Bleacher Report - Articles by Joe Nixon

When East Meets West, Where Do the Fans Go?

Joe Nixon — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:17:55 -0400

While HBO and the promoters have built the fight up as a match-up between an Englishman vs. a Filipino.

In the Los Angeles Press conference, Jim Lampley went so far to paint the picture of Manny Pacquiao, conqueror of Mexico, now faces the entire British Empire.

Make no mistake, an eager legion of Englishman will be there to support Ricky Hatton and a larger contingent of Filipino fight fans will make it to Las Vegas this Saturday night.

Both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton have worked to court fight fans outside of there fanbase in this fight and previous fights as we.

At the same Los Angeles Press Conference where HBO Jim Lampley declared that Pacquiao was taking on the British Empire a large contingent of disillusioned Latino fight fans showed up in the hundreds to see: Ricky Hatton!

Indeed, hundreds of fans gathered across the street to cheer for Ricky Hatton. Ricky Hatton seemed to embrace these fans and its not the first time Ricky Hatton has reach out to Mexican fight fans.

He’s celebrated Mexican Independence day with his good friend Marco Antonio Barrera, he’s worn a sombrero into the ring, and he briefly changed his name to the “Manchester Mexican.”

Hatton once told Nuts Magazine on the precursor to the Jose Luis Castillo fight "I've got a lot of fans in Mexico and I've got a good friendship with their former world champion Marco Antonio Barrera.

"So, the idea is just to broaden that Mexican fanbase by coming into the ring dressed as 'The Manchester Mexican', with the sombrero and poncho.

Whenever I go to see Marco fight, his fans come up to me for pictures and say: 'Hey, Ricky, you're the white Mexican!... I'm only 5ft 6ins myself, but you feel like Gulliver when you go to Mexico! They're all hard people. They come from hard backgrounds and that's why they can all fight like crazy.

Manny's rapid rise came at the expense of Mexico's great fighters dispatching of them on a triumphant march through boxing’s weight classes like Hernando Cortez marching through the Aztec empire.

This has ruffled some feathers amongst some fight fans. Still, the great majority of Latino fight fans have a deep respect for Manny Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao has cultivated friendships with other Mexican boxers like Antonio Margarito and Julio Cesar Chavez.

Manny has also sought a new group of supporters for this fight, right in Ricky Hatton’s backyard.

Manny Pacquiao is apparently a big fan of the film Braveheart and has repeatedly through out the press-tour Manny Pacquiao has used comedy to reach out to fight fans in Scotland. At some press stops he has been known to do an impersonation of Mel Gibson in the movie and claim that he is Fighting for freedom! Fighting for Scotland! You can even find Youtube

videos of Pacquiao talking in a Scottish accent and claiming to hail from Scotland while on tour in the UK. At the Wild Card Gym, the above image has been posted a sign has been hung up closed for "Fighting for Freedom against the Englishman."

The images includes Celtic nationalist symbols: such St. Andrews Cross and Shamrocks . The image was featured in HBO’s first 24/7 episode and is meant to draw on both Manny's "Scottish" background but also Freddy Roach's Irish heritage.

Since the last time I visited the Wild Card Gym a new Scottish flag has been added to the windows of the Gym as well to join the Irish tricolour.

Perhaps Manny Pacquiao is conjuring one of the forgotten areas of Philippine history when the Philippines was seized by an entrepreneurial English military officer named William Draper in the name of the Crown and held for two years until it was returned to Spain as result of the end of the Seven Years War (or the French and Indian War as it is known in the United States).

How will this all play out in Saturday's fight? Will either of these fan-minority groups be visible in the arena this May 2 in Las Vegas? Regardless fans of all backgrounds should hold onto their sombrero and expect a great fight.

Manny Pacquiao Holds Media Workout at Hollywood's Wild Card

Joe Nixon — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:08:40 -0400

Manny Pacquiao holds media workout at Hollywood's Wild Card.

In the past few years the tiny Hollywood shopping mall at the intersection of Hollywood and Vine has changed.

The ancient washers and dryers at the laundromat directly under Freddy Roach's Wild Card Gym still hum away. Nor have the abundant signs of poverty in the neighborhood that surround the Wild Card disappeared. Still, this tiny shopping center on Hollywood and Highland has found a new source of fame and fortune.

The humble shops from the massage and nail place to Nat's Thai Food restaurant which all share the lot with the Wild Card Gym are covered in images of Hollywood's brightest new star: Manny Pacquiao.

The shopping center has embraced their adopted son and the legion of boxing fans and Filipino tourists that make the area an obligatory stop on any trip to Hollywood.

In the aforementioned Nat's Thai Food restaurant, Manny Pacquiao is everywhere. There are images of him on the walls and even a photo of him in the kitchen, in the kitchen. Posters of Pacquiao's dart tournament and Pacquiao's film career are plastered on every window like they are on all the neighbouring shops.

What does the champ order? "Salmon, the Salmon, and the Beef Soup." The staff tells me. One has time to ponder menu options and other frivolities when Manny Pacquiao,
the man of the hour shows up an hour late to his own media workout.

Members of the Manny entourage where more prompt. Trainer Freddy Roach and promoter Bob Arum where there to answer the medias questions in the hour or so before Manny Pacquiao arrived. If your Tagalog was sharp enough Beboy (Manny's lifelong friend) and Bobby Pacquiao were there to talk frankly about all topics.

Manny's good nature and humor are present from the moment he arrives. He stops to take photos in the parking lot with fans and his smile is always present. He makes himself available to every camera.

He even playfully kicks chief assistant trainer Micheal Moorer. Manny's charm forces everyone to smile even on this the saddest day of the year: tax day.

For the hundred or so members of the media and entourage the air in the wild card, always stagnant became nearly unbearable but, somehow Manny's goodwill puts everyone at ease. When Manny enters the ring and the cameras start flashing, he shows a quickness of punches and shortness of words.

What round would he knock out Hatton? "Only God knows that but, if there is a knockout I will take it." Manny responds with a smile.

Luckily Freddy Roach was there and told thefightcoutdown.com that two days earlier he had taken Pacquiao into the deep end of training. Manny had trained 17 rounds straight without a moments rest.

Manny looked as if he could of gone 17 more rounds today as Freddy Roach got in the ring and worked the mitts with Pacquiao for several rounds. Manny's punches sizzled off the mitts. The speed of his punches beat the flashbulbs of the dozens of cameras pointed at him.

There is no doubt Manny Pacquiao will be faster than Ricky Hatton during their "Battle of East and West" on May 2 and one has to wonder if he would not be faster than Floyd Mayweather Jr. If the two should ever meet in the ring.

Celebreties Fill the Pacquiao-Hatton Press Conference in Los Angeles

Joe Nixon — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 03:41:11 -0400

In the center of the action, he bravely held up the hands of both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton at the end of an exhausting night. The camera bulbs flashed away. Thus, was the evening of Mickey Rourke.

Mickey Rourke along with several other celebrities was in attendance for the the Los Angeles Press Conference to promote the upcoming Ricky Hatton vs. Manny Paquiao on May 2nd, 2009 in Las Vegas.

The red-carpet event was held at the historic Roosevelt Hotel, the first home of the Oscars and felt like a Hollywood event with boxing and film personalities gracing the carpet. Hundreds of Manny Pacquiao fans to support there fighter though there was at least as many fans for Ricky Hatton.

It's not every day you see one of the world's leading actors standing next to two of the boxing best personalities and great action fighters. Mickey Rourke's latest movies have been filled with action the kind the fills every one of Paquiaos and Ricky Hatton.

The event was hosted by Golden Boy Promotions and included equal promotions of beverages like Rock Star Energy Drink. Which ensured the press was hyped up when the two fighters and there camps finally entered the place.

Legendary promoter Bob Arum took the stage and announced the upcoming event and that the winner would be also receiving a huge Pound-For-Pound Championship trophy that he placed on one corner of the stage, Floyd Mayweather Sr. stepped on stage to deliver a poem which was a nearly knockout blow to Freddy Roach.

Manny Pacquiao had some jokes of his own. He announced that following the fight he wanted a darts rematch with Ricky Hatton and that while Pacquiao normally fights for the pride of the Philippines he suddenly broke into a Scottish accent and announced "I'm doing this for Freedom....Freedom and for Scotland!!"

