Tag: manny pacquiao

MANNY PACQUIAO & ADRIEN BRONER LOS ANGELES MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

MANNY PACQUIAO & ADRIEN BRONER LOS ANGELES MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

(Photo Credits-Esther Lin/SHOWTIME)

Pacquiao vs. Broner Headlines SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 From the MGM Grand Garden Arena In Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LOS ANGELES (January 10, 2019) – – Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,boxing’s only eight-division world champion, and former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted media days in Los Angeles Wednesday as they near their SHOWTIME PPV® clash taking place Saturday, January 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Pacquiao will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against Broner. Along with co-trainer Buboy Fernandez and longtime trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao spoke to media and worked out for the cameras at Wild Card Boxing Club.

Broner traveled to Los Angeles from his current training camp in Las Vegas to talk to media along with his trainer Kevin Cunningham at Ten Goose Boxing Gym, after spending most of training in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Here is what the media day participants had to say from the split-site media day Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

pac broner credit esther lin showtime“My journey in this sport is still continuing. I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to, but I also want to continue to keep my name at the top. Even at 40-years-old, I can still show the best of Manny Pacquiao. I’m going to give the fans the speed and power that they’re used to seeing.

“I’m sure that Broner is focused on this fight. They are working hard and I expect him to be in great condition. We know how his trainer pushes him and has been pushing him in their training camp.

“I’m not taking this fight lightly. I don’t listen to any gossip about Adrien Broner, I just focus on my training. I want to be in 100 percent condition and ready for the fight on January 19.

“Adrien Broner is fast with his hands and he’s overall a good boxer. This is a big challenge that I’m excited for.

“Me, Freddie and Buboy know each other well and we have a great coaching staff right now. I’m happy with how everything has gone in training for this fight.

“Rest and recovery is definitely a key part of training. Sometimes when I work hard in the gym, my body can’t fully recover by the next day, so I’ve had to work more rest into the schedule. But as soon as I can, I’m back in the gym working hard.

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“On January 19 I’m going to do my best. I can’t say a prediction, but I’m going to do the same thing I did for my last fight. My trainers know how hard I’ve worked in this camp for this win.

“My plan is to take it one fight at a time. I can’t talk about future fights until I do what I have to on January 19. You can ask me again after this one.

“This fight means a lot. It’s my first fight at the age of 40 so I’m excited to give my best and show the world what I can still do. Boxing is my passion, and public service is my mission. I love to bring honor to my country.”

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ADRIEN BRONER

pac broner credit esther lin showtime broner 1

“Growing up and seeing Pacquiao fight, of course I always wanted to fight him. I’m a competitor. One day I want to be the best, and to be the best you have to beat the best. It starts here.

“This is my first PPV but I was always supposed to be here. God doesn’t make mistakes. After this victory, I will be taking over the sport of boxing. This is just the beginning.

“His last fight he did stop Matthysse, so I’m pretty sure he still has power. But I’m going to be ready, I’m going to be ready for whatever he brings to the table. We’re in shape to get it done, I can tell you that.

“This win makes me an icon. It makes me what I always wanted to be, and what everybody always thought I would be. A win here and I’m a legend overnight.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight. I just can’t wait till round one. Everybody I fight says they are going to knock me out. That should be the objective of every fighter, but that’s not going to happen.

“The sky is the limit for me, but in boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. You can’t overlook anybody in this sport. My main focus is Manny Pacquiao and I will be ready.

“A win would mean a lot. It turns a new page in my book. It’s another beginning. I’m already a star in boxing, but a win here and I’m taking over the sport. This is just the beginning.

“It’s not a mystery – he’s been knocked out before. Not once, not twice, but three times. And he’s been put down a lot, too. There are many blueprints to beat Manny. I think I have all the tools to beat him. I will show all the tools in my arsenal and show all the weaknesses in his.”

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BUBOY FERNANDEZ, Pacquiao’s Co-Trainer

“I think it’s going to be a knockout. If Broner opens the door, we’re going to get it early. I’ve seen from previous fights that he’s a slow starter. So we need to get inside and go first.

“We know that Broner is a good counter-puncher with a strong right uppercut. Broner is a real fighter and a smart fighter in the ring.

“I’m happy that Manny has shown that he moves as well as ever, even at 40-years-old. He’s learning even more now. I told the team that I think he’s already prepared for this fight.

“We just want him to maintain this shape and energy level. Manny is 110 percent ready. I don’t think there’s a fighter who can keep up with what Manny brings.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Co-Trainer

roach pac broner credit esther lin showtime

“I can’t wait for this fight. Camp has been great and he’s been training very well. Everything is back to normal and he’s looked amazing.

“Manny and I have been together 15 years, so I had no reason to ever be mad at Manny. Everything has worked out really well and we’re working together as a team right now.

“I’m working on the game plan for how to fight Broner. He’s a counterpuncher who doesn’t like to come forward too much. Manny will have to be the aggressor in this fight and use his feints to trap this guy into making it more of a fight.

“I feel we’re going to see an aggressive Manny Pacquiao. There’s a rumor that Manny has been telling people he’s looking for a knockout. I love that attitude. I think his knockout of Lucas Matthysse was so satisfying and he saw that that’s what the fans really want. I think that’s going to carry over to this fight.

“Pacquiao and I have a deal. Once his work ethic drops, I’m going to tell him and he’s agreed he’ll retire. His work ethic is unbelievable right now. He hasn’t slowed down at all. He hit me with a shot in the chest two or three days ago, and I’ve never been hit harder in my life.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Broner’s Trainer

“Everything went tremendous in Florida. I’ve never seen Adrien this focused and I’ve been around him for years. He came to camp with a look on his face like this is the one he’s got to have. He prepared for nine hard weeks and we didn’t miss a beat. Everting was on point.

