Bleacher Report - Articles by dragonslayerGH

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto: Do Trainers Make Or Unmake World Champions?

dragonslayerGH — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:32:18 -0500

Manny Pacquiao Versus Miguel Cotto: Do trainers make or unmake world champion? YOU BET THEY DO! And the comming Pacquiao-Cotto fight is not an exception.

When one considers that Freddie Roach is up against a trainer who is merely 32 years old and basically a nutritionist and not a boxing trainer and the only training experience he could show is merely a split decision of his ward against Clottey, then, there is is really something to worry about in the Miguel Cotto Camp.

The distractions is tremendous, to say the least, in the Cotto Camp, for its ward that is up against the best pound for pound boxer in the world.

And what more distraction could ever fall on a boxer preparing for such mega fight than the following, thus:

1. Cotto parted ways with his long time trainer-uncle, Evangelista Cotto before the Clottey fight. Result: A near disaster when Cotto won by the slimmest of margins, a split decision with his former nutritionist, now elevated as the chief trainer!

2. A nasty brawl between the champion and his former trainer-uncle that resulted with the latter filling a damage suit against the champion plus back earnings which the trainer claims were not given to him.

3. Domestic problems involving Cotto and his wife that resulted in the separation of the two. Another woman with whom Cotto has a child is another point in the triangle. The champion has two children with his legitimate wife that he desperately want to save from all these domestic problems.

4. Cotto's weight problem is starting to show its ugly head. And a week from fight time, it is evident that the Cotto camp is starting to feel the pressure.

5. Bob Arum was reportedly not taking any side in this mega fight between his prized wards but it is obvious that a Pacquiao win shall set the event for probably a record breaking boxing purses for next year.

And to say the least, Freddie Roach, perhaps the best trainer in this decade, is calling the shots against a relatively an unknown 32-year-old whose name is not even worth remembering.

What more, it is claimed not in a few corners whose boxing IQs are world's best, that Cotto is already a damaged boxer after that cheating Margarito fight.

Frankly, I can not imagine a boxer who is about to challenge the worlds best pound for pound boxer in the world would face such a tremendous handicap brought about by his own undoing.

And to think that even beyond the boxer that is Manny Pacquiao, there is the shadow of the best trainer in boxer for the decade or perhaps for the last 25 years that is ably handling the technical side of the fight.

It does not get any better than this for the Manny Pacquiao camp.

Mayweather Vs Marquez: Another Leonard Vs Benitez In The Making!

dragonslayerGH — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:02:10 -0400

Floyd Mayweather Jr. versus Juan Manuel Marquez: Another Sugar Ray Leonard versus Wilfred Benitez in the making!

Yes boxing fans, that's the way it's gonna be, and the boxing world shall be treated with a fine boxing match. These two will showcase all the technical skills of a future hall of famer that is Pretty Boy Floyd and all the best counter punching skills of the current No. 2 pound for pound boxer in the world, Juan Manuel Marquez.

The early rounds shall be spent mostly with probing jabs and counter punching techniques by both fighters as they are supposedly the best in this field.

And just like the Leonard-Benitez fight, the counter punching JMM shall keep up with Mayweather due to his masterful defense in the first six rounds. PBF will find it a little hard to find his mark as stamina and strength are not yet a decisive factor in the fight.

As the fight would move on to the later rounds, both boxers will be measured by being forced to go nearly the distance. They both have a good idea as to the timing of each others' punches, the PBF edge in ring savvy and natural talent shall come to fore though.

By the eighth round, PBF punches will find its mark and JMM shall feel the strength and savagery of the Money Man.

Round Ten shall be the most likely point when the accumulated punches of the Money Man would make its toll on the aging body of JMM.

The rest would be history as this writer predicts a KO in the 10th round. The aging JMM shall fall. Perhaps twice, before finally calling it a night!

PBF shall meet the winner of the Paquiao-Cotto fight next year. And should that be the Pacman, expect the fight when his contract with Bob Arum would have expired and the Golden Boy shall be his new manager.

Pacquiao to Fight Cotto, Mayweather (or Marquez), Mosley, and Valero!

dragonslayerGH — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:07:53 -0400

I am convinced that Manny Pacquiao shall not retire until he fights the big names of boxing in the Junior Welterweight Division (stuffed lightweights and scaled downed welterweight).

Why am I saying this? Simple. Pacquiao is surrounded with personalities that want him to fight as many as he could before he retires. For the simple reason: money and more money!

It is only Aling Dionisia, his mother, and perhaps this unknown writer, that suggested of retiring while still on top of the heap. I am not saying the Pacman is unbeatable and is going to beat all these boxers in one big swoop! He could, in my honest opinion, be defeated by, say, Mayweather or Mosley.

