GRAPEVINE, Texas – It wasn’t only natural hard work ethic after all.
When Ghanaian Joshua Clottey was spotted doing a very early morning run at the lobby of the Gaylord Texan Hotel on Monday, he was not just trying to keep in tip-top shape. He was actually trying to lose extra poundage.
The suspicion that Clottey, a big welterweight, was still overweight was confirmed Thursday when he and his gang of four were spotted by Team Pacquiao member Roger Fernandez at the convention hall jogging wearing thermal suit for 45 minutes and then skipping ropes.
“Masama nga ang tingin nila sa akin, pero di ako umalis [They threw dagger looks at me, but I didn’t leave] said Roger, younger brother of Buboy, who is Pacquiao’s bosom buddy and trainer.
“I’m sure Clottey’s still overweight,” said Roger. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t do that [wear thermal suit].”
“He looks haggard and his stomach appears to be deep already,” added Roger.
In the final press conference Wednesday, Clottey’s chief trainer Lenny DeJesus claimed that Clottey, who has fought above the welterweight limit (147 lbs) 11 times, twice at 154, has made weight in his challenge for Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.
As Clottey scrambles to shed pounds, Pacquiao relaxes as he weighed 146 even after a hearty lunch of beef stew and pakbet (vegetable stew) Wednesday, according to Roger, adding that the seven-time champion in as many divisions would still eat a full meal, hours before weigh-in Friday afternoon.
Making weight hasn’t been an issue for Pacquiao at 147 lbs. Fact is, conditioning expert Alex Ariza continues to give him protein shakes so as he’ll keep weight.
Source: inquirer.net
Friday, March 12, 2010
Fight-central notebook from Pacquiao-Clottey
The end of a boxer's road can be a sad and lonely place, even if 45,000 people are in your close company.
Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo, the former world lightweight champion, will fight for the 71st time when he meets former "The Contender" cast member Alfonso Gomez in a welterweight bout on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's welterweight title defense against Joshua Clottey on Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The undercard will also feature a world lightweight title fight pitting Chicago's David Diaz vs. Mexico's Humberto Soto, and a middleweight bout starring Ireland's John Duddy.
Castillo's appearance could very well be the final chapter in a career that featured incredible peaks: his 2000 upset of Stevie Johnston to claim the lightweight belt, the narrow unanimous-decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2002 that many believe was the closest Mayweather has come to losing, and his classic 2005 slugfest with Diego Corrales that The Times voted fight of the decade.
But there have been sad lows, as well, including his inability to make weight twice in a rematch with Corrales and a third fight that was canceled. He proceeded to lose to Ricky Hatton, missed weight by seven pounds and squandered a bout against Timothy Bradley, and has suffered the heartbreaking deaths of his brother and sister during the last six years that required psychological counseling, he revealed Thursday.
Promoter Bob Arum has seen this act play out before in his long involvement in the sport.
"I know he's having money problems, I'd rather he didn't fight," Arum said.
Castillo, 36, has fought 377 rounds, and hasn't been in the ring since September. He served as a sparring partner to Pacquiao before the Filipino star's November bout against Miguel Cotto.
Yet, Arum's promotional partner in Mexico, Fernando Beltran, has vouched for Castillo's stability.
"It doesn't thrill me," Arum said minutes before giving Castillo a stirring introduction at a news conference: "As long as boxing exists, that fight [with Corrales] will go down in lore. And he still lookds in great shape."
Castillo, of course, touted his skills and spoke of how he wants "to come back and be a world champion," even at 140 pounds, where he so badly missed weight against Bradley.
"I know I can do this," Castillo said through an interpreter. "I abused myself. I didn't treat myself correctly. But now I'm going to quiet a lot of people in Mexico. I feel great. I feel like I was when I was 28."
Beltran vowed that Castillo will perform well against Gomez.
"He's going to be fine," Beltran said. "It was easy convincing Bob. Bob appreciates his great fights."
--Arum said he budgeted for Pacquiao-Clottey to generate between 500,000 and 700,000 pay-per-view buys, and now believes the number will be between 700,000 and 900,000, while HBO dreams of 1 million buys.
Pacquiao's bout in November against Cotto had 1.25 million buys.
The draw of Pacquiao and the intrigue of seeing a fight inside the mammoth stadium will fuel this show -- HBO is promising the use of special cameras to allow the viewer to experience the feel of next year's Super Bowl site.
