LOVE OF BOXING - QUOTES FROM BOXING GREATS
By Maloney L. Samaco
Today is Love Day. We love boxing as much as we love those who are dear to us. So we collect 14 famous quotes from 14 great boxers whose passion for the sport made it more intimate and entertaining for us boxing fans.
"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali.
"I think my grandmother saw my potential first. When I was young, I told her, 'I think I should get a job.' She said, 'No, just keep boxing.'" - Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
“The tempt for greatness is the biggest drug in the world.” –Mike Tyson.
"Once that bell rings you're on your own. It's just you and the other guy." — Joe Louis.
“Bruce Lee was an artist and, like him, I try to go beyond the fundamentals of my sport. I want the public to see a knockout in the making.” – Sugar Ray Leonard.
"There are a lot of things and in order to be at the top and maintain your focus you have to have something that motivates you. For me, it was what I perceived as a lack of respect from the boxing world as well as the media, which made me want to work so hard and be great." — Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
"Getting hit motivates me. It makes me punish the guy more. A fighter takes a punch, hits back with three punches." — Roberto Duran
"Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that’s in rhythm or you’re in trouble.” –Sugar Ray Robinson.
"The three toughest fighters I ever fought were Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Robinson. I fought Sugar so many times, I'm surprised I'm not diabetic." — Jake LaMotta.
"The question isn’t at what age I want to retire, it’s at what income.” – George Foreman.
"A boxing match is like a cowboy movie. There's got to be good guys and there's got to be bad guys. And that's what people pay for - to see the bad guys get beat." - Sonny Liston.
"You have a small period of time when you can perfect your career and become good at it. A lot of guys get distracted, which only hurts them. You must stay focused and work very hard at boxing." - Gerry Cooney.
"The loss just made me hungry; it made me want to go out and win another title." — Thomas Hearns.
"Boxing is a sport. We allow each other to hit each other, but I'm not treating my opponent like my enemy. We're doing a job to entertain people." - Manny Pacquiao.
Happy Valentines to all PhilBoxing fans. Especially to my dearest wife Chona.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Thursday, January 14, 2016
ALBERT PAGARA WILLING TO FACE ANY FOE
ALBERT PAGARA WILLING TO FACE ANY FOE
By Maloney L. Samaco
With the cancellation of his fight against Mexican former world champion Juan Carlos Sanchez, ALA Gym standout Albert Pagara is willing to face any foe that will be contracted by his boss Michael Aldeguer as a substitute opponent.
Sanchez had a contractual problem with his agent and ALA Promotions did not want to deal with complicated fighters. "We may not push through with Sanchez for Pagara on February 27. He has contract problems with his representatives and we don't want any complications," Aldeguer was quoted by Sunstar Cebu.
Still Pinoy Pride 35 billed "Stars of the Future" will push through at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. It will also feature undefeated boxers Mark Magsayo and Kevin Jake Cataraja.
"I trained very hard and had reduced 10 pounds to prepare for Sanchez. I was a bit saddened with the withdrawal of my opponent," said Pagara in a phone conversation with this writer. "They are looking for a substitute, preferably a Mexican, and I'm willing to face any fighter."
"The change in challenger did not hamper my determination to train rigidly," continued Pagara who is a fast-rising star in the No. 1 boxing stable in the country.
The Maasin-born undefeated pugilist is aiming for a world title fight. Sanchez would have been a very ideal stepping stone for his global dream. Pagara is rated No. 6 by The Ring in the junior featherweight/superbantamweight division.
Prince Pagara is also rated No. 8 by the WBC, No. 3 by the IBF and No. 4 by the WBO in the whole world. Boxrec listed him as the No. 8 boxer in his division. He has 25 wins with no defeat no draw and 18 KO wins with a 72% knockout rate.
By Maloney L. Samaco
With the cancellation of his fight against Mexican former world champion Juan Carlos Sanchez, ALA Gym standout Albert Pagara is willing to face any foe that will be contracted by his boss Michael Aldeguer as a substitute opponent.
Sanchez had a contractual problem with his agent and ALA Promotions did not want to deal with complicated fighters. "We may not push through with Sanchez for Pagara on February 27. He has contract problems with his representatives and we don't want any complications," Aldeguer was quoted by Sunstar Cebu.
Still Pinoy Pride 35 billed "Stars of the Future" will push through at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. It will also feature undefeated boxers Mark Magsayo and Kevin Jake Cataraja.
"I trained very hard and had reduced 10 pounds to prepare for Sanchez. I was a bit saddened with the withdrawal of my opponent," said Pagara in a phone conversation with this writer. "They are looking for a substitute, preferably a Mexican, and I'm willing to face any fighter."
"The change in challenger did not hamper my determination to train rigidly," continued Pagara who is a fast-rising star in the No. 1 boxing stable in the country.
The Maasin-born undefeated pugilist is aiming for a world title fight. Sanchez would have been a very ideal stepping stone for his global dream. Pagara is rated No. 6 by The Ring in the junior featherweight/superbantamweight division.
