Pacquiao beats Bradley in final fight

Pacquiao knocks down Bradley twice, wins via UD

 In what may be the last fight of his storied boxing career, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao put on an entertaining show, as he knocked down Timothy Bradley JR. twice en route to a unanimous decision victory at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila).

The three judges scored the bout 116-110 across the board for Pacquiao, who overcame a slow start and clinched victory with knockdowns in the seventh and ninth rounds.

The win gave the "Pacman" the WBO international welterweight championship.

The Filipino icon grew stronger as the fight went on, taking over in the second half of the match en route to the 58th – and last – victory of his legendary career.

"Physically, if you ask me, I'm still okay, I can still fight," Pacquiao said afterward. "But I made my decision to go back to the Philippines and help the people, and spend time with my family."

It was a close fight in the first six rounds, with Bradley fighting in a disciplined style and keeping Pacquiao off with his jab while repeatedly looking for an opening to land a huge right hand.

However, Pacquiao repeatedly evaded Bradley's wild swings, and in the seventh round, he landed the first definitive punch of the fight with a short right hand that forced the American boxer to touch both gloves to the mat.

Bradley survived the count, and Pacquiao tried to go for the win. The American boxer survived the round, however, and came back with an impressive effort in the eighth round. Bradley arguably won the ninth round, scoring with a huge flurry that pushed the "Pacman" into the ropes and had him side-stepping to avoid Bradley's punches.

Looking to build on his huge eighth round, Bradley came out aggressive in the ninth, but unfortunately for the American, it only worked to his disadvantage. With Bradley looking to come in with a right hand, Pacquiao landed a counter-left hand straight to the American's face, sending him tumbling down on the canvas.

"This was different from the last two fights, because I'm looking for a knockout in every round," Pacquiao said after the fight.

A desperate Bradley became even more aggressive in the final three rounds, but his swings mostly hit air or were blocked by Pacquiao. In the 12th, with the victory at hand, Pacquiao stood toe-to-toe with his foe and exchanged punches – and again, he got the better of Bradley who got tangled on the ropes seconds before the final bell rang.

"He's a tough opponent," Pacquiao said of Bradley. "He survived the 12 rounds. But I'm not careless. I'm not doing careless (things) in the ring. (I used) the counter punch, the uppercut and the straight, and that was my plan even in training."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Diaz shocks, submits McGregor at UFC 196

Nate Diaz made the most of his height and weight advantage to submit featherweight champion Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC 196 Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila).

Diaz took the fight on two weeks' notice after McGregor's original opponent, lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, had to withdraw from the fight card due to injury. The bout was held at 170-pounds, a full two weight classes above where McGregor usually fights (145 pounds/featherweight).

No belts were on the line but the combatants still traded barbs and trash talk in the abbreviated lead-up to the fight.

McGregor had the better start, keeping the fight on the feet and landing several left hands that opened up a cut on Diaz's eye. The tide turned in the second, however, when Diaz landed a left hand and an uppercut that clearly rocked the Irishman.

The end came for McGregor when Diaz denied his takedown attempt and took top control, landing shots before eventually securing a rear naked choke. McGregor tapped at the 4:12 mark of the second round.

"I'm not surprised," a bloody Diaz declared after his win.

"I'm an athlete, a warrior. We should always be ready to fight," he added.

Diaz entered the bout having won just two of his last five MMA bouts, but that did not stop him from snapping McGregor's 15-fight winning streak that began in 2010.

"I was inefficient with my energy," McGregor said after the bout. "I'm humble in victory or defeat."

"I respect Nate. He came in, he took the fight on short notice. He took the fight at 170, and he did the job. He was efficient, and I wasn't efficient," he added.

It was McGregor's first bout since winning the UFC featherweight title off Jose Aldo in December, and his first bout at the welterweight division.

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Rockhold dethrones Weidman to claim UFC middleweight belt

Luke Rockhold handed Chris Weidman the first loss of his UFC career and claimed the middleweight championship with a superb performance in the co-main event of UFC 194 Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Rockhold took advantage of a poor tactical decision made by Weidman late in the third round to take control of the fight completely, en route to a fourth-round technical knockout victory.

Weidman, who came into the fight with a 13-0 record that included two victories over Brazilian legend Anderson Silva, attempted an ill-advised wheel kick with around a minute to go in the third round. He missed badly, and Rockhold promptly took him to the mat.

From that point on, the bout was all Rockhold as the challenger pounded away at Weidman, whose face was thoroughly cut up and barely survived the third round.

The end came at the 3:12 mark of the fourth, when referee Herb Dean finally stopped the contest as Weidman was no longer throwing any punches, while Rockhold continued to do damage from top position.


"It's indescribable," Rockhold said after his win. "Are you kidding me? I can't even believe this is real."

Rockhold, a former Strikeforce middleweight champion, improved to 15-2 with his victory. Weidman dropped to 13-1.

The bout was close up until Weidman attempted his wheel kick, although Rockhold took control in the second round thanks to his tremendous kicks. Weidman, however, had seemingly recovered in the third, attacking Rockhold with kicks of his own before his poor attempt that changed the complexion of the fight.