And that will make it more interesting then. A return match shall promise more money coming! Come to think of it, the guy has still two to three years of good boxing years left in him.

And believe me, at the rate these people are egging Pacquiao to fight some more, and the history of Paquiao acceding to their desire, it's just unbelievable such thing could happen.

And the elections? Forget it. The Filipino voter could be fanatics about Paquiao's ring exploits, but when it comes to politics, they know better. Remember, Paquiao already lost a congressional election, not because he is unpopular.

But because he is that popular as a boxer that these same people who did not vote for him wants him simply to continue boxing instead of serving a term in Philippine Congress!

And the tons of money that he already earned and will be earning? Well, one will be surprise that in the situation Pacquiao find himself, money is just like something that is being fast gobbled up by a one big sinkhole!

In fact, even if by an outside chance Pacquiao wins the election, then, the more money he will need to dole out to these people. It's really insane they way things are bound to happen. So better watch out for that big run away truck of Manny Pacquiao. Its coming our way!

Miguel Cotto Better Watch Out For Manny Pacquiao's Wicked Right Hook!

dragonslayerGH — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:03:16 -0400

The finishing touches for the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto Fight is in the final stages. If and when this fight materializes, it is best for Cotto to heed this simple advise: watch out for Manny Pacquiao's right hooks and them some!

This extraordinary punch from a very ordinary stance is Pacquiao's secret when he demolished Ricky Hatton in merely two rounds of their celebrated fight.

I saw it coming. Team Pacquiao was really into something big going into that fight with Ricky Hatton, and then boom! The wicked right hook landed when Hatton was concentrating on MP's left hand.

And then Boom! Boom! The Right hand kept on coming! It even scored the first knock-down!

And when Ricky Hatton shifted his focus from MP's left hand to that new weapon which is MP's right hand...boom! The left hand finished the job in spectacular fashion.

And to think that MC's chin is suspect doubles the risk for Puerto Rico's most brilliant star.

Cotto could try to penetrate MP's defenses and attack the body early. Most likely, MP will not be in his best form for the fight. Concentrating on local politics to the national concerns (as he was made the Ambassador for Peace and Understanding by no less than the President of the Philippines), MP will have plenty distractions.

Secondly, MP is locally known as a party boy. He might just miss a little concentration on this very important preparation for his fight.

Of course, we all know that MP's recent fights were all models of a boxer's dedication to training. But perhaps MP could just miss a step or two.

And then, boom!

Cotto could take advantage of the situation and give MP an ugly loss. Add to these potential distractions the perennial domestic problem on money matters—the first, with the people around MP at home and the second is his financial relations with Bob Arum.

Not many Filipinos are aware that in Pacquiao's latest fight against Hatton, which was supposed to be 50-50 split, was not really. MP took home around $12 million from that fight.

And RH? Well, for losing miserably, Hatton took home almost double what Pacquiao got—$ 23 million! Why? Well, we could only ask the kind of arrangement that MP entered with Bob Arum.

As Lord Hughey wrote in his comments in Bleacher Report, this boxing promoter Bob Arum is under investigation for game fixing by the FBI. And no less than four searches were conducted in his office by the FBI agents after receiving information that this promoter is into game fixing. This situation could take MP's concentration in the preparation for the MC fight.

MP is not invincible, as many of us MP fans fail to realize. If there should be any weakness in MP's armor, the foregoing could be a short list. But of course, not necessarily in that order.

But then again, MC has many weaknesses himself. The catch weight of 144 lbs or 145 lbs can work against the Puerto Rico's superstar. He is a natural big welterweight and reducing his body weight to an agreed catch weight could do him in.

And if there is anything sure about this fight, it is the tenacity of the fighters and the brutality of the fight that is most likely to happen.

A cut on MC is not a far possibility. And so does a possibility on MP. And a good return on the gates and the PPV could also add the possibility of a return bout.

Let us wait and watch for a possible classic fight. Two ring warriors with different fighting styles trying to outwit and out-fight each other on top of the ring.

This is the coming MP-MC fight.

Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather, Jr., Waterloo, and Russian Winter--Anyone?

dragonslayerGH — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:03:23 -0400

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. tries to focus on Manny Pacman Pacquiao's Possible Waterloo and Russian weather (Winter)!

What a great sight for the boxer they call Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather, Jr. as he surveys the field on how to deal with this tough Knockout artist by the name of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao!

''There are only but a few choice strategies on how to beat this ambitious pretender to my throne''--the boxing's Defense Specialist must have said.

