close to the competition would weaken him.

Neither Pacquiao's promoter, CEO Bob Arum of Top Rank, nor Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, who is working on Mayweather's behalf, could be reached for comment.

But a statement issued by Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions on Monday targeted the hospital scene as a potential contradiction by Pacquiao.

"The truth is taking blood out of my body does not seem natural to me, and mentally I feel it will weaken me if blood is taken from me just days before the fight," the statement quotes Pacquiao as saying on his Web site.

"Or he is 'afraid of needles' and does not feel comfortable with blood being taken closer than 30 days before the fight is another interesting point," reads the statement. "The fact is that he did have blood taken just 14 days prior to his fight with Ricky Hatton, an event which was documented on HBO's 24/7 reality show."

Arum told FanHouse on Monday afternoon that he was preparing to move beyond Mayweather and name another opponent as early as Tuesday morning, possibly junior welterweight star Paulie Malignaggi (27-3, five KOs) or WBA junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman (28-0, eight KOs).

But Arum has apparently changed his mind, and has indicated that he may try to talk to Pacquiao in an attempt to salvage the Mayweather bout.

"I will transmit it [word of Pacquiao's '24/7' test] to Manny once [HBO Sports president] Ross Greenburg establishes the actual date of the test in '24/7' and [the Mayweather camp] makes a proposal based on what Ross has come up with. If that happens, I am sure I can convince Manny to tighten the testing window," Arum told ESPN.com's Dan Rafael.

"It's a very good point to point out that Manny was tested so close to the [Hatton] fight. I'm not going to suggest anything to him though until I hear from the other guys. They have to say, 'This is what Manny did. Here is what we propose,' " said Arum, referring to Mayweather's team.

"Then I will bring it to Manny and say, 'Manny, look, you took this test however many days before the fight and it didn't affect you. Hey, you knocked him out in two rounds,' " said Arum. "What will Manny do? I assume he will listen to me, but I can't promise anything. But I want [Mayweather's camp] to make a formal proposal that this is the outside date for the blood-testing based on Manny's prior test in 24/7 and then I will move mountains."

Mayweather's adviser, Leonard Ellerbe, said earlier yesterday that he still believed a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight could come to fruition.

"I can't imagine Manny Pacquiao walking away from $25 million because he refuses to have blood and urine drawn, and then going off to do something else and making half of that," said Ellerbe. "The clock is ticking, but I think that Manny Pacquiao will eventually step up and take the test."

source: boxing.fanhouse.com

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Nevada orders testing for Mayweather, Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have both been ordered to take immediate drug tests by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

NAC chairman Pat Lundvall issued the demand on Monday in line with the commission’s random testing policy, which conforms to the World Anti Doping Agency’s guidelines.

Even though the proposed March 13 fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao has not yet been finalized, as both men are licensed fighters in Nevada they are subject to random tests.

However, the tests will only sample urine, and despite the commission’s actions, a resolution to the argument over blood testing which is threatening the staging of the fight is no nearer.

Lundvall ordered NAC executive director Keith Kizer to inform Mayweather and Pacquiao that they would be tested by an independent testing company, LabCorp. Mayweather will provide a sample in Las Vegas and Pacquiao will go to an approved laboratory in the Philippines.


This move by the commission seems designed to show it is committed to a drug testing policy, following the flurry of publicity surrounding performance enhancing drugs in the negotiations over the fight.

At a board meeting Monday, Lundvall and Kizer revealed there had been no requests for blood testing for the proposed superfight submitted through their organization as yet.

Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum made a “final offer” on Sunday, claiming he and Pacquiao would abide by whatever system the NAC deemed appropriate, and that Mayweather and Golden Boy should do the same. Pacquiao has previously rejected Mayweather’s demands for random blood tests at any time leading up to the fight.

Lundvall insisted that differing medical opinion and information on the efficacy of various testing systems, made it difficult to ascertain which was the optimum program to use. However, she claimed she was confident the method employed by NAC was effective in catching cheats.

However, the commission’s stance now makes it even less likely Golden Boy and Mayweather would agree to let the commission make the final decision on testing, as stipulated by Arum.

The likely next step is that Arum will go ahead with preliminary negotiations for a replacement fight for Pacquiao with Paulie Malignaggi, and wait to see if the Mayweather camp softens its stance.

The superfight is not yet dead, but ground needs to be given on both sides. With the egos and issues involved, that could be a slow process.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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Arum taps Malignaggi for Pacquiao

The camp of Manny Pacquiao, still hurting from all the allegations that the Filipino fighter is using performance-enhancing drugs, said on Friday that Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum has reached out to American Paulie Malignaggi, who is being eyed to replace Floyd Mayweather in a fight set for March 13, 2010.

''Bob and I spoke and Paulie Malignaggi is being looked at as a possible opponent,'' said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal yesterday from General Santos City.

Arum has given up hope for the Pacquiao-Mayweather slugfest after Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) continued to issue statements in the media alleging that Pacquiao is using banned substances in preparation for his fights.


Malignaggi, who sports a 27-3-0 win-loss-draw record with five knockouts, is coming off a points win over rugged Juan Diaz two weeks ago and is willing to come in as a replacement for Mayweather.

Pacquiao said he is willing to undergo a drug test but not the one being imposed by Mayweather because ''it would weaken him going into the final days leading up to the fight.''

Malignaggi's losses were dealt by Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and Diaz (in their first fight).

Meanwhile, there are reports circulating that Pacquiao is preparing a lawsuit against Mayweather and GBP in relation with the drugs issue although Gacal said he had no idea about it.

''I don't know. Manny hasn't talked to me about it,'' Gacal said. ''I have no idea.''

The Los Angeles Times has reported that Pacquiao has decided to file a case with the help of Arum ''because I have had people coming over to me now asking if I really take performance-enhancing drugs and I have cheated my way into becoming the No. 1 boxer in the world.''

Pacquiao said in a written statement released to media outlets that he had never used banned substances and that his success is a result of hard work.

Source: Yahoo News

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Mayweather v Pacquiao bout off says Bob Arum

The WBO welterweight title bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao next March will not go ahead due to the American's demands for Olympic-style dope testing procedures, promoter Bob Arum said on Wednesday.

Arum, who represents the Filipino champion, said using blood tests for the highly anticipated fight on March 13 was unprecedented for professional fights in Las Vegas.

"As far as I'm concerned, the fight is off," Arum told Reuters in a telephone interview. "We don't object to more extensive drug testing, even though it's certainly not required in Nevada.


"What we're saying is that the drug testing he is proposing is intrusive and would disturb Pacquiao's training if it's done within 30 days of his fight."

Pacquiao had agreed to have blood taken for testing before the initial media conference and after the fight but would not agree to have blood drawn within 30 days of the bout.

TESTING DEMANDS

Mayweather's camp, represented by Golden Boy Promotions, has called for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the fight as mandated by the U.S. Anti Doping Agency.

Arum suggested the testing demands by Mayweather were the American's way of ducking the fight.

"My gut feeling is Mayweather doesn't want to do the fight and this is his excuse. Period."

Pacquiao was to defend the World Boxing Organization title he won in November by stopping holder Miguel Cotto in the 12th round in Las Vegas for his unprecedented seventh title in seven weight classes.

The best pound-for-pound showdown between Pacquiao (50-3-2) and unbeaten Mayweather (40-0) was expected to be among boxing's biggest revenue-producing fights.

Arum said he could not agree with the testing demands as a matter of protection for Pacquiao, who believes blood testing would weaken him that close to a bout.

The promoter said more extensive testing agreeable to Pacquiao could have been arranged.

"We're saying let's use the drug testing agencies that test athletes in the NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball because they are used to dealing with professional athletes, and they take random urinalysis.

"That is far less intrusive than taking blood which has an effect on the athlete because it's not just a prick of a pin, but actually drawing an extensive amount of blood."

Arum said he was not confident about a compromise, seeing Mayweather's blood-testing demands as a way to "sabotage" the bout.

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MGM Will be Site of Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao

Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will contest their megabout for Pacquiao's WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title on March 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, according to sources with knowledge of the decision.

"It's the MGM. It's definite," said a source.

The MGM was chosen over the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium, whose owner, Jerry Jones, had offered $25 million to host the bout. The promoters of both fighters, however, had indicated that they felt the MGM's offer could surpass that of Jones.

The choice of the MGM Grand, whose deal specifications are unclear, is largely based in both fighters' familiarity with the location as well as their past success there.

News conferences already had been planned for Jan. 6, followed by one in Los Angeles two days later on Jan.8, the sources indicated.

Both Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) and Mayweather (40-0, 25 KOs) were in agreement in principle with all of the fight deal's negotiation parameters, including a 50-50 financial split, competition at the 147-pound limit, eight-ounce gloves, and an Olympic-style random drug test at the request of Mayweather's camp.

Mayweather, a 32-year-old who is being represented by Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer in the negotiations, is a five-time champion, with a 6-0 record at the MGM that includes two knockouts.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao, a winner of seven crowns in as many weight divisions, is 3-1-1 at MGM.

Last week, The Los Angeles Times, citing a source involved in the site talks, spelled out a scenario in which the MGM Grand would generate $28 million in live-gate sales, offer 40,000 closed-circuit seats through MGM/Mirage properties, and charge $100 a head for a possible $4 million surplus -- a total worth of around $32 million.

