The Mayweather Mentality

Mayweather vs Mosley

In the video above, Nazim Richardson, best known as the trainer of ageless wonders Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley, talks to Fight Hub about Mosley's upcoming fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Richardson isn't willing to give up much in the way of strategy, but he does say he expects Shane to "command the rounds."

In Richardson, we once again have a trainer who is very complimentary of Mayweather. Here, Money's excellent timing is praised. Richardson counts this attribute among the things he admires about Floyd that Floyd's own camp doesn't mention. But I've heard Floyd speak on it a lot when talking about the Mosley fight. Sugar Shane has a tremendous combination of speed and power. And whenever Floyd addresses these traits of Mosley's, what he says has to do with two tremendous qualities of his own: intelligence and timing. Never his own reflexes or speed, although he has been exceptionally blessed in both areas.

This falls in line with the Mayweatherian boxing philosophy. To them, physical attributes are inconsequential in relation to the sweet science. I don't know how many times I've heard Uncle Roger tell fightfan.com that "speed don't win fights; skill wins fights." Or stress Floyd's gift of knowing how to fight. "Boxing is a thinking man's game," Roger has said.

And that's the gameplan against Mosley: use timing to negate Mosley's speed, and rely on Mosley not being able to outthink Floyd on May 1.

I find this so striking because Mayweather is one of the most gifted pure athletes to ever lace up a pair of boxing gloves. And yet, not only does he not rely on physical talent - at all - he finds it beside the point. An amazing attitude from a fighter with such profound natural ability, but it's part of the Mayweather mindset.

Source: sportingnews.com

IS NAAZIM RICHARDSON TOO BUSY TO TRAIN MOSLEY FOR MAYWEATHER BOUT?

Mayweather vs Mosley
By Felix Strunk | March 30, 2010

Steve Cunningham, Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley...3 fighters who all had fights scheduled within a 6-week timeframe and only 1 man to handle the head trainer duties...Brother Naazim Richardson. A busy man these days, Richardson has been spending the past few months dividing his time between several different training camps. That being said, one has to wonder if the world-class trainer was spread too thin as he worked with each fighter for their respective bouts. When posed with that very question, Richardson simply replied, "We make it work...It's just one of them things man."

In November of last year, Richardson began training Shane Mosley for a January 30th bout with Andre Berto, a fight that was ultimately cancelled just weeks before it was set to take place. Despite the fight being called off, there was no time for rest as Richardson immediately began working with Steve Cunningham, who was scheduled to face Matt Godfrey for the vacant IBF cruiserweight title on March 26. Ironically, that fight was also cancelled a week before it was supposed to occur. At the same time Richardson was training Cunningham, he pulled double duty working with future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, who's preparing for his long-awaited rematch with Roy Jones Jr. on April 3. Of course, none of those bouts are quite as big or as difficult as the challenge that lies ahead for Richardson when his fighter, Shane Mosley, steps into the ring with undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 1.

"Shane is still in the beginning process of everything. We're just getting him started," Richardson recently revealed to FightHype's own Percy Crawford. That interview took place just last week, roughly 6 weeks before Mosley faces a fighter that, thus far, no one has been able to figure out. As Floyd Mayweather would say, "40 have tried and 40 have failed!" Indeed, Mayweather's elusive, defensive style has been a puzzle for every fighter that he's faced. It's a bit concerning that Mosley's own trainer admitted that, with 6 weeks left to go, they have yet to really begin working on the gameplan. Not to mention, Richardson will be somewhat busy this week with the typical Fight Week responsibilities in Las Vegas, as Hopkins makes final preparations for Saturday's clash with Jones. It's another week that Richardson will have limited time, if any at all, working with Mosley for what will likely be his most difficult challenge to date.

Although Richardson is confident of Mosley's abilities and doesn't appear to be worried about the remaining timeframe, you still have to wonder if 5 weeks is enough to properly prepare for a fight with Floyd Mayweather. Truth be told, it's really just 4 weeks if you consider that training is limited during the final week before the fight. Personally, I've never been a big fan of trainers dividing their time amongst fighters who have bouts so close together. Had Richardson spent the majority of his time working with Mosley, it probably wouldn't be an issue, but the fact that he said last week that they were just getting started, it's now become a serious concern. What do you think boxing fans? Will Richardson have enough time to properly train Mosley for his bout with Mayweather?

Source: fighthype.com

Opinion: Pacquiao vs. Mosley should be better than Pacquiao vs. Mayweather

Mayweather vs Mosley
After watching a lopsided and boring fight between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey last March 13, boxing fans look forward to an action-packed fight and they believe that a Pacquaio-Mosley match would be an action fight worth watching.

Despite Manny Pacquiao's hint at retirement after disposing Joshua Clottey of Ghana last March 13 in a lopsided fight at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, boxing fans believe that the Filipino boxer is good for two to three more fights before finally retiring.
Although there are at least four possible challengers to the WBO welterweight championship belt being held by Pacquiao, boxing fans say it is only Floyd Mayweather, Jr and Shane Mosley who can draw record breaking attendance that promoters need in order to generate enough revenues for the fighters

Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach has mentioned Edwin Valero, Juan Manuel Marquez and Antonio Margarito as the Filipino boxer's next possible opponents on top of Mayweather and Mosley.
After watching the lopsided bout between Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey early this month, boxing fans think that they have been 'shortchanged' by the way Clottey fought. Those who paid to watch the fight said it was a boring match.

Boxing fans want to see a good fight. Many believe that a Pacquiao-Mayweather match is a crowd-drawer but at the same time it could also be a boring fight as Freddie Roach have opined. He said that Mayweather , just like Clottey is a defensive fighter and he will be busy inside the ring defending Pacquiao's flurry of punches as the pound-for pound king is known for his speed and punching power.

Edwin Valero has been repeatedly mentioned as Pacquiao's next possible opponent but the undefeated Venezuelan boxer will have to hurdle legal constraints to fight in the United States while Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum says Valero is not a big draw in the US and it would take him a much longer time to do his promotional job to build up his name.

Antonio Margarito has yet to hurdle his come-back fight and, like Valero, he also needs to secure a boxing license to fight again in the United States. Margarito was stripped of his boxing license for having violated Nevada boxing rules by inserting illegal wraps inside his boxing gloves during his last fight with Shane Mosley.

Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez is also calling on Pacquiao for another chance to validate his claim that the referee erred in his decision saying he won in one of their last fights. A few days ago another popular Mexican boxer Erik Morales has revived his call for a fourth encounter with the popular Filipino boxer after winning over Jose Alfaro in their recent fight in Monterrey, Mexico.

Considering the fighting stance and boxing styles of Mayweather and other possible opponents, many boxing fans believe that Shane Mosley would be the best draw for Pacquiao's penultimate fight. Shane Mosley, they observed, does not back out from an offensive assault and Pacquiao, being an offensive fighter, will add to fireworks that boxing fans love to see in a boxing fight.

