Ariza vows: The old Pacquiao will return against Bradley

source: Ronnie Nathanielsz | boxingscene.com


Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza believes Manny Pacquiao will be the same fighter that demolished the likes of Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto when he defends his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against undefeated Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on June 9.

Ariza told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that he had spoken to Pacquiao after his controversial win in his third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and during his recent visit to Los Angeles for the kickoff of his coming fight’s two-city media tour.

There were concerns over Pacquiao’s showing against Marquez where several distractions, including personal problems took its toll on the eight-division world champion, who looked anything but the dominating Fighter of the Decade.

However, a new-found commitment to studying the Bible and a break from the old habits of late nights, gambling and other activities and spending much more time with wife Jinkee and their four children have proved to be rejuvenating for Pacquiao.

“We talked about the training and what we are going to do and any changes we are going to try to make,” said Ariza. “Pacquiao was receptive after the Marquez fight and again before this fight. He said he wants to start training camp a little earlier and he wants to focus on building his body and getting his power and speed again.”

The strength guru, who has been alongside celebrated trainer Freddie Roach prior to Pacquiao’s ninth-round annihilation of then lightweight champion David Diaz, said Pacquiao is ready to focus again.

Bradley: I’m here to hurt Pacquiao

source: Abac Cordero | philstar.com

imothy Bradley has issued a “friendly” warning to Manny Pacquiao. Bradley said he’s here to fight, and won’t just take the money and run when he climbs the ring against the Filipino superstar on June 9 in Las Vegas.

“I’m here to win, not coming here for a paycheck,” the undefeated boxer told ESPN.com.

Bradley said it’s his time to shine, and he’s here to hurt Pacquiao.

“I feel like I have the tools and everything it takes to beat Pacquiao. I’m going to hurt him, I have to hurt him, I gotta hurt him,” he said during the press tour.

“Absolutely, I have to hurt this guy, and get respect from Pacquiao early. At the end of the night, I feel like I am going to be victorious,” Bradley added.

Bradley is getting no less than $5 million for facing Pacquiao. It’s the biggest paycheck of his life, and if he loses, nothing close to it might ever come his way again.

Bradley met Pacquiao face to face during their press tour, and they seemed to like each other so well, especially when they came face to face.

Up in the stage, the two boxers giggled like kids. Too friendly. At one point, Pacquiao grabbed a camera and took pictures of a smiling Bradley up close.

Bradley said this won’t be the case inside the ring.

“What the fight fans can expect from me, is putting it all on the line, because I want to win this fight, for my family, for my community. I want to upset this guy,” he said.

Bradley assured that what happened with Pacquiao against Shane Mosley, when there was too much tapping of the gloves during the fight, won’t happen in June.

“I touch gloves in the center of the ring when the fight begins, I don’t touch gloves during the bout. It’s not going to be any ‘brother in law’ in here,” Bradley said.

He’s confident he was what it takes to beat Pacquiao, and deal the reigning WBO welterweight champion his first loss after 15 straight wins.

Pacquiao loves to fight. Bradley will give it to him.

Donaire, 3 others top honorees in Elorde Awards

source: philstar.com

Nonito Donaire Jr., whose epic knockout win over WBO and WBC bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel early last year earned him The Ring Knockout of the Year award, will receive the accolade as one of the outstanding boxers of 2011..

..during the 12th Elorde Boxing Awards/Banquet of Champions on March 25 at the Dusit Thani Hotel which is being presented by the Elorde Family in cooperation with COBRA Energy Drink, Sanicare , Procter & Gamble Distributing Phils., Inc. and PCSO.

Donaire dethroned Montiel, who wrested the WBO and WBC titles, with a second round knockout in their title bout in Mandalay Bay on Feb. 9, 2011. That win, his 24th straight since 2001, earned the honor as the world’s fourth-ranked pound-for-pound champion, two rungs closer to pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

He defended his WBO and WBC titles on Oct. 11, 2011 with a unanimous decision over Omar “El Huricane” Narvaez. Although he did not win by knockout as predicted, he won the nod of all three judges who gave him identical 120-108 scores.

Donaire will be in the Banquet of Champions with Pacquiao, who will receive a special citation during the awards rites to be held in memory of the 77th birth anniversary of International Boxing Hall of Famer Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, world junior lightweight champion from 1960 to 1967.

Others to be honored as boxers of the year are Donnie Nietes, a former four-time minimumweight titleholder who annexed the WBO light flyweight belt, WBO flyweight king Brian Viloria and WBO super bantamweight queen Ana Julaton. “Filipinos are proud to have four boxers, outside of Manny Pacquiao, in the roster of world champions and we are doubly happy to have them and Manny Pacquiao in the Elorde Banquet of Champions this year,” said Laura Elorde, wife of the Da Flash.

Also to be honored in the rites are Filipino international and Philippine champions, the most promising boxer, best fight, best promoter and matchmaker, and individuals and entities that contributed to professional boxing in the 2011.