This brought laughs and cheers from those who love Manny Pacquiao and from those with Anti-English sentiments in the crowd. Perhaps even Mickey Rourke who after all sports an IRA tattoo. Micker Rourke, however said he didn't know who would win the fight "I don't know about this one."

Other celebrities were more committed, Mark Wahlberg told thefightcountdown.com that he backed Pacquiao, former heavyweight champion of the world Micheal Moorer emphatically picked Manny Pacquiao in three rounds.

Victor Ortiz a rising 140 pounder with heavy hands at first said it was too close to call though when pressed also gave Pacquiao the edge.

A great Hollywood send off for what surely will be the "event-fight" of the year. THe question remains which fighter will walk away Saturday May 2 with the Hollywood Ending and the win? While it remains to be seem the smart money at the LA Press Conference seemed to pick Pacquiao.

Kentucky Watch: Dunkirk Meets His Dunkirk and Regal Ransome Crashes Desert Party

Joe Nixon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:49:33 -0400

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Dunkirk meets his Dunkirk and Regal Ransom crashes a Desert Party in the UAE

A great weekend of horse racing from around the globe—from sandy Dubai to the Sunshine State of Florida—has had profound effects on shaping the 2009 Kentucky Derby.

For the groggy-eyed U.S fans who woke up early to catch the $2 Million UAE Derby, the result was mildly surprising. While Desert Party was expected to defeat Regal Ransom as he had a month prior, it was Regal Ransom who ruined the party by emerging victorious.

The horses are from the same stable and when they faced against each other in a February matchup again in Dubai, Desert Party won by five lengths.

Simon Crisford, who manages both horses for Godolphin, says both horses will be shipped to Kentucky on April 7. While both may qualify for the Kentucky Derby (due to the $2 million purse they contested in the UAE Derby), it is probable only one will actually start.

Some insiders think this will be Desert Party and not Regal Ransom. Desert Party had a less than ideal trip and based on his win in February over this same Regal Ransom, he may indeed be the better horse. In this scenario, one would expect to see Regal Ransom in the Preakness as a result.

Down in Florida this past weekend, a do-or-die situation for the lightly raced though undefeated Dunkirk in the Florida Derby. For Dunkirk, the Florida Derby turned out to be his well, Dunkirk. Dunkirk was edged by Quality Road down the stretch. Still it was only Dunkirk’s third race and he did show a great deal of élan that showed he is an elite three year old.

Still, his paltry $150,000 earnings make him a fringe Kentucky Derby candidate at best. The winner of the Kentucky Derby Challenge in England is guaranteed a spot at the derby and if that winner, Mafaaz, elects to do so then Dunkirk’s ship has truly sailed. In hindsight the owners of Dunkirk would have been advised to race their horse more or have entered him into an easier competition than the Florida Derby—say perhaps the Illinois Derby.

Based on his impressive win at the Louisiana Derby the consensus favorite for the Derby at this point is still Friesan Fire to be followed by which horse—Pampelmousse or PioneeroftheNile—wins the all important Santa Anita Derby this weekend. Then Quality Road’s quality win over Dunkirk should make him an in-the-money candidate for Churchill Downs in May.

"The Sport of Kings!"- Joe Nixon is a freelance writer in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Galaxy Lose Pan-Pacfic Championship to Blue Wings on Kicks

Joe Nixon — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:57:33 -0500

The Los Angeles Galaxy, unable to win an MLS championship since 2005, decided to write themselves a perfect movie-like formula to win a meaningful piece of silverware.

The Galaxy were able to convince Soccer United Marketing to hold the 2009 Pan-Pacific Championship, in which the team would face champion teams of Korea, China, and Japan at the Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy won their first match of the tournament this past Wednesday besting Japanese team Oita Trinita 2-0.

This set up up a championship match with one of Asia's most prolific teams—the Suwon Blue Wings. The Blue Wings reached the title game by besting Chinese SuperLeague group Shandong Luneng 1-0.

The Galaxy’s opening was perfectly scripted, but the Suwon Blue Wings had other plans in their Saturday night final. The first third of the match passed relatively uneventfully until Olveria Eduardo of the Blue Wings was yellow-carded.

This elicited cheers from the Galaxy fans, though Eduardo almost instantly made up for his sin with a perfect pass to Dong Hyeon Seo.

However, Seo was not so fortunate. His shot failed to score but it brought the Blue Wings fans something to cheer about. These same fans came to their feet when the Galaxy converted an own-goal only 10 minutes later to give the Blue Wings a 1-0 lead at the half.

The Galaxy, struggling with their backs to the wall for most of the second half finally got a couple of corner chances and a critical throw in during the final two minutes of the game. The throw-in resulted in a penalty shot for the Galaxy as a Blue Wings player practically bear-hugged one of the Los Angeles' players.

Mike Magee converted the shot which sent the game into overtime. As this was a preseason tournament, no extra time was played and the match went immediately into penalty kicks.

Edson Buddle of the Galaxy had a wild kick that soared well over the crossbar into the stands. Magee converted his kick. However, it was not to be. Netminder Park Ho-Jin blocked a shot from the Galaxy's Kyle Patterson while the Blue Wings converted all their kicks to win the shootout 4-2.

With the win, the Blue Wings erased an embarrassing venture to Los Angeles in 2007 when they lost both of their games in the “World Series of Soccer” tournament.

USA Rugby Sevens: Rugby+San Diego= Party

Joe Nixon — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:33:41 -0500

The USA Rugby Sevens, held every year in San Diego, is an annual must for anyone who believes that if the whole world got together and just partied, a rugby tournament would break out.

The rugby tournament is an excuse to embrace rampant and unchecked nationalism. Fans from around the world (Yes, even Uruguay) showed up in full effect to support 16 national teams.

The fan favorites were the Kenyan team who won over half the stadium with their 33-0 destruction of France on the first day. The French players will never forget the phrase “Runs like a Kenyan” because the Kenyan side simply outpaced. This game also featured the most exciting play in Rugby Sevens: an interception scored for a try. With the elegant style and quickness on both sides of the ball, it's no wonder the Kenyans are a fan favorite.

Other favorites include New Zealand “All-Blacks,” who along with South Africa's “Springboks” who are considered the best of World Rugby. While rugby teams like CSULB, usually field teams of 15, Rugby Sevens plays the game with only seven players, cuts the play down so the whole game lasts half and hour, and makes other rule changes to keep the event full of action. Oh, and usually rugby is not played in a baseball stadium like Petco Park.

One of the beautiful things about this tournament is that when a snooze fest erupts on the rugby pitch (Wales 57, Mexico 0), the event provides other distractions to amuse yourself or that friend you brought along and is now totally bewildered because he/she thought this was a soccer tournament.

I used the opportunity to eat at Lolita's, a San Diego culinary landmark. Lolitia's new location is just across from Petco Park. Lolita's is famous (or infamous depending who you ask) for their Carne Asada Fries. Carne Asada Fries are steak cut french fries with Carne Asada meat, gucamole, salsa, and sour cream on top. Carne Asada fries are to San Diego what deep-dish pizza is to Chicago - delightful calorie-enduced gluttony in every bite. Lolita's takes it one step further by creating the California burrito. That is to say they simply place Carne Asada fries in a flour tortilla. Stay classy, San Diego.

If you prefer to not use the re-admission ability of your ticket, there is a plenty of food in the stadium. In a small rugby carnival area, one can find Southern Hemisphere delights like Polynesian food and South American, rarely seen this side of the Tropic of Cancer. For novelty factor alone, I looked for Aussie Vegimite and was only slightly disappointed when I did not find one.

Other tents pitched rugby and associated products with plenty of giveaways, mini-pink rugby balls, USA rugby team temporary tattoos, and the ubiquitous National Guard recruiting stand which had really cool rugby balls that were disappointingly not available.

Turning my attention back to the field I realized that U.S. “Eagles” playing with home field advantage were guarding their nation to the best of their ability, and scoring some big wins. The next day they surprised many by besting the Kenyans in the next round and defeating them before falling to the Argentine Pumas in the semi-finals.

Argentina’s final match was a win against their most hated rival: the English. The Pumas were down at the half and were able to bounce back in the second half with two tries and stiff defense. The Argentinians won the match, 19-14. If you had a moment to check the sports history you would realize of course Argentina win capped their second USA Rugby Sevens champions ever, by then, though, most fans were half way home or going for a second California burrito at Lolita's.

