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Ricky Burns - Terence Crawford WBO Lightweight title fight comes to AWE on March 1st
For Immediate Release
SAN DIEGO (JANUARY 22, 2014)--On Saturday afternoon, March 1st, Ricky Burns will make his 4th defense of the WBO Lightweight title when he takes on highly regarded and undefeated Terence Crawford in a 12-round bout from the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.
The fight can be viewed live and exclusively across the United States on AWE, A Wealth of Entertainment.
"This world title fight showdown has the makings of a 'fight of the year'. Crawford is undefeated and coming off some big wins. Burns is a proven champ. We're ecstatic to be bringing this world-class title fight to boxing fans across the United States", said Charles Herring, president of AWE.
Burns of Coatbridge, Scotland has a record of 36-2-1 with 11 knockouts and has not lost a fight in over seven years which spans 22 fights. He won the WBO Super Featherweight title with a thrilling 12 round unanimous decision over Roman Martinez. He made three defenses of his crown which includes wins over Andreas Evensen and Joseph Laryea. Burns then stopped former WBO Super featherweight champion Nicky Cook in one round.
Burns moved up to Lightweight and in his first fight at the higher weight class, he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over former champion Michael Katsidis to win the WBO Interim title.
Burns won the full title with a 12 round unanimous decision over former WBA champion Paulus Moses. Burns looked great in taking out fellow United Kingdom fighter Kevin Mitchell in four rounds. He then was able to outlast undefeated Jose Gonzalez when Gonzalez was forced to retire on the stool after the 9th round.
In his last bout, Burns fought through a broken jaw to salvage a controversial draw with Ray Beltran on September 7, 2013.
In the bout, Burns started off fast, but Beltran responded. By the end of the fight, many US boxing fans felt that Beltran should have walked away with the title belt.
Burns is 8-0-1 in world title fights.
Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska will be making his 1st attempt at a world title and brings in a perfect ledger at 22-0 with 16 knockouts.
The 26-year old is widely regarded as one of the top fighters in the division and has been performing at a high level.
He started to open eyes when he scored a shutout victory over hard-hitting power puncher Breidis Prescott on March 30, 2013.
Crawford followed that up with a 6-round beat down of Alejandro Sanabria (34-1-1) on June 15, 2013.
In his last bout, Crawford showed his terrific boxing ability by winning via shutout on all three judges' score cards against previously undefeated Andrey Klimov (16-0) on October 5, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.
There will be a full undercard which will include a world title bout featuring WBA Super Bantamweight champion Scott Quigg announced shortly.
About AWE Live Boxing
For 2012, AWE earned 2 of the 6 Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for "Fight of the Year" candidates, beating out all other networks except HBO which earned three. AWE also showcased live all 2012 David Price fights. In 2013 AWE has featured the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over Price, bouts with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew, who just fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale and possibly the two most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran as well as the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves.
The network is available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country and worldwide.
AWE is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network -the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. AWE delivers informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of - from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live boxing events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider's perspective.
For more information, please visit AWE in 3D and High Definition
For Immediate Release
SAN DIEGO (JANUARY 22, 2014)--On Saturday afternoon, March 1st, Ricky Burns will make his 4th defense of the WBO Lightweight title when he takes on highly regarded and undefeated Terence Crawford in a 12-round bout from the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.
The fight can be viewed live and exclusively across the United States on AWE, A Wealth of Entertainment.
"This world title fight showdown has the makings of a 'fight of the year'. Crawford is undefeated and coming off some big wins. Burns is a proven champ. We're ecstatic to be bringing this world-class title fight to boxing fans across the United States", said Charles Herring, president of AWE.
Burns of Coatbridge, Scotland has a record of 36-2-1 with 11 knockouts and has not lost a fight in over seven years which spans 22 fights. He won the WBO Super Featherweight title with a thrilling 12 round unanimous decision over Roman Martinez. He made three defenses of his crown which includes wins over Andreas Evensen and Joseph Laryea. Burns then stopped former WBO Super featherweight champion Nicky Cook in one round.
Burns moved up to Lightweight and in his first fight at the higher weight class, he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over former champion Michael Katsidis to win the WBO Interim title.
Burns won the full title with a 12 round unanimous decision over former WBA champion Paulus Moses. Burns looked great in taking out fellow United Kingdom fighter Kevin Mitchell in four rounds. He then was able to outlast undefeated Jose Gonzalez when Gonzalez was forced to retire on the stool after the 9th round.