"I remember throwing that," a disappointed Weidman said after the fight. "He caught me and brought me down. That wasn't the smartest move."

"He shouldn't be trying that kind of stuff on me," Rockhold said of the kick. "I knew that if I got top control and got on the ground, I'm operating on a different level than anybody right now. I'm comfortable in my own game."

The 31-year-old Weidman won the UFC middleweight belt in July 2013, beating Silva via knockout at UFC 162. He successfully defended the belt three times, the last at UFC 187 in May when he stopped Vitor Belfort.

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McGregor knocks out Aldo to become undisputed champ

Conor McGregor needed only 13 seconds to knock out Brazilian legend Jose Aldo in their highly anticipated UFC 194 main event and become the undisputed UFC featherweight champion of the world.

McGregor landed a brutal left hand that landed flush on Aldo's jaw, sending the Brazilian crashing face-first into the canvas.

Remarkably, Aldo landed a left punch of his own as he was falling down, but McGregor barely looked affected and was quick to respond when he saw his opponent on the mat, landing hammer fists on a supine Aldo.

The referee moved immediately to put a stop to the contest, and McGregor leapt to the top of the Octagon in celebration, soaking the love of the Irish fans that filled up at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

"Again, nobody can take that left hand shot," said McGregor, who became the interim champion after beating Chad Mendes in July at UFC 189. "I tell you, he's powerful and he's fast, but precision beats power, and timing beats speed, and that's what you saw out there."


It was Aldo's first loss in the UFC and only the second of his career; his last defeat was in November 2005. Prior to the setback, Aldo had been the only featherweight champion in UFC history, successfully defending the belt seven times.

He was knocked out cold by a punch that he did not see coming, however. It was the fastest title fight in the history of the UFC, and the first time in his career that Aldo had been knocked out.

"I feel for Jose, he was a phenomenal champion and he deserved to go a little bit longer," said McGregor, who has won 15 consecutive fights. "But I still feel, at the end of the day, that precision beats power and timing beats speed all the day of the week."

"It would have happened sooner or later," said the brash Irishman.

Aldo, bleeding from a cut on the bridge of his nose, said afterwards that he wants a rematch.

"He threw a cross at my chest, which was unexpected, then I threw a punch and he came back with another cross and that was that," Aldo said through a translator.

"I think that we need a rematch. That was really not a fight, so we need to get back in here," he said.

Aldo and McGregor were initially set to face off at UFC 189, but the Brazilian pulled out with just a few weeks to go due to an injury suffered in training camp. Mendes took his place and was knocked out by McGregor, setting up the title unification bout.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Conor McGregor: 'I see him crumbling towards the end of the first'

Fight week festivities have officially commenced in Las Vegas, ahead of this weekend’s UFC 194 event.

Repeatedly touted as the year’s biggest fight, the night will be headlined by champion José Aldo, who is dead set on keeping his title. The undisputed featherweight king will be facing the self-proclaimed "truth-talking" interim champion Conor McGregor.

The long-overdue grudge match is set to take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the sin city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

An odd sense of calmness was in the air during the pre-fight press conference on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning in Manila). No provoking antics were pulled, no word of trash talk was uttered. McGregor, however, did exude a quiet air of confidence this time around, a “state of zen” as he described it.

And like in previous media obligations, “The Notorious” displayed the same candor when asked about his personal prediction.

“I feel, within four minutes, the shots would have landed,” McGregor said. “It’s on him after that. I feel anything after that four-minute mark of the first round will be a formality. It will be on him, where he is mentally, where he is physically, and how much he truly wants this.”

“I see him crumbling towards the end of the first. Or not answering the bell for the second. But it will be wrapped up inside one,” he adds.

Aldo and McGregor were originally slated to face each other last July at UFC 189, but a rib injury on the Brazilian champion forced him out of the contest. Now that everything seems to be going smoothly within a mere three days before fight night, the brash Irishman is confident that a new featherweight reign will take over after December 12.

“This one will be a spectacle. This one will be a master class,” McGregor said. “This one will be the changing of the guard. Me bringing in a new era, in fighting, in approach, in everything.”

“I am a man with something to prove. And a man with something to prove is a dangerous individual. But at the same time, I am calm. I will go in calm, dangerous, and look to show the world the new age.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Defeated Berto struck by Mayweather's IQ in the ring

LAS VEGAS -- For Andre Berto, Floyd Mayweather's boxing IQ was the most impressive attribute on show at the MGM Grand on Saturday as the five-division world champion ended his professional career with a perfect 49-0 record.

Berto, a 30-1 underdog, could do very little against his fellow American as Mayweather once again delivered a consummate tactical display in the ring to retain his WBC and WBA welterweight titles on a unanimous decision.

"He's smart, really smart," twice former welterweight world champion Berto told reporters after being beaten for a fourth time in his last seven fights to slip to 30-4.

"He knows how to con his way in certain situations to keep his distance or to use that moment to get some rest time or to use clinches to breathe and come back with a few punches.

"I used a lot of speed but he was really crafty, he was using little things to kind of get me out of my rhythm. We pushed him to the limit but we fell short."

