The Boxing Diary

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao vs. Floyd “Pretty Boy” Mayweather Jr: Topped World highest paid athletes in 2012

Photo via Google images

Not only from pound-for-pound ranking and who is the best boxer, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather rivalry takes place.

In Forbes list of 100 highest-paid athletes in the world between 2011 and 2012, Mayweather topped the list while Pacquiao came in at number two.

Mayweather Jr. beat Pacquiao in salary/winnings, even though Pacquiao had earnings from endorsement that totaled $6 million. The Filipino boxing icon, endorsement came from Monster Energy Drink, Hennessy, HP and Nike.

Mayweather had no endorsement at all in the period specified in this list but had overall salary/winnings of USD 86 million.

Here are the top 10 athletes from Forbes list out of 100.


Photo via google images

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Salary/Winnings: $85 million

Endorsement: $0

Sport: Boxing

Age: 35


Photo via google images

2 Manny Pacquiao

Salary/winnings: $56 million

Sport: Boxing

Endorsement: $6 million

Age: 33

Photo via google images

3 Tiger Woods

Salary/winnings: $4.4 million

Endorsement: $55 million (Nike)

Sport: Golf

Age: 36

Photo via google images

4 LeBron James

Salary/winnings: $13 million

Endorsement: $40 million

Sport: Basketball

Age: 27

Photo via google images

5 Roger Federer

Salary/winnings: $7.7 million

Endorsement: $45 million

Sport: Tennis

Age: 30

Not in picture

6 Kobe Bryant

7 Phil Mickelson

8 David Beckham

9 Cristiano Ronaldo

10 Peyton Manning

Lionel Messi, Argentina fans get crazy from the hat trick

Rey Tecson

Photo via google images

Who’s Lionel Messi by the way? Look who’s asking? Hehehe… I am talking to those who stumble upon this blog who only knew about basketball and boxing. He is not a boxer dude. He is a footballer. Not just any footballer but he is number 1.

Alright, there you go, according to Wikipedia “ Lionel Messi is a 25 year old footballer born 24 June 1987 he is an Argentine footballer who plays for La Liga club FC Barcelona and is the current captain of the Argentina national team, playing mainly as a forward”.

“By the age of 21, Messi had received Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations. The following year in 2009 he won both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, and won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010 and 2011.”

“He also won the 2010–11 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. Messi is the fourth football player to win three Ballons d'Or, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten and the second player to win three consecutive Ballons d'Or, after Michel Platini.”

“His playing style and small stature have drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi as his "successor".”

Now we know how great Messi is when we talk soccer (don’t even compare him to Younghusband’s because this is another level bro.)

Now let us know, what is a hat trick that this guy did last game against Brazil.

Hat trick again according to Wikipedia, “A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he was presented with a hat bought with the proceeds. The term was used in print for the first time in 1878.^”

“The term was eventually adopted by many other sports including association football, water polo, and team handball, but did not become popular in North America until the mid-1940s in the National Hockey League.”

Now? What? Is it easy to have a hat trick? Whaaaaaaaaaa…. That is why it is called feat. In one game alone out of 22 players inside the football field after a long game sometimes tied to 0-0. Yes as in double zero! That is why only exceptional baller can do it.

Now you know he is, want to know more about him? Let us start getting to know now about soccer for the FIFA World is drawing near in 2014. For sure the name Messi will keep buzzing in your ears.

Ill try also to post more often about football in the coming months.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Why Bradley won from boxing judge Ross and Ford scorecards?

Rey Tecson Features ,

Photo via badlefthook.com

When I was watching the Pacquiao vs. Bradley fight last week via TFC PPV, Pacquiao won-no doubt. Ringside press also believed Pacman unanimously won. However, when Michael Buffer announced the verdict, Bradley won via split decision.

Boxing judge C. J. Ross and Duane Ford gave Bradley a score of 115-113. Why? This is the big question.

Before I will try to answer this question, let me tell you how a boxing judge should score a round. It should be like this; the winner of a certain round will get a score of 10 and the loser will get nine or less. That is as per the “10-point must system” method.

According to Wikipedia, “…under the same system, a knock down usually results in a score of eight for the boxer who was knocked down, and 10 for his or her opponent (provided, of course, the knocked-down boxer gets up before the end of the count and finishes it)...”

“A judge may occasionally award a 10 - 8 score if the round's winner is obviously dominating the other fighter. If the fight progresses through all scheduled rounds, the sum of the scores for each round are tallied for each judge to determine the winner of the match unless the match is halted for a knockout, submission, or disqualification.”

“Draws are possible even with an odd number of rounds because a fighter may win a round by more than one point (e.g. 10-8, 9-10, 9-10 => 28-28), or lose one or more points due to fouls. Each foul usually costs one point, and is determined by the referee.”