In his last bout, Burns fought through a broken jaw to salvage a controversial draw with Ray Beltran on September 7, 2013.
In the bout, Burns started off fast, but Beltran responded. By the end of the fight, many US boxing fans felt that Beltran should have walked away with the title belt.
Burns is 8-0-1 in world title fights.
Crawford of Omaha, Nebraska will be making his 1st attempt at a world title and brings in a perfect ledger at 22-0 with 16 knockouts.
The 26-year old is widely regarded as one of the top fighters in the division and has been performing at a high level.
He started to open eyes when he scored a shutout victory over hard-hitting power puncher Breidis Prescott on March 30, 2013.
Crawford followed that up with a 6-round beat down of Alejandro Sanabria (34-1-1) on June 15, 2013.
In his last bout, Crawford showed his terrific boxing ability by winning via shutout on all three judges' score cards against previously undefeated Andrey Klimov (16-0) on October 5, 2013 in Orlando, Florida.
There will be a full undercard which will include a world title bout featuring WBA Super Bantamweight champion Scott Quigg announced shortly.
About AWE Live Boxing
For 2012, AWE earned 2 of the 6 Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for "Fight of the Year" candidates, beating out all other networks except HBO which earned three. AWE also showcased live all 2012 David Price fights. In 2013 AWE has featured the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over Price, bouts with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew, who just fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale and possibly the two most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran as well as the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves.
The network is available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country and worldwide.
AWE is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network -the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. AWE delivers informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of - from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live boxing events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider's perspective.
For more information, please visit AWE in 3D and High Definition
Fernando Vargas ready to battle reality tv in 'Los Vargas' Starting Jan. 26th on Mun2
By Kevin Davis
Fernando Vargas one of the greatest living stories in boxing, now is ready to share his life to the world that hasn't heard his story before. Fernando fought epic battles in the ring as the former two-time world champion, carried his family and his pride into the ring. Now he carry's them to reality television. January 26 at 9pm et, on Mun2, Los Vargas airs it's first episode. Vargas life was so wild and crazy, fans will learn how many trends Vargas set in the boxing game as when it came to his classic hairstyle, his flashy lifestyle, and his family. His estranged father will appear in on the show as well, and you will learn what happened between them, to bring them back full circle.
By Kevin Davis
Fernando Vargas one of the greatest living stories in boxing, now is ready to share his life to the world that hasn't heard his story before. Fernando fought epic battles in the ring as the former two-time world champion, carried his family and his pride into the ring. Now he carry's them to reality television. January 26 at 9pm et, on Mun2, Los Vargas airs it's first episode. Vargas life was so wild and crazy, fans will learn how many trends Vargas set in the boxing game as when it came to his classic hairstyle, his flashy lifestyle, and his family. His estranged father will appear in on the show as well, and you will learn what happened between them, to bring them back full circle.
Exclusive Erislandy Lara says Angulo and Canelo are afraid of him
By Kevin Davis
Karceno: I know your heart must be burning that you are not the one fighting Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on March 8th
Lara: "Everyone knows Canelo and Angulo are both avoiding me, I already made Angulo quit, and he cried like a baby, and Canelo is running awat from me, because in his head he knows he can't beat me."
Karceno: What about the fact that you beat Angulo and Trout, their was doubt that Canelo won his fight with Trout, but you left No doubt.
Lara: "I can't make them want to take the fight, if Canelo wants to continue to run, then let him run, I will fight anyone, that's what a real champion suppose to do."
Karceno: Well I thought you were going to be at least fighting on the undercard against Carlos Molina.
Lara: "Like I said before these boxers want to take the easy way, it's not hard to make a fight with Erislandy Lara, they just don't want to because they are afraid."
Karceno: Well Demetruis Andrade has been calling out your name, says he would love that fight, the WBO champion, who just beat Vanes.
Lara: "Who? (laughs) I already beat him in the amateurs before, he knows I'm the best and I beat up Vanes too, so if it's a fight that can be made then lets do it, pro or amateur it doesn't matter, only what happens in the ring now."
Karceno: We took a poll and fans believe that your fight against Canelo is a 50/50 fight, what are your thoughts about that?
Lara: "(Laugh) They said Trout was a even fight also, whoever these people are doesn't know anything about boxing, Canelo has no excuses, he has to face me, if not then he isn't the warrior they say he is, I'm the champion, he isn't Angulo isn't, I am, so I leave that up to my team, Golden Boy and Al Haymon, to make that fight happen."
