Roach belittles Floyd

There was one guy out there who was hardly moved by Floyd Mayweather’s masterful beating of Juan Manuel Marquez over the weekend at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Mayweather beat the best lightweight in the world,” said top trainer Freddie Roach, who didn’t even bother to watch the 12-round bout on pay-per-view, insisting that he knew what was going to happen.

“That’s exactly what happened,” said Roach, referring to the lopsided victory posted by Mayweather over the relatively smaller and much slower Mexican.

A noted observer of the fight game, Pacquiao conditioning coach Alex Ariza, said there was no way Mayweather was light when he answered the bell for Marquez.

“He was 158 (or even) 160 lbs),” said Ariza, stressing that even if Mayweather was three divisions heavier, “he couldn’t knock Marquez out.”

Ariza said that while Mayweather was hardly challenged by Marquez and Pacquiao went through rough times with Marquez, it doesn’t follow that Mayweather is going to pick Pacquiao apart.

“It’s different and you can’t compare,” said Ariza.

Ariza said the Mayweather-Marquez bout was a product of “poor matchmaking.”

Meanwhile, Roach and Ariza will arrive at 5:55 a.m. on Tuesday on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles.

From Manila, Roach and Ariza will be brought to Baguio City so they could be there in time for Pacquiao’s afternoon workout at the Cooyeesan Hotel, where a well-equipped gym will play host to the fighter’s four weeks of training in preparation for the November 14 clash with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

MARQUEZ LACKS REACH: Mayweather impresses Pacman

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao was pretty impressed with Floyd Mayweather Jr. yesterday and said he can do better than what Juan Manuel Marquez could offer against the flamboyant American.

“Magaling pa din. Mabilis pa din (He’s still good. He’s still fast),” said Pacquiao from his hotel room in Baguio City where he watched the 12-round fight between Mayweather and Marquez.

The fight was entering the third round on the ABS-CBN telecast when The STAR got hold Pacquiao through his cell phone. By that time, he knew Mayweather had won via unanimous decision.

“Walang panama si Marquez (Marquez had nothing to land),” said Pacquiao who watched the fight with his friend Chavit Singson, adviser Mike Koncz and trainers Roger and Buboy Fernandez.

“Hindi niya maabot. Hindi talaga mananalo (He can’t get to him. No way he could win),” said Pacquiao of Marquez, who went down in the second round, and was cut and beaten hard the rest of the way

Pacquiao said Mayweather always looked good in his fights because he hardly gets hit, just waiting for the opening. In this case, Marquez learned it the hard way as he took one of the worst beatings in his boxing career.

“Naghihintay lang (He just waits),” said Pacquiao of Mayweather.

Asked if he can do better than Marquez or the 39 others who failed against the unbeaten ex-pound-for-pound champion, Pacquiao paused longer than usual The STAR thought he already hung up.

“Kaya abutin,” Pacquiao answered back in Filipino. He could have meant Mayweather was reachable or can be hit if and when a fight between the great superstars takes place sometime next year.

Pacquiao said last week when he staged a whirlwind press tour with Miguel Cotto, his opponent on Nov. 14, that if he and Mayweather win their fights then they’re bound to meet head-on.

If that happens, Pacquiao stands to receive no less than $25 million.

He said talks are on but did not state whether it would be for his next fight. Top Rank’s Bob Arum said Pacquiao can fight on March 15 then will have time to campaign hard for the May 2010 elections.

Pacquiao is seeking a congressional seat in his hometown in Saranggani and he can use a fight, not necessarily against Mayweather, that he can win as a boost to his campaign.

Pacquiao arrived in Baguio yesterday morning, and in the country’s summer capital he would train for the next four to five weeks before moving to the US for his Nov. 14 fight with Cotto.

Pacquiao left Manila at 4 a.m. for the five-hour drive to Baguio. He was on board his black Hummer, towed by three police motorcyle escorts and tailed by three back-up vehicles.

Jake Joson, Pacquiao’s buddy, said the boxer went straight to his hotel room at Coyeesan and slept. He got up just before noon, in time to watch the Mayweather-Marquez fight.

Trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza are flying in this week to supervise the training that will be conducted under tight security provided by Singson, the deputy National Security adviser.