Strong second half powers Powerade over Meralco

source: www.pba.ph
Not even a new import and a returning star player could power Meralco over Powerade's persistence.

Making the much-needed push at the right time, the Tigers overcame the Bolts, 94-82, Sunday to grab at least a share of the early lead in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gary David wound up with a game-high 29 points and drew plenty of help from Dwayne Jones, Sean Anthony and Marcio Lassiter in a big second half surge that enabled Powerade to notch its second straight come-from-behind win.

It was his Tigers' efforts on the other end of the court that pleased coach Bo Perasol more, however.

"They know we just have to be decent in defense as today and I don't think we will have any problem going into every game," said Perasol. "With the presence of some very good offensive players, the question on this team is how can we make stops when necessary."

Powerade showed it has that capability by holding Meralco to a 1-for-9 field shooting and into committing six turnovers in the first six minutes of the fourth period to post an 83-73 spread from a 68-all deadlock.

The Bolts started unraveling right there and the Tigers went on to jack up their lead to a high of 94-81 before formally scoring the follow-up to their 122-120 win over Rain or Shine in their mid-season tourney debut last Feb. 17.

"I think they now have the confidence that we can go up against any team and they also understand now how to make wins," said Perasol.

2005 Fiesta Conference Red Bull import Earl Barron scored 22 points and had 18 rebounds in his first game back but Meralco still absorbed its second straight loss and third in four games overall to drop into the company of tail-enders Rain or Shine and Barako Bull.

Sidelined by a minor knee surgery in Meralco's first three games, Sol Mercado finally saw action.

But he shot just 1-for-6 from the field and his three assists were offset by as many turnovers in 22 minutes of action.

Limited to just six points in the first half, Marcio Lassiter sprang back with 13 in the last two quarters while Jones contributed 15 points, 14 rebounds and a conference-high six shotblocks, four in the decisive period.

Gabby Espinas had 19 points and seven rebounds for Meralco before fouling out with still 2:04 left while Macmac Cardona was the lone other Bolt in double digits with 13.

JVee Casio finished with 14 points and seven assists, with seven of his points coming during a four minute-span in the third period, when Powerade gave a glimpse of what was to come.

Jones added five points, including a rim-rattling dunk, and Lassiter and David three each during an 18-5 exchange from a 50-57 count that gave the Tigers their first taste of the lead since starting the game at 1-0.

A triple each by Mark Macapagal and Mercado pegged the game's first and only deadlock at 68, but it was clear that momentum was already on Powerade's side.

Barron already had 15 points and 11 boards at the half, enabling Meralco to gain the upper hand right in the very first minute and take a 47-42 lead at the turn.

Cardona did his share with 10 points and Espinas chipped in eight while Paul Artadi came off the bench in the second period to drain two triples in helping keep Powerade at bay.

The Tigers would not go away, however. With David scattering 17 points of his own, they kept yapping at the Bolts' heels and were within just a point twice, the last at 42-43.

Barron actually started hot with 10 markers in the opening quarter and his three-point play pegged the game's biggest difference yet at 13-5. (NC)


The scores:

POWERADE 94 -David 29, Lassiter 19, Jones 15, Casio 14, Anthony 9, Kramer 8, Martinez 0, Vanlandingham 0, Allera 0, Cruz 0, Adducul 0, Crisano 0.

MERALCO 82 - Barron 22, Espinas 19, Cardona 13, Borboran 9, Macapagal 6, Artadi 6, Mercado 3, Ross 2, Taulava 2, Hugnatan 0.

Quarterscores: 20-25, 42-47, 68-68, 94-82

Bigger PBA role eyed for second Smart Gilas PH team

source: June Navarro | inquirer.net


The Philippine Basketball Association will be an integral part of the next Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas operations manager Butch Antonio Wednesday said the coaching staff headed by newly minted national mentor Chot Reyes will sit down soon with PBA commissioner Chito Salud to determine the extent of the pro league’s involvement with the PH five.

PBA chair Mamerto Mondragon has committed to form a 16-man pool from the league to strengthen the Smart Gilas program in its campaign to secure a slot in the 2014 Fiba World Championship in Spain.

“Hopefully we could meet up with commissioner Salud right after their Dubai trip to get a clearer picture of how the PBA will come in to help the cause,” said Antonio.

Rain Or Shine collides with Barako Bull today in Dubai before taking on Barangay Ginebra tomorrow before an expected sellout crowd of OFWs at the Al Shabab Club.

Antonio said Reyes, on his second tour of duty with the Nationals, will form the core of his coaching staff prior to the selection of Smart Gilas players.

Several players from the collegiate ranks, which Antonio referred to as the “cadet group,” will join the PBA stars in the pool for the Smart Gilas 2 members.

“It’s more exciting now because more groups and bodies are participating,” said Antonio.

Smart Gilas 1, beefed up by three PBA players and a naturalized center Marcus Douthit, placed fourth last year in the Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, and missed the chance to qualify to the London Olympics this year.