“He’s ready. He’s focused. We had tremendous sparring. Everything went great. We didn’t have any hiccups, any injuries or setbacks. He’s ready to go and he’s going to look spectacular on January 19.

“Manny fights with a high punch volume and he’s aggressive with it. But sometimes he’s reckless with it. Adrien is a sharp counter-puncher. He gets off first and last. If Adrien comes to the ring mentally sharp like I know he will, because physically he’s as sharp as ever, as long as his mind is on point, I think it’s going to be a long night for Manny and it’s the wrong fight for Manny.

“There’s a lot there to exploit. I know Manny throws a lot of punches and Adrien doesn’t throw a lot, but this fight is not about matching Manny’s punch count. This fight is about throwing the right shots at the right time.

“There’s a big difference in Adrien from the last camp. He didn’t take Jessie Vargas as seriously as he’s taking this legendary eight-time world champion in Manny Pacquiao. There were some things that went on that showed he wasn’t as focused as he is for a fight like this. He’s just been on point. He’s not screwing around. He’s not looking for days off to go have a good time. He’s just locked in on Manny Pacquiao.”

 

FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Broner Battles Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao Saturday, January 19 on SHOWTIME PPV® from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

MIAMI (December 18, 2018) – Four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout at Miami Beach’s famed 5th Street Gym on Tuesday as he prepares to face Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, for his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Cincinnati’s Broner, one of boxing’s most popular and colorful personalities, is training under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham in nearby West Palm Beach, Fla.

Broner Broner Pac Robby Illanes SHOWTIME                                                  Credit- Robby Illanes/SHOWTIME

 

Here is what Broner and Cunningham had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“This fight is real important. This is a hell of a fight not only for me but for the sport. This is a fight that needed to happen for the sport and we are going to put on a hell of a show.

“I always knew that one day I would be having fights like this. Honestly I thought he [Pacquiao] would be done with boxing by now but I always knew I would have a fight of this magnitude on this platform, pay-per-view and all and now I’m here.

“I knew what to expect. I knew he [Kevin] was going to be real strict and I just came prepared. Ready to put it all in and put it all on the line.”

On what he does in his down time:
“I try to rest as much as possible. I’m training so much and training real hard. This will be my second workout of the day and then after this I have another workout at 8:30 p.m. so that will be the third workout for the day so you know all my off time I try to eat properly, stay hydrated and stay focused.”

On how it feels to train in a gym that hosted greats like Muhammad Ali:
“It’s lovely. I never knew this gym existed and this is my first time ever being here or ever hearing about this gym being legendary. Muhammad Ali paved the way for guys like me and Sugar Ray Leonard and everyone else so, its legendary.

“I always tell other fighters and other people it takes more to be a star than just boxing. I just have everything it takes to be a mega star.”

Broner Broner Pac Robby Illanes SHOWTIME 1                                                  Broner Broner Pac Robby Illanes SHOWTIME 3                                                                        Broner Broner Pac Robby Illanes SHOWTIME 4                                                                                                         Credit- Robby Illanes/SHOWTIME      

On Pacquiao’s last fight against Lucas Matthysse:
“I didn’t see it but I heard he looked good. I don’t know what to expect. I’m just training for the best Pacquiao. And I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get the victory.”

How do you feel training in South Florida?
“I’m not focused on the clubbing and stuff and all that stuff will be here after the fight. I’m 110 percent focused on this fight.”

What he will do after the Pacquiao Fight?
“Boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. My main focus is getting past Manny Pacquiao first and then we can talk about other things.”

On whether or not Pacquiao has a weakness:
“It’s not a mystery. He has seven losses. It’s not a mystery that he can lose but anyone can lose on any given day. It’s whoever prepares the best and I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do. I don’t care about stopping him or whether it’s a unanimous decision, as long as I’m victorious.”

On whether or not this is the biggest fight of his career:
“This is definitely my biggest fight, biggest magnitude, biggest platform I’ve ever been on but you never know. I could probably go in there and make this look like the easiest fight of my career you just never know.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM

“I think he’s having even a better camp than the last. He’s added a new strength and conditioning coach and everything is working out perfect and camp is going extremely well and smooth. AB’s looking fast and explosive. I have no complaints.

“Adrien’s got everything; he’s a real throwback fighter. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got quickness, he’s got footwork. He can punch and he can bang and he can box. He’s got skills and he can be slick if he wants to be. So he’s the total package.

“We have an idea of the way the fight is going to go. We’ve studied tons of Pacquiao footage and he pretty much fights the same every fight. Manny’s a rhythm fighter so it’s all about getting in his rhythm. He pretty much does his thing. But outside of that I’ve never really seen him make too many adjustments. He’s pretty much the same guy.”

Welterweight Legends, Champions & Contenders Predict Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter Welterweight World Title Showdown

Welterweight Legends, Champions & Contenders Predict Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter Welterweight World Title Showdown

Sugar Ray Leonard, Errol Spence Jr., Keith Thurman, Manny Pacquiao & More Discuss Saturday, September 8 Matchup Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

BROOKLYN (September 5, 2018) – Top welterweight stars of the past, present and future have weighed in with their thoughts on the highly anticipated matchup that pits former welterweight champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter against each other for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Title Saturday, September 8 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight title eliminator between Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas and Argentina’s Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what a group of current and former welterweight fighters had to say about the Garcia vs. Porter world title showdown:

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, Hall of Famer & Former Unified Welterweight World Champion

“I feel the Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter fight has the makings of an exciting fight from what I’ve seen of both of these talented fighters. So here is my prediction based on what I feel both fighters bring into the ring

Garcia will win if he uses his jab to keep Porter at bay and off balance, but Porter gains a victory if he connects and hurts Garcia early and makes him abandon his boxing ability and fight like a slugger — as I did with my first fight vs Roberto Duran.