Since Pacquiao vs. Bradley don’t have any knockdowns and no one was penalized for any foul–the fight was easy to score. The dominant fighter won and gets 10-point and the other get nine. Simple as that if the fight is lopsided. But in a competitive round what will be the basis for a boxing Judge?

The word ring generalship comes in. Meaning the fighter who is the answer for the following questions will probably win the round.

1 Who controls the fight?

2 Who landed the telling blows?

3 Who’s the busier fighter?

4 Who's the composed fighter?

5 Who's style is effective against the other?

I think there are more criteria that a boxing judge might consider, aside from the given above. Sometimes the word “home-town-decision” might be considered.

Now, base upon the criteria mentioned above let us see who won the fight and that answer my question in the beginning of this article. My answers here are my visualization of Judge C.G. Ross and Duane ford on how they saw the fight.

But let me tell you before I will give my answer. I watch the replay of the fight without sound at all and score accordingly. Try it.

Here are my answers.
1 Who controls the fight? – I think Judge Ross and Ford gave it to Bradley, Why?

When Bradley refused to engage in rounds 10, 11 and 12 he is successful because Pacquiao was unable to corner and engage him.

In the early rounds Bradley fight toe-to-toe but feel that it works to his disadvantage; he then changed his style in the later rounds. Being in control of what he wants to do inside the ring made him win in this criterion.

2 Who landed the telling blows? – No doubt it is Pacquiao

3 Who’s the busier fighter? – I think it is Bradley, though he didn’t connect most of his punches, he is the one who moves around.

4 Who's the composed fighter? – Except for rounds five, six, seven and eight wherein Bradley looks wobbly when Pacquiao connects power punches, the remaining rounds Bradley looks composed, while Pacquiao looks struggling and a bit frustrated when Bradley fight from the outside and tied him from the inside every time he gets close.

5 Whose style is effective against the other? I think both judges give it for Pacquiao because both fighters are aggressive but it works well with Pacquiao because of his power while Bradley is ineffective that is why he chooses to shift his style and fight from the distance.

Now, don’t get me wrong, a judge might consider only anyone of the criteria and score the round accordingly. A judge might give the round to a fighter who landed the telling blows compared to a busy fighter that landed more unclear weak punches or it might be the other way around.

That is why; the best judge to a boxing fight is the fighter’s own fists. Knock your guy out, no questions ask you are the winner.

Boxing Judge Ross and Ford gives Bradley a controversial split decision win against a more dominant Pacquaio

Rey Tecson News ,

Photo via blogs.wsj.com

Las Vegas, Nevada–Manny Pacquiao dominates Bradley in a 12 Round fight but unable to win two of the Judges’ scorecards. Pacquiao-Bradley boxing Judge, Duane Ford and C.J. Ross scores 115-113 in favor of Bradley for the split decision win and captures WBO title, while Jerry Roth sees it 115-113 for Pacquaio.

Fans were in disbelief when the verdict was announce because for even the most avid fan of Bradley would agree for 118-111 score in favor of Pacquiao. Compubox statistics also shows Pacquiao dominates the punches thrown/landed department.

Ringside press is also unanimous in their verdict–a Pacquiao shootout.

Pacquaio in disbelief pullout a famous line from a song titled "Just Once" by James Ingram, "I do my best and I guess my best wasn't good enough," said Pacquaio.

Bob Arum, quick to say, “I’ll make a lot of money off the rematch, though he said, “Can you believe that? Unbelievable” but, Is he playing into it and pointed out immediately his real intention so that he may not be question later on?

Judges verdict similar to this seems to be thinking that all people, fans, journalists and bloggers that watch and cover this fight are all blind.

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Manny Pacquaio vs Timothy Bradley Undercard: Mike Jones opponent, Bailey scores a late knockout, Arce-Rojas-ND

Rey Tecson News ,

Photo via badlefthook.com

Mike Jones was upset by Randall Bailey via 11th Round stoppage after trailing from the judges scorecards to capture the IBF Welterweight crown.

While Jorge Arce-Jesus Rojas settled in a "No Decision (ND) contest after Rojas hit him with dirty combinations. While ducking from a punch, in round two, from Arce, Rojas came head-first - resulting to a headbutt, plus left-hand below the groin and again a big left hand to the ear as Arge grimacing in pain.

In the first round Arce scores a quick knockdown, Rojas visit a quick trip to the canvas from a body punch from Arce.

Arce flat on his back unable to continue complaining the lef-side of his face, The referee ruled it as unintentional headbutt. As per the Nevada rules the fight can go only to the scorecards after 4 rounds.