Of course this guy was irked that many people dare compare him to this pretender they call the Pacman. He was visibly upset and wants to reclaim his throne as the number 1 pound for pound boxer in the world.

He might just as well be stating the very words of the Duke of Wellington, Commander of the Allied Forces (England, Austria, The Netherlands, and Prussia) against Napoleon Bonaparte just before the great battle of Waterloo.

"This pretender Pacman shall go the way of Napoleon Bonaparte, who, just like him, succumbed to the bad weather of Waterloo and the unforgiving Russian weather (Winter). And just like these two historic weathers of those times, this time, this weather, this Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather, Jr., shall send him to his retirement, not to the Islands of Elba or St. Helena but to an Orthopedic hospital in his home island in the Pacific".

Can boxing's best pound for pound boxer of the immediate past reclaim his old glory? He now shouts on top of his voice: "I never abdicated my throne in the first place! I am still the beast pound for pound boxer in the world!"

"This is going to be WAR and this is going to be the Pacman's WATERLOO! He shall learn his lessons in boxing belatedly in his career! And this shall teach these so called boxing experts (including this writer!) a good lesson in strategy and tactics inside the ring!"

Well, we must give the Pretty Boy a little understanding in his words, because, somehow, the spirit of that victorious General Wellington at Waterloo has taken over his soul!

And the Battle of Waterloo shall again rage inside the ring and in theaters and homes of millions of fans worldwide!

Who shall be the victor? Would it be again the Duke of Wellington (Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather) or the magnificent little general of France (Manny Pacman Pacquiao) who have captured the heart and imagination of the boxing world?

Can Manny Pacquiao learn the lessons of Waterloo and the Russian Winter?

Can he beat the wily Master of Defense and one of the best strategist in the ring?

Find out in Part II of this article.

Pacquiao Has the Double-Barreled Cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte! Part I

dragonslayerGH — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:32:10 -0400

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has just acquired the double-barrelled cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte!

This amazing boxer recently showcased this weaponry in his recent demolition job. He mercilessly pounded the Englishman Hatton to submission with his double-barrelled canon.

And let that be a fair warning to all challengers to his throne as the best pound for pound boxer in the world.

But first things first, what is really this so called "double-barreled" cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte?

By the double-barreled cannons of Napoleon we mean that the legendary cannons of this war genius are packed together in pairs thus producing the maximum impact and destructions to enemy forces.

And although Napoleon himself only came short of doing this, the legendary trainer of Pacquiao has succesfully transformed his prize ward's left and right fists into such devastating intruments of destruction.

We all know from History that this little General waged the so called Napoleonic Wars in Europe in the early 1800. And, in time, he almost succeeded in making France the master of the civilized world.

It took the combined Allied Armies of the Britain,The Netherlands, Belgium, and Prussia (Germany) to put a stop to the little General's expansionist dream. One match-up was 234,000 men for the Allied Forces versus a mere 128,000 men for Napoleon.

Other battles of Napoleon saw him crushing the much bigger armies of his enemies with a match-up of two-to-one in favor of his enemies. However, Napoleon still prevailed!

Something similar to what Pacquiao is doing today in boxing. He just won his fourth Linear Title from Hatton in less than two years and the sixth world title in his carrear.

In the so called Classical War in Europe, Napoleon's cannons played a very important role in his victories as Napoleon's war secret lies in his cannons that were exceptionally mobile.

Although in the case of Pacquiao, it is no secret that both his fists are like the two-barreled-cannons of Napoleon and that the same are mobile too due to Pacquiao's exceptional footspeed.

Battles that were waged in multiple fronts found Napoleon's cannon moved swiftly from one location to another. And even cannons deployed from losing fronts were swiftly rolled to other fronts where they were needed thereby maximizing their utilization and destruction to enemy forces.

Opposing armies found no answer to Napoleon's mobile cannons. What more, his cannons were bigger than those used by his enemies!

Pacquiao's double-barrelled cannons are also very mobile as shown in his recent fights. He was so mobile in his fight that it frustrated Dela Hoya no end. Pacquiao's agility is a real advantage for the boxer they call "Pacman"!

In chess, the cannons are the heavy pieces (two rooks and the queen) and are strategically placed in the the last row and are normaly used starting in the middle game.

Imagine what big advantage a chess player would have if on top of the regular heavy pieces, two pawns in the front row are immediately converted into another pair of heavy pieces and the original heavy pieces are mobile in their locations easily deployed where they are needed most!

That my friend is the real advantage of Pacquiao in chess parlance!

