NOTHING TO HIDE: Pacquiao undergoes test.

Proof that he has nothing to hide, Manny Pacquiao finally underwent a urine test Wednesday, sample of which was brought by World Anti-Doping Agency(Wada) accredited doctor Alex Pineda to Manila from General Santos City.

Pineda, who is also associated with the Philippine Olympic Committee(POC),conducted the test at around mid-afternoon and then promptly returned back to Manila later in the day bringing with him the sample specimens.

Two samples labeled 'A' and 'B' and totaling 100ml. where taken by Pineda and will be sent to Thailand, Malaysia or China for further analysis.

"We're bringing the samples to this country because we don't have a Wada-accredites testing here," said Pineda.

The test was in compliance with the order of the Nevada State Athletic Commissions under chjairman Pat Lundvall for both Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather Jr. to submit themselves for a urine test within the next 48 hours in an effort to save their proposed March 13 mega-welterweight fight following a major disagreement on drug testing procedures.

Keith Kizer, the executive director of the Nevada-based commissions, said possible fines or suspension will be meted on either fighter in the event they failed to comply with the requirements.

"I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But will all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one," Kizer said.

The Mayweather camp has yet to announce when teh flmboyant boxing superstar will undergo the same test.

According to Pineda, results of the test will either be sent to his office or to the Games and Amusements Board under chairman Eric Buhain.

It was Buhain who requested Pineda to go to General Santos City and conduct the test.

Pacquiao quickly took the test as his family is set to celebrate the birthday of his eldest daughter, Mary Divine Grace.

Despite the first positive sign that both fighters are not walking away from what many expects to be the richest bout in boxing history, both camps remain adamant on their respective demands on how to go about the blood testing procedure prior to the fight.

Bob Arum, whose Top Rank Promotions holds the right on the 31-year old Filipino boxing champ, had given the Mayweather camp a final-offer on Sunday, proposing three blood tests on each of the fighters and none within 30 days of the fight.

Pacquiao has said he fears having blood drawn less than 30 days before the fight would weaken him.

But Mayweather's camp issued a statement the following day indicating Pacquiao's reluctance to undergo blood testing within 30 days before the fight remained a stumbling block.

"Let the record be clear: Manny Pacquiao and his promotor Bob Arum are threatening to walk away from the largest fight in history," said in the statement released by Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Nevada tries to end test impasse

LAS VEGAS, Nevada(AFP)- Nevada boxing officials are trying to end the dope test impasse threatening the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather megafight, but their demand for immediate urine tests may not solve the problem.

The Nevada State Athletic Commissions said Monday that both Filipino superstar Pacquiao and Mayweather must submit to the tests within 48 hours or face possible fines or suspension by the commission.

"That at least starts the ball rolling," said Keith Kizer, the commission's executive director.

But Mayweather's camp issued statement on Monday indicating Pacquiao's reluctance to undergo blood testing within 30 days before the fight remained a stumbling block.

"Let the record be clear: Manny Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum are threatening to walk away from the largest fight in history," statement from Mayweather and Golden Boy Promotions said Monday.

Arum had given the Mayweather camp a final offer on Sunday, proposing three blood tests on each of the fighters and none within 30 days of the fight.

Pacquiao has said the fears having blood drawn less than 30 days before the fight would weaken him.

Arum said he would open negotiations for a fight with Paul Malignaggi if Mayweather's camp didn't agree.

There appeared to be progress later in the day, however, after Mayweather's camp noted that broadcaster HBO's "24/7" programme following Pacquiao's preparation for his fight againts Ricky Hatton showed Pacquiao having blood drawn 14 days before he knocked out the Englishman.

Mayweather's promoter, Richard Schaefer, said he was told that, with that in mind, representatives of Arum's Top Rank would talk early Tuesday to Pacquiao in the Philippines to see if he would agree to a cut off date for blood testing closer to the fight date than 30 days.

"We were at two days (before the fight), and I assume Pacquiao is at 14 days ," said Schaefer said.

"Let's see if somehow there can be a compromise found that maintains the integrity of the tests. If that can be done in a manner acceptable to Pacquiao, I will take it to Mayweather's team."

There is plenty of incentive to get past the problems and get in the ring. The fight, scheduled for March 13 in Las Vegas could be the biggest moneymaker in boxing history.

Unbeaten US star Mayweather says the blood tests, which could detect substances not found by urine tests, are vital to ensure a fair fight, although blood tests are not routinely used in boxing.

"It is disappointing for us to see that the benefits of blood testing and the fact that many different substances and procedures can only be detected by blood testing, are still not fully understood by all," the Mayweather camp statement said.

"Their "take it or leave it" approach, where blood testing would stop 30 days prior to the fight unless the Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Pat Lundvall ordered the urine-based tests, under an out-of-competition testing regulation that went into effect last year.Kizer said he informed both fighters that they must take the urine tests, saying Pacquiao would have to find an accredited agency to conduct his in the Philippines.

"We're always hopeful that when we do drug testing it comes back negative," Kizer said. "I don't know if this will help the chances of the fight happening. But with all this talk of drug tests, let's actually do one.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

DECIDE NOW OR ELSE...... Arum gives Mayweather camp up today to make up mind.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada(AFP)- Manny Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, gave Floyd Mayweather's camp a take-it-or-leave-it final offer Sunday and set a Monday deadline to settle a blood test feud and salvage a boxing extrava-ganza.

The final stumbling block to a March 13 showdown in Las Vegas that could be the biggest moneymaker in boxing history are demands for blood doping tests, something Mayweather says are vital to ensuring a fair fight.

Unbeaten US star Mayweather has backed off demands for random blood tests at any time before the fight while Pacquiao , concerned blood tests will weaken him, wants none within 30 days of the fight until just after the bout.

Richard Schaefer, chief executive of Mayweather backers Golden Boy Promotion, said no tests within 30 days of the fight would make the blood test program useless.

Arum's latest pitch is to have the matter decided by Nevada State Athletic Commission officials, with Sports Illustrated reporting Arum wants a special January 19 hearing on the matter.

With the commission standards and state law mandating urine testing only and no protocols for blood tests established, the panel could throw out any blood testing, a deal- breaking possibility Mayweather's side know all too well. "We'll go along with what the Nevada commission decides,"Arum said.

"We want this fight to go forward."

Arum said that if Mayweather's camp does not agree to allow Nevada officials to decide when and how to conduct the blood tests, he will sign a deal for Filipino hero Pacquiao to face Paulie Malignaggi on March 13. Pacquiao has said he will file a defamation lawsuit againts Mayweather for accusing him of taking performances-enhancing drugs.

Each side has pegged the other as trying to avoid the fight so they do not have to face the other.

Arum had already declared the fight was off but talks continued and no one wants to be the one to pull the plug on what could be a major moneymaker for all involved.

If the blood feud does scuttle the bout in March, there is a chance it could be staged later this year, but likely not until after each fighter has met another opponent in the ring.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

Still a big NO for Mayweather

It seems that clear now that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. won't bite into what Bob Arum has offered on the negotiating table.

One of Mayweather, Jr's advisers yesterday reiterated the American boxer's stand that only random Olympic-style blood testing for banned substances would be acceptable for the fight against Manny Pacquiao to happen three months from now.

Leonard Ellerbe made the statement in an interview with the Grand Rapids Press and in response to what Arum laid down the other day which the Top Rank boss said was his "last proposal" to salvage the bout originally set on March 13.

"If the fight doesn't materialize, it will be because of Manny Pacquiao's unwillingness to take random blood and urine tests, and I don't understand why," Ellerbe said.

In an offer that has a "take-it-or-leave-it" baggage, Arum recommended on Sunday entirely different series of tests to counter that of the Mayweathers'. In his suggestion, the tests will be handled by the Nevada Athletic Commission, which will have a say when and how many tests would be made.

Yet under Arum's proposal, there were already three dates when the tests would be made- the January press conference, another one that is no closer than 30 days before the fight, and one immediately after the bout.

"We will go along with what the Nevada commission decides. We will give them back a blank check," Arum said. "We want this fight to go forward."

Arum said that Pacquiao will not go further with the proposal, and if ever Mayweather, Jr. decides to insist on the Olympic- style blood testing, he will begin negotiations with the camp of Paul Malignaggi for a March fight starting today.

Arum said that it will take one hour for the fight to be signed.

Ellerbe, on the other hand, simply balked at Arum's idea.

Ellerbe implied that blood and urine tests will be useless if scheduled."The whole idea of doing scheduled blood and urine testing is absurd," Ellerbe said. "With all due respect to the Nevada Commission, Keith Kizer (Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director) has publicly gone on record and said they wouldn't be able to handle this particular issue at this particular time," Ellerbe said.

