Boxing: Vincent Astrolabio bows to Moloney in WBO title bout

LOS ANGELES -- Australia's Jason Moloney won his first world title on Saturday, taking a majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio of the Philippines for the vacant World Boxing Organization bantamweight crown.

The 32-year-old from Melbourne won on judges' scores of 115-113 and 116-112 with the third judge scoring a 114-114 draw in the showdown at Stockton, California.

Moloney improved to 26-2, suffering his only losses in his two prior world title bouts, falling to Puerto Rico's Emmanuel Rodriguez in 2018 and Japan's Naoya Inoue in 2020.

Astrolabio, 26, fell to 18-4.

Also on the card later is WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly of Kazakhstan defending his crown for the first time against Canada's Steven Butler.

Unbeaten southpaw Alimkhanuly, 13-0 with eight knockouts, turned 30 last month. He was a 2013 world amateur middleweight champion and 2014 Asian Games middleweight champion.

Butler is 32-3 with one drawn and 26 knockouts.

Agence France-Presse

Boxing: Fear of losing drives Joshua to remain world's 'best heavyweight'

World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may have proclaimed himself "the best in the division" ahead of putting his titles on the line against Russia's Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, but he also stressed a defeat would not signal the end of his career. 

The 28-year-old British boxer has won all 21 of his fights since entering the paid ranks, with 20 by way of knockout, although his last title defense, against New Zealand's Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March saw him go the distance for the first time as a professional before he secured a unanimous points decision.

But Joshua, citing the example of many great boxers, insisted a reverse in front of his home crowd on Saturday would not see him bow out of boxing.

"That fear of losing is always there," Joshua, the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization champion, told reporters at Wembley. 

"Sugar Ray Robinson, the best fighter of all time, can lose. Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto, Duran, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, (all lost)."

"So who am I to go undefeated?...I have lost before as an amateur and that didn't deter me from getting where I am today," added the London 2012 Olympic champion.

When it was put to Joshua that losing would not end his career, he replied: "One hundred percent and I know that it could happen because I know how tough this sport is."

"That's what I say in boxing, there's no league one, league two...You are either the best or you're not."

Joshua has a significant height and reach advantage of several inches over Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic champion.

Friday's weigh-in also confirmed a significant size difference, with Joshua tipping the scales at 17 stone 8 pounds (111.5 kilos) compared to the 39-year-old Povetkin's 15st 12lbs (100.7 kilos).

This fight sees Joshua returning to the scene of arguably his greatest triumph, an 11th-round stoppage of former champion Wladimir Klitschko last year.

Klitschko is the only man to have inflicted a blemish on Povetkin's 35-fight record, with a points win back in 2013.

Povetkin, however, served notice of his formidable punching power with a sickening knockout of Britain's David Price on the Joshua-Parker undercard at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.

Nevertheless, Joshua had no doubt his best would be good enough to defeat Povetkin.

"Yeah 100 percent," he said. 

"I am the best in the division. There is no doubt about it. It's been proven. There hasn't been a time in boxing since I've been an amateur that I haven’t been on top," added Joshua, whose management have yet to secure a heavyweight unification fight with World Boxing Council champion Deontay Wilder.

'Well is deep' 

Joshua though insisted he was fully focused on the challenge posed by Povetkin.

"I’m up against one of the best fighters in the world, he's a top three fighter in the world, so I have got to be on my A game," he explained.

But Joshua believes the fact he won a grueling contest against Klitschko would stand him in good stead on Saturday.

"Povetkin says he is not the same fighter he was when he lost to Klitschko, he's stronger," said Joshua. 

"I can reflect and say I'm the same. When I fought Klitschko, I thought we would have a good boxing match. You know, two tall guys jab, one-two, one-two hook and I’m probably going to knock him out like I did the rest of the fighters. It turned out to be a completely different kind of night," he said. 

"Klitschko at the end of his career, he was 39, wanted his hands on the championship belts and he said he was obsessed."

"He was probably in good condition, because most fighters are if they train, but he was obsessed. Povetkin, same thing. Back at Wembley at the end of his career, same age, wants his hands on the belts so I have got to be prepared to go through hell and back," he said. 

"Without that Klitschko fight, I wouldn't be as prepared as I am now," Joshua explained.

"I think my well is deep, my heart can definitely go through hell and back."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Signature win for Lomachenko after Walters quits

LAS VEGAS -- Ukraine's Vasyl Lomachenko retained his super featherweight title with a seven-round demolition Saturday of Nicholas Walters, whose corner threw in the towel in between rounds telling the referee "No mas."

The two-time Olympic gold medal winner Lomachenko registered the biggest victory of his career in dynamic fashion as it was the second defense of his World Boxing Organization title and just his eighth professional fight.

He dominated the previously unbeaten Walters from the opening bell and was scoring at will by landing hard punches in the final round of the beatdown at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

Walters' face showed signs of the punishment he was taking in the ring, but it appeared that he could have continued if he chose to.

Lomachenko compiled an amateur record of 396-1 with Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. He is now 7-1 as a professional.

Lomachenko captured his first world title in June 2014, dominating former US Olympian Gary Russell to win his in his third pro bout. He matched Saensak Muangsurin's record for fewest fights needed to win a world championship.

The only blemish on his pro record was a loss to Mexico's Orlando Salido in Lomachenko's second professional fight -- when the vacant WBO featherweight title on the line.

It was an embarrassing first defeat for Walters as his decision to quit in the middle of the fight dropped his record to 26-1-1 with 21 knockouts.

