Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao has been more than five years overdue.

The claim for this fight started when Pacquiao retired Oscar De La Hoya in their welterweight clash in 2008. But Mayweather during that time was in his shell, serving his self imposed retirement.

The clamor for this fight became more intense after Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KO's) blew Ricky Hatton in Round 2 and battered Miguel Cotto too, in route, to Round 11 stoppage.

Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO's) came out of retirement and fought Juan Manuel Marquez -- the fighter Pacquiao struggled to win in three fights. Until Marquez leveled Pacman in 2012, to put a decisive performance to end a rivalry that started in 2004.

Mayweather won with ease against Marquez at welterweight.

In 2013, Mayweather made a stunning decision; jumping to Showtime from HBO. He got a multi-million dollar 6-fight deal in three years that makes Mayweather to fight twice a year. He fought Guerrero first and then the Mexican young top gun Canelo Alvarez that breaks all records in terms of revenue.

Showtime's massive deal with the number one pound-for-pound kingpin made a major hurdle for the network in 2013 over rival network HBO.

Showtime secured the best and compelling fights in 2013.  Many top fighters in the sport of boxing follow Mayweather's lead to Showtime.  Most of them signed and advised by the mysterious Al Haymon.

Showtime's reasons to deal with Mayweather were explained by Paul Magno of "The Boxing Tribune". In Magno's Monday column, "Magno's Monday Rant" He said that Showtime is not making fortune from Mayweather.

No, Showtime is not making a fortune from Mayweather, nor did they ever intend on making a fortune from his presence on their team.Signing Mayweather was all about publicity and, perhaps more importantly, about luring to the network all of the top shelf fighters eager to take a crack at boxing’s cash cow. It was also a move to formally invite all other Al Haymon-advised fighters to follow their leader to the new network." Magno writes.

I think magno is partly right here. I agree that Showtime might use Mayweather solely for publicity. Having the biggest draw fighter in their network would mean topping rival network HBO.

But I don't agree that Showtime is not making big fortune from Mayweather. Not until Showtime will pressure Mayweather to fight the Filipino star before his contract ends.

If Showtime will not demand for Floyd to fight Pacman, then the network is comfortable with the revenue Mayweather were generating by fighting hand pick opponents.

So, far Mayweather has very limited choices for opponent in his next fight that would hit the desired revenue, if he chooses not to fight Pacquiao.

Earlier, I wrote an article hinting that Showtime might pressure Mayweather to fight Canelo. Floyd's first fight against Robert Guerrero reported under-performed.

Until now I never saw any report of the PPV and gross revenue of the Mayweather Maidana II. It is a fact that I can conclude that the rematch did not perform well business wise. So, for two straight occasions, the Mayweather fight under-performed.

Then, if Magno is right, I should see a pressure coming from Showtime to force Mayweather to fight Pacquiao. I believe, although 5 years overdue, Mayweather-Pacquaio is still the biggest fight to date. Each fighter estimated to guarantee 50M dollars each fighter.

If Showtime indeed, lost for investing on Mayweather, then network has still two fights left on Mayweather's contract. They can still work for a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and yield from the investment.

There were reports saying that two big networks, HBO and Showtime are initiating talks to put on the fight that as a boxing fan has long been waiting for.

Two of America's biggest TV sports network, HBO and Showtime, are reportedly initiating talks on how to bring Mayweather and Pacquiao in the ring for the staging of the biggest boxing event with expectedly the biggest boxing payday for both fighters estimated at least $50-M each." writes Manny Pinol on Philboxing.com.

24-year-old light-middleweight inks exclusive long-term deal with
award-winning premium cable network

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 23, 2014)-Golden Boy Promotions Founder Oscar de la Hoya, HBO Sports PresidentKen Hershman, and superstar boxer Canelo Álvarez today announced a major new agreement to showcase the fan-favorite fighter's matches on HBO Sports.