Berto, who described himself as a man 'on a mission' during the build-up to Saturday's fight, was asked to assess Mayweather's standing among the pantheon of boxing greats.

"He's sharp but it's hard for me to say because I haven't been in the ring with Muhammad (Ali) or (Rocky) Marciano," the American said of Mayweather, who is regarded as one of the best defensive fighters of all time.

"But right now, for him to be 38 years old and still have that speed and that timing, it's unheard of. I definitely commend him for that.

"The run he's had for 19 years, being world champion and continuing to move forward to greatness. As a fighter, not too many people can do that."

Many pundits have doubts over Mayweather's insistence that his career is now over, and point to the American's unexpected U-turn when he came back from a 21-month retirement to fight Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in September 2009.

For Berto, Mayweather has earned the right to do whatever he wants.

"It's up to him," he said. "I'm not Floyd. He has done tremendous things for the sport, he's accomplished so much, he has broken all those records and made a shit-load of money.

"If he wants to retire, he can do what he wants to do. This sport is brutal by itself.

"If he wants to retire, he should be able to. If he wants to come back, that's on him as well."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather beats Berto in ring farewell

LAS VEGAS -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. cemented his place among the pantheon of boxing greats with a unanimous decision over fellow American Andre Berto on Saturday in what he has repeatedly said would be the final fight of his career.

Mayweather, 38, easily outboxed his younger opponent over the 12 rounds to retain his WBC and WBA welterweight titles and improve his perfect career record to 49-0, matching the benchmark set by former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano.

Five-division world champion Mayweather dominated most of the exchanges in the MGM Grand Garden Arena with his lightning jabs and agile movement about the ring to finish ahead on all three judges' scorecards.

Berto, a 30-1 underdog against one of the best defensive fighters of all time, dropped to 30-4 as he suffered his fourth loss in his last seven fights.

"Andre Berto has heart, a tremendous chin, he wouldn't lay down," Mayweather said in a ringside interview. "It was a good fight.

"I knew he would be a tough competitor. Experience played a major role tonight. He is a very athletic boxer. What can I say? I was the better man tonight."

Asked if he might be tempted to come back for a 50th fight, Mayweather replied: "My career is over. It's official.

"You've got no one to hang it up, so I think it's about time for me to hang it up. I'm not going to be doing it now. I'm close to 40 years old, I've been in this sport 19 years, been world champion for 18 years, I've broken all records.

"There's nothing left to prove in the sport of boxing.

Back in the ring for the first time since May when he beat Manny Pacquiao in a "mega-fight" that became the richest bout in boxing, Mayweather landed 232 of 410 punches while Berto connected with just 83 of 495.

However, it was a welterweight showdown that failed to capture the public's imagination given Berto's relatively low profile globally and his mixed run of results over the past four years, and it was low on entertainment value on the night.

Barely five hours before the start, the MGM Grand box office said "a bunch of tickets" were still available for the arena in the price range between $300 and $1,500, and the official attendance ended up at 13,395 -- 3,000 short of full capacity.

"I was in shape but he was difficult to hit, experience played a big part," said Berto, a 32-year-old twice former welterweight world champion who overcame a career-threatening shoulder injury in 2013 to knock out Josesito Lopez in March.

"I was coming forward, I used a lot of speed but he was really crafty, used little things to get me out of my rhythm.

"Tonight I felt like we put on a great performance. We pushed him to the limit but we fell short. He's where he is for a reason. Floyd is definitely one of the best out there for sure."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Cormier submits Johnson to nab UFC title

It took him two attempts, but Daniel Cormier was finally able to claim the UFC light-heavyweight championship.

Cormier forced Anthony "Rumble" Johnson to submit to a rear naked choke in the third round of their main event showdown at UFC 187 to become the new light-heavyweight champion.

It was a quick turnaround for Cormier, who in January lost to Jon "Bones" Jones in his first attempt to gain the UFC gold. Jones was then supposed to defend his belt against Johnson, but was stripped of his title and suspended by the UFC for a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque, Texas.

Cormier stepped up to face Johnson for the now-vacant UFC title, and despite fighting on short notice, he was able to come away with the victory.

It was Johnson, however, who got off to a better start, even briefly dropping Cormier in the opening round with a huge right hand.

"DC" regained control in second ground, and began to use his world-class wrestling skills to dominate "Rumble." He tried to lock in a submission – including at one point, a kimura – but Johnson was able to escape.

In the third round, Cormier was finally able to lock in a rear naked choke, forcing Johnson to tap at the 2:39 mark.

Johnson, who lost for the first time since January 2012, was all class following his defeat, and even put the belt on Cormier himself.

Following his victory, Cormier turned his sights to the man who had beaten him a few months ago.

"Jon Jones, get your sh*t together, I'm waiting for you," he shouted before turning to celebrate with his team.

Cormier improved his record to 16-1; Johnson, for his part, dropped to 19-5.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Back in spotlight, boxers fighting to stay there

LAS VEGAS - Boxing was back in the headlines on Sunday, basking in the buzz generated by Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s win over Manny Pacquiao in a title fight watched ringside by A-listers and high rollers and millions more around the world on pay-per-view.