The eight-week training starts today — under the Fernandez brothers until Roach comes in. Arum, the Top Rank president, is coming over as well. He plans to be in Baguio from Oct. 1 to 4.

Pacquiao welcomed the sight of Baguio, which should serve him in good stead while training.

“Maganda ito. Matindi jogging ko dito (This is nice. This will make my jogging tougher),” said Pacquiao of the city which is 1,500 meters above sea level.

“At hindi masyado crowded (And it’s not too crowded),” said the boxer, adding that while he’s in Baguio there will be no distractions, no breaks to film a movie or commercials.

“I need to focus,” he added. .....source

MAYWEATHER IN MASTERFUL PERFORMANCE OVER MARQUEZ

The fight that boxing experts say was a mismatch turned out to be exactly like that as Floyd Mayweather, Jr asserted his superiority over the smaller Juan Manuel Marquez in terms of speed and technical skill to carv out a masterful shutout victory over the proud Mexican during the Mexican Independence Day weekend at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

First round action saw Marquez take the offensive but Mayweather's defense was just too good to give any meaning to Marquez's punches as these were either deflected, blocked or waved by the wily self-professed world's greatest boxer but every Mayweather counter punch seemed to find its mark. The first round action established the blueprint for the remainder of the night as Marquez -- tried as he might -- could not do anything from within his power to counter Mayweather's supreme boxing skill. A short left by Mayweather in the second round that landed squarely on Marquez's jaw sent Marquez to the canvas. Mayweather, however, failed finish Marquez in the second round or at any round after that as he refused to get away from his comfort zone and stick to his play-safe first stance at all times.

Mayweather now looks forward to making more megafights -- against the winner of Pacquiao-Cotto on Nov. 14 or with Sugar Share Mosely who climbed the ring after the fight to personally challenge Mayweather. Mayweather remains undefeated at 40 and 0 while Marquez dropped to 50-5-1. Top photo: Floyd Mayweather, Jr (L) tags Marquez with a left as Marquez was on the way down on the canvas. Photo by Dr Ed de la Vega.

NUMBER ONE/NUMERO UNO WEIGHIN RESULTS...MAYWEATHER 146; MARQUEZ 142

Moments ago, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez made weight for their anticipated clash tomorrow night, September 19th, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marquez, moving up from lightweight, weighed in at 142. Mayweather, who hasn't fought in nearly two years, tipped the scales at 146.

Surprisingly, or not, there were quite a few boos in the crowd when Golden Boy partners Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya were introduced to the crowd. Although there were a number of fans in attendance for the weigh-in, there were also several empty seats; it definitely wasn't as packed as it was for Pacquiao vs. Hatton earlier this year. At one point, when D.L. Hughley, co-host of the weigh-in, asked the crowd if there was one Floyd fan in attendance, all that could be heard were boos. WWE superstar Triple H was in attendance and in form as he took the mic, stared at the audience and stated, "I just want to know one thing. Are you ready? I said, are you ready to see the greatest fighter in the world, the pound-for-pound greatest fighter on this planet Floyd Money Mayweather take back his throne at the top of boxing...tomorrow night, the only one laughing is going to be Floyd Mayweather." More Boos from the crowd. As both men took the stage, Marquez received a chorus of cheers while Floyd garnered more boos from the crowd. Floyd did some shadowboxing as he waited to step on the scale and wooooo did he look sharp and ready to fight.

Marquez looked solid weighing in at 142. Floyd looked ripped as usual at 146. Surprisingly, Marquez didn't appear to be too much smaller than Mayweather. "That's the weight we wanted to weigh...we're very happy," stated Marquez. "It's a very difficult fight, but not impossible," he continued. "Marquez knows what he has to do...Mayweather's like, you know, those little puppies, all bark and no bite," stated De La Hoya. "I feel tremendous...my dad played a major part...I'm going to go out there and be the same Floyd Mayweather," stated Mayweather. "I'm a well-rounded fighter. I feel good. Camp went good...key to the fight is just be smart, be me," he added.

Prior to the weigh-in, there was much speculation as to what weight the two fighters would be meeting at. Lightweight champion Marquez fought his last bout at 135 pounds so many assumed that Mayweather, who last fought in the 147-pound division, would meet the smaller man at a catchweight. Despite the fact that the bout was being billed as a welterweight clash, there was speculation that both men had agreed to meet at 144 pounds. Today, Mayweather's weight of 146 pounds put the rumors to rest. Judging from the lack of concern by Team Marquez regarding Floyd's weight, the two sides must have previously agreed that the bout will indeed be fought at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. It will be extremely interesting to see how much both fighters unofficially weigh on fight night.