For these reasons, boxing fans say that a Pacquiao-Mosley boxing fight would be a better match that is guaranteed to keep the audience on their toes for continuous boxing action.

Source: digitaljournal.com

'Boycott This!' Filipino boxing fans will definitely watch Mayweather-Mosley on May 1

Mayweather vs Mosley
Filipino Sports Examiner | Dennis "dSource" Guillermo

Despite protests from hard-hugging Manny Pacquiao fans from all around the world, the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley remains an intriguing match-up to several Filipino boxing fans and fight fans around the world in general.

Am I going to watch this fight? Hell yes!!! And I agree with our good friend from NYC Michael Marley that boycotting this event would be "stupid even for Pacquiao groupies". It really is.

Now, I can understand why many of you wouldn't want to shelf out your hard-earned coin to see Mayweather's "boring style" of boxing as some people coin it to be, but the significance of a bout like this is something that makes the fight a "can't miss".

People will have different reasons to want to see this fight.

You got those who have been waiting for this match-up for the past decade. Mayweather and Mosley after all were two of the most promising stars at the turn of the century.

You got those who want to see Mayweather lose and get beat the hell up in the process. Mayweather has effectively created an image for himself as the bad guy with his antics such as throwing money around and bragging how rich he is and how rich others aren't.

You got those that want to see Mosley define his brilliant career and turn it into a legendary one. Handing Mayweather his first loss will surely do that to him. As Mosley said in the fight's press conference in New York, May 1st will be "MAYweather's 1st loss".

Of course, you have the Mayweather fans that can't wait to see their boy do what he does best in the ring, which is winning. Whether you love him or hate him, you can't take away his undefeated record away from him until someone actually beats him.

Some will even watch it to simply see who Pacquiao might be fighting next.

Whatever your reasons may be, it also helps that there are options besides PPV if you want to watch this fight live.

If you don't feel like spending $50 on the Pay-per-view or flying to Vegas and catching it live, there are viewing parties and theater screenings like GBP did for Mayweather-Marquez all over the US for only a fraction of the PPV price or you can even see if for free if you check out my note below. And of course, you will always have the 'SOPcasts'.

Whether you think "Who R U Picking" should have been named "Who R U Kidding?", "Who R U Plucking?" or "Who R U PACQing next?", (I wonder why they asked a 6th grader to come up with this fight's title) Filipino boxing fans will definitely be watching.

Source: Examiner.com

Floyd Mayweather will endorse Roy Chiongbian over Manny Pacquiao

Mayweather vs Mosley
Boxing Examiner | Michael Marley

Manny Pacquiao political rival Roy Chiongbian and his bucket brigade are preparing their electoral trickbag to use on the Pinoy Idol in Sarangani, you would think L'il Floyd Mayweather would come out and publicly endorse his boy Roy, thus ensuring Manny victory in the Congressional race.

Not to mention how astute Mayweather is politically to begin with. Mayweather doesn't know Harry Reid from Jesse Reid, actually. Someone asked Mayweather what the capital of Nevada is and his first answer was "Baccarat," his second was "Fallon."...

False rumors circulate like wildfire, I am hearing from those close to Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez that Edwin Valero did not wear his REHAB IS FOR QUITTERS teeshirt when a judge sent him to dry out for six months.

Meanwhile. referee Laurence Cole has ruled the down the stars tumble that Mrs. Valero took, causing her to suffer a collapsed lung plus multiple bruises, a slip and not a knockdown...

Legal beagles out of Caracas report that when Valero's attorney told him to "take the Fifth" the boxer replied:

"It's too late, I already drank it!"

In a more serious vein, I hope Valero beats back the demon rum and anything else ruining his boxing career but, more importantly, the life of he and his family...

Fighters, promoters and other riffraff moan and groan like washerwomen when they lose a boxing match, Pinay beauty Ana Julaton displays true sportsmanship after losing to Lisa Brown...

It would seem that the potentates of Dubai have bigger problems, they say a boxing card was canceled because Subpac, meaning Manny bro Bobby, refused to fight on it for $20,000. Come on, that's tip money at Nat's Thai Restaurant for Broadway Bobby. I might be able to bring in Rudolph Valentino Clay aka Rahaman Ali for half that amount plus two camels to go...

We're bombarded by boxing and MMA events, one may stand out. Ricardo Mayorga will bring his unique brand of insanity to Fayetteville, NC, and the Crown Coliseum (PPV TV) on May 15. Warning to the North Carolina city, the dignified local hero James "Bonecrusher" Smith was no mercurial menace like Mayorga. Devin Price and his upstart Shine Fights clique is bringing a bigtime card to Fayetteville...

Even Tiger Woods finally admitted being overpaid, overbearing and oversexed, yet Andre Dirrell refuses to apologize to "I put the mean in Armenian" King Arthur Abraham for shoving his jaw into the way of a cracking right hand swat while the American was down on one knee. What's it all about, Andre?. No shot like the cheap shot, eh, King Artie?...

PETA activists like to drown furwearing models and celebrities with buckets of paint for mistreating animals, they now criticize Mike Tyson for his pigeon racing reality TV series. But as UK promoter Fearless Frank Warren deftly points out, not one PETA activist has dared to try to slap Iron Mike with "a protective coating."...

Source: Examiner.com

Manny Pacquiao begins campaign as Freddie Roach talks up Pacquiao-Mayweather

Mayweather vs Mosley

In New York at the beginning of last weekend – there was a call from the BBC World Service. They wanted to speak on air about Manny Pacquiao, who has returned from fighting duties in the US, to become the electioneering boxer within The Philippines.

They wished to know what I knew of this man at first hand, whose life story of dusty dirt to presidential palaces is the stuff writers published by Barnes & Noble could barely imagine. Great Expectations…War and Peace. Pacquiao the President is a major story…

We talked, they recorded. It was 3am in New York…I had barely slept, but talk of Pacquiao is one of the intriguing features of being in this profession at present. Pacquiao, indeed, is an unknown quantity in parts of the sports world, due to boxing’s propensity in these times to shoot itself in the foot.

Pacquiao, in my 17 years as a journalist, is the most intriguing subject I have worked in, on and around. Intriguing, fascinating, enigmatic. You can keep the guy who hits little white balls along the fairways, and has been exposed as a playboy away from his erudition with a club.

Pacquiao has two clubs for fists, and the circle of interest around him grows ever wider…

Bob Arum, the promoter who is around the ‘National Fist’, as he is known in the Philippines, insists the popularity barely remarkable resemblance with one M. Ali (whom he also promoted), but rather than with all peoples, the adoration of ‘Manny’ emanates from one race.

But there is a touch of the Sinatra about him, too, as Arum remarked recently. No question.

For most boxers, the dysfunctionality in their lives is more akin to the weird fiction in the books of Chuck Palahniuk, like Choke or 7even. Pacquiao has his faults, well-documented in the Filipino media, and involving the occasional rumours of gambling or the attention of a famous actress or two, but given the position he finds himself in, it is remarkable that he feels the desire, the calling to go into politics.