Lomachenko said after the bout that he next wants to fight WBC super featherweight champion Francisco Vargas.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Mayweather, Pacquiao weigh in as frenzy builds

LAS VEGAS, United States - Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather comfortably made the weight for their world title showdown on Friday at a raucous weigh-in which underscored the frenzy of interest surrounding boxing's latest "Fight of the Century".

The key pre-fight ritual drew a stunning crowd of 11,500 to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the rivals will clash Saturday in a fight that has catapulted boxing into the public consciousness in a way that hasn't been seen for decades.

Tickets were sold at $10 apiece and some in attendance paid much more on the secondary market just for a chance to glimpse two of the most talented fighters of their generation step on the scale.

World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council champion Mayweather weighed in at 146 pounds (66.22 kg) -- one pound under the welterweight limit.

World Boxing Organization champion Pacquiao weighed in at 145 pounds.

"It is an unbelievable turnout," Mayweather said. "I am glad all the fans came out to support myself and support Manny."

While a relaxed-looking Pacquiao beamed at his followers, Mayweather kept his game-face on.

"My thing is to focus on what we've got to do tomorrow," Mayweather told the crowd. "I've dedicated myself to the sport of boxing for more than 20 years, and I'm ready."

The Filipino icon's fans made their presence felt, with loud chants and even a few boos for Mayweather.

Pacquiao's homeland is expected to grind to a halt when the fight airs on Sunday morning (local time) as the impoverished nation of 100 million cheers its "National Fist" in open-air screenings, cinemas, bars and homes.

For many Filipinos, the 36-year-old Pacquiao embodies their hopes of escaping the grinding poverty that affects one in four in the country.

His humble demeanor provides a compelling contrast to the image projected by Mayweather, a brash self-promoter who glories in his status as a money-making machine and trails the clouds of a troubling past that includes jail time for one of a string of domestic violence incidents.

While Nevada's legal sports books are taking some big wagers on Mayweather, the money coming in from Pacquiao believers has narrowed the odds to about 2-1 in Mayweather's favor.

"Public opinion is definitely Manny Pacquiao," Jay Rood, vice president of race and sports books at MGM Resorts International, said.

Boxing opinion is still Mayweather, most likely by 12-round decision.

Mayweather brings a perfect 47-0 record to the bout along with a reputation for defensive skills that will thwart even aggressive southpaw Pacquiao.

"The fight is already won," Floyd Mayweather Sr, Mayweather's father and trainer, said this week.

Pacquiao only smiles when asked about his underdog status -- a first for him since he defeated Oscar De La Hoya back in 2008.

"No one thought I could beat Oscar, and I was the underdog then," he said. "Maybe it's good for me."

Mayweather himself, a five-division title-holder, has blown hot and cold on the importance of the bout ever since it was announced on February 20.

"I never wanted to win a fight so bad in my life," he has said, at other times insisting that facing Pacquiao is "just another fight."

- Boxing history -

However the bout unfolds, it will be more than that, thanks to the labyrinthine negotiations that finally brought about a clash that will smash boxing's previous revenue records.

Old animosities between the fighters' camps and contractual hurdles involving rival telecasters Showtime and HBO have all been overcome, and the payoff will be huge.

Total revenue could reach $400 million, fueled by as many as three million pay-per-view purchases and live gate receipts of more than $70 million -- all adding up to a possible $200 million payday for Mayweather and a $100 million bonanza for Pacquiao.

Tens of thousands will pay about $150 to watch the fight on closed circuit television at MGM properties around Las Vegas.

The 16,800 crowd at the Grand Garden Arena -- where top tickets went for a face value of $10,000 -- will be stuffed with stars of sport and screen and the high-rollers that make casinos hum.

With 150,000 to 200,000 people expected to descend on the desert gambling haven, Las Vegas authorities warned they could take the rare step of shutting down the city's famous Strip to keep the peace on fight night.

Las Vegas officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of the chaotic February 2007 all-star game weekend which saw several people shot and around 400 people arrested.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What Algieri has to say about loss to Pacquiao

American boxer Chris Algieri called his brutal loss to Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao a learning experience but assured fans that his confidence in his abilities and skills remain unshaken despite suffering his first defeat.

In what was the biggest fight of his career so far, Algieri came up woefully short, as he was thoroughly dominated by Pacquiao in their 12-round encounter. The American tasted the canvas six times and simply did not have the strength or speed to keep up with the "Pacman."

"This is not exactly how I expected to be up here," Algieri said in the post-fight press conference, after he lost via unanimous decision. "I expected to be 21-0 at this point."

"I'm very disappointed, but this is boxing," he added. "Manny Pacquiao is a great champion. I said prior (to the fight) that it is an honor to share a ring with him, and I still feel that way."

"The man is exactly what he's billed as – he's a great champion, he's an all-time great, he's one of the best fighters in his era."

The 30-year-old Algieri, who lost for the first time in his career, said he would take the fight's events as a "learning experience."

"I'm gonna take this as a learning experience to pursue my own career and to get better, and to have something to look forward to and reach out for," said Algieri.

Algieri believed that he was doing well in the early goings of the fight, despite having gone down twice in the second round.

"I was trying to establish the game plan. It was going well early. I wanted to slow it down in the beginning, and then look to pick it up as the fight went on," said the American.

"I felt comfortable on the way to that, but Manny's adjustments were flawless, and he's a great fighter. It's just one of those things," Algieri also said.

"It's a learning experience, and it's not gonna shake my confidence in my ability. I'm still proud of my skills, I'm just dominated with the way the fight went."

As for his future, Algieri said he will go back to the drawing board but insists that he can fight at either light-welterweight or welterweight.

"I could have made 140 (pounds) for this fight. It's not an issue of where I have to go, but that's an option – I could go in either weight class," he said.