Guillermo Rigondeaux scores a 5th round knockout against Teon Kennedy.

Manny Pacquaio vs. Timothy Bradley: Preview and prediction

Rey Tecson Manny Pacquiao , Previews

[caption id="attachment_6962" align="alignnone" width="1310"]

Manny Pacquaio vs. Timothy Bradley: Preview and prediction[/caption]

Now here we go again predicting outcome of a fight. This time, between pound for pound king and fighter of the decade, Congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against American undefeated boxer Timothy “Dessert Storm” Bradley.

Let us try to break it down according to the weaknesses and strength of both fighters and as to how it will factor the outcome of the fight.

Bradleys’ Strengths

Bradley at 28 is young and hungry to win and achieve recognition. Let alone these motivations will fuel him in this fight. He has nothing to lose but has everything to win. Even a loss yet in a competitive fight, Bradley will gain more fans.

Bradley also has a heart of a champion; he gets up from a knockdown and wins a fight. He is also an aggressive fighter that loves to come forward (headfirst) that might work for his favor if not to Pacquiao’s advantage.

Bradleys’ Weaknesses

Bradley’s style might be tailored for Pacman. His aggressiveness (as what I mentioned above) may work to his favor or to Pacquiao’s advantage. Bradley’s record would also tell us that he does not possess much power in both hands–having only 43-KO percentage.

Pacquiaos’ Strengths

No doubt if the Pacman of 2009 will appear on June 9–that is his strength. Pacman have the speed, power, explosiveness and accurate punching coupled with side-to-side and in-and-out movement. However, we are now in 2012.

The Filipino boxing icon also had the stamina to maintain these strengths all the way to 12 rounds. All these qualities carried him to the pedestal of boxing. He can also absorb best punches even from bigger opponents.

Pacquiaos’ weaknesses

Pacquiaos' previous fights against Mosley and Marquez showed that he is not the same Pacquiao of 2009. There is a decline in his speed and the lack of killer instinct.
In Mosley fight, he complains about leg-cramps that may cause him problem too in this fight.

Prediction

Granting that Pacquiao will show-up as exactly the Pacquiao who beat Cotto badly or knockout-cold, Hatton, I’ll go for Pacquiao via ninth Round stoppage.

However, if Pacquaio will show his noted weaknesses I still go with Pacquaio via a majority decision. Even a stationary Pacman for sure could hurt via solid counters against Bradley who loves to come forward.

If Bradley feels that he cannot handle Pacman power, I believed he would try to fight from the distance and try to counter-punch. However, Bradley is no way the same as Marquez in counter punching to give Pacquiao serious trouble. With that being said, we might have a boring fight that would go until the very last round.

However if Bradley will risk to brawl (most likely) this is also where the fight gets exciting for it is Bradley who will get knockout if he is caught any of vicious counter-hooks of Pacquaio because I believe he (Bradley) can’t handle the best/hardest punch of Pacquiao.

Bradleys’ only chance I see is that if he can absorb the power of Pacman and can continue to come forward and overwhelmed him by his aggressiveness.

Future on both fighters after the fight?

There are articles I read that if Pacquaio will lose or will struggle to win, Roach will advise him to retire and a possibility that he will listen. In my opinion, this is a big joke, because I believe if Pacquiao losses, expect an instant rematch.

For Bradley even if he loses he will gain more fans and will increase his marketability and a bounty contract offers in the future.

The fight will happen at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, June 9 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

For Kuwait PPV subscription visit TFC's (The Filipino Community, Global Vision) facebook-page and click the like button for important updates and advisories directly to your facebook stream.

PhilBack: Why the club might consider a new location?

Rey Tecson

Photo via Philback

Philippine Basketball Club in Kuwait (PhilBack) becomes the leading basketball club in Kuwait. The club started some four years back in Quibla basketball court, near seaside Kuwait City.

The club transferred to an indoor court in Reggai from an open court, to accommodate a growing number of participants. Every Friday if I am not mistaken, the club utilizes 2 out of 4 basketball courts available in Al-Khalijia English School.

Before the start of 8th season I read a particular post from PhilBacks’ facebook fan page saying that they are considering new location to host every Fridays’ game. They even mention if I am again not mistaken, a basketball court in Dailiya?

In my opinion, I believed it is alright for them to consider. Let me guess some pretty good reasons.

First, perhaps because the floor has holes? I notice during our first game, that part of the courts floor, had some holes. I mean…, there are some uneven surfaces in the flooring that might cause injuries to players.

Second, maybe because it is not well-ventilated? I mean…., honestly the first time I visit the place and that was summer, I feel like difficulty in breathing, though when I get accustomed of the place for sometime it becomes alright.