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

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Where to stage Floyd-Manny?

The venue for the highly anticipated March 13 bout between unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao will likely be decided by Thursday, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said Tuesday.

Arum said the fight, which is expected to break existing boxing revenue and pay-per-view records, will either be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Cowboys Stadium in Dallas or the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Arum said neither fighter has signed a contract, though both men have agreed to the major deal points.

Arum said he hasn’t seen the proposal from officials in Georgia, though he has spoken with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. He was planning to fly from Los Angeles to Cleveland on Tuesday and then drive to Youngstown, Ohio, where he is promoting a fight Saturday involving middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.

“We’ll pick the best proposal and go from there,” Arum said.

The MGM Grand has to be considered the favorite to land the fight, though Arum said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones “won’t give up. He wants this fight there badly.” And Arum said that he understands Atlanta officials are going to go hard after the fight and that their bid includes heavy support from Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Arum said though Pacquiao has agreed to all major points in the deal, there will be some additional points he’ll need to agree to before a contract is ready to be signed. He said none of them were major. The same is true of Mayweather, who is being promoted in this fight by Golden Boy Promotions.

With that, let’s hop into the mailbag and see what’s on your mind. My responses are in italics.

Source: YahooSports

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Roach okays random tests on both camps

Freddie Roach doesn’t mind putting his fighter under random drug testing as long as the other camp goes through exactly the same procedure.

The three-time Trainer of the Year yesterday reacted to calls made by the camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr. to have Manny Pacquiao, the hottest fighter out there, to random tests in the weeks leading to their March 13 encounter.

Mayweather’s father, Floyd Sr., has raised concerns that the Filipino pound-for-pound champion, whose amazing run of victories as he moved up in weight has baffled his critics, is into some sort of performance-enhancing drugs.

Roach told The STAR that Pacquiao is a clean fighter, if not the cleanest.

“Yeah, we’ll do it but they have to do it as well. Manny fights clean. If they’ll do it, then we’ll do it,” said Roach as he expressed his willingness to have Pacquiao go through the random tests.

“I don’t have any problem with that. But no blood tests close to the fight. They can take urine tests,” said Roach, adding that it’s how they do it in the Olympics.

The Mayweather people said they want tests like the way it’s being done in the Olympics.

“I had a girlfriend who was in the Olympics in triple jump and that’s how it’s done. They get urine tests. They can come to her in the middle of the night and take urine tests but not blood tests,” Roach added.

He was asked where the heat is coming from and said it all started when Floyd Jr. started raising the issue.

“I don’t know. Maybe they’re just looking for an excuse,” said Roach.

Source: Philstar.com

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Ariza: Mayweather Can't Run From Pacquiao

Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao’s conditioning expert Alex Ariza is getting a little peeved with the camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr who keep demanding drug tests in addition to those conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and continue to play on the unsubstantiated allegations of Floyd Mayweather Sr that Pacquiao is on some performance-enhancing drug.

Ariza said he didn’t have any problem with Olympic-style drug tests being conducted on Pacquiao but said “no matter where they try to look for something, at the end of the day Mayweather is going to have to get in that ring and he is just going to have to show up. All the posturing about Manny getting knocked out or being on steroids…all of that s—t, he is going to eventually have to step into that ring and he’s going to have to fight. There’s not going to be any excuses.”

Ariza said “I am the one in charge, I’m the one responsible for what Manny takes. He has no idea what he takes. He is on the same thing that Amir Khan (WBA light welterweight champion) , Vanes Martirosyan’s on and I don’t give my guys any steroids. What I give them is all natural and its my own special blend of different things.”

Ariza told Mayweather, “don’t look for excuses, don’t run, just show up to fight.”

The conditioning guru who teamed up with celebrated trainer Freddie Roach and helped turn Pacquiao into a devastating punching phenomenon who annihilated WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, IBO light welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton and WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in succession said “it is very difficult for other fighters to look at what Manny has accomplished.”

At the same time in a light vein Ariza supported a suggestion that Floyd Mayweather Sr’s head should be examined first considering the nonsense he’s been peddling.

Ariza confirmed that Khan would be among Pacquiao’s sparring partners but said there was no definite word on whether training camp will begin in Baguio City like it did for the Cotto fight or remain all throughout at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles

Source:Ronnie Nathanielsz | boxingscene.com

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Mayweather Boast He Will Easily Beat Pacquiao

Floyd Mayweather Jr says he will beat Manny Pacquiao "easily" and will walk away from the biggest pay-per-view event in the history of boxing with up to $75m (£45m).

Only obduracy of the most perverse kind can scupper a mega-showdown between the new WBO welterweight champion and Mayweather some time in 2010, almost certainly in Las Vegas. But Mayweather dismissed the little Filipino's brutal stoppage of the formidable Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in the 12th round at the MGM Grand on Saturday night as one-dimensional, even though it has been universally hailed as one of the finest ring performances in many years.

"Can Manny Pacquiao beat me?" he asked a Sky reporter afterwards. "Absolutely not. Easy work, easy fight. I don't see no versatility in Manny Pacquiao. I see just a fighter, you know, a good puncher, but just one dimension. I'm not saying Cotto wasn't a good fight. But he's been in a lot of wars. I haven't took no punishment. There's nothing cool about taking punishment."

Mayweather cast doubt on Pacquiao's willingness to fight him, a radical take on an event even boxing's most gnarled rivals would do well to sabotage. "If Pacquiao wanted it, he could get it. Come on man, I don't have to say I want to fight Pacquiao. Floyd Mayweather is the face of boxing. All roads lead to Floyd Mayweather."

Pacquiao, nonetheless, has remained silent on the subject since ripping the WBO welterweight title away from Cotto, his seventh belt at different weights – to Mayweather's five.

Whatever the opening rhetoric, Mayweather will not jeopardise a fight he knows could earn him, as he says, "$50m, $60m, $75m. Come on man, I'm not losing. I deserve a bigger piece of the pie. I've done more. I've been around the sport longer and I've been dominating longer – and nobody has beaten me yet. There's no fighter that can beat me. The world's going to go 'wow' if Floyd Mayweather gets beat. That's what everyone's looking to see. What's going on right now in the sport of boxing, they're trying to build a fighter, make a fighter that can beat me. I don't get no respect in the sport of boxing."

He poured cold water on the perception that Pacquiao deserves respect for coming up through the weights as a skinny teenager on the streets of General Santos City to beat boxing's best at so many weights, including Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera and Ricky Hatton.

"Manny Pacquiao weighed 106lb when he was 16, just like Floyd Mayweather weighed 106 when he was 16. My career is fine. What's so cool, I take no punishment, no bumps, no bruises and, when my career is over, I have a job as a commentator. And I'll be a great promoter."

Mayweather has figured in some of the biggest pay-per-view fights in history. He and De La Hoya generated the biggest pile of all, $120m, in 2007. That eclipsed the $106.9m revenue from the Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis fight in 2002. De La Hoya and Félix Trinidad raised $71.4m in 1999.

In pay-per-view numbers, De La Hoya-Mayweather tops the list with 2.15m hits, followed by the Tyson-Evander Holyfield "ear fight" in 1997, with 1.99m purchases, and De La Hoya-Trinidad's 1999 bout, with 1.4m. There are some estimates that put Mayweather-Hatton in 2008 at 1.5m, although the announced figure was 1.2m – a fact not lost on Mayweather.

After he takes care of Pacquiao, Mayweather said, he wants to fight in the UK – although he named no opponent, pointing out only that he'd heard "Ricky Hatton wants to play chess with me again".

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather Fight Already Made

Just minutes after Manny Pacquiao had violently turned Miguel Cotto’s face into raw hamburger, the chant rose up from the stands of the MGM Grand Garden Arena:

“We want Floyd.”

Pacquiao had delivered a systematic demolition job of Cotto, winning the World Boxing Organization welterweight title via 12th round TKO with round after round of devastating shots against a bigger, stronger man.

It was the second electrifying boxing performance of the fall. The first was Floyd Mayweather Jr’s 12-round decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in September. That fight broke the rare 1 million pay-per-view bar, a number that will likely be exceeded by this fight too.

So now the stage is set for a super fight that could set box office records – Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. It’s the dream bout between the two best pound-for-pound champions in the sport, hopefully sometime in 2010.

“If Floyd Mayweather wants to fight Manny Pacquiao he knows who to call,” said Bob Arum, the CEO of Top Rank Boxing, the promotion which handles Pacquiao.

Within minutes, Ross Greenberg, the head of HBO Sports said he had spoken to Richard Shaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Mayweather.

“Richard told me point blank, Bob Arum will be getting that call Monday,” Greenberg said. “He plans on meeting next week with Bob to make the Mayweather fight.”

There will, no doubt, be posturing and preening and negotiating over the split. There are no small egos in this battle; no small checks, either.

“Benjamin Franklin is the most important personality [in the negotiation],” said Greenberg, whose company would handle the pay-per-view. “His face, multiplied by 15 million brings people to the table. Each guy needs to look at the big picture and the big picture is a boat load of cash and a fight too important for the sport.”

Greenberg said the 2007 fight between Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya resulted in an $80 million purse.

“Is this one smaller?” Greenberg said, shaking his head. “Bigger.”