Prince Pagara is also rated No. 8 by the WBC, No. 3 by the IBF and No. 4 by the WBO in the whole world. Boxrec listed him as the No. 8 boxer in his division. He has 25 wins with no defeat no draw and 18 KO wins with a 72% knockout rate.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
ALBERT PAGARA WORLD'S TOP PROSPECT IN THE SUPERBANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION
ALBERT PAGARA WORLD'S TOP PROSPECT IN THE SUPERBANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION
By Maloney L. Samaco
Prince Albert Pagara, the WBO Youth intercontinental superbantamweight champion and IBF intercontinental superbantamweight champion, will face tough Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr. on February 27, 2016 in the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City.
Scott Christ of Bad Left Hook described the younger Pagara: "Pagara, 21, is really still a prospect as much as a contender... But this is a good looking young fighter starting to make moves in this division. He's beaten a bunch of veteran guys, including Rodolfo Hernandez, Jesus Rios, and William Gonzalez this year, stopping all three. Obviously none of those are HUGE wins, but he's on his way."
He listed his top five prospects in this division as follows:
1. Albert Pagara (25-0, 18 KO), Philippines
2. Jonathan Guzman (20-0, 20 KO), Dominican Rep.
3. Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KO), Mexico
4. Manuel Avila (19-0, 8 KO), USA
5. Ryo Matsumoto (17-0, 15 KO), Japan
Former IBF super flyweight champion Sanchez, the 24-year-old native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico has a record of 20-4-1 with 9 knockouts with 36% KO rate. He lost to Cesar Juarez by a unanimous decision in the WBO international superbantamweight title fight.
“He was rated number three until he lost in a close decision to Cesar Juarez, the opponent of Nonito Donaire Jr., for the number one spot in the rankings. Albert (Pagara) needs to go through tough opponents and Sanchez should give him the test he needs,” said Aldeguer as quoted by Cebu Daily News.
Veteran boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz indicated that Pagara, with a 72% KO rate, will battle in a crucial fight against Sanchez. "Prince Albert who engaged Donaire in a terrific sparring session at the ALA Gym in Cebu when they were both preparing for fights, is expected to face an acid test against the Mexican southpaw," wrote Nathanielsz in Boxing Scene.
"I am not afraid of Sanchez being a former world champion," said Pagara. "I'll do my very best to win impressively to get a world title shot."
The Maasin City-born Pagara is now rated No. 6 in The Ring rankings in the superbantamweight division. He is the youngest among the Ring contenders in this division. Donaire is No. 3 while Genesis Servania is No. 4. Guillermo Rigondeaux is the champion in this category.
Undefeated boxer Mark Magsayo will take on Mexican fighter Eduardo Montoya in the supporting event. Other ALA unbeaten boxers KJ Cataraja and Melvin Jerusalem will be featured in the undercard.
Photo shows Albert Pagara with the writer in a visit at the ALA Gym Cebu.
By Maloney L. Samaco
Prince Albert Pagara, the WBO Youth intercontinental superbantamweight champion and IBF intercontinental superbantamweight champion, will face tough Juan Carlos Sanchez Jr. on February 27, 2016 in the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City.
Scott Christ of Bad Left Hook described the younger Pagara: "Pagara, 21, is really still a prospect as much as a contender... But this is a good looking young fighter starting to make moves in this division. He's beaten a bunch of veteran guys, including Rodolfo Hernandez, Jesus Rios, and William Gonzalez this year, stopping all three. Obviously none of those are HUGE wins, but he's on his way."
He listed his top five prospects in this division as follows:
1. Albert Pagara (25-0, 18 KO), Philippines
2. Jonathan Guzman (20-0, 20 KO), Dominican Rep.
3. Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KO), Mexico
4. Manuel Avila (19-0, 8 KO), USA
5. Ryo Matsumoto (17-0, 15 KO), Japan
Former IBF super flyweight champion Sanchez, the 24-year-old native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico has a record of 20-4-1 with 9 knockouts with 36% KO rate. He lost to Cesar Juarez by a unanimous decision in the WBO international superbantamweight title fight.
“He was rated number three until he lost in a close decision to Cesar Juarez, the opponent of Nonito Donaire Jr., for the number one spot in the rankings. Albert (Pagara) needs to go through tough opponents and Sanchez should give him the test he needs,” said Aldeguer as quoted by Cebu Daily News.
Veteran boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz indicated that Pagara, with a 72% KO rate, will battle in a crucial fight against Sanchez. "Prince Albert who engaged Donaire in a terrific sparring session at the ALA Gym in Cebu when they were both preparing for fights, is expected to face an acid test against the Mexican southpaw," wrote Nathanielsz in Boxing Scene.
"I am not afraid of Sanchez being a former world champion," said Pagara. "I'll do my very best to win impressively to get a world title shot."
The Maasin City-born Pagara is now rated No. 6 in The Ring rankings in the superbantamweight division. He is the youngest among the Ring contenders in this division. Donaire is No. 3 while Genesis Servania is No. 4. Guillermo Rigondeaux is the champion in this category.
Undefeated boxer Mark Magsayo will take on Mexican fighter Eduardo Montoya in the supporting event. Other ALA unbeaten boxers KJ Cataraja and Melvin Jerusalem will be featured in the undercard.