A smiling Mayweather exited the MGM Grand Garden Arena late Saturday night flashing a $100 million cheque, the first installment of perhaps a $200 million payday from what could be the top grossing prize fight of all-time.

The welterweight showdown between two boxers regarded as the best of their generation, hyped mercilessly as the 'Fight of the Century', failed to live up to those crushing expectations, but it did deliver an entertaining spectacle that had the capacity crowd of entertainment, sporting and business royalty on its feet roaring.

For a night, boxing, a sport many believe was down for the count, was back at the top.

"Many have said that boxing is dead," Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports which shared the pay-per-view rights with rival Showtime, told Reuters. "There's an inflection point where everyone is saying the sport is in decline, and another light shines.

"I think these things are cyclical. There are moments where it looks like there's a moment of pause, and then someone else picks up steam and acquires the fascination of the fans through their charisma in the ring and out of the ring and the sport replenishes itself.

"It's one of the great mysteries of the sport -- how the stars come to be."

Like every sport, boxing is built on stars and personalities and soon the fight game will be without its biggest and most marketable attraction,

The undefeated Mayweather (48-0) declared on Saturday that he will step into the rink just once more in September and then retire, having matched Rocky Marciano's record of 49-0.

Who will fill that void and take over as the sport's next headliner is unclear.

Heavyweights have traditionally commanded the boxing spotlight but there are no Muhammad Alis, Joe Fraziers or Mike Tysons waiting in the wings.

"Only heavyweight fights can be 'Fights of the Century'", former undisputed heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis told Reuters. "This (Mayweather/Pacquiao) is a super fight , a mega super fight, because of the Internet and social media. I'm glad there is a mega fight in boxing.

"When you look at this type of money, boxing is still alive."

Mayweather's departure, if it comes, would be at a time when boxing is starting to lift itself off the canvas.

Battered by years of declining interest and in a battle with Mixed Martial Arts and the UFC for pay-per-view business, boxing has begun to hit back.

The week prior to the Mayweather/Pacquiao megafight, big time boxing returned to New York's Madison Square Garden where Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko defeated Bryant Jennings to match the legendary Joe Louis' mark of 27 world heavyweight championship fights.

More and more fight cards are popping up across the United States, offering another hint of a renaissance, but it is boxing's return to prime time television that will be the key to the sport's long term future in the United States.

Earlier this year major networks NBC Sports and CBS signed multi-year deals with the sport.

"In order to take this sport back to any level, you have to have it on more than eight times a year on HBO and six times a year on Showtime," boxing manager and promoter Shelly Finkel told Reuters. "You got to build a fighter.

"Returning the game to network television is fabulous.

"Is Mayweather-Pacquiao getting people talking about boxing? Definitely, but they will stop talking if there's not a follow-through afterward." (Editing by Gene Cherry)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao fought with injured right shoulder

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. with an injured right shoulder that kept him from throwing as many punches as he wanted to.

Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports first reported that Pacquiao had injured his shoulder in training camp and was taking anti-inflammatory shots that were approved by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Pacquiao lost a wide unanimous decision to Mayweather in their "Fight of the Century" Saturday in Las Vegas, suffering the sixth loss of his career.

Pacquiao confirmed at the post-fight press conference that he had injured his shoulder and even briefly considered asking for a postponement of the bout.

"We thought about planning to postpone… because of the right hand," he said. "I can't use my right hand."

Iole reported that Pacquiao requested to take a shot after arriving at his locker room in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but was denied by the Nevada State Athletic Commission -- something that Pacquiao confirmed.

Pacquiao also said his shoulder was "getting better" but it was not 100% on fight night.

"Three weeks before the fight, I skipped my training for a couple of days because of that reason, and we went to an MRI and there's a tear in my right shoulder," he said.

Trainer Freddie Roach said Pacquiao suffered the injury when he banged shoulders with a sparring partner.

Pacquiao revealed he started feeling the pain on his right shoulder by the third round.

"I already felt the pain in my shoulder, that's why when I throw punches and combinations, I backed off because it hurts," he said.

Pacquiao nevertheless kept moving forward throughout the 12-round match but was ultimately unsuccessful in getting past Mayweather's jab and laser-like right hand.

He wound up throwing only 429 punches and landed only 81. Mayweather landed 148 of 435 punches.

Yet Pacquiao said he still felt he believed he won the fight.

"I thought I won the fight, and I have to review the DVD," he said. "I hurt him many times. I hurt him many times. You can see that if you watch the replay, but he didn't hurt me."

Mayweather, when informed that Pacquiao fought with an injured shoulder, merely shrugged.

"I had injuries also going into this fight," he said. "Both of my arms is injured, both of my hands is injured. But like I said before, I will always find a way to win."

Mayweather hiked his record to 48-0.

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Mayweather outpoints Pacquiao for 48th win

American superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. backed up his claim of being "The Best Ever" as he out-pointed Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao to win the much-hyped "Fight of the Century" in front of a packed crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Facing a hostile, mostly pro-Pacquiao crowd at the MGM Grand, Mayweather lived up to his status as the odds-on favorite entering the fight, and flashed the form that made him the top pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

The judges scored the bout 118-110, 116-112, and 116-112, giving Mayweather his 48th straight victory.

