Mayweather braces for 'toe-to-toe' battle against McGregor

Floyd Mayweather Jr. put up a typically brash front during his four-city tour with Conor McGregor to promote their upcoming boxing match on August 26 in Las Vegas.

The unbeaten American talked trash and exchanged potshots with McGregor, the brash Irishman who made a name for himself as a mixed martial artist before seeking a big money fight against Mayweather.

Mayweather is the odds-on favorite in the bout against McGregor, who is fighting in a boxing match for the very first time in his professional career. In contrast, Mayweather is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in his era, and has put together an immaculate 49-0 win-loss record.

Despite all this, however, Mayweather believes that he is in for a battle against the younger McGregor for several reasons.

"He wants to win bad. He really wants to win bad, extremely bad," Mayweather said, as quoted by Boxing Scene.  

Mayweather noted that his opponents usually take one of two approaches: they either "play it safe," or "go straight for the kill," like Marcos Maidana did in May 2014. Much to the shock of pundits, the Argentine had considerable success against Mayweather and the American won a majority decision.

McGregor will most likely approach their fight the way Maidana did, according to Mayweather.

"He's going to come out and go for the kill," he predicted. "He's a heavy hitter, so I've got to be cautious."

"Remember, I'm older, so I can't move like I used to move," Mayweather added. "So it's basically going to be a toe-to-toe battle."

The 40-year-old Mayweather has not fought since September 2015, when he easily outpointed Andre Berto en route to retirement, before McGregor enticed him to fight again.

McGregor's gung-ho approach, combined with Mayweather's age, will make for an exciting fight – at least, said the American.

"I've seen it before," Mayweather said. "When these fighters get upset with me, they come out like they're going to try and kill me."

"My job is to do what I do – just keep my composure," he added.

Despite Mayweather's efforts to hype up McGregor, the Irishman remains a huge underdog in their bout. Nevertheless, the American continues to warn analysts and fans alike that McGregor "does have a chance."

To underscore his point, he cited a bout that took place earlier in June, where the underdog who was given very little chance of winning pulled off a truly shocking upset.

"We just saw, a week ago, two weeks ago, a guy who started boxing at 18, a teacher, beat one of the best fighters of all time, which was Manny Pacquiao," said Mayweather, referring to Jeff Horn's controversial victory over the "Pacman."

"So anything can happen in a combat sport."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Former champ Hopkins advises Pacquiao to 'move on' from Horn loss

Former world champion Bernard Hopkins is unconvinced that Manny Pacquiao lost to Australia's Jeff Horn when they fought earlier this month, but nevertheless hopes that the "Pacman" will move on from that defeat.

Pacquiao was a massive favorite over Horn when they fought in the "Battle of Brisbane" last July 2, but the homegrown fighter managed to hack out a controversial decision to claim the WBO welterweight belt.

Speaking to Radio Rahim, Hopkins said that in his opinion, "there is no way in the world that Pacquiao lost that fight."

"No way in the world," he said emphatically, as quoted by Boxing Scene.

Hopkins, who won titles at middleweight and light-heavyweight, said he could not help but shake his head when the decision was announced.

"I gave Pacquiao at least nine rounds, eight easy," said Hopkins, who became the oldest man to win a major world title in 2014. "I don't see how (Horn) won. I don't know what they (the judges) were watching."

There is a rematch clause in Pacquiao's contract, but Hopkins believes there is no reason for the "Pacman" to face Horn again. In his eyes, the Filipino star won their first encounter easily, and should do so again in a rematch.

Instead, Hopkins is hopeful that Pacquiao will target a different opponent for his next fight.

"I think he should move on, and not have sour grapes about it," Hopkins said of Pacquiao.

"(He should) move on at this stage of his career, and fight somebody meaningful," he added. "A fight that's not only going to be profitable, but also to enhance his legacy."

Pacquiao endorsed a request by the Philippines' Games and Amusements Board to have the fight reviewed by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). However, a WBO review still scored the bout in favor of Horn.

The "Pacman" briefly contemplated retirement following the loss, but later said that he intends to fight on.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Bradley calls Pacquiao 'the best guy I've ever faced'

American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. had nothing but praise for Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao after their entertaining 12-round welterweight showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Bradley made a good account of himself in the early rounds but was knocked down in the seventh and again in the ninth by the "Pacman." Pacquiao wound up winning a unanimous decision, marking the second time that he had beaten Bradley in their trilogy.

"He's the best guy I've ever faced, honestly," said Bradley, as quoted by Yahoo! Sports, after the fight. "He's explosive, he has a lot of experience, a lot of power, a lot of speed, and he's the best I've ever faced in the ring."