Photo shows Albert Pagara with the writer in a visit at the ALA Gym Cebu.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
MAASIN CITY SPORTS 2015 YEARENDER PART II
MAASIN CITY SPORTS 2015 YEARENDER PART II
By Maloney L. Samaco
The National Youth Games of the Philippine Sports Commission also known as Batang Pinoy conducted its Visayas Qualifying Leg 2015 in this island municipality of Romblon also the capital town of the Province of Romblon. It started with the Opening Parade and Ceremony on August 23 at Romblon National High School Track and Field Oval.
Maasin City sent about 60 athletes, and coaches/officials. We joined the competition in athletics, swimming, boxing, arnis, badminton, lawn tennis, chess, sepak takraw, and taekwondo. I was the only local chief executive who accompanied the visiting athletes to give them morale booster. Maasin City athletes won 9 golds, 12 silvers and 28 bronzes and placed 8th among 37 LGU's behind Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Leyte, Aklan, Iloilo Province, Negros Occidental and Escalante City.
"Prince" Albert Pagara successfully knocked his Nicaraguan opponent William "Chirizo" Gonzalez out in the sixth round of the initial ALA Boxing Promotions offering in the United States. The country rejoiced as the aspiring young boxing star made a sensational stoppage of the grizzled foe to win the World Boxing Organization intercontinental junior featherweight title during the Pinoy Pride 33rd edition in Carson City, California on October 18, 2015 (Philippine time).
But the Maasin City fans were all astonished when ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. announced that Albert Pagara was from Cebu City, Cebu instead of Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Later Albert posted in his Facebook account that he was so sorry for the incident and he did not know about it.
His FB post dated October 18, 2015 at 1:57 PM: "salamat kaau sa manga fans ug sori kaau sa taga maasin city kay dli jud ako nagbotang ato sayop lang to sila mayor MaloneyChona Samaco sori kaau sila rai nag boot ug botang ato sori." (I thank all the fans and sorry to all people of Maasin City because I was not the one who placed it. They committed an error mayor MaloneyChona Samaco [my FB account] so sorry. It was their decision, again sorry.)
Pagara was warmly welcomed on October 30 by the people of Maasin City, Southern Leyte. A motorcade around the poblacion of the city showed how the citizens of this capital city of Southern Leyte loved their local boxing hero. The motorcade was accompanied by some fifty cyclists from Maasin City which started at the city hall going to the provincial capitol then to his home barangay in Lib-og where he was born. The route include the terminal and public market, the commercial centers, the public plaza then back to the city hall.
Some 23,000 scouts joined the week-long 16th National Scout Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tagum City, Davao del Norte which began on October 24, 2015. Vice President Jejomar Binay, President Boy Scouts of the Philippines, was the keynote speaker while Congressman Manny Pacquiao inspired the boys and some girls with their adult leaders. Pacquiao's presence was a proof that scouting like sports develop the youth to become good and disciplined citizens and let them stay away from harmful vices.
Heavy rains did not threaten the hearts of the scouts as they braved the downpour and thunderstorms which soaked the participants, including this writer who led the 130-member delegation of Southern Leyte, during the opening parade and program at the Energy Park, the main venue of the Jamboree.
Some 1,000 athletes and officials joined the Philippine National Games Visayas Qualifying Leg which opened last Tuesday at the Evelio B. Javier Memorial Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista, capital town of the Province of Antique. This writer led the 60 athletes and officials of Maasin City which sent entries in archery, boxing, swimming, badminton, billiards, taekwando, chess, muay thai, pencak selat and athletics. Maasin City won 8 golds, 9 silvers, and 18 bronze medals.
Adones Aguelo was able to land a fight for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada when he fought undefeated Casey Ramos of Austin, Texas. However, Aguelo lost an eight-round unanimous decision in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Chelsea Ballroom, Las Vegas, USA. Judges Burt Clements, Richard Ocasio, and Tim Cheatham all scored 72-80 for Ramos. Aguelo married his girlfriend En-en on September 26, 2015 in Matalom, Leyte in which this writer was one of the principal sponsors.
The city government of Maasin once again sponsored a Boxing Showdown Monday night at Barangay Asuncion Gymnasium in connection with the Birthday of Congressman Damian Mercado. The encounter was participated in by amateur boxers of Tacloban, Abuyog, Matag-ob and Matalom of Leyte and Malitbog and host Maasin City of Southern Leyte. It was held in Asuncion in time for their coming fiesta on Saturday November 28, 2015. The Southern Leyte Boxing Association, which I headed, officiated the 17 bouts.
Some 5,000 athletes and officials converged this city during the opening of the Philippine National Youth Games or Batang Pinoy National Championships in Cebu City on November 27, 2015. The participants were the medalists during the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Qualifying Legs which were held at Malolos, Romblon and Koronadal, respectively. I attended the solidarity meeting of the officials and joined our Maasin City delegation of 60 athletes, coaches and officials during the parade and opening rites at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Maasin boxer Jhayvee Donaire won the gold medal in boxing kids minimumweight division. Roy Jones Cisostomo got the bronze in boxing school boys paperweight division. Team Maasin pep squad won the cheerdance gold, cheerleading silver and all-male stunts silver medal. They were featured by Kara David on "iWitness" over GMA7.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines Southern Leyte Council conducted its Scouts Christmas Council Jamboree 2015 on December 3-6, 2015 at Camp Danao, City Forest Park, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Some scouts and scouters started fetching their tents and built their camps a day before the opening. Camp Danao is a 320-hectare forest reserve managed by the City Government of Maasin. The actual number of registered entrants numbered 2,100 which far exceeded our expectations.