But while trying to insist on what type of drug tests should be imposed, Ellerbe said that their camp is still focused on making the best deal to make the fight - expected to be the richest ever with both fighters likely to earn at least #30 million each-push through.

"Our focus is on making a deal," he said.

Which is why Mayweather, Jr., unlike Pacquiao, has no Plan b.

Ellerbe said that the former pound-for-pound king before Pacquiao has not entertained thoughts of pushing toward a back-up plan.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

Floyd and Floyd Mayweather Jr' Camp - The Most Scared People In Boxing?!?!

At first, right before Manny Pacquiao become a Welterweight champion, Floyd Mayweather Sr. alleged Manny Pacquiao of using steroids. He states that a fighter with capability like Manny Pacquiao should be tested if positive with steroids. Pacman is jumping into weight divisions with no problem and thats impossible for a small man(Mayweather Sr. said).

Days after Pacquiao destroyed Miguel Cotto. Floyd Mayweather Jr indirectly called out Manny Pacquiao. He says: Why cant' Manny Pacquiao call me? Its just simple, He should just challenge me to fight. Why cant he? Because its a fight he know he can not win(Mayweather Jr said)!

Bob Arum immediately fly to Philippines within a week to negotiate the fight to Manny Pacquiao. Pacman, with no problem at all at 50/50 split signed the contract. Every body is very confident that the fight will happen.

Now its time for Floyd Mayweather Jr or the Pretty Boy Floyd to sign the contract. Demands from Floyd Jr rises from side to side. They initially wanted both fighters two weeks before the fight which was agreed by Manny's camp. However, now, Floyd's camp wanted the test to be done 48 hours before the fight. Which was outrightly rejected by Manny Pacquiao.

"We are not going to agree to have Manny give blood in training because thats stupid. Every doctor in the world will tell you that's stupid. He'll give his blood at the beginning of the year and he's willing to be urine tested 24/7, but blood doesn't show expletive and he's not going to do it." - Bob Arum said.

"Manny has lot more options than Mayweather does. Manny is clean and he's never done a thing, he's willing to go to great lengths to prove it. Its my understanding thats this stuff doesn't just leave your system overnight

He'll take a blood test immediately after the fight if thats what they insist upon. But Manny believes very strongly that it would be harmful to him to draw blood that soon before the fight and he plain and simple isn't going to d it". - Michael Koncz said.

"I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly, I don't know anyone who really does" - Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"Manny doesn't need Mayweather. Urine test is just qualified as blood test. Human Growth Hormone is not detected by blood or urine." - Freddy Roach

Actually, the Mayweather's camp doesnt want Floyd Mayweather Jr fighting Manny Pacquiao... Its really dead obvious! Manny already signed their contract. And Floyd's camp were finding ways to avoid the fight from happening!

Its really damn hypocrisy displayed by Floyd, Floyd's camp and of course, Floyd's fans. They were discrediting Pacquiao since he was @ 130lbs until he became a 147lbs champ(up to present) while alleging Pacquiao of using STEROIDS... Why? Coz they cant believe how great Pacquiao had become with the guide of a Trainer named Roach who was renamed by Floyd Sr as Cockroach.

Only one thing is for sure right now. Floyd's camp and Floyd Mayweather Jr doesnt want the fight to happen and they are really insecure of Manny Pacquiao.

Floyd Mayweather Jr and his camp should fight at chess and not boxing. Thay have no place for boxing as long as Manny Pacquiao is fighting...

Now, who needs Floyd Mayweather Jr in boxing?

Roach: Manny inks deal to fight Mayweather

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather : Let's get started

Although reluctant at first to give the go signal on a of the 13 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr, trainer Freddie Roach is now all out to have two of the world's top fighters pound-for-pound meet in the ring together three months from now hereon.

Actually, roach can't help himself get excited at the prospect of seeing him and Pacquiao get involved in a fight many sees as the biggest of all time.

"I can't wait to get started," said Roach, interviewed by Sky Sports News in London, where he is currently attending to Amir Khan's World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight title defense against Dmitry Salita.

"We talked to (promoter Bob) Arum and he had March date and May 1 available, and Manny chose the earlier date because of the elections in the Philippines,

Roach earlier expressed reservation on Pacquiao taking to unbeaten Mayweather too soon in the wake of his 12-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto just last month, a bloody fight where the Filipino also got his own share of bruises, including a broken right eardrum.

But late Friday night, Pacquiao announced on national television that he has already given his nod to fight the 32-year-old Mayweather on the proposed date given by Arum.

"I'm okay with March 13, Bob (Arum) is just finalizing the details," said the boxing superstar from General Santos City. The date of the mega fights has been one of the many concerns during the negotiations Arum had with Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer, the man Mayweather Jr. allowed to negotiate in his behalf.

Arum took into consideration the fact that Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat in the lone district of Saranggani province during the national elections two months after the Mayweather fight.

And then of course, there's the Cotto fight factor.

But Pacquiao adviser Michael Konz, said the time world champion doesn't see any problem in a relatively small four-month window to get in shape for boxing's biggest fight.

"nobody knows his body better than Manny. If Manny feels that the plenty of time to rest and recover, then you know, he has to do what he feels is right," Koncz said.

Although thrilled by the showdown, Roach admitted taking on Mayweather Jr. is definitely though.

It's a tough fight because his (Mayweather's) style does give us difficulties, and we need to draft a plan for a new strategy. Yes, it's a tough fight, but it's fight Manny wants," said the three-time Trainer of the Year.

Both fighters reportedly agreed to 50-50 split of the prize purse, with Pacquiao staking the World Boxing Organization(WBO) welterweight title he won from Cotto, meaqning the fight would be at 147 pounds.

The two will also wear 9 ounce gloves, although each will be allowed to select the brand of gloves he will wear for the fight.

The venue of the bout has also yet to be finalized, with the Dallas Cowboys stadium, the New Orleans Superdome and venues in Las Vegas, including the MGM Grand and a temporary outdoor stadium on the Strip, among those being considered.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

NO RUSH: Fight with Mayweather can wait--- Pacquiao

NEWLY- crowned WBO welterweight king Manny Pacquiao said he was said in no rush to fight American Floyd Mayweather Jr. as he flew back to a hero's welcome in his native Philippines Friday.

After his stunning 12th-round Las Vegas stoppage of Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto for a historic seventh title in as many weight division, the champ also suggested he might fight on beyond the much anticipated Mayweather showdown.

"We are not forcing a fight with him. It is right that he is the one challenging me, because my fights score more on pay per view,' said the 30-year-old southpaw, his swollen right hand and ear still wrapped in protective gauze. Earlier this week, Mayweather was quoted as saying he wanted to fight Pacquiao but the Filipino not indicated any interest.

"I have yet to hear him actually say, 'yes I want to fight Mayweather, "

Mayweather told USA today on Monday.

"Manny Pacquiao doesn't say anything directly about fighting me because he might just know it's not a fight he can win." Mayweather said.

Pacquiao on Friday stressed it was up to his promoter and coaching staff to find his next foe.

He admitted there were people around him, including his mother, who advised him to hang up his gloves while on top.

"I do not wish for him to fight "Weather" his mother Dionisia Pacquiao said in an interview aired on local radio on Friday.

"If he does, I will climb onto the ring myself--- I don't care if my son gets disqualified."

Pacquiao said "I am thinking about that. Of course, that's my parent and I respect my parent," he said.

But he said in another interview later Friday that Mayweather may not be his last ring opponent.

"It is too early to say that," Pacquiao said. He said the American was a different fighter to Cotto, or even Pacquiao's famous recent scalps-- Oscar De la Hoya and Ricky Hatton. "We will need a different style of fighting him," he said.

You have to adapt to the weather."

Pacquiao said he wanted to enjoy time his family . He refused to answer on his personal life, having earlier brushed off rumours his marriage was failing amids report he flew a starlet to Las Vegas to watch him win.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR: AFP

Pacquiao batters Cotto for TKO win

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao staked his claim atop boxing’s mythical throne as the pound-for-pound best, using his lightning hand speed to beat and batter Miguel Cotto into submission Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao knocked Cotto down once in the third round and again in the fourth, pummeled him repeatedly and easily lifted the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt from the Puerto Rican with a 12th-round stoppage. The time was 55 seconds into the final round, as referee Kenny Bayless leaped between the fighters to save Cotto a more savage beating and ignominious end

Cotto came out strong and landed some hard punches, but Cotto couldn’t deal with the speed. Pacquiao was landing three shots for every two Cotto did early. After the knockdown in the fourth, Cotto’s offense was nonexistent as he spent most of the last two thirds of the fight fending off Pacquiao’s onslaught.