Having spent time around the small band of regular journalists on the MP beat, all good souls and superb news-gatherers and writers (who are, at times, in a difficult position because of the demand from the public of those islands for every shred of possible news…), and those who look after the boxing world which Pacquiao fills, there is a concensus that the man from Mindanao is misguided.

There is something messianic about Pacquiao’s insistence on running for congress, after all. He has lost, for a start, three years ago. And if those who say boxers put their lives at risk in the ring, Pacquiao is certainly, surely, putting his life at risk by running for a political seat.

Asked what my take on this was, and I could only reflect on the feelings that have been expressed to me and around me. When I asked Manny Pacquiao about running for office, he said “for the poor people of the Philippines, because I want to help”. It is a simple, yet far from straightforward plan.

Pacquiao risks losing his legacy of popularity, of being diastracted from his career in the ring, from having too many demands as the one-man welfare state of his district. He may also be drawn into being manipulated to represent a particular view point. We all recall how Muhammad Ali reflected some fairly strange views, the views of others influencing him, at some stages during his career.

Win or lose, it intrigues me. While all this is going on, in the last few hours, in Hollywood, his trainer Freddie Roach has begun talking about Mayweather-Pacquiao going ahead (but Floyd Mayweather must, of course, win that fight with Shane Mosley first on May 1 in Las Vegas). Roach, whatever he may have said, does not believe Mosley will beat Mayweather. Indeed, he knows for Pacquiao to defeat Mayweather he must produce “the perfect fight”. Those are the exact words he used when explaining it to me. The perfect fight.

Roach believes Mayweather-Pacquiao will happen. It most likely will.

But will Pacquiao reach congress, and the murky world of island politics ? I doubt it. His dreams of improving life for the poor in that country are unlikely to be permitted by the ruling class. Life’s imperfect fight.

There are several stories in our archive on Pacquiao’s life and

Pacquiao’s interest in politics.

Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Pacquiao sticking to his guns over Mayweather lawsuit, and rightly so

Mayweather vs Mosley
Pittsburgh Fight Sports Examiner | Scott Heritage

It was suggested recently that team Pacquiao was ready to cancel his lawsuit against Floyd Mayweather and Golden Boy promotions if the testing demands were dropped for a possible fight between the two.

Manny Pacquiao has since said that this is not happening, and that the lawsuit will go ahead as planned whatever happens.

Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz, speaking to the Philstar, said:

“Why do we need to use the lawsuit as a bargaining chip? That’s ridiculous, Manny’s reputation has been tarnished. And we just talked to our lawyers in Los Angeles the day before yesterday. It’s full steam ahead as far as the lawsuit is concerned,”

Offering to trade off on the lawsuit might not have been such a good idea anyway because to the outside observer, it could appear to be an admission of guilt. To those who have been closely following the story, it would of course simply be a means to an end, a way of getting Mayweather into the ring without having to play by his rules.

The headlines in mainstream media would probably read differently though, and Pacquiao trading less invasive testing for dropping a lawsuit would look as if he was fearful about what the tests would reveal. This wouldn't really be the case, but to someone who hadn't read all of the details, it would probably reflect negatively about Pacquiao as well as Mayweather.

Mayweather constantly talking up his campaign to clean up the sport and then dropping the whole idea would make him look just as bad for not keeping to his original stance.

Pacquiao and his team are sticking with their stance of letting the commission do all the testing and not getting involved in it themselves.

The suit itself will probably be in litigation for quite some time anyway, and likely won't be settled before both fighters are retired anyway. What the chances are of Pacquiao winning the suit isn't entirely clear.

If he continues to make upwards of $40 million per year until he does retire, it might be difficult for his lawyers to make the case that he has lost a lot of money as a result of the accusations.

Some have also said that Teddy Atlas and Paulie Malignaggi should be added to the suit over the comments both made regarding the situation. Check out Michael Marley's article on the Atlas incident.

Steve, Pittsburgh: "Suing Mayweather is a waste of time, it wont repair his reputation and he won't win either"

Bill, Pittsburgh: "Even if the lawsuit was on offer as a bargaining chip, I can't see Mayweather accepting it in exchange for less testing and even if he did he would then have more fuel to tarnish Manny's name anyway"

Source: Examiner.com

Mosley takes on master Mayweather

Mayweather vs Mosley
SHANE MOSLEY must feel he is living in a vacuum. It is over a month (May 1) before he and Floyd Mayweather Jnr lock horns in the Nevada desert, yet the only fight on people’s minds does not involve Sugar Shane. Boxing fans are currently salivating at the prospect of a Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao autumn showdown following yet another dazzling display from the Filipino maestro in Dallas last weekend.

However, before we allow our minds to meander into the realms of boxing fantasy, “Money” must first deal with a rejuvenated 38-year old Californian determined not to ride off into the sunset just yet. Let us not forget that the WBA Super champion is Mosley, not Mayweather.

That this match is taking place at all is to Mosley’s eternal credit. Having suffered a fifth career defeat at the hands of Miguel Cotto in November 2007 it seemed like old Father Time had finally extracted the sweetness out of “Sugar” Shane. This should have been Mosley’s cue to drift off into the Californian night. However, having defeated Ricardo Mayorga in 2008, Mosley accepted a January clash with the man who battered Cotto to a bloody pulp, Antonio Margarito. Mosley’s subsequent display of speed and power was staggering, as he stopped the Mexican in nine one-sided rounds.

In Mayweather, though, he is meeting someone extraordinary, a masterful boxer who has captured world titles at five different weights in winning 40 consecutive bouts (25 KOs). It was he who started the seemingly irretrievable decline of our “Hitman”, Ricky Hatton. It was a defensive, counter-attacking masterclass, making Hatton look like a novice at times.

Having taken a 21-month break, which Mayweather labelled “retirement”, he came back to spin a web around Mexico’s great lightweight, Juan Manuel Marquez last September. It is a credit to his impeccable conditioning as well as his imperious boxing ability that such a sublime performance was possible after a near-two-year sabbatical.

One of Mayweather’s most impressive attributes is his adaptability. He seems able to cope with an array of styles whilst instinctively raising the level of his performance on the rare occasions he encounters difficulty. Never has he come seriously close to the perils of defeat. Not even in his first fight with Jose Luis Castillo, when many had the Mexican narrowly behind in the scoring or actually winning. Mayweather rightly secured a unanimous decision on the scorecards.

Although he won a split decision over Oscar De La Hoya in May 2007, one felt the verdict flattered the “Golden Boy”, as a late flurry of punches, with few landing cleanly, seemed to blur the vision of the ringside judges. The result was not in serious doubt despite Mayweather stepping up to De La Hoya’s more natural light-middleweight limit.