"We're going to lose 110,000 buys from the island of Puerto Rico, though," Arum said. "How we can make those up remains to be seen."
--Tecate is offering a $20 rebate coupon for the pay-per-view purchase inside special cases of 12-packs and larger, the beer company announced.
--Fight publicist Ed Keenan staged a moment of redemption for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Tuesday, when he had Pacquiao present Jones with a bottle of XXX wine during Pacquiao's media workout session.
At the NFL combine last month, New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton swiped a bottle of wine, expensive 2007 Caymus Special Selection cabernet sauvignon, from an Indianapolis steakhouse table that was meant for Jones. Payton wrote on the empty bottle, WHO DAT!, and instructed a waiter to leave it for Jones.
Pacquiao took a new bottle into the ring Tuesday and handed it to Jones, signing it as a token of appreciation.
--Lance Pugmire
Source: latimes.com
Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo, the former world lightweight champion, will fight for the 71st time when he meets former "The Contender" cast member Alfonso Gomez in a welterweight bout on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao's welterweight title defense against Joshua Clottey on Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The undercard will also feature a world lightweight title fight pitting Chicago's David Diaz vs. Mexico's Humberto Soto, and a middleweight bout starring Ireland's John Duddy.
Castillo's appearance could very well be the final chapter in a career that featured incredible peaks: his 2000 upset of Stevie Johnston to claim the lightweight belt, the narrow unanimous-decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2002 that many believe was the closest Mayweather has come to losing, and his classic 2005 slugfest with Diego Corrales that The Times voted fight of the decade.
But there have been sad lows, as well, including his inability to make weight twice in a rematch with Corrales and a third fight that was canceled. He proceeded to lose to Ricky Hatton, missed weight by seven pounds and squandered a bout against Timothy Bradley, and has suffered the heartbreaking deaths of his brother and sister during the last six years that required psychological counseling, he revealed Thursday.
Promoter Bob Arum has seen this act play out before in his long involvement in the sport.
"I know he's having money problems, I'd rather he didn't fight," Arum said.
Castillo, 36, has fought 377 rounds, and hasn't been in the ring since September. He served as a sparring partner to Pacquiao before the Filipino star's November bout against Miguel Cotto.
Yet, Arum's promotional partner in Mexico, Fernando Beltran, has vouched for Castillo's stability.
"It doesn't thrill me," Arum said minutes before giving Castillo a stirring introduction at a news conference: "As long as boxing exists, that fight [with Corrales] will go down in lore. And he still lookds in great shape."
Castillo, of course, touted his skills and spoke of how he wants "to come back and be a world champion," even at 140 pounds, where he so badly missed weight against Bradley.
"I know I can do this," Castillo said through an interpreter. "I abused myself. I didn't treat myself correctly. But now I'm going to quiet a lot of people in Mexico. I feel great. I feel like I was when I was 28."
Beltran vowed that Castillo will perform well against Gomez.
"He's going to be fine," Beltran said. "It was easy convincing Bob. Bob appreciates his great fights."
--Arum said he budgeted for Pacquiao-Clottey to generate between 500,000 and 700,000 pay-per-view buys, and now believes the number will be between 700,000 and 900,000, while HBO dreams of 1 million buys.
Pacquiao's bout in November against Cotto had 1.25 million buys.
The draw of Pacquiao and the intrigue of seeing a fight inside the mammoth stadium will fuel this show -- HBO is promising the use of special cameras to allow the viewer to experience the feel of next year's Super Bowl site.
"We're going to lose 110,000 buys from the island of Puerto Rico, though," Arum said. "How we can make those up remains to be seen."
--Tecate is offering a $20 rebate coupon for the pay-per-view purchase inside special cases of 12-packs and larger, the beer company announced.
--Fight publicist Ed Keenan staged a moment of redemption for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Tuesday, when he had Pacquiao present Jones with a bottle of XXX wine during Pacquiao's media workout session.
At the NFL combine last month, New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton swiped a bottle of wine, expensive 2007 Caymus Special Selection cabernet sauvignon, from an Indianapolis steakhouse table that was meant for Jones. Payton wrote on the empty bottle, WHO DAT!, and instructed a waiter to leave it for Jones.
Pacquiao took a new bottle into the ring Tuesday and handed it to Jones, signing it as a token of appreciation.