Cotto landed in single digits in power shots in every round from the fifth forward.

Pacquiao nearly had the stoppage after the 11th when Cotto trainer Joe Santiago walked onto the ring apron and waved his hand at Bayless.

It appeared he was going to stop the fight, but then Bayless and ringside physician James Game spoke and allowed it to continue. It was only extending the misery as Pacquiao poured it on in the 12th.

When the fight ended, the crowd began to chant, “We want Floyd!” It was a reference to Floyd Mayweather Jr., the other man with a claim to the top of the boxing pound-for-pound list.

Pacquiao, who has won championship belts in five divisions and beat the linear champion in two others, can no longer be knocked as a small man who was beating washed up fighters.

In Cotto, he took on an elite and powerful welterweight whose only loss came under suspicious circumstances to Antonio Margarito last year. There is suspicion that Margarito’s gloves were loaded for that fight, though it has never been proven.

But Pacquiao proved he was able to not only take a welterweight punch, but rock him repeatedly. It was a magnificent performance and will create public demand for a fight with Mayweather.

“I want to see him fight Mayweather,” Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said.

Santiago said Pacquiao hit harder and was stronger than expected. Cotto injured his left shoulder in the eighth.

SOURCE: YAHOO SPORTS

AUTHOR: KEVIN LOLE

Manny wins over Cotto at Round 12

Once again Manny wins. At Round 12 the referee decided to stop the fight because Cotto give up. According to the announcer Cotto is like chicken running without head away from Manny. First in the History Manny wins 7 title. From round 1 t0 12 Manny is so confident. At second round Cotto bend his knee on the rin. Manny always releasing combination. Once again Manny give his best to win this fight for the Philippines.

Round 2- Pacquiao- Cotto

Manny release his jab but Cotto defense already. Right hook release by Manny. Cotto punch always on Manny's body. They are both very aggressive now. Manny release again his combination but Cotto is fast.

ROUND 1: PACQUIAO-COTTO

The fight start to begin Manny and Cotto are both in the stages now. Manny is always wearing his smile while Cotto is very serious. Miguel Cotto start punch Pacquiao. Two jab by Cotto. Manny release his combination left and right. Cotto is too aggressive.

TALE OF THE TAPE

PACQUIAO COTTO

General Santos City, RP HOMETOWN Caguas, Puerto Rico

49-3-2 (37 KOs) RECORD 34-1 (27 KOs)

Dec. 17, 1978 BIRTH DATE Oct. 29, 1980

144 lbs WEIGHT 145 lbs

5'6 1/2 HEIGHT 5'8

67" REACH 69"

38" CHEST NORMAL 39"

41" CHEST EXPANDED 41"

13" BICEPS 13"

12" FOREARM 11 1/2

28" WAIST 32"

20" THIGH 22 1/2

15" CALF 12"

16" NECK 16"

8" WRIST 7 1/2"

10" FIST 11"

READY TO RUMBLE: Boxing champ Pacquiao uses ring to get message across

LAS VEGAS, Nevada-- Manny Pacquiao has made no secret of his political ambitions outside the ring but dabling in government isn't the same as taking it on as a full time career, saya trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach said Pacquiao may run for office in his native for Philippines, but after the fighter gets a taste of political life Roach expect him to eventually return to his boxing roots.

"I would love to see him go out on top," Roach said. "The thing is he can fight for a long time, because his work ethic is s great,"

"Once he gets into politics and finds out how corrupt it is, he will come back to boxing. He can do more as a boxer than a politician for his countrymen. Although he's proven me wrong before." Pacquiao faces Miguel Cotto in a World Boxing Organization welterweight title fight Saturday at the MGM Grand hotel and casino.

The first fight of the round will be dangerous for both fighters and Roach said their plan is to hit Cotto with some big shots from the opening bell.

"I don't have to tell him the game plan anymore,"Roach said.

It is automatic now. I makes move in training like Cotto makes in the fight. It is like a dance. He knows exactly what to do in those situations.

Roach says they can shake Cotto confidence by hitting him early. "We are going to start quick anyway."

"We are going to show are power in the first round and hit him to remind him of the punches he took in the (Antonio) Margarito fight.

"We are not going to go in and start swinging at him we are going to do it smart. We will walk Cotto into the fight because he follows, and when he follows we will take advantage of that."

Roach said if the smaller Pacquiao doesn't have the power to knock Cotto out then he can wear him down with his superior hand speed and lighting quick feet.

" I honestly don't think we are going to knock him out,"

"Manny's foot movement and speed is too much for Cotto. That's where the fight is won in foot speed and that is where Manny excels."

After watching hours of tape of Cotto in his most recent fights, Roach predicts he will do one of two things.

"He is going to use his strength and come forward and show us he is a bigger, stronger guy or he is going to try to become a counter puncher. But you can't become someone elsei n an eight-week period. We have a perfect game plan, I think."

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR : GREG HEAKES

MOBBED IN VEGAS

LAS VEGAS- Miguel Cotto is the reigning welterweight champion, who puts his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title on the line this Saturday (Sunday in Manila). Unfortunately, the hype and adulation centered around Manny Pacquiao Tuesday when the two superstars formally arrived at the MGM Grand Hotel, four days before they finally slug it to out in the ring and give life to a 12-round fight anticipated by many to be one of the biggest in 2009. Mobbed and his name repeatedly chanted by the huge crowd that gathered at the lobby of the luxurious hotel, the Filipino ring icon, no doubt, was the star of the show with cameras clicking and videos, rolling while Team Pacquiao that included trainer Freddie Roach, were being led from the entrance into the make shift ring at the center of the building.

Chants of Manny! Manny! Manny! and placards bearing the words "Pacman Pound-for-Pound King! were all over the place as people gathered around to see the glimpse of the boxing superstar from the Philippines, never mind that he arrived 30 minutes late for the appointed time of the welcome reception arranged by Top Rank Promotions.

An hour later, it was the turn of Cotto and his associates to be greeted at the hotel lobb. The impact of their arrival, however, was not the same.

But Cotto is unfazed.

"I expected it to like this. Everything Manny has, he has earned," said Cotto, without anyhint of disgust.

Besides, the champion stressed come fight night would only be him and the Pacman inside the ring.

"It's going to be just Manny, Miguel Cotto and the referee inside the ring," said Cotto, who scored a split decision win over Joshua Clottey in his WBO title defense last June at the Madison Square Garden in New York. "Nobody can come and give anything to Manny."

Pacquiao said he's happy with all the adulation being given him as among the faces of boxing today and the universally acknowledged top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

"I'm happy for that and understand this is part of it all," said Pacquiao during the 15-minute question-and-answer portion he had with members of the press at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

But hero worship aside, Pacquiao, who was welcomed amidst a Filipiniana-type atmosphere, said he's all geared up for the Cotto bout.

"I'm, right now, ready to go," he said. "I believe in myself. I don't want to say anything before the fight, but will wait until we meet in the ring. "My motivation? I am fighting for people who love boxing." Unlike the cheerful approach of Pacquiao, Cotto was more combative.

A 2000 Sydney Olympian, Cotto said he's ready to offset the speed Pacquiao is going to bring into the ring.

"I'm prepared for the speed of Manny," he said. "I have equal hand speed and prepared well with my sparring partners. I'm prepared for anything. We have the key to the fight," said Cotto .

"Our camp has made the difference."

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Cotto out to prove who's No. 1

Miguel Cotto---and not Manny Paquiao---is the best fighter in the world pound-for-pound and Cotto will validate this claim on Nov.14.

"I think both guys want to show that they are the best," said Cotto tactician Joe Santiago during a teleconference call held from Tampa, Florida.

"One is called the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and we know we have the best pound-for-pound fighter in the worldin Miguel Cotto and when that night comes and he wins, everyone will know that the Puerto Rico does have the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," stressed Santiago, a long time Cotto training assistant who will be working for only the second time as chief second.

Santiago has been at the helm of Cotto's training at the fight Factory Gym in Tampa where they have camped out the past four weeks eating, breathing and thinking Pacquiao.

"I think Manny Pacquiao is in for a tough tonight. Cotto showed in the (Joshua) Clottey fight how much it means to him win. I think that desire is a very important thing to have, to win, and Miguel has it."

What makes Santiago and the rest of the Team Cotto beat Pacquiao is the fact that Pacquiao will be facing a "true welterweight" who is still "young" and "in his prime."

Not only that, Cotto's conditioning coach Phil Landman stressed. "(Cotto's going) to fight smarter," said Landman.

Roach sees 1st round KO

Freddie Roach is putting a $1,000 bet on first-round knockout victory by Manny Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14.