Happy Healthy and Sporty New Year to one and all!
By Maloney L. Samaco
The National Youth Games of the Philippine Sports Commission also known as Batang Pinoy conducted its Visayas Qualifying Leg 2015 in this island municipality of Romblon also the capital town of the Province of Romblon. It started with the Opening Parade and Ceremony on August 23 at Romblon National High School Track and Field Oval.
Maasin City sent about 60 athletes, and coaches/officials. We joined the competition in athletics, swimming, boxing, arnis, badminton, lawn tennis, chess, sepak takraw, and taekwondo. I was the only local chief executive who accompanied the visiting athletes to give them morale booster. Maasin City athletes won 9 golds, 12 silvers and 28 bronzes and placed 8th among 37 LGU's behind Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Leyte, Aklan, Iloilo Province, Negros Occidental and Escalante City.
"Prince" Albert Pagara successfully knocked his Nicaraguan opponent William "Chirizo" Gonzalez out in the sixth round of the initial ALA Boxing Promotions offering in the United States. The country rejoiced as the aspiring young boxing star made a sensational stoppage of the grizzled foe to win the World Boxing Organization intercontinental junior featherweight title during the Pinoy Pride 33rd edition in Carson City, California on October 18, 2015 (Philippine time).
But the Maasin City fans were all astonished when ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. announced that Albert Pagara was from Cebu City, Cebu instead of Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Later Albert posted in his Facebook account that he was so sorry for the incident and he did not know about it.
His FB post dated October 18, 2015 at 1:57 PM: "salamat kaau sa manga fans ug sori kaau sa taga maasin city kay dli jud ako nagbotang ato sayop lang to sila mayor MaloneyChona Samaco sori kaau sila rai nag boot ug botang ato sori." (I thank all the fans and sorry to all people of Maasin City because I was not the one who placed it. They committed an error mayor MaloneyChona Samaco [my FB account] so sorry. It was their decision, again sorry.)
Pagara was warmly welcomed on October 30 by the people of Maasin City, Southern Leyte. A motorcade around the poblacion of the city showed how the citizens of this capital city of Southern Leyte loved their local boxing hero. The motorcade was accompanied by some fifty cyclists from Maasin City which started at the city hall going to the provincial capitol then to his home barangay in Lib-og where he was born. The route include the terminal and public market, the commercial centers, the public plaza then back to the city hall.
Some 23,000 scouts joined the week-long 16th National Scout Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tagum City, Davao del Norte which began on October 24, 2015. Vice President Jejomar Binay, President Boy Scouts of the Philippines, was the keynote speaker while Congressman Manny Pacquiao inspired the boys and some girls with their adult leaders. Pacquiao's presence was a proof that scouting like sports develop the youth to become good and disciplined citizens and let them stay away from harmful vices.
Heavy rains did not threaten the hearts of the scouts as they braved the downpour and thunderstorms which soaked the participants, including this writer who led the 130-member delegation of Southern Leyte, during the opening parade and program at the Energy Park, the main venue of the Jamboree.
Some 1,000 athletes and officials joined the Philippine National Games Visayas Qualifying Leg which opened last Tuesday at the Evelio B. Javier Memorial Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista, capital town of the Province of Antique. This writer led the 60 athletes and officials of Maasin City which sent entries in archery, boxing, swimming, badminton, billiards, taekwando, chess, muay thai, pencak selat and athletics. Maasin City won 8 golds, 9 silvers, and 18 bronze medals.
Adones Aguelo was able to land a fight for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada when he fought undefeated Casey Ramos of Austin, Texas. However, Aguelo lost an eight-round unanimous decision in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Chelsea Ballroom, Las Vegas, USA. Judges Burt Clements, Richard Ocasio, and Tim Cheatham all scored 72-80 for Ramos. Aguelo married his girlfriend En-en on September 26, 2015 in Matalom, Leyte in which this writer was one of the principal sponsors.
The city government of Maasin once again sponsored a Boxing Showdown Monday night at Barangay Asuncion Gymnasium in connection with the Birthday of Congressman Damian Mercado. The encounter was participated in by amateur boxers of Tacloban, Abuyog, Matag-ob and Matalom of Leyte and Malitbog and host Maasin City of Southern Leyte. It was held in Asuncion in time for their coming fiesta on Saturday November 28, 2015. The Southern Leyte Boxing Association, which I headed, officiated the 17 bouts.