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"This is the best sports photo I ever took" -Joe "Nixon" writes Rugby for the PlayerPress and his own Rugby Blog on Ultimate Rugby Sevens...which is like Myspace for Rugby Fans

RINGSIDE: Victory Darchinyan TKOs Jorge Arce

Joe Nixon — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:32:51 -0500

Victor Darchinyan proved again in this fight night why he is the most feared fighter this (weight class) side of Celestino Caballero. Jorge Arce proved that the so-called “Mexican Cowboy” is always ready to brawl any hombre. Victor Darchinyan

Some 5,400 fight fans ( a suspiciously round number) of fans showed up on a drizzling Southern California to the Honda Center to witness this fight. It was a toss-up as to if their were more Armenian. Jorge Arce has fought here before and he fights in the traditional Mexican warrior style that always draws fans.

Bigger than either fighter though has to be Vanes Martirosyan the Armenian-American is an easy interview and comes off relaxed fighter in and out of the ring. He’s a great kid and both myself and loads of Armenian fans would love to see him win a title. He has one of the better websites in boxing as well. He won his eight-rounder decision unanimously

From round one, Darchinyan was the aggressor, Arce ate a lot of power punches in this round and few at ringside would of dared to imagine the fight lasting past round six. Such is the nature of Jorge Arce’s chin that he was able to absorb Darchiniyan’s shots.

The third and the fourth rounds were Arce’s best of the fight and even the most stringent of ringside judges would of gave him one of the rounds. The Mexican fight fans chanted Arce! Arce! as the Mexican fighter showed his A-game and the moves that had won him his title.

As the rounds went on and the fight got bloodier (both men were cut in this one) it seemed Darchiniyan who had been investing heavily in body punching was starting to break-down Arce.

After the seventh it was all Darchinyan though this Darchinyan was not the boxer we had once known. He was not as quick on the draw and he was being a bit cautious with Jorge Arce.

Darchinyan, like a European sports car, seemed to be dropping into a lesser gear. Then just when in Darchiniyan seemed ready to accept a win on the cards he began to land his trademark bolo punch, the Armenian fans (and there flags) were suddenly more animated.

In the 10th and the 11th Darchiniyan really sped up his attack and there was a hunger in his attacks that had been missing over the final few rounds, he was clearly looking for his promised knockout. The elusiveness of a definitive win was certainly frustrating to Darchinyan who had promised to knock out Arce!

The end came on the stool not in the center when the doctor waived off the final round givien the status of Arce’s face.

In the post-fight interview in the press-room, Darchinyan was quick to point out that he had made good on his promise to knockout Jorge Arce. Jorge Arce however seemed frustrated that he had not gotten a chance to fight the last round.

“I have the punchers chance,” he reiterated an admission that seemed to admit that even Arce was losing the fight and weather a final round had been fought or not there is little doubt Darchiniyan would of still become the new WBC, WBA, and IBF super flyweight champion.

As the press-conference ended the Honda Center owners presented team Darchiniyan and Gary Shaw with what appeared to be a replica Samurai sword. With the display he put on against Arce, Darchinyan is more than prepared to slice though many opponents if he decides to follow this fight by moving up to full-Bantamwieght.

Graham Smith, Ventura County Fusion Manager, Speaks on the Seattle Sounders

Joe Nixon — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:25:18 -0500

Graham Smith, manager of the Ventura County Fusion, is a man who knows football. Just ask anyone in the Ventura County Fusion organization, from general manager Ranbir Shergil to the Fusion soccer players themselves.

Even in the dismal mood following the Seattle Sounders' 6-1 drubbing of their side, Mr. Smith, a former manager in England, demonstrated some of his knowledge when discussing the future of the Seattle Sounders franchise.

“You know there are some that believe with an expansion franchise, you have to let them settle in first for a season or two. I know Sigi [Schmid] will not for one moment subscribe to that view, not with this team.”

Smith echoed the sentiments of many Sounders fans when he described the exciting lineup of the Sounders with Steve Zakuani and Nate Jaqua both providing an exciting offensive duo, and indeed on the night they faced the Sounders, both players found the net twice.

Smith also had comments on other key players in the Sounders' lineup.

“Patrick Ianni, if he can fulfill the promise he showed as a younger player, should have an impact... With [Kasey] Keller and Chris Eylander, the Sounders will have one of the strongest sets of keepers in the MLS.”

Smith, though managing a team placed in a lower division on the American Soccer Pyramid, knows a lot about the MLS. Prior to the loss against the Sounders, the Ventura County Fusion had been undefeated in exhibitions with MLS sides.

His Ventura County Fusion became giant-killers in 2008 when they defeated Sigi Schmid’s Columbus Crew, then the reigning MLS Cup Champions, 1-0.

Smith spent his 251-match career playing for various football teams on the lower end of the English football pyramid, including Football League teams like Cambridge United and non-league teams like Tamworth. Mr. Smith's playing career sowed the foundations of a successful managing career in the 1980s.

Indeed it would be with the Tamworth Lambs with which Graham Smith would have his greatest success as a manager. Only four teams have won the FA Vase multiple times, and under Smith the Lambs managed to win this title twice in the late 1980s.

Mr. Smith retired from managing Tamworth in 1991, only to return managing the Ventura County Fusion in 2007.

Seattle Sounders Play First Game In Front of Live Fans!

Joe Nixon — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:10:35 -0500

For Seattle Sounders FC it was a historic night, as around 600 attended the club's first-ever match before a live audience. For the Ventura County Fusion, it was a night of frustration. The Fusion had an unbeaten streak against MLS sides, which ended dramatically as the Sounders defeated the Fusion in a preseason match by a score of 6-1.

In the crowd, the number of Sounders fans could be counted on one hand. Indeed, there were more Real Salt Lake scouting personnel than Sounders fans. Conversely, the Sounders organization easily brought 100 people to the event if you include their large trial roster, trainers, media, and other personnel.

The scoring started off early when Fredy Montero, the former goal-scoring monster of the Colombian league, sent a shot in from 17 yards only seven minutes into the game. Moments earlier on a free kick, Montero had sent a free kick toward goal only to have it bounce out of bounds.

Only two minutes later Steve Zakuani scored to make it 2-0 Sounders. Zakuani took a shot at about the same distance from the goal as Montero's shot.

The Ventura Fusion were able to keep the game in hand when forward Arthur Aghasyan, formerly of an Armenian club team in Los Angeles, broke through on the right side and sent a tricky low ball in. For a moment there was a game to be played.

Then a long ball bounced in to Nate Jaqua and was quickly passed over to Zakuani. "Zak," the former University of Akron forward, scored his second goal of the night on that pass at the 21-minute mark.

Zakuani returned the favor 20 minutes later when he headed a pass from Montero toward Jaqua, who made the shot. 4-1 Sounders, the Ventura County Fusion were stunned, as this side was used to close fought matches with MLS sides. The game had become a blowout. Only a minute later Nate Jaqua showed why he is still one of the most dangerous offensive players in the MLS with yet another goal.

No stoppage time was allowed in this exhibition and the first-half ended abruptly with a half-time score of Seattle 5, Ventura 1.

During halftime Sigi Schmid, the manager of the Sounders, had a quick meeting with his players and asked them to focus more on defense and passing. The few times the Sounders had the ball up close they often tapped shots toward Fusion keeper Trevor Styles, who pounced on it.

As a result the second half was not a fireworks show, partly because the Sounders decided to play more defensive and partly because the Fusion worked to tighten their defense.

The Fusion failed to have any serious scoring opportunities in the second half, though they took some shots from outside that sailed through the upright field goalposts behind the net, reminding everyone that the match was taking place at a high school football stadium.

The match had a few other surreal moments as well. Two Sounders players both wore the number "38" in the game. Also in the second half it appeared nocturnal bats were nearly dive-bombing the field. Though, the only real bomb of the second half came when Roger Levesque got a good pass and decided to lob the ball in for a score of 6-1 after 83 minutes.

The ball sailed into the net and Levesque, previously with the USL First Division incarnation of the Sounders, showed why he is MLS material. The post-goal celebration after this one was a bit longer than the others and the young team appeared to finally be realizing their full potential.

Brian Schmetzer, assistant coach for the Sounders, had this comment on the effect of a big win on his young team: "The problem is you don't want them thinking they are too good, too early." Mr. Schmetzer also said that this big win will have a positive effect on the younger players. "It makes them realize, hey we can do this!"