YAHOO! SPORTS POLL SHOWS MAYWEATHER VS. MARQUEZ VERY CLOSE TO CALL

Looks might be deceiving but they can't fool everyone. A yahoosports.com poll (Who will win Mayweather vs Marquez?) published last week showed the public is nearly split down the middle as to who will win the September 19 super fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather, returning to the ring after an 18-month layoff and and Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez,the number one Mexican fighter in the world right now and moving up in weight to face the dangerous Mayweather.

With close to 55,000 (54524 total votes) fans participating, 51% think Mayweather will win; 46% say Juan Manuel Marquez will win and 3% think it will be a draw.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Marquez is coming to fight and fight hard Saturday night," said Mayweather. "The fans have known all along this is going to be a great fight and their votes tell it like it is. But I can tell you right now that the 51% of them that are picking me are the ones that are right."

"I am happy to see the people believe in me and my abilities and they will witness a great upset September 19," said Juan Manuel Marquez. "I am bigger, stronger and faster, all of which I will bring to the ring with me Saturday night to beat Mayweather."

"Floyd has no doubt that he is fighting the best guy out there and that is why he picked him," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. "He wants to comeback right where he left off and give the people another great performance and memorable boxing moment too. But certainly don't let the poll fool you either, as Floyd is in the best shape of his life and plans on destroying this guy."

"The people believe that Juan Manuel has a great shot at pulling off the upset and so do I," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Mayweather is coming back from a big layoff and happens to be fighting Marquez, who is the most intelligent fighter in the game today. I wouldn't be surprised to see the odds get even closer this week too."
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, AT&T, Quaker State, Dewalt Tools, Affliction Clothing and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place Saturday, September19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.

Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now and limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets previously purchased for the July 18 date will be honored.

HBO Sports' all-access reality series "Mayweather/Marquez 24/7" returns with the premiere of the finale on Friday, Sept. 18 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. HBO will replay episodes #1, #2 and #3 consecutively prior to the premiere of episode #4. The replays begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Sept. 18. Episodes #1-3 are also available on HBO ON DEMAND.

WEIGHIN RESULTS FROM NAYARIT

WBO minimumweight champion Donnie Nietes (L) and Interim champion Manuel Vargas pose during today's weighin Recinto Ferial in Tepic, Nayarit. Nietes and Vargas both came in at 105 lbs, the minimumweight division weight limit.


Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr (R) and Jason LeHoullier pose during today's weighin Recinto Ferial in Tepic, Nayarit. Chavez and LeHoullier both came in at 154 lbs.


WBO Interim champion Fernando Montiel (R) and Alejandro Valdez pose during today's weighin Recinto Ferial in Tepic, Nayarit.


Z Gorres (L) and Cruz Carbajal pose during today's weighin at Recinto Ferial in Tepic, Nayarit. Gorres came in at 199 lbs while Carbajal was 2 lbs over in his first try but came back 2 hours later to also make 119 lbs.


Chavez, Jr flexes his muscles after making weight.


Nietes signs a kid's shirt for autograph.


Gorres signs autographs.

Photos by Reiver Rodriguez.

Weights from Puerto Rico

Ivan Calderon 107.4 vs Rodel mayol 107.3
(WBO light flyweight championship)
Rocky Martinez 129.4 vs *Feider Viloria 129.2
(WBO jr lightweight championship)
Juan Mercedes 115.2 vs Robert DaLuz 116.5
Carlos Negron 185 vs Larry Carter 184.8
Venue: Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Promoter: PR Best Boxing

*Martinez (will now defend against former world title challenger Feider Viloria of Colombia (22-4-1,15 KOs). Viloria lost to former world champion Oscar Larios in a bout that he fought competively for the WBC interim featherweight title in 2008. Martinez’ original opponent, Vincente Martin “El Mono” Rodriguez (25-2-1, 13 KOs), was unable to obtain his visa to enter into Puerto Rico in time for Saturday’s event.
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“Undefeated Champions” is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports for live viewing at 9 PM/ET – 6 PM/PT on cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand and DirecTV for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. For more information about the “Undefeated Champions” PPV show, go on line to www.integratedsportsnet.com.