Some 5,000 athletes and officials converged this city during the opening of the Philippine National Youth Games or Batang Pinoy National Championships in Cebu City on November 27, 2015. The participants were the medalists during the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Qualifying Legs which were held at Malolos, Romblon and Koronadal, respectively. I attended the solidarity meeting of the officials and joined our Maasin City delegation of 60 athletes, coaches and officials during the parade and opening rites at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Maasin boxer Jhayvee Donaire won the gold medal in boxing kids minimumweight division. Roy Jones Cisostomo got the bronze in boxing school boys paperweight division. Team Maasin pep squad won the cheerdance gold, cheerleading silver and all-male stunts silver medal. They were featured by Kara David on "iWitness" over GMA7.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines Southern Leyte Council conducted its Scouts Christmas Council Jamboree 2015 on December 3-6, 2015 at Camp Danao, City Forest Park, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Some scouts and scouters started fetching their tents and built their camps a day before the opening. Camp Danao is a 320-hectare forest reserve managed by the City Government of Maasin. The actual number of registered entrants numbered 2,100 which far exceeded our expectations.
Happy Healthy and Sporty New Year to one and all!
Friday, January 1, 2016
PACQUIAO VS. BRADLEY III: THE PPV RATIONALE
PACQUIAO VS. BRADLEY III: THE PPV RATIONALE
By Maloney L. Samaco
It's Timothy Bradley, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, for the third time against Manny Pacquiao. The main reason is Bradley could give more pay-per-view buys than Amir Khan or WBO junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford.
While Pacquiao is rated no. 7 by The Ring pound-for-pound, the longest fighter to be listed in the top 10 for more than twelve years, Bradley is ranked no. 10. Crawford is at No. 6, a notch higher than Pacquiao.
"What HBO said was how Amir Khan didn’t resonate with them at all,” Arum was quoted by the Las Vegas Review Journal. “Yeah, he would do some pay-per-view business in England, but they didn’t think he was an attraction in the United States.”
Arum said all of the options were presented to Pacquiao including the recommendations of the stakeholders and the final pick was Bradley. The trilogy could generate more audience interests than Khan or Crawford.
"We all gave Pacquiao an input," Arum continued. "From the cable companies, the satellite providers, MGM, it was about who is the strongest opponent from a marketable standpoint, and we outlined everything for him and we were down to three choices and Pacquiao thought Bradley was the one that made the most sense."
Arum's analysis was that the frustrations of the viewers on the ballyhooed Fight of the Century with Floyd Mayweather could affect the sales of the trilogy with Bradley. "Of course, I understand the reaction to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is going to impact us. Clearly, yes. There is no question about that," Arum explained to Yahoo Sports.
"Will we do the same numbers for the first two Bradley fights? Probably not. We're going to try to come as close as we can, and hopefully exceed it, but I understand what we're up against. I've run my numbers and I have done my math. I'm not out here with my head up my ass."
"Crawford doesn’t have a large fan base outside of Nebraska, his home state," Chris Wiliams of Boxing News 24 declared. He estimated a Pacquiao-Crawford fight could bring a maximum of 400,000 PPV buys.
It was projected to be of the same level as the fight with Chris Algieri or Brandon Rios. Crawford is only know in his home-state Nebraska and among the loyal boxing fans.
The first Pacquiao-Bradley fight attracted 890,000 pay-per-view purchases. The second fight drew around 800,000 PPV buys according to ESPN's report. Other sources estimated it to be between 775,000 and 800,000 PPV buys.
Pacquiao fans criticized that the fighting solon has nothing prove himself against the American, but Arum expounded that Bradley has improved significantly since hiring new trainer Teddy Atlas for his impressive win over Rios by knockout
“This is a different Bradley because his style is completely different,” Arum told AFP. “Teddy Atlas has turned him into a completely different fighter. The question is, can Manny beat this Bradley.”
By Maloney L. Samaco
It's Timothy Bradley, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, for the third time against Manny Pacquiao. The main reason is Bradley could give more pay-per-view buys than Amir Khan or WBO junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford.
While Pacquiao is rated no. 7 by The Ring pound-for-pound, the longest fighter to be listed in the top 10 for more than twelve years, Bradley is ranked no. 10. Crawford is at No. 6, a notch higher than Pacquiao.
"What HBO said was how Amir Khan didn’t resonate with them at all,” Arum was quoted by the Las Vegas Review Journal. “Yeah, he would do some pay-per-view business in England, but they didn’t think he was an attraction in the United States.”
Arum said all of the options were presented to Pacquiao including the recommendations of the stakeholders and the final pick was Bradley. The trilogy could generate more audience interests than Khan or Crawford.
"We all gave Pacquiao an input," Arum continued. "From the cable companies, the satellite providers, MGM, it was about who is the strongest opponent from a marketable standpoint, and we outlined everything for him and we were down to three choices and Pacquiao thought Bradley was the one that made the most sense."
Arum's analysis was that the frustrations of the viewers on the ballyhooed Fight of the Century with Floyd Mayweather could affect the sales of the trilogy with Bradley. "Of course, I understand the reaction to the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is going to impact us. Clearly, yes. There is no question about that," Arum explained to Yahoo Sports.
"Will we do the same numbers for the first two Bradley fights? Probably not. We're going to try to come as close as we can, and hopefully exceed it, but I understand what we're up against. I've run my numbers and I have done my math. I'm not out here with my head up my ass."