This is of course the purpose of the California tour. These barnstorming exhibitions up and down the California coast have developed chemistry amongst the young guys and have helped build a team which will be a serious contender for the MLS Cup in its first season.

Misconduct:
31' SEA: Wahl cautioned

****

"Hope you like my photo!" Joe Nixon covered this match on the behalf of Emerald City Supporters and the PlayerPress

Alfredo Angulo Finds HBO Valentine's Date with Cosme Rivera

Joe Nixon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:01:46 -0500

Just a few days ago, the Valentine’s Day of Alfredo Angulo did not look so rosy. The undefeated 154 lb. boxer with an extensive amateur background was without an opponen after his scheduled fight with Ricardo Mayorga collapsed overnight for mysterious reasons.

Then, promoter Gary Shaw lined up Danny Perez as a possible suitor to fight on the 14th. Perez also pulled out at the last minute for reasons that are not clear.

Still, Gary Shaw was able to find a matchup for Angulo —Cosme Rivera.

Rivera is a former welterweight contender whose most recent claim to fame was knocking down Andre Berto in the sixth round of a fight he lost on the scorecards in 2007.

Rivera has also faced former contender Zab Judah. He will bring a lot of experience and a never-back-down style when he faces Angulo.

Professional experience is one thing Alfredo Angulo, whose pro record is only 14-0, lacks. Cosme Rivera who is 31-11-2, deserves some credit for taking this fight on short notice.

Gary Shaw did an amazing job finding two opponents at the last minute for Angulo. In a recent interview following the Arce vs. Darchiniyan battle, Angulo emphasized that he has been able to remain focused despite the musical chairs regarding possible opponents.

The other fights on the HBO card were never in jeopardy, and will feature Nate Campbell vs. Ali Funeka and Sergio Martinez vs. Kermit Cintron.

The action this Saturday will be featured in a live HBO broadcast from the Bank Atlantic Center in Florida.

Rumors: Why Did Mayorga Reject a Valentines Day Fight Date with Alfredo Angulo?

Joe Nixon — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:45:04 -0500

Ricardo Mayorga won’t be smoking any victory cigars in the ring any time soon. The bizarre behavior of this fighter from Nicarugua has hindered his ailing career yet again.

This time the ex-champino of the welterweight and super-welterweight division has, at the last moment, pulled the rug out from under his scheduled twelve round fight with Alfredo Angulo at the Bank Atlantic Center in Florida.

The promoter of Angulo, Richard Shaw, spoke about Mayorga’s cancellation at a press conference following the Arce-Dachiniyan fight this past Saturday. Gary Shaw stated that he had heard a multitude of reasons the fight had been cancelled.

One rumor has it Mayorga was having trouble making the weight limit. Another rumor has it that Mayorga injured his ribs somehow.

The most bizare rumor Shaw felt fit to repeat alleged that Mayorga tried to exhort Don King for additional money for this fight. Given Mayorga’s behavior and the fact that he is known to not take training camp seriously, any or all of these rumors cold be true.

With this in mind, the intuition of sports fan is to assume that the ever bizarre Mayorga ducked Alfred Angulo. I find this unlikely. There are two compliments even I can give Mayorga: he always gives every fight one hundred percent (training however another matter is).

Secondly, no matter what you can criticize Mayorga for, he has never ducked anyone. In his last fight against the heavily favoured Sugar Shane Mosely, at times he made Sugar Shane look bad. Shane dug deep and scored a late round knockout.

Before that he defeated Fernando Vargas at 164 pounds and prior to that Mayorgas has fought a healthy crop of world class fighters. The list includes Oscar De La Hoya, Vernon Forrest (twice), Felix Trinidad, and a grudge-match type fight with Cory Spinks.

If Mayorga, 35, wants to have a few more paydays he should focus on fighting competitive opponents like Alfredo Angulo. Perhaps Mayorga should move permanently to the middleweight division if he is having trouble making weight.

Mayorga is a name fighter and with a convincing win or two he could easily find himself in the mix for a shot at one of the “alphabet soup” boxing titles. That is if he can avoid the cigars, beers, bright hair dye, and the other temptations in his life.

Pachuca Eliminated from Copa De Libredores!

Joe Nixon — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:15:39 -0500

Pachuca won the battle but lost the “guerra”, Tonight Pachuca won a spirited game 2-1 in front of their fans. However, the goal from Universidad de Chile was all they needed to advance to the next round.

After U de Chile's Maurico Arias was ejected in the 10th minute for taking a swing at a one of the Tuzos, the Tuzos were relentless in there attack.

Paraguayan national Edgar Benitiz was fouled in the box setting up dead-ball specialist Rodriguez who converted and gave the Tuzos a 1-0 advantage.

Pachuca's luck ended when the Chileans proved they to could convert penalties, a shot in the 58th brought the game to a draw and put Pachuca in dire straits.

In the 83rd minute it appeared to the Pachuca fans that the U de Chile committed a “falta” in the box but ,the refree didn't think so. The Pachuca fans (behind a barbwire fence) went crazy. Three minutes later the refree was far more generous in awarding Pachuca a shot it failed to convert.

Still, Damian Alvarez of Argentina was loop in a beautiful kick to give Pachuca a 2-1 with four minutes left. Sloppy play from Pachuca resulted in two players being sent off in the final minutes of the game and the Mexican team failed to find the net a final time.

As a result due to the away goals rule Pachuca was eliminated an Universidad de Chile will advance to the next round of Copa de Liberedores.

Los Angeles Dodgers Make History: Announce First Ever Serie Azul Game!

Joe Nixon — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:40:28 -0500

Dodgers announce first ever Serie Azul Game!

Today the Dodgers have announced the first ever regular-season Mexican Baseball League game held in an MLB stadium. Scheduled for May 16, 2009 at 6:05 PM.

The event will feature the two most storied franchises in the history of Mexican baseball: Diablos Rojos del México and the Sultanes of Monterrey.

Monterrey, is a historic center of Mexican baseball and was just a few years ago considered a possible future home of the Montreal Expos. MLB's first franchise in a French-language market could of become the first MLB franchise permanently based in a Spanish league market. Instead the Expos were moved to Washington D.C.

The Diablos Rojos del Mexico have won a record 15 titles in the since the creation of La Liga Mexicana de Baseball in 1925. This includes the 2008 championship. The team is based in Mexico City.

Tickets will be reasonably priced. The event will come on the heels of the World Baseball Classic finals which will be held at Dodger Stadium at March.

The Pan-Pacific Championships Are a Perfect Fit for LA: But What of the Future?

Joe Nixon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:46:10 -0500

The Pan-Pacific Championships are a soccer event which we can expect to grow in importance over the next few years, this event coupled with the World Baseball Classic Finals (which will be held in Los Angeles a month later), could represent a pair of young international sporting events that will only grow in importance as time goes on and one day earn its proper place in the calendar of global sports fans.

Indeed, the 2009 Pan-Pacific Championships are a perfect fit for a city like Los Angeles with its large multicultural background and the fact that LA is probably the biggest market for soccer in the United States. Even the hip logo speaks to the stylish and future thinking nature of Angelenos.

Los Angeles is after all the premier Futbol/Soccer town in the US, home to Interliga (Cope de Libredores playoffs), two MLS teams, and a must stop both for top-level European sides touring the US( like FC Barcelona and Chelsea) and national teams (like Mexico and Brazil) which have played exhibitions in the California in the past decade.

The 2009 Pan-Pacific Championships bring together the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese domestic league champions and the Los Angeles Galaxy, who will serve as hosts. Los Angeles is home to large numbers of immigrants from all over Asia. In the past Korean football fans have shown up to support their touring teams, and we can expect the same this time.

Even Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park was known to show up at Home Depot Center to support his Korean countrymen. Thus, the Suwon Blue Wings, the most accomplished of the invitees, are likely to be a big draw for fans of Asian sports.

The tournament is the property of Soccer United Marketing (SUM). This entity has aggressively marketed soccer along the West Coast with events in Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, and Seattle. An exhibition between Mexico and China in Seattle drew 60,000 fans to Qwest Field. Clearly, the Pan-Pacific Championship could be a great fit for Seattle, the Bay Area, or San Diego in the near future.

In the future it would be nice to see the OFC Champions League Winner, or at the very least the A-League Winner, participate like they did in 2008. Why not let Australia host an edition of the tournament in the near future as they have requested?

