Bleacher Report - Articles by Greggy Romualdez

Former Hatton Foes See Pacquiao Victory

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:54:48 -0400

Two fighters defeated by Ricky Hatton do not think the Hitman has what it takes to defeat pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Paul Malignaggi, the last fighter to face Hatton and Luis Collazo, a lefty like Pacquiao who lost a close decision to Hatton--have picked the Pacman to emerge victorious on May 2.

Both fighters were among 20 boxing personalities polled by Ring Magazine on the outcome of the Pacman-Hitman showdown. 17 of them picked Pacquiao to beat Hatton.

Luckily for Hatton, the fight is not a popularity poll nor will it be determined by the opinion of others. The outcome will be decided by two men and two sets of fists squaring off like there's no tomorrow.

Apparently the light-hitting Malignaggi and the lefty Collazo are not convinced that Hatton has the skill level to match Pacquiao's. They are, after all well acquainted with the British brawler.

On the other hand, former lightweight champion David Diaz, who was KO'd by Pacquiao in the ninth round in wresting the WBA lightweight title put his money on Manny. He had quite coincidentally predicted a 9th round stoppage of Hatton.

Pretty much like statistics, the opinions of so-called boxing experts are thrown out the door on fight night.

Remember, no one among the boxing experts (except perhaps Freddie Roach) gave Pacquaio a snow-flake's chance in hell of winning against Oscar De La Hoya. And we all know how that turned out.

My official prediction: Pacquiao via a brutal sixth round stoppage. Let me repeat, BRUTAL.

Hatton Takes Early Lead Over Pacquiao

Greggy Romualdez — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:59:17 -0400

In the run-up to the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton slugfest on May 2, the Hitman has taken an early, albeit slight lead over the Pacman.

Hatton was deep in training over the week-end while Pacquaio took the week-end off to sit at the negotiation to personally settle a dispute among giant television networks in his native Philippines over who will have the rights to air his tiff with Hatton.

The pound-for-pound king had apparently flip-flopped on who the rights would be given to and had backed out of a live contract.

Being involved in a network war is no place for an elite fighter. Such things are best left to the advsers, sycophants and rah-rah boys to thresh out. What are they there for anyway?

For now, all's well that ends well. Everything has been settled. But at what cost?

Do the math. Hatton was busy getting in shape, Pacquiao was doing something which did not in any way contribute to his conditioning and in fact provided the unneeded distraction and stress.

When two elite, evenly matched fighters face-off, conditioning, among other things is key. It may define outcomes. Missing two days of work-outs is not the way to go.

Sources at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym that after the short lay-off, Manny had a six round sparring session with top lightweight prospect Urbano Antillon.

Antillon, who posseses a similar style to that of Hatton's reportedly applied constant pressure on Pacquiao, even causing the Pacman to slip in the third round. The session was descibed as "exciting" and quite evenly matched.

The Pacman's team has to shield him from future distractions that may come his way in the next five weeks or so leading up to the fight. While Pacquiao is heavily favored, Ricky Hatton is no slouch.

Manny and his team cannot afford to drop the ball. Any more mistakes and the outcome on May 2 may differ from what most expect.

Marquez Picks Pacquiao Over Hatton

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:15:24 -0500

Fresh from his conquest of Juan Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez has picked arch-nemesis Manny Pacquiao to prevail over Ricky Hatton in their upcoming collision in May.

"Manny Pacquiao has bigger chances to win," said Diaz in an interview with a leading Manila daily. He adds that while he did not expect Pacquaio to be a huge favorite, "he is faster than Hatton who just fights frontal."

Marquez, after-all, is one who is well acquainted with Pacquiao's speed and overall fighting style so to speak.

Apart from a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Marquez says he is also considering a showdown with the winner of the Pacman-Hitman tiff. "Now I can move on to 140 and fight either Hatton or Pacquiao," he said.

Marquez solidified his hold on the No. 2 spot in the pound for pound rankings with his clinical demolition of Diaz. A very close decision (one point on a judge’s scorecard) is what separates him from Pacquiao.

It is, of course, in Marquez’s best interest for Pacquiao to win over Hatton. A win by the Hitman will show that Pacquiao is not invincible. This, in effect, shows that Hatton can do what Marquez failed to accomplish. A convincing Pacquiao win, on the other hand, will boost Marquez stock without him having to lift a finger.

If Mayweather refuses to be lured out of retirement to face Pacman, should he win over Hatton, a fight with Marquez at 140 would be a logical alternative to once and for all settle the score.

But then again, for Marquez, there looms a sword over his head that may taint his greatness—a fairly recent loss to featherweight champion Chris John. Perhaps he should first avenge this defeat, which some say is at best, questionable, ( I have not seen the fight) before calling out Pacquiao.