"Crawford doesn’t have a large fan base outside of Nebraska, his home state," Chris Wiliams of Boxing News 24 declared. He estimated a Pacquiao-Crawford fight could bring a maximum of 400,000 PPV buys.
It was projected to be of the same level as the fight with Chris Algieri or Brandon Rios. Crawford is only know in his home-state Nebraska and among the loyal boxing fans.
The first Pacquiao-Bradley fight attracted 890,000 pay-per-view purchases. The second fight drew around 800,000 PPV buys according to ESPN's report. Other sources estimated it to be between 775,000 and 800,000 PPV buys.
Pacquiao fans criticized that the fighting solon has nothing prove himself against the American, but Arum expounded that Bradley has improved significantly since hiring new trainer Teddy Atlas for his impressive win over Rios by knockout
“This is a different Bradley because his style is completely different,” Arum told AFP. “Teddy Atlas has turned him into a completely different fighter. The question is, can Manny beat this Bradley.”
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
MAASIN CITY SPORTS 2015 YEARENDER PART I
MAASIN CITY SPORTS 2015 YEARENDER PART I
By Maloney L. Samaco
The year 2015 is about to end. Many sports events happened in Maasin City the past year with yours truly as City Mayor. There were several sports activities participated in by the city and its athletes.
Sporty Pope Francis, who loved football, basketball and tango, visited the Philippines. We were part of the delegation of the Maasin Cathedral during the Pope's sojourn to the typhoon ravaged Tacloban and attended his Holy Mass at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport on January 17, 2015 joining 300,000 pilgrims from all over the Philippines including Typhoon Yolanda survivors braving the threat of Typhoon Amang.
The city government of Maasin welcomed World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Jason "El Niño" Pagara. This is the place where he first learned the basics of boxing and we gave him a plaque of appreciation and cash incentive for defeating Mexican Cesar "El Dolar" Chavez during the Pinoy Pride 29 in Davao City. The occasion coincided with the Love Day of the city hall at the city gymnasium on February 13, 2015.
Hometown advantage plus excellent fighting with an unblemished record pushed Adrian Estrella to stop resilient Adones Aguelo of Matin-aw, Maasin City in the 10th round in Los Mochis, Mexico on February 14, 2015. Estrella defended his WBC Central American Boxing Federation (FECARBOX) super featherweight title and maintained his immaculate record of 21-0 with 19 KOs as he dominated the fight from the start. The Maasin City boxer defended well but appeared hurt in the third round.
By Maloney L. Samaco
The year 2015 is about to end. Many sports events happened in Maasin City the past year with yours truly as City Mayor. There were several sports activities participated in by the city and its athletes.
Sporty Pope Francis, who loved football, basketball and tango, visited the Philippines. We were part of the delegation of the Maasin Cathedral during the Pope's sojourn to the typhoon ravaged Tacloban and attended his Holy Mass at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport on January 17, 2015 joining 300,000 pilgrims from all over the Philippines including Typhoon Yolanda survivors braving the threat of Typhoon Amang.
The city government of Maasin welcomed World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Jason "El Niño" Pagara. This is the place where he first learned the basics of boxing and we gave him a plaque of appreciation and cash incentive for defeating Mexican Cesar "El Dolar" Chavez during the Pinoy Pride 29 in Davao City. The occasion coincided with the Love Day of the city hall at the city gymnasium on February 13, 2015.
Hometown advantage plus excellent fighting with an unblemished record pushed Adrian Estrella to stop resilient Adones Aguelo of Matin-aw, Maasin City in the 10th round in Los Mochis, Mexico on February 14, 2015. Estrella defended his WBC Central American Boxing Federation (FECARBOX) super featherweight title and maintained his immaculate record of 21-0 with 19 KOs as he dominated the fight from the start. The Maasin City boxer defended well but appeared hurt in the third round.
The city government of Maasin honors The Prince of Philippine boxing Albert Pagara during the flag raising ceremony of the city employees at the Maasin City Gym. This was in recognition to his successful International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight title defense when he stopped Mexican challenger Rodolfo "Fofo" Hernandez in the fifth round during the 30th edition of the Pinoy Pride series at the Araneta Coliseum last March 28.
After more than five years of waiting, Manny Pacquiao have finally engaged with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in the Battle for Greatness on May 3, 2015 (Philippine time). It was a battle but many did not consider it as the real Fight of the Century. As usual we had a free viewing at the City Gym where it was full-packed. The pro-Pacquiao crowd booed Mayweather when Jimmy Lennon, Jr. announced the scores and declared him winner by unanimous decision.
After more than five years of waiting, Manny Pacquiao have finally engaged with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in the Battle for Greatness on May 3, 2015 (Philippine time). It was a battle but many did not consider it as the real Fight of the Century. As usual we had a free viewing at the City Gym where it was full-packed. The pro-Pacquiao crowd booed Mayweather when Jimmy Lennon, Jr. announced the scores and declared him winner by unanimous decision.
