Manny Pacquiao, Keith Thurman make weight ahead of welterweight clash

LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman made weight Friday ahead of their welterweight world title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Both Pacquiao and Thurman, the WBA (Super) champion, hit the scales at 146.5 pounds for their showdown on Saturday night.

“It’s my time. This is “One Time” and still champion by tomorrow night,” Thurman said during the official weigh-in. Manny Pacquiao ain’t doing nothing to me baby.”

“It’s gonna be a good fight because I wanna prove something and I’m so focused for this fight,” said the 40-year-old Pacquiao, who is looking to turn back the clock again as he appears in his 71st professional fight.

The weigh-in was open to the public and Filipino fans made sure to make their presence felt, waving the Philippine flag and cheering wildly every time the eight-division champion’s name was mentioned.

The boxing stars such as Errol Spence Jr., Shawn Porter, Mikey Garcia, Danny Garcia and Nonito Donaire Jr. were also in attendance as well as Pacquiao’s family including his wife Jinkee and mom Dionisia.

The undefeated Spence, who is the reigning IBF welterweight champion, and Porter, the current WBC titleholder, are scheduled in a clash of their own on September 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The winner between the two could potentially meet the victor of the Pacquiao-Thurman bout.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Bradley to Pacquiao: You better be ready

LAS VEGAS—Just when their final press conference was about to wrap up without fireworks, Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao lit up some sparks.

During their face-off, the loudmouth Bradley initiated the verbal exchange that lasted for 10 seconds at the center of Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand here Wednesday.

Pacquiao answered back with nary a pause.

Nobody heard them talking, but it reportedly went like this: 





  


Bradley: Are you ready?

Pacquiao: Yes, I am ready.

Bradley: Are you sure you’re ready?

Pacquiao: Yes, I am ready.

Bradley: You better be ready.

Pacquiao: Yes, I am ready.

Then they stared at each other without blinking and shook hands before heading back to their corners.

Disgusted Arum

If there was genuine hatred between the protagonists for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title fight on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand Arena here, they acted good enough to hide it.

Venerable promoter Bob Arum couldn’t hide his disgust with MGM officials for a serious affront they committed.

Instead of Pacquiao-Bradley II being displayed all over the hotel and casino, it was the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-versus-Marcos Maidana tussle on May 3 that was being shown.

2-1 favorite

The 82-year-old Arum said Pacquiao-Bradley was a much more competitive fight, with sports book putting the eight-division world champion from the Philippines a 2-1 favorite.

In contrast, oddsmakers have installed Mayweather a 15-1 favorite over Maidana.

Only the fact that the grudge rematch between Pacquiao and Bradley, to be shown on HBO pay-per-view (PPV), was sure to be a sellout put a smile back on Arum’s face.



PPV superstar

According to Arum, only about a thousand tickets are left and they are sure to be gobbled up in the last three days.

HBO’s Mark Taffet lauded Pacquiao as a PPV superstar.

Taffet said Pacquiao’s 18 PPV fights have generated a total of 12.2 million buys for a whopping $660 million in revenues.

With Pacquiao-Bradley II expected to hit a million buys, Pacquiao should breach the $700 million mark.

Fight of the Year?

WBO president Paco Valcalcel said it could be the Fight of the Year.

Bradley’s showdown with Ruslan Provodnikov was also explosive enough for the Fight of the Year award.

Pacquiao, who is guaranteed $20 million, will be making his 11th appearance at MGM Grand, while Bradley, who’s guaranteed $6 million, will be making his third.

Next fight in Macau

In their first fight, Pacquiao got $25 million while Bradley pocketed $5 million.

With Top Rank’s relationship with MGM strained, Arum intends to bring Pacquiao’s next fight to The Venetian in Macau in November.

source: sports.inquirer.net

One Pacquiao-Bradley judge replaced

MANILA, Philippines—Staying true to correct the blunder off years past, the Nevada State Athletic Commission has subbed one judge for the rematch of Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley.