If Marquez beats Pacquiao without facing John and winning, he will lay claim to a half baked best pound for pound title as he was beaten by an active fighter who is nowhere near the top ten pound for pound rankings.

Pacquiao’s only recent loss was to Erik Morales. He avenged that twice over in convincing fashion. The two other losses were early on in his career to fighters who have seen better days.

To be the P4P best, Marquez does not only need to beat Pacquiao. He must first settle the score with Chris John.

Ricky Hatton's Hidden Advantage Over Manny Pacquiao

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:17:26 -0500

For fight fans, May 2nd is an eternity from now.

Many are consumed by the anticipation for that moment when Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton finally step into the ring to answer the opening bell. They touch gloves, and the brawl is on.

Predictions on the outcome are split down the middle. Both fighters are more or less evenly matched in size and reach. Pacquiao will have the edge in speed, Hatton will presumably have the edge in power, being at his natural weight and having taken on bigger opponents.

However, one distinct advantage that the Hitman will have over the Pacman is his “fighting style.” Manny Pacquiao all throughout his career has been a very clean fighter. He fights well and fights clean. In a fight this close that may be to his disadvantage.

Hatton on the other hand, is known to use every trick in the book to get one over his opponent. He will use his head (in more ways than one), shoulders, and land punches in places where they shouldn’t (just ask Kostya Tszyu). Hatton will push, clinch, get entangled and use rough-housing techniques that will blur the lines.

In a battle at close-quarters, this will serve him in good stead. Fighting close will also neutralize Pacquiao’s speed.

But Manny is not the world’s pound for pound best for nothing. He and Freddie Roach will come in with a solid game plan. They know that Pacquiao is most vulnerable at close-quarters. Vulnerable to Ricky’s rough-housing tactics and short stinging body punches.

Expect Manny to be quick on his feet and move out of harm’s way when Ricky rushes in. He must not even give Ricky a chance to play dirty and execute his game plan.

Recall that early in his career while campaigning as a super-bantamweight, Pacquiao struggled with a technical draw against Agapito Sanchez. Sanchez was not even a great fighter. Just an extremely dirty one.

In that fight, he used low blows and head-butts, with the fight stopped in the sixth rounds due to cuts suffered by Pacquiao. This is a classic example of how a dirty fighter can neutralize one who does not play that game.

Not to take anything away from Hatton who has more than proven to be an elite fighter, but his edge against Manny is that he does not hesitate to use “unconventional” tactics inside the ring when need be. He may just need everything in his armory if he is to take out Pacquiao.

Is MMA Fighter Demian Maia the Second Coming of Royce Gracie?

Greggy Romualdez — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:49:41 -0500

In the early days of the UFC, the legendary Royce Gracie proved to one and all that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a superior fighting art.

Possessing all but token striking skills, Royce showed how this mysterious martial art could overwhelm bigger, stronger opponents. Unbelieving crowds watched and marveled at how this rather strange discipline knotted up big, menacing bar-brawler types, making them tap out in submission. That's all it took to emerge victorious in the olden days of the octagon, but that was then.

Today, a successful MMA artist is one who is well-rounded in the various disciplines. Apart from a solid ground game anchored with jiu-jitsu, striking skills (rooted mostly in muay thai) are a must to climb to the top of the MMA ladder.

Enter jiu-jitsu world champion Demian Maia, who has notched five consecutive UFC wins, all via submission. He has displayed the kind of advanced, smooth, world-class jiu-jitsu that has true fight fans shaking their heads in disbelief and dropping their jaws in shock.

So comes the inevitable question: Will this be enough to take him to the top? Can Maia bank on his superior jiu-jitsu alone to catapult him to the top of the 185-lb. heap?

In his last outing at UFC 95, he won over Chael Sonnen via first-round submission. Seen at Maia’s side was Wanderlei Silva, who (presumably) will polish Maia’s stand-up combat.

Similar to Royce, Maia has yet to show a solid on-foot game. How much does he need to develop that area before he can snag Anderson Silva’s belt?

He must be skilled enough to stay on his feet without getting seriously hurt until such time that he can execute a successful take-down. From there, it will be his game.

But then again, the art of jiu-jitsu is no longer a secret, as it was during the heyday of Royce Gracie. Anderson Silva has decent jiu-jitsu capabilties, and so do the other middleweight contenders.

Still, Maia’s brand of jiu-jitsu, as seen in past fights, is off the charts. That smooth take-down and excellent submission move he used in beating Sonnen was the epitome of execution; pure, unadulterated jiu-jitus at its very best.

If he polishes his striking well enough, particularly the defensive aspect, he poses a very serious threat to the "Spider."

The Brazilian prospect must face off with a striker with a solid take-down defense, show that he can take a punch or two, then take the fight to the ground and win in convincing fashion. Perhaps a fight with the likes of Nate Marquardt or Michael Bisping will allow him to show his worth and earn a shot at the seemingly invincible Silva.