C.F. Pachuca had originally been tapped to participate in the 2008 edition as the SuperLiga Champions, but Pachuca balked at participating. In the future, steps should be taken to assure that a Mexican team and perhaps even an invitee from a South American nation be added to the tournament to ensure some regional flair.

The West Coast, Mexico, Australia? Plenty of room to expand indeed.

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Joe Nixon covers area sports for the Playerpress.com

Vic Darchinyan: Australia’s Hope Against Jorge Arce

Joe Nixon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:22:43 -0500

This Feb. 7, Vic Darchinyan of Australia is set to face Jorge Arce of Mexico.

While Darchinyan is favored to win the bout, Jorge Arce can take some confidence in the fact that he has never lost to an Australian.

In 2005, Jorge Arce destroyed highly-touted boxing Australian boxing product Hussein Hussein in two highly anticipated bouts. Boxing legend Jeff Fenech trained Hussein for both fights.

Hussein, or simply “Hussy” as Fenech called him was Fenech’s most famous charge and due to the Fenech connection he had captivated favorable media attention.

Before the first bout, Fenech encouraged Hussein to fight Jorge Arce the same way that Jeff Fenech in his prime would’ve fought Jorge Arce.

Apparently, Hussein Hussein’s impression of Jeff Fenech involved him wadding in and trading punches with Jorge Arce who was clearly the bigger puncher. Hussein was knocked down several times in the March fight in route to a 10th-round TKO loss.

The October rematch was highly anticipated by Australian boxing circles.

In the rematch, Hussein was down in both the first and second rounds.

The knockdowns appeared to be more-or-less flash knockdowns, and Hussein had enough poise to try and box Jorge Arce this time around rather than try to win another slugfest.

Abruptly, Jeff Fenech decided to throw in the towel in only the second round of the fight. Hussien was visibly upset by this, and even legendary referee Kenny Bayless, normally a man with a poker face, seemed a bit shocked by Fenech’s sudden move to end the fight.

At the time, Jeff Fenech was also training Vic Darchinyan.

Today, Darchinyan is currently being trained by Billy Hussein, an Australian trainer and Hussein Hussein's brother. Both Jeff Fenech and the Hussein family would like nothing more than to see their fellow countryman Vic Darchinyan be the first Australian to defeat Jorge Arce.

Vic Darchinyan has proved to the Australian boxing community he has the style, personality and skill to be an international boxing star. Indeed, Vic Darchinyan’s name may one day earn him a spot in the Parthenon of Australian boxing stars along side the likes Kostya Tszyu and Jeff Fenech.

The Jorge Arce fight provides the biggest stage yet for Darchinyan not only to defend Australian pride but, to emerge as one of the brightest stars in boxing.

Jorge Arce-Vic Darchinyan: the “Mexican Cowboy” vs. a “Raging Bull”?

Joe Nixon — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:47:20 -0500

Jorge Arce-Vic Darchinyan: Can the “Mexican Cowboy” tame a “Raging Bull”?

by Joe Nixion

Jorge Arce is a man who loves two things: brawling and cherry lollipops. Unfortunately for the man they call the “Mexican Cowboy,” there is no way to sugarcoat the truth about his next fight. Vic Darchinyan presents the strongest test to Arce's career to date.

It is true that Arce has faced unorthodox Australian punchers before and defeated them. In 2005, Arce twice faced Hussein Hussein, who was at the time trained by the legendary Australian fighter Jeff Fenech. Vic Darchinyan was also at one point training under Jeff Fenech.

Though Arce was tested by Hussein, Jorge Arce was able to walk through Hussein's punches. Both fighters trade power punches, though Arce seemed to have the confidence that he could outlast Hussien. The bout ended in the 10th-round via technical knockout in Arce's favor. The same strategy is unlikely to succeed against a big puncher like Vic Darchinyan.

Arce has chosen (or rather, his promoters have chosen) to fight Vic Darchinyan right as the Australian-Armenian Darchinyan's career is peaking. In his last fight, "The Raging Bull" was in perfect form in besting Cristian Mijares for the IBF, WBC, and WBA superflyweight (112 lb.) titles. Using his speed and awkward style, Darchinyan (31-1-1) managed to knock out Mijares via ninth round knockout.

The win over the well-regarded Cristian Mijares (36-3-2) proved yet again that Vic Darchinyan is the strongest puncher in any division below bantamweight. Mijares also holds a recent win over Jorge Arce, so the manner in which Darchinyan dealt with Mijares does not speak well to Jorge's chances.

Jorge Arce (54-4-1) is an exciting fighter and even a minor personality in Mexican popular culture. He is a colorful character whose horse riding and cowboy hat antics are exactly the kind of color boxing needs at the lighter of boxing divisions. If anything, this is what the dramatic rise and fall of Prince Naseem Hamed has taught all of boxing's "little big men."

Yes, I'm aware that the past few months have seen big upset wins by Bernard Hopkins, Manny Pacquiao, and most recently 37-year-old Sugar Shane Mosley's TKO of Antonio Margarito. This February, though, don't expect to add Jorge Arce to that list.

Vic Darchinyan is in the prime of his career. His form is peaking, and we saw that in the way he handled Cristian Mijares. Expect him to ring in 2009 by defeating Arce and then moving up in weight class to earn bigger paydays.

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Joe Nixon is a Staff Writer for Latinboxing.com and the PlayerPress.com.

2009 IRB Rugby Sevens World Series Headed Again to Sunny San Diego

Joe Nixon — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:21:46 -0500

Imagine an event that combines the intensity of NCAA football overtime, the international appeal of World Cup soccer, and the party atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby or the Melbourne Cup.

Look no further than the annual IRB Rugby Sevens World Series which makes it only US stop this Febuary 14-15th in San Diego, CA.

In practically every other former British colony, bar the United States and Canada, rugby football is the most popular form of football other than "soccer".

Rugby football (the forerunner to American gridiron football) and is usually played with teams of 15. The "Sevens" variant trims the teams to just seven players making the game-play faster. There is far more quick possession changes and less set piece action.

IRB Sevens World Series is a true "world series" with sixteen countries representing all

six of the world's habitable continents. These teams will play 44 high paced matches over two days. Some teams hail from nations where rugby is a top tier sport such as Scotland or Australia. While say the Japanese side, represents a nation with a proud though less historical rugby program.

Fan favourites are sure to include the US national side, the Mexican national side,

and of course the New Zealand team which are perennially recognized as the

greatest team in Rugby Union.

New Zealand has won USA Sevens twice in 2008 and 2005. The only team to

capture two victories in the USA tournament which dates only to 2004.

The crowd atmosphere is always lively and this year in particular for 2009 Sevens action will culminate in the 2009 Rugby World Cup. In addition the chance to see something other than baseball at gorgeous Petco Park is worth a certain novelty factor within itself.

Other stops on the tour include Hong Kong, the Emirates, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa.

Tickets for this two day event are priced as little as $26 a day for the party zone and a couple hundred dollars will get you VIP elite all you can eat seats.

For more information visit: http://www.usasevens.com/

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Joe Nixon is a freelance sports writer

Andy Murray: Can He Win the 2009 Australia Open?

Joe Nixon — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:51:33 -0500

Andy Murray is a longshot no more. The 21-year old Scotsman has opened as the betting favorite amongst bookmakers to win the 2009 Australia Open and his Grand Slam title in the process.

Andy Murray is fresh off his win over Andy Roddick in the Qatar Open Final and looked sharp enough to impress the bookmakers.

In addition, Murray has beaten Nadal and twice beaten Federer all in the past few months. While Murray's star continues to rise. I still believe it is unlikely

he will win the 2009 Australia Open for several reasons.

The Australia Open is played in sets of five, not three and Murray's impressive form in the past month have all been in sets of three. The increase in sets may prove again just too much for the young man from Dunblane, Scotland.

Plus, there is the crowd factor. As the betting favorite, expect Murray to draw large crowds at all Australia Open matches. These fans hanging on every serve will add to intensity and pressure on Andy Murray. This will be far greater than anything Murray has experienced in the Gulf countries when he bested Andy Roddick and company. Indeed the atmosphere in the Gulf was almost jovial at times. That is not the mood at a Grand Slam event.