This is how I see this matchup which should be an exciting fight!”

ERROL SPENCE JR., Unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion

“I definitely want to fight the winner of Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter. That’s a close fight. I always picked against Danny Garcia in the past, and he always proved me wrong. Shawn Porter’s always a tough fight, because he’s going to come forward and give it his all. He’s basically trying to mug you. But for this fight, it’s hard to go against Danny Garcia. I pick Danny Garcia to win a split decision.”

KEITH THURMAN, WBA Welterweight World Champion; Former Unified Champion

“I honestly love this fight, and I consider it a tremendous battle and one of the best matchups of the year. For me, having fought both of them, I do believe that each is capable of hurting the other and getting one another out of there.

“I know most fans are going to lean toward Danny Garcia with his knockout power and the potential for that. Then there is Shawn, who’s got a decent punch, even though he focuses on his output more than his one-punch solid blow and has it in his arsenal to hurt Danny Garcia.
“I wouldn’t bet on Shawn getting the knockout, but I would on Shawn getting the victory, simply because of his output. I think Danny’s only chance of winning is by knockout, but even as a gambling man, I can’t put my money on Danny getting it. I’m taking Shawn Porter by decision.”

MANNY PACQUIAO, Multiple-Time Welterweight World Champion

“I’m going to give the edge to Danny Garcia. They’re both gritty fighters, but I think Garcia is a little more technical with a little more ring generalship. It should be a great fight, and there’s a possibility of me fighting the winner, but we’ll have to see what happens.”

MIKEY GARCIA, Four-Division World Champion

“I think this is a very good matchup. Shawn Porter is the kind of athlete who is always bringing the fight to you with pressure and volume punching. They both come to fight and they can both take it and dish it out.

“Danny Garcia can use his skills to box on the outside and work from a distance. I think Danny will be able to box a little more and win more of the tight rounds in a very close fight. I’m not sure if it will be a split-decision or a unanimous decision. I believe that Danny will use more of those tactics to win an exciting decision.”

YORDENIS UGAS, Top Welterweight Contender

“I have much respect for Shawn Porter, and I think it will be a great fight. ,
Danny Garcia has more technique and he’s also faced and beaten better opponents than Porter. I am leaning toward Danny Garcia to pull off the victory.”

ROBERT GUERRERO, Former Multiple Division World Champion

“This will be a very entertaining fight for the fans. I can see Danny putting up a good fight, but Porter is going to make the fight rough, and Garcia doesn’t like those type of fights. I’m going with Porter to win by split decision.”

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

“I think it’s going to be a fast-paced fight. Shawn will be pushing forward, making it rough on Danny, and Danny will be trying to control the distance. I’m going with Danny, giving him the slight edge and saying he wins by a decision.”

JAMAL JAMES, Welterweight Contender

“It’s a good one. Shawn is busier than Danny, more active and carries a lot of momentum when he fights. But that’s not always a good thing because Garcia has power with his timing, he might be able to catch Porter coming in. I’m thinking that Shawn Porter pulls it off. “

BRANDON RIOS, Former World Champion & Welterweight Title Challenger

“That’s a really tough fight to predict. If Danny can counter really well and keep Shawn Porter off of him while Porter’s coming in, then I see Danny stopping him.

But if Shawn Porter is able to pressure Danny like he usually does, I don’t see Shawn Porter stopping Danny, or anything, but I see him winning by split-decision if he can be in his chest all night long. But if Porter gets nailed with one of those left hooks or a straight right hand, I say Porter goes down. I’m going to go with Danny because he knocked me out.”

BRYANT PERRELLA, Welterweight Prospect

“It could come down to how well Shawn Porter can take Danny Garcia’s punches in a fight that’s really hard to predict, and how well Danny can move, given that he’s not known for having fast feet similar to a guy like Keith Thurman.

But if Shawn can get close and smother Danny’s punches, he will make it a difficult fight. But Danny’s got really heavy hands and sits on his shots well, timing and counter-punching guys, so Porter could play into his hands.

Based off of clean, effective hard shots and giving him the edge in the close, competitive rounds, I’m leaning toward Danny Garcia. Shawn is tough as nails, so I see it going the distance, but just the slight edge to Danny.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ JR., Welterweight Contender

“I’m going with Shawn Porter. Not by stoppage, but Shawn creates too much pressure and Danny Garcia doesn’t throw enough punches and doesn’t deal with pressure. You saw that when he fought Guerrero, who wasn’t looking too bad in that fight.

“Danny can win by knockout if he catches Shawn with that hook, but Shawn’s a workhorse and he puts forth far more pressure than I think Danny’s ever seen in a fight. Shawn may not be susceptible to it if he doesn’t have the proper head movement, but I believe that he will.”

 

Speed Too Much As Pacquiao Stops Matthysse in 7

From the opening bell Manny Pacquiao 60-7-2 (39 KO) was way too much for Lucas Matthysse 39-5 (36 KO).

The speed. The Pac Man speed. The relentless movement, the in and out, the blistering combinations. Even at 39 and over a year removed from the ring, The Pride of The Philippines dominated in route to a 7th Round KO of Matthysse.

Sure, The Machine is basically flat footed most times and was basically tailor made for Pacquiao; however, that said, his punching power could have equalized matters at any given moment.