"I can contest at either weight class, and I'll go to my team and figure out the best route for 2015," he added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao ready to fight Mayweather in 2015

Filipino ring icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao sent a strong message to unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr. with a superb performance against challenger Chris Algieri in their welterweight fight Sunday in Macau.

The unbeaten Algieri was game but eventually out-classed, as Pacquiao knocked him down six times and won an overwhelming unanimous decision.

"Tonight I did my best," said Pacquiao, who won with scores of 119-103, 119-103, and 120-102 to hike his record to 57 wins with five losses and two draws.

Pacquiao, of course, could not escape the Mayweather question, and he responded in humorous fashion as the "Pacman" imitated his now-famous Foot Locker commercial.

"He's going to fight me? Yes! Yes!" Pacquiao exclaimed, to the delight of his entourage inside the ring.

Turning serious, Pacquiao made it clear that he is very willing to fight the American superstar who earlier this year routed Marcos Maidana keep his professional record spotless at 47-0.

"I think I'm ready to fight next year for him," said Pacquiao. "I want that fight. The fans deserve that fight."

Pacquiao has never wavered from his stance that he is willing to fight Mayweather at any time. While the "Pacman" believes his legacy in the sport won't be tarnished should he never fight the boxer known as "Money," he also acknowledges that fight fans genuinely want to see him and Mayweather in a classic encounter.

But despite repeated negotiations, a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight has never come close to fruition.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao sees tough fight vs Algieri: Arum

MANILA, Philippines – Contrary to what most analysts believe, Manny Pacquiao won't be able to beat Chris Algieri that easy, according to boxing promoter Bob Arum.

The Top Rank Inc. executive said even Pacquiao himself knows it will be a challenge to face the taller, younger and hungry American boxer.

“Anybody who thinks that Manny Pacquiao is gonna have a cakewalk with Algieri has another thing coming,” Arum said in an interview on DZMM’s “Teka Muna.”

“Because the guy who has taken Algieri the most seriously is Manny Pacquiao.”

Arum said aside from Algieri’s physical advantages against the smaller Pacquiao, the American fighter has a fighting style that poses problems to the eight-division champion.

The 5'10'' tall Algieri possesses a longer reach and this complements his counter-punching strategy. This has worked well for the New York-based fighter, allowing him to win 20 fights in a row.

“Algieri is a terrific fighter, he's great conditioned, he has a marvelous jab. He's extraordinary intelligent in the ring,” said Arum.

“Manny realized that Algieri presents major problems and he schooled himself to meet those problems.”

This is why Pacquiao immersed himself into perhaps the best training camp he had in years, he said.

“He's worked hard. He's focused. He's put in more time. Sparring partners are better in this camp than have been in many few years,” said Arum.

The Provodnikov upset

The Long Island native won the Pacquiao sweepstakes when he unexpectedly gutted out a split decision upset against fancied Russian brawler Ruslan Provodnikov last June.

Arum said Algieri ruined their plans of staging a showdown between Provodnikov and Pacquiao because of his win.

“He upset Provodnikov and made it shift our plans to fight Algieri. That was an unbelievable, gutty ‘Rocky-like’ performance. He's knocked down in the first round, his eyes were closed, he came back and outboxed Provodnikov and won the fight. This is a real tough kid,” said Arum.

The Pacquiao-Algieri WBO welterweight title fight will take place at the Cotai Arena in the luxurious Venetian Macau.

Arum said tickets have already been sold out since a lot of Filipinos and several high rollers from the US flew in to watch the fight live.

The card is also expected to draw 300 million viewers in China, he said.

“The fight will be broadcast on Sunday morning on Chinese national television networks, 9 regional networks and 2 internet portals. So they're looking at an audience as large as 300 million viewers. Tremendous buzz in China not only for Manny but also for their superstar Zou Shiming,” he said.

Interestingly, Shiming will be figuring in a flyweight title eliminator against Thailand’s Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym, who looked like a “carbon copy” of Pacquiao.

The bout is also well-covered by the US press, which has shown interest in Algieri’s story.

“We have a marvelous tour out from the US, Chris is a New York boy from Long Island and every single New York paper is here in Macau so the coverage from all over the US, the LA Times, Reuters, I mean it's almost like the Filipinos’ coverage for Manny Pacquiao,” said Arum.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Analysts weigh in on Pacquiao-Algieri bout

MANILA, Philippines – Kill the body and the head will fall.

Fight analysts believe that this will be Manny Pacquiao’s strategy when he clashes with a taller Chris Algieri on Sunday.

There is so much talk about Algieri and Pacquiao's height difference, but boxing commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz doesn’t think the American’s reach is an advantage.

“I saw his fight with Emmanuel Taylor and Jose Peralta,” Nathanielsz said on DZMM’s “Fast Break” of the 5’10” Algieri. “The moment Peralta pushed him on the ropes and worked on the body, nahihirapan na siya.”

“Pacquiao will do the same thing. To me, he will get under the jab and work the body. Tapos na ang boxing.”

Height may be an advantage in some sports, but it’s different in boxing, according to the veteran fight analyst.

“Iyung sinasabi nilang height advantage, ang sabi ko sa kanila, 'This is not basketball, this is boxing.'''

For his part, sports analyst Ed Tolentino said experience will play a major factor in the WBO welterweight fight.

Algieri was not beaten in all his 20 fights, most of which took place in his home town in New York.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, had been into 63 fights, winning in 56 of them and losing in 5.

“If you look at the record of Pacquiao in his last few fights, it is either against reigning or former world champions. The last time he fought a contender was against Jorge Solis in 2007,” said Tolentino.