Meanwhile, Federer was openly shocked that he was not the betting favorite to win the Australia Open. He had good cause to be so inclined. Other than Novak Djokovic's breakout win at the Australia Open last year, this event has historically been dominated by Federer. Meanwhile Federer and Nadal have historically dominated the past Grand Slam events.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray has a personal history of struggling at the Australia Open. In all three of his apperances at Australia Open, expectations were high. Yet, he has never advanced further than a fourth round loss in 2007.

Don't get me wrong, as a proud Scottish-American, I have followed Murray's rise with pride. I’m very sure he will one day win a Grand Slam title, just not the 2009 Australia Open. We can expect him to vastly improve on those past performances at this Australia Open, just not win it all.

Of course, I'd be more than happy to see him win, though I’m keeping my money away

from the bookies on this one, especially at short odds.

2009 Pan-Pacific Championship Set for Los Angeles

Joe Nixon — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:03:32 -0500

The 2009, Pan Pacific championships will be played in Los Angeles from February 18th-19th at the Home Depot Center.

The tournament will feature the LA Galaxy who will host the affair. This special tournament which will also feature reigning champions of the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese leagues.

The tournament is a natural fit for Los Angeles which is the largest market for "futbol" in the United States and will likely attract fans rooting for all sides.

The tournament format has the Suwon Samsung Bluewings facing the Shandong Luneng Taishan on the first day as well as a match between Oita Trinita and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Los Angeles Galaxy

The Los Angeles Galaxy are one of the most successful franchises in the history of Major League Soccer and will be making there second appearance in the tournament as the hosts.

In the 2008 tournament, the team finished third. Los Angeles Galaxy represent both Canada and the United States in the game. The Galaxy was founded in 1995.

Oita Trinita

The Oita Trinita are the surprise winners of the 2008 J-League. They represent both the youngest team to ever win the the J-League (having been established only in 1994) and also the first from the Southern Japanese island of Kyushu to ever win the cup.

The team was a powerhouse in the second tier of Japanese football before relegation earlier this decade.

The name which translates as "Trinity" in English is a nod to the historic role of Jesuit missionaries in the area during the 1600s.

Samsung Suwon Bluewing

Conversely, the Samsung Suwon Bluewings, are one of the most established teams in Asia. They have won the Asia Supercup and The AFC Champions League two times respectively. Perhaps their greatest moment came just last year when on July 29th, 2008 they bested touring FC Barcelona 1-0 at their own Big Bird Stadium.

The team has also faced Chelsea FC both in 2005 and 2007. The team losing both games. The Bluewings like the Los Angeles Galaxy were established in 1995.

This will mark the Bluewings second visit to the comfy, Home Depot Center. In the 2007 World Series of Soccer the Blue Wings lost to both Chelsea and the UANL Tigers at the Home Depot Center, though they did not play the Galaxy.

Shandong Luneng Taishan

The Shandong Luneng Taishan (founded in 1956) are the most accomplished team in the history of the Chinese SuperLeague, the highest level of Chinese football. The SuperLeague format has only been around since 2004 and Shandong Luneng emerged as champions in the 2006 and 2008 editions.

Shandong Luneng Taishan have also historically averaged the highest attendance in the Chinese SuperLeague

In its present format the tournament somewhat resembles the annual Konami Cup, Asia's highest level of baseball competition which features the champions of the Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese league champions.

Future Pan-Pacific tournaments are likely to include Australian A-League sides and perhaps Mexican teams as well. The Australian A-League has talked of hosting a future edition of the tournament.

Joe "Nixon" is a Los Angeles based writer for several websites and magazines including PlayerPress.com

The Question of the New Year: Sugar Shane Mosely vs. Antonio Margarito

Joe Nixon — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:36:36 -0500

At age 37, the question for Sugar Shane Mosely is not when his career will end but, how. Will Mosely have a slow waltz toward retirement with a few big paydays like Bernard Hopkins or will his career end with one dramatic loss, forcing a hasty exit from boxing (like Ricardo Mayorga or Fernando Vargas). The answer to that question will be in the fists of Antonio Margartio.

Shane Mosley's victory over Ricardo Mayorga fight showed his current form. Though that fight ended in dramatic fashion with a big Mosely knockout it also showed that Mosley's skills are not what they once were. There used to be an ebb and flow to Mosely's punches that we haven't seen from him in several fights.

Margarito's style matches his nickname: the Tijuana Tornado. He storms after his opponents with powerful punches until they are simply blown away in the later rounds. The consensus amongst boxing fans is that Margarito will knockout Mosley by slowly breaking him down.

Indeed this has been Margarito's style in his biggest win (versus Miguel Cotto) and his biggest loss (versus Paul Williams). It's hard to imagine him radically changing his tactis in this one so expect this same strategy against Sugar Shane.

Conversely, this is also very similar to the style of Sugar Shane Mosley who heats up also heats over the later rounds. He knocked out Ricardo Mayorga in the 12th round and he knocked out Fernando Vargas in their first fight in the 10th. Mosely has been training hard for this fight and has been in Big Bear, CA since before the first press conference on this event.

Mosley comes to every fight in excellent condition and there is little doubt that he will also be in great shape for this one. Also, Mosley has never been knocked out. For these reasons, while I think Margarito will win, I also don't think Mosely will be knocked out in this one. I'm prepared to be wrong, boxers get old over night.

Instead I see Mosely winning the first few rounds cleanly and then Margarito will start to break him down in the second half of the fight and start piling on points with those mean left hooks. Mosely may even kiss the canvas, unlike other fighters though he won't simply jump up and try to put Margarito there.

He will adjust and go back to boxing and try to win the fight on points. Such is the caliber of fighter Mosely is that he will avoid becoming another Margarito knockout victim. Mosely despite the recent steroid allegations is a classy guy both in and outside the ring.

His skills and speed have allowed him to weather many great fighters and come out on top. Simply put though at age 37, he is no match for the Tijuana Tornado. Expect Margarito to win a unanimous 12 round decision.

*****

Joe Nixon is also a staff writer for thefightcountdown.com and for Latin Boxing Magazine

Rocky Marciano Vs. Iron Mike Tyson: Another Take

Joe Nixon — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:08:00 -0500

A clash of two great heavyweights, Iron Mike Tyson and Rocky Marciano, would be like most pay-per-view events—vastly overrated.

First we must give credit to Rocky Marciano, the former center on the Brockton High School football team who became one of the great athletes of his era and retired undefeated, with a 49-0 record.

Rocky Marciano, unfortunately, lived in an era when he did not have to face any fighters who even came close to matching his level of ability. Consider that his wins over Joe Louis, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and Ezzrad Charles were all against fighters (often smaller men) who had all seen better days.

Marciano broke you down over a number of rounds. He wouldn't know how to deal with a fast starter like Iron Mike (this was also a problem for Joe Louis). Marciano's technique was often sloppy. He simply outlasted his opponents.

I could see him doing the same against Tyson, but he wouldn't have gotten the chance.

It's more likely Tyson would have used his speed, power, size, and even reach (Tyson actually has reach on Marciano!) to force Marciano to fight hard from round one.

Marciano's punches were often sloppy (re-watch the Cockell fight for proof), and Tyson was a great counter puncher. In addition, Marciano only faced one 200-plus pounder in his entire career: a faded Joe Louis.

Tyson is so much bigger than Marciano and quicker than anyone Marciano ever faced. If Archie Moore and Jersey Walcott can make Marciano kiss the canvas, you could bet that prime Tyson as well as prime Jack Dempsey could have done the same.

I could also see prime Muhammad Ali and prime Joe Louis winning on cuts versus Rocky Marciano.

Asian Baseball Power Rankings, January 2009: The Eve of a Classic

Joe Nixon — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:05:43 -0500

The following is a ranking of the top ten national teams of the Baseball Federation of Asia. Rankings are based on performance at the World Baseball Classic level, as well as performance at the Olympic, Asian, and South East Asian games.

1) Korea

Korea won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They are hot and looking for further glory at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

2) Japan

While they struggled at the Olympics, they are 2006 World Baseball Classic Champions. The 2009 World Baseball Classic “Samurai Japan” squad will be missing many key players such as New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui and several players from the Chunichi Dragons.

3) Chinese Taipei

Routinely beats China and those below them on the table. This team won the Gold Medal at the 2006 Asia Games.