"For all of my career, I have wanted to fight on HBO for one main reason-I believe it will allow more of my fans to see me in action," said Álvarez (44-1-1, 31KOs). "Today marks a huge milestone for me, and I look forward to a long and successful partnership with HBO."

Álvarez, a light-middleweight knockout artist known for his tremendous punching power, made his pro debut in 2005 at 15-years-old and quickly became one of the most popular prize fighters in the sport. His exciting fighting style and reputation for taking on all comers has captured the attention of fans all around the world.

"Everyone at HBO is excited to welcome back Canelo Álvarez to the HBO family, and we can't wait to re-introduce him to our subscribers," said Ken Hershman, president of HBO Sports. "At only 24-years-old, Canelo has already established himself as one of the boxing world's brightest stars, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship as we embark on this new chapter together. We are delighted to partner with Oscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions in presenting Canelo's fights and events on our various platforms."

The award-winning network has a 40-year history of presenting the best fights on television. Canelo has previously fought seven times on HBO platforms in his pro career; three times on the HBO Boxing After Darkseries in 2011 against Kermit Cintron, Matthew Hatton and Ryan Rhodes, and four on the HBO Pay-Per-View platform versus Jose Miguel Cotto (2010), Carlos "Tata" Baldomir (2010), Alfonso Gomez (2011) andSugar Shane Mosley (2012).

"I'm thrilled to be part of this historic agreement between Canelo Álvarez and HBO Sports, an agreement that marks another major step in Golden Boy Promotions' primary goal-to give boxing fans the fights they want to see," said Oscar de la Hoya, founder of Golden Boy Promotions. "Canelo is the best young fighter in the sport, and this move will help line him up to fight top opponents in the sport for many years to come."

A former world champion, Canelo is eager to once again hold a title belt. His record includes victories over some of the best fighters in the light-middleweight division including Austin "No Doubt" Trout, Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo, Sugar Shane Mosley and most recently the dangerous southpaw, Erislandy Lara. Canelo's lone blemish in 46 fights came in September 2013 against
Floyd "Money" Mayweather in the highest grossing bout of all time, further cementing Canelo's stature as boxing's next superstar fighter.

Boxing superstar Saul Canelo Alvarez, Oscar de la Hoya of Golden Boy Promotion and HBO Sports President Ken Hershman will announce a newly signed deal. The deal was to air Canelo's future fights on HBO network.

Yes you read it right! Canelo Alvarez's upcoming fights will be back on HBO -- the network where Canelo (44-1-1, KO 31) started back in the day.

The announcement will be held at the Golden Boy Promotions headquarters that begins at 11:30 AM PT today, 23 September 2014.

After a divorce in 2013, HBO and Golden Boy Promotions got married again and will enter a "long-term commitment".

In 2013, HBO announced that they will no longer air fights promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. So, whatever differences the two companies had before finally ironed out and they will now work together again.

The 24 year old Canelo is the perfect fit as the new poster boy for HBO. And replace Manny Pacquaio who has few fights remaining in his career, as HBO's top fighter.

So, what do you think this announcement would mean for Showtime?

Floyd Mayweather's decision last year to signed a 6-fight mega deal with Showtime was a major hurdle of the network.

But Mayweather who is already 38 years old has few fights left also. He completed already four fights and has two fights left in the contract. He might consider it a career after his contractual obligation. A finale fight maybe possible or maybe two to four fights in my opinion before Floyd hang those gloves for good.

So, Showtime will no longer have their flagship fighter most probably in 2016. But that is still too far to figure out. And for sure there will be emerging stars out there.

But what is certain, in my opinion, is that: what will be left for Showtime is Haymon's "big-names-in-the-same card-different-opponents-bullshit".

In a press released from Golden Boy Promotions, Hopkins vs Kovalev will takes place at the Boardwalk Hall in Altlantic City on Saturday, 8th Nov. 2014.