Mayweather’s personality might not be to everyone’s liking, but one must give him credit for fighting the best opponents in five weight divisions – including Diego Corrales, Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Carlos Baldomir and De La Hoya.

If Mayweather has a flaw, it is that incessant pressure seems to bother him and herein lies Mosley’s chance, for he has never fought another genuine ‘speedster’ like “Sugar” Shane.

Although both men started out at lower weights, Mayweather at super-feather and Mosley at lightweight, neither has lost speed whilst moving through the divisions. (This is something that Pacquiao seems to have mastered courtesy of his specific plyometrics training with strength and conditioning coach, Alex Ariza). Whilst both have undeniably fast hands, Mayweather should still have the edge, being six years Mosley’s junior and having taken relatively little punishment for a 40-fight veteran. Mosley on the other hand has had twelve more fights (46-5-1) and has been a pro since 1993. These factors could prove pivotal as Mosley may fall victim to Mayweather’s potent left jab whilst attempting to apply the tourniquet on the inside.

Unsurprisingly, the talking has already started. “The reason I fought Margarito is because I wanted to become the best welterweight out there, and I did that. May 1 is going to symbolise Mayweather’s first loss,” said Mosley. Mayweather predictably snapped back, “He’s a fighter, he’s supposed to say that, but guess what – there is no blueprint on how to beat me.”

Source: boxingnewsonline.net

The Sweet Science 03.29.10: Klitschko, Mayweather-Mosley

Mayweather vs Mosley
Posted by Igor Frank

Vincent Van Gogh, a painter whose influence on modern art world is hard to measure, died largely unknown at the age of thirty seven on July 27, 1890; his brilliance acknowledged and appreciated years after passing.

Sometimes the world does not recognize genius until it is too late.

With his situation not as dire as the one of a Dutch painter in the 19th century, the top heavyweight on the planet Wladimir Klitschko is not a household name among American boxing fans. In fact, his heavyweight title defense against number one American contender Fast Eddie Chambers that took place at a sold out ESPRIT Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany was not even televised in United Sates. One of the HBO executives cited the reason for not televising the event was that since the older brother Vitali came out of retirement, the American public could not differentiate between the two. After talking with a fair share of boxing fans I have to admit; it is a fair assessment. But wouldn't that be the exact reason to televise the event?

Viewing live action via internet, I was able to observe shaped like an Adonis, supremely confident champion, Wladimir Klitschko systematically dismantle his opponent Fast Eddie Chambers over twelve one sided rounds and finally knock him out with seconds left in the fight. Fast Eddie had absolutely no answer against a weapon of choice of his adversary, a steel hammer like jab that was coming his way and penetrating the guard on regular basis. A giant of a man at six foot seven inches Klitschko moved around the ring with a grace of a welterweight, consistently throwing hard left jab befuddling Eddie with it; Wladimir could have won the fight with just a jab, because not much was coming back in return, but he was mixing it up with right hands, one of which staggered Chambers badly in the second stanza. To his credit Eddie did try a few things; he lifted the champion after clinch and slammed him to the ground in the second round to show the world that he would not be intimidated and he did try to get inside from time to time and land some body shots, but those attempts were too few to matter. Mostly Eddie was on the defense covering up, eerily reminding Joshua Clottey taking a beating a week ago from Manny Pacquiao. For all practical purposes, the fight was over after the seventh round as Eddie had no chance of hurting the champion and was just getting beat up round after round. I thought the fight could have been stopped after nine to allow Chambers to fight another day, but his team kept sending him out and urging him to fight without actually giving him any practical advice.

What really disturbed me was that team Chambers allowed Eddie to come out for the final round, thus putting him in harm's way for no reason at all; Chambers was pretty bruised up by then and lost all eleven rounds and possessing no power to speak of , he had no chance of winning the fight. The only person really animated was Emanuel Stewart, Wladimir's chief trainer who kept asking Klitschko to finish the job and to not let this fight go to another crappy decision. Even though it is very hard to stop a boxer who doesn't want to be knocked out and just covers up, Klitschko did listen to his trainer and desperately wanting to make fifty one thousand in attendance happy, he came out for the final round with a pernicious look in his eyes. Wladimir intensified his attack and kept driving depleted Chambers back with crisp combinations. Finally with an American fighter against the ropes and only few seconds left in the contest, Klitschko landed a short left hook that Eddie did not see because he was covering up. The punch that hurts the most is the one you do not see. And that is exactly what happened to Chambers who went down through the ropes face first at which point every one observing instantly knew that he was not getting up any time soon. After spending a few anxious minutes on the canvas Eddie did get up, but he could not remember the knock down.

Always a consummate sportsman Klitschko had high praise for his opponent: "Chambers is an extraordinary boxer. He is very, very quick and preemptive. In the last rounds I gave everything and I am very happy about the result. To me Chambers gave up mentally after round six. It's hard to hit somebody who is very passive and tries not to be knocked out."

Despite a brilliant performance and a dramatic stoppage Wladimir did not get a lot of love from American media. Most called the fight boring until the final round.

Klitschko's complete dominance over his opponents has become his curse. All fights involving Wladimir lately are predictable one sided beatings that lack drama or excitement. The only opponent for Klitschko at this point in time that would interest the American TV networks and fans would be David Hay. However , should Wladimir destroy him in a similar fashion to the way he did all of his previous opponents, he will get no credit at all as Hay is an over blown cruiserweight.

May be just like Van Gogh, the only way Klitschko will get recognized as a greatest heavyweight of our era, will be postmortem. Or may be an opponent will appear that would be able to bring out the best out of the current champion and cause the heavyweight division to return to its days of glory.

Is Floyd Trying To Clean Up The Sport Of Boxing?

Ever since earlier this year when the mega fight between two best boxers on the planet, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. fell apart, questions and debates about the cause of the melt down rage on.

Just when it looked like that the only question about the most anticipated match up in years would be where to have it, Las Vegas or Dallas, Floyd Mayweather Jr. requested to implement an Olympic style drug testing prior to the fight. Pacquiao camp balked. Highly superstitious Pacquiao feels that drawing blood too close the fight time will take away from his strength. Mayweather Sr. publicly accused Pacquiao of being on the juice. Pacman and his people filed a defamation of character law suit. A Los Angeles judge was called in to mediate the negotiations between Pacquiao and Mayweather and to try to save the fight which would guarantee each boxer $25 million dollars, but it was too late; by this point in time only God could save the event and he decided not to meddle.

Pacquiao went on to destroy a very strong welterweight Joshua Clottey last Saturday in Dallas in front of record crowd of 51 thousand fans, in what turned out to be a one sided beating. As soon as the beating was over, everyone wanted to talk about Mayweather." Let commissions do their job," exclaimed Pacquiao's coach, Freddie Roach:" Just get in the ring and fight!"

Mayweather is going to face a welterweight champion Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on May first in a huge event. But what everybody is talking about is not the event itself, but the fact that Floyd forced Mosley to agree to Olympic style drug testing. Desperately needing a big money fight at the twilight of his career, Mosley would probably agree to tie one of his hands behind his back to fight Mayweather, but that is the subject for another story.