And Pacquiao's posible Waterloo and Russian Winter? Let us discuss that in Part II of this article.

Paquiao or Mayweather, Jr.: Who is the Better Strategist? Part II

dragonslayerGH — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:22:32 -0400

Paquiao or Mayweather, Jr., who is the better strategist?

Let us discuss strategies of both of this world class fighters inside the ring where they have dominated boxing in their own time and class.

Between Paquiao and Mayweather, Jr., the latter is the consummate boxer. And of course, the more heady fighter between the two, so it appears.

Mayweather, Jr.'s strategy is more elaborate and multi-dimensional as he could and has changed tactics in the middle of his fights to suite the needs of the the fight on hand.

He is a skilled tactician who sizes is opponent early in the fight and prepares to dissect and dismantle them with clinical precision midway and even towards the end of the fights.

These qualities many of his opponents sorely lacks. thus, he racks up an unbeatable record victories until his self imposed retirement.

Mayweather, Jr. is also a defense specialist par excellence. His patented shoulder roll would easily thwart incoming punches by his opponents leaving them frustrated, tired, and many times, snoozing in dreamland. Add this with good measure his fine footwork and superb conditioning and you have the epetome of the finest boxer in the world.

Only recently, the Golden Boy, almost did what others failed to do against the Master Tactician. However, in the end, Mayweather, Jr. "survived" the uneventfull fight and scored a close decision.

Thereafter, the Defense Specialist cum Master Tactician hanged up his gloves claiming that boxing does not interest him anymore and no worthy opponents can be found in the vast horizon of professional boxing.

The De la Hoyas, Cottos, and Margaritos were left hanging in the air itching a crack on that ellusive Mayweather, Jr., the Master Boxer of his time.

Of course, the Hitman also had his chance to greatness against the consumate boxer that is Mayweather, Jr.. But in the end that famous cheek hook by the great master the did him in.

In contrast, the ring strategy of Manny Paquiao is laid out in simple terms: Grit, patience, determination, heavy punching, and the loving grace of God.

No other boxer in recent memory has accomplished what this stout hearted Filipino accomplished in the last three years. He conquered his enemies in the ring, he conquered the hearts of his countrymen, and he conquered the imagination of the whole boxing world.

Six different Titles under his belt. Four Linear Titles done in succession in less than two years leaving his opponents grasping for breaths and his adoring fans lusting for more.

His strategy is simple: My fists do the fighting and my manager (that includes my trainer) does the talking. Period. However, taken collectively, he defeated the most elaborate and masterful plans his opponents laid out before each fight.

And during fight times, Paquiao was the model of a well disciplined, and most obedient boxer that ever captured the imagination of the world in recent times.

In the end, who shall prevail? would it be the Master Boxer cum Defense Specialist or the hard working kid who gave his trust to his trainer, and most especially, his fate in the hands of God.

In Part III I will discuss the possible fight scenario of the Match of the Decade, should it materialized, that all of us are waiting for: Manny "Pacman" Paquiao versus Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather, Jr.

Paquiao or Mayweather: Who Is the Better Strategist? Part I

dragonslayerGH — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:54:43 -0400

Who, between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., is the better Strategist?

First, let us lay down the venue of such battles of strategies. Are we talking here of strategy inside the ring or outside the ring? Inside the ring, if ever such fight shall ever materialized.

These are two different strategies that are obviously connected with one another by logic and reason and practical considerations.

Let us discuss strategy outside the ring, as the same has already begun by all intensive purposes, when Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao gave Oscar De la Hoya his worst beating in the latter's illustrious career.

Mayweather saw the Pacquiao challenge coming, and the former pound for pound king buckled down to work.

He does his assignments well in studying the Pacman's fighting style and how he could adopt his own fighting style vis-a-vis that of Pacquiao to ensure a convincing victory.

And as always, he continues to maintain his body well by religious training and a self-imposed healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, Mayweather knows his own limitations, and an outright encounter against Pacquiao is not advisable. As Larry Merchant commented, Mayweather, Jr. has the perspicacity ( acute mental vision or discernment) to chose his opponents well.

Thus, a day before the Pacquiao-Hatton encounter, he announced his comeback and his coming fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. And of course, this fight will not only serve as his tune-up fight for the eventual clash with Pacquiao, he hopes. But it will also effectively raise his ante (somehow). He needs this facade (illusion), so as not to be accuse of being afraid to fight Pacquiao outright.

But the curious part of this Mayweather-Marquez fight is that the catch weight is still to be agreed upon. Obviously, the timing of the announcement was to beat the result of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight.

