“Don’t say that,” Arum told the Bulletin when asked whether Mayweather is out of the picture as a potential opponent for late-May or early-June in Las Vegas.

Arum said he briefly met with Pacquiao “for about 30 minutes and got everything done,” stressing that the 33-year-old Pacquiao has made his intentions clear to him as to what he wants to do next.

In the running as Pacquiao foe are Miguel Cotto, Tim Bradley, Lamont Peterson and Juan Manuel Marquez and Arum will talk with one of these guys once it can be determined with finality that a fight with Mayweather cannot be salvaged.

Arum had dismissed Mayweather as an opponent for Pacquiao the past few days owing to several reasons but the unbeaten American fighter went on record on the Internet Saturday, saying the fight that he truly wants is against Pacquiao.

“I don’t want to fight anybody but him (Pacquiao). I don’t want to fight (Miguel) Cotto, not Canelo (Saul Alvarez) and I (am not) looking to fight (Juan Manuel) Marquez a second time,” Mayweather told fighthype.

“I’m not trying to fight (Robert) Guerrero. I fought a southpaw, I fought (Victor) Ortiz. Ortiz was a tune up preparing me for Pacquiao because I thought that fight was going to happen and it’s the fight I want to give the world,” said Mayweather, who knocked out Ortiz last September.

“I’m looking to fight Manny Pacquiao, why is he duckin’ and dodgin’ me?” said Mayweather.

Mayweather wants a May 5 date for a fight and the fact that Arum did not rule out Mayweather is a sign that something must have come up the past 24 hours.

Still, if a Mayweather fight doesn’t happen next, the 80-year-old Arum can still go to other attractive options.

Source: Manila Bulletin

For the Top Rank chief and promoter of boxing’s hottest star, it may be the right time. But to some, it may be a little too late.

“Medyo matagal kapag June,” said Pacquiao’s legal adviser, Atty. Franklin Gacal, yesterday.

But since Floyd Mayweather is fighting on May 5, following the suspension of his jail term from January to June, then there’s no other choice.

Mayweather is looking at Canelo Alvarez and Robert Guerrero as his next opponent.

“If Floyd has got a lock on May 5 in Las Vegas, then that leaves us with no other choice but to fight in June. Mr. Arum knows that,” Gacal added.

Pacquiao also wants to fight in May.

In fact, he said he wants Mayweather as his next opponent so the fans can get the fight they want, the fight they deserve, and is willing to get the smaller share of the purse just to get it done.

But Arum said the other day, as news of Mayweather staying out of jail broke out, that Pacquiao should consider fighting later than May.

Arum said Pacquiao may need a little more time so the cut he suffered in the fight against Juan Manuel Marquez last November fully heals.

If Pacquiao fights in June, that’s seven months after his last, a close and controversial decision against Marquez.

Pacquiao fought Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito eight months apart in 2010, and was busiest in 2008 when he did Marquez, Ricky Hatton and Oscar dela Hoya all in nine months.

The four names that Arum gave to Freddie Roach remain the same, and Pacquiao needs to choose from among Miguel Cotto, Tim Bradley, Lamont Peterson or Marquez.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Even David Beckham gets enthralled by the mere presence of Manny Pacquiao.

“I couldn’t wait to get off the field when I saw him (Pacquiao). I’m a huge fan,” shared Beckham, who kickstarted the LA Galaxy’s 6-1 win over the Philippine Azkals with his patented strike.

“He’s a talented man and good person. I saw him walking during the game, it was exciting,” added Beckham, whose game against the Philippines was believed to be his second to the last game as part of the Galaxy before going back to Europe.

The English football star awed the sellout crowd at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium with a curling strike that went up and over Azkals’ keeper Eduard Sacapano in the 20th minute.

Incidentally, both Beckham and Pacquiao have just come off stunning victories.

Beckham led the Galaxy to the Major League Soccer Cup title a little over a week after Pacquiao edged Marquez in their trilogy to retain his WBO welterweight crown last month.

In another grand gesture, Beckham went back to the post-game conference just to give a signed jersey to Phil Younghusband.

Asked whether he would like to return to Manila, Beckham answered: “We’d love to come back.”

Beckham and American star striker Landon Donovan, who were said to play only in the first half, logged more than 70 minutes.

The pound-for-pound king along with his wife, Jinkee, and kids arrived just minutes before the first half ended.

Source: Inquirer.net

Mayweather said in his Twitter account that he is more than ready to square off with the Filipino star.

“May 5 is the date, sign the contract, I’m waiting,” said the unbeaten 34-year-old Mayweather.

There have been a couple of times when negotiations broke down to stage a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight owing to random blood testing and revenue sharing but it seems that these are close to being ironed out.

“I can’t be sitting waiting all day, you want to fight let’s make it happen. I’m here, I’m waiting, what’s going on? I can sign today. If I sign today you better sign tomorrow,” he said.