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, Craig Metcalfe of Canada replaced John Keane of Britain after the latter was reportedly ill and would be unable to travel for the fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti informed the international sports website Tuesday.

In his report, Rafael said that the NCSA and its chairman, Francisco Aguilar, informed Top Rank, which promotes both fighters, of the change in the judges’ lineup.

Glenn Throwbridge of Nevada and Michael Pernick of Florida are still on-board while Kenny Bayless is still the third man atop the ring.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Mayweather dominates Alvarez for easy decision win

LAS VEGAS — Canelo Alvarez proved nothing more than easy money for Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather turned one of the richest fights ever into just another $41.5 million payday Saturday night, dominating Alvarez from the opening bell and winning a majority decision in a masterful performance that left no doubt who the best fighter of his era is.

Fighting off his shortest layoff in years, Mayweather was sharp, efficient and sometimes brutal in dismantling an unbeaten fighter who was bigger and was supposed to punch harder. He frustrated Alvarez early, pounded him with big right hands in the middle rounds, and made him look just like he said he would — like any other opponent.

Mayweather was favored 117-111 and 116-112 on two ringside scorecards while a third had the fight 114-114. The Associated Press scored it 119-109 for Mayweather.

“I just listened to my corner, listened to my dad,” Mayweather said. “My dad had a brilliant game plan, and I went out there and got the job done.”

Mayweather remained unbeaten in 45 fights and added another piece of the junior middleweight title to his collection in a fight that was fought at a 152-pound limit. Alvarez weighed in at that weight, but was an unofficial 165 pounds when he got into the ring while Mayweather, who weighed in at 150 1/2 pounds, was an even 150.

Mayweather’s speed was the difference all night as he was able to land straight rights and left jabs, then get out of the way before Alvarez was able to respond. But while Mayweather used great defense, he wasn’t afraid to attack often and at different angles, finding Alvarez with punches he couldn’t anticipate.

“He’s very talented, very elusive,” Alvarez said.

When it was over, Mayweather didn’t even celebrate, walking over to a corner to look at the crowd. Just another payday, just another win for Money May. The only suspense came when it was announced the decision wasn’t unanimous.

“I can’t control what the judges do,” Mayweather said.

Alvarez was supposed to be Mayweather’s greatest challenge and he did his best to force the action. Like others, though, he couldn’t solve the puzzle that is Mayweather and spent much of his night punching at an opponent who had already moved away from him.

“I didn’t know how to get him, it’s extremely simple,” Alvarez said. “He’s a great fighter, very intelligent. The frustration was getting in there, but he’s a great fighter. We tried to catch him.”

The sellout crowd at the MGM Grand tried its best to urge Alvarez on, but the cheers of “Canelo! Canelo!” were faint and wistful by the late rounds. Mayweather was so much in charge that the only question was whether the ringside judges would allow him to pitch a shutout.

Mayweather came out aggressive and used his speed to hit Alvarez with one or two shots in the early rounds and then get safely out of the way. Alvarez tried to stalk Mayweather and throw right hands, but Mayweather was usually safely out of the way by the time the punches arrived.

“He’s a tough competitor,” Mayweather said. “A tough competitor.”

Alvarez kept trying to force the fight, but every time he went after Mayweather he paid for it with a counter right or a combination to the head. By the fourth round he was beginning to get frustrated, landing a low blow that angered Mayweather, who was further angered when Alvarez refused to touch gloves with him to resume the fight.

The fight was one of the richest ever — if not the richest ever — with a live gate of $20 million and at least another $100 million from pay-per-view. Tickets were so hot that celebrities were actually offering to buy them and some tickets were being offered online for as much as $29,000.

Mayweather was the big beneficiary of that, making a guaranteed $41.5 million to $5 million for Alvarez. Add in his purse from his win over Robert Guererro in May and Mayweather made $73 million in two fights — easily making him the highest-paid athlete in the country.