"Floyd Mayweather is trying to clean up the sport of boxing," said Leonard Ellerbe, Floyd's chief advisor, last Thursday during a first of its kind media telephone conference that discussed anti- doping drug testing program for Mayweather vs. Mosley:"Everybody who steps in the ring with him is going to be subjected to this."

Even though Mayweather Mosley is a thrilling match up with a final outcome far from being certain, all casual fans want to talk about is the possibility of Pacquiao Mayweather happening later on this year. Just yesterday my banker pulled me aside and said: Say, Igor, why doesn't Manny just take the darn drug test and fight Mayweather already?"

On the other hand, a famous boxing personality and one of the best cut men in the business, Tony Rivera had this to say about the subject: "Floyd never wanted to fight Pacquiao and he found a reason to get out of it."
To simplify, here is the issue at hand. Does Pacquiao really have something to hide? Is Mayweather really trying to clean up the sport or is he simply trying to gain an advantage with psychological warfare?

I first called Keith Keizer of Nevada State Athletic Commission who informed me that urine anti doping tests are administered before and after the fight. No blood tests are in protocol. Similar procedures are employed in California and New York. The only blood test required in California is when a boxer is applying for a license, but that test is mostly concerned with aids and hepatitis and does not check for steroids.

Last Thursday, during a media telephone conference, Travis Tygart, CEO of United States Anti Doping Agency explained the protocol of Olympic Style drug testing that was adopted for Mayweather Mosley Fight.

According to Mr. Tygart, after the orientation, beginning from March 22nd, both athletes will be subjected to random unannounced blood and urine tests leading all the way up to and after the fight. The number of tests will not be disclosed till after the event to insure maximum credibility. Any positive result will be published following legal procedures. So why is urine test not enough? Why not do a DNA test that will only involve a hair sample?

"The chemicals that cannot be detected in urine samples are HGH (human growth hormone), HBT, HBOC, and PATH" said Tygart.

According to Wikipedia HGH stimulates growth and cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and other animals. And HBT does not mean holistic body training.

"We cannot afford not to do it," said Tygart when asked about financial feasibility of the program:" Today, this is about clean athletes and their right to compete on a level playing field. If you are clean, you have no reason not to be a part of this program. In fact, you demand it."

Source: 411mania.com

Opinion: Pacquiao should face winnerof Mosley-Mayweather fight

Mayweather vs Mosley
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao may be considering three more fights before actually hanging his gloves for good. But he will have to kneel before his mother to get her blessings as he will have to renege on his earlier promise for one last fight.

Despite his announcement of possible retirement from professional boxing in deference to his mother's wishes for him to retire now for good, many of his local boxing fans believe that the pound-for-pound king will remain active for at least one more year.

The popular Filipino boxer is expected to make a deal with his mother for one last fight before retiring. It may be recalled that Pacquiao promised his mother after his bout with Miguel Cotto that he will do one last fight before hanging up his gloves. That one last bout was his recent encounter with Joshua Clottey of Ghana at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

One of the compelling reasons for Pacquiao to remain active for another year is probably the thought of beating Floyd Mayweather, Jr who remains undefeated in his entire professional boxing career. Mayweather and his camp have thrown too much 'trash' on the Filipino boxer. Pacquiao's local boxing fans say that the Filipino boxer should settle the long-drawn word war between him and Mayweather inside the ring.

The proposed Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was originally scheduled for Marcgh 13 but did not happen due to Mayweather's demand for an Olympic-style blood testing which Pacquiao declined saying that he had passed all drug tests conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Mayweather accused Pacquiao of taking steroids or performance enhancing drugs during his last fights to gain added advantage over his opponents. Pacquiao denied such accusations and sued Mayweather and some members of his team in court for defamation.
The other compelling reason is the huge prize money that Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will generate for both boxers. Boxing analysts say that that each of them will earn at least $50 million excluding revenues from PPV and gate receipts.

The Filipino boxer may have thought that one year will be a safe period for him to make one last commitment to his mother on her call for early retirement.
In a year Pacquiao can make three more fights as trainer Freddie Roach projects. Roach said the Pacquiao-Mayweather match can still happen if they both bury the hatchet and let their punches do the talking.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a tradeoff between Manny dropping the lawsuit and him (Mayweather) dropping the drug test,” boxing’s hottest trainer told fighthype.com.
But what if Mayweather is defeated by Mosley when they collide on May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas? Surely Pacquiao will have to choose Mosley for his next mega fight as he (Mosley) will become the hottest boxing sensation by then. A Pacquiao-Mosley fight will also bring in huge revenues for both of them. If this happens, it would be Pacquiao's first match within the one year self-imposed fight calendar.

But then again, win or lose with Mosley, Pacquiao will have to face Mayweather to settle the issues and bad blood between the two most popular boxers. This will be Pacquiao's second in his calendar and if he wins he may just opt to retire for good unless an automatic rematch is provided for in their fight contract. If that happens, a third and last fight for the Filipino boxer is inevitable.

Source: digitaljournal.com

Floyd is Afraid to Fight Manny

Mayweather vs Mosley

By Epifanio M. Almeda
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 29 Mar 2010

My good friend, Engr. Samson Tiukinhoy, texted to share his daughter’s (Dr. Susan Tiukinhoy) first hand conversation with George Foreman in a Houston elevator. Recognizing big George, Dr. Susan asked what he thinks of a fight between Manny and Floyd. The fearsome heavyweight champion of the world replied, “Floyd is afraid to fight Manny”.

Foreman knows first hand what happens when a fighter fears his opponent. The fighter who fears loses the fight even before the first bell rings. Ken Norton couldn’t look straight at George’s eyes and just bowed his head as the referee was giving the pre-fight instructions. The fight for the heavyweight championship was held on 26 March 1974 in Caracas, Venezuela. Muhammad Ali sat at ringside as a fight commentator.

George was undefeated when Norton was shoved forward to fight him after scoring a win over the great Ali. Norton couldn’t shake off his mind Foreman’s fearsome reputation of being a big puncher with a frightening KO record. George knocked down Norton’s good friend, Joe Frazier, six times before stopping him in the 2nd round to wrest the heavyweight championship of the world. Foreman and Norton were about the same size but George knocked down Norton three times in the second round to end the fight. Muhammad Ali identified the cause of Norton’s loss. Norton was scared of Foreman.

George’s observation on Floyd vs. Manny he shared with Dr. Susan confirms Floyd Mayweather Sr.’s own fear for little Floyd which the Sr. showed as he tried to identify the kind of performing enhancing drugs (PED) he accused Manny of taking. Who wouldn’t fear the Pacman who comes from a country whose World War II guerillas have a reputation of continuously charging forward despite facing a barrage of gunfire? If no gunfire could stop a guerilla from charging forward, how much less could Floyd’s brittle bare hands stop a such PED enhanced Manny who already has that reputed habit in the ring of always charging forward?