Scouting is a passion which I considered as the same level with sports. Both scouting and sports develop the overall personality of the children and the youth and keep them away from illegal drugs and other vices. On May 20-22, I was in Tagum City, Davao del Norte with the Scouting leaders all over the country to attend the Annual National Council Meeting led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. I was awarded as Most Outstanding Council Chairman by VP Binay and Members of the BSP National Executive Board.
The City of Maasin conducted an Open Invitational Boxing Tournament dubbed "Engkwentro sa Mayo Halad sa Adlaw ni Mayor" at the City Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal on May 26, 2015. It featured 22 bouts in the kids, school boys, junior and elite categories from Tacloban, Leyte Sports Academy, Matalom, Tomas Oppus and Maasin.
Originally scheduled for June 12, 2015, the boxing brothers Jason and Albert Pagara were set to fight against separate Mexican foes in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. But their fights were rescheduled to August 7 which is very near to the 15th Maasin City Charter Day which is August 10 and City Fiesta 2015 which is August 15. I have to be on these city events because this is my last year as city mayor, this being my last term. So I went to proceed with my travel to Dubai together with my wife Chona and sister Mabel. We stayed there from June 10-13, 2015.
The boxers from Team Cebu City showed great strength and determination in winning as overall champion of the boxing tournament in the 55th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Southern Leyte at the Maasin City Bus Terminal. Cebu City won 8 golds and 3 bronze medals to emerge the No. 1 team after the finals on June 28, 2015. While ALA Gym boxers were not far behind as second placer overall as the six boxers they sent all won gold medals.
In the occasion of the 55th Southern Leyte Founding Anniversary, International Boxing Federation intercontinental super bantamweight champion Prince Albert Pagara was one of the four awardees as Outstanding Southern Leyteño. Pagara was awarded as a Young Achiever in the field of sports and was nominated by this writer. I enumerated his boxing records including the immaculate amateur fights when I introduced him. His award was given on June 29, 2015 by Gov. Roger Mercado, Cong. Damian Mercado, Board Member Atty. Abelardo Almario and this writer.
About a hundred thousand people lined up the streets during the hero's welcome for International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight champion Prince Albert Pagara. It was August 15, 2015 the fiesta of Our Lady of Assumption, Patroness of the Diocese of Maasin. It also coincided with the Ajonay Festival streetdancing as the pickup vehicle carrying the Maasin City favorite boxer and this writer slowly moved with the flow of the festival dancing.
Albert chalked up a very impressive first round knockout victory over an ill-fated Mexican Jesus Rios and successfully defended his International Boxing Federation junior featherweight title. Pagara at the onset floored Rios with powerful punches and then finished off the Mexican with his blazing guns prompting the stoppage of the bout. On the other hand Jason snatched a unanimous decision win over Mexican Ramiro Alcaraz with the score of 77-73, 76-74, 78-72.
Adones Aguelo failed to get a fair scoring in his fight against Australian Will Tomlinson August 14, 2015 at the Melbourne Pavilion, Flemington, Victoria, Australia. He lost a controversial majority decision which drew jeers from the crowd who were not satisfied by the outcome of the fight. Two judges favored Tomlinson 97-94 and 97-93 while one judge called it a 95-95 draw for a majority decision. Triple world champion Jeff Fenech, who was the promoter of the event, was among those who were shocked by what he said was a hometown decision.
Prince Albert Pagara and Adones Aguelo were special guests during the Maasin City Fiesta Boxing at the City Gym last August 16, 2015. Pagara, fresh from his one-round demolition of Mexican Jesus Chito Rios in Duel in Dubai II. Aguelo came all the way from Australia where he battered Will Tomlison but lost a controversial hometown decision. He was awarded for his heroic effort. In the main event of the evening, Jonathan Ricablanca of Bislig, Surigao del Sur won by split decision over Ryan Tampus of Bato Leyte by scores of 96-94, 96-94, 94-96 in the ten-round main event.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
THE BOXER WHO DEFEATED MAYWEATHER WANT A REMATCH
THE BOXER WHO DEFEATED MAYWEATHER DREAM OF A REMATCH
By Maloney L. Samaco
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is undefeated at 49-0-0, 26 KOs as a professional boxer. As an amateur fighter he had a record of 84-6 though he was a three-time national Golden Gloves champion. It just shows that in the amateurs a pugilist cannot choose his opponent unlike in the pros.
Serafim Todorov of Bulgaria, now 46 years old, was the last man to defeat Mayweather. It happened in the semifinals of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Todorov, who was 27 years old during that time, won a controversial decision over Team USA fighter Mayweather.
Todorov won the silver medal as Mayweather settled for the bronze. Now he would love to face the former pound-for-pound king in a rematch as reported by Elisinio Castillo of Boxing Scene.
"I am a realist and I don't mean to say anything harsh for a fight against Floyd," Todorov said. "I would need five months in the gym to prepare for something like that. But I promise you this, it would be very interesting inside those ropes if we ever meet again."
"People saw once again that I am talented. I am able to show much more, but I need a little organization," Todorov was quoted by Medio Tiempo.
Todorov who won three world amateur boxing tournaments, turned professional in 1998 and he retired in 2003 with a 5-1-0 record. He made a comeback five years after, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Aleksandar Chukaleiski, a fellow Bulgarian, in their country.
