Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Manny Pacquiao Quotes

“I would only spend a week or two in the Philippines, most probably the week during my birthday because I am planning to give away Christmas gifts to the poor people of General Santos just like what I did last year.”

“I'm completely focused on Velazquez, ... If he's able to go the distance, I think that will help me as far as my experience and stamina for Morales. But the only fight I'm thinking about right now is the next one.”

“If he wants a rematch, I will give him a rematch. There should be a third fight.”

“I think I had him sometime in the eighth round. I knew the body punches were wearing him down, and I knew that if I could keep landing them, I'd probably get him.”

“In the sixth round I knew he was getting tired when I hit him with one punch to the body. But I had to take my time with him because he's a great boxer, too. In the 10th, I tried to knock him out.”

“I could see he was having problems taking my punches. I had no problem taking his.”

“I know everyone in the Philippines is happy.”

“Maybe Manny can take Espinosa for his roadwork or as an adviser. As we all know, Manny shows no mercy even with his sparring partners.”

“I saw I hurt him every time I hit him in the body.”

“Every time Erik moved to his right, I couldn't see him.”

“All of my countrymen are hoping that I win this fight. If I beat Morales, it will be a great honor for me to go back to the Philippines with the victory. I want this very much for my country, it will be good for my country and my fans.”


Sunday, July 26, 2009

Joe Calzaghe Believes He Can Beat Wladimir Klitschko

Is Joe Calzaghe punch drunk, just missing the spotlight, or does he think he can seriously compete with a behemoth heavyweight like Wladimir Klitschko? It's hard to tell with Joe Calzaghe. Joe recently told Walesonline, "I see the guys fighting now and I know I could beat them all. That's always the case. I'm Joe Calzaghe, I could beat anyone. I could step up and beat Wladimir Klitschko if I wanted."

Joe Calzaghe is probably just craving the spotlight, but I'll entertain the thought just for a moment; Joe Calzaghe Vs. Wladimir Klitschko? Calzaghe would be outweighed by 50 some odd pounds, and facing not just any heavyweight - he would be facing the most talented heavyweight on the planet. Joe wouldn't be able to get by Wladimir's jab. He'd get knocked out. Now, if Joe Calzaghe wasn't just stirring the pot, and really wanted the challenge of facing Wladimir Klitschko; that would be a mega fight for sure. Not gonna happen though.

As far as Joe Calzaghe competing against, and beating the 6 fighters in the super six (super middle weight tournament); that is definitely more realistic. He's been out of the ring for awhile, but he would have an excellent chance of coming out on top. Like him facing Wladimir though, it aint gonna happen.

I bet Mikkel Kessler is hoping Joe enters the fray.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Roy Jones Jr. Is Shot? My Final Prediction For RJJ Vs. Jeff Lacy

After cruising around and reading quite a few boxing message boards, the prevailing theme for Roy Jones Jr., is that he's 'shot.' Most boxing fans are judging this from Jones' fight with Joe Calzaghe. In that fight, towards the end of the fight, he did look shot. Roy Jones Jr., let's not forget, went on to look better than expected in his fight after the Calzaghe thumping; against a limited foe, yes. But as far as physical prowess; Jones didn't look like the Jones of OLD, but far from 'shot.'

Maybe the boxing fans that I disagree with have a different interpretation of the ring-lingo than I do. 'Shot' to me is "get out of the ring. You have NOTHING left." In Roy Jones' case, he still has something left. He is over the hill, not shot.

I'm expecting Roy Jones Jr. to beat Jeff Lacy by UD, or late round stoppage. Jones has too much talent for Lacy, even at this stage in his career.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

David Haye Backs Out Of A Deal To Fight Vitali Klitschko!

After months of calling Wladimir Klitschko "chicken" and other disrespectful names, David Haye has outdone himself once again. It began with Haye backing out of a proposed (and done deal) fight with Wladimir; Haye claimed he had a back injury. Fair enough.

