Bleacher Report - Articles by Jovy perez

Who's Next For Pacquiao: Mayweather or Hatton?

Jovy perez — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:12:37 -0500

While Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao basks in the glory of his technical knockout victory against Oscar De La Hoya, two fighters work to state their claim as the No. 1 contender.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. may consider coming out of retirement to fight the most lucrative and historical fight of his career. Having already beaten De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, defeating Pacquiao would provide even greater bragging rights for the brash and boisterous fighter. Mayweather is a more tactical fighter, which may pose a greater threat to Pacquiao than Hatton.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fans would undoubtedly entertain boxing fans.

Mayweather's boxing style—dramatic and confident—often leaves him unprotected, which leaves an opening for Pacquiao's left hook. Pacquiao would also have an advantage if the bout reaches the later rounds due to his stamina and conditioning.

Mayweather's last fight was over a year ago—Dec. 8, 2007 against Hatton—but there are reports he is already preparing for a possible fight with Pacquiao.

On the other hand, residents of Manchester, England are confident their chap, Hatton, could beat the dickens out of Pacman.

Hatton is younger than Mayweather and, perhaps, more of a risk taker. His 45-1-0 record with 32 knockouts is stellar. He is the former IBO light welterweight and WBO lightweight title holder.

Pacquiao would counter Hatton's aggressive style with his jab/ left hook combinations and control the pace.

I predict an upset.

The British folks would be disappointed to see their hero knocked out in the early rounds.

Pacquiao would escape England with another decisive victory and an ample fill of fish and chips.

Who Should Be Manny Pacquiao's Next Opponent?

Jovy perez — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:49:50 -0500

The factor that may determine Manny Pacquiao's next opponent depends on his ability to move into a weight class without losing his sheer speed, agility, and strength advantage.

Listed below are current champions based on each boxing organization and weight class.

1. Joe Calzaghe

World Super middle weight champion. record: 46-0 32 ko. note: Pacquiao Promoter Bob Arum is confident Pacquaio will meet the 165lb limit. Boxer stance: southpaw. age:36 ht:5'11

2. Juan Manuel Marquez

World lightweight champ at 130lbs. age: 35 ht: 5'7 record:49-4-1 stance: orthodox

3. Israel Vasquez

Superbantamweight champ at 122lbs age:30 ht: 5'4 record 43-4 31ko

4. Antonio Margarito

Alphabelt at welterweight 147lbs ht:5'11 record 37-5 27ko

5. Jorge Linares

WBA Superfeatherweight champ. record 26 wins 17ko ht:5'8

6. Cassius Baloyi

IBF superfeatherweight champ record: 36-3-1 19ko ht:5'10

7. Nicky Cook

WBO featherweight champ . record: 29-1 16ko ht:5'6

Rolando Navarette: Riches to Rags Story

Jovy perez — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:17:04 -0500

Before Manny Pacquiao, another boxer named Rolando Navarette dominated the Philippine headlines. His nickname, the "Bad Boy from Dadiangas," suited him; well known for his short fuse, Navarette was seen around the city of Dadiangas for his involvement in petty fights and brawls.

Navarette defeated Cornelius Boza Edwards on Aug. 29, 1981 to claim the WBC Superfeather Weight crown. He successfully defended his title against Choi Chung Il of Korea, but eventually lost the title to Rafael "Bazooka" Limon on May 29, 1982.

Due to his persona and bad boy image, he never received the same reception from the Filipinos as Pacquiao.

The loss of his title was just the beginning of a string of bad luck.

His wife abandoned him, he was financially broke, and a rape conviction in Hawaii landed him in prison.

Released on humanitarian grounds, Navarette's attempt of a comeback failed.

Currently, he relies on government help, alms, and contributions in order to meet his very basic, daily needs.

A reporter who interviewed the former champ noted:

"The champ is still well built for his age, although he's lost his mental faculty. He walks like a drunk boxer and spoke with a slur you can't comprehend."

Boxing has many notable and well reported success stories. The flip side remains to be seen. For every De La Hoya or Pacquiao, there must be a disproportionate number of former champs who have fallen from glory. Just ask Rolando Navarette.

Remembering Flash Elorde

Jovy perez — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:22:13 -0500

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde may well be the greatest Filipino fighter of his time. Turning pro at 16, he first fought at local venues in Cebu. Well known for a swift left hand which connects consistently.

Over a span of 15 years , Elorde was involved in 44 title fights, 15 world title bouts.

He battled Teruo Kosaka of Japan five times for the Oriental lightweight crown.

In July 20,1955 Elorde defeated World Featherweight champion Sandy Saddler in a non-title bout. During a rematch at the Cow Palace, Saddler via TKO in the 13th. The fight was stopped after Elorde sustained a deep cut above his eye. The judges scorecard showed Elorde ahead in points. This infuriated the Filipinos in attendance.

On March 16, 1960 in front of 30,000 fans in Manila Elorde scored a knockout victory over World Junior lightweight Champ Harold Gomes of the United States. Five months later Gomes' again lost via a first round Elorde knockout.

Elorde held the lightweight title for seven years, the longevity a milestone at that time.

The WBC during its 20th year celebration honored Elorde by naming him as one of the best JR lightweight in the history of the WBC.

Elorde received his greatest accolade in 1993 enshrined in the Boxing Hall of Fame with co-inductee Wilfredo Benitez. It goes to show, that with fierce determination and heart someone of slight physical stature can one day be champion of the world.

Manny Pacquiao's Downfall

Jovy perez — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:04:24 -0500

Manny Pacquiao is currently on cloud nine. Having defeated one of boxing's premier figure and erstwhile fan favorite De la Hoya. These moments bolsters confidence and create an aura of false invincibility. Success spurns overconfidence.

His triumphant return home will certainly become a distraction.

Offers to run for public office, as senator or as a gubernatorial candidate, will be difficult for Manny to pass up.

Show business is also beckoning. Competing Studios from the Philippines are already increasing the ante in order to add Pacquiao to their roster of stars.

Hopefully Manny's will is strong enough to remain in boxing. Otherwise he will be another Barry Sanders, a superb athlete who never reached his full potential.

Manny Pacquiao: What's Next?

Jovy perez — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:09:43 -0500

There is no doubt Manny Pacquiao is the best pound for pound fighter of his generation. His uncanny ability to retain strength and agility even after advancing to a higher weight class is in itself a remarkable feat.

The fight dubbed as "the dream fight" ended up differently for each fighter. De la Hoya's lackluster effort regrettably ended like a nightmare. Battered, embarrassed and badly beaten. While Pacquiao's ended up as a euphoric trance, having completed the trilogy: defeating each great Mexican fighter 1) Marquez 2) Barrera 3) De la Joya.

There's no question where each fighter is headed next. The golden years retirement home is eagerly awaiting De la Hoya's pending arrival. While Pacquiao with his meteoric rise is almost certain for boxing greatness; a place in history among the likes of Ali, Louis, Frazier, Marciano, Leonard, Holyfield, Chavez, and even De La Hoya.

The PacMan has finished gobbling up the best Mexico has to offer. Maybe it's time to travel across the pond to jolly ol' England and enjoy a sumptuous sampling of fish and chips or perhaps an ample serving of Ricky Hatton.

Whenever or wherever that next big fight occurs, I am certain the PacMan will be ready and hungry as ever.