“This is the first time after 14 fights na he's taking on a medyo lesser opponent, pero champion. Pero kung ikumpara naman natin kay [Juan Manuel] Marquez, [Miguel] Cotto, Shane Mosley, mukhang malayo [si Algieri] eh.''

Algieri's biggest payday

If there’s one thing that makes Algieri intriguing to fight fans, it’s his life story.

“’Yung kanyang determination is deeply rooted sa background niya,” said Tolentino.

“This is a guy who live with his mother and father and trains at the basement of the family home, who rides a 2005 Honda accord ng 190,000+ miles na ang natakbo. This guy, to earn extra money, nagta-trabaho bilang conditioning coach ng ilang mga executive. Ganun ang kanyang pinanggalingan.”

Algieri will be getting the biggest payday of his career with a guaranteed $1 million against Pacquiao. His highest pay before that was $100,000 against Ruslan Provodnikov.

“Before that it was only $15,000,” Tolentino said. “Sabi nga nila he’s the real-life Rocky.”

Algieri got the chance to fight Pacquiao when he survived two first-round knockdowns to complete a split decision win against a heavy handed Provodnikov last June.

That victory gave the New Yorker the WBO junior welterweight crown.

In an interview, Pacquiao said Algieri's resilience is what helped him win the Provodnikov fight.


"I watched his fight with Ruslan, he's tough there. He deserved this fight," said the eight-division champion who was interviewed together with Algieri on ESPN.

Algieri said he is happy to be given the chance to square off with one of the world biggest boxing superstars, describing it as a once in a lifetime experience.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime, every young fighter dream of being a world champion. I did that the last time when I beat Ruslan Provodnikov, now I get to fight the best of the world," he said.

The fight will take place at an expected jam-packed Cotai Arena in The Venetian Macau.

China's Zou Shiming and Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym, Vasyl Lomachenko and Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, and Jessie Vargas and Antonio DeMarco will face each other in the undercard fights.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Why Team Pacquiao sees short fight vs Algieri

Watch the latest episode of Bandila also in iWant TV or TFC

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao's co-trainer Buboy Fernandez believes Chris Algieri won't be able to go the distance against the eight-division world champion from the Philippines.

Fernandez said that if things go as planned, the fight won’t go past four rounds.

“For me mahaba na siguro ang apat o tatlo,” Pacquiao’s best friend told ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo.

Fernandez, however, said that they expect the New York-based fighter to come in prepared as the fight serves as his biggest break in his relatively young professional career.

“Kasi alam nagtraining ng todo-todo dahil alam nyang hindi biro ang makakalaban niya mas ekperiensyado sa kanya,” he said.

Fernandez was also irked by the predictions made by Algieri’s coaches, who claimed that they will pull off an upset against the Filipino boxer.

“Hindi ko lang nagustuhan yung sinabi ng trainer n’ya na sila ang magiging champion sa Linggo,” he said.

“Patunayan nila, basta kami, itutumba namin kayo.”

Meanwhile, fight analysts said that the bout will be an intriguing match-up because of the fighting styles of Pacquiao and Algieri.

Former pound-for-pound boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. said the title clash makes for a very intriguing pairing

“In this fight, we got a boxer-puncher versus a boxer-mover. They're tough intriguing match-up,” he said.

For his part, ESPN.com’s Kieran Mulvaney, said the pressure is on Pacquiao to deliver because he is expected to dominate a relative rookie in Algieri.

“Manny Pacquiao has to show that he's in a completely different class than Chris Algieri and I don't think he can afford to just scrape past him with a decision. He needs to win in a spectacular fashion and try to get him out of there,” he said.

Pacquiao’s mother, Mommy Dionisia, who will watch the fight live with her boyfriend, said she prays for a clean fight.

“Basta ang laro malinis lang. Ipagdasal mo lang na sana walang mangyari[ng masama] sa fight nila sa loob ng ring,” said Mommy D. -- From a report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Pacman' Pacquiao expected to gobble up Algieri

MANILA - A rejuvenated Manny Pacquiao will look to make short work of Chris Algieri Sunday to defend his World Boxing Organisation welterweight belt and raise his chances of a showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

Few believe the eight-weight world champion, oozing confidence and surrounded by a 300-plus entourage in Macau, will be seriously troubled by Algieri.

"Algieri will be overwhelmed by Manny's speed straight away," predicted Pacquiao's Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach on Friday. "Manny deep down really wants to win by a knockout."

His 30-year-old American opponent (20-0) is a capable and likeable former kickboxer from Long Island with a master's degree and an ambition to be a doctor.

In June, he got up from the canvas twice in the first round to shock Russia's formidable light welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov and take the WBO belt on a split decision.

Now he says he wants to pull off an almighty upset and end the fabled career of the 36-year-old Filipino icon and congressman from Sarangani province.

"Manny's going to be put to sleep, go home and then retire," Algieri's trainer Tim Lane told reporters Friday.

The last man to make such a bold prediction was another American, Brandon Rios, at the same venue a year ago. Rios was then destroyed by a masterclass in boxing, speed, agility and power from "Pacman".

Pacquiao, who once described Algieri as just an "okay" fighter, remains dismissive of his challenge.

"I know my opponent is excited to win, but I won't let that happen," he said at the Venetian Macau venue.

"He's got a good jab, a good left hand," said Roach of Algieri. "But once we take that away he'll be lost. Manny's been exploding on me with the counter-punch. He's punching really hard."

Pacquiao, whose record stands 56-5-2 with 38 KOs, had a mixed build-up in which he made his professional basketball debut in the Philippines league last month.

But he says his intense training camp has helped him regain the aggression and power that put away world-class adversaries such as Oscar de La Hoya, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton and Shane Mosley in his younger days.