Darchinyan Wants Pacquiao—What Was He Thinking?

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:56:45 -0500

In what could be one of the most ridiculous call-outs in recent boxing history, super-flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan said he wants to fight pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao, now campaigning in the light-welterweight ranks.

If such a ludicrous scenario were to take place, this would mean Vic having to climb six weight classes. The equivalent of Pacquiao fighting Joe Calzaghe.

Before Darchinyan thinks of taking such an ambitious leap, perhaps he should first think of avenging his crushing defeat to another Filipino, Nonito Donaire who himself is a flyweight champion.

Given that the Pacman started fighting as a flyweight, it took him well over 10 years to reach the the higher weight classes (lightweight, light-welter). And remember, Pacquiao is pound for pound king. Such a feat is a rarity that cannot as easily be duplicated on a whim.

Granted, Vic is an exceptionally talented fighter with a baffling fighting style and everyone would want to fight Pacquiao for a big pay-day. But to call out the pound for pound king who is six weight classes higher does not make much sense. None at all. Such a right, if at all, must be earned. He has yet to clean out the best fighters in his own weight division.

Assuming for arguments sake that Vic does go up in weight to fight the Pacman, it will not be a very pretty sight. Pacquiao will annihilate him with much ease. The cleaners will be working overtime scraping bits and pieces of Darch from the canvas.

If he could fight just as well as he could mouth off inanities, maybe, just maybe, he will stand a chance against Donaire.

What Does It Take To Beat Anderson Silva?

Greggy Romualdez — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:45:50 -0500

Anderson Silva is an alien.

Registering eight successive wins inside the octagon—most in impressive fashion—he has a lock on the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter.

He has made great fighters look like novices. Just look at Rich Franklin, perhaps one of the most well-rounded fighters until the Spider got him entangled in a poisonous web of fists, knees and elbows. Looking at both fights, it was clear Silva does not belong to the human race.

His precision striking, composure, and a dash of cockiness make for a dangerous fighter.

The question that begs to be answered: Is there anyone among the crop of UFC middleweights who could possibly beat Silva? What does it take to beat this venomous spider?

Reportedly being lined up for a possible title shot is Michael Bisping. But, in my opinion, Bisping will not get the job done unless he improves his game by leaps and bounds. He barely survived Matt Hamill, escaping with a very close split decision.

Silva belongs to another level when ranged against the likes of Hamill, who is himself a respectable fighter. Silva will annihilate Bisping with much to spare.

Nobody in middleweight can take Silva out standing up. A well trained jiu-jitsu fighter who can impose his game on Silva and take him to the ground while eluding punishment has the best chance of snatching his belt. Remember that two of the Spider's losses prior to entering the UFC came by way of submission, courtesy of two Japanese fighters.

Then the name of Demian Maia comes to mind. The guy's jiu-jitsu is off the charts. Unbeaten in nine fights, four of them inside the Octagaon, this is one fighter who, if he can dictate the tempo of the fight and take it to the ground, has a chance of beating Silva.

Many may disagree with this, but Maia has what it takes to deal Silva his first loss in the Octagaon. He will, of course, have to find ways to take Silva to the ground. That means having to avoid sharpened elbows and knees and fists made of stone. If he figures that out, Silva, who himself has good jiu-jitsu, will succumb to Maia's superior skills.

Apart from the Cote win, one of the Spider's most unimpressive wins was against Travis Lutter. He seemed to have difficulty on the ground and at one point looked in danger of being ground and pounded. On his feet, it would take nothing less than a battle axe to beat him in a stand-up match.

Maia must be ranged against a top-notch middleweight with stand-up skills for him to show that he deserves to share space with Silva inside the ring.

Did I hear anyone say Chris Leben?

Mosley Compares Self to Pacquiao, Vows to Clean Out Welterweight Ranks

Greggy Romualdez — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:19:08 -0500

Fresh from a victory over Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley in a phone interview with a Philippine-based daily boasted that he intends to reign supreme in the welterweight division.

“I’m looking to clean out the whole welterweight division,” said Mosley. He also expressed willingness to face pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. “I’m kinda like Pacquiao but in a bigger form. I’m a whole different specimen,” he said.

In a possible fight with Pacquiao, Mosley said he would have the edge, claiming he is bigger, stronger and a more determined fighter. With Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s seeming reluctance to stage a comeback fight with Pacquiao, Mosley looms as a likely opponent should the Pacman get past Ricky Hatton this May 2.

Mosley will seem quite a formidable foe for Pacquiao. Having knocked out Margarito who is known for his ability to take punishment, and has fought as a light-middleweight, Mosley definitely has the speed and power to deal with Pacquiao.