Despite this being Pacquiao’s  first fight in sixteen years sans the legendary Freddy Roach as the Chief Second, he looked like, well, Manny Pacquiao.

Replacing Roach was longtime close friend and Pacquiao entourage staple, Buboy Fernandez.  Buboy has been around the game and may have learned a few things under the tutelage of Roach but let’s face it, there is not much an inexperienced trainer is going to provide to a world titlist in a record eight weight divisions.

The speed of Pacquiao set the tone early and Matthysse never got on track. When Matthysse utilized his jab, he began to have moments but he could never sustained his attack.

At the end of the third, Pacquiao dropped Matthysse with a chopping sharp left uppercut. Not overly hurt, Matthysse was up and fought to the bell.

It would be a sign of things to come.

In the next round, Matthysse had a moment or two but they were negated by how well Pacquiao was controlling most every aspect of the round through his distance, defense, and combination punching.

In the fifth, Matthysse was closing the round well but took a shot off of his temple and went down to a knee. Probably more stunned than anything, Matthysse was up after a moment or two with the round ending several moments later.

The sixth was more of the same, the speed too much, Pacquiao was visibly beginning to break Matthysse down.

In the seventh, that sneaky left uppercut again dropped Matthysse. This time he stayed on one knee and did not make an attempt to beat the count, conceding the fight and through his actions, implying that he had had enough.

Pacquiao officially came into this fight off of a loss; however, Standing-8 scored the Horn fight for Pacquiao-

https://standing-8.com/2017/07/04/pacquiao-v-horn-dissected-a-deeper-look-60-seconds-at-a-time/)

Most pre-fight predications were contingent upon what Pacquiao had left at 39, or what to expect after a year layoff. What we got was Manny being Manny.

Win number 60 was sweet in that he capture Matthysse’s WBA Welterweight strap, and as previously mentioned became a world titlist in a record eighth weight division.

Of course after the fight, the Pacquiao v. this guy and that guy conversation started. The usual suspects, names like Lomachenko, Garcia (Mikey + Danny), Spence Jr., Crawford.

We need to take the victory against Matthysse for what it was. A good matchup for Pacquiao to showcase his skillset. Matthysse is not a masterful boxer and although he can get you out of there if you get careless, speed is his nemesis. Additionally, he really hasn’t been relevant in years.

Yes, Pacquiao looked good, he was suppose to. Lets see him against a fighter with a bit more tools in their toolbelt before we put him in there with the elite.

One thing’s for sure, he’s an all-time great and truly special fighter.

 

 

 

 

Pacquiao v. Horn…Dissected…..A Deeper Look 60 Seconds At A Time

“Hey, don’t you worry, I’ve been lied to,
I’ve been here many times before..”

“But minute by minute by minute by minute
I keep holding on..”

-Doobie Brothers

No sooner did Michael Buffer bellow the words “And the new…….”, an old familiar adversary from the lexicon came calling…..ROBBED.

You could make a case to bag and tag the pen that entered the 117-111 score card and place it into the police evidence room but other than that, this was far from a robbery.

I did not score the fight while watching it live but believed Manny Pacquiao had done enough to win. Did I miss something? Did the judges have it right?  I needed a second look.

To follow up, I decided to take a deeper look than usual by reviewing each round a minute at a time. I would decide who I believed had the advantage in each third and then determine which body of work I favored for a particular round. By body of work I’m looking at the four criteria that are assumed are used in scoring a fight, defense, effective aggression, clean punching, and ring generalship. 

Protect yourself at all times…..

Round 1-

  • First Minute- Horn’s the aggressor to start the round, boxing in and out, exhibiting a live jab, both landing and missing the punches he throws. Pac lands a scoring shot of his own. Horn forces Pac to the ropes, at least 5 out of 7 punches score, both to the head and body.
  • Second Minute-Pac lands a solid punch, Horn’s movement is lively. Horn backs Pac to ropes and lands at least four scoring blows to the body. Pac lands off the ropes as the action navigates back to the middle of the ring. There are misses by both. Horn lands two counter rights due to Pac’s wildness.
  • Third Minute, not a lot of action, lots of feints by both, Pac lands several solid jabs.

Round to Horn, Horn 10-9

Round 2-

  • First minute-Not a lot of action. Both fighters are missing and are moving quite a bit.  Both are about even with a few landed punches. Horn forcing the action by his forward movement.
  • Second minute– Horn agian forcing the action by moving in with an active jab as Pac looks for counters and as Horn moves in Pac lands a few. Horn backs Pac down to the ropes lands a shot, grabs Pac, holds and hits. Horn is active in the clinch, punching anything he can until the ref breaks them. Both land a punch or two ending the second minute.
  • Third minute-Straight left by Pac, best punch by him in the first two rounds. A lot of movement by Horn. Both are landing a shot here and there. Pac is the aggressor now and lands another good left at 22 seconds to go. A flury by both the last 12 seconds, both land but Pac lands the better punches and his movement causes Horn to miss .

Round to Pac, 19-19, (Even)  

Round 3-

  • First minute-Horn starts out backing Pac to the ropes, hitting a lot of gloves. Horn using lots of in/out movement. Horn lands a solid left hook to the body, right hook to the head.
  • Second minute-Horn the aggressor, Pac countering with a straight left. Pac the aggressor now coming forward with an active jab, both land a few punches to close out the second minute.
  • Third minute-Pac with a counter right hook. Horn coming in hitting gloves then holding. Pac out landing Horn to close the round.