Third, maybe because there is no bleacher for the growing fans of the club that visit every Friday to applaud their favorite teams? I observe that the chairs were not enough, especially for the ladies. At times fans tends to sit along with the players in the bench; but the committee doesn’t allow this.

In the other hand for me personally it is fine for me if they consider new location or not, you know what? The place is very accessible, most especially for those who reside in Farwaniya and neighboring areas.

For me it is fine, what about you? Are you in favor if Philback will consider a new location? Feel free to comment below.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the Top Ten 2012-undefeated boxers inside pound-for-pound lists

Rey Tecson Features ,

Boxing fascinated me for so many years. I am watching fights every Sunday afternoon starting when I’m like six years old. There is one thing that I am keen on following about the sweet science, aside from watching every fight--"the undefeated boxers."

I continuously awe with undefeated boxers got the first loss of their career. It is like I love them losing that “O” in their records.

The drama and the words that will come out from their mouth during post-fight interviews were intense, wild, humiliating and sometimes nasty (or might cry, but I’ve never seen before.)

Recently, we saw how Victor Ortiz, Amir Khan and Juan Manuel Lopez react to their first loss. Lopez spit nasty words towards the referee that caused to banned him fighting for at least a year. All of them have different reaction from each other.

The one that I personally like-most because it is so funny was Zab Judah. Who will forget his reaction when he got his first loss from Kostya Tszyu? If you’re unable to watch, (you miss one of the funny scenes in boxing) click video below.

Is it not funny? Although there are boxers that react like this, we can’t blame them; it is really hard to accept defeat if they had accumulated more than 20 winning streak early in their career. I salute Judah for apologizing such a violent action though.

However, what matters’ most is how these fighters’ get back to the sport. I am glad for those who accept defeat positively even if they reacted violently that night and move on as a more refine fighter come next fight.

After a long introduction (sorry for that) here are my top Ten Undefeated fighters that I look upon very closely how they will manage their first defeat and how they will move on as a prizefighter. I’m sure, without looking directly at the bottom, you already know who topped my list.

photo via 15rounds.com

10 Milan Melindo (27-0-0) – Flyweight

photo via fightfranchise.com

9 Abner Mares (24-0-1) – Jr. Featherweight

photo via boxingasylum.com

8 Chris John (47-0-2) – Featherweight


Photo via Google images

7 Alexander Povetkin (24-0-0) – Heavyweight

Photo via google.com

6 Yuriorkis Gamboa (21-0-0) Featherweight

Photo via punch.ocregister.com

5 Saul Alvarez (40-0-1) Jr. Middleweight

Photo via Google images

4 Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (45-0-1) Middleweight

Photo via ring-rap.com

3 Andre Ward (25-0-0) – Super Middleweight

Photo via Google images

2 Timothy Bradley (28-0-0) Jr. Welterweight

Photo via Google images

1 Floyd Mayweather Jr. (43-0-0) Welterweight

Update: September 15, 2012

Julio Cesar Chavez was defeated by Sergio Martinez for the World Middlewieght title in Thomas and Mach Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

You may like shuttlepen's 2013 updated undefeated boxers list here. I will look closely every fight of these boxers throughout the year and write their stories of defeat.

Paul “The Punisher” Williams suffered a similar motorcycle accident of Late Diego Corrales–likely paralyzed

Rey Tecson News ,

Image via bloodyelbow.com

Paul “The Punisher Williams” a former welterweight champion, according to a source most likely paralyzed after a motorcycle accident in Georgia.

George Peterson–Paul’s manager told the Associated Press "From the waist down, he has absolutely no movement. He's in very good spirits, though.". Williams is very positive, “still believes he's going to fight again."

Williams is scheduled to fight fast-rising young Mexican star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. This fight was good chance for him to regain his status after Sergio Martinez knocked him out cold in the second round of their rematch.

However, this chance most likely be set aside since he is in another battle; to regain his movement.

I am glad to hear that he is in a stable condition, unlike the Late Diego Corrales (R.I.P.) sad to say that boxing lost him in a similar accident.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley: Is it the match-up you want? If not, will you watch?

Rey Tecson Features ,

Photo via google images

For more than three years now, hard core to casual fans are longing for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.

When Pacquiao (54-3-2 KO 38) defeated Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton, the idea of this match-up afloat; so with the alibis not to fight against each other emerge. Instead, both Pacquiao and Mayweather give us the fight we don’t want.

Mayweather fought Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Victor Ortiz and recently Miguel Cotto. Alright, I accept I am watching all of those fights because I am a boxing fan, but it doesn’t mean I like the match-up during the time it happened.