For boxing fans who care little about who gets more of the final millions and just want to see two legendary fighters in the prime of their careers, this will be a tantalizing wait.

“I think that is the fight the world wants to see,” Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said.

Pacquiao’s performance here was a thing of beauty, the continuation of a run of brilliance. He chopped a big, powerful opponent down with a combination of speed, smarts and toughness to take shots of his own.

He didn’t shy away from leaning on the ropes and mixing it up with Cotto because he said he wanted to prove he can fight a physical fight and was tired of hearing about Cotto’s supposed strength.

“I yelled at him every time, why are you fighting his fight?” Roach said. “Manny says, ‘I can handle it.’ I said, ‘Well, prove it.’ And he did.”

Post-fight, Cotto was sent to a local trauma unit. Pacquiao performed an eight-song set with his band at an outdoor concert at Mandalay Bay.

The night left little doubt about his genius.

Pacquiao, 30, who has won titles in a record six or seven weight classes (depending on which version of history you believe), said his 5-foot-6 frame can’t handle a weight higher than 145, so he’s running out of challengers.

The only real one left is Mayweather, 32, the 5-foot-7 welterweight who presents his own combination of historic quickness, boxing smarts and defensive skills.

Likewise, Pac-man is about the only real threat to Mayweather, who has dominated boxing in putting together a 40-0 record. Nearly two years ago, Mayweather was so bored from the lack of challengers, he retired for a stretch.

In his absence, Pacquiao rose, defeating both De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton in a much more brutal manner than Mayweather did. Now it’s Pac-man (50-3-2) who many call the pound-for-pound king, a fictional title that Mayweather insists is still his.

Now they can prove it.

Both are known for their ability to throw and land punches from unusual angles, from avoiding contact and for making each punch count. It would be speed against speed, true boxer against true boxer, two all-time greats, lined up and ready.

Each fighter’s colorful entourage had already started the debates and trash talk.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. launched into a circular rant that essentially accused Pacquiao of being on HGH. “I’ve been in boxing since I was 15 years old, I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said of Pacquiao’s new-found size and chin. Not that Senior said it would matter if Manny fought his son.

“When it’s time for us to fight, I’m going to show you all who the master is,” Mayweather Sr. said.

For good measure Mayweather Sr. claimed Roach was only a great trainer because he has a great fighter.

“Tell him to go [expletive] himself,” Roach said.

Roach said the game plan against Mayweather is obvious, catch him if you can.

“Mayweather is a very defensive fighter,” Roach said. “He doesn’t like to engage much. You have to pressure him. I think we have the hand speed to do that. We’d have to set traps for him and fight every minute of every round. I hear he [trains like] a machine too. I’d like to see who lasts longer.”

Roach also feels that with the chin Pacquiao showed against Cotto, that forcing the action against the softer hitting Mayweather won’t present a risk.

“Floyd can’t break a nail, he hurts his hands all the time,” Roach said. “He can’t knock Manny Pacquiao out.”

Pacquiao said he was taking a vacation and would fight whoever Arum set up for him. Mayweather Jr. did not attend the fight even though he lives in Las Vegas. His father said he did watch at home though and the loquacious boxer would have plenty to say in the future.

No one doubts that one.

And for once, it seems that boxing’s suicidal politics and factions won’t stand in the way of the fight everyone wants to see.

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather. See you in 2010.


Source: yahoo sports

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather Scheduled Fight Info.

Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to box Floyd Mayweather Jr (40-0-0, 25 KOs) on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight is being promoted by Bob Arum of Top Rank and Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and will be televised live on HBO PPV.


Pacquiao made history winning a seventh world title in a seventh weight class beating former WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Angel Cotto (34-2-0, 27 KOs) by 12th round TKO on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight at 0:55 of round twelve with Cotto no longer in the fight and just trying to survive after being downed in rounds three and four and his face a bloody mess. In addition to his victory Pacquiao won the WBO welterweight title and the WBC Diamond belt. Stay tuned for more updates of Pacquiao vs Mayweather.

Source: Ringside.com

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LA out, Dallas still in race for Pacquiao-Mayweather says Arum

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif.(AP)—Promoter Bob Arum expects to settle on a site for Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. by next week.

While Las Vegas is the front-runner, Arum claims it still might be Dallas - and it definitely won’t be Los Angeles.

The Top Rank boss spoke glowingly of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his willingness to outbid Vegas for what might be the richest fight in boxing history. Arum also expressed frustration Saturday night with Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, who assists Mayweather Promotions, for canceling a trip to Dallas because he doesn’t want the fight in Jones’ opulent stadium.


“I know Texas people, and I know that a first proposal doesn’t mean it’s the final proposal,” said Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. “I’m saying that Dallas is a real live possibility, and I have a fiduciary responsibility to Manny Pacquiao to get him the most money.”

The Dallas bid was thought to be nearly dead after Schaefer skipped the trip on Wednesday to scout for Mayweather. But Arum, speaking after Top Rank fighter Lamont Peterson lost his 140-pound title shot against Timothy Bradley, insists Schaefer must consider Jones’ offer - a guarantee of $25 million, according to the Los Angeles Times, which might go even higher.

“I think everybody involved has an obligation to see,” said Arum, who has turned over the nuts-and-bolts negotiations to Top Rank president Todd duBoef because Arum gets too emotional.

“I know we can get the greatest offer in history from the Texas stadium,” Arum said. “My position is whoever has the best deal for those two fighters, that’s where I want the deal.”

Arum might want this historic fight to happen in decidedly unhistoric Cowboys Stadium, or he might simply be attempting to leverage Jones’ bid against the MGM Grand to get a better offer from the best fight site in boxing’s capital city.

The MGM Grand likely could craft a bigger offer than $25 million based on closed-circuit tickets and the ancillary benefits of being in the gambling mecca, but the casino likely can’t match the possible Dallas gate - and Arum wants a guarantee.

“I’m guaranteeing my fighter $25 million,” Arum said. “I ain’t going for pie in the sky on this.”

Arum also says the fight will only be held in a state with generous tax laws, ruling out Los Angeles and apparently New Orleans, which expressed interest in putting the fight in the Superdome. Staples Center made a $20 million bid for the bout, but Arum scoffed at it.

“Staples is not a factor at all,” Arum said. “There is no possibility at all of Staples because of California’s tax situation.”

Source: Yahoo Sports

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Pacquiao Mayweather Fight of a Decade

Mayweather's public persona ("Money Mayweather") is a self-creation. Give him credit for good marketing on that. And he has the respect of his peers. Zab Judah once remarked, "Floyd comes into every fight physically and mentally at 100 percent."

Some observers of the boxing scene complain that Floyd runs more than he fights. But Bernard Hopkins rebuts that notion, saying, "Floyd don't run from nobody. I've seen Floyd counterpunch; I've seen Floyd move; I've seen Floyd use his speed, use his quickness. But I've never seen Floyd run."


And Mayweather himself notes, "Boxing is a beautiful sport. Boxing is art. The last time I looked, the sport was called 'boxing,' not '"toe-to-toe.'"

Still, there's a chink in Floyd's armor. There's a school of thought that, for much of the decade, he ducked the tough fights, managing to avoid Shane Mosley, Paul Williams, Antonio Margarito, and Miguel Cotto.

That brings us to Manny Pacquiao.

On January 1, 2000, Manny Pacquiao was 21 years old and virtually unknown outside of his native Philippines. During the course of the past decade, he has fought 26 times and become the most famous fighter in the world. His opponents in that 10-year span included Erik Morales (three times), Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Juan Manuel Marquez (twice), Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. In 10 fights against these six Hall-of-Fame-caliber opponents, Pacquiao amassed 8 wins against 1 loss and a draw.

Moreover, unlike Hopkins and Mayweather (both of whom fought many of their biggest fights against smaller men), Pacquiao has consistently challenged naturally bigger fighters. He has hurdled every major obstacle in his weight class and then some.

Unlike Mayweather and Calzaghe, Pacquiao has a less-than-perfect record for the decade. But when a fighter fights the best again and again, sometimes he loses. When Sugar Ray Robinson was young and great, he lost to Jake LaMotta. Muhammad Ali lost to Joe Frazier and Ken Norton before he got old.

History judges elite fighters in large measure by their record against other elite fighters and how they perform in their most difficult challenges.

Mayweather has talked the talk. Pacquiao has walked the walk. And Manny has out-of-the-ring intangibles as well. In that regard, he's similar to Muhammad Ali: a great fighter, a good person and an important symbol for his people.

"I'm just doing my job to be a good fighter," Pacquiao said after beating Miguel Cotto earlier this year.

He's doing more than that. Manny Pacquiao deserves recognition as "Fighter of the Decade."

Source: HBO.com

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather in Dallas?

Here is some great news for boxing fans and especially Dallas, TX boxing fans. It appears that Manny Pacquiao will indeed fight Floyd "big mouth" Mayweather and it could happen in Dallas, TX at the Cowboy stadium which holds 105,000 people. Now at an average of $100 to$200 a seat,that could bring in a gate of $10 to$20 Million dollars. Wow both fighters will gain a lot from this bout!

Pacquiao to fight Mayweather in Dallas, it could happen

Bob Arum and spoken with Mayweather and he has said he has agreed to the fight,and he is going to the Philippines to talk to Pacquiao. Keep your fingers crossed that the fight does happen and happen in Dallas. I will be there with first hand reports. So you won't want to miss that.