But whether he can catch Pacquiao, a speedster himself with dazzling footwork—remains to be seen. And Mosely himself has never been stopped, even by bigger more powerful opponents.

If there was someone whom observers thought might knock him out, it was the “hard fisted” Margarito. While Pacquiao has proven to be extremely powerful in the lower weight divisions, does he have the goods to take out a bigger, stronger Mosley?

Or can he perhaps dance around Sugar Shane for 12 rounds, use his speed and footwork to land combinations and move in and out without being tagged, and nab a win via decision?

But before all else, the Pacman should not look beyond Hatton. His performance against the Hitman will determine whether or not he is capable of holding his own against Shane Mosley.

Manny Pacquiao's Three Career Losses: A Closer Look

Greggy Romualdez — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:50:17 -0500

Manny Pacquiao now sits atop the boxing world.

The pound for pound king is a fast, strong precision puncher with dazzling footwork. One would have to think hard to come up with a name in the current ranks of lightweight and light-welterweights who could give the Pacman a serious beat-down.

Ricky Hatton is one such name. And we will soon find out if he is enough of a fighter to stand toe to toe with the Pacman.

In all, Pacquiao has suffered a total of three career losses. Two of them in the late 90's when he was still a scrawny light-flyweight/flyweight. The third and latest was dealt by Eric Morales as a superfeatherweight. Here is a closer look at those losses.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Rustico Torrecampo (1996)

After a string of 11 straight wins, Pacquiao was knocked out in the third round by journeyman Torrecampo. Pacquiao failed to make the 106lb limit and was thus, forced to use heavier gloves. That, plus his failed effort to make weight placed a drain on the young Pacquiao's strength.

These factors, plus what was said to be a lucky punch by his opponent, led to the Pacman's first career loss. Torrecampo, now long retired, did not go on to achieve much in the boxing world inspite of his win over an opponent who would go on to become part of boxing folklore. Moving up in weight after the loss, Pacquiao was not able to avenge his first loss.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Medgoen Singsurat (1999)

This fight was Pacquiao's second defense of the WBA flyweight title. He lost the crown even before stepping into the ring as he failed to make weight and was stripped of the title, making the bout with Singsurat a non-title tiff. Despite again being physically drained from his failed effortto make weight, Pacquiao opted to fight. Stepping into the ring, the Pacman was visibly drained and weak-kneed.

He was in no condition to win the fight. From the opening bell, Pacquiao just stood there, being an easy target for his Thai opponent. Barely throwing punches, it was apparent he did not fight to win. In the third round, Singsurat connected with body blows that sent Pacquiao to the canvass. He was writhing in pain, a heap of skin and bone as he was counted out.

Like his first loss, he failed to avenge the defeat to Singsurat as he opted to move up in weight. Singsurat, now campaigning in the super-bantamweight ranks, remains a journeyman, with no notable achievements apart from his win over Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Erik Morales (2005)

Moving up in weight after a successful stint as a featherweight, Pacquiao's first stab at super-featherweight was an attemptto win a world title versus future hall of famer Erik Morales. Losing a close and bloody 12 round decision, Pacquiao was clearly out-boxed by Morales. The savvy Mexican stuck to his game-plan, catching Pacquiao as he went in and counter-punching effectively.

Morales had an answer for everything Pacquiao dished out. Morales led by two points in the judges' score-cards. Analysts later said Pacquiao failed to bring his power from the lower weight classes to super-featherweight. This was to be proven wrong in the coming years as the Pacman avenged the loss twice over.

In the succeeding rematches, Pacquiao stopped Morales in the 10th round in their second fight, and scored a relatively easy third TKO in the third fight. Morales, a legend in his own right, is semi-retired. He will go down as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Manny Pacquiao has grown by leaps and bounds since his past losses. Literally and figuratively. He is a wholly different fighter. Bigger, stronger, more disciplined and supremely confident.

Are there lessons to be learned by the camp of Hatton from Pacquiao’s losses? Maybe. Maybe not. We will find out soon enough.

Lyoto Machida Changing the Face of MMA as We Know It

Greggy Romualdez — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:20:53 -0500

Just when MMA habitues, both fans and practitioners thought they had it all figured out, here comes Lyoto Machida.

Muay Thai, Jiu-jitsu and some wrestling skills. Being well rounded in all three was the recipe—and perhaps still is—for success as an MMA fighter.

Then comes, an elusive Machida, primarily a shotokan karate practitioner, using the art to wipe out top notch contenders. We all remember the early days of the UFC when high kicking, karate-chop wielding karatekas proved their fighting style ineffective inside the octagon.

While well versed in Jiu-jitsu, Machida has put on display his shotokan roots in winning a significant number of victories. Unlike Muay Thai, Machida's brand of stand up is more passive and composed. Patiently defending and waiting for the perfect strike. And when it comes, BAM! It is as crippling and lethal as it gets. Just ask Thiago Silva.