Round to Pac, 29-28 Pac

Round 4- 

  • First minute- Horn moving forward lands a straight right and a left to start the round; however, missing a lot. Pac lands two nice counter punches.
  • Second minute- Both are mixing it up a bit more. Pac is landing the better blows, a straight left, counter right hook, and a body shot to Horn’s  straight right.
  • Third Minute-Horn lands a lunging sneaky left short uppercut. Pac lands a counter right.

Round to Pac 39-37, Pac

Round 5- 

  • First minute-Horn moving forward and landing, backing Pac up, landing both high and low.
  • Second minute- Horn lands a nice right cross. Pac not doing much, looking to counter. A few cinches, the ref yells “hands free” Horn punches, Pac doesn’t. Both land left hooks to close out the minute.
  • Third minute-Pac lands several solid punches. Horn scores on a few but Pac was sharper and his defense led to missed punches.

Round to Pac 49-46

Round 6-  

  • First minute- Horn backs Pac to the ropes, lands a solid uppercut, a few scoring body shots, most other punches blocked by Pac’s high guard,
  • Second minute- Not a lot of action, both are landing, Pac with the cleaner sharper counters.
  • Third minute-Horn lands a few punchs to start the last-minute and is the aggressor moving forward forcing the action. Horn lands a straight right right on Pac’s chin at 33 seconds left in the round that gets the champion’s attention.

Round to Horn 58-56 Pac 

Round 7-  

  • First minute-  Several lefts by Pac to take this minute, Horn didn’t land much.
  • Second minute-  Horn lands the better punches in this frame to go with active movement.
  • Third minute- Very close last minute… slight edge to Horn winning him the round

Round to Horn 67-66 Pac  

Round 8-  

  • First minute- Pac lands the cleaner punches and has the better movement.
  • Second minute- Not a lot by either,  even minute.  
  • Third minute- A Pac Man left is the best punch of the minute to go with a few even exchanges.

Round to Pac 77-75 Pac  

Round 9-  

  • First minute- Horn opens up the round backing Pac to the ropes and lands a few scoring shots. Pac lands a counter left.
  • Second minute-  Pac lands several hard punches and has Horn stunned. Horn manges to land one good counter right as is forced to keep Pac off of him.  
  • Third minute- Horn fights defensively as Pac lands several more punches and has Horn reeling to the bell.

Round to Pac 87-84 Pac

(Note: There were some that argued that this could have been scored a 10-8 round, with some scoring it that way. Disagrrement here, as Horn was competative to start the round and landed a solid shot on PAC as he was being walked down. Pac missed a lot of punches in the final minute which was a credit to Horn’s movement and defense while hurt)  

Round 10–  

  • First minute- Horn comes out agressive while holding and hitting. About even the rest of the way. Horn’s movement backs up Pac.
  • Second minute- Not a lot here, both fighters missing punches, even minute,
  • Third minute- Horn backing Pac up, both landing. Horn takes over, better movement, landing jabs, straight right.

Round to Horn 96-94 Pac 

Round 11-  

  • First minute- Horn the aggressor again, backing up Pac. Horn is landing more punches with Pac landing one good punch the entire minute.  
  • Second minute-  Very close, edge to Pac for the cleaner punches.
  • Third minute- Even 

Round to Horn 105-104 Pac   

Round 12  

  • First minute- Horn starts the round backing Pac to the ropes and lands punches, that are mostly blocked. Even the rest of the way.
  • Second minute-  Many exchanges and landed punches, edge to Pac for scoring the cleaner sharper punches and raking Horn to the body with a flurry.
  • Third minute- More exchanges, Pac again, the sharper puncher.  

Round to  Pac, 115-113 Pac

After a thorough review, we still have Pacquiao as the winner. We believed this was a very close fight while watching the fight live and nothing changed in our minute by minute review if only to reinforce that fact.

A draw or slight edge to Horn would not have been out of the question if one favored his body of work in the close rounds.

Horn did outperform and exceed expectations from the opening bell. Was exceeding expectations enough to take the title from incumbent Manny Pacquiao? Apparently so; however, not on our score card or that of many others.

There have been worse calls in boxing and this was far from corruption, but damn it if Pacquiao isn’t always in the center of things.

As the adage goes…In order to take the champion’s title, you must beat the champion…. we did not feel that was the case here.

G’day.

Surprise Down Under..Horn By UD Over Pacquiao

Photo Credit-Chris Hyde, Getty Images

In order for a live dog to win in boxing, they must be mean and nasty and willing to win at any cost. 

On Sunday afternoon in Brisbane, Australia, Jeff Horn (17-0-1 11 KO) was a junk yard dog in defeating future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs), by unanimous decision, 115-113 X2 and a What The Hell Fight Were You Watching score of 117-111. 

The new champion brought the fight to the Pac Man early and often showing no respect for his elder. Horn is awkward and it took Pacquiao a few rounds to get his timing down. 

In the 3rd, Pacquiao began to find his range but Horn made all of the ensuing rounds close with his awkward aggressiveness. Horn would hold and hit anything he could while in the clinch. 

Horn was visibly the bigger man and used his length well when he had to. He looked to rough up Pacquiao on the ropes every chance he got and obliged the former WBO champion in toe to toe exchanges.  

Pacquiao got cut on both sides of his hairline from head butts and returned the favor by brusing, swelling, and bloodying Horn’s face. 

Pacquiao had arguably his best round in the 9th where he pummeled Horn from pillar to post in true Pacquiao fashion. In between rounds, the referee told Horn and his corner that he would give Horn an opportunity to show something in the next round or he would stop the fight. 

The 38 year old Pacquiao was visibly weary in the tenth from his ninth round effort allowing Horn to work his way back into the good graces of the referee over the next two rounds. 