Karceno: Why is your style so difficult for other boxers?
Lara: "It's the Cuban School of boxing, that's all it is, the Cuban school, and they can't defeat it."
Karceno: Not even Mayweather, who is the current WBC world champion at 154?
Lara: "(Laughs) I am a great fan of Floyd Mayweather and his style of boxing, I watched him as a kid, but I know I can beat him too."
By Kevin Davis
Karceno: I know your heart must be burning that you are not the one fighting Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on March 8th
Lara: "Everyone knows Canelo and Angulo are both avoiding me, I already made Angulo quit, and he cried like a baby, and Canelo is running awat from me, because in his head he knows he can't beat me."
Karceno: What about the fact that you beat Angulo and Trout, their was doubt that Canelo won his fight with Trout, but you left No doubt.
Lara: "I can't make them want to take the fight, if Canelo wants to continue to run, then let him run, I will fight anyone, that's what a real champion suppose to do."
Karceno: Well I thought you were going to be at least fighting on the undercard against Carlos Molina.
Lara: "Like I said before these boxers want to take the easy way, it's not hard to make a fight with Erislandy Lara, they just don't want to because they are afraid."
Karceno: Well Demetruis Andrade has been calling out your name, says he would love that fight, the WBO champion, who just beat Vanes.
Lara: "Who? (laughs) I already beat him in the amateurs before, he knows I'm the best and I beat up Vanes too, so if it's a fight that can be made then lets do it, pro or amateur it doesn't matter, only what happens in the ring now."
Karceno: We took a poll and fans believe that your fight against Canelo is a 50/50 fight, what are your thoughts about that?
Lara: "(Laugh) They said Trout was a even fight also, whoever these people are doesn't know anything about boxing, Canelo has no excuses, he has to face me, if not then he isn't the warrior they say he is, I'm the champion, he isn't Angulo isn't, I am, so I leave that up to my team, Golden Boy and Al Haymon, to make that fight happen."
Karceno: Why is your style so difficult for other boxers?
Lara: "It's the Cuban School of boxing, that's all it is, the Cuban school, and they can't defeat it."
Karceno: Not even Mayweather, who is the current WBC world champion at 154?
Lara: "(Laughs) I am a great fan of Floyd Mayweather and his style of boxing, I watched him as a kid, but I know I can beat him too."
Showtime Vice President Stephen Espinoza: Alvarez is Taking on the Most Dangerous Opponent Angulo
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President, General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports
"This is a boxing card that has everything for the true fight fan. Canelo Alvarez is taking on the most dangerous opponent of his career in Alfredo Angulo, who is perhaps the strongest puncher and fighter that Canelo has yet face and I have no doubt this fight will be an action fight for as long as it lasts."
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President, General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports
"This is a boxing card that has everything for the true fight fan. Canelo Alvarez is taking on the most dangerous opponent of his career in Alfredo Angulo, who is perhaps the strongest puncher and fighter that Canelo has yet face and I have no doubt this fight will be an action fight for as long as it lasts."
Virgil Hunter: Canelo was Shut out on his Last Fight
VIRGIL HUNTER, Angulo's Trainer
"Each man has to come to grips that they are coming off a loss. Alfredo came so close to upsetting [Erislandy] Lara and I'm just pleased he's getting this fight. I couldn't be happier for him.
"You can't say that Alfredo doesn't deserve this fight because Angulo was up on most of the scorecards in his last fight and Canelo was shut out on his. I think this is as good a time as any and that this fight makes sense. Alfredo has come to understand the importance of defense. Initially he had a disdain for defense but I've been teaching him the importance of that aspect of the game.
"Whoever wins this fight is going to have to fight to win it. I've called this a must-win fight for Canelo to stay relevant and I think he definitely has something to prove."
VIRGIL HUNTER, Angulo's Trainer
"Each man has to come to grips that they are coming off a loss. Alfredo came so close to upsetting [Erislandy] Lara and I'm just pleased he's getting this fight. I couldn't be happier for him.
"You can't say that Alfredo doesn't deserve this fight because Angulo was up on most of the scorecards in his last fight and Canelo was shut out on his. I think this is as good a time as any and that this fight makes sense. Alfredo has come to understand the importance of defense. Initially he had a disdain for defense but I've been teaching him the importance of that aspect of the game.