4) China

The positioning of a Chinese League team at the 2008 Konami Cup is a good step forward, though China’s status as a perennial also-ran in East Asian Baseball competitions is unlikely to change. With the Olympics now over, support for the Chinese team may also diminish.

5) Thailand

Winners of the Gold Medal in baseball at the 2007 South East Asia Games and beat the Philippines at the 2006 Asia Games. Thailand earned its victory over the Philippines in dramatic fashion. While the Philippines took an early lead, Thailand battled back to win 7-1. How could Thailand take it to the next level? If Johnny Damon of the New York Yankees suited upfor his mother's country. Though that is less likely than Eric Karros coming out of retirement playing and for Greece.

6) Philippines

Baseball has a deeper tradition in the Philippines than most other Asian countries. As late as the 1960s, thousands backed Jose Rizal Stadium to see baseball games. Sadly, this tradition has led to little recent success on the baseball diamond. While Korea vs. Japan is likely to be the definitive Asian baseball rivalry for years to come, the rivalry between the Philippines and Thailand is also growing.

The Philippines won the Gold at the 2005 South East Asia Games. If the Philippines could draw on Filipino-American talent such as Geno Espineli of the San Francisco Giants (who recently played for the U.S Olympic Team), they could easily catapult several places in the rankings.

7) Pakistan

Participated in Beijing Olympic Baseball qualifying. The top Pakistani cricket bowlers routinely bowl over 100 mph and sometimes boast of wanting to face the New York Yankees. If more Pakistanis switched to baseball, this could be an emerging power. Pakistan defeated Thailand on 2-0 on Nov. 28, 2007.

8) Cambodia

Supported by MLB initiative and support of Cambodian immigrant community in the U.S. means this program is one to watch. Baseball, or "Throw Ball," as it is known in Cambodia, is a growing youth sport in the country.

9) Hong Kong

Participated in Beijing Olympic Baseball Qualifying, though it did not win a game.

10) Guam

Previously participated in Olympic Baseball Qualifying, though did not participate in the Beijing qualifiers.

Panthers Win Japan's 2009 Rice Bowl

Joe Nixon — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:38:57 -0500

For American football fans, the New Year means NFL playoffs and college bowl season.

In Japan, however, a very interesting American football bowl game is played every January 3rd.

The Rice Bowl is a match-up of Japan's college champion and the champion of Japan's semi-professional X-League.

The Rice Bowl is organized by the Japan American Football Association which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009.

This year's edition pitted two classic Rice Bowl rivals: the Ritsumeikan University Panthers and the Panasonic Denko Impulse. The teams have faced each other three times in the Rice Bowl since 1995

This year, Quarterback Hiroshi Matsuda of the Ritsumeikan University Panthers, led his team to a close victory over the Panasonic Electric Works Impulse 17-13.

Matsuda was named the game's MVP after going 17-for-25 with 149 yards and a touchdown. On the first drive of the game, Matsuda found tight end Masanari Mori for a 12-yard touchdown. On their second possession, he led the Panthers down field to set up a 44-yard field goal that put the collegiate team up 10-0.

Meanwhile, the Impulse struggled to get their own offense going in in the first half but ended the period on a high note when running back Masahiro Ishino found the end zone on a critical fourth and goal play. The Ritsumeikan University Panthers also ran in a touchdown for good measure.

The story of the second half was the strong defense of the Panthers who kept the Impulse out of the red zone. Kenji Mori of the Panthers put an exclamation point on the win by intercepting quarterback Tetsuo Takata with just seven seconds remaining in the game.

This year's Rice Bowl was played before 34,655 fans in the Tokyo Dome.

The title was Ritsumeikan's third victory in the Rice Bowl and the first victory by a collegiate champion in the Rice Bowl since 2004.

Like the American Super Bowl championship, the Rice Bowl is usually won in a blowout.
This year's low scoring 17-13 tied the 1995 Rice Bowl for the lowest scoring Rice Bowl game ever. That year Ritsumeikan University defeated the Impulse 16-14. The teams also met in 2005 when the X-League champions defeated Ritsumeikan University 26-7.

No Comeback For Pachuca, LDU Quito Wins 2-0, Sets Up Date With Manchester United

Joe Nixon — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:12:07 -0500

Pachuca was not in form this Wednesday in Tokyo, Japan, and succumbed to a calm and confident effort from LDU Quito, the Copa de Liberadores Champions 2-0 in a game played in driving Japanese rain.

LDU Quito attacking style was evident from the opening whistle.

Argentine forward Claudio Bieler scored just four minutes into the match.

At the 26th minute, Luis Bolanos had help from his LDU Quito teammates in a free kick—they formed a wall in front of the Pachuca wall, totally obscuring the view of Pachuca's keeper until the ball sailed into the net

Going into the half, Pachuca was down 2-0, just as they had been in their match
with Al-Ahly, the African Champions. This time, however, there would be no miracle comeback.

Pachuca perhaps drained after their 4-2(OT) win over Al-Ahly. The rigorous FIFA World Cup schedule has tended to favor the fresher side and this was LDU's first match in Tokyo.

Enrique Meza, Pachuca's coach had this to say following the match according to FIFA.com:

"Liga de Quito deserved their victory today. They were better and more forceful than us,
and they took their chances very well. Our work and possession counted for nothing because we couldn't put away our opportunities. Now, we have to continue working hard for our next game."

Pachuca fell just short in its effort to become the first Mexican team to play in the
finals of the FIFA World Cup and will play a third-place game on Sunday.

LDU Quito has booked a place with Manchester United for the World Championship also on Sunday.

Oscar De La Hoya's 2009 Likely to Feature Retroactive Win Over Shane Mosley

Joe Nixon — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:24:22 -0500

Even if Oscar De La Hoya never steps into the ring again, which is unlikely for the 35-year-old box office draw, he may win one more fight in 2009. The World Boxing Council is preparing evidence to present to its Board of Governors that Sugar Shane Mosley took banned substances in his 2003 rematch with Oscar De La Hoya. Investigation has revealed that Mosley has admitted to using these substances.

Oscar is currently recovering following his eighth-round TKO loss to Manny Pacquiao and debating future options.

WBC president Jose Sulaiman is leading the legal charge against Mosley. "It was a real surprise to read that Mosley has confessed that he did take those medicines, those drugs that are totally prohibited by the WBC," he explained

Mosley could have his 2003 win stripped and turned into a DQ victory for Oscar or a No Contest. Either way, Oscar will likely have one of his six losses erased, particularly in the mind of fans, which will make him more marketable for another fight.

Sugar Shane Mosley defeated Oscar De La Hoya by scores of 115-113 (x3) in Las Vegas on Sept. 13, 2003. The victory earned him the WBA, WBC, and IBA Super Welterweight titles.

Mosley likes to promote himself as the only man to defeat Oscar De La Hoya twice, and this will not change regardless of the WBC verdict because Mosley also once defeated Oscar De La Hoya in the amateur ranks.

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Joe Nixon is a staff writer for latinboxing.com and its print magazine

Oscar De La Hoya's Future: Rumor Control

Joe Nixon — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:08:52 -0500

Sources close to the Golden Boy camp have been saying Oscar is upset over his loss to Manny Pacquiao. Oscar is believed to be angling to get a rematch with Manny Pacquiao perhaps as earlier as late this spring.

Oscar does not want to end his career with his most recent dramatic loss to Manny Pacquiao. Oscar believes that his trainers overtrained him for the Pacquiao fight, a mistake he hopes not to make again. On TV there appeared to be a lot of confusion in Oscar's corner the night of the fight.

Who would train Oscar in a rematch? Floyd Mayweather, Sr. has stated he is willing to take the job. Mayweather, Sr. previously trained Oscar De La Hoya and has stated he would be willing to train Oscar De La Hoya in a rematch with Pacquiao. In another recent interview Mayweather, Sr. stated the following:

“I can tell you is that it wasn’t all Oscar’s fault. I know personally of two things that went on in Oscar’s training camp. There was a lot of stuff that went on in camp that was counter productive to Oscar’s training,” said the controversial fight coach.

Mayweather Sr. also picked Ricky Hatton to beat Pacquiao if the two should ever face one another.

***

Joe Nixon is a staff writer with latinboxing.com

Japan Will Be Without Some Stars For World Baseball Classic

Joe Nixon — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:51:04 -0500

Japanese under manned at World Baseball Classic

by Joe Nixon

While the Japanese openned as the favorite amongst bookmakers to win the WBC this is likely to change. The Japanese, who won the tournament in 2006 will be with out many of their star players.