The American became the unified welterweight champion of the world as he retained the WBC and the WBA welterweight championships, while also annexing Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title.

Pacquiao made a good account of himself and gave a strong effort, but it was not enough as he suffered the sixth loss of his career against 57 wins and two draws.

Mayweather was gracious in victory, as he said after the fight: "He's a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to Manny Pacquiao. I see now why he's one of the guys that's at the pinnacle of boxing."

The "Fight of the Century," that was over five years in the making, eventually played out like a typical Floyd Mayweather bout, as the American neutralized Pacquiao with his shoulder-roll defense and footwork, keeping the "Pacman" at bay for most of the bout.

Pacquiao, who was in high spirits all throughout the lead-up to the event, was not convinced of Mayweather's victory.

"It's a good fight. I thought I won the fight," he said, sounding somewhat frustrated, after the scores were announced. "He didn't do anything. He was always moving outside."

Round-by-round

The first round was a feeling out process for both boxers, but it was Mayweather who landed the stronger blows with straight right hands down the middle that Pacquiao was unable to avoid. The "Pacman" did try to unload a flurry at the end of the round, only to be tied up by Maywether.

Action picked up in the second and third round, with the final 10 seconds of the third being particularly eventful. Pacquiao landed a combination to the head of Mayweather, only for the American to come back with a flurry of his own just as the bell rang.

Pacquiao shone in the fourth round, backing up Mayweather with a stiff left straight that sent Mayweather careening back against the ropes. Pacquiao then unloaded with a flurry of punches, but Mayweather was able to avoid much damage by covering up.

Mayweather regained control in the fifth round, and clearly hurt Pacquiao with a left straight that landed flush on the Filipino's chest, and was then able to circle away from Pacquiao's range. In the sixth round, Mayweather was again backed up against the ropes, and Pacquiao landed a flurry of punches, only to see the American shake his head as though saying that he was not getting hurt.

In the corner after the sixth round, Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was heard exhorting his son, saying: "I don't know what's wrong with you, man."

By the seventh round, Mayweather started bleeding from the mouth, and Pacquiao was able to land a left jab that hit the American flush on the face. Mayweather was able to regain control in the eighth round, using his jab to measure Pacquiao and landing two good left hands that the Filipino shook off.

Mayweather controlled the next rounds, using his jab to keep Pacquiao at bay while pot-shotting with counter rights and lefts every time the "Pacman" tried to move forward. Pacquiao tried his best to corner Mayweather, but this time around, the American was able to roll away from his punches.

The two boxers hugged at the start of the 12th round, and again Mayweather kept Pacquiao at bay though the Filipino landed a few clean shots.

Fight of the Century

It was a fight that took over half a decade to put together, and many in boxing circles have given up hope that it will ever take place after several rounds of negotiations over the years fell apart and bad blood built up on both sides.

The Pacquiao and Mayweather camps finally came to terms earlier this year - with Pacquiao acceding to most of Mayweather's demands - for a fight that likely broke most if not all of the sport's box office records.

Boxing pundits, including trainers and boxers, tabbed Mayweather as the favorite, believing that his sublime defensive skills will be enough to neutralize Pacquiao's offensive prowess – and the American proved them right.

Pacquiao had his moments, particularly in the fourth round, but for the most part it was Mayweather who controlled the pace of the fight and forced the Filipino to chase him around the ring in a futile effort to land power punches.

Pacquiao, who was expected to be the more active puncher, landed only 81 punches out of 429, while Mayweather landed 148 punches of 435.

"I knew he was gonna win some rounds. He had moments in the fight," Mayweather said. "I'm a smart boxer… I out-boxed him."

Mayweather used his jab to great effect, keeping Pacquiao at arm's length especially in the second half of the fight. Even when Pacquiao had Mayweather on the ropes, the American was able to roll away from Pacquiao's punches.

In the sixth round, when Pacquiao landed a brutal flurry of punches, Mayweather simply kept his hands up and then shook his head when Pacquiao backed away.

"He's a tough competitor," Mayweather said of Pacquiao. "He's a true champion at heart."

"He's moving around, he's moving around, and it's not easy to throw punches if he's moving around," Pacquiao said. "But if he stays, I can throw punches."

"I'm cutting him and counter(ing), but that's (the) fight," he added.

The "Pacman" also shrugged off Mayweather's size advantage, saying: "He's not bigger than me. It's not about the size. I've been fighting (men) bigger than him, and no problem."

Richest fight

The fight is expected to be the richest in the history of the sport, with initial estimates projecting that Mayweather can earn at least $120 million and Pacquiao $80 million – both figures are expected to rise as more details about the pay-per-view sales and gate receipts come in.

Fans shelled out $99.95 for the high-definition feed of the pay-per-view, while the high-priced tickets were sold out within minutes of release to the public.

The event was attended by Hollywood stars and sports icons, but for the night, they took a backseat to Mayweather and Pacquiao – two of the highest paid athletes on the planet.