In an interview immediately after the fight, Bradley admitted that he "barely" remembers what happened in the 12 rounds.

"I did my best out there… He (Pacquiao) just fought a great fight," he said. "He's strong, he's explosive. He was good, he was great. He was on point tonight."

"I fought my game plan, but he was just on point tonight. He was faster, he was quicker, he was stronger. He did everything right, and he did what he had to do to get the victory," he added.

Bradley was the busier but less accurate fighter, and was frustrated at his inability to land his right hand with regularity. In contrast, Pacquiao often found a target for his left hand, most notably in the ninth when he connected flush to Bradley's face and sent the American tumbling to the mat.


"Manny was strong the entire fight, and he was also very patient," Bradley said, as quoted by Boxing Scene. "I wasn't professional enough to stay patient myself, and I walked into shots.

Bradley's trainer, Teddy Atlas, had some issues with the first knock down in the seventh round, when it appeared that Pacquiao pushed Bradley as much as he punched him. Other than that, however, Atlas was similarly effusive in his praise for the "Pacman."

"Pacquiao did a great job in there," he said, as quoted by Yahoo! Sports. "Give Pacquiao credit. I didn't do a good enough job for Bradley."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Arum doesn't believe Pacquiao is retiring

Boxing promoter Bob Arum admitted that he is not totally convinced that Manny Pacquiao will be hanging his gloves for good after the Timothy Bradley fight this April.

“I can't come to grips with the feeling that this is his last fight,” Arum said in Boxing Scene. “Maybe he will retire. But I'm not gonna lose sleep on it.”

Why the skepticism? Arum noted that it is common for boxers to change their minds after taking a hiatus from the fight game, citing “Sugar” Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Antonio Margarito and even Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“Brandon Rios retired after his last fight [with Bradley]... and unretired half an hour later. Some of these fighters, they retire when they have one wife, and when they get another one, they un-retire,” he said.

Pacquiao has a different reason for retiring, however.


The boxing superstar and congressman is set on pursuing a political career and is running for senator in the May elections.

“If his first thing is gonna be politics then he has to do that as well if not better than he did as a boxer,” Arum said in a separate interview with Boxing Scene Radio Rahim. “If a political career will interfere with him boxing in the future, so be it... he has to look as to what he's gonna do for the rest of his life.”

“When he told me that this was gonna be his last fight, I took that with a grain of salt. But if it is his last fight, I'll acknowledge what a great ride it has been.”

But Arum said there are two things that could affect change Pacquiao’s mind about his imminent retirement. One is a stellar performance against Bradley; and two is the possibility of Mayweather coming out of retirement.

Nostalgia

The boxing promoter admitted that he could not help but get emotional about his friendship with Pacquiao.

What made the Filipino boxer so special, he said, is Pacquiao’s rise to superstardom in the US despite being a non-American.

“Think of where he came from,” explained Arum. “He was as obscure as you can get, a little guy, coming from half-way around the world. It is a tribute to him, but it is almost a bigger tribute to this country (the US), which accepted him, even embraced him. He couldn't speak English.

"If he had been Hispanic, or African-American, he might have had a leg up. But he wasn't.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Koncz assures Pacquiao still motivated to fight

Just because he has announced his retirement doesn’t mean Manny Pacquiao is no longer motivated to win in his farewell fight.

On the contrary, his adviser Michael Koncz said Pacquiao is already raring to go back to training to ensure a memorable final fight against Timothy Bradley on April 9.

“He told me that when he gets back from the press tour, he will begin training,” Koncz told Boxing Scene after his heart-to-heart talk with the fighting congressman.

The Canadian adviser wanted to check if Pacquiao still has in his heart to slug it out for 12 more rounds even as the Filipino boxer prepares to run for senator this May.

But Pacquiao assured him that he would be practically distraction-free when he starts training after the press tour in the US.


“I think that he will be going to the gym before the end of the month,” said Koncz.

Pacquiao will split his training camp between the Philippines and Los Angeles. The Bradley fight is supposedly his last before focusing on politics full time.

"He's always given us everything that he's ever had," Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum said of Pacquiao at a press conference in Los Angeles. "If this is truly the last time, Manny, it's been a great ride, and I want to thank you for everything."

Pacquiao, for his part, said he is happy with his decision to retire.

"I've been boxing more than 20 years, and I think it's enough for me," he said. "After this fight, I'm going to hang up my gloves and focus on my countrymen, to help the people."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Viloria stops Soto in just one round

Former world champion Brian Viloria needed just one round to put away his out-gunned opponent, Omar Soto, in a fight card that took place in Florentine Gardens in California.