Obviously elated with the progress of Pacquiao's preparation almost the past five weeks, Roach said he'd be the least surprised if the scheduled 12-round welterweight title lasts even shorter than the singing of the Philippine national anthem.

"I am betting $1,000(on a first knock out)," said Roach as he was preparing to be brought to a gym in Mandaluyong owned by Pacquiao buddy, ex-world champion Gerry Penalosa.

Before training camp began in Baguio City last month, Roach was wary of issuing bold predictions

opting to sounds safe by telling his interviewers that the fight will go the full route.

But weeks into a training camp, Roach has slowly began to alter his views on the outcome of much awaited brawl that will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, apparently more convinced now that not even the best-conditioned Cotto can score an upset against the Filipino icon.

Alex Ariza, Pacquiao's strength coach, is also singing the same tune.

"Manny's speed going to mess up Cotto. He (Cotto) wouldn't even know what will hit him," said Ariza, covering his head with his two show how Cotto would hands to show how Cotto would react once Pacquiao throws his combinations,"

"If he (Cotto) goes into a shell-like position that he normally does," said Ariza re-enacting the same pose, "he'll get hit a lot." Meanwhile, it's green and go for Team Pacquiao's departure for the US this tomorrow night.

Since Pacquiao will arrive in Los Angeles also on Saturday, the fighter and his team will get the luxury of having a free day before training resumes Monday at the Wild Card.

SOURCE: TEMPO

AUTHOR: NICK GIONGCO

Cotto likes underdog role vs Pacquiao

Being underdog in his Nov. 14 title fight against Manny Pacquiao is not a big deal as far as Miguel Cotto is concerned. For the Puerto Rican and his head trainer Joe Santiago, not installed as the favorite despite him being the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion could even work wonders .

"Miguel is driven by the people saying Pacquiao will beat him" said Santiago. "It's extra motivation and he coming with fire because people saying he can't win.

Three weeks before the highly-talked about much between two of the world's best fighter today, Pacquiao remains a 2-1 favorite to bust up Cotto.

The 28-year old reigning champion was in a similar boat when he met Carlos Quintana in 2006 for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBA) welterweight title.

The fight ended in a technical knockout in favor of Cotto.

"Many people were picking Quintana to win and that really motivated Miguel," recalled Santiago. "The night of the fight, he was focused to prove people wrong that it really gave him a boost in the fight.

We're seeing that again with the way so many people are picking Pacquiao to win on Nov. 14."

Cotto is currently focused on training camp at Tampa, Florida and the way Santiago has seen the 2000 Sydney Olympian worked out, there's no doubt in his mind Pacquiao will be in for a tough, long night.

"Cotto is at his best, and he is out to show that against Manny. It will be very tough night for Pacquiao because winning means so much to Miguel . there is so much desire," said the trainer.

The 12-round bout will be fought at a catch weight of 145 pounds, the first time in years Cotto is going down at his natural weight of 147.

No problem with that, according to Santiago.

"We're on track to make the weight. We've been working hard and all the monitoring shows we are on pace ," Santiago said "We will be at 145 before the fight,"

Meanwhile underscoring Pacquiao's role as the favorite over Cotto, two former world champions boldly p[redict a victory for nthe world's top pound-for-pound fighter.

Four-time heavyweight king Evander Holyfield and light heavyweight titlist Glenn Johnson are both going for Pacquiao when he attempts a seventh world title in seven different weight classes.

"Miguel Cotto gets hit too much," admitted Holyfield, who recently appeared with heavyweight rival ormer undisputed heavyweight king Mike Tyson in the OPrah Winfrey Show.

"Pacquiao holds his hands up, he bounces in, he bounces out. Pacquiao throws fast punches, and Cotto has shown that if he does not have an answer for someone , he dies out."

Johnson holds exactly the same view of Pacquiao win.

"I believe Pacquiao will come out the winner. Manny is fast, he learns on defense on the way, and he has good reflexes. He is a precise puncher that is a force to reckon with," Johnson said.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Pacquiao works out at Rizal oval

Save for the heat generated by the morning sun, it was business as usual yesterday for Manny Pacquiao, who showed up all pumped up for training at the Rizal Memorial Sporst Complex (RMSC) after abandoning his camp in Baguio City.

"Medyo mainit" Pacquiao told a couple of scribes after a 20-minute run around the track oval, less than four weeks before he shoots for Miguel Cotto's World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in the Las Vegas.

Running alongside Pacquiao were rising bantam Rodolfo Sumabong, who is being eyed to appear in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Cotto headliner, and his pet Pacman, a Jack Russel thats regularly join him in his roadworks in Los Angeles.

It wasn't really blazing hot even though Pacquiao arrived just before 8a.m. since the sun rays were

being blocked by thick clouds and warned of rain

Still, for somebody who has gotten used to the icy winds of Nevada and Southern California and the cool air of Baguio, Pacquiao just couldn't help but complain of the heat.

"Siguro nsanay lng kasi ako sa America mag-ensayo kya ganito tapos galing pa ako ng Baguio," said Pacquiao. But despite the amount of sweat that trickled down his toned body, Pacquiao still managed to bring a smile on his conditioning coach.

SOURCE: TEMPO

AUTHOR: NICK GIONGCO

Pacquiao has new sparmate

A major switch in the sparring session is underway for

Manny Pacquiao with the arrival yesterday in Baguio City of battlescarred Mexican Jose Luis Castillo.

"I will drop Urbano Antillon and replace him with Castillo," top trainer Freddie Roach said from the City of Pines where Pacquiao has been training since Sept.21 for the huge fights with Miguel Cotto on Nov.14 in Las Vegas.

Antillon, a super-lightweight, has been giving Pacquiao quality time the past two weeks alongside unbeaten super-welter Shawn Porter.

The 35-year-old Castillo, the former World Boxing Council lightweight champion known for his aggressive nature and toughness, has never sparred with Pacquiao before and is looking forward to working with the world's pound-for-pound king.

Castillo will get his baptism of fire tomorrow when Roach orders another sparring session at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel, the residence of the Filipino fighter until Oct.24.

Castillo actually arrived in the country early Saturday morning on board Philippines Airlines from Los Angeles although his journey actually began in his hometown of Hermosillo in Mexico.

Yesterday, a private plane owned by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson flew Castillo and another boxer, American superlight-weight Danny Escobar, to Baguio on board a private plane.

All roads leading to Baguio-- the Marcos Highway, Kennon Road and Naguillan Road-- have been closed due to landslides brought about by the storm so Singson extended his hand so Castillo and Escobar can be brought there.

Castillo is being touted to give Pacquiao a hard time in sparring and Roach warns that if the veteran puncher doesn't live up to expectations, he will immediately send him back.

"But I was assured that he is fit and ready," said Roach "But he better be (ready).

With two weeks remaining before Team Pacquiao uproot it's training camp for the for the familiar confines of the Wild Card in Hollywood, Roach said everything seems to be in place as far as the conditioning and progress of Pacquiao is concerned.

SOURCE: TEMPO

AUTHOR: NICK GIONCO

Pacquiao to complete 150 rounds of sparring

Manny Pacquiao will answer the opening bell for the Nov.14 clash with Miguel Cotto armed with 150 rounds of tough sparring.

Top trainer Freddie Roach said yesterday from the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City that they will stick with the tried and tested training program devised by him and conditioning coach Alex Ariza in the buildup to the Cotto fight set at the MGM Grand.

"Manny's going to spar 150 rounds to get himself prepared for Cotto," said Roach, who has been using young and unbeaten super-welterweight Shawn Porter and super-lightweight Urbano Antillon the past four sparring days and is likewise eagerly awaiting the arrival of former lightweight king Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico.

Roach said the 25-year-old Castillo is flying in this morning from Los Angeles and should be ready to spar on Saturday. Castillo now fighting as a welterweight, is coming off a knockout win last Sept.12 and is said to be on a rebound to get back into world title contention.

Pacquiao confidant Mike Koncz, who personally picked Castillo will give Pacquiao quality time on top of the ring.

"I was given the assurance that castillo is in shape," said Koncz.

Roach warns that if Castillo ends up resembling like a tourist frolicking at Burnham Park and winds up getting busted up, he will shove him back to Manila so he could get the first flight out.

Roach stressed that while some people tend to believe that Cotto is going to be easy pickings for Pacquiao, the 49-year-old former featherweight contender wouldn't acknowledge that.

Roach is wary of wary of what Cotto could bring to the ring that he is not taking any chances.

"Same as before. We won't cut back on anything back on anything," said Roach, who will camp out in the City of Pines with Ariza and Filipino assistant Buboy Fernandez, Nonoy Neri and two-time world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa before leaving the US on Oct.24.