Since the August 4th official announcement of the Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins vs. Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev light heavyweight title unification fight, the boxing world has been waiting and wondering when and where the two will meet and put their respective titles on the line. The wait is over as Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today that the fall's most anticipated boxing event will take place Saturday, Nov. 8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ live on HBO World Championship Boxing.

I believed that this is the first time wherein a Golden Boy exclusively promoted fighter in Bernard Hopkins to air fight back on HBO. Earlier, Golden Boy Promotion top man Oscar De La Hoya told that the so called "cold war" in boxing has ended.

IBF, WBA and WBO Championships all on the line as The Alien vs. Krusher comes to the East Coast in November on live on HBO World Championship Boxing

(August 4, 2014) -- Speed, savvy and defense will come face-to-face with explosive power and force this November when Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins takes on Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev in a Light Heavyweight Unification title fight, Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today.

Hopkins, incredibly just two months short of his 50^th birthday, is seeking to add the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship to his collection of IBF and WBA belts. Kovalev, who burst on the scene just a year ago, has never lost a fight and has won 23 of his 25 victories by knockout.

"Everything I do at this point in my career affects my legacy," Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) said. "I've set and broken many records, but becoming the oldest undisputed light heavyweight world champion is the goal and Kovalev stands in the way of that goal. He's another young, hungry fighter and just like the ones that came before him, he will leave the ring beltless."

"I respect Bernard Hopkins for taking this fight," said the 31-year-old Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KOs). "When I came to America, it was dream to fight the best and now I am fighting, I have my chance. He says he is alien. He punch, I punch, then we see who is gonna go to Mars."

In April, Hopkins defeated Beibut Shumenov to win the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, breaking his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a world title, which he set in May of 2011 after defeating Jean Pascal at age 46. Kovalev comes off of the third defense of his WBO Light Heavyweight Title on HBO, defeating Blake Caparello by TKO on Saturday night. Hopkins vs. Kovalev is set to take place in the first half of November and will be held on the East Coast at a venue still to be determined.

"Golden Boy Promotions has been crystal clear that we will make the best fights for our fans no matter who else is promoting it, where it takes place or what network broadcasts it; this is Exhibit 'A' of our keeping that commitment," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "At 49 years of age, Bernard continues to electrify crowds with lightening quickness and impregnable defense; Sergey hits with thunderous force and is an early-round knockout threat every time he steps in the ring. With those two forces coming together, fans are in for a real treat."

 "Throughout boxing's history, great champions have always been motivated by fighting the best," said Main Events' CEO, Kathy Duva. "Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya are both living legends who never back down from a challenge. Sergey Kovalev made it clear that all he wants to do is test his skills against the finest in the world. Main Events has always been able to deliver the biggest fights for its fighters and their fans. Since George Foreman defeated Joe Frazier in 1973, HBO has been synonymous with boxing at its highest level. It shouldn't be any surprise that when you combine those elements, you get the most anticipated fight of the year."

"Sports capture our imagination when elite athletes seek superlative challenges of the highest stakes, which is precisely the caliber of fight these two intrepid champions have given their fans by choosing to face-off against one another," Peter Nelson, Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports said. "Hopkins vs. Kovalev is a destination event, and HBO is delighted to present this light heavyweight unification championship to our subscribers."

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com or www.hbo.com/boxing

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/main_events, www.twitter.com/hboboxing,www.twitter.com/THEREALBHOP, www.twitter.com/krusherkovalev

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/maineventsboxing and www.facebook.com/hboboxing.

Two fighters with come-forward style will clash tonight, as Brandon Rios boxing Diego Gabriel Chaves at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To make it straightforward and without beating around the bush, I can say that: this is an entertaining fight without any significant outcome to the current welterweight landscape. Just pure entertainment. If you love watching two people punching in the head -- this is the fight you are looking for. This is a match-up of two people willing to trade punches without taking a step back.

Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 23 KO) has develop his brand of boxing. He's known for his all out aggression, hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back-with-a-smile style. But in his last two bouts wherein he lost to Mike Alvarado in a rematch and to Manny Pacquiao via wide margin unanimous decision, Rios was not able to show his brand of Rios boxing. Alvarado and Pacquiao implemented a game plan that exposed how "one-dimensional" Rios is. Okay fine. Rios might be one-dimensional but I'll forget about that because this time he will face another fighter that is more than willing to stay in the pocket and trade bombs after bombs. We will see both men walking each other in the ring. We will see blood! We will see war!

Argentinean Diego Chaves, (23-1, 19 KO) despite the visa issues and all was able to touch down on US soil with Arum's influence and Sen Reid. Everyone is not certain if Chaves is on or will be replaced until Wednesday. And he eventually arrived on Thursday morning, making him skip the final press conference in the afternoon.

Chaves, is former undefeated in 22 fights with 18 KO's prior to the Kieth Thurman bout. He was able to hung around with heavier arsenal Thurman for 10 rounds. He gave Thurman everything he could handle -- perhaps the toughest fight of Thurman. And I think, Chaves can hang around even more rounds against Rios who doesn't have exactly that one-punch-lights-out power. Rios breaks down an opponent with volume punching. He will break you down with his will to win. His best punch: the left hook to the body and right upper cut upstairs, once you will get tag with those punch in succession that will bring you down. And besides Rios has a remarkable chin and was not stop in his career.

Well, I will not get surprise if this bout will go to the distance. This will depend on who's willing to put more defense. Even if both men can handle each others' power, there's always threshold on how much a boxer can absorbed and still upright. I'm certain that if both men feel that they can absorb each other's best punch -- they will forget defense. If they do that, there might be a stoppage, but that would be not earlier than round 9.

On Saturday night, let's forget about those PPV fights that we all know whose gonna win and those same-card-different-opponent bullshit cards. Tonight we will see a boxing fight. And I believe Rios and Chaves will deliver.

Chris Algieri stayed and hung tough, with eyes swollen shut, against hard punching Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16 KO's) at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on Saturday night.

Algieri was put down twice in Round 1; first with a left hook that formed a nasty swelling on his right eye. And then flurry of punches forced him to take a knee. Algieri, still undefeated, now improved to 20-0, 8 KO's, ultimately survived an extremely rough first round and managed to go home as new light welterweight champion. The scores were 114-112, 114-112 and 109-117. I had it 114-112 as Algieri thrown more and landed more.

I re-watch Algieri’s fight with Wilfredo Acuna prior to this fight. In the Acuna fight, Algieri showed he can box. He utilized his height and jab to keep Acuna at bay.  Although, I predicted Provodnikov to win via TKO in Round 6, I feel that Algieri’s style poses several problems to a charging Provodnikov.

If Algieri survived the early onslaught he could finish the fight and ultimately go to the scorecards---but at the back of my mind---I don't think that Algieri can do so. But Algieri just did. Not just completed 12 rounds, but he snatched Provodnikov's belt in his (Provo) first title defense.

Most boxing observers favored Provo to win via knockout in their fight previews and prediction.

Algieri got up from the knockdowns he suffered in Round one and boxes well in the remainder of the fight.
He became active and outworks Provodnikov in punch output. He used the jab well; doubling it up when necessary and mixed it up from head and body. He circled around Provodnikov, moving to his left while keeping his guard up. At times Algieri clinched while on the ropes avoiding heavy shots from the champion.

Overall, Algieri used textbook tactics avoiding the most damaging punch. His long jab snapped back Provodnikov's head on several occasions that momentarily stop Provo on his track. Yet his fighting with one eye close.

In the post fight interview Algierei told that he started not able to see in round 8 and in Round 12 he’s “blind”.

Algieri showed what it takes to be a champion. He persevered in the ring with one eye against one of the hardest puncher in 140-147 pound division.

Algiere legs carried out the desired movement needed last night. He took several devastating body shots form Provodnikov. I thought that it will be a matter of few rounds Algieri's legs will betray him.

Accumulation of body punch usually puts boxers stationary.