On the other hand Pacquiao fought Miguel Cotto–at least this one makes sense, Joshua Clottey–what for?, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and again Juan Manuel Marquez–that even if they will fight a hundred times you will get the same result.

Again I accept I watch all those fights because I am a boxing fan and it doesn’t mean I like the match-up during the time it happened.

On June 9, 2012, again I will watch the fight on PPV between Pacquiao and undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley (28-0-0 KO 12) although this is not the match-up I want, because I am a boxing fan, (for so many reasons). What about you? Will you watch? Why not? Maybe you are not a boxing fan.

For PPV subscription in Kuwait follow this link https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Filipino-Community-tfc-Kuwait/118468738262789

Andre Berto and Lamont Peterson: Failed drug test, make boxing bleed to death

Rey Tecson Features ,

Photo via boxing360.com

Boxers that caught using enhancing drugs hurt boxing. It is like the sharp claws of wolverine– scratching the sport we love. Each scratch represents every boxer that failed the test. The deep of the scratch depends upon the boxers’ popularity.

Last week two deep scratch keep boxing bleeding up to now.

Rising star Andre Berto (28-1-0, 22KO) failed to pass random drug test conducted by VADA (Voluntary Anti Drug Association) positive for Nandrolone.

On the other hand, Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15KO) fresh from his upset win against Amir Khan also failed to pass the same drug test conducted by VADA.

Both fighters scheduled to fight rematches against different opponents.

Who will forget the action-packed fight between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz that I crave for this rematch. Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan is equally exiting rematch wherein Khan vows to redeem his title. However, under the present circumstances, these fights blown like a bubble in the midst of sunny day.

The sad thing these incident happen in a very short interval. Antonio Margarito–the last popular fighter caught allegedly cheating which until now dismayed by fans. That was three years ago–at least for a long period until these two boxers’ failed their respective drug tests.

Earlier, when Floyd Mayweather Jr. accused Manny Pacquiao using PEDs and demanded him to take OSDT testing until the day of the fight my stand was to disagree. Now, with the recent incidents I consider evaluating from where I stand.

Photo via badlefthook.com

It is very much unfair to the opposite fighter to lose a fight if the other is using PED’s. Imagine, you will take all the punishment the training regimen has to offer but then you lose because the other fighter is invincible to exhaustion. This is true in a close fight that runs until the last round and stamina is the factor.

I think the authorities that govern boxing drug testing in any level of competition should implement a stricter testing and should fight to any party that influenced such acts. This is to stop the bleeding caused from deep scratches that might put boxing to death due to hemorrhage

To think that I am alone ranting about this, I am wrong Morgan of Sportage.com shares the same sentiment.

Ranking the top 10 free-of-charge outdoor basketball courts in Kuwait

Rey Tecson

The major problem here in Kuwait if you are basketball enthusiasts is the availability of basketball courts. Since football is the main sports for Kuwait and the majority of the expatriates; you will find almost every blocks – football field. Basketball court is outnumbered maybe in a ratio of 10:1 or even more.

For more than six years now, working here in Kuwait and being basketball as my favorite sport aside from boxing, I’ve been playing several basketball courts available in Kuwait. Knowing the scarcity of basketball courts I tried to compile and rank the top ten basketball courts I’ve experienced to play. I hope it will help to those who are still seeking the most accessible basketball court. You’ll never know it is just in your neighborhood.

This compilation is a ten-part article that I will publish each time I’ll be back to every basketball court that I will highlight in each post for I will take a snap for these courts – for you to have a better judgment which court is accessible and preferably you and your team will visit.

Not-to-mention the indoor courts that is for sure will be very nice to play whole-year-round for a very extreme weather condition here in Kuwait, whatever time of the day but definitely it is not-for-free. That is why I decided to compile only free-of-charge courts – the best things in this world are freebies right? That’s why I’ll go for the free.

Without further ado here is my first pick.

Meshrif Basketball Court

This court is in the heart of Mishrif, near Yarmouk sports club, that is why its accessibility is not favorable for commuters – taxis rarely roam in this area and above all, they will charge you more. There is no bus route assigned also in the area.

This is the reason why I love this basketball court because it is not crowded at all anytime (do not even think that I have my own car, because really I do not have. :)Not accessible means – only few would like to come and I can play immediately as soon as I arrive. Unlike Salmiya, (I'll highlight this court in my next post) you will be in long queue before you can play.

Our team, United COE for PhilBack holds practice in this court every Saturday’s and Tuesday’s. My teammates prefer this court for the reason I mention above and they are the one who have cars anyway. (I always ask a free ride from them. :)

What makes this court especial? The place has also tennis court, volley ball court and Football field. Aside from basketball, I love to play tennis also. Few locals play here, so whenever we have practice, I consider bringing my tennis racquet. Locals are friendly that I enjoyed playing with them too.