The announcement simply stated that it will be a welterweight fight. But would it be at 147 lbs, 145 lbs, or 144 lbs? Remember, Marquez has just come in at 135 lbs from 130 lbs, and fighting at 147 lbs is definitely a big disadvantage for him.

Mayweather, Jr. knows that Marquez, at 36 years of age, is already in his last years of active boxing. And the opportunity to fight Mayweather, at this time, is his last opportunity for a mega-buck fight.

Thus, Mayweather believes that he should insist on having that inside track in this negotiations because Marquez will eventually give in. And as a result, Mayweather will have that distinct advantage comes fight night. Mr. Merchant, you are so perceptive! And our pound for pound, king is such a born strategist!

Meantime, Pacquiao demolished Hatton convincingly in two punishing rounds. Thus, supporting his claim that he is the true pound for pound king. And Bob Arum announced the distinct possibility of a Cotto fight for his ward. But isn't Cotto under his management too? Well, business interests really make boxing matchups so interesting!

Yes, Team Pacquiao is suddenly not that keen on meeting Mayweather too soon. This is because Pacquiao has just fortified his status as the "boxer to beat" after his destruction of Hatton, and Mayweather might just as well give his all too important time to the other contenders to his "crown."

For Pacquiao, the boxer, he does not care who will be his next opponent, as long as the price and the prize are right.

They are two world class boxers with contrasting strategies for the Ultimate Fight of the decade. Two boxers whose paths are bound to cross and explode right before our very eyes! Will this Dream Fight ever materialized, or will the fight we are all waiting for remain just that, a dream.

Let us discuss strategies of both Pacquiao and Mayweather inside the ring, next time. If ever this fight should materialize. That will make a very interesting topic.

What Was Manny Pacquiao's Fight Strategy Against Ricky Hatton?

dragonslayerGH — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:04:41 -0400

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao leaving us and Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton stunned and awed?

Come on guys; I am sure that could qualify as the understatement of this crazy boxing world.

Who would have believed and predicted such an outcome, a second round TKO, in this mega boxing encounter? Nobody but Freddie Roach—and he was practically alone!

And we almost came to the conclusion that Roach was merely "holding the fort" for Pacquiao for publicity purposes only.

At this time, we have a good idea what happened in the strategic and tactical dynamics of the fight. But first, what is the difference between strategy and tactics?

In the words of Sun Tzu, that author of the celebrated 3,000-year-old book The Art of War:

"Strategy is the overall Plan of the campaign while Tactics are the smaller strategies that when placed all together, supports the former."

In short, strategy is for the overall war, while tactics are the small battles that when placed together supports the war.

The overall strategy of Team Pacquiao was for their ward to capitalize on its main assets—speed and footwork—and neutralize Hatton's much vaunted physical strength and bullying tactics. This is the overall strategy.

Team Pacquiao worked on what is already on hand—the hand speed and the foot speed of Pacquiao. But Hatton was not really a sitting duck, so to speak, in this department. He, too, to some measure, was quite an agile boxer for his size.

It was imperative then that Team Pacquiao should use a simple and yet effective guile. Tactics come into play.

Pacquiao must effectively connect with his right hand, preferably a right hook, to take Hatton's attention from their main artillery, the left hand.

Pacquiao's right hand began the transformation from a support machine gun fire to mortar fire during the Erik Morales III campaign. It was effective then and stunned in its accuracy and timing.

However, this same right hand delivered as a right hook is far from being heavy artillery. It served only as a distraction for the enemy or for those important points for the judges in case of a decision. The main staple was still Pacquiao's left hand.

The Oscar De La Hoya campaign provided the opportunity to further develop Pacquiao's right hand. It was displayed prominently in the vast arsenal of the "People's Champion." However, its ultimate worth as heavy artillery was still to be realized.

Now came the Hatton campaign. Pacquiao's right hand came to take center stage. It was the blitzkrieg of the fight, downing the enemy to submission in lightning attacks, and the rest was taken care of by the "seek and destroy" occupying army.

Hatton's main forces were spread thinly in what the World War II historians called the "Maginot Line." In the War of the Trenches, the Allied Forces desperately protected France from the impending invasion of Hitler's Army.

Today, we know that the Maginot Line was rendered useless as Hitler's Army took the old route of Hannibal by way of the Alps.

Today, we know that all Hatton's preparations on Pacquiao's attacks coming from his left hand only destroyed his focus on the fight. He did not see the wicked right hooks coming in from all directions.

A tactical masterpiece.

Hatton went down twice in round one. This was totally unexpected! Nobody ever saw that Pacquiao right hand downing the Hitman from Manchester!