Roach said he expects the 30-year-old Pacquiao to be in 80 percent condition by the time they begin the first walkout at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood on Oct.26.

So far, Pacquiao has logged a total of 18 rounds of sparring after going three each with Poter and Antillon last Tuesday.

Porter, whose style is similar to that of Cotto but is much faster, usually starts the sparring session and is Pacquiao's main sparmate.

SOURCE: TEMPO

AUTHOR: NICK GIONGCO

Beristain says: 'MANNY IN 5 OR 6'

After boldly declaring Manny Pacquiao will win over Miguel Cotto in their November 14 title fight, highly respected trainer Nacho Beristain is going a notch higher in this prediction.

Arguably the best boxing trainer ever produced by Mexico, Beristain said the Filipino is going to win by knockout and wrest the World Boxing Organization(WBO) welterweight belt currently being held by the champion from Caguas, Puerto, Rico.

"I believe Pacquiao should put him on the canvas in five or six rounds," said the veteran trainer.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach initially sees a dominant win by the Filipino ring icon on points, but after seeing his ward improve by the day in his training camp in Baguio, the Hall of Famer now also share the view of Beristain, although with a slight twist.

"We'll gonna this guy off in the later rounds," he said shortly after Pacquiao's workout last week at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel.

The pound-for-pound king resumed sparring Tuesday, going three rounds each junior middleweight Shawn Porter and lightweight Urbano Antillon.

A third sparmate in Jose Luis Castillo, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion from Mexico failed to show up yesterday in the City of Pines.

But Pacquiao adviser Michael Konz assured that Castillo would be coming to the country by Thursday and is ready to spar on Saturday.

Roach, however wants to see first how fit the 35-year-old Castillo is, after last climbing the ring a month ago with a second round technical knockout of Carlos Urias. "I wont' hesitate to send him back if he's not in shape," said Roach of Castillo, who has a known history of weight problem in his 19-year pro career.

Beristain didn't have the opportunity to train Castillo in the past, but two famous boxers he previously handled in Juan Manuel Marquez and legendary Oscar De La Hoya, both tasted defeated at the hands of the Pacman.

He sees Cotto following the same path, pointing out Pacquiao's speed will be too much to handle the way Marquez and De La Hoya learned the hard way. the Mexican trainer pointed out Cotto has not been the same since suffering an 11th round technical knockout againts Antonio Margarito.

And that was very obvious when he struggled to churn out a split decision win over Joshua Clottey, in his last fight June of this year at the Madison Square Garden.

In the fight against Clottey, you could see some of the aftermath of what happen to Margarito said Berstain. "Clottey is not a top-level fighter, but nevertheless, in some moments, Cotto was put in predicaments and the punches were affecting him." The deterioration in his skills, according to Berstain, could also be traced to Cotto's decision to dump former trainer and uncle

Evangelista Cotto following a physical altercation while the Puerto Rican was in training camp for the Clottey fight.

Joe Santiago, his former nutritionist, has since the taken the task as Cotto's trainer.

"Before he (Cotto) was a fighter with a good technique, fast and well cared for, but he doesn't seem like himself now. He changed his coach, changed some of his habits and now catches more punches," Beristain said."

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

'Nacho' picks Pacman

Ignacio 'Nacho' Beristain, regarded as the top boxing trainer from Mexico doesn't see Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico winning over Manny Pacquiao when the Filipino seeks his historic place in the sport on Nov.14 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Beristain, one of Oscar De La Hoya's workout coaches and tacticians when the popular boxer quit while sitting on his stool in his bout against Pacquiao, considers the pound-for-pound king as simply too fast and too powerful for Cotto to beat .

In a recent interview with ESPN's Spanish TV program 'Golpe a Golpe,' Beristain said Pacquiao has already evolved into a complete and impenetrable fighter with the speed and power that's hard to match.

"his left hand is like a missile, like a rocket," said Beristain, also the long-time trainer of Juan Manuel Marquez, the boxer who gave Pacquiao hell in the two fights they had. "It(left hand) has tremendous speed and his power is tremendous.

"I think Pacquiao will win this fight.

A Hall of Famer himself like Freddie Roach, Beristain has witnessed how Pacquiao grew as a boxer. Pacquiao started in the sport as a mere 106-pounder, bombarded his way up one division after another and now will be aiming to be the first fighter ever to win titles in seven weight classes.

Unlike before when the General Santos pride was fighting in the featherweight divisions, Pacquiao has now developed into a technical boxer with speed and power to match, according to Beristain. He said cotto will be a lot of trouble, even though the Puerto Rican has been very busy with his rigorous training.

"The key to the fight is not only Pacquiao's but is also the fact that he has been better with his technique," said Beristain. "He is a technical fighter now with speed and power, and that Pacquiao is very difficult to beat.

"If it was difficult before, imagine now, Cotto will be in world of trouble when he steps in the ring with Manny. Besides that, I don't think he (Cotto) has recovered from the beating (Antonio) Margarito gave him."

Cotto was once described by Roach as the better fighter than Pacquiao. Roach made that statement before the Filipino embarrassed De La Hoya, and before Cotto suffered his only defeat in his career- an 11th round technical knockout against Margarito in 2008 where the Puerto Rican's ended up swollen.

In Cotto's previous title defense against Joshua Clottey , he barely won the match and escaped with a split decisions victory.

Beristain has nice words for Pacquiao's famed trainer. He said Pacquiao wouldn't be the man he is now without Roach, who was moulded him into one of the finest boxers the world has ever seen .

"I think Pacquiao is lucky to have him (Roach) in his corner. Freddie Roach is one of the best trainers in the world and he has made Pacquiao a better fighter who used to have a lot of flawsin his style. Pacquiao who used to jump when throwing punches and now he is doing great from a technical point of view and that is Freddie's work" said Beristain.

Pacquiao who is set to enter to enter the punishing stage of his training for the fight dubbed 'Fire power' at the MGM Grand Arena, will receive a whopping guaranteed prize of $13 million, his biggest pay ever.

His total earnings could end up near the $20-million mark counting the share he will be receive in pay- per- view hits.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

AUTHOR: ZEAN MACAMAY

SPARMATE AMAZED

He's not biased, but having felt the power of the world's top pound-for-pound fighter, ShawnPorter has no doubt in mind that Manny Pacquiao will triumph over Miguel Cotto in their November 14 title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"definitely, he's the best in the world today," said the young, stocky, and promising junior middleweight from Akron,Ohio, who serves as the main sparmate of the boxing champion in his Baguio training camp.

"He's gonna shock the world again." he said of Pacquiao, who previously stunned the boxing community with remarkable victories over the like of Marco Antonio Barerra , Lehlo Ledwaba, Erik Morales and the legendary Oscar De la Hoya.

Unbeaten in 10 fights (with eight KO's). Porter had been dominant in his first five rounds of sparring with Pacquiao until Saturday when Filipino ring icon, slowly getting back in fight shape, finally got the better end of his solid exchanges with the former U.S. Olympic team alternate in three punishing rounds.

The spirited effort certainly satisfied American trainer Freddie Roach, who rated Pacquiao's present condition to be within the 40 percent range.

But he expects the 30-year-old Filipino to get much, much better as the fight approaches.

Porter readily agreed.

"He's boxing better each passing day." said Porter 21. "Is he (Pacquiao) strong? Yeah, definitely."

Barring any last minute hitch, former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo is set to join Porter and Urbano Antillon as Pacquiao sparmates in his training camp at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel.

Castillo (60-9-1, with 52 KOs) fought memorable wars with the late Diego Corrales, Joel Casamayor,Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao is already priming himself for the coming tough three weeks of training at the famed mountain hideaway, arriving in Baguio City near midnight of Sunday after spending the rest of the day in Manila distributing relief goods to victim of Tropical storm "Ondoy".

He was back at the gym Monday, spending 15 draining rounds of sparring at the mitts with Roach and at least half an hour of isometrics with conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Sparring resumes today with Pacquiao expected to go six rounds.

Meanwhile, the boxing champion donated check of P1 million to the Kapuso Foundation as part of his contribution to help all those affected by the recent calamity in the country.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

MORE WORK AHEAD

MORE WORK AHEAD

BAGUIO CITY- The one day break in training augurs well for Manny Pacquiao.

Freddie Roach guaranteed that a blistering work out awaits the boxing champion when he reports Monday for training camp -now on it's third week-- at the Shape -Up boxing gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel here. "It's going to be more rounds of sparring and lot's of hard work,"

said Roach. when ask about what's in store for the Filipino ring idol for the entire week. Pacquiao braved the strong winds and heavy rains brought by super-typhoon Pepeng Saturday night to be in manila to personally distributes relief efforts to victims of tropical storm Ondoy and celebrate the third birthday of daughter Mary Grace Divine Princess. He was return back here late Sunday night.