"Whoever wins this fight is going to have to fight to win it. I've called this a must-win fight for Canelo to stay relevant and I think he definitely has something to prove."
Alfredo Angulo: "I know I have some doubters, but if you doubt me ...
ALFREDO ANGULO, Former WBO Interim Junior Middleweight World Champion
"I'm the same Alfredo Angulo as I've always been and I'm going to always give the fans great fights. I think that I earn respect in my fights and March 8 is going to be no different.
"I don't know if he's the most powerful fighter I've faced, but I know I have to give my all in this fight for my fans. This fight is for the fans.
"What's this fight going to mean if I win? I don't know. Once I win, then you can ask that.
"He [Canelo] knows the heart that I have. He's knows it very well; that the advantage I have over him.
"I know I have some doubters. But if you doubt me, go ahead and look up my fights on YouTube."
ALFREDO ANGULO, Former WBO Interim Junior Middleweight World Champion
"I'm the same Alfredo Angulo as I've always been and I'm going to always give the fans great fights. I think that I earn respect in my fights and March 8 is going to be no different.
"I don't know if he's the most powerful fighter I've faced, but I know I have to give my all in this fight for my fans. This fight is for the fans.
"What's this fight going to mean if I win? I don't know. Once I win, then you can ask that.
"He [Canelo] knows the heart that I have. He's knows it very well; that the advantage I have over him.
"I know I have some doubters. But if you doubt me, go ahead and look up my fights on YouTube."
Canelo Alvarez: We Offered this fight to Cotto First, But he wasn't Ready
CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Super Welterweight World Champion
"Alfredo Angulo is a very strong fighter, and he knows how to come forward. He knows how to throw a punch and take a punch and he comes to fight.
"I'm sure you want to see a fight and you don't want to see a guy who is going to be running all night.
"I've prepared myself very well to give you all a great fight. I'm glad Alfredo has some fans here today, but my fans are better.
"I can't tell you all the things I learned from my last fight [against Floyd Mayweather on a record-shattering pay-per-view event last September], but there is a long list. I don't take it as a loss. I take it as a learning experience. And that is what's going to keep me going. That's the greatest thing about this sport. You learn and you move on.
"We have two different styles and you really can't compare the two. Angulo's aggressive. I've fought bigger guys but I see him as a middleweight coming down to super welterweight.
"We offered this fight to [Miguel] Cotto first, but he wasn't ready. We wanted to give you guys, the media, and the fans this fight. This is for the fans.
"Losing is part of boxing. Muhammad Ali lost and he's still the greatest of all time. So a loss isn't going to prevent me from being the future of boxing."
CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Super Welterweight World Champion
"Alfredo Angulo is a very strong fighter, and he knows how to come forward. He knows how to throw a punch and take a punch and he comes to fight.
"I'm sure you want to see a fight and you don't want to see a guy who is going to be running all night.
"I've prepared myself very well to give you all a great fight. I'm glad Alfredo has some fans here today, but my fans are better.
"I can't tell you all the things I learned from my last fight [against Floyd Mayweather on a record-shattering pay-per-view event last September], but there is a long list. I don't take it as a loss. I take it as a learning experience. And that is what's going to keep me going. That's the greatest thing about this sport. You learn and you move on.
"We have two different styles and you really can't compare the two. Angulo's aggressive. I've fought bigger guys but I see him as a middleweight coming down to super welterweight.
"We offered this fight to [Miguel] Cotto first, but he wasn't ready. We wanted to give you guys, the media, and the fans this fight. This is for the fans.
"Losing is part of boxing. Muhammad Ali lost and he's still the greatest of all time. So a loss isn't going to prevent me from being the future of boxing."
Andre Ward: Bradley's Desire Will Overcome Pacquiao
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 01/23/2014 2:49 PM | Updated as of 01/23/2014 2:49 PM
Undefeated super middleweight champion Andre Ward believes welterweight champion Timothy Bradley Jr. has the competitive fire and intangibles needed to once again defeat Manny Pacquiao.
Bradley controversially defeated Pacquiao when they fought in June 2012 in a highly contested split decision. A rematch has been reportedly set for April, although Pacquiao’s promoters at Top Rank said the deal has yet to be finalized.
Ward, an unbeaten American who counts Bradley as a friend, stressed in an On the Ropes Boxing Radio interview that “Desert Storm” should not be counted out if the rematch does push through.