The date seems to be open for March 13, after Roy Jones Jr.got knocked out by Green, he gave up that date on HBO and thus Pacquiao and Mayweather could get it. It will be the best fight in 5 years and will definitely give Pacquiao the chance to prove he is one of the best ever and shut Mayweathers mouth for good. Catch for more updates of Pacquiao vs Mayweather.

Source: Examiner.com

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Pacquiao Vs. Mayweather: Both Agree With The Terms!

ESPN is reporting that the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight is almost finalized. This comes just days after Floyd Mayweather agreed to the terms that promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy had agreed upon.

Following that breakthrough, Arum flew straight to the Philippines so he could meet with his star fighter, currently the number 1 pound for pound boxer in the world. Over a breakfast meeting, Pacquiao apparently was satisfied with the terms of the fight.


Could it be, a mega-fight in boxing that both stars have made extremely easy to navigate and negotiate? Anything can happen, and until the names are signed on those contracts, nothing is official. Still, this is extremely great news for boxing fans, considering the magnitude of the potential Floyd Mayweather vs.Manny Pacquiao bout.

If Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is to be finalized, it seems that a few more details have been worked out since the last news from earlier in the week. It now seems that March 13 is a near lock to be the date of the event.

Another issue that could have been a potential snag in negotiations seems cleared up as well. Apparently Pacquiao and his team are fine at fighting at the full welterweight limit of 147 lbs. This is a change in stance from Pacquiao's recent bout with Miguel Cotto.

The change in opinion could either be due to 1) the increased importance of this bout, 2) Mayweather's superior bargaining position as opposed to Cotto or 3) the fact that Mayweather is not a large welterweight, and so any weight or strength advantage would not truly be present in the bout.

One thing that remains unclear as to this point is where the fight will be held. As previously reported, Dallas, New Orleans and Las Vegas are all still in the running. If the fight lands in Vegas, a 30,000 outdoor stadium will likely be constructed to accommodate the masses.

Source: Associated Content.com

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Manny Pacquiao Sign A deal to fight Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao has officially signed on to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what could be the biggest and richest fight in boxing history, the Filipino ring icon’s trainer said today.

Speaking to 8CountNews, Freddie Roach confirmed that his ward has indeed placed his signature on the fight contract, adding that the bout will be held on March 13.

“March 13th is the date, that's not going to change,” he told 8CountNews.

The multi-awarded trainer said that with Pacquiao inking the deal, it is now up to Mayweather to complete his end the deal.

“Well anything is possible with Floyd Mayweather involved, but we signed our contract and that's all I care about. There is nothing that I can do about the other guy. I don't know if they officially signed, but we have,” Roach said.

The bespectacled trainer added that among the things that the Pacquiao camp has agreed on were the glove size to be used and the weight class on which the fight would be held. He, however, did not provide further details.

“Everything looks good. We have agreed on the glove size, and the weight. I talked to (Pacquiao’s promoter Bob) Arum, Dallas wants the fight, MGM wants the fight, Yankee Stadium wants the fight, so it's just trying to find out where the venue is. The fight looks good,” Roach said.

And with the fight now closer to being finalized, how does Roach see Pacquiao matching up against Mayweather?

“It's a difficult fight, it's the most difficult style for us to go against because he (Mayweather) is a runner and a counter-puncher. We will go to camp and we will make some changes, we will set traps for this guy. This is completely opposite of the (Miguel) Cotto fight, opposite of the (Ricky) Hatton fight, and opposite from the (Oscar) De La Hoya fight. We will come up with a new game plan, a 10-week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd's speed away from him,” he explained.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather bout would pit two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in their primes. It is expected to shatter existing pay-per-view records, with both fighters having proven themselves to be mammoth box-office draws. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

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Mayweather will Defeat Pacquiao

(CNN) -- Unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr claims he will knock out WBO welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao when the two boxing giants lock horns next year.

Speaking on HBO TV's Joe Buck chat show, the 32-year-old Mayweather -- who has an unblemished record from 40 fights -- said: "Pacquiao's a good fighter but I've been around the sport a long time and I've dominated boxing for around 15 years now.

"Nobody has defeated me yet so we'll have to see. The thing is, I don't want the fans to be really shocked by what will happen when we do happen to meet up -- because it's not going to be anything new for them."

"The things is, Manny has been knocked out before and he's taken losses. I'll be victorious."

Filipino Pacquiao will come into the fight following a remarkable 12 months which has seen him defeat de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

Meanwhile, Mayweather has fought only once in two years, a unanimous points victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in las Vegas.

Although definitive plans for the mega-money contest are yet to be confirmed, a date of March 13 is widely rumored to be agreed, with three possible venues in the running to stage the contest.

The two fighters are regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world right now and the fight is expected to generate record levels of interest, easily surpassing the previous record of $18.4m for gate receipts, which was generated for Mayweather's bout with Oscar De La Hoya in 2007.

Two NFL stadiums are reported to be bidding to host the fight. Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is competing with the Superdome in New Orleans, as well as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The two stadiums could accommodate up to 100,000 spectators, while the MGM Grand seats about 16,000.
Source: edition.cnn.com

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather Fight Host in LA

Staples Center has made a guaranteed $20-million offer to host the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. mega-fight that has been verbally agreed to be fought March 13.

"This is the biggest boxing event ever, and we're prepared to step up in a big way," said Dan Beckerman, AEG's chief financial officer. Beckerman said his pitch to Mayweather promoter Richard Schaefer and Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum is to "activate the entire L.A. Live campus" on fight week.

New J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels would serve as media headquarters, a fan-fest would be staged at Nokia Plaza, a large closed-circuit audience could watch the bout at Nokia Theatre and 20,000 would fill Staples Center, Beckerman said.

"We know there's interest in this fight across the world, but we're very interested and honored to make the most impressive offer possible," Beckerman said. "It's our biggest guarantee ever, and we hope it wins the day. We wanted to push as far and as hard as we could."

Schaefer, chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, which counts AEG as a partner, declined to immediately comment on any site deals. He canceled a planned trip to tour Dallas Cowboys Stadium on Wednesday, but declined to explain why, other than repeating he was busy working to finalize the fight deal.

One of the barriers to staging the bout in California, promoters say, are the state taxes required from the boxers -- payments not required in Nevada and Texas.

"That's certainly a factor in the overall economics, and one thing we'd have to overcome," Beckerman said.

Staples has at least won the right to stage another fight of interest, the fourth chapter between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, on May 22, Beckerman said.

The classic trilogy had two fights at AEG's Home Depot Center, with both bouts won by Huntington Park's Vazquez.

"That's a great L.A. fight and the fourth installment appropriately needs to step up to the bigger venue," Beckerman said.

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$25 million for Manny

Pacquiao vs Mayweather mega fight takes place on March 13, 2010.

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MANILA, Philippines--In the end, there was enough up-front money to agree to an equal split of the purse.

Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and undefeated American star Floyd Mayweather Jr. will get $25 million (P1.15 billion) each from the initial $50 million pot pooled together to get both fighters to agree to what has been billed as potentially the richest fight in boxing history.

“This is going to be an exciting fight,” Pacquiao said on national TV Friday.

He also told Boxing.fanhouse.com that “I want to fight Floyd Mayweather very badly. It’s the fight that everyone wants to see.”

Top Rank chief Bob Arum will fly back to the US today to meet with the Mayweather camp to discuss a few minor details before finalizing the fight contract.


Asked earlier if a contract had been signed, Arum cryptically replied: “You see a smile on my face. I’m not disappointed.”

Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz likewise did not give any concrete details in an interview with the Associated Press but said that all there is left is a little “fine tuning.”

“Manny has some additional requirements, requests, which Arum didn’t think was a problem,” Koncz said. “The requests of Manny were so realistic that Arum doesn’t feel it’s a problem and it’s pretty much a done deal.”

Pacquiao and Mayweather are scheduled to face off in a highly anticipated March 13 showdown at a still unspecified venue in the US.

Probable hosts
Arum has said the probable hosts have been narrowed to three: the MGM Grand in Las Vegas looms as the top pick with the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas and the Superdome in New Orleans as possible choices.

Top Rank plans to send a survey team to Dallas next week to examine the new $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium, the person said. Team owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday that the Cowboys “are still desirous of looking at what we can do.”

The formal announcement of the fight could be made coinciding with Arum’s 78th birthday on Tuesday.


The Guardian, quoting several sources, said Pacquiao and Mayweather have agreed to equally share the guaranteed pot while other Internet reports revealed that other kinks have also been ironed out already.

No catch weight
Pacquiao will stake his WBO welterweight crown, which he won from Miguel Cotto via a 12th-round TKO last Nov. 14 to become the first fighter in history to win seven world titles in as many weight classes. This time, though, the bout will have no catch weight.

While Pacquiao fought Cotto at an agreed weight limit of 145 pounds, the bout against Mayweather will be fought at the regular welterweight limit of 147 lb.

Mayweather had initially asked for a junior middleweight limit of 154 lb.

Both fighters will use 8-ounce gloves—the ones Pacquiao prefers—but will be allowed to select the brand they will use.

Arum met with Pacquiao and Koncz on Friday and is scheduled to meet with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer to finalize the contract.