According to a fight report on Boxing Scene, Viloria floored Soto three times in the first round despite taking some time to shake off ring rust.

Viloria, coming off a seven-month lay-off, registered his first knockdown after just a minute, and the referee stopped the bout at the 2:02 mark after Soto hit the canvas for the third time.

The bout was touted as a "stay busy" fight for Viloria, who may have earned a shot at champion Roman Gonzalez for an October fight date.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What Pacquiao, Floyd talked about in hotel room

MANILA, Philippines – It seems the highly anticipated mega fight between superstar boxers Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will finally come to fruition after the two rivals finally met at an NBA game.

Pacquiao and Mayweather had a brief chat at halftime of the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat, and the "Pacman" later said they exchanged phone numbers.

It was later revealed that Mayweather also visited the Filipino star in his hotel suite in Miami where the two supposedly discussed the details of their long-awaited showdown.

Speaking to Rick Reeno and Steve Kim of Boxing Scene, Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, provided some details of the meeting.

"(Mayweather) was very pleasant, very professional," Koncz said. "He indicated he was very eager to make the fight, which I believe, as of last night, he is."

"Whether or not that's the same tomorrow, I don't know," he added.

Koncz told Boxing Scene that Mayweather was most concerned about the issue of who will broadcast a fight, as the American has an exclusive deal with Showtime/CBS, while Pacquiao works with HBO and Time Warner.

"Manny and I both told him, 'If those are the only issues, those are simple and we can have those fixed in the morning,'" Koncz said. "And in fact, I've confirmed that they've been resolved."

Koncz revealed that Mayweather also connected Pacquiao to Showtime Sports boss Stephen Espinoza, who briefly talked with the "Pacman."

"Floyd put (Espinoza) on the phone with us. I told Floyd, and Manny agreed, if those are the only issues, then no problem, we can take care of it," Koncz said.

Koncz said that upon Pacquiao's instruction, he then called Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum, who had his own discussions with HBO chief executive Richard Plepler and CBS chief executive Les Moonves.

"Those issues are resolved now," said Koncz.

Arum, in a separate Boxing Scene report, said signs are pointing towards the fight happening, but warned that nothing is set in stone yet.

"I cannot assure you that it is going to happen, but certainly, with this development in Miami and from what I know about the finalization of papers and everything, I have to be optimistic," he said.

"And I know that everybody that I deal with, like Les Moonves of CBS and HBO's Richard Plepler, are all very positive of making this happen," he added.

Arum also told Boxing Scene that the broadcast issues between Showtime and HBO "were solved two weeks ago."

"I think everything is positive, and hopefully, if everything keeps going well, we'll get it wrapped up by the end of the week," he said.

Pacquiao and Mayweather's meeting in Miami happened purely by chance as the Filipino boxer's flight back to the Philippines was delayed due to a winter storm and he decided to watch the Heat game instead.

It was the first time that Pacquiao and Mayweather have ever met in person.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao camp sets deadline for Floyd

MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Manny Pacquiao has already set a deadline for the camp of Floyd Mayweather Jr. to seal the deal on the mega-fight boxing fans are waiting for.

According to Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz, they want to closer the deal by the end of January.

Pacquiao has already gave a counter-offer and are still waiting for the American’s response.

“We're waiting for word from Floyd. The issue is very sensitive. We're giving this until the end of the month,” he said in Boxing Scene.

So far, the eight-division champion has already agreed to some of the demands brought up by Mayweather, including the May 2 fight date that could affect the planned Cinco de Mayo weekend bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao has said the date won’t be an issue for him, so long as the elusive Mayweather signs the contract.

The Filipino has also agreed to take a lower cut in the fight expected to generate at $200 million to $300 million in revenues.

"Importante lang, kailangan muna matuloy," stressed Pacquiao, adding that he has no idea of where the venue for the bout will be as well.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum, who has been working out the fight with CBS' Les Moonves, admitted that the negotiations are proceeding at a slow pace.

"The talks are slow, but at least there is movement," Arum told veteran fight scribe Ronnie Nathanielsz, adding that he remains unsure if a deal will be reached.

"Until a deal is made and contracts signed, we'll never know," the veteran boxing promoter said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

UAE group withdraws $120-M offer to Mayweather

A group from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has withdrawn its offer for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to fight Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi this year, Boxing Scene reported.

The group, headed by M. Akbar Muhammad, had offered Mayweather a $120-million purse to fight Pacquiao this spring but withdrew the lucrative offer and is now heavily criticizing Mayweather.