"I'm starting to find my old form. With each training session I'm better. There is no pressure because I have participated in many international events," explained Todorov.
At the 1996 Olympics quarterfinals, the 19-year-old Mayweather barely defeated 22-year-old Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba in an action-packed match to win 12–11l. He thus become the first American boxer to defeat a Cuban in 20 years. The last time it happened was during the 1976 Montreal Olympics, when the US Olympic boxing team harvested five gold medals and one of them was Sugar Ray Leonard.
In the semifinal bout in Atlanta, Todorov won over Mayweather by a controversial decision similar to what happened to Roy Jones Jr. when he lost by a hometown decision to Korean Park Si Hun in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman of Egypt erroneously raised Mayweather's hand thinking that he was the winner, while the verdict was announced giving the win to Todorov.
Team USA filed a protest on the loss of Mayweather bout, asserting the judges were influenced by Bulgaria's Emil Jetchev, the head of the boxing officials, into favoring Todorov by a narrow 10–9 decision in the featherweight division semifinal bout. Three other Bulagarians entered the bouts.
American boxing judge Bill Waeckerle resigned as Olympic Games and federation judge after Mayweather lost the decision, which received loud boos from the crowd.
U.S. team manager Gerald Smith said Mayweather landed punches that were not counted, while Todorov was awarded points without landing a punch, reported The New York Times.
"The judging was totally incompetent," Waeckerle said. "The judges failed to impose a mandatory two-point deduction against Todorov after he was warned five times by the referee for slapping," according to Rome News -Tribune.
"Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather is the gold-medal favorite at 57 kilograms", Mayweather declared as quoted by The New York Times. "In America, it's known as 125 pounds. You know and I know I wasn't getting hit. They say he's the world champion. Now you all know who the real world champion is."
Top photo shows the referee mistakenly raised the hand of Floyd Mayweather when, in fact, Serafim Todorov won their semifinals bout at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
By Maloney L. Samaco
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is undefeated at 49-0-0, 26 KOs as a professional boxer. As an amateur fighter he had a record of 84-6 though he was a three-time national Golden Gloves champion. It just shows that in the amateurs a pugilist cannot choose his opponent unlike in the pros.
Serafim Todorov of Bulgaria, now 46 years old, was the last man to defeat Mayweather. It happened in the semifinals of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Todorov, who was 27 years old during that time, won a controversial decision over Team USA fighter Mayweather.
Todorov won the silver medal as Mayweather settled for the bronze. Now he would love to face the former pound-for-pound king in a rematch as reported by Elisinio Castillo of Boxing Scene.
"I am a realist and I don't mean to say anything harsh for a fight against Floyd," Todorov said. "I would need five months in the gym to prepare for something like that. But I promise you this, it would be very interesting inside those ropes if we ever meet again."
"People saw once again that I am talented. I am able to show much more, but I need a little organization," Todorov was quoted by Medio Tiempo.
Todorov who won three world amateur boxing tournaments, turned professional in 1998 and he retired in 2003 with a 5-1-0 record. He made a comeback five years after, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Aleksandar Chukaleiski, a fellow Bulgarian, in their country.
"I'm starting to find my old form. With each training session I'm better. There is no pressure because I have participated in many international events," explained Todorov.
At the 1996 Olympics quarterfinals, the 19-year-old Mayweather barely defeated 22-year-old Lorenzo Aragon of Cuba in an action-packed match to win 12–11l. He thus become the first American boxer to defeat a Cuban in 20 years. The last time it happened was during the 1976 Montreal Olympics, when the US Olympic boxing team harvested five gold medals and one of them was Sugar Ray Leonard.
In the semifinal bout in Atlanta, Todorov won over Mayweather by a controversial decision similar to what happened to Roy Jones Jr. when he lost by a hometown decision to Korean Park Si Hun in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Referee Hamad Hafaz Shouman of Egypt erroneously raised Mayweather's hand thinking that he was the winner, while the verdict was announced giving the win to Todorov.
Team USA filed a protest on the loss of Mayweather bout, asserting the judges were influenced by Bulgaria's Emil Jetchev, the head of the boxing officials, into favoring Todorov by a narrow 10–9 decision in the featherweight division semifinal bout. Three other Bulagarians entered the bouts.
American boxing judge Bill Waeckerle resigned as Olympic Games and federation judge after Mayweather lost the decision, which received loud boos from the crowd.
U.S. team manager Gerald Smith said Mayweather landed punches that were not counted, while Todorov was awarded points without landing a punch, reported The New York Times.
"The judging was totally incompetent," Waeckerle said. "The judges failed to impose a mandatory two-point deduction against Todorov after he was warned five times by the referee for slapping," according to Rome News -Tribune.
"Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather is the gold-medal favorite at 57 kilograms", Mayweather declared as quoted by The New York Times. "In America, it's known as 125 pounds. You know and I know I wasn't getting hit. They say he's the world champion. Now you all know who the real world champion is."
Top photo shows the referee mistakenly raised the hand of Floyd Mayweather when, in fact, Serafim Todorov won their semifinals bout at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
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