A stationary Algieri will not last longer against the "Siberian Rocky". Provodnikov will finish the job quickly.

To Provodnikov credit he’s relatively dangerous opponent all night. Every round, it seemed to me that it’s just a matter of time when Provodnikov will land the game changing punch that will put Algieri for good. His pressure was relentless. But 12 rounds passed that time didn't come.

Provodnikov told Max Kellerman after the fight that, "I have to admit, runners are not my style. I like guys that stand there and fight with me. This is the worst style for me."

Although the ring they used for this fight is a bit smaller compared to the standard ring, which is Provo's advantage, he lacks the speed to catch the moving underdog.

"Power" (if it is the only arsenal of a fighter) it is usually overrated. Power should be combined with other qualities to be lethal. Speed and power is a deadly combination. A brawler with power and durability is lethal.

What's next for Algieri?

Top Rank boss Bob Arum said prior to the fight that the winner of Provodnikov-Algieri could be Manny Pacquiao's next opponent. Pacquiao is tentatively set to return in the ring on November 22, in Macau. Algieri believed he has chance to pull an upset against Pacquiao.

What's your take Amigo?

The number 40 is just a number attached to Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez’s age. On Saturday night at the Forum, Inglewood, California Marquez get his hands raise against Mike “Mile High” Alvarado, who is seven years his junior.

Marquez, despite the older man — started strong and finished strong — in over 12 rounds of welterweight action.

The Mexican warrior is like wine; the more he aged in the squared circle, the more exhilarating he become.

I’m really amazed; as Marquez gets older he turns into an extremely exciting aggressive counterpuncher. What made Marquez extremely exciting is that he’s more dangerous when he’s in trouble — you ask Manny Pacquiao.

Although, there’s not much activity during the first seven rounds, as the used to be all-out-brawler, Alvarado chose to box from outside. Marquez is harvesting points in those rounds. Alvarado gave up so many rounds, thinking he could outbox Marquez.

You can only do that unless you’re a boxer named Floyd Mayweather Jr. — you ask Marquez this time.

After six rounds, I thought, Alvarado should start thinking his plan B, if there is any.

The fight becomes interesting starting round 8 as Alvarado floored Marquez during the exchanges. But “Dinamita” exploded in round 9, dropping Alvarado with precise combination to the head.

In round 12 Marquez made the final push, landing precise combinations, peppering Alvarado. After the final bell, the scores were 117-109, 117-109, and 119-108 all for Marquez.

Marquez could face Manny Pacquiao again, if he wants, as this fight is for WBO title eliminator. Pacquiao is currently the WBO champion.

HBO’s Max Kellerman asks Marquez his willingness to fight Manny Pacquiao for the fifth time; I feel Marquez’s hesitation from his answers.

“So you wanna fight Pacquiao again yes or no?“ asked Kellerman. “We will relax, I don’t know for the moment, but any decisions that I will take will be good for me, my family and all the Mexican fans“ replied Marquez with uncertainty.

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley will face each other again to settle once and for all the controversial decision during the first fight.

Pacquiao, according to popular opinion won the fight. Bradley won from the scorecards of two boxing judges. On April 12 (April 13 Manila), at the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, both men have the chance to prove who really is the better fighter.

[Also: Pacquiao vs. Bradley II: Early picks]

• The Date: April 12, 2014


• Venue: MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada


• Division: Welterweight

Can Pacquiao continue to rise at 35?

Prior to Pacquiao's UD victory over Brandon Rios last year, the question was: Can Pacquiao rise again? Well, he rose indeed. Pacquiao used superior foot speed -- out-maneuvering and fast combination -- out-landing the slow and predictable Rios.

Pacquiao, on whether he's declining, told during the media work out that, "I've already proved in the last fight with Rios, and this time around I have to confirm it, to prove it again."

"Our mantra is 'Close the show. No mercy," You don't have don't have to be a groundhog to know that Bradley's days as welterweight champ are numbered. It's last call for Bradley on April 12." said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's long time trainer.