There was a bit of controversy after the scores were read and for good reason. Pacquiao outlanded Horn and arguably could have had at least one 10-8 round. Horn was aggressive but most of the effort wasn’t effective aggression which boxing is scored on.  

Horn was rough and tough, landed some good punches but again, questionable if it was enough to take the title. 

Maybe it was that he did better than most would have thought, outperformed expectations? The judges probably scored the close rounds for Horn because a less than dominating Pacquiao made it seem so. 

Standing-8 didn’t score the fight, but although very close, believed Pacquiao had done enough to retain his title. We’re going to have to go back and score this one, update to follow. 

It wasn’t a robbery, close yes, but the 117-111 score notwithstanding, the 115-113 scores for Horn (or had it gone the other way for that matter) were not outrageous in a fight with very close rounds. 

The word “robbery” once again rears its ugly head in the squared circle. A shame really after a competitive, tough, close fight. 

“Greed” vs. “Public” The Fight Of The Century

For what shall it profit a man if they shall gain the whole world but lose their own soul? Boxing gained the world with the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout but in the end, did the sweet science lose its soul?

From the beginning, it was correctly speculated that this fight would be the most lucrative in the sport’s storied history but it wasn’t until “Mr. Greed” reared his ugly head and called out “Mr. Public” that we disappointedly understood the reality of the situation.

“Mr. Greed” vs. “Mr. Public”- The Fight Of The Century

THE EARLY ROUNDS–

 Although Pay-Per-View (PPV) prices have increased over the past several years, they have settled around the high fifties for a non HD telecast with HD in the high sixties. The PPV price for Mayweather/Pacquiao was set at Non HD= $89.95, HD=$99.95, a considerable increase.

 It is understood that when a big fight is in town, especially a Floyd Mayweather fight, hotels on the Las Vegas Strip will significantly increase. When this fight was announced, some properties tripled or in some cases, even quadrupled in price over “typical” Mayweather fight week prices.

 “Greed” establishes the jab, keeping “Public” off balance and unable to implement a counter attack.

 

THE MIDDLE ROUNDS–

 The cheapest ticket prices for the masses to attend Mayweather/Pacquiao started at $1,500 for a “nosebleed” seat and went up from there with only a reported five hundred made available to the general public in an arena that seats over 16K. Conveniently, all tickets sold out in minutes with a large majority immediately available on the secondary market starting as “low” as a years salary for most people, and in some cases six figures being the cost for the golden ticket.

 If that was out of your price range and you were going to Vegas, no need for frustration, you can watch on closed circuit for a price of $150 plus tax, oh, albeit only at MGM properties and only if you were lucky enough to snag a ticket in the hour before they too sold out. If not, tickets could be had on the secondary market with some asking and receiving four times the original amount.

 “Greed” lands an uppercut!!!!! “Public” is down!!

 For the first time, tickets are sold for a weigh in.  The tickets are very reasonable at $10 with the amazing gesture of all proceeds going to charity.

 “Public” is up at the count of seven and lands a counter right as “Greed” comes rushing in for the finish.

 Moments after all weigh in tickets sell out in under an hour, the secondary market was littered with them and listed upwards of $700 for a single $10 ticket. Dishearteningly, not all proceeds from the weigh in tickets sales will make it to the charities.

 “Greed ” hits “Public” with a low blow.

 

THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS–

 As the world watched, Mayweather dominated Pacquiao with the beauty of the sweet science leaving countless fans unsatisfied…and then the unthinkable……Pacquiao claims that he had, and fought, with a shoulder injury; however, when filling out the pre-fight medical paperwork, the fighter and his camp documented a picture of health.

 As of this writing, there have been 13 class action lawsuits filed in eight states, each in excess of five million dollars alleging that Pacquiao’s injury “unquestionably materially, significantly and negatively affected the quality of the product” and that the failure to disclose the injury turned the “Fight of the Century” into the “Sleight of the Century.”

 “Public” lands an overhand right and rocks “Greed”

 The projected amount of money generated from the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is (amount in millions) PPV $500, Live Gate $72, Sponsorship $13, and Closed Circuit- $10. It’s understood that the simple rules of economics applies here and supply and demand will always dictate pricing but when is it enough?

Sadly, a bad precedent has been set for future mega bouts…..the sweet science can bet its soul.

  “Greed” recovers and attacks “Public” to the ropes landing a blistering combination……”Public” is down!!!!!!…..”Public” has been knocked out.

“Was it a huntsman or a player, that made you pay the cost, that now assumes relaxed positions and prostitutes your loss? Were you tortured by your own thirst in those pleasures that you seek, that made you Tom the curious, that makes you James the weak?”  -Rodriguez

He’s Money Again

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Floyd Mayweather (48-0 26 KO) dominated Manny Pacquiao (57-6-2 38 KO) with murderous right hand counter punching, a stiff jab, and some of the finest ring generalship you will see to put all doubts to rest with regards to this highly anticipated matchup. The pride of the Philippines was simply outclassed.

The judges scorecards- 118-110, 116-112 X2, Standing-8 had it 118-110.

Mayweather boxed brilliantly using his trademark defense to swiftly move out of harms way when Pacquiao tried to launch an attack. Pacquiao was able to land a few solid shots on the pound for pound great but it was mostly flurries to the gloves with no real threat. His inability to cut off the ring also contributed to his demise.

Mayweather jabbed enough to keep Pacquiao off balance while landing low to the body to keep him guessing and continuously making him reset. When Manny did try and rush Floyd, he was stopped in his tracks by solid jab, straight right or swift left check hook for his troubles.