'Money' Mayweather

"Manny wanted to go back to the old workouts with more heavy bags, more strength, less mitts," said Roach. "He's punching a lot harder I feel and his punch rate has gone up."

Only by stopping Algieri will Pacquiao prove the fearsome "fighter of the decade" in the 2000s is back, two weeks before his 36th birthday.

If he does then a potential $1 billion megafight with Floyd "Money" Mayweather may become closer to reality next year.

Pacquiao and Algieri will fight for the WBO welterweight (147lb) title at a catchweight limit of 144lb.

A host of celebrities will be ringside as promoter Bob Arum aims to show Saturday night pay-per-view audiences in the United States that Chinese territory Macau is growing to rival Las Vegas as a fight venue.

Hollywood superstars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have already confirmed they will be there. On the undercard they will see another screen star.

Chinese double Olympic gold medalist flyweight Zou Shiming (5-0, 1 KO) had a cameo role in the recent "Transformers 4" blockbuster movie and he will take on Thailand's Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym (27-0, 12 KOs) in a final eliminator for a world title shot.

Kwanpichit is an uncanny Pacquiao look-alike -- dubbed 'mini-Manny' by the media -- and Zou will be hoping that the similarity applies only to the Thai's looks and not his punching power.

Two other world title fights complete the pay-per-view card.

WBO featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko (2-1, 1 KO) and WBA super lightweight champion Jessie Vargas (25-0, 9 KOs) will defend their titles against Thailand's Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo (52-1, 33 KOs) and Mexico's Antonio DeMarco (31-3-1, 23 KOs) respectively.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Mayweather doubtful, Garcia next for Pacman - Roach

Trainer Freddie Roach played down hopes of a Manny Pacquiao showdown with Floyd Mayweather and said unbeaten two-belt world champion Danny Garcia could be next for "Pacman" after he fights Chris Algieri on Sunday.

The drop to light welterweight (140lb) would be a further blow to prospects of a $1 billion megafight with the unbeaten Mayweather, whose last three contests have been at light middleweight (154lb).

Roach instead is targeting the impressive Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) who holds both the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association belts at light welterweight.

"I've been waiting three-and-a-half years for this (Mayweather) fight. I don't think it's going to happen," Roach told reporters on Friday at the Venetian Macau.

"(Promoter Bob) Arum says it might happen but can they deliver Mayweather? I don't think so," added the Hall of Fame trainer, who has guided "Pacman" since 2002.

"You know, if it was going to happen I think it would have happened by now. I want it to happen as badly as you guys."

Pacquiao defends his World Boxing Organization welterweight (147lb) crown on Sunday morning (Saturday night US time) against American Algieri at an agreed catchweight limit of 144lb.

"If Manny feels good in this fight at 144 then I think his next fight will be at 140 because he makes 140 very easily," said Roach.

"First fight back? Danny Garcia. That's my personal opinion."

The fear is that Sunday's clash with the largely unknown WBO light welterweight champion Algieri will not attract the lucrative pay-per-view figures in the United States of previous Pacquiao contests.

There is a dearth of truly world-class opponents in the 147lb division, making the explosive Garcia -- who has recorded fourth-round knockouts against both Britain's former world champion Amir Khan and Mexican great Erik Morales -- the most attractive alternative to the elusive Mayweather.

"Danny Garcia at 140, we'll go there," added Roach. "There are options out there. Mayweather's not everything.

"I think Manny's a better fighter at 140. He's faster and more explosive -- I think the knockouts will come back."

Roach hinted that Pacquiao could drop further, maybe back to lightweight (135lb) if the right opportunity came up.

"Yes he could make 135. He's been in the 130s a couple of times during training camp already," Roach revealed.

"When he gets a little too low in weight I send him home and tell him to have a good steak."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao is Algieri's ticket to P4P list, bigger paydays

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten but relatively untested boxing champion Chris Algieri is determined to make the best of his fight against Manny Pacquiao as it could open doors to more opportunities, including bigger paydays.

A victory against Pacquiao could catapult Algieri to the top of the pound-for-pound standings and could establish him as among the boxing’s most elite fighters.

“This is the top of the sport. The winner here goes on to make the biggest fights that are possible not only to the welterweight division but in all of boxing. A win will propel me to the top of the pound-for-pound ratings and viewed as one of the best fighters in all of boxing,” Algieri told The Sweet Science.




The American is due to meet Pacquiao in the ring for the WBO welterweight crown. The fight is set to take place at the Cotai Arena in Macau on November 23 (November 22, US time).

Officially, Pacquiao is ranked No. 4 among Ring Magazine's top pound-for-pound fighters; Algieri is nowhere in the list.

Relatively unknown to casual fight fans, Algieri won the ticket to the title shot after pulling off an upset against heavy-hitting Russian boxer Ruslan Provodnikov.

Algieri said he has toiled long enough in the shadows and that his fights against Provodnikov and Pacquiao are his biggest breaks.

“At this point I want the biggest fights out there. I have spent a long time fighting off TV and outside of the public eye. Now I want exposure and I want to fight the biggest names out there in boxing,” he said.

Just like what he did against Provodnikov, Algieri said he wants to pull off another surprise this time against an eight-division champion. “I want to show that I belong here,” he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao dubs Algieri 'most dangerous' foe yet

MANILA, Philippines – Unbeaten American boxer Chris Algieri may wind up being the most dangerous opponent of Manny Pacquiao's career, the Filipino ring icon admitted.

Algieri is an underdog against the "Pacman" in their WBO welterweight title fight on November 23, but Pacquiao refused to dismiss the American and even branded him as a difficult opponent in a recent interview that was posted on Boxing Scene.