Ryan Songalia Rappler's sports editor wrote:

"The reality is that fighters aren’t meant to fight forever, and once that flame is out, it doesn’t come back. Sure, they can blow on those flames and reenergize enough embers to light their cigarette."

Well, I agree. If Pacquiao loses this fight; this could be it for the former eight division champion.

Although Bradley's punches don't have sleeping pills that may put Pacquiao to sleep if the fighting congressman becomes too aggressive and becomes careless to carry out the search and destroy mission.

Is Bradley an improved fighter or he's just exciting to watch recently?

I think Bradley (31-0, 12 KO's), is the same fighter he was before when he first met Pacquiao in the ring. The only thing is that he engaged frequently in exchanges recently than using his boxing skills from the outside. Fighting toe-to-toe made him exciting and entertaining to watch recently. But it doesn't mean he's an improved fighter.

If you look at the first fight, Bradley mixed his approach towards Pacquiao. At times he fought toe-to-toe but he was overwhelmed by Pacquiao's power although he landed too during exchanges. When he got hit with power punches during exchanges; he switched the approached and moved around -- boxing Pacquiao. In this approach he won rounds.

Bradley told on several occasions that he has a win-win fight plan for Pacquiao without hinting what it is. That might include the left hook? During the media day Bradley said, “I’m going to knock him out with the left hook,”

“Not the right (hand) but the left hook. That’s what I’m going to knock him out with,” added Bradley.

My pick:

I think the more Bradley will engage Pacquiao in a toe-to-toe action, the more he will lose rounds. And the more chances he'll get knock out. I expect Bradley to fight more from the outside. And this fight will be more of a chess-match. But Pacquiao's speed will make the difference as he throw fast combinations. Pacquiao will force the action and lands the authoritative punch of the night. But I don't see a knockout here, maybe a knockdown. That being said, I pick Pacquiao to win on points, in a fight that showcase, yet again, the ring smarts of both fighters.

Pacquiao vs. Rios Full fight

Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Timothy Bradley Full fight

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. wins UD 12 convincingly – at least – but not at all impressive – over as always game Bryan Vera in Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.

Chavez was able to fight his fight.

Chavez (48-1-1, 32 KO's) fought effectively from the inside, throwing the heavier blows to the head and body of Vera. Although I’m convinced he won clearly, but he didn't dominate Vera, neither had he impressed the fans. Chavez simply landed more plus the harder blows.

To Vera’s credit he absorbed everything Chavez landed. He came out well-prepared against a now more focus son of Mexico’s legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

In Round 8 referee Rico Ramos deducted a point from Vera (23-8, 14 KO's) for pushing down Chaves head. The point deduction didn't matter at all because of the large margin in the judges’ scorecards.

In Round 12, Chavez chose to play it safe and disengage Vera. He moved around toying Vera.

The official scores were 117-110, 117-110, and 114-113.

Chavez's fading stars

Chavez was followed closely to those who still believed he can be an elite fighter. His growing numbers of critics, followed as well, not only by fight night, but also during the weigh in.

Chavez was horrible in the first fight weigh in. He struggled to make weight for the contracted 168 pounds fight and weighted in 186 pounds during fight night.

It is obvious that few fans didn’t bother to spend much of their hard earned bucks as the Alamodome was almost half empty with a reported 7000 plus gate attendance which is fairly low for a Chavez brand.

Do you think Chavez stock will raise again regardless whom he fights with regards to his performance tonight?

Chavez Jr. vs. Vera rematch Preview:

"Julia Chavez, that's her name. It's an... an experience... an indescribable feeling when you have a child. Your life changes. I become more focused on what I have, my daughter, may family and... boxing"

Chavez Jr. vs. Vera Prediction:

My final verdict:

I'm starting to worry about Mikey Garcia's chin. Knocked down but Roman Martinez & hurt by the only good punch Burgos landed.

— Nigel Collins (@ESPNFNF) January 26, 2014