“You would think that after he beat Pacquiao, regardless of what you had to say about that win, and after he beat (Juan Manuel) Marquez the way that he did, that he would be the guy,” Ward said of Bradley.
“(You would think) that Timothy Bradley would get the respect that he deserves, and he still doesn’t,” he added.
Ward believes that this perceived lack of respect will fire up Bradley in a potential rematch against the “Pacman.”
“That’s the material, that’s the fuel that people don’t realize push guys like Timothy Bradley to go above and beyond what people think he’s gonna do,” Ward said. “So to answer the question, I got to favor my friend, I got to favor Timothy Bradley.”
“(It’s) not necessarily with X’s and O’s and strategy, but just the desire, man,” Ward added. “I feel he has a desire that can’t be denied, and he has the intangibles that you can’t put your finger on.”
Ward also believes that Bradley is one of the few active fighters who truly mean it when they say that they are willing to “die in the ring.”
“You hear a lot of fighters say that, ‘I’ll die in the ring, I’ll do this and I’ll do that,’” said the champion. “And I think he is one of those guys who are willing to go to that place to get a victory.”
“I think he’s willing to go to whatever place he needs to go to not lose what he’s earned, and that’s his reputation, that’s his undefeated record and the status that he has,” Ward added.
After his victory over Pacquiao, Bradley was widely jeered by boxing fans who felt that he did not deserve the decision. He gained appreciation in his next fight, however, when he went toe-to-toe with Russian brawler Ruslan Provodnikov and won a slim unanimous decision. Later in 2013, he also beat Mexican legend Marquez to keep the WBO welterweight title.
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 01/23/2014 2:49 PM | Updated as of 01/23/2014 2:49 PM
Undefeated super middleweight champion Andre Ward believes welterweight champion Timothy Bradley Jr. has the competitive fire and intangibles needed to once again defeat Manny Pacquiao.
Bradley controversially defeated Pacquiao when they fought in June 2012 in a highly contested split decision. A rematch has been reportedly set for April, although Pacquiao’s promoters at Top Rank said the deal has yet to be finalized.
Ward, an unbeaten American who counts Bradley as a friend, stressed in an On the Ropes Boxing Radio interview that “Desert Storm” should not be counted out if the rematch does push through.
“You would think that after he beat Pacquiao, regardless of what you had to say about that win, and after he beat (Juan Manuel) Marquez the way that he did, that he would be the guy,” Ward said of Bradley.
“(You would think) that Timothy Bradley would get the respect that he deserves, and he still doesn’t,” he added.
Ward believes that this perceived lack of respect will fire up Bradley in a potential rematch against the “Pacman.”
“That’s the material, that’s the fuel that people don’t realize push guys like Timothy Bradley to go above and beyond what people think he’s gonna do,” Ward said. “So to answer the question, I got to favor my friend, I got to favor Timothy Bradley.”
“(It’s) not necessarily with X’s and O’s and strategy, but just the desire, man,” Ward added. “I feel he has a desire that can’t be denied, and he has the intangibles that you can’t put your finger on.”
Ward also believes that Bradley is one of the few active fighters who truly mean it when they say that they are willing to “die in the ring.”
“You hear a lot of fighters say that, ‘I’ll die in the ring, I’ll do this and I’ll do that,’” said the champion. “And I think he is one of those guys who are willing to go to that place to get a victory.”
“I think he’s willing to go to whatever place he needs to go to not lose what he’s earned, and that’s his reputation, that’s his undefeated record and the status that he has,” Ward added.
After his victory over Pacquiao, Bradley was widely jeered by boxing fans who felt that he did not deserve the decision. He gained appreciation in his next fight, however, when he went toe-to-toe with Russian brawler Ruslan Provodnikov and won a slim unanimous decision. Later in 2013, he also beat Mexican legend Marquez to keep the WBO welterweight title.
Manny Pacquiao's Credibility Issue
By David King
1 hour ago
COMMENTARY | It's almost a perfect story.
Manny Pacquiao's rise to the top of boxing's food chain deserves nothing but respect and admiration. He started from the very bottom, born to low-income parents in the Philippines, and he didn't get much of a chance to enjoy the innocence of youth. At the tender age of 14, Pacquiao decided to take on the world on his own, electing to live on the streets, joining the estimated 1.5 million homeless children in the Philippines, often going to sleep on an empty stomach.
Then he found the sweet science.
Manny turned out to be a natural, quickly making his way through the amateur ranks, earning a sponsorship from the Filipino government. He's been even more successful as a professional, securing titles in eight divisions, racking up victories against the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and Miguel Cotto, making it to the top of boxing's pound-for-pound rankings.
It's an inspiring story of how dedication and perseverance can get one far in life, but there's only one problem.
Floyd Mayweather.
"Money" has been an annoying thorn in Pacquiao's side, tarnishing the Filipino congressman's once lofty standing with the boxing media.
It started when the two sat down in 2009 for the first time, hoping to organize a fight. Both sides came to an agreement on virtually everything concerning the fight, from purse splits to glove size. Then, what seemed like a harmless request for Olympic style drug testing (OSDT) from Floyd officially kicked off the Mayweather-Pacquiao saga.
"Manny says, 'I'm not going to let them take my blood whenever they want when I'm getting seriously ready for a fight. They can take all the urine they want,'" Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, explained. "My fighter feels uncomfortable with that and feels that would weaken him. I know if I deal with an organization that deals with pro athletes we can agree to the protocol. He'll give them blood but he wants to know it will stop at a particular point. He wants the fight. But he's a proud guy. He won't be pushed around by this guy [Mayweather]."
It was one of the most bizarre excuses in boxing history given how rare it is for a professional athlete to balk at drug testing.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop there.
Pacquiao's camp followed up with a meaningless ultimatum thrown at Mayweather, then, they took their peasant-manipulation tactics to a completely different level when the two sides tried to organize the elusive super-fight in 2012.
Mayweather, who was dealing with legal issues at the time, had the MGM Grand booked for May 5, and he made it clear getting Pacquiao inside the ring with him was his top priority.
When it appeared Mayweather's sentence would prevent him from making the date, Pacquiao and his handlers couldn't stop talking about the bout. Manny claimed he was so determined to get something signed, he offered to take a smaller revenue split just to make the fight happen.
Then, a judge postponed Mayweather's sentence, clearing the way for the super-fight, and the excuses started flowing shortly after.
First, Arum argued that a cut Pacquiao suffered during his 2011 bout against Juan Manuel Marquez might not heal in time for the fight.
"What if they fought and Manny started bleeding on the first punch?" Arum told ESPN's Dan Rafael. "I don't know if Manny is available to fight in May. I have no idea. I haven't talked to him; I haven't seen him. Seems to me, June is more likely based on what his plastic surgeon said."
Then, Arum said he was worried about Mayweather getting licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the same sanctioning body that has licensed Floyd for every single one of his fights since 2006.
"I don't even know if Mayweather will be licensed [by the Nevada State Athletic Commission] before he serves his time," he added.
The third excuse was just as outlandish as Arum claimed the MGM wasn't big enough for the super-fight. Then, Pacquiao refused to take anything less than a 50/50 split when Floyd offered him $40 million, bringing their last round of serious negotiations to an end.
Now, Pacquiao and his handlers are up to their old tricks once again. The Filipino congressman recently called Mayweather out, challenging him to fight for charity, as if he's in any position to dictate what Floyd should do with his earnings.
Fortunately for Pacquiao, he has developed a cult-like following over the years, so there will never be a shortage of folks defending his actions.
Unfortunately for the Filipino Senior Master Sergeant, the history books won't be as kind. His heart will forever be questioned because of his reluctance to fight Mayweather, especially given the fact he doesn't have much to lose at this point. Manny has already lost to lesser men than Floyd on multiple occasions, so another loss on his record won't mean much.
The fact is: Manny Pacquiao needs Floyd Mayweather, not the other way around.
Since their last round of serious negotiations, Mayweather has racked up wins against Miguel Cotto, Robert Guerrero, and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, setting a new record for the highest grossing pay-per-view fight in boxing history during his lasting outing, generating over $150 million.
Pacquiao on the other hand has gone 1-2 since then, with his only victory coming against Brandon Rios -- who was coming off a loss. According to Forbes, Manny's failure to organize the super-fight has already cost him approximately $100 million, more than enough to pay off the reported 68 million he owes in back taxes.
More importantly, his reluctance to organize the super-fight against Mayweather has significantly diminished his credibility with boxing experts and hardcore fans.
David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner who has watched and studied MMA for the past 9 years. Send him your questions D @David kingwriter and check out his blog.
By David King
1 hour ago
COMMENTARY | It's almost a perfect story.
Manny Pacquiao's rise to the top of boxing's food chain deserves nothing but respect and admiration. He started from the very bottom, born to low-income parents in the Philippines, and he didn't get much of a chance to enjoy the innocence of youth. At the tender age of 14, Pacquiao decided to take on the world on his own, electing to live on the streets, joining the estimated 1.5 million homeless children in the Philippines, often going to sleep on an empty stomach.
Then he found the sweet science.
Manny turned out to be a natural, quickly making his way through the amateur ranks, earning a sponsorship from the Filipino government. He's been even more successful as a professional, securing titles in eight divisions, racking up victories against the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, and Miguel Cotto, making it to the top of boxing's pound-for-pound rankings.
It's an inspiring story of how dedication and perseverance can get one far in life, but there's only one problem.
Floyd Mayweather.
"Money" has been an annoying thorn in Pacquiao's side, tarnishing the Filipino congressman's once lofty standing with the boxing media.
It started when the two sat down in 2009 for the first time, hoping to organize a fight. Both sides came to an agreement on virtually everything concerning the fight, from purse splits to glove size. Then, what seemed like a harmless request for Olympic style drug testing (OSDT) from Floyd officially kicked off the Mayweather-Pacquiao saga.
"Manny says, 'I'm not going to let them take my blood whenever they want when I'm getting seriously ready for a fight. They can take all the urine they want,'" Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, explained. "My fighter feels uncomfortable with that and feels that would weaken him. I know if I deal with an organization that deals with pro athletes we can agree to the protocol. He'll give them blood but he wants to know it will stop at a particular point. He wants the fight. But he's a proud guy. He won't be pushed around by this guy [Mayweather]."
It was one of the most bizarre excuses in boxing history given how rare it is for a professional athlete to balk at drug testing.
Unfortunately, it didn't stop there.
Pacquiao's camp followed up with a meaningless ultimatum thrown at Mayweather, then, they took their peasant-manipulation tactics to a completely different level when the two sides tried to organize the elusive super-fight in 2012.
Mayweather, who was dealing with legal issues at the time, had the MGM Grand booked for May 5, and he made it clear getting Pacquiao inside the ring with him was his top priority.
When it appeared Mayweather's sentence would prevent him from making the date, Pacquiao and his handlers couldn't stop talking about the bout. Manny claimed he was so determined to get something signed, he offered to take a smaller revenue split just to make the fight happen.
Then, a judge postponed Mayweather's sentence, clearing the way for the super-fight, and the excuses started flowing shortly after.
First, Arum argued that a cut Pacquiao suffered during his 2011 bout against Juan Manuel Marquez might not heal in time for the fight.
"What if they fought and Manny started bleeding on the first punch?" Arum told ESPN's Dan Rafael. "I don't know if Manny is available to fight in May. I have no idea. I haven't talked to him; I haven't seen him. Seems to me, June is more likely based on what his plastic surgeon said."
Then, Arum said he was worried about Mayweather getting licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the same sanctioning body that has licensed Floyd for every single one of his fights since 2006.
"I don't even know if Mayweather will be licensed [by the Nevada State Athletic Commission] before he serves his time," he added.
The third excuse was just as outlandish as Arum claimed the MGM wasn't big enough for the super-fight. Then, Pacquiao refused to take anything less than a 50/50 split when Floyd offered him $40 million, bringing their last round of serious negotiations to an end.
Now, Pacquiao and his handlers are up to their old tricks once again. The Filipino congressman recently called Mayweather out, challenging him to fight for charity, as if he's in any position to dictate what Floyd should do with his earnings.
Fortunately for Pacquiao, he has developed a cult-like following over the years, so there will never be a shortage of folks defending his actions.
Unfortunately for the Filipino Senior Master Sergeant, the history books won't be as kind. His heart will forever be questioned because of his reluctance to fight Mayweather, especially given the fact he doesn't have much to lose at this point. Manny has already lost to lesser men than Floyd on multiple occasions, so another loss on his record won't mean much.
The fact is: Manny Pacquiao needs Floyd Mayweather, not the other way around.
Since their last round of serious negotiations, Mayweather has racked up wins against Miguel Cotto, Robert Guerrero, and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, setting a new record for the highest grossing pay-per-view fight in boxing history during his lasting outing, generating over $150 million.
Pacquiao on the other hand has gone 1-2 since then, with his only victory coming against Brandon Rios -- who was coming off a loss. According to Forbes, Manny's failure to organize the super-fight has already cost him approximately $100 million, more than enough to pay off the reported 68 million he owes in back taxes.
More importantly, his reluctance to organize the super-fight against Mayweather has significantly diminished his credibility with boxing experts and hardcore fans.
David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner who has watched and studied MMA for the past 9 years. Send him your questions D @David kingwriter and check out his blog.
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Froch: Forget Groves rematch... fight with Chavez Jr is 'pretty much nailed-on done'
By DECLAN WARRINGTON
Carl Froch has revealed a fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is 'pretty much nailed-on done', appearing to end hopes of an immediate rematch with George Groves.
The WBA and IBF super middleweight champion, however, did not rule out fighting Groves again later this year.
More to follow...
By DECLAN WARRINGTON
Carl Froch has revealed a fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is 'pretty much nailed-on done', appearing to end hopes of an immediate rematch with George Groves.
The WBA and IBF super middleweight champion, however, did not rule out fighting Groves again later this year.
More to follow...
Canelo said Floyd ran???? Bwhahahahahahah! What a bitch! He gave it up for Floyd during the post fight interview and didnt make any excuses and I respected that but now he singing a different tune lol. He is making an ass out of himself lol. Floyd beat his ass and never ran and even walked him down a few times lol. I hope Angulo beats his ass because he is scared to fight Lara who he has been ducking for years! Got Em!!
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Canelo vs Angulo: Erislandy Lara picking Angulo to stop Canelo if eye holds up
Erislandy Lara feels slighted and ducked by both men, but he's picking Alfredo Angulo to upset Canelo Alvarez on March 8.
Top junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara isn't exactly thrilled about the March 8 Showtime pay-per-view matchup between Mexican stars Canelo Alvarez and Alfredo Angulo, both of whom he feels are avoiding facing him (and he already holds a win over Angulo), but he's picking Angulo to score the upset, provided that the eye Lara himself busted up holds in the fight.
"If Angulo's eye holds up from the pounding of his last fight, I think he will knock Canelo out," Lara predicted.
Lara believes he was passed up by both men and he's ready to fight anyone at 154-pounds or 160.
"I will fight anybody they put in front of me, that's the difference between being the best and being protected. There is no need to protect the best. The team of myself, Al Haymon and Luis Decubas Jr. have the best promoter in Golden Boy. I know they will deliver me the big fights," Lara said.
Lara (19-1-2, 12 KO) fought twice in 2013, stopping Angulo in June in a difficult fight that saw the Cuban on the canvas two times, and then routing Austin Trout in December to end the year. The 30-year-old southpaw is hoping to land that big fight soon, but the options for the moment appear a bit limited.
Erislandy Lara feels slighted and ducked by both men, but he's picking Alfredo Angulo to upset Canelo Alvarez on March 8.
Top junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara isn't exactly thrilled about the March 8 Showtime pay-per-view matchup between Mexican stars Canelo Alvarez and Alfredo Angulo, both of whom he feels are avoiding facing him (and he already holds a win over Angulo), but he's picking Angulo to score the upset, provided that the eye Lara himself busted up holds in the fight.
"If Angulo's eye holds up from the pounding of his last fight, I think he will knock Canelo out," Lara predicted.
Lara believes he was passed up by both men and he's ready to fight anyone at 154-pounds or 160.
"I will fight anybody they put in front of me, that's the difference between being the best and being protected. There is no need to protect the best. The team of myself, Al Haymon and Luis Decubas Jr. have the best promoter in Golden Boy. I know they will deliver me the big fights," Lara said.
Lara (19-1-2, 12 KO) fought twice in 2013, stopping Angulo in June in a difficult fight that saw the Cuban on the canvas two times, and then routing Austin Trout in December to end the year. The 30-year-old southpaw is hoping to land that big fight soon, but the options for the moment appear a bit limited.
Well if he fights Lara after Angulo then Ill give him props but if he ducks him again then we all know why. Got Em!!
From what I read they also wanted to Floyd to agree to fight for free as well. However it is its dumb and Manny needs to quit yappin because the article above on this thread points out all the excuses from him and his camp. Manny is just yappin as usual. Plus why would Floyd fight for free LMAO. Makes no sense. Got Em!!
From what I read they also wanted to Floyd to agree to fight for free as well. However it is its dumb and Manny needs to quit yappin because the article above on this thread points out all the excuses from him and his camp. Manny is just yappin as usual. Plus why would Floyd fight for free LMAO. Makes no sense. Got Em!!