I salute the caretaker (Harris, as they call it in Arabic) for the place is well maintained. You cannot see rubbish at all. It has also clean washrooms, wide parking area and cold drinking water.

Accessibility: Poor

Court’s Appearance/Maintenance: Good

Timing: Open Saturday to Thursday until 11:00PM, Close during Fridays and all holidays.

The backboard

My team-mates in United COE enjoying the practice.

More on United COE click here. United COE is one of the team that participates in Philippine Basketball Club in Kuwait known as PhilBack. More on PhilBack please click here. You can also view here the list of basketball clubs here in Kuwait if you wish to join.

Outside the fence across the road is Burger King and Arabic Restaurant for after-game refreshment.

Next to the basketball court is the tennis court.

Well-lighted tennis court.

Tennis court small bleacher for spectator and players as well.

Mayweather vs. Cotto: Three things to ponder

Rey Tecson Previews ,

We already watch the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Miguel Angel Cotto last week. Here are my three thoughts after the fight and subsequently after watching the reply 3 times.

First, I believed it is much a closer fight for me compared to what the judges’ scorecards revealed. There were good rounds for Cotto more than the scorecards.

Second, I am now convinced that Manny Pacquiao can definitely defeat Mayweather Jr.

Although we can not directly predict a certain fight based upon the result of a fighters common opponent or to his previous fight. But what gave Mayweather Jr. a problem was Cottos’ aggressiveness and relentlessness that I can say was a little bit short or shall I say lacking.

I say lacking or short because I think this is the word that best describe to the quality of a certain fighter that would give Mayweather a problem all night. And speaking of relentlessness and aggressiveness – Pacquiao has a lot from these qualities that can be executed differently. It would be a more different approach of relentlessness and aggressiveness against Mayweather. A much more powerful flurry that comes from many angles, side-to-side, in-and-out and head movement.

However, and again we can not base previous fights in predicting, but it is noted also that Pacquiao somewhat shows decline in speed and footwork. Maybe because he is not getting also any younger anymore or that reported problem in his foot because of wearing formal leather shoes when he is doing his job as a congressman in the Philippines.

I can say that a Pacquiao of his old self, shall we say a Pacquiao on his fight against Ricky Hatton would simply blow away Mayweather, even a Maywether at a younger age.

Third, I am also hopeless to say that this fight would never ever happen because Floyd will definitely unable to fight this year due to his jail sentence. Pacquiao who needs to get past Bradley this June might again fight once more this year, probably on December. 2013 is still a long way to go, and we don’t know if Pacquiao after two fights with different opponents might retire or maybe defeated. Then, there will be different scenario at that time.

Why Miguel Cotto exposed Floyd Mayweather Jr. despite loss?

Rey Tecson Features ,

Even though Miguel Cotto loses his bout against defense minister and smart but less footwork–Mayweather during the fight, he was able to expose him (Floyd) a bit.

In my earlier prediction, I picked Mayweather as the winner by unanimous decision (UD 12) if the bout will come to the very last round. However, I didn't dismiss the possibility of Cotto knocking out Mayweather in Round 1. And that if he will come out relentless from the first sound of the bell. Because I believed this is the only way to beat Mayweather. Aggressiveness and relentlessness – these was shown by Cotto but came up short in these aspects.

In my round-by-round recap of the fight, I gave Cotto two rounds against ten. It is in these rounds where he bloodied Floyds’ nose and pushed him (Mayweather) to the corner where he landed his best shots although some of those shots were blocked by Floyds’ trademark shoulder roll.

If Cotto cornered Floyd more often against the rope and unleashed more flurries but cautious for incoming counters, for sure Floyd will be in serious trouble all night. That is why boxing fans want Pacquiao to fight Floyd not just because they are the best in the world now but with opposite style which is interesting to watch which style will prevail and who will be effective against the other.

Pacman has the aggressiveness and relentlessness that I am talking about plus quick footwork and side-to-side movement to evade counters, which Cotto came-up short in his fight yesterday. It is noted that at times Cotto stands idle in front of Mayweather and is susceptible to sneaky left hook and right uppercut – Floyds’ effective punch during the fight.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. dismantles Cotto; wins by unanimous decision captures world title

Rey Tecson News ,

Floyd Mayweather Jr. still unbeaten for 43 fights dominates almost every round against a very game Miguel Cotto from start to finish. Below is Shuttlepen’s round by round recap of the fight.

Round 1: Floyd outboxes Cotto with fast hands, quick combos and uppercuts. Cotto counters but unable to land a clear punch. Floyd’s Round.