--Lance Pugmire
Source: latimes.com
Pacquiao vs Clottey: Keys to Victory, Four to Explore, Official Prediction
By Vivek Wallace - In just a few hours the collective attention of fight fans around the world will be locked on Dallas Cowboys Stadium to witness a spectacle that may serve as a chief catalyst in bringing the sport back to a global forefront. The date of March 13th was initially reserved for something even more grand, yet fate decided to shuffle the deck, removing one key component and instead inserting a very unlikely one, turning a lifelong dream into a 'sudden-death' styled date with destiny. Sudden-death is the operative term, as this is now a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but after failed chances in the past, it may also serve as the final one if his bid for success fails. As we prepare for this amazing spectacle, we now take a moment to analyze the two men involved:
MANNY PACQUIAO: KEYS TO VICTORY - For Manny Pacquiao, this fight has 'trap' written all over it. In the minds of some, Pacquiao wasn't supposed to defeat his last four opponents so easily, yet he walked through each of them with little resistance. With easy success in his head, the world in his ear, and the wind at his back, it would seem natural to think his forecast calls for smooth sailing.......but it doesn't. Joshua Clottey will be the firmest test of his entire career - both literally and figuratively. The biggest key for Pacquiao will be CONTROLLED AGGRESSION. Clottey is very deft at timing his jab with precision. Pacquiao's fairly short arm length prevents him from settling for outside shots, therefore he has a tendency to blitz an opponent by jumping in and swarming..
If these blitz attempts are met with a thunderous jab, his momentum would be stunted, and Clottey will achieve his ultimate goal of "making Pacquiao think more than he has ever had to in the ring before". Pacquiao will have to exercise great patience, realizing that he isn't facing a fighter who will wilt under the pressure of a few well-placed shots. Pacquiao's plan (as stated by camp insiders) is to come out and take it to the Ghanaian native from the opening bell. While that worked with many in the past, it would be ill-advised, and could result in alot of misses, and subsequently have him wearing down late in the fight. Patience, power and execution will be Pacquiao's critical recipe if he is to find success.
JOSHUA CLOTTEY: KEYS TO VICTORY
For Joshua Clottey, this fight will be leveled on several building blocks, but all will hinge on one thing. That one thing is motivation. Injury prevented him from defeating Margarito, but his lost to Cotto came ONLY as a result of his failure to keep his foot to the gas. The HBO "Road to Dallas" segment showed us that even his daughter was prompted to ask him "what happened" in his failed bid to defeat a dead man walking? Considering that he has the God-given attributes necessary to find success, that attribute of motivation could be the final piece to complete the puzzle. Another key for Clottey is to use a stiff jab - early and often. Both Marquez and Morales found success against Pacquiao using it, and neither had the power found in Clottey's.
Pacquiao has a tendency to 'reset' every time he's met with a stiff jab, so that would serve as the perfect appetizer before Clottey unloads the main course. Finally, Clottey must remember that no fighter - not Tyson, Duran, or any other power puncher in history - has ever demonstrated the art of mastering true power from their back foot. Clottey must keep this in mind and not only keep Pacquiao going backwards, but force him to stand his ground and engage in in-fighting, which Pacquiao has never been too skilled at. This blueprint holds the key for a Clottey victory.
FOUR TO EXPLORE
'5th DIMENSION': Pacquiao's last four opponents were all men who were left-hand dominant. While only Diaz was a true southpaw, the left-hand dominant Oscar, Hatton, and Cotto were all far less than threatening with the right hand - which happens to be the weapon of choice against a southpaw. In Clottey, Pacquiao will be facing a man who not only packs adequate power with the right hand, but often leads with it. For the first time in a long time Pacqiuao won't be facing a man who's left-hand dominant, he'll just be facing one who has seemed to master those who are. How will he handle that?
'TEXAS TAKE-AWAY': Trainer Freddie Roach has recently gone on record stating that he has "never lost a fight in Texas". This streak is said to go back as far as his very own professional career inside the ropes. The old adage states that "every thing's bigger in Texas", and as Team Pacquiao gets prepared to take on its biggest opponent to date, they very much understand that the agony of defeat would be bigger than any pain ever experienced in the past. Will the streak live to die another day?
ONE & ONLY - Joshua Clottey has never been stopped in his entire career, and only floored once. Considering that he has already faced Margarito, Cotto, and others, it's safe to say that the only man in this neck of the woods with the ability to stop him is the one he will now face. Could Pacquiao be the one and only to give Clottey his one and only (KO loss)? Stay tuned.