Alvarez had some star power himself, with his red hair, good lucks and big punching power winning over most of his native Mexico. The fight was on free TV in Mexico, and some estimates were that 70 million people would watch.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Mayweather weighs in 1.5 pounds lighter than Alvarez

LOS ANGELES — Floyd Mayweather, who is fighting twice in the same calendar year for the first time since 2007, weighed in at 1.5 pounds lighter than Mexican star Saul Alvarez.

The boisterous crowd of about 12,000 that squeezed into the MGM arena cheered loudly Friday when Alvarez tipped the scales right on the catch weight of 152 pounds (68.9 kilograms) one day ahead of their 12-round world championship bout for the 154-pound title held by the Mexican boxer.

The world’s highest paid athlete Mayweather will put his perfect record on the line when he squares off against Alvarez in a showdown between the two undefeated boxers.

“My job is to go out there and keep my composure and be the same Floyd Mayweather,” he said at the weigh in. “I can’t wait to get out there and go to work.”

The 36-year-old Mayweather weighed in at 150.5 pounds — just under the mutually decided catch weight of 152 pounds.

Alvarez (42-0-1) hasn’t weighed 152 or less for a fight since 2011, while Mayweather has fought above 147 just twice — for the Oscar de la Hoya and Miguel Cotto wins.

Alvarez said on Wednesday he was sparring at 155 pounds but feels comfortable moving down in weight to fight Mayweather.

Saturday’s fight has generated huge interest, especially in Mexico where the 23-year-old Alvarez is considered one of their biggest sporting heroes.

The fight with Alvarez is the second in Mayweather’s six-bout, 30-month contract with American cable network Showtime that could pay him more than $200 million.

After Mayweather beat Robert Guerrero in May, he said he wanted to fight again in September.

Mayweather’s guaranteed purse for the Alvarez fight is reported to be a record $41 million, which would surpass the previous record of $32 million he received for fighting Guerrero.

Organizers are also hoping that this fight will eclipse two million pay-per-view sales. Mayweather will also get a cut of the pay-per-view money on top of his purse.

The last time Mayweather stopped an opponent inside the distance was two years ago, when Victor Ortiz lowered both his hands and was looking at the referee. Mayweather seized the moment and hit Ortiz with a combination of fight-ending punches.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Pacquiao, Marquez make weight for Saturday’s sold-out welterweight fight

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez made weight today for their welterweight fight Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Marquez took to the scales first at the MGM Grand, weighing in at 143 pounds. Pacquiao followed at 147 pounds — the welterweight maximum.

This is the fourth, and likely last, fight in a heated series — some boxing experts call it one of the sport’s all-time rivalries — between two fighters that history has proven are evenly matched.

Their inaugural fight in 2004 was ruled a draw. Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs) won by split decision in 2008 and by majority decision last November. In the majority decision, one judge scored the fight a draw and another scored it in Marquez’s favor at 115-113. But the third judge saw it 116-112 in favor of Pacquiao to give him the majority decision by one round.

Yes, it’s been that close.

The weigh-in, which was free to the public, was attended by about 6,000 fans — a majority of whom cheered loudly for the Mexican Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs). The event also was attended by several boxing legends, including former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, former five-division champion and Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, and HBO commentator and former champ Roy Jones Jr.

The list of notables also included newbie promoter 50 Cent. The rapper was on stage when his fighter, undefeated Cuban defector Yuriokis Gamboa, weighed in for his undercard fight.

Officials from Top Rank, which is promoting the event, announced earlier Friday that the 16,000-seat arena has been sold out. They said the gate will exceed $10.5 million. The card will be televised on closed circuit at several MGM properties on the Strip, and Top Rank officials also expect those seats to sell out.

“Manny and Juan Manuel may have unfinished business in the ring, but as far as the live box office, it’s business as usual — another sellout,” Bob Arum, the Top Rank president, said in a statement. “I encourage boxing fans in Las Vegas to go to their favorite MGM Resort International property to purchase their closed-circuit seats today because the projections are looking like a sellout there, too.”