"Chris Algieri poses many puzzles for me to solve. In terms of his height and reach, only Antonio Margarito surpasses him in the scope of opponents I have faced," Pacquiao said.

"Algieri is also the most scientific, fluid, and fittest fighter I have ever opposed. All of those factors, plus he is five years younger than me, make him the most dangerous opponent of my career," he added.

Algieri will have a huge height and reach advantage over Pacquiao in their title fight, something that the Filipino acknowledged will be a problem.

"Algeri's reach and height will require me to work on closing the distance with him in the ring, and I will need my speed more than ever to be able to score damaging blows to him, while avoiding his own counters," Pacquiao noted.

The "Pacman" also said it will be vital for him to force Algieri to fight his fight.

"I do not intend to fight Algieri's fight. I intend on fighting my fight, and more importantly making him fight my fight. This will be a battle of wills as much as it will be a battle of blows," he predicted.

Pacquiao said he was impressed with Algieri's recent performances, including his unanimous decision win against his sparring partner, Ruslan Provodnikov.

"If you look at his recent fights, each victory for him was considered an upset. Yet Algieri never considered himself an underdog, he went into each fight confident and with the right game plan," Pacquiao said.

"No matter what happened in the ring, he was disciplined enough to stay with that game plan. And it worked. He out-fought them and out-thought them," he added.

With this in mind, Pacquiao said he is hard at work in training camp in order to give him the tools to beat Algieri.

"I am sacrificing everything to defeat him and produce not just a convincing victory, but my most impressive performance," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Algieri to Pacquiao: Please don't get hurt

MANILA, Philippines – Undefeated American boxer Chris Algieri asked his November 23 opponent, Filipino champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, to take care of himself while playing basketball with the KIA Sorento.

Algieri was at ringside for the Nicholas Walters-Nonito Donaire showdown in Carson, California on Sunday, hours before Pacquiao made his debut in the Philippine Basketball Association at the Philippine Arena.

"To Manny, please don't get hurt playing basketball," Algieri said when asked to send a message to the "Pacman."

Algieri will challenge Pacquiao for the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt on November 23 at the Cotai Arena in Macau.

Pacquiao took a day off from his training camp to play in the opening game of the PBA All-Filipino Cup. He was scoreless in a little under seven minutes of action, but his team won, 80-66, after trailing at halftime.

"I want the fight to happen, so I hope, no injuries," Algieri said. "But I hope training goes well, and best of luck (to Manny)."

Algieri and Pacquiao were cordial in their press tour last month, and the American has refrained from any trash-talk in the build up to the fight.

Nevertheless, Algieri has repeatedly expressed confidence that he can stun Pacquiao on fight night even as he is a huge underdog in their bout.

"I have to dominate," he told Boxing Scene in an interview after the Walters-Donaire fight. "Either we dominate or win a decision, or dominate and score a knockout."

"I have to go out there and have the mindset of winning every single round," he said. -- From a report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

After KO win, Walters thanks 'great champion' Donaire

Hard-hitting Jamaican Nicholas Walters was gracious in victory after his stunning sixth-round knockout of Nonito Donaire, as he profusely thanked "The Filipino Flash" for giving him a chance to fight.

Walters connected on an overhand right with seconds to go in the sixth round that flattened Donaire, The win was the Jamaican's 25th straight, and his 21st victory by knockout.

"I enjoyed the fight," the charismatic Walters said in a post-fight interview. "I thank him for giving me this opportunity of fighting one of the best in the world, for giving me the opportunity to display my talent on HBO and to the world."

Walters said he prepared well for the fight against Donaire, who was the most high-profile opponent of his career so far.

"Knowing that we were fighting Donaire, we knew it was going to be tough work because he is a super, super great boxer, the super world champion," said the 28-year-old Walters.

"Category after category, he has won titles, so I know I had to respect him. I put a lot in this training, and that's what I did," he added.

Donaire was in control in the first two rounds, and Walters acknowledged that the Filipino "caught me with a few shots in the early round." "He has power, he has speed. He was good," he said.

One of those shots was a left hook that staggered Walters at the end of the second round, but the Jamaican shook it off.

"I went in a little bit too confident, and he caught be with a good shot. Boom," Walters said, laughing. He added that his corner was worried, but he "recuperated from the shot just by walking to the corner."

"But it was a very good shot. He caught me very, very clean. A very good shot. He had good power also, but I recuperated after that shot, and I knew I had a job to do. I just went out there and got the job done," he said.

Walters took control of the fight soon after, landing a right upper cut that knocked Donaire down in the third round, and then overwhelming the Filipino in the sixth round for a statement victory.

Walters said he set up his knockout shot like a fisherman sets his bait.

"If you take a look at it, I invited him to me, like fishing," said Walters.

Donaire tried to land a huge blow of his own against Walters, but the Jamaican leaned back to evade the blow, then countered with the right hand that knocked "The Filipino Flash" out – the first stoppage loss of Donaire's career.

"You give him the bait, and he came in. You see him launch a shot, and I got away from the shot, and then I caught him," he explained.

"But I take nothing away from Nonito. He's a great champion and a wonderful person," added Walters, who also said he wants to invite Donaire to his camp to help him prepare in future fights, should he ever face another speedy opponent like the Filipino.

Walters and Donaire showed no animosity towards each other after the fight, and hugged in the center of the ring afterwards. The Jamaican also told the Filipino that he was one of his favorite fighters.

"You're my favorite fighter now," Donaire told Walters in response.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Stop blabbing and fight me, Pacquiao tells Mayweather

Philippine boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao threw down a fresh challenge to Floyd Mayweather Jr on Thursday, daring the American world champion to "fight me" instead of setting terms that could torpedo the dream bout.