Last week, Pacquiao told the local media in General Santos City that negotiations have started for a lucrative showdown with Mayweather.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank said he is holding talks with investment groups and is keeping his fingers crossed over the outcome of the talks. These same groups are also in contact with Mayweather, according to the 79-year-old Arum.

Pacquiao is coming off a hard-earned 12-round majority decision over Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez and it is believed that his far-from-impressive showing might have something to do why Mayweather is making a noise.

Mayweather, on the other hand, last fought in mid-September, knocking out Victor Ortiz in six rounds.

It is expected that if the fight becomes a reality, it will surpass pay-per-view subscriptions and box-office sales as well.

But if talks go down the drain again, Pacquiao will likely meet Marquez for the fourth time.

Source: Manilla Bulletin

The Filipino sensation was taken to the limit before winning a majority decision that infuriated Márquez and most of the sellout crowd. While close, the win helped Pacquiao continue a remarkable run that has made him the most exciting fighter in the sport.

In a bruising battle against a counterpuncher who was both accurate and fast, Pacquiao needed the final round on two scorecards to pull out the win. He got it, even though a third judge scored the round in favor of Márquez.

As boos — and cans and bottles — rang down on the ring, Pacquiao celebrated another victory and another huge payday.

“My fans are very happy because they thought I won,” Pacquiao said.

He did, but on the narrowest margin. That, perhaps, was to be expected considering the previous 24 rounds the two had fought were just as close.

Pacquiao won on two scorecards, while the third ringside judge had it a draw. It was a narrow escape for the Filipino congressman, who took as much punishment as he got over 12 rounds, and Márquez was so upset he stormed from the ring.

“This was the second robbery and this one was the worst,” Márquez said. “We won with clearer punches.”

The third fight between the two was as close as the previous two, and by the time they finished 12 rounds the outcome was still in doubt. Pacquiao won some rounds with sheer aggression, while Márquez won others with brilliant counterpunching, keeping Pacquiao from getting inside.

Márquez was a 7-1 underdog, but it was clear early he would be in this fight. He picked Pacquiao apart with right hands almost every time he tried to get inside, and landed good hard flurries throughout the fight.

Pacquiao was the aggressor throughout, and landed some sharp punches of his own. But when the decision was announced, the crowd booed roundly and, once again Márquez had lost a close fight.

One ringside judge had it a 114-114 draw, while two others favored Pacquiao by 115-113 and 116-112. The Associated Press had it 114-114.

“It’s hard when you’re fighting your rival and the three judges, too,” Márquez said.

The sellout crowd at the MGM Grand arena threw bottles and cans toward ringside after the decision was announced, with one full can hitting a ringside writer.

Pacquiao found out early he would be in for a long night, taking counter punches from Márquez in the opening rounds while looking for his own opening. He had trouble all night finding his range and, when he did get inside, Márquez often moved to the side and landed a counter right hand.

It was the third close fight between the two men, though this one was fought at 144 pounds instead of 125 as was their first fight seven years ago. That fight was a draw, while Pacquiao won a split decision in the second bout in 2008 at 130 pounds.

Márquez fought going backward all night, and that might have been his undoing. While he landed well at times, Pacquiao was in his face most of the night.

Ringside punch stats showed just how close the fight was. Pacquiao was credited with landing 176 of 578 punches, while Márquez landed 138 of 436.

The power punches were even closer, with Pacquiao connecting on 117 to 100 — though Márquez seemed to land the harder punches.

Pacquiao was behind on one scorecard and only ahead by a point on a second going into the 12th round, and the crowd was on its feet roaring for what they expected to be a classic last round. But both fighters were tentative, brawling only toward the end of the round, and two judges gave Pacquiao the round while the third gave it to Márquez.

“He was ready for my punches,” Pacquiao said. “I thought I blocked a lot of his punches.”

The fight was fought at a hard pace, and both fighters fought in spurts that brought the crowd to their feet. Pacquiao won the first three rounds on two scorecards, then Márquez came roaring back with some crisp right hands of his own.

It was evident early that both fighters were so familiar with each other they knew what the other was going to do, and they compensated by fighting in spurts when each had the advantage. Neither ever seemed seriously hurt, though Márquez landed several right hands that snapped Pacquiao’s head back and stopped him from coming forward.

The two clashed heads in the ninth round, opening a cut above Pacquiao’s right eye, and he was also cut inside his mouth. Márquez wasn’t cut but his face was swollen and his eyes were closing in the later rounds.

It was the 15th straight win for Pacquiao, who earned a minimum of $22 million while improving his record to 54-3-2. Márquez, who earned $5 million, fell to 52-6-1.

Source: Fox News

Pacquiao said he’s been looking forward to this fight ever since Marquez wore a shirt which read, “Marquez Beat Pacquiao Twice!!” last November after defeating Michael Katsidis to retain his lightweight titles. Pacquiao defeated Marquez by a split decision in 2008, and their first fight in 2004 ended in a draw.