Antonio said that the cadet group would come from Sinag Pilipinas, a bunch of college players who brought home the gold medal in the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

A number of former Gilas players would also be asked to rejoin the PH five in preparation for the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship where three continental slots to the world championship are at stake.

“Unlike last year when we still had to approach the PBA and asked for some of their players, this time, they’re the ones offering help and were very thankful for the gesture,” said Antonio.

Reyes, whose team of PBA stars finished ninth in the 2007 Fiba Asia Championship, will get valuable inputs from some of the best coaching minds in the pro league and amateur ranks—Meralco’s Ryan Gregorio, Meralco consultant Jong Uichico and Ateneo’s Norman Black.

Pacquiao on Mayweather: "He doesn't want the fight"

source: gmanetwork.com
Manny Pacquiao believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. doesn't actually want to fight him, telling Yahoo Sports' Kevin Iole in an exclusive interview..

.., "He talks, he says all this, but you know what: He doesn't want the fight. I want the fight. I'm the one who has wanted this fight all along." Pacquiao's assertion comes after a January that saw Mayweather repeatedly issue Twitter challenges and taunts to "The Pac-man."

Mayweather's camp was angling for an early May bout, prior to Mayweather serving out a 90-day jail sentence for battery. Pacquiao's side, led by his promoter Bob Arum, wanted a late May/early June bout, in order to construct an outdoor stadium that would bring in extra revenue.

Ultimately, finances scuttled what is possibly the most anticipated fight in recent years.

"Money" Mayweather later called Pacquiao and offered the Sarangani congressman a flat $40 million fee to make the fight happen, saying that it was "far more than he's [Pacquiao] ever made."

For Team Pacquiao, the offer seemed like an insult. Pacquiao himself described it to Iole as a "bluff" and a "PR move," something Mayweather could hold up to the world if he turned it down, which was exactly what happened.

"He offered me $40 million, and no pay-per-view [money]," Pacquiao laughingly told Iole. "No pay-per-view. Can you believe that? Would you do that? Come on. What would he say if I offered him $50 million - not $40 million, $50 million - and said 'No pay-per-view. Take this money and be happy, but no pay-per-view.' He wouldn't do it either."

In response to Mayweather's offer, Pacquiao offered a 50-50 split of the purse. Then when that didn't work, Pacquiao, through his adviser Michael Koncz, offered him a guaranteed $50 million, with the fight revenue being split 55-45, with the winner taking the larger share.

Mayweather didn't bite.

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's manager, however denies that such an offer was made, and characterized Mayweather's statement, that the $40 million was an inordinate purse for Pacquiao, as accurate, telling Iole, "[Pacquiao] is a guy who doesn't know what he makes fight to fight. He has no idea of where the revenue comes from. There's no way he's going to come up with something like that [offer] off the top of his dome."

In the wake of the two sides failing to strike accord, both have gone their separate ways, forging deals with other fighters.

On February 1, Mayweather's side announced that he would be moving up in weight, to combat WBA Super Welterweight Miguel Cotto on May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao's camp moved on to select Timothy Bradley, with the latter moving up to 147-pounds to make welterweight.

Pacquiao-Marquez III could be the biggest pay-per-view hit

source: Cedelf P. Tupas |

From all indications, the third fight against Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez could end up as the biggest Manny Pacquiao fight in terms of pay-per-view buys.

With Top Rank Promotions pulling out all the stops to trumpet the fight, expectations are high that the November 12 bout in Las Vegas will exceed the 1.4 million PPV hits that Pacquiao’s duel against Shane Mosley registered last May.

“It has the potential to be the most watched Pacquiao fight on pay-per-view,” said Top Rank executive event producer Brad Jacobs Tuesday at the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s U.N. Avenue in Manila.

“Were looking to surpass but I can’t put any numbers to that. Our goal is to exceed the expectations – get to 1.4 million and go past it,” he said. “These are two great champions getting into the ring for the third time. And a lot of people think it’s even at this point. So we have this trilogy.”

The buildup to the fight is unprecedented for a Pacquiao fight with a promotional tour slated to kick off at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday. The tour will also take the two fighters to New York, Los Angeles and Mexico next week.

“It’s going to be spectacular,” said Jacobs.

“We want to show the world how big this fight is. It’s a great fight to begin with. We just need the awareness factor worldwide.”

Solar Sports is joining forces with Top Rank and GMA-7 in putting up the star-studded cultural show on Saturday.

Tek Major of Solar Sports expects a crowd of at least 50,000 for the kickoff program, which will be highlighted by cultural presentations from both the Philippines and Mexico.

Pacquiao, 32, and Marquez, 38, fought to a controversial draw in their 126 lbs showdown in 2004. The rematch at 130 pounds in 2008 saw Pacquiao win via split decision.

“Marquez’s destiny is to fight Pacquiao,” Jacobs said. “Age and weight won’t matter so its going to be war.”