Pacquiao already sparred a total of 12 gruelling rounds in three days with sparmates Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon. He went five rounds Saturday and then did intense isometric workouts prepared by conditioning coach Alex Ariza before heading home to Manila. No workout was scheduled yesterday, Sunday being a rest day.

That should be enough to get the Pacman ready when sparring resumes tomorrow tom the expected arrival of former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo.

The Mexican warrior best remembered for his memorable, classic title fight with the late
Diego Corrales in 2005, has been tapped by Roach to be Pacquiao's third sparmate in camp as he pressures for his Nov.14 showdown with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Castillo is coming as a last minute replacement after a negotiations to bring in unbeaten welterweight prospect Henry Omar bogged down.

Roach is keeping his fingers crossed that Castillo would be in tip-top shape."Or else I wouldn't hesitate to ship him back home,' the three-time Trainer of the Year said on a cool, lazy Sunday morning at his cozy room inside the Manor House Hotel.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Castillo

Pacquiao pummels sparring rival

BAGUIO CITY- The real Manny Pacquiao showed up in sparring at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel here Saturday.

Loose, relaxed and focused Pacquiao highlighted the closed door sparring sessions held on a cool, stormy Saturday by repeatedly pounding the bigger Shawn Porter in three rounds of heavy punching..

From right hook to his dreaded left left cross, Pacquiao was connecting on just about every angle, leaving Porter a little bit battered for the first time since sparring in his camp began last Tuesday.

Asked about it when he was finally doing some shadow boxing Pacquiao answered with a wide grin

"Relax lang kasi kayo,"he said huffing and puffing on top of the ring." "Masyado kc kayo nagpapanic."

In the five previous rounds he had with the 21-year old junior middleweight, Pacquiao was mostly on the receiving end, getting hit by solid rights and a couple of left jabs by the stocky boxer from Akron, Ohio.

Not yesterday.

Although Pacquiao also got tagged by a powerful right in general, the Filipino ring icon was in control of the action, often eluding many of Porter's crisp punches that previously found their target.

The performance got more than just a passing mark from trainer Freddie Roach.

"He was more focused today." said Roach, who just the other denounced his famous ward for having too many activities outside of training camp.

"There's no more distraction and i like what he showed in our training today. He'll get better as time goes on."

Pacquiao also sparred for two rounds with Urbano Antillon to 10 the total number of sparring he had with the two Americans.

"Are you alright Shawn"? Antillon asked the former National Golden Gloves champion as Porter sat on a stoll and appeared sluggish.

Boxing fans including the RP women's team based here led by former Asian gold medalist Michelle Martinez, were allowed to get inside the gym when the five -round sparring was over, getting a glimpse of Pacquiao doing his routine at a double end, speedball and the skipping ropes.

As he shadow boxed, Pacquiao gamely joked with the crowd from all walks of life, including children.

Then turning his focus on a group Manila-based sports writer intently watching his moves he told them, "ito ang susi ng panalo," letting out a past 1-2-3 combination before quickly moving out to another direction.

Roach acceded that's the best way to beat the 28-year old Cotto on Nov.14 when the Puerto Ricans stakes his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

"The more important thing is the 1-2-3 combinations and then get out of the way," Roach said, believing the volume of punches and Pacquiao's stretching routine an exercise that improves balancing and incorporates every muscles in his body.

At the same point, Pacquiao grimaces in pain and was short on complaining about it to Ariza, who kept on stressing , "that's just start of it. We're still going to do it for six more years.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S TONIGHT

AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Pacquiao leaves PMAers puffing

BAGUIO CITY- Manny Pacquiao showed up a bit late for his afternoon training on Friday but it wasn't a real concern for trainer Freddie Roach, who was all smiles when asked about the sudden change in schedule.
"Manny outran all the cadets this morning," said Roach, grinning, when he arrived at the Shape Up Gym at 12 noon, site of Pacquiao's preparation for the Nov.14 duel with Miguel Cotto.
Pacquiao did his morning roadwork at the Philippine Military Academy(PMA) after making
the rounds of the Burnham Park the past ten days.
Buboy Fernandez a childhood friend of the 30-year-old Pacquiao and long time assistant of Roach, said the cadets stayed with Pacquiao early in the run but they all lost steam after the pound-for-pound king went into high gear.
Roach didn't mind the slight alteration in the training schedule but conditioning coach Alex Ariza was not since the extende run is naot a part of their normal routine.
Still, Roach was happy that Pacquiao showed a lot of energy in besting PMAers, a clear sign that his fighter is enjoying the hard work.
The workout on Friday was held behind closed doors, a far cry from the madness that took place inside the gym the previous day when, not only the media, but fans were also allowed to gain access so thay could not only pose for pictures with Pacquiao but with members of team such as sparmates Shawn Porter and his Dad Ken and Urbano Antillon and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum.
Pacquiao will spar with Porter and Antillon again on Saturday.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, will spend another three weeks here until he leaves for the US on Oct.24, which is Saturday. Roach said Pacquiao will resume training at the Wild Card in Hollywood on Oct.26, a Monday.


SOURCE: TEMPO
AUTHOR: NICK GIONGCO

Penalosa joins Pacman promotion

BAGUIO CITY- Two time National open champion Dodie Boy Penalosa, son of the legendary former world light-weight and fly king Dodie Boy Sr., has reached an agreement to fight under the promotional banner of Manny Pacquiao.
This was disclosed on Friday by the fighter's multititled father Dodie Sr.., who is here t lend a hand in the preparation being made by Pacquiao against Miguel Cotto.
Pacquiao has instructed the Penalosas to prepare the 19-year-old Dodie Boy for his professional debut sometime in January 2010. Pacquiao himself assured them that he will be the one to stage the card.
Dodie Boy Jr, had originally been penciled by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines(ABAP) to become a part of its rebuilding program when a new set of leaders were brought in early this year.
The ABAP even went to the extent of preventing the fighter from turning pro, assuring the young boxer that he will be given a spot on a team that is being prepared for future international tournaments.
But the senior Penalosa revealed that deal lasted for just a few months after a few promises were supposedly broken by ABAP officials.


SOURCE: TEMPO
AUTHOR: NICK GIONGCO

Manny impresses sparmate

BAGUIO City- Trainer Freddie Roach admitted Manny Pacquiao has yet to get his rhythm back with his 12-round title fight againts Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto a little more than a month away.
No need to worry though.
Roach expects the champ to get better and better as training at the Shape-Up gym here builds up leading to the Nov.14 fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Nevada.
The three-time Hall of Fame trainer assessed Pacquiao's current condition to be within the 40 percent range.
"Where he is now? I'd say 40 percent," Roach said in reply to one of several concerns members of the press raised during the jampacked open-day workout Pacquiao held thursday for both the media and fans.
"Yeah, it's been great, but his performance today wasn't what gonna beat Cotto. We have to get a lot better obviously," added Roach.
Yestersday workout marked the second day of sparring sessin in the two-week long training camp, with Pacquiao going two rounds each againts 2007 Golden Gloves champion Shawn Porter and Urbano antillon.
The same way during the opening day of sparring, the 21-year-old Porter, an unbeaten junior middleweight contender (10-0), gave the Pacman a hell of a time, often snapping back Pacquiao's head with his constant jabbing and solid rights.
But Pacquiao also had his moment againts the unbeaten boxing prospect, an alternate in the U.S. olympic team in the 2008 Beijing Games, dazzling those at ringside with his blinding speed and quick combinations.
"Is he (Pacquiao) strong? Yeah, definitely," said Porter after the sparring (three rounds), and I expect him to get even better,"
As training camp enters its third week, one more sparmate will be coming over in this mountain hideaway to help Pacquiao get in shape for his World Boxing Organization(WBO) welterweight championship fight with Cotto.
Alex Ariza, the conditioning coach of the top pound-for-pound fighter of the world, bared that undefeated welterweight Omar Henry has already been offered as possible Pacquiao sparmate, with the camp of the Filipino ring superstar only awaiting confirmation ffrom the manager of the young boxer from Australia, Texas.
"He (Henry) looks exactly like Cotto, moves like Cotto, fights like Cotto and wants to be like Cotto," said Ariza of Henry, who sports a 14-0 ring record. After sparring with Porter and Antillon, Pacquiao did the mitts with Roach, worked with the speedball, shadowboxed, before capping the day doing some stretching with the help of assistants Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri.
No road work was held in the morning as Roach let Pacquiao take a rest after playing 10 games of basketball the night before, causing him to show up at the end afternoon workout wearing a protective gear on his right leg.
Roach said training camp in this City of Pines will last for three more weeks, before Team Pacquiao leaves for the U.S. and shift camp at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles for the final two weeks. And just how confident he is at Pacquiao readily regaining back the form that sent the great DeLa Hoya inot retirement and knocked out cold former junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, Roach again reiterated a possible knockout win for the Pacman.
" I think we're gonna knockhim out in the early rounds," he said.



SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Think of Cotto first--- Arum

Baguio City- top Rank big boss Bob Arum would rather not delve first on what boxing fans had been clamoring all along- a super fight between Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr.
The veteran boxing promoter responsible for putting together some of the most memorable fighting, stressed that Pacquiao should win his coming title bout first againts World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king miguel Cotto to before anyone else start thinking about arranging the ring duel many consider could be the richest boxing fight ever.
"We have to treat it one fight at a time," said Arum, who flew in from Las Vegas all the way here to personally attend the open-day workout Manny Pacquiao did for members of the media in his training camp.
"No, no, no," arum repeatedly said as he was asked a number of times about Pacquiao taking on the 32-year-old Mayweather on his next fight.
Mayweather came out of retirement recently and dominated Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez in their non-title welterweight fight in Las Vegas, a win that all more bolster a future showdown with the Pacman, now regarded the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world following the retirement of Mayweather.
But Arum stressed he's not thinking of any fight for Pacquiao at the moment other than his nov.14 duel with Cotto.
"I believe this could be one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing,' said Arum, who didn't hesitate to say thata return bout may be made in the event the match turns out tobe a success.
'Who knows, there might be a rematch," he pointed out.



SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

MANNY DOESN'T NEED MAYWEATHER, SAYS EXPERT

MANNY DOESN'T NEED MAYWEATHER, SAYS EXPERT

Everyone may be looking forward to a Manny Pacquiao- Floyd Mayweather,Jr megabuck showdown next year, but the most anticipated fight ever to come by in years may not be held at all.
The reason? The world's No.1 pound-for-pound king doesn't need Mayweather, and Pacquiao, assuming that he gets past Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14, doesn't need to prove anything anymore.
This was the assessment of boxing writer Matt Stolow, who arrived at a conclusion that Mayweather will be 'too big' for the six-division champion Pacquiao, an advantage the lure of money cannot even compensate.
"Sure, Manny could pull down $20 million that night, but it is worth it to give Mayweather such a ridiculous competitive advantage and possibly lose your last fight that way?" asked Stlow who writes for examiner.com.
Mayweather won his return bout againts Juan Manuel Marquez last Sept. 20 after a 21-month hiatus, knocking down the Mexican in the second round before toying with him the rest of the way for a unanimous decision victory.
The fighter many call 'Pretty Boy Floyd' who always loves to flaunt his earning weighed in two pounds over the 144-pound limit, and was four pounds heavier than Marquez, who weighed in at 142. He paid Marquez $ 300,000 for every pound that went over the limit.
Stolow also is convinced that the natural fighting weight of Mayweather will spell the big difference.
"At about 21, Pacquiao was fighting at between 155 and 122 Juan Manuel Marquez was between 122 and 124. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was already in world title fights at 130 at age 21. The natural weight difference obscure the skill levels at this point. It's not a fair fight," he said.
"So do the math. I'm not saying Mayweather is better than Pacquiao. I'm saying what I'm saying. He's too big."
The other day, Pacquiao's famed trainer, Freddie Roach, said that he would love Pacquiao to end his career with victories over Cotto and Mayweather.
Roach however, quickly pointed out that if ever both camps of Pacquiao and Mayweather do not reach an agreement during nogotiations, it would be best for the Filipino ring legend to walk away from the sport with his head still held high.
"If he retires after this(Cotto) fight I'll be fine with that also," Roach said. "If negotiations with Mayweather fail and Manny wins againts Cotto, he'll be having seven world titles. Nobody has done that before, so there's nothing else to prove." "I would love to see him retire on top of the world."


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: ZEAN MACAMAY

ARUM COMING TODAY

Top rank head Bob Arum heads to Baguio City today to check on Manny Pacquiao's training camp as the Filipino ring icon prepares for a November 14 encounter with Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto.
The promoter responsible for the epic 'Thrilla in Manila' duel and other big fights considered among the biggest in the history of prizefighting, is arriving from the U.S. early Thursday morning, and will immediately proceed to the City of Pines in time for the scheduled media day in Pacquiao's training camp.
Arum's arrival also comes in time for Pacquiao's open workout at the Shape-Up gym inside the Cooyesan Plaza Hotel.
The boxing champion is scheduled to spar for the second time in three days against Americans Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon.
Unlike in his first sparring session, Pacquiao goes a round notch higher this time as he takes on Porter and Antillon for two rounds each.
The 21-year old Porter, a natural junior middleweight, sparred for three intense rounds with the Pacman on Tuesday, trading hard shots to the body againts the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.
The native of Akron, Ohio is definitely looking forward to doing it again opposite the Filipino ring idol, whose speed more than power has make a great impression on him.
"It's his speed," said Porter. "It's not much about power."
Arum will be staying in the summer hideaway until Sunday, by which time Pacquiao is expected to take a breakl from training to personally distribute relief goods to victims of typhoon Ondoy.
Pacquiao through his MP Foundation, earlier donated P1 million to those badly hit by the calamity.


SOURCE: PEOPLE JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

PACMAN START SPARRING

A big, legitimate super-super-welterweight fighter greeted Manny Pacquiao in his Baguio training camp as sparring session for his Nov. 14 showdown with Miguel Cotto promtly began Tuesday at the Shape-Up gym inside Cooyesan Hotel Plaza.
Unbeaten Shawn Porter engaged the world's top pound-for-pound fighter in three intense rounds, highlighted by numerous exchanges of hard shots, accrding to thse lucky enough to watch the action held behind closed doors.
"The three-round sparring was good, really good," said Pacquiao's adviser Michael Konz. "Malaki saka malakas," said a source, who saw the 21-year-old Porter of Akron Ohio spar with Pacquiao for the very first time.
Porter, holder of a perfect 10-0 ring record with 8 KOs, is a first-time Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, whom trainer Freddie Roach thoroughly handpicked to precisely imitate the fighting style of the 28-year-old Cotto, the regning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title holder from Puerto Rico.
"He's perfect for this training camp," said Roach of the 2007 National Golden gloves middleweight champion.
Porter is one of tw Pacquiao sparmates whoare now in Baguio City trying to get the Filipino ring icon in perfect shape for his 12-round fight with Cotto.
Lightweight Urbano Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate, is the other one , while on a stand by call is another Pacman regular sparring partner David Rodela and Purto Rican Raymond Tito Serrano.
Sparring for nthe 30 year-old boxing champ will be thrice a week or every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
By tomorrow, he will go two rounds each with Antillon and Porter in time fofr the arrival of Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.
The vetaran boxing official will be immediately whisked to the City of Pines shortly upon arriving in Manila early morning Thursday.
Arum's visit at the Pacquiao trainig camp marks the scheduled madia day arranged by the boxing superstar's handlers, when training and work out by the Filipino ring idol will be made open to members of the working press.
Meanwhile, the Manny Pacquiao (MP) Foundation has donated P1 million for the benefit of people badly affected by typhoon Ondoy over the weekend.
Pacquiao himself refused to make a big issue out of the contribution, but people close to the boxing champion confirmed the monetary help extended by Pacman.


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

No stopping Pacman in training

The team responsible for getting Manny Pacquiao in shape for his coming title showdown with welterweight champion Miguel Cotto has cautioned the two American boxers set to spar with the Filipino ring icon beginning today.
Better get your bodies in perfect, boys!
Upon arriving in Baguio City where Pacquiao is currently holding training camp for his Nov. 14 fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Urbano Antillon and Shawn Porter immediately climbed the ring and worked out a sweat.
Good for two of them, according to assistant trainer Roger'Flash' Fernandez.
"Pinagensayo na agad namin para hindi masakit ang bugbog nila sa sparring," said the brother of long-time Pacquiao Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez while flashing a big wide grin.
A day after taking a rest from training, Pacquiao was back to his relentless ways, working on the mitts, speedball and double-end ball, while doing shadow boxing and abdominal crunches for three straight hours.
Both Antillon and porter, along with his dad Ken, arrived in the country last Sunday, but owing to the inclement weather, did'nt travel to the City of Pines until early monday morning.
"We're ready to go," said Antillon, a regular Pacquiao sparmate everytime he has a fight.
Nonoy Neri, another Pacquiao assistant trainer, said Pacquiao is expected to spar four rounds today at the Shape Up gym inside the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan road, two rounds each with Antillon and Poter, a 2007 National Golden Gloves middleweight champion.
Neri said Pacquiao has been getting better and better as training camp in the summer hide away enters its second week.
Pacquiao as usual, is looking forward to the start of sparring session in training camp.
Informed of the arrival of Antillon and Porter, Pacquiao smiled and quipped, 'can't wait to see them.'
Sparring will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the number of rounds gradually increasing by the day until it reaches a full 12 rounds per day.
As the 12-round fight nears, sparring gradually tapers off.
As had been the practice before, head trainer Freddie Roach may hold the sparring sessions behind closed doors.