And when Pacquiao finally took Hatton's attention on his successful right hand, the left hand did its job with clinical dispatch and precision. A supreme tactical maneuver. It was just "a day in the office" for Pacquiao's left hand

Literally, the left hand did not even bother to warm up. It was practically a no sweat workout for Pacman over the much-publicized Manchester Hitman.

The rest is boxing history.

Manny "Pacman" Paquiao's Philippine Flag In "Red"

dragonslayerGH — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:53:45 -0400

Yes, you are right, the Philippine Flag is in Red and it is raised in the grandstands amidst a battalion of English fans with their Union Jacks proudly displayed. You can see this clearly in the fight coverage.

For the information of the whole boxing world, the Philippine Flag has the unique character that the same can be displayed with the Red color side of the flag at the top. This is done when the Philippines is officially at war with any country or entity.

Celebrate and enjoy when you see the blue side is on top when the Philippine Flag is displayed. But run and take cover when you see the Red Side of the Philippine Flag is displayed on top! Because the Philippines is at War! And Manny "Pacman" Paquiao is at war!

Thus, party and enjoy the moment, when Pacman dances to the music of the fight; but, run and take cover when the Red Side of the flag is displayed!

Every Filipino knows this but not other peoples of the world. And just like Ricky Hatton, an Englishman who learned this lesson late, Mayweather Jr., an American, could be in to a big surprise!

He could ask his countrymen about the legendary Filipino soldiers of Bataan and Corrigedor and the infamous Death March of World War II. The Best Soldier in the World? Go ask your legendary Supreme Commander of the United States Allied Forces in Asia and the Pacific in WW II and "The Last Shogin" of Imperial Japan, Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

And without batting an eyelash, he will tell you straight: My son, the best soldier in the world is one who is willing to defend his people, and die for his country and the United States of America without the thought of fame or reward. These are the men of Corrigedor and Bataan and The Philippine Islands. He is the Filipino Soldier.

Manny "Pacman" Paquiao is a Pilipino. And Paquiao is a Pilipino Soldier in real life.

Therefore, all ye Mayweathers, Mosleys and Marqueses, run and take cover when you see the Red Side of the Philippine Flag displayed on top because you could be the next: Timber!

Manny Pacquiao should retire with pride, health intact

dragonslayerGH — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:34:26 -0400

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao should consider some well-meaning advice: Retire now and enjoy the fruits of your hard-earned labor.

Very few boxers in the world who have reached such dizzying heights of boxing success lived to enjoy the later stages of life. Not Mike Tyson, not Muhammad Ali, not Rocky Marciano.

Rocky Balboa may have enjoyed his life post-retirement, but few real-life counterparts can make the same claim.

Oscar De La Hoya made the right decision when he retired. Though a bit late, he can still enjoy the fruits of his labor. But head trauma is a known contributor to the onset of Parkinson's disease. God forbid De La Hoya should suffer from what Ali has had to experience.

Trainer Freddie Roach knows of such dangers too well; he stopped the Gerry Penalosa fight when it was clear that his ward was already taking a very dangerous beating. He did not want Penalosa to take that risk.

Roach should advise Manny Pacquiao to retire now from boxing and live well the rest of his life. He should also think of retiring himself, now that he had made his point to his good friend Floyd Mayweather Sr.

And just as Pacquiao should heed the advise of his father figure Freddie Roach, he should follow the advice of his family: Do not enter politics. It will not only drain your resources, it will also leave you disappointed and bitter.

If you want to help your countrymen, you can better serve this calling by setting up a foundation where you could successfully channel your plans and energies.

In the end, it will be Pacquiao's call. But one thing is sure: He must make his decision now before it's too late.

But before you make that decision, go visit the Queen of England. We are sure the English fans shall welcome you with open arms. Because you have proven yourself a gentleman away from the ring. And visiting the Queen of England shall be a dream come true, not only for you, but for the rest of your Filipino fans.

Cheers and Mabuhay!

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao: The Greatest Boxer of All Time!

dragonslayerGH — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:04:15 -0400

The Pacman: the greatest boxer of them all!

To date, no boxer in the world, past or present, has done this unthinkable and amazing feat in this merciless and brutal sports of boxing.

Six titles in six different divisions. Four latest fights in four different divisions! Amazing! Unthinkable!

Even I myself, a certified Pacman fan, way back in his struggling days, way back in his career when as a gangling kid, would take all comers just for a piece of bread in this merciless, heartless profession of boxing, I was stunned. I am short of superlatives! I am short of words! I am short of breath!