Round 2: Cotto wrestle Mayweather up, pushes him towards the corner and pummeles him with combinations but Mayweather was quick to counter, throws a jab and two big right hands. Floyd’s round.

Round 3: Cotto has not done offensively in the start. Big right hand–Mayweather. Uppercut from the inside lands for Mayweather from the ropes. Cotto landed to the body and the head. The fighter gets in the center of the ring, Cotto again to the body and then upstairs. Cotto lands a jab, not a good round for Floyd although showed a good defense every time he was in the corner. I give it to Cotto.

Round 4: Mayweather lands overhand right to the head. Cotto lands body shot. Maywaether landed four-punch combo. Mayweather tie up Cotto in the corner and lands uppercut. Left hand–Mayweather finish the round. Floyd’s Round.

Round 5: Cotto start busy–corners Floyd towards the ropes. Cotto unleashes combination from the corner, Floyd ties once Cotto works from the inside.Cotto plants his head against Floyd’s chest. Right hand lands for Cotto. Maywather answers combos from outside. Cotto’s upper left eyebrow cuts. Floyd’s Round.

Round 6: Jab lands for Cotto,Mayweather nod and smile at Cotto. Cotto lands again a jab to the body. Mayweather now stalks Cotto. Mayweather finish the round with bloody nose. Cotto’s round.

Round 7: Mayweather stays in the center of the ring. Floyd lands jab and uppercut. Floyd’s so quick on his feet. Right hand–Cotto. Floyd lands to the body and double left hook upstairs. Left hand–Mayweater. Floyd’s round.

Round 8: Uppercut lands for Mayweather. Money leans against the rope, Cotto unleashes flurries but unable to land a clean blow. Left uppercuts land at well for Floyd as Cotto leans forward. Cotto lands left hand to the body. Couple left hand lands for Cotto. Good Round for Cotto.

Round 9: Big uppercut lands for Floyd. Mayweather tie Cotto in the middle of the ring. Cotto pressures Floyd in the ropes. Floyd’s round.

Round 10: Floyds lands right hook and uppercut. Cotto answers body shot. Cotto continue missing his shots. Sneaky jab lands for Cotto. Uppercut– Cotto. A slack round for both fighters but Mayweather obviously wins the round.

Round 11: Right hand lands for Floyd to the head. Cotto stalks Floyd and lands two combos. Floyd ties Cotto in the middle of the ring. Floyd blocks Cotto’s punches. Cotto lands to the head in the corner. Floyd’s lands overhand right from the outside. Floyd lands telling blows. Floyd’s Round.

Round 12: Cotto wrestles Floyd again to the ropes. Money tied up Cotto. Cotto pushes his head to Floyds’ chest. Floyd lands popping jab and left uppercut staggered Cotto. Fans are up on their feet. Left-right-hand lands for Floyd and toys Cotto. Bell sounds to end the round. Big round again for Floyd.

My score 10 rounds against 2 in favor of the winner via UD Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather vs. Cotto: who will be the king?

Rey Tecson Previews ,

Photo via Google images

Finally tonight Floyd Mayweather Jr. (28-0, KO 12), and Miguel Cotto (37-2, KO 30) will share the same ring after all the promotion and marketing had been done. From press tours to several major cities, HBO’s 24/7 series, final press tour and weigh in. The fight dubbed as "Ring Kings" is set at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States for the WBA Super World light middleweight title.

Each fighter, after all the hard work in the training, had in mind now as to how to beat the other. Cotto has a lot to gain in this fight; a win over the regarded as the best pound-for-pound recently, would secure him yet again another big fight – a possible rematch with multi-division champion Manny Pacquiao or and a rubber-match with Floyd, depending on how his win would unfold.

Now, let us get a closer look at each fighter keys to win.

Miguel Cotto should come out smoking in Round 1, be aggressive and look directly for a kill. Both Cotto and Mayweater are slow starter, but Miguel Cotto should adjust and start fast from the beginning–right after the first bell, otherwise the defensive wizard–Floyd will out-boxed Cotto with his superior skills.

It is noted that, Mosley’s only opportunity to beat Mayweather was only in the second round that is when he (Mosley) was aggressive and caught Mayweather with a big right hand. The undefeated champion survived because of his great defense and the remainder of the fight was all for him.

Cotto would not be having any problem being aggressive for it will capitalize his advantage against Mayweather and neutralize his disadvantage to him.

Cotto is bigger, heavier (154 at weigh-in) and stronger than Floyd but 5” shorter in reach and 1” shorter (height) should push hard to even Mayweather reach and slight height advantage.

On the other hand, Mayweather will just simply do what he does best; that is to outbox Cotto, dragging the fight till the end. Tying and using his high elbow guard with his shoulder roll once the Puerto Rican star go for the inside to deliver the punishing body punch. Money should frustrate first a charging Cotto before picking him apart scientifically.