Pacquiao, who in June lost a controversial decision to Timothy Bradley for his first loss in seven years, is a heavy betting favorite at the MGM sports book. Pacquiao is a -370 favorite (bet $37 to win $10) while Marquez is listed at +280.

source: lasvegassun.com

A Pacquiao-Bradley rematch? Not so fast

Manny Pacquiao has a contractual right to a return engagement after losing a controversial split-decision. But lukewarm public interest could derail such plans.




LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao reserved a contractual right to request a rematch against Palm Springs' Timothy Bradley if he lost Saturday.




And even though Pacquiao was left stunned by a split-decision defeat in which two of three judges awarded Bradley a 115-113 victory, it's not a given that the pair will reunite in November.

Fight promoter Bob Arum said after the bout that he heard from ticket brokers who said they would have trouble selling seats to a Bradley rematch because most fight watchers considered the World Boxing Organization welterweight title bout on Saturday at the MGM Grand a one-sided Pacquiao victory.

"The brokers are telling us if we make a Bradley rematch, no one will go," Arum said.

Todd duBoef, president of Arum's Top Rank promotional company, said he'd like to see the results of polls asking fans if they want a rematch before committing to a second fight.

Veering from Bradley would deny him another major purse after he earned $5 million against Pacquiao. Bradley manager Cameron Dunkin said following Saturday night's fight that he would expect a rematch purse to be "something near" $10 million now that Bradley has the belt.

So there's some leveraging going on too.

Pacquiao's alternatives would be another run atFloyd Mayweather Jr., who's due for release from Clark County (Nev.) jail on a domestic-violence conviction in August, or a fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Bradley improved to 29-0 with Saturday's victory, but few outside of his supporters were buying the scores that favored him from judges Catherine J. Ross and Duane Ford.

Arum said Bradley told the promoter in the ring before the scorecards were turned in, "Manny's a great fighter. I tried as hard as I could, but I came up short."

Despite concerns Pacquiao (54-4-2) had been flat in his two previous fights and might be unfocused after experiencing a religious awakening this year, the Filipino superstar returned to form close to his peak and connected on 253 punches to Bradley's 159, according to CompuBox statistics.

"I was proud of Manny," Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. "I thought it was his best fight since" a 2009 victory over Miguel Cotto. "He clearly won the fight. I think the judges had their eyes closed. Something wasn't right."

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer said he does not anticipate any discipline or review of Ross or Ford.

"Every fighter who loses a close fight looks at the judges," Kizer said. "I think every judge should strive to get better."

Arum expressed concern for boxing fans' faith in the sport.

"The outcome of this is not good," he said. "I hope boxing recovers."

Pacquiao said he would "respect the decision, but I 100% believe I won the fight. The best attitude is respect and professionalism. I hope this dismay doesn't cause people to discard the sport. I'm still here. I can fight."

Arum told Pacquiao on the news conference stage that, "If you want," the Bradley rematch, "that's what we'll do."

Pacquiao, who hadn't lost since March 2005, hasn't knocked out an opponent in five consecutive fights. He said meeting Bradley again, "would make me become a warrior in the ring, because I don't want it to go to the judges."

Pacquiao had a 158-to-80 lead in punches-connected after seven rounds against Bradley, who twisted an ankle in the second round and was clearly failing to convince the champion that he was capable of a knockout.

"I was glad Bob Arum gave me an opponent who would fight toe-to-toe," Pacquiao said. "My goal was to exchange strong punches, but then toward the end he started running. … Aside from three rounds, I hurt him, and I know he felt that."

Bradley trainer Joel Diaz said his fighter won five of the last six rounds on Ross and Ford's scorecards by "moving."

"After the seventh round, I was continued action," Bradley said. "There were three judges, and two of them thought I won. What do you want me to do?"

source: latimes.com

Stunned Pacquiao eyes revenge in Bradley rematch

LAS VEGAS - Boxers usually look devastated in defeat but Manny Pacquiao smiled and turned his mind to quick, brutal revenge after being stunned by a controversial split decision loss to Timothy Bradley in their WBO welterweight showdown on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time).