While it is not surprising that the Yankee will keep outfielder Hideki Matsui from the WBC as they did in 2006 due to injury. The Yankees have also moved to keep Mariano Rivera and Jorge Pasada for similar reasons.

It is suprising however that the Japanese will be without out the service any players from the Chunichi Dragons of the NPB Central League.

Chunichi's Hitoki Iwase, the anchor in the Dragon's bullpen and infielder Masahiko Morino will be held from the March tournament which has Japan facing the other Asian nations in the first round. Iwase, is one of the most dominate players in Japan at his position and his loss will be a serious blow to Japan's efforts.

Tatsunori Hara manager of the Yomiuri Giants will lead the Japanese side this year.

In 2006, Japan was lead by Sadaharu Oh, the 68 year old manager of the Fuokaka Soft Bank Hawks. As a player Sadaharu Oh hit 867 homeruns while playing for the Yomuri Giant. That record is the most of any living player.

Sadaharu Oh led Japan to its shocking 2006 World Baseball Classic Championship but, will sit out this year due to health considerations.

The choice of Hara who will replace Oh is slightly ironic because Hara was drafted in 1982 by the Yomiuri Giants to replace the retiring Sadahuru Oh as a power clean-up hitter for the Giants.

This years Japanese side will represent slightly lowered expectations a fact reflected in the choosing of "Samurai Japan" as the teams official name.

Though the team will feature outfielder Seattle Mariners Ichiro Suzuki and starting pitcher Boston Red Sox Daisuke Matsuzaka who was MVP of the 2006 tournament will both participate however.

It has also been announced that the San Francisco Giants will travel to Japan and play
exhibitions against Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea prior to the start of the World Baseball Classic.

The team will be known as "Samurai Japan"and will feature Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki and starting pitcher Boston Red Sox Daisuke Matsuzaka who was MVP of the 2006 tournament will both participate however.

Yu Darvish a future MLB star and current starting pitcher for the Nippon Ham Fighters is also likely to participate.

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Joe Nixon is a free lance journalist who has written for print magazines in the United States in Jordan. He is also a Chunichi Dragons fan.

C.F Pachuca Pull off Historic Comeback in Tokyo!

Joe Nixon — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:44:36 -0500

Los Tuzos of Pachuca pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in FIFA World Club Championship history to defeat the storied African franchise Al-Ahly 4-2(OT) in Tokyo.

The first half saw Pachuca suffer from sloppy play. First an own goal set Pachuca in the hole 0-1. Then with barely a minute left in the first half Al Ahly, the six-time African Champions pulled off a masterful counter attack as Mohamed Barakat of Egypt cut on the pass cut the ball into Flávio Amado da Silva who scored with Al-Ahly's first shot on target.

Flávio proved once again why—with the possible exceptions of Akwa and Manucho—he is the most dominating Angolan player of the last few years.

The Angolan international and his Egyptian team Al-Ahly which was sitting comfortably on a 2-0 a half time lead.

The Tuzos walked off the field looking like a beaten team. Deja vu was written all over there faces. Last December, Pachuca had lost in thier first ever FIFA Club World Cup appearance when they were defeated 1-0 to Eloile du Sahel, the Tunisian champions.

Mexico's oldest franchise was not done and exploded in the second half. MF Luis Montes scored on a direct free kick only two minutes into the second half.

26 minutes later, from free-kick by Christian Giménez, the Argentinian midfielder deftly curled the ball into the left corner of the net.

Two costly fouls for Ahly had brought Pachuca back into the game and Ahly policed itself and played defensively well enough to force overtime.

In overtime, Pachuca didn't need any breaks as Pachuca's Argentinean stars took over.
Midfielder Damian Alvarez scored in the 98th minute and Christian Giménez scored another beauty in the 110th minute to put a stunning exclamation point to a dramatic comeback for C.F Pachuca.

This marks Al-Ahly's 3rd appearance in the tournament and CF Pachuca's second.

Pachuca will now face LDU Quito of Ecuador in a semifinal match on Wednesday.

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Joe Nixon is a freelance journalist who has had print work published in the U.S and Jordan. He also has visited the stadium where the above game took place and it is a beauty!

It's The Economy Stupid or Margarito-Mosley, and Your 50 Dollars

Joe Nixon — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:59:54 -0500

There have been wild accusations floating around the world of boxing the past few days that that Margarito - Mosley was getting moved to LA because of Mosley was going to be denied a license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Thus the promoters opted to move the fight.

The truth is quiet contrary to these rumors, it’s the economy stupid! LA is a better fit for these two fighters given their histories, the reluctance of fight fans perhaps to travel during these economic times, and the fact that the January 24th fight takes place one weekend before Las Vegas's busiest weekend of the year: the Super Bowl.

Indeed, Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive, Keith Kiezer, has said that while he would like to confront Mosley about recent Balco claims, he didn’t believe Mosley had taken any prohibited substance under the World Anti Doping Agency guidelines.

A Mosley fight in Los Angeles times just makes more sense. Mosley is from Pomona, CA and his last two fights in California have been sensational. In May, he pulled off a last minute 12th round KO of Ricardo Mayorga.

In 2000, Sugar Shane Mosely's career defining fight came in a hard fought 12-round split decision over Oscar De La Hoya in the then new Staples Center in front of a packed house of fight fans and Hollywood celebrities.

Margarito is also something of a local product as well. Hailing from nearby Tijuana, he is a one of the few Angelinos who can be counted on to appear at most local fight cards.

His fight against 2007 fight against Paul Williams drew 8,000 people to Home Depot. So a sellout would normally be expected between these two greats.

However, these are hard economic times and the promoters need to realize that by giving LA's working class fight fans working class prices. This is fight is over priced with the cheapest seats being $50.

Fifty dollars for a seat so high up in the rafters of Staples Center that it offers a view of the ring obstructed by some Los Angeles Lakers Championship Banner will not sell well.

Fifty dollars for 37 year old Sugar Shane Mosley, who has ditched his father for this fight and will be training with Nazim Richardson, Bernard Hopkins trainer for this fight. Feels like the holidays doesn't it?

Really, you’re charging $50? Maybe before Federal Reserve Chairman Bernake decided to flush the dollar down the toilet, or maybe before the Bear Stearns, the Sub-prime mortgage crisis, or before both parties in Congress approved a 700 billion dollars for all the Bear Stearns, AIG, sublime subprime numbers mortgage rate mishap, the Detriot Three (which should probably become the Detroit Two) and so many other things economic which somehow resulted in the U.S taxpayers being part owners of Manchester United.

Still, if you do decide to drive to go to the fight at Staples Center this January 24th (and why not drive since dropping gas prices are the one good thing about this economy), you can still expect to pay around 20 bucks for parking and then 50-300 dollars for your ticket.

But don't buy just one; buy enough tickets to fill an SUV with fight fans and the promoters have promised a glove autographed by both fighters. This thoughtful gift comes from the promoters to any fan who purchases a thousand dollars worth of tickets.

Maybe you can sell it on eBay to pay the rent.

Who Wants To Name a Football Team?

Joe Nixon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:47:16 -0500

What name will make the best fit for a future pro-football team: The Los Angeles Legion? Salt Lake Salt Lakers? San Francisco Storm? Monterrey Marauders? New York Yanks? Las Vegas Ramblers?

The United Football League has announced that fans will have an opportunity to name their six new franchises.

According to UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue, former Vice President of Football Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, in the first 24 hours of the competition the league received 2,500 “Name Your Team” entries and 40,000 Web site views.

The UFL has iterated that all potential names will be considered giving fans a chance to resurrect defunct teams or animate a team a fictional team from a film.

The UFL candidate cities include Hartford, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Monterrey (Mexico), New York, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. Owners and venues will be finalized in January 2009.

Of the eight candidate cities only six will emerge as final teams. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA, is expected to own one of the UFL teams.

The UFL Commissioner will be Michael Huyghue, former Vice President of Football Operations for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. Major financing for the new league has come from Bill Hambrecht of the on-line investment company WRHambrecht.com, and Tim Armstrong of Google.com. Mark Cuban of the

To name a UFL team please visit here.

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Joe Nixon is a senior staff writer for Latinboxing.com. and has worked freelance for print media in the United States and the Kingdom of Jordan.