MARQUEZ ON THE MIND - The last time Pacquiao fought in March he fought the one man who many feel he still doesn't own a definitive victory over (Juan Manuel Marquez - 03/15/08). Marquez was also the last right-hand dominant person that Pacquiao fought before immediately going into a string of four left-hand dominant fighters. Many things about Clottey parallel Marquez, from the strong right (hand) to the never-back-down warrior mentality. Will the end be controversial too? Should be interesting to find out.
OFFICIAL PREDICTION/UPSET BAROMETER (RATING 1 thru 5)
Official prediction for the fight is Manny Pacquiao on close points - split decision. That being said, ladies and gents, the black crow is circling the building, and the upset barometer has peaked at a solid 5 out of 5. Meaning, if there's anyone in the sport who can come in as an underdog, yet be skilled enough to pull off an upset over Pacquiao, it's Joshua Clottey. Many say Pacquiao's work rate will be too strong. Well......Remember that guy named Antonio Margarito? He just happened to set a compubox record for punches thrown against Clottey that I don't expect Pacquiao to beat (1,675). Do you know what Clottey did in return? He set a compubox record of his own - by blocking/avoiding 1,338 punches, which no one has come close to in the history of the sport. If Clottey is able to fatigue Pacquiao a bit and is fresh himself past the 9th round, the crow will squawk loud and the eventual outcome could be clear.
Secondly, many continue to cite Pacquiao's strength, but few have stopped to consider what the effects will be of a thunderous puncher like Clottey in a pair of 8oz gloves. This will be the first time that Pacquiao absorbs that shock from a full blown welter and it will come against arguably the most solid one in the talent pool. Somehow I think this could play a very intricate role in the outcome of this fight. Tune in to HBO PPV Saturday night at 9pm eastern time to watch it all unfold.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
MANNY PACQUIAO: KEYS TO VICTORY - For Manny Pacquiao, this fight has 'trap' written all over it. In the minds of some, Pacquiao wasn't supposed to defeat his last four opponents so easily, yet he walked through each of them with little resistance. With easy success in his head, the world in his ear, and the wind at his back, it would seem natural to think his forecast calls for smooth sailing.......but it doesn't. Joshua Clottey will be the firmest test of his entire career - both literally and figuratively. The biggest key for Pacquiao will be CONTROLLED AGGRESSION. Clottey is very deft at timing his jab with precision. Pacquiao's fairly short arm length prevents him from settling for outside shots, therefore he has a tendency to blitz an opponent by jumping in and swarming..
If these blitz attempts are met with a thunderous jab, his momentum would be stunted, and Clottey will achieve his ultimate goal of "making Pacquiao think more than he has ever had to in the ring before". Pacquiao will have to exercise great patience, realizing that he isn't facing a fighter who will wilt under the pressure of a few well-placed shots. Pacquiao's plan (as stated by camp insiders) is to come out and take it to the Ghanaian native from the opening bell. While that worked with many in the past, it would be ill-advised, and could result in alot of misses, and subsequently have him wearing down late in the fight. Patience, power and execution will be Pacquiao's critical recipe if he is to find success.
JOSHUA CLOTTEY: KEYS TO VICTORY
For Joshua Clottey, this fight will be leveled on several building blocks, but all will hinge on one thing. That one thing is motivation. Injury prevented him from defeating Margarito, but his lost to Cotto came ONLY as a result of his failure to keep his foot to the gas. The HBO "Road to Dallas" segment showed us that even his daughter was prompted to ask him "what happened" in his failed bid to defeat a dead man walking? Considering that he has the God-given attributes necessary to find success, that attribute of motivation could be the final piece to complete the puzzle. Another key for Clottey is to use a stiff jab - early and often. Both Marquez and Morales found success against Pacquiao using it, and neither had the power found in Clottey's.
Pacquiao has a tendency to 'reset' every time he's met with a stiff jab, so that would serve as the perfect appetizer before Clottey unloads the main course. Finally, Clottey must remember that no fighter - not Tyson, Duran, or any other power puncher in history - has ever demonstrated the art of mastering true power from their back foot. Clottey must keep this in mind and not only keep Pacquiao going backwards, but force him to stand his ground and engage in in-fighting, which Pacquiao has never been too skilled at. This blueprint holds the key for a Clottey victory.