Muhammad told Boxing Scene that Mayweather was informed a week ago that the offer will be withdrawn in the first week of January. The offer was originally made in late November.

"We want to deal with serious individuals, individuals who have the ability to make a decision. Regrettably, that is not the case with Mr. Mayweather," Muhammad said, as quoted by Boxing Scene.

"The Abu Dhabi group is serious, and I will not allow them to dangle an inordinate amount of time. Now that time has come, and the offer is gone," he added.

Muhammad also said Mayweather and "The Money Team" should "consider re-thinking its nickname" if the American superstar would rather fight for what he said was "hot dog money" instead of a $120-million purse.

He also criticized Mayweather for failing to live up to the standards set by some of the greatest boxers in history, naming Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard specifically.

"The very best of all time are just that because they overcame adversity; they met and beat their nemeses," said Muhammad, pointing out that Ali beat Joe Frazier and Leonard beat Thomas Hearns.

"To rise to the challenge, first, you must accept the challenge, and that means fighting the very best you can when the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, it appears someone on 'The Money Team' has no regard nor respect for the tradition and history of boxing, nor, even more unfortunately, the wishes and desires of the fans of our sport," he added.

Muhammad said their investment group will move forward "with absolutely no hesitation, no reservations, and no Mayweather," but will still hold a huge event in Abu Dhabi that features a championship card, concerts, and tributes.

"In keeping with the vision and determination of our investment group, it will be a boxing spectacle unrivaled in the history of the sport," he guaranteed.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Maidana remains open to Pacquiao fight

MANILA – Argentine brawler Marcos Maidana remains open to a possible clash against Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao sometime in 2015.

Maidana, who lost again to Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their highly bruising rematch last September, has been enjoying his vacation from boxing.

He said he will round up his team to discuss his next fight in 2015.

“Next year we will sit down with my team to discuss my future,” he said in Boxing Scene.

The discussions, he said, might include a future bout with the eight-division champion from the Philippines.

Maidana said Pacquiao looks to be an ideal opponent since he is sure the Filipino will "fight and not run" unlike Mayweather.

Prior to the announcement of the Pacquiao-Algieri fight, promoter Bob Arum floated Maidana’s name as a possible candidate for the Pacquiao sweepstakes.

The Argentine’s manager Sebastian Contursi said they are honored to be considered a challenger for the fighting congressman.

"We are honored that Bob Arum considers Maidana as a valuable opponent for Pacquiao, and we are open to that possibility," Contursi said.

"Every boxer in this weight class dreams to face both Mayweather and Pacquiao, since they are the icons of boxing. There is an inner desire to prove yourself against the very best," he added.

"And, of course, that comes with big paydays, so who wouldn't like to face Manny."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Marquez hints at retirement after Bradley fight

MANILA, Philippines – Mexican fighter Juan Manuel Marquez maintained that he isn’t inclined to a fifth fight with his Filipino rival Manny Pacquiao as he mulls his future after his title fight with Timothy Bradley this October.

“There are no plans [to fight after Bradley],” Marquez said in Bad Left Hook.

“We'll leave this commitment first, and then see. First I want to see how I feel and if I plan continue with my career."

The 40-year-old said the reason he accepted the October 12 bout is because Bradley’ WBO welterweight title is at stake and that he wants to become Mexico’s first five-division world champion.

With regards to Pacquiao, the Mexican said he would rather enjoy his knockout victory against the Filipino boxer than accept another rematch.

"I'd rather stay with the memory of that 'lucky punch' that I connected on Pacquiao. It's about pride and honor, not money,” he said.

Marquez made the statement before the WBO’s announcement that it may order a rematch between the two fighters.

WBO president Paco Valcarcel said if Pacquiao and Marquez hurdle their respective opponents, then a fifth bout is possible.

“If Marquez and Pacquiao both win, the World Boxing Organization regulations would view the Filipino as the challenger to Juan Manuel,” WBO president Francisco Valcarcel told Boxing Scene.com.

Pacquiao is set for a comeback fight against Brandon Rios in November this year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

De La Hoya expects Canelo to KO Floyd

MANILA, Philippines – Former world champion and now Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La Hoya believes Mexican prodigy Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will not just beat Floyd Mayweather, but knock him out cold as well.

In an interview with Boxing Scene, De La Hoya expressed his confidence that the 22-year-old Alvarez can stop Mayweather, the premier defensive fighter of his generation. [http://www.boxingscene.com/de-la-hoya-i-beat-mayweather-canelo-ko-him--69043]

“If he doesn’t knock Floyd out in less than eight rounds, I will be very surprised,” De La Hoya said.