I was wrong to have thought that Hatton would play a smart game. Yes, I figured that it would be the same Hatton but wearing a different "collar" this time that will climb the ring this fateful May.

But going right in, mindless, exposing himself to the Pacman's broadsides, taking anything and everything the Pacman could deliver is not only unthinkable but utterly insane!

There was no doubt in my mind that Paquiao would win this contest. Yes, I figured that because of the presence of Mayweather Sr. at Hatton's corner combined with the Hitman's natural toughness, the fight could drag to the later rounds, perhaps the 10th, 11th, or even the last round.

I was wrong but pleasantly shocked by the way the Pacman dispatched Hatton in merely 5 minutes and 59 seconds of brutal and savage combat.

I was right in seeing that Paquiao's right hook would play a vital role in this contest. I even wrote an article on that subject: "Hatton Should Watch out for Pacquiao's Wicked Right Hook!"

In the fight, three lightning right hooks softened the Hitman to that explosive right hook that crashed him to the canvas in the first round.

Hatton was wary of Pacquiao's left hand because he knew Paquiao's left could end the contest anytime. Further, Team Pacqiuao saw that Hatton takes an uncharacteristic pause after delivering a left during their film sessions prior to the fight.

They combined the information and hatched a simple and yet very effective plan: use Paquiao's newly developed right hand to take advantage of Hatton's over concentration on Paquiao's left.

The result was right on target! And yet, even after three successive right hooks by Paquiao connecting, Hatton did not make the necessary adjustment.

The result: another right hook, but this time more lethal than the first three delivered earlier, found its mark.

Hatton went down crushing! This was the end; the second round became merely an icing to a well conceived and executed plan. Paquiao's wicked right hook did the job for him. And this was nothing new; the right hook was there all along.

Team Pacquiao initially developed and used Paquiao's right hook during his last fight with Erick Morales and later honed and refined it some more in his battles with David Diaz and Oscar de la Hoya.

And this time against Ricky Hatton, the right hook was delivered to perfection in timing and power that the whole boxing world shudders in disbelief!

Ricky Hatton went down: Timber!

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao: The Greatest Boxer of All Time!

Paquiao-Hatton: The Making Of a Classic?

dragonslayerGH — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:25:42 -0400

Manny "Pacman" Paquiao and Ricky "Hitman" Hatton: Another Sugar Rey Leonard-Roberto Duran Classic? Then, let's have a Rematch!

Yes, it is definitely going to be a classic!

The style of each fighter, the battle plan, the training and preparations point to that ultimate outcome.

But would it be the replay of the first or the second encounter of the boxing classic? Well, there you are, it is for this very reason that the boxing world has a divided opinion on the outcome of this mega-action fight.

If Pacman plays into the Hitman's game, which is very unlikely, the latter has a very good chance of winning. Even a KO on the later rounds.

However, should Pacman use his new found ring savvy, as shown in his De La Hoya fight, then the outcome shall be, no doubt about it, Pacman in the later rounds by TKO (as the referee should stop a brutal and bloody fight). Or even a KO (with a stretcher in use) if Hatton's glass-chin exposes itself.

Of course, Paquiao could get careless, and chooses to go toe-to-toe prematurely, and succumb to Hatton's devastating body shots.

By prematurely, I mean, in the whole streatch of the fight when Hatton is still very strong, even in the later rounds.

The chances of Hatton being cut is high. But both fighters should be well conditioned to go the full distance, trading their best shots. Thus, a TKO is likely to happen. And Paquiao shall be the victor. There's a 70 to 30 percent chance of this happening.

But Hatton is dead sure that 30 percent chance shall happen! That my friends, is what makes this mega-fight interesting. And a rematch is not a far possibility! For sure, only one fighter shall be the "last man standing". But the vanquished shall still be bankable in the gates and PPV.

Everybody—the fighters, the promoters, the trainers, and the fans shall be very happy! Everybody loves to see a classic twice over. Bring on Manny "The Pacman" Paquiao and Ricky "Hitman" Hatton Two!

Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao: Watch Out for Manny' Wicked Right Hook!

dragonslayerGH — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:52:36 -0400

Bryan Trafford hit the nail right on the head. The Hitman might just go down the same way he did with Mayweather Jr.—with a well-timed right hook to the head!

I seriously doubt if such a glaring defect in the Hitman's game can (shall?) escape the keen eyes of Freddie Roach. The Pacman should have prepared for Hatton's weakness.

Let us just wait and see. Pacman has the tools to execute this kind of a punch. It takes just a little practice for him, I am sure. Pacman's cheering fans might just have a reason to celebrate.