Silva an explosive fighter, who is by no stretch of the imagination a push-over, was made to look like an amateur by Machida. By cranking his head back-wards and stretching both arms, coupled with rhythmic lateral movements, Machida is able to avoid getting tagged. Then his strikes come like a thief in the night. Silent and unexpected, but hitting where it hurts.

It is easy to take lightly and criticize Machida when at times, he refuses to mix it up. But that, as it has turned out, is part and parcel of a winning game plan. He is just buying time, waiting for his foe to make a mistake before pouncing. In his own good time.

Love him or hate him, Machida's fighting style is highly technical, very methodical and as proven by his 14 win streak—an effective way to reach the top of the MMA world.

Rashad Evans better get a firm grip on that belt. Lyoto Machida is out to take it away.

Hatton to Knockout Pacquiao in Round One—Mayweather Sr.

Greggy Romualdez — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:28:49 -0500

This may be the boldest prediction so far on the much-anticipated Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton showdown May 2.

Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was quoted by a Manila-based daily which interviewed him via an overseas phone call as saying the Hitman will practically breeze through boxing's acknowledged pound-for-pound king.

"Manny Pacquiao's chances are slim. If he dosen't run, we'll get him in one," said Mayweather. "Ricky will either knock him out or give him a terrible ass whoopin'," he added.

This, of course is in stark contrast to the prediction of Freddie Roach, trainer of Manny Pacquiao, who sees a Pacquiao win via stoppage in the ninth round. "Nine is my favorite number," said Roach, who accurately predicted Pacquiao's stoppage of Oscar De La Hoya.

Mayweather's fearless forecast sends a lot of eyebrows into orbit. A Hitman KO of the Pacman in the early rounds is somewhat too drastic to imagine when you consider that the Pacman's last defeat within the distance was in the early part of his career when he was still fighting as a flyweight in the late 1990s. Since then, Pacquiao has never kissed the canvas.

Of course, expect trainers to come up with forecasts proclaiming their wards as the winner of an upcoming big fight. That, perhaps, is part of their job description. Besides, it helps in the publicity build-up for the fight.

But Mayweather's pronouncement shows his confidence in Hatton is off the charts. Could he possibly have found the magic bullet to shoot down Manny Pacquiao?

Shane Mosley Will Be Too Much for Manny Pacquiao

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:47:23 -0500

After Shane Mosley's tactical dismantling of Antonio Margarito, his name is being floated as the next opponent of the winner of the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight, who many presume, will be the Pacman.

What exactly would a fight between Mosley and Pacquaio look like?

The Pacman is undoubtedly the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world today. I cannot think of a fighter at lightweight or even light-welterweight who would have a good chance of dealing him a defeat. But welterweight is another story altogether. Any fighter has his limits.

After what he has shown against the Tijuana Tornado, who many thought was unbeatable at welterweight, Sugar Shane may be too much fighter for the Pacman to handle. If he was able to stop an iron-chinned Margarito, just think of what he can do to a smaller Pacquiao. Mosley showed he still has the speed, power and ring smarts.

Pacquiao will be hard pressed to do the song and dance number he did against Oscar De La Hoya. Mosley will stick him with the quick jab and counter the Pacman's combinations. Pacquiao may get in a few but it will not be enough to seriously hurt, nor take out Mosley. We are talking about a guy who has never been stopped. If there was someone who could have dealt him his first stoppage, it would have been Margarito.

Besides, the Pacman still has the Hitman to think about. It may be a tough fight for the P4P king but he will be too fast and powerful for Hatton. If both men come in top form, it will be a win, albeit a tough one for the Pacman. His best bet at welterweight, should he wish to cement his legacy will be Floyd Mayweather Jr.

With the Pretty Boy's inactivity, Pacquiao will have good chances against Mayweather. And this fight will sell itself. Successive P4P kings battling it out. How often does that happen?

The Mosley fight besides being too much for Pacquiao, does not seem as attractive.

Pacquiao Wins On $7,000 Mosley Bet

Greggy Romualdez — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:42:58 -0500

Calling fights is one thing Manny Pacquiao is also good at.

In an interview with local sports reporters in his native Philippines, Pacquiao revealed that he had bet $7,000 for Shane Mosley to beat Antonio Margarito.

Mosely being a 4 to 1 underdog at the betting tables, means that the Pacman collected quite a bundle ($28.000) from Sugar Shane's impressive stoppage of The Tijuana Tornado.

At a time when most boxing experts practically wrote Mosley off, the Pacman must have seen or sensed something that most mere mortals, including the so-called boxing anlysts, did not He was, after all, in pretty much the same predicament before his tiff with Oscar De La Hoya.