Cotto in NYC

WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto arriving in New York City on the eve of the FIREPOWER kick off press conference for his showdown with Pound for Pound King Manny Pacquiao. Cotto and Pacquaio will tour four cities in two countries over the next 6 days. Tomorrow’s press conference will take place at Yankee Stadium at noon. Fight fans are invited.

Two Great Heavyweight Fights Added to Klitschko-Arreola World Title Event

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 9, 2009) – Two spectacular heavyweight fights were added to the highly anticipated event featuring the world title showdown between World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Vitali “Dr. Iron Fist” Klitschko and WBC No. 1 contender Cristobal “The Nightmare’’ Arreola on Saturday, September 26 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Tom Loeffler, of K2 Promotions, was excited to announce the addition of these fights. “These two heavyweight fights are a great compliment to our Heavyweight World Championship main event. It will be an exciting display of Heavyweight talent where the six fighters have an amazing record of 155 wins with only 8 losses”

Fast rising star, the hard-hitting, undefeated heavyweight Alexander Ustinov (17-0, 14 KOs), of Minsk, Belarus, will take on once-beaten Cedric Boswell (31-1, 24 KOs), of Atlanta, Ga. This will be a 12-round championship fight for Ustinov’s World Boxing Association (WBA) European title, where the winner is guaranteed to rise to the top of the division.

The other compelling heavyweight match features two talented American brawlers. Once-beaten Johnathon Banks (21-1, 15 KOs), of Detroit, Mich., will take on Javier Mora (22-4, 18 KOs), of Anaheim, Calif., in a scheduled10-round fight.

Tickets are on sale at all TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available at the STAPLES Center Box Office. Tickets are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25.

The remaining undercard fights will be announced soon. The event will be promoted by K2 Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Ustinov, who won the vacant WBA European title with a fifth round TKO of then-unbeaten Maksym Pedyura on Feb. 26, 2009, has climbed through the world heavyweight ranks this year to No. 13 in the WBA and has knocked out 82 percent of his opponents.

The 6-foot-seven, 32-year-old Ustinov will face his toughest challenge to date in the veteran Boswell, who’s only loss came against world title-tested Jameel McCline in 2003. Since the loss, the 6-foot-3, Boswell has knocked out eight of his nine opponents, all but one of which came inside of three rounds.

Banks will be fighting for the second time since moving up from cruiserweight. The sole blemish on his record came in a fight for the IBF cruiserweight title against current champ Tomasz Adamek on Feb. 27, 2009. Since the loss, the 6-foot-3, 27-year-old Banks scored a seventh round TKO over Paul Butlin in his heavyweight debut and hopes to contend for another title in his new division.

The 6-foot-2, 28-year-old Mora is experienced against top opposition, having fought former World Boxing Organization (WBO) champ Sultan Ibragimov on March 10, 2007. Mora scored a first round TKO in his next fight, and the Anaheim resident will enjoy a hometown crowd when fighting against Banks at STAPLES Center.

Klitschko will return to the famous site of two of his most memorable fights when he defends his WBC crown against the unbeaten Arreola, who is trying to become the first heavyweight champion of Mexican decent.

Klitschko brings a record of 37-2 with 36 knockouts into what will be an exciting, hotly contested 12-round showdown. The dangerous-punching Arreola, of Riverside, California, via East Los Angeles, is 27-0 with 24 KOs.

The Ukrainian heavyweight has been involved in the only two heavyweight world title fights to emanate from the internationally-known home of the NBA Champion Lakers, STAPLES Center. He is 1-1, but both matches were unforgettable. The first – against then-champion Lennox Lewis on June 21, 2003 – was a bloody, exhilarating slugfest that resulted in a hotly disputed victory for Lewis.

TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS: MARVIN SONSONA IS CHAMP!

"Marvelous" Marvin Sonsona and Jose "Carita" Lopez took turns battering each other for twelve action packed rounds but in the end it was the 19 year Filipino who emerged victorious and wrested the WBO superflyweight world title.