Mayweather was booed vociferously throughout the night, but was all smiles in the end as his team raised his assortment of belts around him.

"When the history books is written," he said, "it (the fight) was worth the wait."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Roach says Floyd will go down in 9

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing coach Freddie Roach is aware that his fighter will be coming in as the underdog in their upcoming mega fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. this weekend.

But Roach isn't worried about Manny Pacquiao being the underdog, noting that his fighter has been in similar situations before.

"We are definitely underdogs and we love being the underdogs going into the fight. We're making a little extra money at the window and I love that when I'm an underdog," the 7-time Boxing Coach of the Year said in an interview with CBS Detroit.

Roach is sensing a stoppage victory by Pacquiao in the latter rounds and he explained why.

"I do think we'll knock him out in about the 9th round. We'll break him down in the body," said the boxing trainer.

One big reason for this confidence is that Roach believes Pacquiao has regained his old punching power.

"Manny hit the mitts the other day, he hit me with a couple of hard shots. I said, 'Are you really gonna hit your opponent that hard?' He said, 'Yes.' That's the best thing I've ever heard," Roach said.

Roach has been repeatedly criticized by Mayweather Sr. for supposedly being a "Joke Coach." The father of the unbeaten American even came up with a poem making fun of Roach.

"Freddie Roach is a joke, blowing smoke with no hope," Mayweather Sr. said.

But Roach said the joke is on Team Mayweather.

"His poems are a bit stupid, I don't do poems," he said. "The thing is, he's never beat me [in coaching] and he will never will. Ask him that question. Not once."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What's on Pacquiao's pre-fight playlist

MANILA - If you're wondering which songs Manny Pacquiao will be listening to pump himself up for his historic bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., then you're in luck.

The Filipino boxing icon revealed his special playlist on Spotify on Friday, and it includes a mix of the usual suspects such as "Eye of the Tiger" and a couple of surprising ballads and R&B hits.



It features songs from Ashanti, Ed Sheeran, and Maroon 5. The playlist also includes the tribute track to late actor Paul Walker, "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

Pacquiao, an aspiring musician himself, will face off against the unbeaten American at the MGM Grand Garden Arena this weekend.

Here's what he's listening to before the May 2 fight:

1. Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)
2. I Got It (Ashanti and Rick Ross)
3. Thank You (Sly & The Family Stone)
4. Stole The Show (Kygo Parson James)
5. See You Again (Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth)

6. La Tortura (Shakira Alejandro Sanz)
7. Sugar (Maroon 5)
8. Cheerleader Felix Jaehn Remix (Omi)
9. Gold On The Ceiling (The Black Keys)
10. Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran)

11. I Loved You (Blonde Melissa Steel)
12. Lover’s Carvings (Bibio)
13. Hours (Tycho)
14. Rumble (Link Wray & His Ray Men)
15. Lights Out, Words Gone (Bombay Bicycle Club)

16. You Make Me Feel Good (Satin Jackets)
17. Rock Wit U (Awww Baby) (Ashanti)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Vegas megabout spiced up by contrast in styles

LAS VEGAS - The hotly anticipated welterweight bout between undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. and 2-1 underdog Manny Pacquiao on Saturday offers an intriguing contrast in styles which most pundits expect to last the full 12 rounds.

American Mayweather is widely regarded as one of the best defensive practitioners of all time while his ability to out-think opponents and adjust strategy midway through fights is unparalleled among contemporary fighters.

However, the 38-year-old is also viewed by some as too cautious, and the level of entertainment he provides in the ring for the fans has very rarely reached lofty heights.

In Pacquiao, Mayweather will face the greatest challenge of his career, a Filipino southpaw who relies on lightning-fast hand and foot speed allied to an all-out, aggressive approach featuring unexpected angles of jabs and punches.

Yet Pacquiao's offensive style has occasionally gotten him into trouble and the wily Mayweather will be looking to lure the Filipino into traps whenever he can in what is expected to be biggest-grossing prize fight of all time.

"This is going to be an exciting fight," said Mayweather, who has a perfect 47-0 record with 26 knockouts and is acknowledged as the world's best pound-for-pound boxer.

"Our styles are totally different. He is very, very reckless. Every move I make is calculated. I'm always 5-10 steps ahead of my opponent.

"Pacquiao would be a better fighter if he wasn't so reckless. It's a gift and a curse. He's won a lot of fights by being reckless but being reckless can get you knocked out."

ROACH DISAGREEMENT

Pacquiao's experienced trainer, Freddie Roach, disagrees.

"Manny is not reckless at all," said Roach, 55, who has been voted trainer of the year by the Boxing Writers Association of America on seven occasions. "Everything we do is planned out and it's part of the game plan."

Roach has guided Pacquiao to a 57-5-2 record with 38 knockouts and he wants his fighter to cut off the ring whenever possible while staying in front of Mayweather as they duck and weave at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"I think we can outpoint him and win a 12-round decision," said Roach. "If the chance for a knock-out comes, it will be a bonus."