“He’s been claiming that he’s won the last two fights,” Pacquiao said. “I need to go in and end all these issues. This fight will be the answer to all the doubts and all the issues he’s been screaming for.”

There is a picture of Marquez wearing the shirt behind the speed bag Pacquiao hits every day at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. As Pacquiao pummeled the bag on Wednesday, his eyes were transfixed on the picture as his trainer Freddie Roach looked on.

“This is the best I’ve ever seen him,” Roach said. “He really has a grudge because Marquez wore those ‘I Beat Pacquiao Twice’ shirts in the Philippines and started campaigning that he got robbed. Manny doesn’t dislike anyone in the world, but this guy slapped him in the face a little bit and payback’s a b—-.”

Roach put the picture of Marquez wearing the shirt behind the speed bag when they began training. He thought it would soon be removed, but a week before the fight the photo is still there.

Source: ESPN

Roach instructed the Filipino champion to knock Marquez out as soon as he gets the chance, according to DogHouseBoxing.com.

“Don’t be a nice guy. See what happens to nice guys like Victor Ortiz? Manny, don’t let this fight go any longer than it should,” said Roach.

The boxing coach was referring to Ortiz’s knockout defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather knocked Ortiz senseless while the latter was apologizing for an intentional head butt.

Roach said he received assurance from Pacquiao that the fight will end with a stoppage.

The boxing trainer earlier voiced his concern that Pacquiao had become compassionate to his recent opponents.

He said that this was the reason Pacquiao failed to halt Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley.

But Roach said fans might see a different Pacquiao in the coming Marquez fight.

“When Marquez wore the t-shirt that said, ‘I Beat Manny Pacquiao Twice,’ that was a slap in the face. Manny will never say it but he doesn’t like this guy. I can tell. He has a little sparkle in his eye,” said Roach.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Top Rank CEO and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum administered the oath of sportsmanship. The “World Press Tour 2011 Pacquiao-Marquez III” special was aired after “Eat Bulaga.”

Gracing the event was an all-star Kapuso cast led by Ogie Alcasid, Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go, Jay-R, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, Glaiza de Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Rocco Nacino, Sarah Lahbati, and others. The event was hosted by Dingdong Dantes while Jillian Ward and Yogo Singh handed tokens of goodwill to both fighters.

During the interview with the two boxers anchored by Arnold Clavio and sportscaster Chino Trinidad, Pacquiao promised to wield his strongest brawn for the 144-pound world championship title.

Present during the event were GMA Pres./COO Gilberto “Jimmy” R. Duavit, Jr., GMA SVP for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante, Solar Entertainment Corp. Pres. Wilson Tieng, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Mexican Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christan Clay Mendoza, and Executive Director of the National Parks Development Committee Juliet Villegas.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Pacquiao is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, although Floyd Mayweather Jnr fans may disagree, and will put his WBO welterweight title on the line on November 12.

The Filipino claimed a hard-fought win over Marquez in 2008, having battled to a draw in 2004, and is expecting his rival to be in superb shape for their clash on November 12.

“I expect the best Marquez on that night,” Pacquiao told KO Boxing.com after confirming his training will begin in earnest on Tuesday.

“I’ve already fought twice with Marquez so I know his style. It’s a hard fight. I have to train hard for this fight.”

Source: ESPN UK

The reigning WBO welterweight champion showed up unannounced at the Rizal Memorial Stadium the other day for some roadwork exercises.

Members of the Philippine amateur boxing team, who were there for their morning workout, were just surprised to see Pacquiao around.

The fighting congressman from Sarangani came with just a couple of bodyguards, and did exercises on his own, with no trainer on hand.

Roel Velasco, bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and now part of the coaching staff, said Pacquiao ran a couple of rounds.

“He did not stay long but he was there doing some exercises. He came up to us and asked us how we were doing,” said Velasco.

“He asked us how he can help the team, and said he was considering putting our amateur boxers in his television game show,” he added.

Pacquiao will take on Marquez on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas. It will be the third clash between the two warriors following two controversial contests.

Pacquiao said he will leave no stone unturned to make sure he wins convincingly this time after a draw in 2004 and a close win in 2008.

His chief trainer, Freddie Roach, said they will go for a knockout, and silence Marquez for good.

The 37-year-old Mexican, up to this day, has maintained that he won both contests, despite being knocked down four times.

Pacquiao wants no less than a convincing win, and this is the reason why he’s already out flexing his muscles, less than three months to the fight.

“He said he would start training by the second week of August although serious training starts the second week of September,” said the boxer’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal.

“Manny said he wants to make sure he wins convincingly this time. Manny said, ‘Ayoko mapahiya dito (I don’t want to lose face here),’” he added.

Source: Philstar.com