"He's all talk. Until now he has not yet agreed to fight me. Instead of blabbing, he should face me atop the ring," Pacquiao told AFP in an interview.

Ring fans the world over have been baying for a mega-fight between two of the world's greatest boxers of their generation, but previous talks have always broken down before a deal could be signed.

Pacquiao, 35, has held world titles in eight separate weight divisions.

He is training to defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against another undefeated American, Chris Algieri, in Macau in November.

Mayweather, who scored a lopsided victory over Marcos Maidana in a rematch in Las Vegas on Saturday, pushing his record to 47-0, later denied he was trying to safeguard his unblemished record by avoiding Pacquiao.

However, he said a Pacquiao bout would have to be on the American's terms.

Pacquiao retorted Thursday that great fighters did not duck facing the best and did not let any challenge pass by.

"I'm tired of his alibis. If he really wants to fight me, he knows how to reach me. We can fight anytime, anywhere," Pacquiao added.

The Filipino, who has won 56, lost five and drawn two fights, also dismissed the manner of Mayweather's second Maidana win, in which the American retained his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association welterweight titles.

"To me, Maidana won that fight. Mayweather's face and lips were swelling compared to Maidana's unblemished face," Pacquiao said.

Ahead of his bout in Macau, Pacquiao said he would not underestimate Algieri, 30.

"I'm not taking Algieri lightly. He's taller than me and moves around the ring with savvy. That's why I started my training early," Pacquiao said.

His assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez said they would focus on developing a game plan, as well as honing Pacquiao's technique and footwork.

"Algieri uses the ring well and he loves to lean on the ropes. We must devise a strategy to counter this," Fernandez added, warning Pacquiao to beware of the American's left uppercut.

"He's fast, but not as fast as Timothy Bradley. So he can be an easy target for our boxer," Fernandez said.

American Bradley beat Pacquiao in a controversial split decision in 2012, but lost the rematch by unanimous decision last April.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao dismisses Algieri threat in Macau

MACAU -- Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao on Monday dismissed his next opponent, undefeated American Chris Algieri, as merely an "okay" fighter as the build-up began to their upcoming contest.

Pacquiao (56-5-2) will put his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title on the line against 30-year-old former kickboxer Algieri (20-0) on November 23 when the Filipino icon returns for his second fight in the southern Chinese gambling haven of Macau.

Despite Algieri wresting the WBO light welterweight title in a big upset against the tough Russian Ruslan Provodnikov in a controversial split decision in June, it was clear that Pacquiao does not feel his opponent can cause another shock.

"I saw his fight with Ruslan," Pacquiao told reporters at a press conference to announce the November card. "He took a lot of bad punches from Ruslan but he's tough.

"He can box. I'm not saying he's really good but he's not bad. He's okay," Pacquiao added.

Pacquiao and Algieri were in Macau on the first date of a whirlwind six-city promotional tour that will move on to Shanghai, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said he had concerns over Algieri's height and reach -- he is 5-foot-10 compared to Pacquiao's diminutive 5-foot-6 -- but little else, believing that Provodnikov had beaten the New Yorker in June.

"It surprised me because I actually think Ruslan won that fight. (Algieri) got beat up a little bit," said Roach.

"Algieri has a good reach advantage and we're going to have to get past that and his jab. That will be our biggest problem. We have ways to do that."

Pacquiao admitted the lithe, athletic Algieri would be a different prospect to slower, but durable, Brandon Rios, whom 'Pac-Man' comprehensively outpointed in the same Cotai Arena venue in November last year.

"The biggest challenge for me is to fight another tall guy. I have to use my speed and footwork for this fight," said Pacquiao.

Algieri admitted he blundered in getting caught early in the fight against the Russian, but said he would learn from it.

"First round I made a mistake," said the New Yorker. "Paid for it for the next 11-and-a-half rounds. Got a little too aggressive too early against a very dangerous guy."

Meanwhile, Roach seemed a little worried by Pacquiao's many distractions out of the ring -- he is a politician and congressman, and also is embroiled with a long-running dispute with the Philippines tax man.

And now the latest extra-curricular activity is becoming player-coach for expansion team Kia Motors in the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA).

On Sunday Pacquiao, at 35, became the oldest player to be drafted in the PBA, when Kia picked him in 11th spot.

Roach said he just had to accept it, but that when it comes to the serious end of training for the next fight, he had made a deal with the hoops-mad Pacquiao.

"We came to an agreement that four weeks before a fight he will stop playing because of injuries. We negotiated that deal a long time ago.

"He's always busy. I don't think it's a problem."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'All roads lead to Pacquiao-Marquez V'

MANILA – Some boxing analysts believe a fifth fight between rivals Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is all but inevitable at this point after the Mexican legend crushed Mike Alvarado in a non-title fight last weekend.

With his unanimous decision victory, Marquez became the mandatory contender for Pacquiao's World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt.

Marquez refused to immediately commit to a fifth Pacquiao fight so soon after his victory, but he also did not immediately dismiss the suggestion as he had done so before.

"First, I have to rest, be with my family, and then from there, we’ll see what comes," Marquez told reporters. "I think before I make a decision about whether or not I want this fifth fight, I have to think about it real good."

Boxing analysts Jim Lampley and Max Kellerman are quite confident that the fifth chapter of the Pacquiao-Marquez saga will be written, however.

"I think all roads lead to Marquez-Pacquiao V," Lampley told Fight Hype. "Monetarily, that's what makes sense."

Pacquiao has the better head-to-head record, winning two of their four encounters, but those victories came via disputed decisions. Marquez’s lone victory was definitive, as he brutally knocked out Pacquiao when they last fought in December 2012.