Pacquiao said he was "100 percent" confident he had won the 12-round fight at the MGM Grand and, like his American challenger Bradley, eagerly looked forward to a rematch on November 10 at a venue yet to be decided.

"I didn't listen to the announcement because I thought I had won [verdicts from] all the judges," Filipino southpaw Pacquiao told reporters after ending an unbeaten run of 15 bouts.

"I respect the decision but 100 percent I believe I won the fight. I don't even remember if he hurt me one punch. He got me with a couple of jabs but I don't remember if he hit me a solid punch in my face.

"I give Bradley credit, maybe three rounds for him because in some rounds I relax. Aside from three rounds, every round I hurt him."

Pacquiao surrendered his WBO welterweight title after earning one verdict from judge Jerry Roth (115-113) while CJ Ross (115-113) and Duane Ford (115-113) gave the fight to the American.

The Filipino's trainer, Freddie Roach, was dumbfounded by the decision.

"I was very surprised they gave it so close," the bespectacled Roach said. "I had it for Manny by 10 rounds to two."

Even Bradley sounded surprised at the decision.

"Pacquiao was a tough, tough warrior. This guy can punch, he has speed. He has all the tools," he said.

"I used my ability to clear some rounds, maybe the last five rounds I feel, to get the victory. I am still shocked."

Dish served cold

While Pacquiao said he wanted to respect Bradley after a result which was roundly booed by the crowd, he promised to beat the American inside the distance when they next meet.

"It will make me a warrior in having this kind of rematch," Pacquiao said, looking to avenge the loss. "I want to finish him before the whole 12 rounds. I want the rematch."

Bradley, a 5-1 underdog against Pacquiao, was also itching to have the rematch, which he had arrogantly promoted during the build-up to Saturday's (Sunday, PHL time) fight.

"That was all my idea, pretty much," said the 28-year-old from Palm Springs in California after improving his career record to 29-0 with 12 knockouts.

"Just part of promoting the fight, hyping it up," he added, addressing reporters from a wheelchair.

"I felt I was going to win this fight so the rematch is in place, the date is there. It's definitely going to be a different fight."

Bradley conceded that hearing the boos from the crowd after the decision had been announced gave him added motivation to get back into the ring with Pacquiao.

"I'm happy to be the new welterweight champion but I definitely would like to do this again," said the American, who was back in the ring for the first time since he retained his WBO junior welterweight title by stopping Cuba's Joel Casamayor in November.

"I heard all the boos at the end of the fight, which is okay because we need to do this again. Let's make this more decisive."

Bradley spoke to the media while sitting in a wheelchair before being taken to hospital to have a check on his ankles, which he said he had twisted during the second round.

"I injured my left foot in the second round, twisted my ankle, and now both of my ankles are swollen," he added. "I got hit with some big shots early on but I persevered and went through the pain." - HS, Reuters

article source: gmanetwork.com

Pacquiao, Bradley each make weight for Saturday’s title fight

Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley each made weight for their WBO welterweight title fight Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

During Friday afternoon’s weigh-in, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 147 pounds and Bradley was 146. The welterweight maximum in 147.

The event was free to the public at the MGM, and thousands of people were in attendance to show their support of both fighters. Pacquiao, one of the sport’s top draws, seemed to have more support with his fans coordinating the wave before the fighters took the stage. Others were chanting in favor of Bradley.

The undefeated Bradley is nearly a 5-to-1 betting underdog but has confidently maintained all week that he’ll be the better boxer once the bell rings. He had a swagger in his step on the stage and didn’t back down when staring at Pacquiao during a photo after the weigh-in.