Most of the rounds were a carbon copy of the next, brilliance, a masterpiece against a quality opponent.

After the fight, a good portion of the crowd booed Mayweather as he gave his post fight interview. Really??

The sport is called the sweet science, hit and don’t get hit. Mix it up on your own terms, use lateral movement, go to the body, out maneuver your opponent, control space and distance, and use your opponents strengths against him. Mayweather did all exceptionally well as he usually does.

Mayweather is one of the last complete fighters in the sport. Instead of booing the artistry, appreciate it, it’s what the sport is about.

The great ones don’t come around often and they’ll miss him when he’s gone.

The bottom line is Mayweather made a hall of fame fighter look ordinary and that speaks volumes about this living legend, like him or not.

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week


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Road Warrior

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IBF/WBO/WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1 24 KO) is an oddity. While most champions dictate every move to make their journey more comfortable, Kovalev will travel to your backyard to fight you.

On Saturday night, Kovalev traveled to the Bell Centre in Montreal to face former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion,  Canadian Jean Pascal (29-2-1 17 KO) and found himself in a dogfight.

From the opening round, it was a chess match and clash of styles. The precise calculated attack of Kovalev against the speed , movement, and counters of Pascal. Kovalev was working behind the jab following it with the right hand. Kovalev was jabbing Pascal in the chest to keep him off balance and keep him guessing where the jab would land .

Pascal was quick and surprisingly was able to move forward at times and force Kovalev backwards. Pascal was outstanding in countering Kovalev and had a great round in the third but also got rocked by a big right hand for his troubles.

Pascal actually did some solid work over the next few rounds. Kovalev was on the attack but Pascal was landing more huge counter left hooks and overhand rights. The speed of Pascal was the difference in allowing him to sustain a counter attack. The champion was stalking but was more cautious than we have seen him in the past as he was respecting the speed of which the counter shots were coming.

In the seventh, Kovalev landed a big left at the end of the round that hurt Pascal badly as he wobbled to his corner.

In the eighth, Kovalev had Pascal reeling after a five punch combination culminating with a left hook that sent Pascal flying into the ropes which saved him from going down. As Pascal recoiled off the ropes Kovalev attacked and their feet got tangled causing Kovalev to fall.

As Kovalev was getting to his feet and the referee was ruling it a slip/trip, Pascal was drunk on his feet wobbling as he moved to the neutral corner. Pascal was so visibly hurt as he stumbled that Kovalev took the opportunity to point at him with a smirk as if to say, “look how bad he’s hurt”.  When the fight ensued, Kovalev landed two right hands on a defenseless Pascal causing the referee to jump in and stop the fight.

Good stoppage. The shot at the end of the previous round had already started the damage. All three judges had it 68-64 Kovalev at the time of the stoppage which was officially at 1:03 of the eighth.

This was a great fight and was highly entertaining. We saw the champ pushed like he had not been pushed before and he responded like a true champion. Pascal showed his mettle and fought gallantly till the end.

A few soundbites from the champ after the fight-

On why Pascal was successful early- “I didn’t like how I started, after four rounds, I got it under control.”

If he ever got hurt during the fight- “I got from him good right hand, I had harder fights than this in amatuer career” “He got me with a couple good punches, I never lost control, it’s boxing”

“Bring it on!” when asked about a fight with WBC champ Adonis Stevenson to unify the titles.

On a rematch with Pascal, “If my promoter says I will fight pascal again I’m ready”

Kovalev is now the WBC mandatory and that strap belongs to Stevenson.

Gas up the plane he’s on the move again.

PSST……Hey Guys, Uh, This Is For A Shot At The Title……………

You would think that a fight between two athletic heavyweights fighting in an IBF eliminator for the right to be the mandatory challenger for undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko would make for a great fight but….

Ukrainian Vyacheslav Glazkov  (20-0-1 12 KO) defeated Philadelphia’s Steve “USS” Cunningham (28-7 13 KO) by unanimous decision, 116-112, 115-113, 116-112 in a less than stellar affair and somewhat controversial decision.

Standing-8 had the fight a draw, 114-114. The HBO broadcast crew were in agreement with ringside scorer Harold Lederman that Cunningham had won the fight.

There were a lot of close rounds in this fight. Cunningham controlled the first half of the fight by being the more active fighter. Cunningham used an active jab to set up overhand rights and a good body attack. Cunningham’s movement was also key here as anytime that Glazkov started to mount an attack, Cunningham would use his feet to get out of harms way and begin to stick the jab again. Cunningham can credit his activity level for being the difference in the first half of the fight.

In the seventh, Glazkov began to find his range a bit more and over the second half of the fight controlled most of the rounds by landing the harder shots and was just better for the majority of the round. Again, there were a lot of close rounds and you could probably go one way or the other so if the judges gave Glazkov the swing rounds, you would end up with the scores you did.

In the end, neither pugilist fought like they were battling for a title shot.

I’D Like To Thank AL Haymon

For the second week in a row, we were treated to an installment of the Premier Boxing Champions series, this time on Spike TV. The series is off to a decent start. Two solid entertaining cards that gave us some of the best fights of the year so far. A full recap of Friday’s card is below.

Red Carpet Treatment

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The press conference for the May 2nd fight between pound for pound champ Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao was a spectacle that received star treatment. Complete with a red carpet and sectioned off paparazzi with camera’s flashing, the scene was reminiscent of the Academy Awards. Some highlights-

“May 2nd. The Fight of the Century. It’s all about the best fighting the best.” – Mayweather

“This fight could’ve happened a long time ago, but it’s the right time now. It’s an unbelievable matchup and I know the fans can’t wait for this. The timing is right and the timing is now.