I viewed that Donaire punch on Darchinian on my laptop over, maybe, 50 times, and it never fails to impress me. The angle of the camera was directly on the back of Donaire, and one could see the contraction of the muscles at the left part of his back. It was awesome! You must see this video.

One could easily miss the contraction of the back muscles, if not for the slow motion mode of the fight. Due to the impact of the punch, I even thought that Donaire could have been injured, delivering the punch.

On different angles of the cameras, the punch cannot be seen easily. It was only at one particular angle of the camera that this muscle contraction can be viewed. It was really awesome!

Remember, Darchinian had to be carried away on a stretcher after the fight! It must be the worst KO punch I have seen suffered by a boxer of Darchinian caliber.

Donaire did it with his left lead hand. The Pacman could do it with his right hand!

In the last fights of the Pacman, he had been using that right hand more often, so a KO from the same hand is not a far-off possibility!

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in the Later Rounds

dragonslayerGH — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:58:40 -0400

It's Pacman in the later rounds!

Why, you ask? Well, both Pacman and Hatton are fighters whose orientation is attack, attack, and attack some more!

Both boxers place very little concern on their defense, as compared to their offense.

Definitely, in boxing, unlike with most competitive sports, "it's better to give than to receive!"

Hatton's stamina is a primary suspect, especially in his last few outings. Could he be feeling age creeping in? It was also said that the reason he changed his trainer is that he no longer can execute his old style of fighting, which included crowding his opponent throughout the fight.

He needs a breather, so to speak. That is why he needed a defense specialist.

On the other hand, Paquiao has the tendency to just cover and allow his opponent to give him his best shots. This was clearly seen in his fight against Oscar de la Hoya.

Paquiao is also a mindless boxer when cornered on the ropes. Roach is aware of this. Thus, his strict instructions to Manny is to keep away from the ropes, as much as possible.

I believe that Manny could be having an attack of " claustrophobia," when cornered in the ropes.

Thus, the boxer who can better manage his defenses has the better chance of preserving that all important stamina for the later rounds.

I pick Paquiao over Hatton in this department. But mind you, the boxing world shall shudder in disbelief in how these two boxers could ever withstand those killer blows in the early rounds.

Manny's punches to Hatton's chin and jaws could open nasty cuts and result in a swollen face.

And Hatton's killer body shots could floor even the greatest of them all!

In the end, I pick Paquiao to win by KO on the 10th to the 12th rounds. At that point of the match, the boxer who has successfully managed his defenses has that little extra stamina to win in the the final push.

This is going to be a very exciting match—better than the Thrilla in Manila or the Herns-Hagler Classic!

This is going to be WAR!

Boxing: Manny Pacquiao Vs. Ricky Hatton

dragonslayerGH — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:41:54 -0400

Kasparov, Lin Dan, Bata Reyes, and Pacman, Anyone?

There is no sport today that is more demanding than boxing. The boxer does not only need a superb body. His body must not also be the most conditioned one. Conditioned one?

That could be an understatement in the brutal sport of boxing. Because, aside from having that normal stamina to last the distance (say, like the marathon), the boxer has to withstand the killer blows by his opponent. No wonder, today's boxing champions are also admired by other sportsman in other fields.

Chess needs brains to succeed—in a 90 percent to 10 percent ratio on strategy versus physical needs? Of course, physical stamina also is necessary, but compared with other sports, such a ratio could be expected from the sport. Badminton needs brains to be successful. Perhaps in the 70 percent to 30 percent ratio for a strategy to shots ratio.

Most badminton players on the beginners and intermediate levels might disagree, especially those who have been playing the game but have not progressed to the advanced level. They have not realized this yet. And if they do, they will improve their game tremendously.

Billiards, like badminton, displays the skills of the player. And strategy comes in handy too. But boxing is entirely a different level. Not only is the sport so exhausting delivering punches, moving around in circles avoiding the opponents attacks, etc. The boxer has to withstand the opponents punches as well.

Thus, the most demanding of all the sports appears to be boxing. But I am sure, UFC and MMA disciples will raise that protest sooner than most of the sane world would accept.

But come to think about it, unlike boxing, where the loser will have to win by a decision or stoppage, the UFC and MMA practitioners can win via submission. In such a way, the losing player has his features and dentures still intact with very minimal damage to his physical body!

The Filipino sportsman has made his mark on these sports, save perhaps in badminton, where the same is lagging behind the world's power. But perhaps, in the coming decades, the Philippines might produce its truly first internationally rated players in the top 10. But for now, let us just be content with the Asuncions and Velezes, who once in a while, score a minor point or two. Kudos to the Pacman, you make us proud to be Filipinos!