The 37 year old 49 fight veteran from Puerto Rico gave up too much in terms of height and reach to the relatively inexperienced southpaw from Gen. Santos City. Sonsona's sharp right jab as in Lopez' face from the opening round. Lopez countered with the textbook way to fight a left hander - right hand lead and left hook. Lopez' left hook to the body kept him in the fight. He showed his excellent survival skills every time Sonsona would stun him with a straight left.

The southpaw jinx struck in the fourth as a powerful left to the temple from Sonsona ruined Lopez' equilibrium. He fell and was visibly dazed when the referee started the count. Lopez showed the heart of a champion as he got up and fought back stunning Sonsona with a powerful right.

In the fifth and sixth rounds Lopez staged a fiery rally and hurt Sonsona on several occasions. His body shots were sapping the Filipino's strength. Lopez took Sonsona's best shots and kept firing back with powerful rights. This was now unfamiliar territory for Sonsona who has never been past the fifth round in his pro career.

The seventh round was highlighted by a breathtaking exchange of bombs at the center of the ring. In the eighth, Lopez landed a powerful left hook. Sonsona was now back pedaling. Lopez then was deducted a point for low blows which also disturbed the momentum of the fight. In the ninth Lopez' investment in body punching was visibly paying off as the tide was turning in his favor if it wasn't for the low blows.

In the final three rounds, Sonsona showed the ring generalship of veteran and shifted to smart boxing.

The boy became a man and the man is now a world champion.

The scores were unanimous: 114-111, 115-110 and 116-109. Sonsona and his cornermen, Jun Agrabio, Nonito Donaire, Sr. and manager Rajan Yraola erupted in a marvelous celebration. Marvin Sonsona is now 14W-0L with 12 KO's. He is the second youngest Filipino world boxing champion after Morris East.

POSTSCRIPT:

This would be a vindication of sorts for the people who made this fight possible. There were those who criticized the promoters and Team Sonsona - both publicly and privately- for prematurely sending a teenager into a title fight.

In the end, it was Sonsona who gave a magnificent performance well beyond his years. It was he who did the weeks of training and it was he who did not wilt under pressure.

Congratulations also to the two trainers, Donaire and Agrabio. It is very refreshing to see my countrymen working as a team instead of trying to pull each other down. Our elected officials can learn a thing or two from these two gentlemen.

Marvin Sonsona of the Philippines reacts after being announced the winner over Jose Lopez of Puerto Rico in their WBO Junior Bantamweight World Title match at Casino Rama in Orillia, Ontario September 4, 2009. REUTERS/Fred Thornhill (CANADA SPORT BOXING)

.......source

Mayweather is fresh for Marquez

Floyd Mayweather is confident there will no ring rust when he returns to action after a long lay-off against Juan Manuel Marquez on 19 September.

The former five-weight world champion, 32, is back after retiring in December 2007, after he beat Ricky Hatton.

"I feel fast, strong and my timing is there," said the American.

"I feel the same way as before I left. Actually I feel a little better. I think the break helped because I haven't had a break since 1987."

Mayweather, who has won all of his 39 fights with 25 knockouts, faces the formidable Marquez for The Ring welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

And Mayweather said maintaining his unbeaten record had been the key motivating factor in preparing for the fight.

"When you go out there [against a fighter] with an undefeated record, there is no pressure on these fighters because they have nothing to lose," he said.

"If Marquez gets beat in 12 rounds or he gets knocked out, they are still going to love him in his country because he had the chance to face the best. They will say: 'You lost but you lost to the best'.

"But in the US it doesn't work like that so we have to work that much harder to stay on top.

"If I win, it's normal. If a guy gives me a tough fight or even comes close to winning, that's abnormal. Everybody expects me to dominate.

"It's extremely important for me to go out there to perform well and dominate.

"I've got to go out there and be smart, be intelligent and listen to my uncle Roger [Mayweather, Floyd's trainer]. If I do that, we will come out 'A' OK."

Mexican Marquez, 36, is a former three-weight world champion, but has only ever fought as high as lightweight before.

However, he has 50 wins from 55 professional encounters, with 37 knockouts, and has drawn once and lost narrowly to Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.

"He is Mexico's numero uno," said Mayweather. "He's one hell of a fighter with over 50 wins and champion in more than just one weight class.

"Believe me, Marquez is not going to lay down. There's going to be blood, sweat and tears on 19 September."

...source