With little Floyd’s ability to come up with excuses for the fight not to happen, the Floyd-Manny fight may never happen. No disrespect intended for Shane Mosley, but Floyd is just too slick and too good for Shane to handle come May 1. Floyd’s been there facing a fighter many thought had a good chance to beat him. Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Ricky Hatton, Oscar dela Hoya, to name them who had names in the fight game. Floyd didn’t fear them and he beat them all.

But Manny Pacquiao is different. He retired the 6 weight division champion Oscar giving him no round of 8, bulldozed Hatton in 2, and ate the best Miguel Cotto could dish out while still asking for more. It was the legitimate welterweight Cotto who said “no more” by dancing away from the charging Manny until what has become a mere semblance of a fight was mercifully stopped just before the end of the 12th round.

When Manny’s charging forward could not be stopped with a legitimate welterweight champion firepower, Manny must really be somebody no other else is. All these did not escape the Floyd Mayweather camp’s attention and Floyd Jr. himself despite his claims of intentionally not viewing Manny’s fights.

Floyd Jr. already has the advantages of size, reach and maybe his defensive skills and accurate counter punching. But what can these do to a fighter who “punches very hard” according to Marco Antonio Barrera, is “so fast” according to David Diaz, smiles after a great round of skirmish with his opponent in some of his good fights, and seems to be more motivated to charge further forward when hit and bloodied?

The over US$40 million guaranteed purse couldn’t make Floyd fight after Manny’s beat up of Miguel Cotto. With Manny’s recent shut out of Joshua Clottey who had the advantages of size, reach, a tight defense, and with a reputation of not having really been overwhelmed by fighters his size, Floyd will come up with even more excuses for the fight not to happen.

If he beats Mosley and the PPV buys outnumber the Pacquiao-Clottey number, expect Floyd to no longer agree to a 50-50 purse split. “Negotiations” will go nowhere as it did before. The Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight, which all and sundry want to see, will not happen.

And the reason is as what George Foreman told Dr. Susan, “Floyd is afraid to Fight Manny”.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Manny Pacquiao struggles with mom's call for his early retirement

MANILA, Philippines – After winning boxing titles in seven weight divisions, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao believes he has already marked his legacy in the sport.

Not even the promise of a multimillion-dollar payday in a possible bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr is tarnishing his dream of possible retirement.

“Our records will show I have beaten far better fighters compared to Mayweather. I’ve stated before that I am willing to fight him if that’s what the fans want to see. But if the fight doesn’t happen, I’m fine with it,” Pacquiao said in a report published on FightNews.com.

The reigning pound-for-pound king made the statement shortly after arriving in Manila following his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defense against Joshua Clottey.

Pacquiao actually thinks it is Mayweather who needs him. It was widely perceived that the former-pound-for-pound title holder went out of retirement for a chance to slug it out with the Filipino boxing hero.

“He needs me more than I need him. If he wants the fight then let’s do it,” said the General Santos native.

The two boxing stars were supposed to have clashed on March 13 but the negotiation broke down when Mayweather insisted performance enhancing drug tests.

“I’m clean because I get my strength through hardwork and my faith in God,” said Pacquiao.

The Filipino boxing star is already considering retirement upon his mother’s wish.

Mommy Dionisia said she is constantly worried about her son each time he climbs in the ring, especially because his past few fights were against bigger opponents.

Pacquiao said he understands Mommy Dionisia’s concern for his safety in the ring.

“Syempre after kay [Miguel] Cotto nakiusap ako sa Mama ko, ‘Isang laban pa.' Pinagbigyan niya ako. Sa ngayon, paano pa ako makiusap ulit? Ano bang sabihin ko?” he said.

He also mentioned that his political ambition has nothing to do with his retirement plans.

“Kahit naman wala ‘yung eleksyon, walang pulitika, depende na sa desisyon naming pamilya. Matagal na kasi ako, matagal na rin sa boxing. Marami na akong nabigay na karangalan sa ating bansa,” said Pacquiao, who is vying for a congressional seat in the Sarangani Province.

as of 03/24/2010 12:52 PM

Manny Pacquiao struggles with mom's call for his early retirement

Mayweather vs Mosley

By Leo Reyes

digitaljournal.com

Mar 23, 2010

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is facing a new challenge as he struggles with his mother's desirefor him to retire now after promising her one last fight following his bout with Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto.

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is struggling with his Mom's wish for him to consider retiring now and not months or years later.

After his fight with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, Pacquiao made a deal with Mommy Dionisia to retire after one more fight. With a heavy heart his Mom reluctantly gave her consent. That deal ended when Pacquiao fought Joshua Clottey last March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas.

Mommy Dionisia said she is constantly worried about her son each time he climbs in the ring, especially because his past few fights were against bigger opponents.

Pacquiao said he understands Mommy Dionisia’s concern for his safety in the ring.

Upon his return to Manila after beating Joshua Clottey in a unanimous 12-round decision, Pacquiao hinted at retiring anytime soon.

Pacquiao has openly declared his desire to face undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather not because the match promises to be the most lucrative in his entire boxing career but winning the fight will cement his place in boxing history.

Then again, Pacquiao struggles with his own commitment to his Mom. He said he promised his Mom for one last fight and she consented albeit reluctantly and now, 'How can I get her to agree this time? What will I say to her? he asked.

Pacquiao clarified that politics has nothing to do with his retirement plans. He said he will confer with his family shortly to handle the matter.

Source: digitaljournal.com

MAYWEATHER RIGHT AT HOME PLAYING BOXING’S FAVORITE VILLAIN

Mayweather vs Mosley
March 24th, 2010 | by Sabrina Montez

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has an allegiance of fans, but his persona strikes a negative cord within the boxing community. Why is a fighter with a 40-0 record continuously criticized? Perhaps it’s jealousy, his lack of humility, or his selection of opponents. Whatever it may be, Mayweather has become accustomed to playing the boxing villain. His Uncle, Jeff Mayweather, recently shed some light on Floyd’s bad guy image.

“He has picked the role of being the bad guy because he’s flashy, flamboyant and in your face with it, and speaks his mind, whether you like it or not. A lot of people don’t like that and want to see him fall, but its no different than Ali; many people hated him too. The same type of people that liked Ali back then are the same people that like Floyd now. It is just generations later repeating itself ,” stated Jeff.

He continues, “My opinion of it is this is a business and at the end of the day, you do what you do to generate capital and only two types of fighters make money, the extremely good guy that can fight or the bad guy that seems to get under everyone’s skin, but has the talent to back it up. At the end of the day, you may not like it, but when it comes to their craft, you have to respect it. It is what it is. At least when your the bad guy, you can be yourself when the cameras come on.”