“We finally made it happen. Everything is about timing.-Mayweather

“May 2 we have a tough task ahead of me. Manny Pacquaio is a good fighter, but last time I checked I faced eight southpaws and won eight times, so I am not worried” -Mayweather

“I believe this is what [fans] have been waiting five years for…We will do our best on 5/2 to make you happy.” -Pacquiao

“In Miami we talked about the fight and I understood that I was the B side and he was the A side”- Pacquiao

“I like being the underdog going into a fight. It has been a while since I’ve been one. This time around it gives me much more motivation and I am determined to prove that I can win”-Pacquiao

“We’re fighting the best fighter in the world, and we’re gonna kick his ass. I’m sorry, but, good luck, Floyd.”-Freddie Roach

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Middleweight destroyer and title holder Gennady Golovkin (32-0 29 KO) will make the 14th defense of his strap on May 16 against southpaw Willie Monroe Jr. ( 19-1 6 KO)from The Forum in Inglewood, California. Golovkin was trying to knuckle up with Miguel Cotto but was unable to get a willing dance partner.

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

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Where Were You?
Due to the importance of “the fight” for the annuals of the sport and the build up of the past several years it will be one of those “where were you moments” when recalling your exact location when the Mayweather Pacquiao announcement was made. Mayweather Pacquiao, May 2, MGM Grand Las Vegas. The journey was long but we will now finally see arguably the two best fighters of their generation square off.

Agreed, this fight should ideally have been made years ago but it wasn’t so get over it. This is boxing and if history has taught us anything it’s that things don’t always happen as they should. The alternative would have been that the fight was never made and then what, listen to decades of debate?  No thanks, this is good for the sport and for the legacy of both fighters. You still have the top P4P fighter in the game facing a top three P4P fighter.

Standing-8 was in Las Vegas.

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Gennady Golovkin (32-0 29 KO) was relentless in his 11th Round TKO defeat of Martin Murray (29-2-1 12 KO) in Monte Carlo on Saturday night. GGG bloodied and bruised Murray while dropping him three times in route to the stoppage at 2:10 of the eleventh.

From the opening bell, Golovkin did what he does best, attack, attack, attack. Golovkin cut off the ring and swarmed Murray. Using precise, accurate, and economical punches, Golovkin systematically broke Murray down throughout the fight by landing hooks to the body (some of which dropped Martin), and combinations to the head which included a few timely uppercuts.

Murray is one tough dude with a hell of a beard. He was game throughout the fight, and won a few rounds while having plenty of moments throughout the fight. Murray was able to land overhand rights on Golovkin and work his body but could not do so with any type of consistency due to Golovkin’s constant pressure.Murray landed some very sharp hard punches on Golovkin but simply could not hurt him.

It’s hard to find a negative after such a dominating performance but Golovkin’s defense was a bit porous. Going forward it may pose a problem against a heavy-handed opponent or a boxer/puncher.

Nonetheless, Golovkin looked amazing and upped his consecutive knockout streak to 19.

Boxcino- Time for the Bigs
The Boxcino heavyweight quarterfinals got underway this past Friday night, here is a recap of the tournament openers=

Donovan Dennis 11-1 (9 KO) vs. Steve Vukosa 10-1 (4KO)

Dennis knocked Vukosa down in the third and although Vukosa was able to make it to the bell, he was stopped in the fourth. Dennis dominated all aspects of the fight prior to the stoppage.

Dennis, the Davenport, Iowa native is probably the best pure boxer of the bunch with the quickest hands however he will need to tighten his defense up a bit as he has shown that he can be hit.

Said Dennis, “I took what I could get. I was patient. I was disappointed they stopped it. I had more to show. I’m just looking to get better.”

Dennis will now face the 6’7 Romanian Razvan Cojanu in the semi-finals because…….

Razvan Cojanu 13-1 (7 KO) vs. Ed Fountain 10-1 (4 KO)

Cojanu had his hands full against the undersized and less experienced Fountain. So much in fact that their fight was called a draw after six rounds causing the two combatants to have to fight a seventh and deciding round. Fountain had a chance here but was fatigued which allowed Cojanu to lean on him and do enough to win the round and as a result, the fight.

Cojanu said afterward, “I couldn’t see anything. I was fighting with one eye. Buddy (McGirt) told me to jab and it worked”

Countered Fountain, ” I fought hard, The ref didn’t help. I’ll see Cojanu again after the tournament.”
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Andrey Fedosov 26-3 ( 21 KO ) vs. Nate Heaven 9-2 (7 KO)

Fedosov was dominating in his first round destruction of Heaven. Fedosov dropped Heaven with a left hook and although Heaven was able to get to his feet, he was hit by another left hook and stopped.

“Everything went to plan. Shorten the distance and use my power. That’s what happened.” Said Fedosov

Fedosov is undersized but his opponents should beware, Fedosov could be the sleeper in the tournament.

Fedosov will now face Lenroy Thomas because….

Jason Estrada 20-5 (6 KO) vs.  Lenroy Thomas 18-3 (9 KO)

Estrada and Thomas fought a pretty close fight, so close that they had to go to a seventh round tie breaker. Thomas did enough in the deciding round to take the victory but it really shouldn’t have come to that as he had controlled the fight with his height and reach and exposed Estrada as the last-minute replacement that he was.

Back To The Future

Al Haymon continued his old school approach inking PBC with CBS. (See article below)

Remember The Alamo

Canelo Alvarez had threatened to challenge Mayweather’s May 2 date but since “the fight” was made, he moved his fight against James Kirkland a week later to May 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.