Both Mayweather and Pacquiao, 36, are in the twilight of their careers but veteran boxer Bernard Hopkins is confident they will deliver a bout worthy of its billing as the 'Fight of the Century'.

"You're going to get your money's worth, back and forth over the first half of the fight while Mayweather tries to figure him out," Hopkins, 50, who defended the middleweight crown a record 20 times from 1995 to 2005, told Reuters.

"I believe Mayweather's got the experience to do that. If he can figure it out, he wins by a decision. But it won't be easy."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Boxing and Las Vegas score KO with big fight

LAS VEGAS - The Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight has certainly grabbed the attention of sports and non-sports fans alike, turning Saturday's (May 02) welterweight championship contest into a "must see or be seen at event."

And while the fight has yet to fought and a decision has not yet been rendered, it's safe to say that the city of Las Vegas and the sport of boxing has already scored a massive knockout.

"To be realistic, Mayweather and Pacquiao are 38 and 36," says Top Rank's Bob Arum, one of the promoters on the fight. "The lifespan in the sport is going to be short, we have to recognize that. But, in the wings there are tremendously talented young people, young fighters who are going to be marquee and who people are going to fall in love with."

While boxing in general will benefit from this fight's mega drawing power for future bouts, the immediate financial gain is palpable.

"As people pour into this town, many of whom are without a prayer of having a ticket, just to be here," added Arum, a longtime veteran in the boxing promotion game. "That helps everybody in this town, it helps the cab drivers, the bartenders, the hospitality workers. It helps the economy, a real boon to the economy. Forget for a minute how much the hotel casinos are going to make, the rooms and the gambling. It is the ordinary people who will benefit greatly from this event."

The interest generated in the fight, which takes place MGM's Grand Garden arena has already translated in near record numbers for a boxing match.

"We are already at the point of the third biggest fight ever booked here at the MGM Grand," explained Jay Rood, Vice-President of MGM's sports betting book. "I would imagine that we would be surpassing the biggest fight that we have ever booked, that would be Mayweather-Canelo. I think what we are going to do to this fight is 2.5 times larger than what we have ever done with a boxing match in the state of Nevada."

The point is that for a sport that has floundered badly over the past several years, an event like Mayweather-Pacquiao shows that boxing still sells and brings an electricity to Las Vegas that is nearly unmatched, save for the Super Bowl.

The undefeated Mayweather (47-0), who is guaranteed 120 million - that could reach 180 million - from a megafight that is expected to be the richest of all time, oozed confidence as he predicted his record would remain perfect.

Pacquiao is a 2-1 underdog for a fight expected to earn him now up to 120 million.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Tyson doesn't see Pacquiao, Floyd retiring after fight

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- It's been over two months since the last time they faced off and with fight night just three days away, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather shared the stage once again.

There was no trash talk, only promises for a good fight as the newly made emerald belt was unveiled.

“It's going to be a good fight. There's a lot of questions in our minds and only God can answer is on Saturday,” said Pacquiao.

“This truly has been an amazing event. Amazing turn out. Training camp has been remarkable. It's time to fight now, that's what both competitors bring to the table… excitement, the biggest fight in boxing history.”

In his introduction remarks, Top Rank’s Bob Arum sounded like a political campaigner, citing the fighting congressman's support for Mary Jane Veloso who had faced the death penalty in Indonesia.

“He appealed to the president of Indonesia to spare this woman's life… The woman's life was spared that's the type of influence this man has all over the world,” said Arum.

During his address, the Pacman even went as far as inviting Mayweather to a talk about religion.

“I'm hoping after the fight we can have a conversation with Floyd and share my faith with God. Nothing bad about that sharing my faith and believe we can inspire more people especially those children,” he said.

Among hundreds of international media at the MGM was one fighter who's used to the big stage -- former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who gave a few thoughts on the fight and the possibility of one of the fighters retiring.

“I think it's awesome. It's great,” Tyson said of the upcoming fight. “I'll be on the Strip.”

“They don't need to retire. If they want to fight they'll fight, unless it's something dramatic or it's a resounding win. They can do what they can.”

He even joked about the expensive tickets, costing in the tens of thousands of dollars price range.

“They're not out there robbing the public, but listen that's inflation for you,” said the former boxer.

After the grand press conference, the Pacman went back to the gym where Coach Freddie was all praises for his fight.

“My guy is ready so I'm really happy about that. I'm just trying to get out of him what he wants to do tomorrow maybe go for a walk in the morning, maybe a light jog or maybe a workout here,” said Roach.

The “Fight of the Century” has brought little trash talk out of the two prizefighters, who seem to prefer to save their talking in the ring with gloves on fight night.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao arrives in Las Vegas

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada, kicking off a busy week that culminates in his highly anticipated showdown against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao wrapped up his training camp at the Wild Card Gym earlier, going on a 25-minute run at Griffith Park and doing some abs exercises before packing up and leaving for Sin City.

He was accompanied by his family in a luxurious motorhome, while other members of his team rode in a separate bus that bore a huge photograph of the boxer.