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Pacquiao starts sparring Tuesday

Manny Pacquiao's training camp shifts into high gear with the arrival of two tough sparmates over the weekend. Rising welterweight Shawn Porter and preferred choice Urbano Antillon are flying over here Sunday from the U.S as sparring in Pacquiao's training camp in Baguio City begins Tuesday.
Coming over from Los Angeles, the two will be immediately whisked to the country's summer hideaway, giving them at least two days to get accustomed to the high-altitude weather of Baguio, which is some 1,500 meters above sea level.
The 30-year old Pacquiao has been in the City of Pines for almost a week nw as he tries to get in the best shape of his career for a November 14 date with Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt. Through with the first week of the camp, trainer Freddie Roach believes the boxing champion is now ready for sparring.
"He's ready to spar," said Roach after engaging
Pacquiao for 10 rounds with the mitts Friday.
Antillon has been a regular Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, the last of which came when hefought Briton Ricky Hattn last summer for the International Boxing Organization(IBO) junior welterweight title.
"Urbano is definitely the toughest sparring partner for Manny," said roach of the Mexican lightweight now based in Maywood, California. "He gets hit a little too much but he always comes back with his own."
The 27-year-old Antillon has ring record of 26-1 with 19 KOs, and has sparred with some of boxing's best fighters today including Juan Manuel Marquez and Edwin Valerio.
"A very good and strong fighter," Pacquiao said of antillon after one of their sparring sessins for the Hatton fight at the Wild Card in Los Angeles .
Just as impressive is the unbeaten 21-year old Porter from Akrn Ohio. Porter is natural welterweight who holds a perfect 10-0 record, with 8 KO's.
He is a 2007 Golden Gloves champion and an alternate with the U.S men's boxing team to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
After spending a few sparring at the Wild Card gym, Roach tapped Porter as Pacquioa sparmate as he reportedly has the same built and fighting style as Cotto.


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY RAMOS

Cotto's camp sees an end to the reign of Pacman

Joe Santiago, the trainer of Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, has predicted a victory by Miguel Cotto when he faces Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.
"We respect what he's done in boxing, but on that day(Nov. 14), Miguel (Cotto) is going to be one of the advantages in our favor ," said santiago.
Santiago said that Cotto's natural power as a welterweight will be crucial in the fight dubbed 'Fire Power', set at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, N evada.
Pacquiao blazed his way superstardom by winning six division titles, a record he now shares with Oscar Dela Hoya, his former victim. If Pacquiao beats Cotto, he will become the first fighter ever to win belts in seven weight divisions.
That is the same reason why Santiago is confident that they can stop Pacquiao. "Manny Pacquiao is a blown-up featherweight," said Santiago. "He started at 108 pounds and will now fight at 145. He's dared to go up and so far everything has turnedwell for him. but Nov.14 is a different story."
While Pacquiao indeed started as a featherweight, his punches look more like a genuine welterweight. In his last three fights, Pacquioa wasn't dragged to the full 12-ound distance. He stopped lightweight David Diaz via a ninth- round knockout, and then forced De La Hoya to quit after receiving a barrage of heavy punches through rounds.
And then, the Filipino pulled off his quickest victory in seven years , stopping British brawler Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton in the second round with a left hook that sent Hatton unconcious n the floor.
Santiago also pointed out Cotto's edge in terms of preparation for the fight. He said that everything is well within the camp, unlike in Pacquioa's case where he started training late and as worstened by what he said by internal bickering.
"We heard they did'nt start training, that there werea problems in a training camp, but that is their problem. Everything is going very well with us," said Santiago. Although a fighter with only a defeat in 35 fights, Cotto was not impressive in his first title defense of his WBO welterweight crown againts Joshua Clottey. He suffered a cut above the left eye (accidental head butt) and escaped with a split decision victory. Santiago, though, brushes aside the issue that his fighter has the propensity to be easily cut.
"The work by the plastic surgeon was excellent and there have been no problems with the injury," said Santiago. " I do not believe that is something taht we have t be worried about . It's not the first time where Miguel was cut and none of those previous cuts have been re-opened [in a fight]."
If Pacquiao goes on to win the bout and collect the guaranteed $13 million aside from the share he will have in pay-per-view hits, it will be his 11th cnsecutive victory since losing to Erik Morales in a unanimous but close decision in 2005.


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: Zean MACAMAY

THIS ONE IS FOR ROD

THIS ONE IS FOR ROD

Manny Pacquiao has an added motivation when he takes on World Boxing Organization(WBO) welterweight kingpin Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas two months from now.
Days before he passed away, former manager and promoter Rod Nazario had one final piece of advice to his one time protegee, admonishing the 30-year-old champ to knock Cotto down with his powerful left hand.
And since the man responsible for Pacquiao's breakthrough stint in the U.S was the one who asked foe it, the Filipino ring idol will readily oblige.
" Alam mo namang pag si dolfo ang humiling kay Manny, hindi tumatanggi yon," Moy Lainez, the long-time associate of Nazario, told PJ over the phone hours after the 74-year old veteran bxing promoter died Thursday morning due to lung cancer.
"Bag umakyat si Manny sa Baguio, nagbilin na siya (Nazario). Yung isang usapan nila tungkol sa laban niya nga kay cotto. Sabi niya tandaan mo, yung kaliwa mo ang siyang magnaknockout kay Cotto," Lainez recalled Nazario telling the champ.
Nazario's death came four days after Pacquiao entered training camp at the country's Summer Capital. A somber atmosphere shrouded Pacquiao's training Thursday at the Shape Up gym at the Cooyesan Hotel along Naguilan Road as Nazario had been like a second father to the world's top pound-for-pound fighter, according to Lainez.
In a statement, the 30-year old pride of Genera Santos City said he was deeply saddened by the loss of his former handler.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Nazario, who was not only a loving father and husband, but a great loss to me and the sport o boxing. I will forever cherish our fondest memories in and outside the ring. We will terribly miss him," said the Pacman.
Gerry Garcia, another close friend of Nazario and partner in the top rating boxing show In This Corner also with Lainez and Mondejar, said Pacquiao is likely to take a break in training and pay his last respect to the late boxing manager by sunday.
A day upon arriving from his whirlwind press tour for the Nov.14 title fight with the 28-year old Cotto, Pacquiao visited the Wild Card Gym in Paranaque, where he sweated it out for about an hour,before proceeding to the Perpetual Help Hospital in Las Pinas to check to check the condition of Nazario who had been confined there shortly after celebrating his 74th birthday last Sept. 12.
The following day, the boxing star visited his former manager once again prior to his trip to Baguio City.
It was there when Nazario made another wish at his sickbed. "Hiniling niya(Nazario) na sana mapasama si Eden Sonsona cousin of WBO superbantamweight champion Marvelous Marvin Sonsona sa undercard ng laban niya againts Cotto," said Lainez, whose friendship and association with Nazario extend t more than four decades.
Pacquiao has since made special arrangement for the inclusion of Sonsona, a boxer of Nazario, in the boxing card for his coming fight with cotto.


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: GERRY N. SANTOS

Manny' former manager dies

Manny's former manager dies

Long time boxing promoter and manager Rodolfo Nazario died Thursday morning due to a lingering illness.
He was 74.
His remains lie in state at the Funeraria Paz in Sucat, Paranaque. He is survived by wife Supreme Court Justice Minita Chico-Nazario and children Roderick, Rommel and Karen and children Roberto, Raymundo, Mercedita and Barbara from fist wife Emenita.
along with long-time partners Moy Lainez and Lito Mondejar, Nazario is the man credited for catapulting Manny Pacquiao to boxing superstardom.
Their partnership from 1995-2005 saw the Filipino ring icon win the World Boxing Council(WBC)flyweight title in 1998 and pull off a stunning victory over Lehol Ledwaba to annex the International Boxing Federation(IBF) super-bantamweight title in his 2001 U.S debut.

SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR; GERRY N. RAMOS