FOUR TO EXPLORE
'5th DIMENSION': Pacquiao's last four opponents were all men who were left-hand dominant. While only Diaz was a true southpaw, the left-hand dominant Oscar, Hatton, and Cotto were all far less than threatening with the right hand - which happens to be the weapon of choice against a southpaw. In Clottey, Pacquiao will be facing a man who not only packs adequate power with the right hand, but often leads with it. For the first time in a long time Pacqiuao won't be facing a man who's left-hand dominant, he'll just be facing one who has seemed to master those who are. How will he handle that?
'TEXAS TAKE-AWAY': Trainer Freddie Roach has recently gone on record stating that he has "never lost a fight in Texas". This streak is said to go back as far as his very own professional career inside the ropes. The old adage states that "every thing's bigger in Texas", and as Team Pacquiao gets prepared to take on its biggest opponent to date, they very much understand that the agony of defeat would be bigger than any pain ever experienced in the past. Will the streak live to die another day?
ONE & ONLY - Joshua Clottey has never been stopped in his entire career, and only floored once. Considering that he has already faced Margarito, Cotto, and others, it's safe to say that the only man in this neck of the woods with the ability to stop him is the one he will now face. Could Pacquiao be the one and only to give Clottey his one and only (KO loss)? Stay tuned.
MARQUEZ ON THE MIND - The last time Pacquiao fought in March he fought the one man who many feel he still doesn't own a definitive victory over (Juan Manuel Marquez - 03/15/08). Marquez was also the last right-hand dominant person that Pacquiao fought before immediately going into a string of four left-hand dominant fighters. Many things about Clottey parallel Marquez, from the strong right (hand) to the never-back-down warrior mentality. Will the end be controversial too? Should be interesting to find out.
OFFICIAL PREDICTION/UPSET BAROMETER (RATING 1 thru 5)
Official prediction for the fight is Manny Pacquiao on close points - split decision. That being said, ladies and gents, the black crow is circling the building, and the upset barometer has peaked at a solid 5 out of 5. Meaning, if there's anyone in the sport who can come in as an underdog, yet be skilled enough to pull off an upset over Pacquiao, it's Joshua Clottey. Many say Pacquiao's work rate will be too strong. Well......Remember that guy named Antonio Margarito? He just happened to set a compubox record for punches thrown against Clottey that I don't expect Pacquiao to beat (1,675). Do you know what Clottey did in return? He set a compubox record of his own - by blocking/avoiding 1,338 punches, which no one has come close to in the history of the sport. If Clottey is able to fatigue Pacquiao a bit and is fresh himself past the 9th round, the crow will squawk loud and the eventual outcome could be clear.
Secondly, many continue to cite Pacquiao's strength, but few have stopped to consider what the effects will be of a thunderous puncher like Clottey in a pair of 8oz gloves. This will be the first time that Pacquiao absorbs that shock from a full blown welter and it will come against arguably the most solid one in the talent pool. Somehow I think this could play a very intricate role in the outcome of this fight. Tune in to HBO PPV Saturday night at 9pm eastern time to watch it all unfold.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Pacquiao has perfect game plan for Clottey
DALLAS, Texas, (AFP) - Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao puts his World Boxing Organization title on the line Saturday against Ghana’s Joshua Clottey as they headline the first fight card at Cowboys Stadium.
The 31-year-old Pacquiao will be making the first defence of his WBO welterweight belt but it could also be his last fight as he prepares to embark on a political career in his native Philippines.
Pacquiao, who will run for a congressional seat in May after failing to get elected three years ago, said Filipinos are now more accepting of his political goals.
"Before they don’t want me to enter politics because I am still fighting," Pacquiao said. "They didn’t want to lose Manny Pacquiao in boxing. But now my time in boxing is really short. I have to think about the future and helping my people."
But first the three-time fighter of the year Pacquiao has to get past the much bigger Clottey who is fighting at his natural weight (147 pounds) unlike Pacquiao who is moving up in weight class.
Pacquiao (50-3-2, 28 KOs) has looked unstoppable in his last three fights and he isn’t showing any signs of losing power as he fights bigger and stronger opponents.
Pacquiao has won 11 consecutive fights, eight by knockout, since losing to Erik Morales in March 2005.
His plan is to wear the 32-year-old Clottey down on Saturday so he can finish him off in the later rounds.
"Joshua will bring out the best in Manny," said Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who wants to see his champion fight one more time - against Floyd Mayweather - then retire. "Manny will go out there and fight another perfect fight."