Lampley says Pacquiao's and Marquez's recent performances make another fight a compelling idea again, even if it will be the fifth meeting between the future Hall-of-Famers.

"Manny looked brilliant against (Timothy) Bradley, and I thought Marquez looked amazing tonight," said Lampley.

"I think there will be more interest in it that I might have thought would be the case, because both guys have looked brilliant in their recent performances," he added.

Kellerman, for his part, told Fight Hype in a separate interview that he believes boxing fans "will see that fight."

"Who knows, even when Marquez put his lights out, it was a really competitive fight up to that point," He added. "These guys are evenly matched, and they always have been."

Pacquiao has said that no plans have been made regarding his next fight, though he was complimentary of Marquez when asked about his rival's fight.

"Halos lahat ng rounds, sa kanya," said Pacquiao. -- With a report from Francis Canlas, ABS-CBN News SOKSARGEN.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Bradley fight showed 'evolution' of Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino was very impressed with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s showing against American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr., calling it a “brilliant performance.”

Tolentino noted that Pacquiao used angles masterfully, kept Bradley off-balance with his footwork and showed flashes of the punching power that once laid waste to his opponents.

Although he did not knock out the American, Pacquiao made sure there would be no controversy this time as he won a wide unanimous decision that allowed the Filipino to avenge his controversial June 2012 loss to Bradley and regain the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship.

“I expected the win,” Tolentino said on Monday’s “Headstart.” “In the first place, many thought that Pacquiao defeated Bradley the first time they fought in June 2012.”

“He won this fight convincingly and I’m impressed. If there’s one word that I can use, it’s ‘brilliant.’ Brilliant performance by Manny Pacquiao,” he added.

Tolentino said Pacquiao’s performance saw the successful integration of the “old Pacquiao” – the come-forward, aggressive brawler – and the “new Pacquiao,” a more technically sound, scientific boxer.

“Ang nakita natin dito ay ang integration ng dating Pacquiao sa bagong Pacquiao,” said Tolentino. “Nakita natin ‘yung little bit of the old Pacquiao, a little bit of the new Pacquiao.”

“Ang evolution ni Manny Pacquiao, ng kanyang boxing career – from caveman to Einstein – ang nakita natin sa laban na ito. Mixed together, ang ganda ng naging resulta para kay Manny Pacquiao,” he added.

Tolentino said fight fans still saw “at least 70%” of the vintage Pacquiao, especially in the seventh and eighth rounds when the “Pacman” simply showered Bradley with punches while the American was pinned against the ropes.

“You saw the power,” noted Tolentino. “We wanted to see that kind of killer instinct. By that time, Bradley was more on the retreat and trying to avoid the ignominy of becoming a knockout victim.”

Pacquiao’s maturity and discipline were also on full display, as he refused to take the bait even when Bradley deliberately dropped his guard and dared the “Pacman” to hit him on the chin, he said.

“He (Bradley) wanted Pacquiao to make the same mistake he did against Juan Manuel Marquez,” said Tolentino, referring to Pacquiao’s brutal knockout loss to the Mexican Marquez in December 2012, which saw the Filipino get stopped with just a second to go in the sixth round.

“But Pacquiao was so disciplined. Pacquiao did not take a bait,” said Tolentino. “(Bradley) dropped his guard, showed his chin. He wanted to catch Pacquiao with a counter-punch, but Pacquiao refused to take a bait, because he knew that if he did, it would have been a disastrous one.”

“He did not take the bait. He decided to stick to his battle plan of coming in and out, in and out, side-stepping any counter-punches from Tim Bradley,” he added.

“This is the Einstein.”

Tolentino noted that kind of movement and discipline was something that fans “never saw in the old Pacquiao.”

“The old Pacquiao was more like a barbarian. The old Pacquiao would rush in, crash the door, take you head on, and bully you all over the ring,” he said. “This is a Pacquiao who is a thinking boxer right now.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao says he anticipated Bradley's tactics

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao said he was not surprised to see Timothy Bradley actively seek a knockout against him in their WBO welterweight rematch Saturday in Las Vegas.

Bradley, who is more known for his slick boxing style, fought aggressively against Pacquiao, often winding up for big shots, although the “Pacman” was able to evade most of his power punches.

“Alam na alam ko naman, anticipated ko naman ‘yung style ni Bradley, so hindi ako masyadong nag-adjust or nahirapan sa taas ng ring,” Pacquiao on “Buzz ng Bayan” on Sunday.

“Ine-expect ko na rin ‘yung tatakbo siya, and then makikipagpalitan siya, tatakbo siya then makikipagpalitan siya. Expected ko na ‘yun, na ganoon ang magiging style niya,” he added.

Pacquiao was briefly in trouble in the fourth round, when he got hit with a huge right hand that dazed him, but the Filipino recovered well and seized complete control of the bout a couple of rounds later.

When asked if he found the rematch easy, Pacquiao said: “Ang laban na ito, siguro, may madali at may mahirap din na pagkakataon.”

“Nahirapan ako noong gumagalaw-galaw siya. Mas madali sa akin, easy sa akin kapag nakahinto lang siya at hindi tumatakbo-takbo,” he added.

Pacquiao was more successful in the second half of the 12-rounder, when he was repeatedly able to pin Bradley against the ropes and unleash a flurry of punches. He also clearly hurt Bradley in the seventh round, landing a cracking left hand that buzzed the American.

Although Pacquiao was unable to register his first knockout victory since 2009, the “Pacman” was satisfied with the result of the fight.

“Maganda naman ang naging resulta ng laban,” he said, later adding, “Itong fight na ito ang magpapatunay na the journey of my boxing career will continue.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com