With the resurgence of Mosley, and the Pacman's upcoming fight, and probable win over Ricky Hatton, perhaps a face-off with Mosely in 2009 is in the radar screen?

That would make for an interesting fight. Again, expect the experts to mouth the old and tired line that Mosley is "too big, too strong" for Pacquiao.

And, expect Manny Pacquiao to not place his bet on Sugar Shane this time around.

Hatton Fight Is Officially On, Says Pacquiao

Greggy Romualdez — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:06:11 -0500

After all the negotiating, haggling and posturing, the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight is officially on!

"The fight is definitely on," Pacquiao said in a phone interview with a lady sports reporter on a popular Manila radio station aired just minutes ago.

Pacquiao said he had just gotten off the phone with promoter Bob Arum. He said further that he is contented with the new terms of the fight.

Let's just hope it ends here.

Coming straight from the Pacman's mouth, this statement is certainly more credible than anything his coterie of advisers would say.

Fans of the sweet science, start marking off the days on your calendar leading up to May 2. This is one fight that will be worth the drama and hype.

Unless the Hitman comes up with something as potent as, lets say a sledge-hammer, I see him succumbing to the Pacman's speed by the 9th round.

Why the Pacman-Hitman Showdown Will Happen

Greggy Romualdez — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:52:30 -0500

It's on, it's off, it's on, then off. Like an old, battered television set on the blink, the much anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton has been on and off, perhaps more than the number of rounds that the actual fight would actually last.

The last we heard its that it is officially off after Hatton's camp "walked away" from the negotiating table after the Pacman refused to budge from a 60-40 split favoring him.

Jaded boxing observers know the routine only too well. Posturing. Plain and simple, that's what it is. Not unlike lovers playing mind games.

Hatton, and Pacquiao for that matter, will not find a more suitable opponent at this time—both for cementing their reputations and bringing in the big bucks.

For Pacquiao, Hatton is beatable. A win gives him a new weight class. Beating an iconic fighter in Hatton sets him up for a step up into the ranks of the welterweights. The fight generates the kind of excitement that will make the cash register ring. Mayweather is bigger, faster, posing a higher risk. And, Mayweather, in all probability will not take less money, or even be amenable to an even-steven split with the Pacman. You can bet your life savings on that.

Going from the extreme ends of Pacman's weight ranges, from Edwin Valero (super-feather) to Antonio Margarito (welter), there is no one who will be worth the risk for Pacquiao. Everyone else aside from Hatton will be a pay-cut and/or a high risk. The last thing Pacman wants to do is lose to a hungry underdog for less money. It just does not make sense to put his legacy at stake.

Hatton on the other hand, is hungry for recognition. After a so-so tiff with light-fisted Paulie Malignaggi, he has a lot of proving to do in order to rise up in the pound for pound rankings. After-all, as he admitted himself, his dream is to be the P4P king.

Beating Pacquiao will bring him up a few notches from his present position in the lower rungs of the top 10. Besides, there is no one as exciting to fight at light welterweight. Moving up to welterweight is too much of a risk for Hatton. Firstly, he is not a big light welterweight. Next, there are such names as Cotto, Margarito, Berto and the like to contend with. Pacquiao is a good, calculated risk to take for Hatton. If he loses, he does so to the P4P king and ends up with a few millions in the bank. Should he win, his stock will rise immensely, catapulting him to boxing superstardom.

In short, no other fighter is best for the other. Both for the advancement of their careers and their kids' trust funds.

Both fighters and their respective camps know this only tow well.

That is why the fight will happen, mind games and posturing aside.

###

Non-Heavyweight Boxing Greats Of The 70's-80's and Present Day Counterparts

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:49:31 -0500

Growing up as a young boxing fan in the 70’s and 80’s, I’ve had vividly colorful memories of boxers from those eras. As they say about automobiles, they don’t make them like the used to.

This list does not, by any means attempt to establish who the greatest of those eras were, but my personal top-of-mind favorites. In an era devoid of YouTube and the Internet, Betamax was the way to go.

Here is my partial list of non-heavyweight boxing greats from the 70’s and 80’s and who I think may be their present day counterparts. Feel free to pitch in your own favorites. Violent reactions are expected.

Salvador Sanchez—Erik Morales

At the young age of 19, a long and lanky, Sanchez annexed the WBC featherweight crown from a vastly experienced Danny Lopez back in the 70’s via a 13th round stoppage. He went on to rule the division for a couple of years until a car accident took his life at the age of 23.

Similarly, countryman Morales claimed the WBC bantamweight crown at the young age of 21, beating a more experienced David Zaragoza in 11 rounds. Both fighters were a joy to watch. Fine boxers who knew when to unleash explosive power on their opponents.