Promoters are expecting a sellout of 45,000 for the first fight card at the 1.2 billion dollar Cowboys Stadium which was opened last year.
The home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys is an unusual venue for a world championship fight because of its location and size. The majority of world title fights these days are held in much smaller venues in Las Vegas.
This will be the largest crowd Pacquiao has fought in front of and he is looking forward to showing what he can do.
"This is very important fight for me," Pacquiao said. "This is my first time here in Dallas.
"It is going to be worldwide and it is a good example to other places that also want to promote boxing."
Pacquiao had been expected to fight Mayweather on the same date in a pound-for-pound mega-fight.
But when that bout fell through over a drug-testing dispute, former IBF champion Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs) came into the picture.
Both fighters fought former champion Miguel Cotto in their most recent fights - southpaw Pacquiao winning by a 12th round TKO four months ago and Clottey losing a close decision to Cotto nine months ago.
Clottey, who has never been knocked down, comes into the fight without his long-time trainer Godwin Kotey, who is back in Ghana because he couldn’t get a visa to come to the US.
Kotey’s replacement is former cutman Lenny DeJesus, 64, who was promoted to head trainer just seven weeks ago.
DeJesus says his boxer is more than just a fill-in fighter for Mayweather.
"It is a hurting game," said DeJesus, who worked a half dozen fights in Pacquiao’s corner as a cut man. "If my guy can put a hurt on Pacquiao that will change the fight.
"I got a stronger and bigger guy. I have created some different movements so he won’t be a target."
This is Pacquiao’s second fight as a true welterweight. He weighed just 106 pounds for his first professional fight in 1995 and won his first title in the 112 pound flyweight division
His major titles have come in weight classes ranging from 112 pounds to 147 pounds and he is the first Asian to win four or more major belts.
Before systematically dismantling Cotto in 12 rounds, he sent Oscar De La Hoya into retirement in December 2008 and demolished Briton Ricky Hatton in just two rounds in May 2009.
"I want to give a good fight and make people happy," Pacquiao said. "We have a plan. We have some strategy and whatever happens in the ring we will adjust to.
"We based our training on our opponent’s style. We trained perfectly to the style of the opponent so I think our team work for this fight is very good."
Source: leaderpost.com
Once KO'd by Manny Pacquiao, Diaz Battles Soto For WBC Crown
ARLINGTON, Texas -- On the evening of May 5, 2009, Manny Pacquiao was sitting in the dressing room following his ferocious, second-round knockout of England's Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Suddenly, Pacquiao's cell phone rang.
The call was from David Diaz (pictured above, at right, with Humberto Soto), the man whom Pacquiao had dethroned with a ninth-round in June 2008 to earn the WBC lightweight (135 pounds) title.
Diaz was phoning to thank Pacquiao for the new highlight-reel stoppage of Hatton -- the one he figured would be used in future bouts promoting the Filipino superstar.
In between the stoppages of Diaz and Hatton, Pacquiao had similarly made Oscar De La Hoya remain on his stool between the eighth and ninth rounds.
But De La Hoya quit. He wasn't devastatingly dismantled and dropped like Diaz or Hatton.
And the way Hatton went out, Diaz was confident that Pacquiao's sensational blowout of the Englishman would supplant his own demise at Pacquiao's hands as the replay of record for future HBO highlights.
Diaz was correct.
"I sure did call him, and I told him to stop using my highlight and to start using Ricky Hatton's," said the 33-year-old Diaz, a southpaw who resides in Chicago.
"But this is what we do. We're supposed to sometimes lose and sometimes win," Diaz said. "And sometimes, unfortunately, that means getting knocked out. It just happens. It's my job."
On Saturday night on HBO pay-per-view from Cowboys Stadium, Diaz (35-2-1, 17 knockouts) will get a chance to regain the crown that he lost when he engages in a clash of former world champions with 29-year-old Humberto Soto (50-7-2, 32 KOs) of Tijuana, Mex., for the WBC lightweight belt vacated by Edwin Valero.
"I never thought that I would be a world champion. Now, to be able to be called two-time world champion? That lights a fire under my a** real quick," said Diaz, whose matchup with Soto takes place on the undercard of Pacquiao's defense of his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title against Joshua Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs). "That makes me want to go out there and do what I've got to do against the guy who is across the ring from me."
Diaz said that he considers Soto a personal friend, having seen him around at boxing events and during the many times when they have fought on the same cards.