David Haye's latest stunt came recently, when he back doored Vitali Klitschko, signing to fight Valuev at the last minute! Vitali Klitschko and Haye were set to face each other September 19. Who's the chicken? Who's the one running scared?

I thought David Haye was a fresh face, who would bring excitement back to the heavyweight division. So far he has brought a mouth - nothing more. David Haye has yet to prove himself at heavyweight. He had an opportunity to fight both Klitschkos, and he blew it.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Miguel Cotto vs. Manny Pacquiao Is On

It's official. Boxing fans can sit back and breath a sigh of relief. Miguel Cotto vs. Manny Pacquiao is officially signed and will take place Nov. 14.

It will take me a few weeks to make an official prediction on who I think will come out the winner. This fight can easily go either way. Miguel Cotto's size and power punching - along with his jab needs to be taken into consideration. On the flip side, Pacquiao's lighting quick hands and stamina could counter Miguel's advantages.

Right now, I'm leaning towards Miguel Cotto. He isn't washed up like De La Hoya was, is bigger than Ricky Hatton - and unlike Hatton, has a jab. This bout will be speed vs. power, like I've said in a previous entry. The X-factor in this fight is Manny's trainer, Freddie Roach; he's a real evil genius when it comes to creating a fight plan for his fighters. I have no doubt Roach will have Manny Pacquiao try to exploit Cotto's weaknesses. Whether Manny will be able to or not is another story.

But more time needs to be had, for me to make an official prediction. Let's just be thankful this fight was made. Boxing is in need of some much needed hype. We're finally getting it with Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez, and now Cotto-Pacquiao.


Saturday, July 11, 2009

RIP Arturo Gatti

Boxing's ultimate blood & guts warrior, Arturo Gatti was found dead in Brazil at a hotel room he and his wife were staying at, reportedly bloodied when his body was discovered. Early reports are that it was a homicide.

What a shame; first Arguello, now Arturo Gatti.

I was shocked when I first read reports that Arturo Gatti was found dead. I'm still shocked now. Gatti was 37 years young. Much too young to die. Boxing lost a legend.

Much like the drama he surrounded himself with inside the boxing ring, outside the ring was no different. Arturo Gatti was known for drinking a lot and living in the fast lane of life.

I grew up watching Gatti. He was one of the fighters who got me interested in boxing way back in 1996, when I saw him on HBO. He leaves behind his family & friends, and many adoring fans who are wishing his soul rest.





Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Roy Jones Jr. To Keep Fighting After Jeff Lacy

Roy Jones Jr. has expressed his desire to take on Glenn Johnson, Bernard Hopkins and even Wladimir Klitschko.


First of all, Roy Jones is nuts if he thinks he has a realistic shot at beating Wladimir Klitschko, who is a good 7 inches taller than him, with a longer reach. Klitschko would outweigh Jones by a significant margin. If (I doubt it would) the fight ever happened, I wouldn't be surprised to see Roy Jones Jr. get knocked out by one of Wladimir's powerful jabs. That's how much of a mismatch a fight between Jones & Wladimir would be. Joe Calzaghe had Jones flinching and gun shy, imagine what a skilled heavyweight with real power would do to him? With all that said, it was probably just antics from Roy Jones Jr. - about fighting Wladimir I mean. I believe him when he says he wants to face Hopkins or Glenn Johnson.

Many people are calling on Roy Jones Jr. to retire. Why? He didn't look too good in the second half of the fight against Joe Calzaghe - but he held his own in the first part of the fight before the cut. Besides, he didn't look THAT bad - past prime, definitely - but not "shot" as many people like to claim. Sure, Roy Jones Jr. is 40. So what.... he likes to fight and make money. Don't forget, Jones, after losing to Calzaghe, went on to look good against Omar Sheika.

Roy Jones Jr. will go on to face Jeff Lacy next month. I feel Jones will beat Lacy by late round TKO, or UD.
I would also give Roy Jones a good shot at beating Bernard Hopkins - mainly because of Hopkins' inactivity.

First things first; let's wait and see how Roy Jones Jr. looks against Jeff Lacy.