Thomas Hearns—Paul Williams

Who can ever forget Hearns’ fights with Duran, Leonard and Hagler? Although Hearns is, by far, the more accomplished boxer, both are exceptionally tall for welterweights (6’1"), where both began their careers. Both have explosive knockout power. Hearns went on to win world titles in six different weight classes. While the Punisher has won two (welter, light middle), he may be forced to move up weight classes if he keeps getting ducked, and perhaps win a couple more.

Sugar Ray Leonard—Manny Pacquiao

This comparison is sure to bring in a torrent of violent reactions. I still think Manny Pacquiaois the present day equivalent of Leonard if only for the flair both fighters bring into the ring. Both know how to get busy throwing a flurry of punches while keeping the science intact. Speed, dazzling footwork and a Hollywood appeal is what both men similarly possess.

Leonard, who started out at welterweight went on to win the light-heavyweight crown over Donny Lalonde in a career that spanned well into the 90's. The way the Pacman keeps moving up in weight, he may just win a welterweight, or possibly a light middle crown. But Paul Williams would have to move up first in order for the Pacman to find his Lalonde.

Ray “Boom-boom” Mancini—Ricky Hatton

Boom-boom’s losing effort to Alexis Arguello in his attempt to win the WBA lightweight crown in the 80’s brought to fore his toe-to-toe style, a guy who didn’t know how to take a step back. Winning the title on his next try over Art Frias, he reigned for a couple of years before the death of a Korean opponent changed him and the face of pro boxing. Hatton is the present-day Boom-boom. No holds barred, constantly charging like a bull on speed. A total crowd pleaser, Hatton’s style has resulted in a cult-following in his native land.

Please feel free to add to this list. More to come soon…

Manny Pacquiao Agrees to 50-50 Split; The Brawl is On!

Greggy Romualdez — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:39:19 -0500

Manny Pacquiao has agreed to a 50-50 split of pay per view revenues with Ricky Hatton, according to Top Rank's Bob Arum which promotes Pacquiao.

Earlier reports had indicated a snag in negotations after the Pacman demanded a 60-40 split. Arum says Pacquiao is set to sign documents formalizing the agreement anytime soon.

This is a show of humility on the part of Pacquiao, who as pound for pound king could have asked for a slightly bigger slice of the pie than the Hitman who sits at the bottom portion of most pound for pound best boxer lists. It seems Pacquiao has given due credit to the ability of British boxing fanatics to draw in the numbers. And of course, Arum's convincing powers were surely put to the test. He would have perhaps have the most to lose if the fight had been shelved.

Pound for pound rankings will be thrown out the wndow and will mean absolutely nothing when both fighters square off on May 2. I can already feel the electricity and excitement just imagining both fighters step into the ring, giving each other the eye.

And the fight is still close to four months away. Kudos to the Pacman for this humble gesture of taking a step back to ensure that the show goes on.

But expect no humility or backward step once Pacquiao steps into the ring.

Pacquiao-Hatton in Vegas, Wembley, Dubai—Or Phone Booth: The Show Must Go on!

Greggy Romualdez — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:19:25 -0500

Reports out of Manila indicate a stalemate in negotiations that may derail the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton slugfest.

"60-40!" scream the Pacman's camp. "50-50!" counter the Hitman's boys. While Pacquiao, with the pound for pound crown under his belt, arguably deserves a little bit more, he has often been quoted as saying he fights to bring "honor and glory" for his country.

A fight and a possible win against Hatton would do just that. But it isn't all about the "honor and glory," now is it? News out of London has it that Hatton's camp is now threatening to sue Pacquiao's camp for going back on a verbal agreement to do a 50-50 split.

That's the last thing boxing fans want to see—a court battle between two of the most exciting fighters today. Pacquiao's camp has gone as far as saying that they are scouting for another opponent.

This is one fight that must push through. Let us, the boxing purists, hope that what is going on is merely posturing for a better share of the moolah. We've seen it in the De La Hoya-Pacquiao tiff and countless other times before. Let me suggest a 55-45 split then in favor of Manny. Fair enough?

It will be a sad day for boxing if this epic battle between two exciting, evenly matched brawlers who rarely take a backward step will not materialize. Pacman owes that much to boxing to let this fight happen. His country's "honor and glory" is certainly more than a few million dollars, right?

This fight, should it happen, will have fans on their feet from the opening bell with fists flying all over the place.

However which way it goes, there will be flooding in either the streets of Manila or London. Tears from heartbroken Filipinos—or Brits—whatever the case may be.

For love of the sweet science, let's make this happen guys.

Is Edwin Valero Boxing's Kimbo Slice?

Greggy Romualdez — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:46:52 -0500

For those who do not know Edwin Valero, this is one boxer with an impeccable fight record boxing purists would love to watch. Twenty-four wins. All within the distance. The first 17 fights ended in first round KOs. The 18th fight lasted a bit longer—all the way to round two.