Pacquiao is expected to make an appearance in a fan rally Tuesday at the Mandalay Bay's South Convention Center, ESPN reported. -- Report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Manny keeps weight in check at 148-149

LOS ANGELES - After a full meal, Manny Pacquiao can tip the scales at around 148 to 149 pounds, according to his bosom buddy, Buboy Fernandez.

Safe and sound.

“He’s at 148 to 149. Just right on it,” said Fernandez in his hotel room at Park Plaza here in the northern side of Hollywood.

Fernandez had just unloaded his stuff from the gym after an aborted training session Friday afternoon.

Pacquiao, the pot-bellied Filipino boxing trainer said, poured it all during his morning run at Griffith Park he called it a day from there.

The eight-division champion, with the permission of his chief trainer, Freddie Roach, skipped the afternoon session at Wild Card Gym, just a couple of blocks away.

“We felt it was wise to just let him rest after that morning run. Besides, he sparred 11 rounds yesterday and will do 12 rounds tomorrow,” said Fernandez.

There’s no reason to worry.

In fact, Fernandez said everybody’s happy where Pacquiao is right now, inside two weeks to the Floyd Mayweather fight in Las Vegas.

“What he showed us earlier could be his peak condition. He ran up the mountains like he never did before,” he said.

Pacquiao covered the steep and elevated eight-kilometer terrain in just over 54 minutes.

“That was the toughest climb here. Mahirap yun. Grabe yung ginawa niya. So, we decided to give him a rest in the afternoon,” Fernandez told scribes.

“He showed that he’s at the peak of his training now,” he added.

Pacquiao will face Mayweather for all the worthy titles in the welterweight division on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Training had gone the way they want it, despite the fact that Pacquiao missed three consecutive sparring sessions last week.

“Baka ma-over (train),” said Fernandez.

Even by skipping those sessions and eating as heavy as he wants, Pacquiao had kept his weight in check.

Paccquiao eats as much when over a hundred people around him are starving themselves in a weight-loss challenge offering $10,000 to the champion.

“Bultu-bulto kung kumain (He eats a lot),” said Fernandez.

“But we’re on it. Right now he’s at 148-149,” he said.

Read more on The Philippine Star.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: MGM Grand getting ready Pac-Floyd showdown

MANILA – The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas is getting ready for the hotly anticipated May 2 super-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, which some have tabbed as the "Fight of the Century."

Mayweather Promotions on Monday posted on its social media accounts a picture of the façade of the MGM Grand, which now features a giant poster promoting the bout.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena will be the venue for the May 2 bout, which is expected to break the arena's record for live gate receipts.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather-Pacquiao revenue over $400M: report

LAS VEGAS -- Record-shattering revenue totals for Manny Pacquiao's upcoming boxing showdown with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather could surpass $400 million, promoter Bob Arum told ESPN in a report Monday on the sports network's website.

The welterweight title unification fight May 2 in Las Vegas will generate $74 million from just over 15,000 tickets at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Pacquiao promoter Arum told ESPN, flattening the old mark of just over $20 million for Mayweather's 2013 fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in the same venue.

Promoters first aimed for $40 million, then boosted the ticket prices from $1,000 to $1,500 at the low end and $5,000 to $7,500 for the best seats due to huge demand for the ducats, Arum said.

But organizers have now shuffled the number of seats in various price ranges and boosted top seats to $10,000 to raise the live gate total from $50 million to $74 million.

"It's crazy, but it is what it is," Arum told ESPN. "It's amazing."

And few if any seats will be available for public sale, with promoters, telecasters HBO and Showtime, the fighters and the host venue each taking a share of the tickets.

"We'll probably have a handful of tickets that will go on sale to the public next week," Arum said. "It's mania."

There will be only about 1,100 seats at $10,000, none of them for public sale, according to the report.

Boxing's record for pay-per-view purchases is the 2.4 million buys from Mayweather's 2007 split-decision victory over Oscar de la Hoya, but with Mayweather-Pacquiao having taken more than five years to come together with the planet's top pound-for-pound fighters, expectations of 3 million pay-per-view buys at about $100 each could bring $300 million in sales for US, Puerto Rican and Canadian markets alone.

"We wouldn't have gotten a fraction of these numbers if we made the fight five years ago," Arum said. "It turned out that we're doing the fight at the right time, I guess, not that we're geniuses for waiting this long."

Global rights are expected to ring up another $35 million, with a record $10 million already spent for rights in the Philippines, where Pacquiao is a Congressman as well as an iconic figure.

"Between the gate, the foreign television sales and the closed circuit, which we can't even calculate yet, you're looking at over $120 million. And that's before one pay-per-view has been sold in the US," Arum told ESPN.

Arum said Tecate beer, a long-time Pacquiao sponsor, won title sponsor rights with a $5.6 million bid, $400,000 more than rival Corona, a long-time backer of Mayweather.

"We've never see anything like that on a beer sponsor," Arum said. "Both companies were after it. It's a huge number."

Mayweather's camp receives 60 percent of the revenue with Pacquiao's side taking home 40 percent.

Arum said the contract gives Pacquiao the choice of who sings his homeland's national anthem before the bout while Mayweather decides who will sing "The Star Spangled Banner."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com