The confidence might not matter come fight night. Even though Pacquiao is coming off a poor performance in outpointing Juan Manuel Marquez, he’s still an eight-division champion and riding a 15-match winning streak that dates back seven years.

article source: lasvegassun.com

Bradley just another job for Pacquiao

LAS VEGAS—For Manny Pacquiao, juggling from being religious to being ferocious takes little effort. He can be a preacher before the bout then transform into a fighter once the bell rings.

“I can change the mode,” Pacquiao told the international media at the VIP room of the MGM Grand Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). “I can switch the button.”

That’s why, Pacquiao finds no conflict in his new spiritual calling with that of boxing. He’ll hurt an opponent, he said, without remorse because it’s what he needs to do. It’s what he’s trained to do for his showdown with Timothy Bradley on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

“Yeah, I love Bradley,” said Pacquiao. “But we have a job in the ring to do. We have to entertain people because it’s our profession. It’s part of the sport, but there’s nothing personal.”

Similarly, Pacquiao holds no rancor against loudmouth Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is serving an 87-day sentence for domestic violence.

“I’m praying for him,” Pacquiao said. I treat him as my friend, my brother. I am praying that everything with him will be fine.”

Pacquiao, however, admitted that he felt insulted when Mayweather called and offered him a flat payment of $40 million for their eagerly awaited megabuck bout to push through.

“I felt that if I accept it (fight) he’ll be laughing behind my back,” said Pacquiao. “It’s not the proper way to negotiate if you’re a businessman.”

For now, Pacquiao said he’s focused on the Bradley fight that would guarantee him $26 million, plus shares in the pay-per-view and gate receipts.

He’ll consider Mayweather as a possible opponent once he’s done with Bradley.

The projected Pacquiao-Mayweather bout has the potential to be the highest grossing boxing match in history.

source: http://sports.inquirer.net

JuanMa to earn more in fourth showdown

LAS VEGAS – It may not be too hard to lure Juan Manuel Marquez into another fight with Manny Pacquiao.

Bob Arum, boxing’s greatest promoter, said Saturday’s fight was a huge success that setting a fourth fight wouldn’t be as difficult as making the third one.

Arum said gate receipts at the MGM Grand will hit as high as $1.7 million based on the crowd figure of 16,368. There were also 16,000 closed circuit seats sold in the different MGM Properties.

“You can’t do better than a sellout, and that’s music to my ears,” said Arum.

Marquez will get his share in the gates, as well as the pay-per-view sales, and counting his guaranteed purse of $5 million he stands to get as much as $10 million.

“Marquez should be making $9 million to $10 million, and that’s a lot of money. So I will sit down with him,” said the chief of Top Rank Promotions.

Pacquiao was guaranteed $22 million for the fight, and Arum said it may hit $30 million once everything comes in.

Under the fight contract, Marquez will receive a guaranteed purse of $10 million in case a fourth fight between him and Pacquiao happens.

And by announcing his plans to retire, Marquez may have just upped his personal value.

He can easily ask more than what’s stated in the contract just to make a fourth fight happen.

Arum said the pay-per-view numbers for Saturday’s fight are promising as well.

“We are tracking near 1.5 million (hits at $54.99 each),” he said.


Source: philstar.com

Pacquiao escapes with controversial win

MANILA, Philippines - WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao retained his title with a questionable majority decision victory over nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas today.

The three judges had scores of 114-114, and 115-113 and 116-112 for Pacquiao, who had himself on the receiving end of Marquez's brilliant counters throughout the fight.

Philstar.com had it 115-113 for Marquez, who once again left the ring in frustration after a night on which he appeared to have solved the Pacquiao puzzle.

"It's clear that I won the fight," Pacquiao said as he was met by jeers from the crowd.

Marquez displayed his fine counterpunching skills to frustrate Pacquiao for most of the fight.

The Filipino icon occassionally landed several left straights to his foe's head and body, but Marquez always came back with a response.

Asked if he would grant Marquez another crack at him, Pacquiao said: "It's up to my promoter. I will fight anyone, anytime."


Source: philstar.com