Then came a crack at the WBA super-featherweight champion Vicente Mosquera, who, prior to Valero, had never lost via stoppage. Valero TKO'd Mosquera in the 10th round. In defending his belt, the Venezuelan Valero stopped in the later rounds two fairly good boxers who had never tasted defeat via the short route (Takehiro Shimada, Zaid Zavaleta).

It is apparent that with the quality of opposition improving, Valero takes longer to knock his opponents out. While his first 18 foes were perhaps part-time fighters who moonlight as cab drivers, a lot of superlatives can be heaped on someone who knocks out all his 24 opponents.

Which brings us to the comparison with MMA fighter Kevin Ferguson, more popularly known by his screen name, Kimbo Slice.

Slice had his 15 minutes of fame by trading blows with and knocking out burly street punks on amateur videos spread mainly through YouTube. He racked up quick wins in the MMA circuit with fighters of diminished capacity. This included a win over a washed-up Tank Abbott.

His fame lasted as long as the time it took him to face a fairly respectable MMA prospect in Seth Petruzelli, a semifinalist in the UFC's Ultimate Fighter 2. While a fairly decent fighter, Petruzelli failed to score a UFC win in two outings. He knocked Slice out cold in, well, 14 seconds.

Since then, Kimbo has been branded a farce, a product of Internet hype. Exposed for what he really is, as some would say—a street thug type of brawler who does not have the skill to cut it in any respectable MMA circuit.

Valero, for all his sensational wins, has not faced a great fighter. A few good ones, yes. But a very good or even a great fighter is a different story.

To prove his mettle (and set himself up for a meatier paycheck), Valero must face off with serious contenders the likes of Jorge Linares or Humberto Sotto in the super featherweight division, or even step up and tangle with a few lightweights the calibre of Joan Guzman, Joel Casamayor, and Michael Katsidis, to name a few.

Watching Valero, one can see the raw power in his fists, which he uses like a baseball bat in a street rumble, swinging almost wildly with wide, telegraphed angles. But once they hit their mark, it's curtains down. If such natural power can be harnessed and refined by the likes of Freddie Roach or Nacho Beristain, Valero can be boxing's next big thing.

But for his star to rise, and to show that he is more than the product of clever and selective matchmaking, Valero's promoters must make him square off with a top contender. Let's see how those bombs match up against elite fighters.

When that does happen, we will find out if he is either Kimbo's twin brother or something different altogether.

All Hatton Needs To Beat Pacquiao: A Phone-Booth

Greggy Romualdez — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:57:59 -0500

Predictions on the outcome of what may be boxing's banner event for 2009, the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton slugfest are split through the middle. "Hatton will be too strong for the Pacman," or "Pacquiao to take out Hatton out in later rounds." Take your pick.

After analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both elite fighters, there is a whole lot of room for the subsequent interpretation.

Except for Oscar De La Hoya, Pacquiao has never tasted leather from anyone above lightweight in a real fight. True, he has sparred with competent light-middleweights like Rashad Evans and Melvin Cordoba, but the headgear and controlled conditions of a boxing gym make a big difference. The fact that Oscar came in less than stellar form, and was not able to land a haymaker leaves the question about Pacquiao's ability to absorb punishment from a big guy. But the question is: Can Ricky hit Manny?

The Pacman possesses blinding hand and foot-speed. As he showed against De La Hoya, he weaves in and out swiftly before any of his punches are answered. You can't hurt what you can't hit. He is more than capable of peppering Hatton with lightning-fast combinations then stepping out of harm's way before the British brawler can snag him back.

If Hatton decides to box Pacquiao, he will be at a huge disadvantage. Hatton is a big-time brawler. His best chance against Pacman is in a phone-booth type of fight.

He must clinch, push Pacquiao to the ropes, move in without absorbing too much punishment. He must take some, then land even more from the inside. From there, he will reveal whether the Pacman can take the hits of a big guy. The Hitman must continuously connect from the inside to wear the Filipino down.

To do that, he must throw Pacquiao off his game-plan with something as shocking as snow in the tropics. The Pacman is too quick on his feet and much too wise to get entangled with the brawling Brit in a phone-booth match. He must enhance his arsenal with something new and unexpected. How he does that is a big challenge to trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Hatton has a problem with speed. That was evident in the Mayweather fight, and may be even more drastic a problem versus Pacman. To neutralize that disadvantage with the Pacman, his best bet—nay, his only bet is to fight at close range.

But a fight never starts at close range. He has to find a way to get close and draw Pacquiao into that kind of fight if he is to take him out. And the Filipino's camp knows this only too well.

It seems that the initial debate whether to hold the fight in Wembley, Las Vegas or even Dubai holds meaningless for Ricky Hatton. All he will need to win is the phone-booth down the street.