"We have a good camaraderie with each other. A lot of people don't understand the concept that we can go in there and beat each others brains in, and then later on be sharing a Coke or a beer," Diaz said.
"You have to live this life to really grasp it and understand it, and I think that boxers are really good people when you come down to it," Diaz said. "We just work hard and try to have that competitiveness that we want to be good. You just want people to talk about you and say, 'Hey, you had a pretty good fight.'"
Source: fanhouse.com
Suddenly, Pacquiao's cell phone rang.
The call was from David Diaz (pictured above, at right, with Humberto Soto), the man whom Pacquiao had dethroned with a ninth-round in June 2008 to earn the WBC lightweight (135 pounds) title.
Diaz was phoning to thank Pacquiao for the new highlight-reel stoppage of Hatton -- the one he figured would be used in future bouts promoting the Filipino superstar.
In between the stoppages of Diaz and Hatton, Pacquiao had similarly made Oscar De La Hoya remain on his stool between the eighth and ninth rounds.
But De La Hoya quit. He wasn't devastatingly dismantled and dropped like Diaz or Hatton.
And the way Hatton went out, Diaz was confident that Pacquiao's sensational blowout of the Englishman would supplant his own demise at Pacquiao's hands as the replay of record for future HBO highlights.
Diaz was correct.
"I sure did call him, and I told him to stop using my highlight and to start using Ricky Hatton's," said the 33-year-old Diaz, a southpaw who resides in Chicago.
"But this is what we do. We're supposed to sometimes lose and sometimes win," Diaz said. "And sometimes, unfortunately, that means getting knocked out. It just happens. It's my job."
On Saturday night on HBO pay-per-view from Cowboys Stadium, Diaz (35-2-1, 17 knockouts) will get a chance to regain the crown that he lost when he engages in a clash of former world champions with 29-year-old Humberto Soto (50-7-2, 32 KOs) of Tijuana, Mex., for the WBC lightweight belt vacated by Edwin Valero.
"I never thought that I would be a world champion. Now, to be able to be called two-time world champion? That lights a fire under my a** real quick," said Diaz, whose matchup with Soto takes place on the undercard of Pacquiao's defense of his WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title against Joshua Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs). "That makes me want to go out there and do what I've got to do against the guy who is across the ring from me."
Diaz said that he considers Soto a personal friend, having seen him around at boxing events and during the many times when they have fought on the same cards.
"We have a good camaraderie with each other. A lot of people don't understand the concept that we can go in there and beat each others brains in, and then later on be sharing a Coke or a beer," Diaz said.
"You have to live this life to really grasp it and understand it, and I think that boxers are really good people when you come down to it," Diaz said. "We just work hard and try to have that competitiveness that we want to be good. You just want people to talk about you and say, 'Hey, you had a pretty good fight.'"
Source: fanhouse.com
The Boxing Weekend: Manny Pacquiao Vs Joshua Clottey PPV
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, 50-3-2, 38 KO’s, headlines this weekend’s boxing as he defends his WBO Welterweight title against the very capable and dangerous Joshua Clottey, 35-3, 20 KO’s.
Pacquiao is at an all time high in his career and has quite the following. He is a national hero in the Philippines and has a large fan base just about everywhere else. His continued improvement and likable nature have made him a pay per view smash. He is willing to take on just about anyone and has destroyed most of his opposition, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and David Diaz. He has struggled with Juan Manuel Marquez in recent years, a fighter with good defense and the ability to control the ring, which is something that Clottey is able to do. The difference is: Clottey is a natural welterweight.
Pacquiao has to use his speed and movement in order to beat Clottey. Clottey has a history of beating up smaller guys. He battered and destroyed Diego Corrales, pounded Zab Judah into submission, and chased Miguel Cotto around the ring, before losing a controversial decision. He has a great chin, packs a decent punch, and keeps a tight defense. Clottey is a very dangerous opponent for Pacquiao and one that he may not be able to get beyond.
A win is a win and you can’t take anything away from the recent victories of Pacquiao, but when you look at the big names that were destroyed, you have to analyze it realistically. Oscar De La Hoya was spent, Ricky Hatton wasn’t an elite fighter, and Miguel Cotto’s psyche was broken. Clottey is a much bigger test for Pacquiao the welterweight, despite the fact that he isn’t as well known as the fighters mentioned above. He will try to walk down and pound Pacquiao to the floor in the later rounds. It should be a fun show.