The super bout is expected to shatter several existing box office and revenue records, with the $50 million pot setting the bout in the right direction.

The richest fight ever was the Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya bout, which earned $120 million in pay-per-view sales and $19 million in gate receipts.

“[Pacquiao-Mayweather] will be the biggest fight of all time, financially,” Arum confidently said Friday.

$150-M mark?
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather will get enormous shares of the pay-per-view pie, which experts said could pierce the $150-million mark.

Pacquiao’s fight against Cotto sold 1.25 million pay-per-views, while Mayweather’s comeback victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in September attracted 1.05 million.

Although the Mayweather-Marquez tiff sold for only $49.95 each on PPV, Pacquiao-Cotto fetched $54.95 per PPV sale.

For the Pacquiao-Mayweather bout, HBO, which owns PPV rights of the fight, could go as high as $60.

Pacquiao has been on the rise the past couple of years with explosive victories over Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and David Diaz—all via knockout.

Mayweather, on the other hand, hammered out a 12-round decision over Marquez after coming off a 21-month layoff.

With the March 13 playdate biting into the normal promotional time for Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO to sell the fight, the battle between the last two occupants of the mythical pound-for-pound throne is expected to sell itself.

“The difference between Floyd and others I have fought is that Floyd makes a lot of trash talk that should not be imitated by young people,” Pacquiao told GMA News.

The public appetite for this fight has already been whetted by Pacquiao’s demolition of Cotto. During the post-fight interview with Larry Merchant, Pacquiao was interrupted by his fans, who kept chanting “we want Floyd!”


Source: Inquirer.net

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Pacquiao say March 13 fight is not too early

Watch Pacquiao vs Mayweather on March 13.

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Despite his gruelling fight against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto last month, Manny Pacquiao guaranteed his readiness to face undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

“I feel okay, at ready to fight sa March 13. I have time to rest and I can assure that I’ll be fine,” the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion told ABS-CBN News Correspondent Dyan Castillejo during the opening of his memoribilia shop in Manila Tuesday.



Pacquiao beat Cotto by technical knockout in the 12th round on November 14 in Las Vegas. He suffered a right ear injury due to Cotto's punches. Mayweather, on the other hand, scored an "easy" victory over Juan Manuel Marquez last September 19.

The pound-for-pound king also said he has already watched Mayweather’s tapes several times. “Marami na. Siguro hindi lang tatlong beses. Basta marami na,” he stated.

As for where he will hold his training camp, Pacquiao said he has yet to talk to his coach, Freddie Roach, on the matter.

Roach earlier revealed that he wants World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan to be Pacquiao’s sparring mate again. Khan sparred with Pacquiao before the Filipino boxing sensation fought Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

Other details of the blockbuster bout between Pacquiao and Mayweather have yet to be ironed out such as the venue of the fight.

But he assured that the mega fight will be a spectacle: “Of course both of us kailangang i-prove kung sino ang magaling at matibay at sinisikap naming makapagbigay ng magandang show at magandang laban sa mga tao.”

The Pacquiao-Mayweather clash will be officially announced on January 11. Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) will put his WBO title on the line while Mayweather’s undefeated record (40-0, 25 KOs) will be at stake.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao shot down reports saying that Roach opposed the March 13 bout against Mayweather.

“Si Freddie nga ang unang naghamon kay Floyd Mayweather at gusto niya ‘yon. Sana ipakita niyo kung may video ba si Freddie Roach na ayaw niya muna akong lumaban kay Floyd Mayweather at ‘yon maniniwala ako,” he said. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

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Arum: Pacquiao will destroy Mayweather

Pacquiao vs Mayweather boxing fight will takes place on March 13, 2009

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There is no doubt in Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s mind who the winner will be in the March 13 fight for the ages between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and the man who was king before him, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Arum who promoted some of Mayweather’s fights in the past and had a not-too-pleasant falling out with him and those around him, would like nothing better than for Pacquiao to win and in the process shut the mouth of the abrasive father of Floyd, Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Mayweather Sr's foul language appears to be a trademark and something that comes naturally even as Pacquiao, ever the gentleman and known for his humility says there is no need for foul language and trash talk to promote a fight or to help the sport of boxing.
Arum, on the other hand, is elated over the enthusiasm for the fight displayed by Pacquiao saying his competitive juices are already flowing and in the eight weeks of training which is likely to begin in the Philippine summer capital of Baguio and wind up at trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym, he should be in terrific shape.
Arum is not underestimating Mayweather even as he dismisses claims that he is scared. Arum told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that Mayweather “is not afraid. He is not a coward but like most fighters he is scared of losing his unbeaten record.”
The astute promoter who turns 78 on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) said Mayweather is “probably one of the best defensive fighters that I’ve seen and he’s a very, very good fighter.”
However, Arum believes that Pacquiao is unlike any other fighter Mayweather has met in the past and with his hand- speed, his movement and his power, “Manny will destroy Mayweather.”
He said that’s the reason he likes the fight and according to him so does Roach as well as Top Rank’s ace matchmaker Bruce Trampler. In fact Arum senses that Mayweather has been reluctant to do the fight and that was one of the reasons they agreed to a March 13 date because they thought Pacquiao would turn it down because of the May congressional elections which would have given Mayweather a chance to back out.
Arum thinks that Mayweather doesn’t have what it takes to beat Pacquiao. He said “I don’t think Mayweather has anything to beat him (Pacquiao) with.”
Although he admits that Mayweather is a very good defensive fighter that Freddie Roach and Manny himself will “ find a key to be able to attack Mayweather and once Manny can attack Mayweather I don’t think Mayweather can take his punches. I look for Manny to knock him out in six or seven rounds."

Soure: BoxingScene

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Pacquiao and Mayweather: Floyd Mayweather Jr. Biography

Floyd Mayweather is back. Perhaps the best boxer of this era and without question the most talented, Floyd "Money" Mayweather shows an unprecedented mix of speed, power and natural instincts every time he steps into the ring—a combination that has already translated to 39 wins without a loss, 25 knockouts, and world championships in five weight classes.


Following his historic victory over "The Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya, and his dramatic 10th round knock-out domination of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Mayweather stunned the entire sports world in June of 2008 when he announced that he was retiring from boxing after competing in the sport for nearly 20 years. Now the former number one pound-for-pound champion is set to return to the sport he loves after 16 months, making his return to the ring for the first time since December 2007.


"My goal has always been to be one of the best fighters who ever lived," Mayweather said. "My career and legacy are very important to me. I feel that I am already ranked amongst the greatest and I am back to prove that I belong at the top by fighting and defeating Juan Manuel Marquez."

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mayweather was born into a boxing family. His father, Floyd Sr. was a former welterweight contender who fought Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, and his uncles, Roger and Jeff, were also pro fighters, with Roger—Floyd's current trainer—winning two world championships in his prime.

Fitted with boxing gloves while he was still a toddler, Floyd started boxing at the age of seven, and his acumen for the hardest game was obvious from the start. He would go on to compile an 84-6 amateur record while earning three Michigan Golden Gloves titles, three National Golden Gloves titles, PAL and National Championships, and an Olympic Bronze medal in the 1996 Games.

He has not lost since.

Turning pro in the super featherweight division on October 11, 1996, Mayweather blitzed Roberto Apodaca in just two rounds, and his journey to greatness was underway. After one more win in 1996, Mayweather went 10-0 with 9 knockouts in 1997, and added five more wins to his ledger in the first half of 1998. Fight fans were chomping at the bit to see the ultra-talented Mayweather in with the elite at 130 pounds, and on October 3, 1998, they got their chance when the 21-year old faced off against Genaro Hernandez for "Chicanito's" WBC world championship.

It was no contest as Mayweather battered the veteran with blinding combinations, pitching a near shutout before the fight was stopped after the eighth round. Floyd Mayweather was a world champion.

But any great champion will tell you that winning a title is one thing—defending it is another, and Mayweather, despite his physical gifts, showed his desire for greatness by outworking his opponents in the gym and gaining a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the sport.

This work paid off as Mayweather defended his super featherweight title eight times from 1998 to 2001, defeating Angel Manfredy (TKO2), Carlos Rios (W12), Justin Juuko (KO9), Carlos Gerena (TKO7), Gregorio Vargas (W12), Diego Corrales (TKO10), Carlos Hernandez (W12), and Jesus Chavez (TKO9). Corrales, Hernandez, and Chavez would all go on to win world titles after their one-sided losses to Mayweather.

With 130 pounds cleaned out, Mayweather sought new challenges at 135 pounds, and he got it in his WBC lightweight championship match against Mexico's tough Jose Luis Castillo on April 20, 2002. But after 12 hard-fought rounds, Mayweather had won his second world crown.

Fight fans clamored for a rematch though, and "Pretty Boy" Floyd answered their call in his very next fight less than eight months later, repeated his 12 round decision win over Castillo. He went on to defend the lightweight title twice more, over Victoriano Sosa (W12) and Phillip N'dou (TKO7), before testing the waters at 140 pounds.

In the junior welterweight division, Mayweather immediately made his presence known with a dominating 12 round decision win over former world champion DeMarcus Corley on May 22, 2004, and after an eighth round stoppage of Henry Bruseles to kick off 2005, Mayweather made his debut as a pay-per-view headliner on June 25, 2005, and he walked through rugged Arturo Gatti in just six rounds to win the WBC 140-pound championship.

Mayweather didn’'t spend much time at junior welterweight though, as he immediately jumped up to the welterweight division to take on the best in yet another weight class. Floyd kicked off his 147-pound campaign with a sixth round TKO of former world champion Sharmba Mitchell on November 19, 2005, and on April 8, 2006, he faced former friend Zab Judah in a highly-anticipated grudge match in which he cruised to an easy 12-round decision win to earn the IBF welterweight title. Not satisfied with just one belt, Mayweather finished off a stellar 2006 campaign with a 12-round near-shutout over Carlos Baldomir to add the WBC welterweight crown to his resume.

On May 5, 2007, Mayweather, then recognized as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, took on Oscar De La Hoya in an incredible light middleweight bout destined for history books. He reached the pinnacle of his career with a split decision victory, a battle which broke all-time pay-per-view and gate records. Then later in the year, in front of a roaring MGM Grand crowd, Mayweather returned to the welterweight division and knocked out the previously undefeated Ricky Hatton in the 10th round.

As he prepared for his match-up against Hatton, Mayweather appeared on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, which not only contributed the bout's incredible success, but introduced a completely new audience to the sport's biggest star. Mayweather continued to expand his fan base and crossover appeal in February 2008, when he appeared at WWE WrestleMania XXIV, and took on the Big Show in pay-per-view telecast's main event.

Now Mayweather, following his time away from the ring, is set to return to the sport and take on one of the best in the world, Juan Manuel Marquez, where he will attempt to pick up where he left off, and solidify his future boxing legacy.

Source: HBO.com

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather: Manny Pacquiao Biography

At the age of 30, Manny is a 14-year pro—he made his debut at 16. He has been fighting at the top levels of competition and given some of the most sensational performances in the ring in recent years.

A certain future Hall of Famer, Manny was voted the "2008 Fighter of the Year" by the Boxing Writers Association of America. He also won the BWAA award in 2006, as well as The Ring's 2006 and 2008 "Fighter of the Year."


Manny is also recognized by most observers as the best fighter at any weight in the ring today—the best "Pound for Pound."
He is a national hero in his native Philippines—the entire country of over 96 million people comes to a virtual standstill to watch whenever he fights.



Manny is coming off of an electrifying second-round knockout win against former IBF jr. welterweight and WBA welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton in his last fight on May 2.

The Associated Press' Tim Dahlberg reported from ringside:

"He didn't just beat Hatton. Didn't just knock him out.

"He demolished a world class fighter who had never lost at his natural weight of 140 pounds, and he did it with such precision and ease that the talk afterward wasn't whether Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but whether he might be one of the best ever.

"A right hook—a punch most southpaws don't even have—started it all, dropping Hatton midway through the first round. A left cross that may be one of the greatest single punches ever thrown in a big fight ended it with a dramatic flourish.

"When it was over, Hatton was sprawled motionless on his back in the center of the ring. Pacquiao and his corner were celebrating and the sellout crowd was trying to digest what they had just seen.

"Boxing has a new king in an unassuming fighter so good that he won his last four fights in four different weight classes."

Dan Rafael wrote on ESPN.com:

"With one thunderous left hand, Manny Pacquiao smashed his way into boxing immortality.

"Anyone doubt his pound-for-pound No. 1 perch now? Shoot, anyone doubt his place as one of boxing's best ever?

"The Filipino icon destroyed Ricky Hatton in two crushing rounds to make boxing history before 16,262 at the sold out and electric MGM Grand Garden Arena....

"It's something those of us who saw it shouldn't soon forget because it may be a long time until we see something like this again.

"In stunningly disposing of Hatton in ruthless fashion, Pacquiao matched Oscar De La Hoya's record of winning titles in six weight divisions. But more important, by adding Hatton's lineal junior welterweight championship to his growing collection, Pacquiao added a fourth lineal title, the first fighter to do that in boxing history. (Granted, there are more divisions now than there were back in the era of fighters such as Sugar Ray Robinson.)

"In plain terms, PacMan has been 'the man' in four divisions, the clear champion in a morass of titleholders at flyweight, featherweight, junior lightweight and now junior welterweight. Toss in belts at junior featherweight and lightweight—and wins against elite opponents—and you have a great fighter.

"It was almost laughable how easy it was for Pacquiao, who was fighting at junior welterweight for the first time in his career after dropping down from welterweight, where he fought in December and destroyed and retired De La Hoya.

"It also happened to be Pacquiao's fourth consecutive win in a fourth different division. It seems as though there is nothing he can't do."

In his previous fight on December 6, 2008, Manny scored the biggest win of his career—a dominant eighth-round TKO against former jr. lightweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, two-time super welterweight, and middleweight world champion Oscar De La Hoya—the biggest name in the sport over the last two decades and a certain future Hall of Famer himself.

Against De La Hoya, Manny was considered a huge underdog by most observers—and the fight a mismatch—because of their extreme difference in size. Boxing's conventional wisdom says that "A good big man beats a good small man."

After the fight, Dan Rafael wrote:

"Pacquiao stunningly administered a beat down of epic proportions. De La Hoya...was never in the fight for a moment.

"Pacquiao...won his third fight of the year in his third weight division, including winning two titles. The victory makes Pacquiao something of a modern-day Henry Armstrong, the all-time great pound-for-pound legend who over the course of 10 months from October, 1937, to August, 1938, claimed, in order, the world featherweight, welterweight and lightweight championships—when there were only eight divisions."

Manny had made his mark in boxing history, however, even before beating De La Hoya.

He has held world titles in four weight divisions—he won the WBC flyweight world title two weeks before his 20 birthday in December, 1998, the IBF jr. featherweight world title at 22 in 2001.

Manny won the WBC super featherweight world title in March, 2008, with a 12 round decision victory in the rematch against defending champion Juan Manuel Marquez. It was one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year, and one of the most exciting.

He won the WBC lightweight world title in June, 2008, with a ninth-round TKO against defending champion David Diaz.

Source: HBO.com

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather Next Big Thing in Las Vegas

If Mayweather and Pacquiao don’t make a deal, Sugar Shane Mosley has been outspoken in his desire to fight Mayweather, even calling him out in the ring moments after his victory over Marquez. Mosley is slated to meet welterweight champion Andre Berto in Las Vegas in January.

After arriving in California last Saturday, Pacquiao has been ramping up his training regimen this week while also battling jet lag that forced him to sleep for about 20 hours on Wednesday, wiping out a day of training. Because of tax issues, Pacquiao’s camp began in Manila and moved to Hollywood later than trainer Freddie Roach usually prefers.

“I’m not worried about it, because he’s always known how to block everything out,” Roach said. “If anybody can do it, he can.”

Pacquiao looked fairly sharp while sparring 11 rounds Thursday at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in front of a small group of spectators including Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest and his father, Ron Sr., both avid boxing fans and Pacquiao admirers.

Pacquiao will spar 12 rounds on Saturday before gradually scaling back in preparation for his trip to Las Vegas to meet Cotto, the once-beaten welterweight champion whose combination of size and strength will be unlike anything the former flyweight champion has faced. Cotto is in camp in Tampa. Fla., before traveling to the West Coast next week.

“I consider this one of the hardest fights in my boxing career,” Pacquiao said.
If Mayweather and Pacquiao don’t make a deal, Sugar Shane Mosley has been outspoken in his desire to fight Mayweather, even calling him out in the ring moments after his victory over Marquez. Mosley is slated to meet welterweight champion Andre Berto in Las Vegas in January.

After arriving in California last Saturday, Pacquiao has been ramping up his training regimen this week while also battling jet lag that forced him to sleep for about 20 hours on Wednesday, wiping out a day of training. Because of tax issues, Pacquiao’s camp began in Manila and moved to Hollywood later than trainer Freddie Roach usually prefers.

“I’m not worried about it, because he’s always known how to block everything out,” Roach said. “If anybody can do it, he can.”

Pacquiao looked fairly sharp while sparring 11 rounds Thursday at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in front of a small group of spectators including Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest and his father, Ron Sr., both avid boxing fans and Pacquiao admirers.

Pacquiao will spar 12 rounds on Saturday before gradually scaling back in preparation for his trip to Las Vegas to meet Cotto, the once-beaten welterweight champion whose combination of size and strength will be unlike anything the former flyweight champion has faced. Cotto is in camp in Tampa. Fla., before traveling to the West Coast next week.

“I consider this one of the hardest fights in my boxing career,” Pacquiao said.

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Pacquiao Mayweather Will Make History

Boxing fans have clamored for Mayweather VS. Pacquiao after both had excellent matches against their last opponents. Pacquiao smothered and knocked down Cotto twice to earn a TKO win while Mayweather won a convincing unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.

Mayweather-Pacquiao is primed to be the biggest boxing fight in history. Both are coming off excellent wins. Pacquiao is the current number one pound-for-pound fighter, while Mayweather was the last number one pound-for-pound fighter before Manny took over.

Manny Pacquiao believes the biggest potential fight in boxing will never happen because Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants no part of him. Pacquiao is training in Hollywood for his meeting with Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas, but the pound-for-pound champion spared a moment Thursday to evaluate his chances of fighting Mayweather, the unbeaten pay-per-view king. Although the matchup almost certainly would be a financial bonanza for both fighters, Pacquiao thinks fans shouldn’t hold their breath.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Pacquiao said. “I’m sure he doesn’t want to fight.”Mayweather has been circumspect about his plans for his next bout, saying only that he has never ducked anybody and would consider any opponent. In his comeback bout from a 21-month layoff, Mayweather demolished Juan Manuel Marquez on Sept. 19 in a fight that generated more than 1 million pay-per-view buys.

Mayweather’s advisers claim they haven’t ruled out a bout with Pacquiao, likely among the world’s few fighters who could match Money’s speed. But the Filipino champion has surprisingly strong opinions about why it won’t happen.

“Boxing for him is like a business,” Pacquiao said. “He doesn’t care about the people around him watching. He doesn’t care if the fight is boring, as long as the fight is finished and he gets [plenty of] money. … I want people to be happy. You have a big responsibility as a boxer.”

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Mayweather eyed to be penalize if overweight

Watch Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight on March 13, 2010.

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Fearing that Floyd Mayweather may make a mockery of the agreed welterweight limit of 147 lbs on March 13, 2010, Manny Pacquiao’s camp is making sure the flashy American fighter is going to play by the rules.

“Our concern is that Floyd might come in at 150 lbs during the official weighin (on the eve of the fight),” said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal on Monday when asked about the measures the Filipino star is undertaking to guarantee that he doesn’t end up getting the raw end of the deal.

While Gacal acknowledges the fact that contracts have yet to be signed, a clause must be included in the contract that will penalize Mayweather in case he exceeds the agreed weight limit.


“Of course, we will not let this pass,” said Gacal, noting that a penalty of not lower than $1 million per pound will be slapped in excess of 147 lbs against Mayweather. “We will put that particular provision in the contract.”

When Mayweather fought Juan Manuel Marquez last September, he didn’t mind shelling out thousands of dollars after he could not meet the agreed weight of 144 lbs as he tipped the scales at 146.

In the end, Mayweather was forced to cough up a total of $600,000 as every pound cost him $300,000.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is now back in the US after conferring with Pacquiao last week and a meeting with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer is set for Monday. Schaefer has been given the authority to represent Mayweather in the negotiations.

Source: TeamPilipinas.info

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Pacquiao Mayweather Mega Fight is On

In the aftermath of Pacquiao’s desctruction of Miguel Cotto, a call for the inevitable has begun.

Pacquiao vs Mayweather.

Undeniably, Pacquiao is this era’s best boxer. While some hardcore Mayweather fans may argue with it, no one can question how impressive Pacquiao’s resume is compared to that of Mayweather.

Yes, Mayweather is a great fighter.
Yes, Mayweather is a future Hall-of-famer.
Yes, Mayweather is one of the best.

But the fact remains, that when Mayweather was able to climb all the way to the top, he has refused to face the top fighters in his division from then onwards.

If Pacquiao fights Mayweather, there is no clear way of telling who will win the fight. Its all basically about Pacquiao’s offense against Mayweather’s defense.

Mayweather’s defense is undeniably the best I’ve seen in boxing, shutting down even Juan Manuel Marquez, the fighter who gave Pacquiao trouble in their two fights against each other. I will not be giving any excuse here on how Marquez was the much smaller fighter. Floyd shut him down easy and that’s that!

This is what makes the prospect of Pacquiao vs Mayweather much more intriguing. Pacquiao had a hard time with Marquez in both fights. Mayweather shut the latter down easy. But let us not forget how Pacquiao fared against Oscar Dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton, both of whom Mayweather also fought earlier.

Mayweather had a hard time with Dela Hoya, barely winning a controversial split-decision. He also had a hard-time against the gritty Hatton, despite knocking him out late in the fight. Pacquiao however easily disposed of the two said fighters, winning every round and knocking them out in the 8th and 2nd, respectively.

Styles make fights. Great offense vs great defense. And it just does not get any better than this. We are back to the glory days in boxing. Ali vs Frazier. Duran vs Leonard. Hagler vs Hearns.

Two of the greatest boxers of our time. Two future Hall-of-Famers.
This fight has to happen.
Lets get it on.

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Pacquiao and Mayweather Fight Will KO the UFC PPV

So it was Mayweather vs. the UFC head to head, and Mayweather comes out on top by nearly a 2 to 1 ratio. Can Cotto and Pacquiao follow in his footsteps? We continue to hear the words “boxing is dying” in some boxing experts column while others actually say the sport is already dead. Now that the Click for More.

Golden Goose, Oscar de la Hoya is retired they would write that this was the "beginning of the end" for our sport. The stats don't lie. 1,000,000+ PPV buys for Mayweather vs. Marquez now becomes only the 5th time in boxing history that a non-heavyweight fight reached the mark and the highest boxing total for 2009. Predictions were all over the place how this fight would be received and even the UFC boss chimed in to say:

“Its not a fight that people want to see right now (Mayweather vs. Marquez)…Mayweather is not a superstar…we’re not worried about Floyd Mayweather.” - Dana White UFC


Well, they should be worried as their PPV event on the same day reportedly did half as well as boxing. Ever since Oscars retirement this past December of 2008, there has been plenty to cheer about in the boxing world. Pacquiao vs. Hatton numbers were through the roof, Margarito vs. Mosley had LA pumping and this weekend all the talk is how Mayweather proved the skeptics wrong again. Who needs an Oscar de la Hoya fight to “save” boxing? Boxing has been around for over 100 years it will be around for 100 more.

This bodes well for the showdown for Cotto vs. Pacquiao. Ticket sells have been reported to be brisk and if things work out, this showdown could hit similar or even higher numbers than Mayweather vs. Marquez. On paper fight fans know that this is a huge fight. Styles makes fight and Cotto vs. Pacquiao has "action-packed" written all over it. There are however some things Cotto and Pacquiao could learn from Money Mayweather.

Mayweather does a great job playing the “bad boy” role. People like to watch a good fight but how many more people would like to see him get KO’d? Ali once said:

REPORTER: What percentage of the fans do you feel will be coming to see Sonny Liston, and what percentage do you feel will be coming to see you?

MUHAMMAD ALI: Well, a hundred percent will be coming to see me, but 99 percent will be coming to see me get beat.

It’s a great marketing tactic and Mayweather plays it up like no other. The 24/7 drama, co-starring his uncle and dad definitely make the show much more entertaining. The bling, cars and lifestyle looks more like an episode from MTV Cribs than HBO 24/7. It would be interesting to see how a Cotto vs. Pacquiao 24/7 plays out being that both are not from the USA. Hardcore boxing fans will be sure to tune in, but will the casual fan stick around and watch all 4 episodes? A tip for Manny and Cotto, do something crazy during the show while your training…(chase a chicken around for speed agility training or eat an ostrich egg)….no need to do what Marquez did (drink “bodily fluids” for its vitamins) but hey it DID get casual fans talking everywhere at their water coolers the next day.

Another point that was done well was the promotion of the fight itself. Golden Boy did an excellent job making the fighters accessible and putting on an undercard that looked great on paper. The undercards used to be what fans remembered most but in the past few years had only become marketed “Sparring Sessions” of up and coming fighters. Penny pinching promoters would just put up their rising star vs. some no named guy from Kansas. Put in competitive title fights people want to see vs. named opponents. Since money is tight for the fans, its not enough these days to just put on one superfight. Fans want to see more bang for their buck. Boxing is finally heading back in the right direction putting on fights worth watching from the start.

With the end of 2009 coming up there is plenty more to cheer about. Fans have Pacquiao and Cotto, a super middle weight tournament underway on Showtime and word is even Roy Jones vs. Bernard Hopkins in 2010. Boxing is really a roll if even these two can finally come to terms!

Things are looking up for boxing and if the stars align we may see THE mega showdown in early 2010: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Who says boxing is on life support?

Source: LiverPuncher

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather Fight We Are Going To See

Let's get right to the point, shall we? When are we going to see Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. Fight?

As dominating as Pacquiao was in his 12th-round technical-knockout victory over Miguel Cotto on Saturday, the sweat hadn't dried from the champion's face by the time he got his first question about Floyd Mayweather. It was predictable, really. From the moment the final bell rang in Mayweather's one-sided fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in September, fans and media alike were clamoring for a showdown between the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.

Will it happen? It says here absolutely. There was some rumblings in the post-fight press conference last Saturday that Mayweather is more inclined to take another tune-up fight before facing Pacquiao (Mayweather's manager, Leonard Ellerbe did not respond to phone calls and a text message from SI.com). To me, that seems unlikely. Who would he fight? Luis Collazo? Delvin Rodriguez? Alfonso Gomez?

"Mayweather can do what he wants," said an industry source. "But the public outrage if he doesn't fight Pacquiao would be enormous."

Certainly, there are issues standing in the way. The boxing landscape is littered with acrimonious relationships but few are as bitter as Mayweather and Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum. Arum, if you recall, promoted Mayweather early in his career only to have the relationship severed shortly before Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya -- a fight that turned out to be the most lucrative in boxing history.

At the Pacquiao-Cotto press conference, though, Arum sang an aria about putting aside their differences and making a deal.

"No, I hate him and he hates me," said Arum. "If [Mayweather] wants to fight Manny Pacquiao, he can call me."

Arum will undoubtedly be getting a call, but it won't be from Mayweather. It will be from Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. In a phone interview after the fight, Schaefer told SI.com that he would not negotiate the terms of the fight through the media but that he was confident a deal could be struck.

Said Schaefer, "Bob and I have made big deals in the past."

The sticking point in the negotiations is going to be the split. Mayweather has long stated his belief that he is the top draw in boxing -- his fight with De La Hoya broke the pay-per-view record (2.4 million buys) and his last fight with Marquez generated more than a million. As such, he believes he deserves the bigger share. Pacquiao feels the same way, though his camp is willing to settle for a 50-50 split.

Pacquiao, in fact, may have a better argument that he should be getting the larger piece of the pie. Take nothing away from Mayweather, but his defensive, counterpunching style is not as appealing to fans as Pacquiao's bull-rushing approach. And while Mayweather has knockout power, Pacquiao has electrifying power shots that keep fans on the edge of their seats. The numbers for Pacquiao-Cotto won't be released until later this week, but sources inside both HBO and Top Rank expect it to exceed one million buys and possibly reach as high as 1.5 million.

There will be a lot of posturing over the next few months. There will be publicized outbursts and the parties will likely storm away from the bargaining table more than once.

But it will get done, as early as May or as late as September, because, as several industry insiders told me, it has to get done. "It's like two great football players saying they don't want to play in the Super Bowl," says HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg. "Who would ever say that?"

Source: Sportsillustrated.com

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather is The Fight Truly Waiting By Fans

TRAINER Freddie Roach has put Floyd Mayweather Jr firmly in his sights as the next opponent for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao cemented his claim to be the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet last night when he stopped WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in the 12th and final round of their Las Vegas showdown.

And having blown away box office blockbuster opponents Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and now Cotto in consecutive fights over the last 12 months, the stage has been set for a fight to top them all against the undefeated Mayweather.

The brash American returned to the ring from a short-lived retirement following his December 2007 victory over Britain’s Hatton with a clinical unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez.

But Mayweather’s prior inactivity cost him his pound-for-pound top ranking status and all the talk has been of a megafight with the Filipino to settle the issue.

Publicly the former welterweight champion has said he would only fight Pacquiao if he got the lion’s share of any purse while Pacquaio was reticent to talk about his plans for future fights in the immediate aftermath of his victory over Puerto Rico’s Cotto.

“My job is to fight in the ring and I think that depends on (Top Rank’s Bob) Arum my promoter to negotiate that fight,” Pacquiao said.

“I’m just going to take a vacation first and spend time with my family and have fun.”

Yet there was no stopping Pacquiao’s trainer from picking out an opponent for his southpaw star.

“The whole world wants to see him fight Mayweather and I want Mayweather,” Roach said.

Hall of fame trainer Emanuel Steward was at ringside for Pacquiao-Cotto as a summariser for US broadcaster HBO and like Roach, there was only one logical next step for the 30-year-old Filipino.

“There’s no doubt you have to go with Mayweather,” Steward said on air.

“When you have a fight that’s been made by the public more than the fighters, that’s what happened with Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard. The public said we want that fight to happen and that’s why it happened. Currently Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight is under negotiation.

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Pacquiao and Mayweather Agree To 50-50 Deal

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao have reportedly come to an agreement for a fight on March 13th, according to Dan Rafael. Pacquiao has signed a contract for a 50-50 split of the revenue with Mayweather. The location of the fight has yet to be settled, but the fight will be held at 147 instead of 154 or a lesser catch weight. The fight could bring in $80 million which would be split in half by the two fighters..

The Fight May Be Just Three Months Away!

by Andrew Hall

I just heard the big news. Manny Pacquiao has signed to fight Floyd Mayweather for a split of 50-50. This is so exciting and so absolutely amazing. If Floyd Mayweather signs that contract boxing fans around the world will be extremely enthralled. Its almost a dream come true. It is almost idyllic how all of this has come together so perfectly.

These two fighters combine so much that its going to be amazing to watch them fight. It reminds me of the possible fight that almost occurred a hundred years ago. I"m referring, of course, to Jack Dempsey vs Jack Johnson. When Dempsey was growing up he dreamed of defeating Johnson and returning the title to the white race. It never happened but maybe this fight is even more exciting.

You have to give Mayweather certain natural advantages. First of all, he has had more time to recuperate from his last fight. Plus, his last fight wasn't nearly as tough as Pacquiaos. That could prove very important. Can Manny's ear drum recover in time for the fight? If not, will it affect his balance and timing? This could be very important.

You can bet that Mayweather is already hard at work for this fight. He is probably out running as I write this article. He is probably already grunting and sweating. I am going to pick Mayweather for this fight. He has too much defense and finesse for this guy. I think he may even knock Pacquaio out. Then it will start all over again for the Mayweather haters. They will have to find someone new to tout as the one to dethrone The Money Making Monarch Of Mayhem.

Source: Eastsideboxing.com

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Mayweather wants to fight Pacquiao at 154

Mayweather wants to fight Pacquiao at 154 pounds in the Pacquiao vs Mayweather mega boxing fight?

Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has currently signed the deal to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13, 2010. Though the deal is already closed, the full contract terms has not revealed yet and that includes the weight class Pacquiao and Mayweather to fight to. Pacquiao fought Miguel Cotto at 145 pounds, where he won via referee stoppage in round 12 while Mayweather fought Juan Manuel Marquez  at 144 pounds.

However, in this upcoming mega fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather, according to Freddie Roach, who spoke with Sky Sports, Mayweather is looking for 10oz gloves and a fight weight of 154-pound. Roach says that the weight and gloves issue will still be on the process of talk, however, their camp wants 8oz gloves and a weight limit of 147.

"There's always negotiations, like he [Mayweather] wants 10oz gloves we want 8oz gloves, stuff like that, the weight he wants is 154lb, we want 147, so there's some issues but I think it can be solved. It's a tough fight because his style does give us difficulties, and we need to draft a plan for a new strategy. Yes, it's a tough fight but it's a fight Manny wants." Roach told Sky Sports News.

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Pacquiao vs Mayweather is On: Pacquiao Signs The Deal!

Pacquiao vs Mayweather has finally done deal!

The smile across his face and the twinkle in his eye gave Top Rank promoter Bob Arum away no matter how much he tried to be non-committal about a March 13 multi-million dollar fight for the ages between reigning pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and the man who previously sat on the throne, Floyd Mayweather Jr. 


In a lengthy conversation with www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports along with Dyan Castillejo ABS-CBN shortly after his arrival early Thursday morning, Arum said the Mayweather camp through Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer had agreed to the terms of the fight but wanted it to take place on March 13. Arum told us then he had to get Pacquiao to sign-off on the date otherwise it would be bust and the fight may never happen. 

Arum met with Pacquiao at the New World hotel in Makati City Friday in the presence of only one other person – Pacquiao adviser Michael Konz. Arum said “I had a meeting this morning and we went over all the points and now I have to go back to the United States and sit with the Mayweather people and finalize some very minor aspects and then we’ll have an announcement sometime next week. 

Arum admitted “I am very excited and it was a good meeting and Michael (Koncz) was very constructive in the meeting, Manny was very alert and showed a tremendous knowledge of what he was doing and his problems of running for office and the March 13 date solves those to some extent.” 

Arum took the opportunity to emphasize that the Mayweather battle is “such an important fight for the Philippines that I just hope that Manny will be focused. I think that his congressional opponent (Roy Chiongbian) would do everyone a service including the great country of the Philippines by withdrawing from the race and take Manny’s mind off politics so he can concentrate on the fight." However, Arum said “that’s just my opinion. I’m not a Filipino and I can’t tell people politically what they should or should not do.” 

We understand that the official announcement would be made on Tuesday, December 8 to coincide with Arum’s 78th birthday. 

He told us that on Thursday, December 10 both he, Schaefer and HBO Sports Ross Greenberg would meet with Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team and the spanking, new state –of-the art $1.5 billion stadium to discuss their bid to stage the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight in Texas although the MGM Grand Garden Arena is also in strong contention to host the blockbuster showdown that has generated incredible interest around the world. 

Arum said Pacquiao would train for two months possibly in Baguio City where he initially trained for the “Fire Power” showdown with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto before continuing his preparation at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym. He said Roach had no problem having the first part of Pacquiao’s buildup in Baguio. 

Arum said there were tremendous possibilities for the pay-per-view market for the fight with some estimates going wild at 5 million. However, he said Greenberg believes the Pacquiao-Mayweather war could do around 3 million homes to become the biggest in history, surpassing the 2.5 million homes in the Mayweather- Oscar De La Hoya fight. 

The astute promoter revealed that this time around England which didn’t carry the Pacquiao-Cotto fight on pay-per-view because of the David Haye – Nikolay Valuev heavyweight title fight has indicated they want Pacquiao-Mayweather as does the rest of Europe and Australia. 

There was no mention of a revenue split but every conceivable indication is that it will wind up as an acceptable 50-50 split right down the middle and the eventual gross take of each fighter is likely to reach at least $20 million which in peso terms would mean almost a cool P1 billion when Pacquiao adds up his income from TV, pay-per-view and other ancillary rights in the Philippines. 

Arum also disclosed that there would be no tax implications if Pacquiao trained in Los Angeles while the tax cut in Texas was the same as that of Las Vegas. 

source: Ronnie Nathanielsz  - philboxing.com

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