Floyd is certainly no stranger to being in the spotlight, whether it is in the field of entertainment or sports. Whether people love him or hate him, Floyd wants to be recognized for who he is, one of the best fighters in the world. Ever since Floyd and Manny Pacquiao butted heads and couldn’t come to an agreement on a possible dream bout, Mayweather has received a barrage of criticism, even more than usual. His desires for Pacquiao to subject himself to strict Olympic-style drug testing, which Pacquiao declined, has sent many blasting Floyd’s motives, feeling as if he shouldn’t be allowed to make up his own rules. Also add in the fact that he is naturally vocal, and flamboyant, and it makes people really want to see the guy fail.

One thing I noticed about Floyd over the years is that he knows how to play the villain role when the time is right. Mayweather is living in his world and whether you are for him or against him, he wants to be noticed…one way or another.

Source: vegas.fighthype.com

KIZER SAYS NEVADA WILL CONDUCT ITS OWN TESTS ON MAYWEATHER, MOSLEY

Mayweather vs Mosley
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 Mar 2010

The executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission Keith Kizer says the NSAC will conduct its own tests on Floyd Mayweather Jr and Shane Mosley who face each other at the MGM Grand on May 1.

Kizer informed insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports that the NSAC “will be performing steroid and drug tests of athletes on that card, including the main event boxers,” Mayweather Jr and Mosley.

Kizer made it clear that by allowing the United States Anti Doping Agency or USADA to undertake its own and separate tests as agreed upon between the camps of both fighters, the Nevada Commission’s authority and jurisdiction over the fight and the fighters involved was not being undermined.

Kizer made it clear that the NSAC has “directed Golden Boy (Promotions) to have the lab send us the results of any and all steroid and drug tests performed on Mr. Mayweather and Mr. Mosley” directly.

At the same time Kizer stressed that the Nevada State Athletic Commission was “not setting aside its own procedures” of testing in the Mayweather Jr-Mosley fight.

Under an agreement reached by the promoters and Mayweather Jr and Mosley, both fighters will be subject to random drug tests which would include blood tests conducted by the USADA whose findings will apparently be binding on both fighters and should any one or both of the fighters be found to have taken any illegal substance they would face a ban of up tp two years.

However, as of this time there has been no indication as to what the situation would be if the findings of the USADA and the NSAC which conducts urinalysis and not additional blood tests, produce different results.

A mega-buck super-fight between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr unraveled after the undefeated former pound-for-pound king insisted on random blood tests up to 14 days before their originally scheduled fight on March 13. Pacquiao’s counter proposal in which he said he would be prepared to take the random blood tests 24 days before the fight and immediately after the fight in his dressing room was rejected by Mayweather and his advisers.

Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and members of Team Pacquiao have been peeved by stories claiming that Pacquiao was not prepared to take the random drug tests which they pointed out was clearly inaccurate and indicated malicious intent to place the acknowledged “Fighter of the Decade” in a bad light.

Upon his return home on Monday after his masterful twelve round unanimous victory over Ghana’s former world champion Joshua Clottey, Pacquiao said he didn’t need a Mayweather fight to cement his legacy and that if anything Mayweather needed him more than he needs Mayweather.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Mayweather vs. Someone Bigger Than Him

Mayweather vs Mosley
New England Boxing Examiner | Peter Czymbor

Remember the last time Floyd Mayweather fought someone bigger than him? It was March 30, 2008.

His opponent? Not junior middleweight Oscar De La Hoya. Not junior welterweight Ricky Hatton. Not lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez. But The Big Show, a super heavyweight former pro wrestling champion.

The fight was a no disqualification staged pro wrestling match at WWE's annual Wrestlemania extravaganza. With the help of legal brass knuckles, Mayweather scored a knockout win over the 7 foot tall 485 pound lumbering giant.

So with Wrestlemania this weekend and Mayweather's fight against welterweight titlist Shane Mosley on the horizon, I thought I'd go back and watch this piece of pop culture that showcased Mayweather for the entertainer he is.

It's not as entertaining as the thought of Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, but it's still fun nonetheless.

Source: Examiner.com

Fight Mayweather, then retire

Mayweather vs Mosley
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 24, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Now is not the right time for Manny Pacquiao to retire.

“He must fight Mayweather first,” said the boxer’s adviser Wakee Salud yesterday after Pacquiao, at 31 still at his prime, announced the other day that he’s seriously thinking of retirement.

Pacquiao, who has won his last 12 fights, including big ones against Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, said he would consult with his family and see if they’re all in the same page.

But Salud said as long as Floyd Mayweather Jr. is around, trash-talking his way into the elite boxing circle, it would be very difficult or impossible for Pacquiao to just turn his back on the sport.

“I don’t believe that he’s going to retire soon,” said Salud from Cebu.

“It’s a tough call. He can announce today that he’s retiring but after four or five months he will surely look for a fight,” said Salud, and that’s regardless of what happens to Pacquiao’s bid in the May elections.

The matchmaker from the south said it would be much easier for Pacquiao to hang up his gloves if Mayweather did not come out of his own retirement last year, in pursuit of the super-fight with the Filipino boxer.

“As long as Mayweather is there, and they haven’t fought, it will be very tough for Manny to retire,” he said.

Salud explained that there’s just too much money to be made in a fight against Mayweather, and with so much hype and attention the projected bout has generated, it just makes it more attractive.

Pacquiao, who has earned $53 million for his last four fights, including the $12 million he got for beating Joshua Clottey last March 13 in Dallas, stands to earn as much as $50 million if he takes on Mayweather.

“The purse will be huge. How can he retire? And aside from the money, the Mayweather fight is the fight that the people will ask for. Manny is a boxer, he’s a fighter. If he is called to a fight, he will fight Mayweather,” said Salud.

“I don’t think he would simply retire.”

What Pacquiao should do, his adviser said, is face Mayweather in November, beat him, and if he wins, then he can retire.

“Because once he beats Mayweather, only then can he say that he has accomplished everything in boxing. And once he beats Mayweather, everybody can say that there’s no one else out there for Manny to fight,” said Salud.

“That’s the best time for Manny to retire – once he beats Mayweather. That will be the perfect ending to his career,” he added.

Source: PhilStar.com

Even in United Kingdom, Mayweather can only run, not hide, from Pacquiao

Mayweather vs Mosley
Boxing Examiner | Michael Marley

LONDON—Try it, see if you can do it now that everyone is wondering if Floyd Mayweather Jr. can accomplish it.

Do what?

I'm talking about escaping the global brand, the worldwide reach and superstatus that Manny Pacquaio currently enjoys.

You can run but you can't hide from Pacquiao, something that Mayweather seems to already know and understand.

I've got more evidence of same, having landed at Heath. row on Monday to begin a brief Euro jaunt that began Monday night t the tony Royal Automobile Club over at 89 Paul Mall in the Piccadilly Circus area of this awesome city.

Upon landing, I saw a sad and costly sight, row upon row of parked British Airways jets, the BA system beset by labor strike. As if traveling these days wasn't traumatic and stress-filled enough...