Boxing pundits believe that Alvarez’s youth and punching power make him a threat against Mayweather, but the unbeaten American is still the favorite, thanks to his edge in experience and skills.

But De La Hoya thinks Alvarez can pull off the upset.

“Canelo is so calm and mature. Nothing gets to him,” he said. “He is focused. I tell him to stay focused, and keep pumping your jab. That is the key.”

What De La Hoya is guaranteeing is that the Mayweather-Alvarez clash will be a “good fight.”

“You have the two biggest names in boxing facing each other,” he said. “There will be fireworks. You will see a good fight, a solid fight.”

“You have the guy with the torch, and the guy who is going to get the torch – and everyone knows it,” he added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Floyd says Pacquiao a product of media hype

MANILA, Philippines – Floyd Mayweather Jr. blasted the boxing media for allegedly making Manny Pacquiao look like a legitimate threat against the American boxer.


Boxing Scene’s Bill Emes reported that Mayweather pointed out Pacquiao’s two straight losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez as proof the Filipino boxer has yet to reach his level.

"You guys [the media] built Pacquiao up to this level, and said he was better than Floyd Mayweather....you guys did. I'm not pointing a finger at no particular figure,” said the undefeated American, who is scheduled to go up against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 14.

This, however, did not explain Mayweather’s repeated efforts to elude Pacquiao.

Prior to Pacquiao’s back-to-back losses, the Filipino’s camp has repeatedly tried to arrange a lucrative match up with the American boxer.

However, the fight failed to materialize after Mayweather came up with several demands that included Olympic style drug testing and the upside of the fight revenues.

To this day, the controversial boxer remained adamant about not fighting Pacquiao.

“I'm going to stay in my lane and I'm pretty sure that Pacquiao will stay in his lane,"

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao made a mistake in picking me, says Rios

MANILA, Philippines – Former lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios says Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao made a mistake in choosing to fight him, and guarantees the Filipino ring icon will realize this once they touch gloves on November 24 in Macau.

It was announced last week that Pacquiao will be making his ring return against Rios, a hard-hitting brawler who has only lost one fight in his professional career.

In an interview with Boxing Scene, Rios said the Pacquiao camp likely picked him because he was coming off his first professional loss.


“He picked me because I lost,” Rios said, referring to his unanimous decision setback against budding rival Mike Alvarado late in March.

“They probably think, ‘Brandon is easy to hit. Brandon gets hit all the time’,” he added. “But it’s a very different story when you get in the ring with me.”

Rios is determined not only to bounce back from his first career loss, but also to show that he has what it takes to keep up with a fighter of Pacquiao’s caliber.

“I’ve been waiting for this fight all my life,” he said. “They made a mistake picking me. This is my chance to show what I can do with a great fighter in front of me.”

But in order to beat Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion and a former pound-for-pound king, Rios acknowledged that he may have to change his tactics.

“I gotta come out in a smarter way. I’ve got to fight different that I usually do, because Pacquiao can hurt you,” he said. “He’s got a good knockout percentage.”

At the same time, Rios is positive that he can force the “Pacman” to fight his fight.

“When I’m inside the pocket, that’s my game. I can fight very well. I’ve proven it,” Rios said.

The November bout against Rios will be Pacquiao’s first since getting knocked out by Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round of their fourth bout last December 2012 in Las Vegas.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Marquez again rejects 5th Pacquiao fight

MANILA, Philippines – Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez has again rejected a fifth fight against Filipino rival Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, setting his sights instead against another opponent.

Marquez, who beat Pacquiao for the first time in four tries when they fought last December, will be watching undefeated American Timothy Bradley Jr. when he fights Russian Ruslan Provodnikov on March 16 in California.

“Bradley won a controversial decision over Pacquiao, but that does not take into account that he is a good fighter,” Marquez told Boxing Scene, referring to Bradley’s hotly contested split decision win over the Filipino in June 2012.

Marquez said that while “nothing has been finalized,” a fifth fight against the Pacman would be “the last option” for him.

“There is no fight to have a fifth fight with Pacquiao,” he stressed. “We already accomplished that objective.”

Marquez knocked out Pacquiao with just one second left in the sixth round when they fought last December, in a match that has been hailed by many as the best of 2012.

Top Rank Promotions has repeatedly pushed for a fifth fight against Pacquiao, with chief executive Bob Arum even saying Marquez will receive a career-high purse for that fight.

source: abs-cbnnews.com