The vacant WBC Lightweight title will be decided as Humberto Soto, 50-7-2, 32 KO’s, takes on David Diaz, 35-2-1, 17 KO’s. Soto recently dominated Jesus Chavez and has been on a winning streak. Diaz struggled with the same Chavez to take a majority decision in his last fight. Prior to that, he was dominated and planted on the canvas by Manny Pacquiao in nine rounds. He does hold a win over ancient Erik Morales, and at 33 years of age, still has some time left in the game. This should be a competitive and busy fight.
Contender favorite, Alfonso Gomez, 21-4-2, 10 KO’s, tries to send former WBC Lightweight Champion, Jose Luis Castillo, 60-9-1, 50 KO’s, into retirement in a ten round bout. Gomez has rebounded from his TKO loss to Miguel Cotto and put together a couple of wins as he goes into his biggest challenge. Castillo has been very active lately, fighting four times in 2009, winning all four by stoppage, although the opposition is highly questionable. Can Gomez avoid the slow powerhouse? We’ll find out Saturday night.
Irish Middleweight John Duddy, 28-1, 18 KO’s, is still a hot property in boxing and hopes to defeat the untested Michael Medina, 23-1-2, 18 KO’s, in a ten round bout. Duddy has beaten some decent competition like Matt Vanda, Howard Eastman, and Yory Boy Campas, while Medina has been feasting on guys like Roberto Valenzuela, who brought in an impressive record of 51-49-2. This is a huge step up for Medina.
Source: ringsidereport.com
Pacquiao is at an all time high in his career and has quite the following. He is a national hero in the Philippines and has a large fan base just about everywhere else. His continued improvement and likable nature have made him a pay per view smash. He is willing to take on just about anyone and has destroyed most of his opposition, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and David Diaz. He has struggled with Juan Manuel Marquez in recent years, a fighter with good defense and the ability to control the ring, which is something that Clottey is able to do. The difference is: Clottey is a natural welterweight.
Pacquiao has to use his speed and movement in order to beat Clottey. Clottey has a history of beating up smaller guys. He battered and destroyed Diego Corrales, pounded Zab Judah into submission, and chased Miguel Cotto around the ring, before losing a controversial decision. He has a great chin, packs a decent punch, and keeps a tight defense. Clottey is a very dangerous opponent for Pacquiao and one that he may not be able to get beyond.
A win is a win and you can’t take anything away from the recent victories of Pacquiao, but when you look at the big names that were destroyed, you have to analyze it realistically. Oscar De La Hoya was spent, Ricky Hatton wasn’t an elite fighter, and Miguel Cotto’s psyche was broken. Clottey is a much bigger test for Pacquiao the welterweight, despite the fact that he isn’t as well known as the fighters mentioned above. He will try to walk down and pound Pacquiao to the floor in the later rounds. It should be a fun show.
The vacant WBC Lightweight title will be decided as Humberto Soto, 50-7-2, 32 KO’s, takes on David Diaz, 35-2-1, 17 KO’s. Soto recently dominated Jesus Chavez and has been on a winning streak. Diaz struggled with the same Chavez to take a majority decision in his last fight. Prior to that, he was dominated and planted on the canvas by Manny Pacquiao in nine rounds. He does hold a win over ancient Erik Morales, and at 33 years of age, still has some time left in the game. This should be a competitive and busy fight.
Contender favorite, Alfonso Gomez, 21-4-2, 10 KO’s, tries to send former WBC Lightweight Champion, Jose Luis Castillo, 60-9-1, 50 KO’s, into retirement in a ten round bout. Gomez has rebounded from his TKO loss to Miguel Cotto and put together a couple of wins as he goes into his biggest challenge. Castillo has been very active lately, fighting four times in 2009, winning all four by stoppage, although the opposition is highly questionable. Can Gomez avoid the slow powerhouse? We’ll find out Saturday night.
Irish Middleweight John Duddy, 28-1, 18 KO’s, is still a hot property in boxing and hopes to defeat the untested Michael Medina, 23-1-2, 18 KO’s, in a ten round bout. Duddy has beaten some decent competition like Matt Vanda, Howard Eastman, and Yory Boy Campas, while Medina has been feasting on guys like Roberto Valenzuela, who brought in an impressive record of 51-49-2. This is a huge step up for Medina.
Source: ringsidereport.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao