Pacquiao remains on track for title quest

Manny Pacquiao denied that humanitarian work in typhoon-ravaged Philippines took away from his training sessions for an upcoming title fight with Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao donated money and took time out from his sparring sessions to help the victims in the wake of typhoons that killed hundreds of people and rendered tens of thousands of families homeless in his native Philippines. "It was mentally draining for him to see the devastation because thousands passed away and that is sad but once we stepped in the gym he was fine," trainer Freddie Roach said. About 1,000 people died due to the two storms and more than 162,000 people had to be moved into makeshift evacuation centres because of back-to-back typhoons Ketsana and Parma. Pacquiao (49-3-2, 27 KOs) said he would have liked to do more but had to get back to training or risk not being fully prepared to face World Boxing Organization champ Cotto in their November 14 fight in Las Vegas. "I wanted to help them but I am in the middle of heavy training," said Pacquiao. "It is difficult but I have to focus on my fight and nobody can help me in the ring. Pacquiao, of General Santos City, is chasing a piece of boxing history by trying to win seven titles in seven-different divisions. Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) has been called a throwback fighter but Roach says Pacquiao is more old school. "Manny is a throwback," said Roach, who is predicting Pacquiao will knock Cotto out. "He is like a Henry Armstrong type of guy. "He is carrying his punch and his power up with him. This would be one of the greatest achievements ever and he would surpass great ones like Sugar Ray Leonard. "Pacquiao, who attempted to run for a seat at the House of Representatives in 2007, arrived in Los Angeles on the weekend after training in both Baguio City and Manila for just over a month. He has been working the last few days with Roach at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles. "I am excited," Pacquiao said Wednesday. "It is going to be great because our style is kind of similar." "I am hungry to win this fight. I feel like I am in 100 percent condition. I can't wait until November 14." Roach said they had to leave for the US sooner than expected because of the demands on Pacquiao's time in the Philippines. "Baguio worked out well because we asked people to stay away," Roach said. "He didn't have politicians bothering him. "He was on fire the whole month there and we had great camp. The weather messed with us but we ran in the rain and we ran inside sometimes. "The last week in Manila was tougher because everyone was trying to pull him different ways. There were lots of politicians." Pacquiao is hugely popular among people of all ages in his native country and among Filipino expats, working overseas as labourers or domestic helpers. Roach took it one step further Wednesday saying that Pacquiao is more popular than American boxer Mike Tyson in his prime. "Even Mike Tyson didn't have the drawing power that Manny has," Roach said of his former fighter Iron Mike. "People just swarm (Pacquiao) to get a touch or a look. His countrymen love him. "He brightens up a room and has got a great smile. He's the type of fighter that is going to keep boxing alive." Roach said their game plan against Cotto is to stay away from underdog's devastating left hook and take away his counterpunching ability. "We watched all the tapes of him (Cotto)," Roach said. "Cotto has never fought a guy like Manny Pacquiao and I don't think he can handle it. "He is going to try to be a counterpuncher and not come at us." Roach said he thinks that if Pacquiao can wear Cotto down then the Puerto Rican star might give up. "I feel Miguel Cotto isn't deep enough and he can be hit," Roach said. "He took a beating in his fight with Antonio Margarito. He tried to quit in the ninth round holding his eye and he sucked it up came on and won the fight. We are not going to give him confidence in this fight. "We are making adjustments for Cotto's style and his big left hook. While Cotto is fighting at his natural weight (145 pounds), heavy favourite Pacquiao is moving up in class to meet the challenge. Asked if Pacquiao could go even heavier for his next fight, Roach said, "I don't think so. At 147 pounds we have to feed him five times a day to keep the weight on. Roach said the knockout to Margarito might have have scarred the confidence of Cotto "After you get knocked out for the first time in your life you need time to build your confidence back," Roach said. "You are undefeated and then you get knocked out, it is going to affect you. "We are just getting ready for Cotto and whatever he brings. If he wants to box us or fight us."

Source: google.com

Pacquiao back to ‘normal’

Manny Pacquiao has reverted back to his old ways. Despite the punishing effects of jet lag, Pacquiao still managed to give trainer Freddie Roach a reason to smile when the Filipino kicked off his sparring session on US soil on Wednesday at the Wild Card in Hollywood, less than three weeks before the November 14 duel with Miguel Cotto. Sparring 10 full rounds with unbeaten super-welterweight Shawn Porter and super-feather Ray Beltran and one guy Porter handpicked to help, Pacquiao didn’t resort to things that made Roach cringe the last time he worked out in Manila over the weekend. “It’s back to normal,” said Roach on the phone from the sweat shop located on Vine Street. “I was surprised that he looked good today despite the jet lag. There was no more playing around this time.” Pacquiao, Roach noted, did four rounds with Porter then had three apiece with Beltran and the unidentified fellow who subbed for original choice Raymond Serrano. “He had a lot more focus today than the last time (in Manila),” added Roach. Roach said another former sparmate, super-welter Rashad Holloway, will likely be called in to replace Serrano as Pacquiao hikes the number of rounds to 11 on Thursday and as much as 12 on Saturday before he begins to slow down next week. Roach expects Pacquiao’s showing to improve even more in the coming days now that they are training under familiar conditions. Meanwhile, Pacquiao and Roach are hosting a teleconference call this Thursday to give the media a deeper look into their training camp.

Source: mb.com.ph

Machida retains UFC title in decision over Rua

Lyoto Machida retained his light heavyweight title with a narrow unanimous decision over Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 104 on Saturday night. Machida (16-0) lost a round for the first time in his UFC career during a tight, technical fight with Rua (18-4), but all three judges rewarded the champion with 48-47 advantages on their scorecards. Machida hung on with an injured leg and a bloody mouth in front of a Staples Center crowd that gradually switched its support from Machida to the underdog challenger, a fellow Brazilian. The fans loudly booed the final decision. "My corner told me that I was winning all the rounds," Rua said through an interpreter. "I feel like I won this fight, but a fight is a fight. What can I do?" Although Rua didn't win, he might have created a plan for future opponents against Machida, whose confounding karate-based style has baffled everyone to date. Rua concentrated on kicks to Machida's body and legs, attempting to negate the champion's peerless footwork and positioning, and it largely worked. Rua also rarely attempted to take down Machida, instead content to pick away at his defenses while staying away from Machida's counterpunching strengths.

"Whenever he wants, I'll try again," Machida said about the prospect of a rematch. "No problem."

Cain Velasquez also stopped Ben Rothwell 58 seconds into the second round of their heavyweight bout, pinning Rothwell against the cage and landing numerous left hands. Velasquez (7-0) is one step closer to a title shot against Brock Lesnar. The crowd booed the stoppage, but Rothwell appeared to be nearly defenseless against Velasquez's strikes. Velasquez used his skills from his college wrestling career at Arizona State to get Rothwell on the ground before finishing off the well-traveled mixed martial artist making his UFC debut. The loss was just the second in 16 fights for Rothwell, who protested the stoppage, insisting he could have taken more punishment. Velasquez likely won't get his shot at Lesnar for at least six months, with Lesnar scheduled to take on Shane Carwin next month in Las Vegas for UFC 106.

Aces subdue Kings, remain unbeaten

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk nearly lost a 20-point lead on a spirited Ginebra chase in the third quarter but recovered in time to post a 105-96 victory and keep its unbeaten run in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night. Reynel Hugnatan, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio and John Ferriols stepped up for Alaska in the final period and the Aces went on to duplicate their 4-0 start in the same tournament last year. The Kings, playing minus injured star players Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, suffered their first loss in four outings.

“We got loosey-goosey in the second half and Jong (Uichico) got his team fired up. We kind of falling down but the thing was how we got up. What’s important was how we responded,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

The Aces stayed calm under pressure, quelling the Ginebra uprising and coming through with another emphatic win in the tournament where they’re looking to improve on their second-place finish last year. Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand fueled Ginebra’s searing chase that had the Kings coming to within two points twice after trailing by 20 at 40-60. Tubid and Helterbrand had 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the third period where the Kings outscored the Aces, 38-22, to close in at 80-82 going into the final quarter. The Aces, however, hung tough with Hugnatan, Miller, Tenorio and Ferriols taking charge in the final 12 minutes of play. Hugnatan and Miller fired seven points apiece while Tenorio and Ferriols had four each in the payoff period. Sonny Thoss made only six points but pulled down 10 big rebounds and came through with a crucial block on Enrico Villanueva and Alaska parlayed this into a basket to ensure the win at 105-95. Hugnatan topscored for Alaska with 20 points coming off the bench with Tony dela Cruz adding 16, Tenorio 15, Miller 11 and Joe Devance 10.

“Once again our second group played excellent basketball, giving Willie Miller and LA Tenorio the luxury of some rest. Willie and LA were so fresh coming back in the fourth quarter,” said Cone, making special mention of Hugnatan, Ferriols, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Cariaso.

Pacquiao to appear on 'Kimmel' TV show before Cotto bout

Proof that indeed, he already gained international fame, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao is set to appear on the popular US late night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live" two weeks from now. Pacquiao will be guesting in the program hosted by Kimmel and broadcast over ABC on Nov. 4, marking his first-ever appearance in a major American prime time show.

Pacquiao

His appearance also comes exactly 10 days before his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title fight against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Navada. The world’s top pound-for-pound king is set to leave for the U.S. Saturday night together with trainer Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza to resume the remaining two weeks of his training camp at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles. He spent more than a month getting in shape for his fight with Cotto at the Shape-Up gym in Baguio City. Ever since he stunned Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera with an 11th round technical knockout in 2003, Pacquiao has become one of the biggest names in boxing this decade. His meteoric rise to become the best fighter in the world, pound-for-pound, was validated when he beat up the great Oscar De La Hoya in their so-called “Dream Match" last year for eight full rounds and followed it up with a two-round demolition of Ricky Hatton last May. The interview with Pacquiao comes in the heels of a recorded 1.80 million audience that watched the “Jimmy Kimmel Live" episode last September when formerundisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson appeared in the show - GMANews.TV

Klitschko vs. Johnson in Bern

The Vitali Klitschko vs. Kevin Johnson fight will hold at the PostFinance Arena, in Berne, Switzerland on December 12, 2009. This will be the third fight of the year for Klitschko (38-2, 37 KO’s). Vitali will again face a very strong contender. Johnson (22-0-1, 9 KO’s) is undefeated, self-conscious and knows what a great chance this will be for him. Although Johnson is undefeated, he lacks any kind of power to trouble Vitali and this fight will probably end up as one-sided as Klitschko’s recent fight with Arreola.

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

Johnson is confident of taking Klitschko’s WBC Heavyweight title

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

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

Lesnar vs. Carwin, on UFC 106

UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar (4-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) meets top challenger Shane Carwin (11-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC). The UFC 106: Lesnar vs. Carwin will takes place at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 21, 2009. The main card airs live on pay per view while the under cards will be un-aired. The main event is Brock Lesnar's first title defense after unifying the UFC's heavyweight belts with a UFC 100 win over the-interim champ Frank Mir. Meanwhile, Shane Carwin will seek his 12th-straight win in addition to the UFC's heavyweight title. While both fighters have apparently agreed to the contest, bout agreements have yet to be issued. If the bout is finalized, the match would be Lesnar's first title defense after unifying the UFC's heavyweight title with a UFC 100 win over then-interim champ Frank Mir. The 34-year-old Carwin has registered three-straight impressive wins in the UFC, scoring first-round wins over Gabriel Gonzaga, Neil Wain and Christian Wellisch. Carwin has registered first-round stoppage win in all 11 of his career bouts. Other Main cards fight includes: Tito Ortiz vs. Mark Coleman, Dustin Hazelett vs. Karo Parisyan, and Luiz Cane vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Not officially announced) Tickets for UFC 106 are currently on sale to the general public. UFC 106 is scheduled to take place Nov. 21 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas so buy your tickets now. With the official addition to the card, UFC 106: Lesnar vs. Carwin fight now includes:

PRELIMINARY CARD
• Phil Baroni vs. Amir Sadollah
• Marcus Davis vs. Ben Saunders
• Kendall Grove vs. Jake Rosholt
• Brian Foster vs. Brock Larson*
• Fabricio Camoes vs. Caol Uno*
• Jason Dent vs. George Sotiropoulos

60th Fil-Am golf to push through

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The 60th Fil-Am golf invitational championship, the longest running amateur golf tournament in the country, will push through next month despite the devastation wrought by Typhoon Pepeng in the city. “We will have the Fil-Am despite the setbacks that we suffered due to Typhoon Pepeng. Players will still come although they will have to endure a little longer travel time to Baguio,” said Anthony de Leon, general manager of Baguio Country Club. Camp John Hay golf manager Tim Allen also said that final preparations are being done for the event slated Nov. 22-Dec. 6 at the CJH and BCC courses. “The participants would want to help in the rebuilding efforts for Baguio,” said Allen. “Certainly, the Fil-Am is a go. Neither both clubs were affected by the typhoon (Pepeng) and Fil-Am is already an institution.” Organizers are now finalizing the rosters in both the senior and regular competitions as well as the host clubs, which are being spruced up in time for the tournament. “Everything is in place,” said BCC resident manager Shin Paul Chan, who co-chairs the event with Allen. “After four months of preparations, our clubs are ready.” He added that there have been no cancellations either by players or sponsors. The 60th Fil-Am will also be held in commemoration of Baguio City’s centennial celebrations. First played in 1949 between the late Philippine ambassador Rogelio de la Rosa and American dignitaries at the former rest and recreation center, the Fil-Am has grown to become one of the biggest amateur golfing events in the world. Five years ago, the Fil-Am put up the senior division for 55-years-old and above. Since then it became a two-week tournament where more than 1,000 players compete for golf supremacy and fellowship. The seniors division will be held in the first week with the regulars competition capping the event the following week.

Mighty Kings crush Gilas five

The Kings played efficiently against the Nationals even minus injured stars Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, dominating their duel to stay unbeaten in the all-Filipino tourney in three starts. Ronald Tubid, Jayjay Helterbrand, JC Intal, Enrico Villanueva and Willy Wilson delivered the goods as the Kings notched a third win following earlier victories over the San Miguel Beermen and the Purefoods Giants. The RP developmental team continued to struggle with naturalization prospect CJ Giles not seeing action. SBP executive director Noli Eala said Giles’ status was day-to-day, since he was unable to keep his focus in his game following report that his four-year son in the United States was hospitalized with a rare blood disease. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour features its second game today, pitting Rain or Shine and Burger King at the Arturo Lugod Gym in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental. “The circumstances didn’t allow us to help the RP team as much as we wanted to,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. “The desire to win gets in the way. We needed the win and we had to do what we can to try to win the game. I’d been in their shoes before, it’s hard to be dominated that way. We wish we could help them in another way,” Uichico added. The Ginebra mentor, however, was convinced Smart Gilas was doing the right thing in its preparation for its stint in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship. But the Kings would remain without Caguioa who would be out for at least four weeks. “It’s not the old knee injury. It’s a new injury on the other part of the knee,” said Uichico. “It’s sad. We thought we have a healthy lineup. Now we have to find ways again to fill void in our roster,” Uichico added. Against the Giles-less Gilas team, the Kings had little difficulty plugging the holes, riding high on the exploits of Tubid, Helterbrand, Intal, Villanueva and Wilson. Kerby Raymundo and James Yap combined for 34 points and 13 rebounds to make up for 13 turnovers as Purefoods overcame Barako Bull’s brave stand and hacked out out a 92-77 win later in the night. Don Allado, Roger Yap, Rico Maierhofer and Paul Artadi also produced key numbers as the Giants pulled through in the rugged and emotional game marked by three technical infractions. The Giants improved their win-loss record to 2-1 while dealing the Energy Boosters their second loss in three outings. “Obviously, Kerby and James are marked men and it’s important for us to get productions from our other players,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio. Alaska Milk continued to sizzle even as Willie Miller cooled down after two hot games, streaking to a third straight win with a 100-79 walloping of Coca-Cola in the nightcap.

Source: PhilStar.com

Pacquiao leaves Baguio amid ‘Ramil’ threat

To make sure that no amount of rain or typhoon wind will hamper his training camp, Manny Pacquiao will leave Baguio City sooner than expected and wrap up his Philippine training in Manila. According to the fighter’s trainer Freddie Roach, Team Pacquiao will leave Monday morning in anticipation of typhoon “Ramil" that is set to affect the country by Wednesday.“We’re leaving ahead of schedule. It’s better to be in Manila before the storm hits us," said Roach. Concerns were raised by fans of Pacquiao after typhoons “Ondoy" and “Pepeng" wrought havoc in Northern Luzon that made Baguio isolated for a few days. Pacquiao has been training in the City of Pines the last four weeks.But despite the bad weather, Roach said it never affected their preparation as only Pacquiao’s morning road work was scuttled for at least two days. In making up for lost time in their morning sprint, Pacquiao ran on a treadmill and even went swimming for 26 minutes in one instance during the storm’s onslaught. “We’re on target and Manny’s peaking on time. We may need to do minor adjustments but the bad weather has never been an issue before," said Roach.Initially, Team Pacquiao was scheduled to leave Baguio and proceed to Manila on Oct. 23 then leave for the United States on the 24th. While in Manila, Pacquiao will train either at the Wild Card Gym in Sucat or the Mandaluyong gym of Gerry Peñalosa, the fighter’s close buddy.Pacquiao will resume his training at Roach’s Wild Card Gym for two weeks before tapering off the week of his upcoming fight in Las Vegas.Pacquiao, 30, is set to square off with defending welterweight champion Cotto in a 12-round title fight for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) belt. Cotto agreed to stake his 147-lb crown at a catch weight of 145 lbs on November 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source: gmanews.tv

Shaq wants to lead Pacman to ring for bout

Shaquille O’Neal leading Manny Pacquiao up to the ring against Miguel Cotto? Well, to Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, it sounds a good idea. The hottest trainer in boxing today said the bulging NBA superstar had thought of leading Pacquiao to the ring although Roach said he has yet to take it up with Pacquiao seriously – barely four weeks the fight set at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.Roach said that awhile back, during the NBA break, he had the chance to give the 7-1 O’Neal, who wears size 23” shoes, some boxing lessons in Los Angeles, and the former Laker superstar brought up the idea and offered himself for the role. “He sounded like he really wanted to do it,” said Roach, not forgetting that a couple of wrestling superstars have led Pacquiao up the ring in his previous fights. Former World Wrestling Entertainment champion “The Undertaker” was the first to play the role when he led Pacquiao in his march up the ring for his fight with Hector Velasquez at the Staples Center in 2005. And for the Ricky Hatton fight last May, it was Dave Batista, with Filipino blood, leading Pacquiao to the ring. So, why not O’Neal?Roach said the NBA player who weighs over 300 lb is such a fun guy to be with. “I saw his shoes in the gym and I wanted to keep them as souvenir so I tried to steal them. But they wouldn’t fit in my gym bag so I had to leave them behind,” said Roach, who recalled the incident with a smile. O’Neal learned about it, and the next thing Roach knew was that the future NBA Hall-of-Famer had sent him a pair. “They were so huge they looked like a kid’s toy truck,” said Roach of the giant fellow. “In the gym, I had to put vaseline on his face and I had to use a stool to do that,” said the American trainer, almost laughing.He really has nothing against the idea of O’Neal being up there on the ring with Pacquiao.

Pacman floors sparmate twice

Manny Pacquiao flooring Shawn Porter twice in sparring last Thursday doesn’t mean much for his chief trainer, Freddie Roach.“Nothing,” said the three-time Trainer of the Year over the phone yesterday from Baguio City, right after another heavy, non-sparring day at the Shape Up Gym.“It only means that he’s ready for the fight and that he’s doing very well,” Roach told The STAR, saying that Porter, the undefeated 21-year-old junior middleweight was floored twice by Pacquiao.Roach said Pacquiao sparred four rounds with Porter, and caught the big and burly native of Ohio, a 2007 National Golden Gloves champion, with two powerful lefts in the third round of their skirmish.“Yes, Shawn went down twice but he came back very well and caught Manny with a good hook. He came back very well,” said Roach, adding that Pacquiao also sparred four rounds with Jose Luis Castillo.An Internet report said Castillo, the former WBC lightweight champion who came very close to beating Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2002, had blood on his nose after sparring with the hard-hitting Filipino.As of Thursday, Pacquiao has logged a total of 46 rounds of sparring, and as the rounds increase to 10 and 12 over the next few days, he should have close to 150 rounds on the book before training ends.Roach said Pacquiao has decided to cut short his stay in Baguio by a day. He said they should be in Manila on the evening of Thursday, instead of Friday, and train two days in a local gym before flying to Los Angeles on Saturday evening.“It’s a little hectic coming down so we pushed the date a day ahead,” said Roach, referring to the terrible road conditions from Baguio all the way down to Manila due to the recent spate of typhoons to hit the country.Pacquiao will hold sparring today against Porter and Castillo, who seemed to have impressed Roach with his style.“I like his style because he likes to come in and tends to lean forward,” said Roach, close to saying that Castillo, who had two memorable fights with the late Diego Corrales, fights like Cotto.A few days ago, there was a thread at Pacand, the highly popular Pacquiao website, saying that the Filipino pound-for-pound champion got knocked down in sparring.But Nonoy Neri of Team Pacquiao was quick to brush it aside.“Nothing like that. No knockdowns,” he said.Not until Thursday, when Porter, not Pacquiao, hit the floor. Not once but twice.

Source: philstar.com

Pacman still thrives despite stormy weather

BAGUIO CITY — The stormy weather here may have eaten out a chunk of Manny Pacquiao’s road work, but conditioning coach Alex Ariza believes that it may have done the Filipino ring icon good.Pacquiao, according to Ariza, was at least forced to slow down.“It did him good; We had some breaks in the morning and we were able to rest a bit,” said Ariza. “In the beginning of his training here, he was overdoing it. Last week, he was able to relax.”As in past training camps, one of the toughest things to do is to get Pacquiao to taper off from his noted beastly workouts. The Pacman, who is preparing for a super bout against Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas, hasn’t been taking it easy in sparring, however. On Tuesday, Pacquiao sparred with highly touted former two-time world lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo for three rounds, dominating the Mexican thoroughly. The Filipino sensation then wrapped up his day’s session with a four-round confrontasi opposite American Shawn Porter.“I’m starting to get in better shape,” Pacquiao told the Inquirer in Filipino. “Even if I haven’t been able to run, at least, I’m starting to swim and I’ve been trying the treadmill.”In his anticipated sparring with Castillo, Pacquiao used his vastly improved lateral movements in trying to avoid the Mexican’s uppercuts and body shots. Pacquiao stalled Castillo’s aggressive attacks with three to five punch combos and counter left straights.The 35-year-old Castillo (60-9-1, 52 KOs) ended his first day of sparring with specks of blood on his left nostril.“I can’t see his left. It’s very fast and strong. I think that will be a big problem of Cotto,” Castillo told the Inquirer.

Source: inquirer.net

Pacman shows off deadly form

Manny Pacquiao is back to his old and deadly ways. Two days after a listless sparring session, Pacquiao put on a solid showing on Saturday against the very same man who gave his fans and followers a sickening feeling that he might be way behind in terms of preparation. Pacquiao was almost merciless in his three-round sparring session with unbeaten super-welterweight Shawn Porter as the Filipino’s preparation for his November 14 duel with Miguel Cotto took a giant step in terms of progress. “Relax lang kayo,” Pacquiao, smiling, told a gathering of Manila-based scribes who were given the luxury of watching the entire three-hour training session at the Shape Up Gym inside the Cooyeesan Hotel, the temporary residence here of the pound-for-pound king. Pacquiao was so dominant that Porter’s trainer and father Ken kept on hollering in frustration over his son’s anemic performance against the very same fellow who was just a shadow from his best two days ago. “Masyado namang kayong kinakabahan eh,” said the 30-year-old Pacquiao, who will remain here until October 24, the day his team leaves for the US to begin another phase in his training, arguably the most crucial part of preparation. Pacquiao said the key in beaing Cotto would be movement. Lots of it, according to Pacquiao, showing the same bunch of writers exactly how by throwing his combinations in blinding speed. Displaying intense focus, Pacquiao had the 21-year-old Porter on queer street a couple of times, circling around his much beefier sparring partner after landing his trademark left straights and quick combinations, reminiscent of the way he frustrated and mauled the legendary Oscar De La Hoya last year. Trainer Freddie Roach was one of the happiest people around after watching Pacquiao work out with Porter and Urbano Antillon for an additional two rounds. “He is starting to show a little more focus and I am happy with the sparring because this is how he should fight to win against Cotto,” said Roach. Just before the workout ended, conditioning coach Alex Ariza re-introduced Pacquiao to the science of plyometrics, something that brought pain and punishment to the fabled fighter from General Santos City. Plyometrics is a form of exercise using medicine balls and weird gadgets that build up strength for a fighter and reinforces his threshold for pain. Still, Ariza assured Pacquiao that he has to undergo the same program again.

Source: mb.com.ph

Team Pacquiao awaits Cotto ‘clone’

There was a faint, however palpable, murmur of doubt from the boxing online community when trainer Freddie Roach said Manny Pacquiao will weld Miguel Cotto’s behind to the canvas when the two clash on November 14 in Las Vegas. Shawn Porter, though, thinks the doubters are in for a surprise. “He’s going to shock the world again,” Porter said. That’s from a guy who earned his share of applause from an appreciative gym crowd after landing jarring punches and crisp combinations at the Filipino pound-for-pound icon Thursday, the second day of sparring for Pacquiao. “He’s getting hit too much but that’s because his timing isn’t there yet,” said Roach, who noted that Pacquiao generally starts off slow during the opening two weeks of training camp. “First couple of weeks aren’t always the best. But we don’t really start boxing until six weeks before the fight so we’re still ahead of schedule.” Pacquiao, though, didn’t seem to be bothered by the hits, opening himself up to barrages while leaning on the ropes as if to say he can absorb the best that his sparring partners can dish off. And to underscore that point, Team Pacquiao is planning in yet another beast of a sparring partner in Omar Henry, another Cotto clone. “[Henry has] the same build, same everything, same haircut; the guy likes to be Miguel Cotto,” said conditioning coach Alex Ariza of the sparring partner who is expected here within the week. Porter, though, admitted that he felt the sting in Pacquiao’s punches this early and said that the first few days of sparring isn’t much of a gauge as far as preparedness is concerned. “We’ve got a long way to go,” said Porter. “It’s just a matter of staying focused and getting him more ready.” This early, Pacquiao has now logged seven rounds of sparring and Roach admits that they’re still at 40 percent for the fight against Cotto, where the Pacman will be aiming to gobble up the Puerto Rican’s WBO welterweight title in an attempt to become the first boxer to win world crowns in seven different—including lineal belts. “He still needs work on his timing but I’m really happy,” Roach said. “I’m not completely satisfied because he leaned on the ropes too much. His performance today isn’t what’s going to beat Cotto but that’s why we’re here.” Roach had earlier predicted that Pacquiao would knock Cotto out in their bout slated at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Porter, pressed for a prediction, begged off. Although he made it clear he wasn’t betting against the Filipino. “Hey, that’s the Pacman,” Porter, who was accompanied by his father and coach Ken to the sparring session, said. “He’s definitely the best of the best.” Meanwhile, Top Rank chief Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, arrived here Thursday and was greeted by a throng of supporters at the Shape Up boxing gym where the Filipino trains while in this bustling summer capital. Arum arrived in Manila early morning and flew directly here with former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson. Pacquiao started his work out by warming up and stretching with Ariza in front of clicking cameras as Roach opened the doors of the gym to the media. “That’s why he was playing around a bit, putting a show for you guys,” Roach joked. Pacquiao, who the night before played 10 games of basketball to continue whipping himself into competitive shape, then worked the bags before heading to the ring for four rounds of sparring; two with Porter and with Mexican Urbano Atillano. He then skipped rope before capping his day’s training session with frenetic shadow boxing.

Source: inquirer.net

Yao, McGrady open NBA pre-season without them

Chinese superstar center Yao Ming and forward Tracy McGrady were among those not in uniform Tuesday as the Houston Rockets began their NBA pre-season training camp. Seven-time NBA All-Star Yao is recovering from surgery to repair a broken left foot and is expected to miss the entire 2009-2010 season while McGrady underwent microfracture surgery upon his left knee last February. "Far ahead of schedule" is how McGrady described his rehabilitation status after seven months but added, "It's not time to really rush it back. Confidence-wise - running, cutting, jumping - I have that right now." Doctors told McGrady it could take as much as a year before he would be able to return for the Rockets, but he will undergo an MRI exam November 23 to obtain a status report. "If he can play after November 23, I think he'll still be ahead of schedule, but we don't know what the MRI is going to show," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. McGrady played in only 35 games last season before the surgery and said that even playing so long might have been a mistake, one he will not repeat with a premature return this season. "I don't want to rush anything," he said. "When I feel like I can go every day without having to play a night in practice and then sit out, until I feel that way, I'm not going to play." With Ron Artest traded to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team which ousted Houston in the second round of last season's playoffs, there will be many new faces in Rocket red uniforms this season. Among them will be Australian David Andersen, signed as the Houston center in Yao's absence. "The people that we're missing are huge pieces," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "It's going to be interesting to see how the guys respond. We've become a very young team. Guys are going to have to accept different roles."

Can’t imagine life without boxing

As Manny Pacquiao nears his “retirement” from boxing, the worlds pound for pound king admits he cannot foresee a future far from the sports he loves. Pacquiao has been fighting professionally for the past 14 years, winning five world titles aside from earning an extra lineal championship along the way. He may decide to hang his gloves in a year’s time. “Hindi ko lubos maisip kung ano na ang aking magiging buhay pagkatapos ng aking career sa boksing,” he recently said in his PhilBoxing.com column “Kumbinasyon”. He said that because of his success inside the squared circle, he may find it hard to leave boxing. “Ito talaga ang first love ko,” Pacquiao said of his fondness of the sport. Coach Freddie Roach, whose craftsmanship has meld Pacquiao into a complete fighter, said he sees the Filipino boxing icon figuring in two or three more bouts before calling it quits.“Manny has said three more fights and that’s it,” he said in DoghouseBoxing.com.

Life outside boxing

Pacquiao said that this eventuality has forced him to begin preparing for his future, hence, his multiple projects while “resting” from boxing. The Filipino boxer now has several business establishments in his hometown in General Santos City aside from securing properties in the US. He also landed on several commercial endorsement deals with several firms, including beverage giant San Miguel Corp. and international sports apparel brand Nike. Just recently, he trademarked his personal logo which carried his initials “MP”. He said the logo, which was based on the actual size of his fist, will be used in future business undertakings. “Dito po magmumula ang ilan sa aking mga susunod na proyekto sa aking buhay gaya ng aking merchandising company,” he said. Apart from owning businesses, Pacquiao plans to take another attempt at politics. “Plano kong tumakbo sa 2010. Sarangani ang gusto ko,” said Pacquiao, when asked about his congressional plans. In fact, he went to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Kiamba to have himself registered as a voter in Sarangani. "Preparasyon ito para sa 2010," he said.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao Says: Mayweather showdown is inevitable

Without really looking ahead of the Miguel Cotto fight, Manny Pacquiao yesterday said what seems to be his inevitable dream fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is looming on the horizon. Once the fight pushes through, Pacquiao could earn from $25 million to $30 million or roughly P1.5 billion. But Pacquiao said it would all depend on the outcome of his fight with Cotto, the reigning WBO welterweight champion. Both Pacquiao and Mayweather are favored to prevail, and should no one spoil the fun, they could end up facing each other for what could be the fight of the decade or even greater than that, later next year. “Kapag nanalo kami pareho ni Mayweather, kami na yan (If me and Mayweather prevail, then it should be us),” said Pacquiao on board the Gulfstream G200 eight-seater plane that took him out of San Francisco. “Nag-uusap na. Basta. Nag-uusap na (Talks are on),” said Pacquiao who was joined in the 50-minute flight to Burbank in LA by trainer Freddie Roach, top-ranked publicist Fred Sternburg, Mike Koncz, Geng Gacal and Roger Fernandez. Cotto took a separate plane, a private one as well, to Los Angeles and was joined by his father, Miguel Sr., lawyer Gabriel Penagaricano, coach Phil Landman, Top Rank big boss Bob Arum and his dynamic duo of Lee Samuels and Ricardo Jimenez. Arum said Pacquiao stands to earn as much as $20 million for the Cotto fight, and while he has yet to confirm that there are indeed talks with the Mayweather camp, he’d rather have Pacquiao focusing on the coming fight. At the AT&T Park in San Francisco, Pacquiao and Cotto came to watch the San Francisco Giants clobber the LA Dodgers, and for the fourth straight day the two boxers stood close to one another. They were together up inside a VIP box, enjoying some cold drinks and hotdogs. They seem to like each other’s company but when they part in a couple of days, they should start training, thinking of ways how to beat each other. After the match, played before a sell-out crowd of 40,000, Pacquiao and Cotto took over, holding a conference just off the Giants dugout, in front of some 3,000 fans that came to see the two world champions in the flesh, and not necessarily the ballgame. A cold afternoon drizzle was not enough to shoo the crowd away as Pacquiao, Cotto and Arum fielded questions from the media and some of the fans, which occupied eight sections of the lower stands, as well. Pacquiao hardly talked about his plans for the fight, and instead invited the fans to come to Las Vegas in November because “I’m going to hold a concert at Mandalay Bay after the fight.” Cotto was bolder this time, saying he’d train as hard as he can because “it’s going to be war” out there at the MGM Grand. Pacquiao played basketball with friends in San Francisco at noon before leaving for LA. From the airport, Pacquiao was taken straight to his $2 million home at the plush Hancock Park, took some rest and enjoyed dinner of grilled Angus beef and steamed rice. Roach was asked about Pacquiao’s training, and said they will be ready to go 12 rounds against Cotto. But boxing’s hottest trainer today may have something else in mind when he said training will be held in “Boracay.” He was quick in making the correction that it should be Baguio. Later on, before boarding the private plane, he had a good laugh about having mentioned Boracay, which he fondly remembers as the island paradise in the Philippines.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Floyd Jr.: I'm the ‘only mega-superstar’

The undefeated American fighter (40-0, with 26 knockouts) also assured that he will be exactly the way he was before he momentarily left the sport. When he retired, his “mythical crown” of being the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world was passed to Pacquiao, said a Reuter’s article. Pacquiao was named the Ring Magazine No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer because of his stunning victories over Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton. For Mayweather, however, Pacquiao’s second round knockout win over Hatton was not sensational. “When you look at the tape of when Hatton fought Manny Pacquiao, when Pacquiao hit him he wasn't even looking when he threw the punch. He threw a Hail Mary punch,” he told Reuters. “I'm not saying Pacquiao's not a good fighter,” he noted. “I'm not saying that I'm the only star in boxing.” “There are other stars in boxing. But there's only one mega-superstar,” declared Mayweather. His last match before his 2008 retirement was against Hatton where he defeated the Briton via technical knockout in the 10th round. “People seem to forget, I fought Ricky Hatton when he was undefeated and I laid down the blueprint for how to beat him,” he commented.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Roach: Three more fights to go for Pacquiao

After his November 14 clash with World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, Manny Pacquiao is expected to have two more bouts before he finally calls it quits. “Manny has said three more fights and that’s it,” American trainer Freddie Roach revealed to David Tyler of DoghouseBoxing.com. Roach, the 2008 “Trainer of the Year” awarded by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), added that he wants to see a showdown between Pacquiao and WBA welterweight super champion Shane Mosley. Pacquiao’s trainer then went on to speak about his ward’s incomparable legacy, saying he believes it would be difficult for fighters to follow the footsteps of the Filipino boxing icon. Pacquiao, the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter, is a six-division world champion. He was the 2008 BWAA “Fighter of the Year” award recipient. “We will not see another Manny Pacquiao for another decade or more,” declared Roach. “Guys like Manny Pacquiao and Muhammad Ali come along once in a lifetime.” Meantime, when asked if he would retire when Pacquiao hangs his boxing gloves, Roach replied: “I will not retire because I just don’t know what I would do. I have been in the boxing business all of my life and I don’t know anything else.” “I just can’t see sitting at home all day so I probably will never retire,” he remarked.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao donates P1 million other leagues also help

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao has donated P1 million in cash to typhoon victims even as he enjoined his fellow Filipinos to continue praying for Divine help while he was in training in Baguio City yesterday. “I will take a rest from training on Sunday and I hope Team Pacquiao will be able to go to Manila to give relief goods to victims,” said Pacquiao in a phone patch interview. Officials of SBP, the PBA, PBL, Liga Pilipinas, NCAA and UAAP will also join hands this morning in a press conference at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City to announce their charity event for typhoon victims Monday at the Araneta Coliseum. They will hold two exhibition matches pitting the UAAP-NCAA selection versus PBL-Liga selection and Smart Gilas versus Powerade Pilipinas. Proceeds from gate receipts will be donated to victims of storm Ondoy. Coach Yeng Guiao is reuniting with his Tianjin Fiba Asia RP team going up against coach Rajko Toroman and his Smart Gilas developmental team. The cream of the UAAP and the NCAA, meanwhile, join forces in this endeavor before returning to their respective teams for the closing stage of the collegiate season. Meanwhile, PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez said there will be no tug-o-war for the services of Japeth Aguilar during the Powerade Pilipinas-Smart Gilas dream exhibition match as he’ll allow the controversial player to play for the RP developmental team. After that, Alvarez, however, is hopeful SBP executive director Noli Eala will keep his word that they will not touch Aguilar until he has come to terms with Burger King. “Admittedly, Japeth has no contract with the PBA. This is a noble project, so how can we say no,” said Alvarez. “But this will be Japeth’s last game with Smart Gilas. After this project, I’ll request to SBP not to allow Japeth play with them anymore, even in scrimmages,” Alvarez added. “He (Aguilar) must come to terms with us already. We will show how supportive we are to SBP, and I expect them to return the gesture.”

Official Source: abs-cbnnews.com