Settling in at my hotel in chic Knightbridge, I dove into the various tabloid newspapers. It seemed they all carried news of the day from the Philippines about Megamanny.

(The hotel is the Rembrandt, named after some Dutch guy whp painted houses.)

''I MAY RETIRE FOR WORRIED MUM, REVEALS PACQUIAO'' was the troubling banner in the free to all commuter newspaper City A.M.

Wait a second, I thought, isn't this the United Kingdom where we're continually told how important American Mayweather is, how British boxing fans take to him like bangers and mash?

There was one other big boxing related story in this country on the day and that was the passing, at the ripe, old age of 84, of the nation's greatest boxing broadcaster, Harry Carpenter.

If Britain ever had a sportscaster with the national stature and profile of America's Howard Cosell, I dare say it might have been Carrpenter although he was a beloved, not a controversial figure like my former boss Howard was.

Carpenter teamed over the fight microphone many times with former world heavyweight champion, the immensely popular Frank Bruno. Bruno's Cockney accented throwback line to Carpenter was “know wot I mean 'Arry?'

I think there's only two ways the Pacman retirement scenario plays out.

One, he is just paying lip service, as a dutiful son, to his Aling Dionesia's oft expressed maternal wishes.

Two, maybe he lays out of boxing, regardless of whether he wins or loses the Sarangai electoral fight against Roy Chiongbian, well connected scion of a business and political dynasty.

Maybe, as I have stated previously, Manny opts not to take a November bout, eschewing whatever easy opponent Bob Arum serves up out of his well stocked but hardly enthralling bullpen of B Listers.

Among those honoring Pundit Powell, who think he knows more about how to win football games than any coach, was legendary figure as a player then as a manager, Terry "El Tel" Venables. Count the raconteur-entrreprenur Venables, a sort of Red Auerbach in soccer, as a Manny Pacquiao fight. "El Tel" likes the excitement the Pinoy Idol brings to boxing (Daily Mail Photo)

It could be next March, a full year, before Pacman, his mental and physical batteries fully recharged from this sabbatical, climbs into another ring for a fight

And maybe, just maybe, we will all be shocked to see Floyd Mayweather nee Sinclair in the opposite corner.

I don't have any problem with that, do you?

At that point, Kill Joy will still be a bit older than Pacquiao.

Time out might be Manny's friend and not Mayweather's.

I'll continue my travelogue in future dispatches but let me get back to the Royal Automobile Club and the stag only social soiree I was lucky to be invited to.

I even had to suit up, to run over to Moss Bros on Regent Suit to get myself what Cockney slang refers to as “a whistle and flute.”

For you uneducated folks, that means a tuxedo, an outfit your White Gorilla is rarely found in.

Pal Jeff Powell, who I jocularly refer to as Lord Powell, was honored by his powerhouse newspaper Daily Mail for who he has cut his veins on a daily basis for a term of 45 years.

One of the gentle giants of UK journalism in person, Powell's print personality runs to the biting, caustic and acerbic side laced with doses of well place humor.

Among the prominent boxing figures came out to honor the Jim Murray (he really is that gifted) of England were the promoters Fearless Frank Warren and equally Fearless Frank Maloney (he of the famous Union Jack flag suit he wore in support of his man, Lennox Lewis), undefeated and aspiring WBO lighweight champion (he fights Michael Katsidis) Kevin Mitchell and former Mickey Duff financial supporter and promotional partner, Jarvis Astaire.

Oh, and fellow boxing writer and former world champion, the Clones Cyclone and pride of Ireland Wee Barry McGuigan was also on hand with one of his sons.

The insider newspaper tales, the facts and fiction of historic Fleet Street, were bandied back and forth as football luminaries also including the legendary coach and Powell pal Terry Venables also chimed in.

Being a football ignorarus and UK sports ignoramus, I had to be told who so many other luminescent luminares at the tribute were, including none other than:

--Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of dreadnaught Manchester United for lo those 24 years and winner of 32 major trophies including two, count 'em, two European titles. Those who know deem Sir Alex as the greatest all time soccer head coach.

--Sir Bobby Charlton, iconic Man U footballer now on the Board of Directors and likely the most well known British player around the world.

--Sir Clive Howard, head coach of Englsh rugby when the won their only world diadem.

--George Graham, famous player, then manager of Arsenal FC.

Ossie Ardiles--Don't cry for him, Argentina, as this native son won fame and acclaim for that football mad nation.

Lord Colin Moynihan--Bossman of the British Olympic Association, key figure in bringing 201 Games here.

Lord Rothemere--Esteemed publisher of the Daily Mail.

Nasser Hussain--First and only Muslim to gloriously captain England in cricket.

Danny Jordaan--CEO of the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

Like I say, if had been thrown out and claimed I've been 69'd from better places and sent away from better people, that would have been a big lie.

Naturally, the late playboy and football legend George Best was talked about in reverential and humorous tones.

Huge cardboard photographs of the intrepid Powell posing with a young Mike Tyson and the 7-foot, 5-inch Nikolai Valuev adorned the private room at the RAC.

But, on this grey, drizzling but not foggy night in London Town, only two boxing names were really on everyone's lips.

Toasts were made to Carpenter for his awesome career.

Toasts were made to Pacquiao for restoring the electricity to boxing which certainly seemed to unainmously be the second favorite sport of all the football lads.

If he based his career decision on this festive group, out for a night to honor one of boxing's real wordsmiths, Pacman would have to disappoint the hand that rocked his cradle in General Santos City.

“Do you think that Pacquiao can beat Mayweather?” more than one ink-stained wretch or former Premier League football superstar asked me.

As the 2008 Pouilly Fuisse and the 2007 Chateau Haut-Pezat coursed through my veins, I was still sober enough to correct all those who inquired.

“You've got it backwards, chap,” I said. “What we're asking in America now is whether Mayweather can beat Pacquiao.”

Here we are, only five weeks before Mosley-Mayweather which is an all American bout but no big deal anywhere outside the USA, and the names boxing guys and boxing fans were discussing in the heat of London were neither Floyd Jr. or Sugar Shane.

Carpenter and Pacquiao, Pacquiao and Carpenter.

One now gone but the other with miles to go before he sleeps.

Maybe Manny can find some new hobby for Mumsie to distract her because I would bet an entire stories of whistles and flutes (at 300 British Pound Sterling per) that Manny fights on.

I sure hope as the Marley Social Security fund is not too big to fail.

Stick to your knitting, Aling.

A Pacquiao rest I understand. A retirement for the man at the top of his game, that I don't.

I suppose I can always go back and renew my hackney license in Cambridge.

I refer to the one on the other of the muddy water of the River Charles in Boston and nowhere near the River Thames.

The boxing world needs more Pacquiao just as the British literary scene needs more epic columns and dispatches from ringside and from the pitch by Powell.

Source: Examiner.com