Now, that I am able to post again about this fight I am now more comfortable waiting for the fight

tomorrow morning (5:00 am, 6^thMay 2012) here in Kuwait.

My prediction? I’ll still go with my prediction earlier. What’s yours? If you had in mind feel free to share and comment.

Derrick Rose torn ACL – out of the season for Chicago Bulls NBA Playoffs

Rey Tecson

Photo via everyjoe.com

What is ACL? According to Wikipedia ACL or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is a cruciateligament, which is one of the four major ligamentsof the humanknee. In the quadrupedstifle(analogous to the knee), based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament.

Image via Wikipedia

This part of Derrick Rose knee torn after an attempt to drive the ball during a play against Philadelphia Sixers in their first game of the NBA Playoffs.

Derrick Rose injury came at about 1:20 minutes remaining in the last quarter after he came back from the bench when their lead was cut down to 12 points.

While the game resume, Derrick Rose was accompanied to the locker room. I finished watching the rest of the game as Chicago won Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

My question after the game was why the coach let Rose back into the game with over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, while the remaining starting line-up was still sitting on the bench with 12-point advantage.

But I contend myself after hearing Tom Thibodeau said that "I do not work backward like you guys. The score was going the other way. He's got to play. Derrick has to work on finishing, on closing. Our team did not handle that part great. That's what I was thinking."

I realized that it was just unfortunate for the Bulls who aim for the championship who had Rose injured early in the playoff rounds. Rose will probably unable also to participate in the London Olympics.

We will just hope and pray that Derrick Rose can recover immediately and comeback to the game being the very same D-Rose that we love to watch playing.

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: The battle for PPV supremacy – leverage for future negotiation

Rey Tecson Features ,

Photo via google images

Instead of signing the most valuable contract in boxing history, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fight different opponents at the same venue – MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, but on different dates. Manny Pacquiao against Timothy Bradley on June 9, 2012 and Floyd Mayweather Jr. against Miguel Cotto on May 5, 2012 (cinco de mayo).

Negotiations for Floyd and Manny to fight failed in all occasions. Issues on drug testing, purse split and venue has been the major factors. These negotiations end-up both man fighting different opponents that disappointed fight fans.

Pacman and Floyd undertake critical but calculated decisions after every failed negotiation in order to gain leverage for any of their future negotiation.

Floyd I think chose the take on Cotto at 154, not at 147 and or catch weight, to surpassed Pacquaio’s win against Cotto. I consider Pacman’s win against Cotto as his best performance. Cotto was perceived to be the stronger, bigger and powerful fighter at that time. When Pacman won, some blamed that Cotto was drained to fight Manny at 145 and branding Pacman as catch weight king.

Before Pacman announce Bradley as his next opponent, Cotto was an option but he (Cotto) clearly stated that “I would not sacrifice my body for Pacquiao…” Cotto has been campaigning at Junior Middleweight after his defeat with the pacific storm.

In the recent negotiation, Pacquiao vs. Mayweather failed because of purse-split issue. Floyd offered Pacquiao 40 million dollar guaranteed purse. Pacman counter offered a 50-50 split, a 50 million dollar guarantee and even a 40-40 split and the victor will take the remaining 20 percent. All options failed – Mayweather believed that he deserved the larger share for he is the major draw.

Now, both men take on different opponents, in just one month apart. Floyd and his promoter would try to do everything to prove in figures that Money is the cash cow. Under-cards would be equally exciting.

The same goes for Pacman and his promoter. They have one month to figure out how to surpass Floyd’s numbers.

For me, this is good for boxing; promoters on both sides will try to their best to put on the best and equally exciting under-cards. I observe in the past, without this kind of race in PPV sales, promoters will only line up crap under-cards. Sometimes, it only showcases the other boxer so as to improve his popularity, resulting to mismatches.

I expect there will be last-minute addition to fight cards just to boost promotions.

For Kuwait, here is the link for TFC PPV subscriptions rates click here

Brandon Rios vs Richard Abril and the top boxing match-up comin-up this April, May and June 2012

Rey Tecson Features , Previews

Photo via Google Images

Its been a while that I am not able to post anything about boxing, although we have a lot of exciting and major boxing match-up coming up. I become more busy trying to figure out if I will subscribe online complete boxing workout, because I'm getting fat nowadays,

Check this link (click here) or this one (here) that might help you go down in weight and at the same time learn how to box; not only reading the sport we love.

Before I will drag you more about losing weight let us go back to the exciting math-ups that we have.

First, we have Brandon Rios taking on Richard Abril instead of Yuriorkis Gamboa aside from, Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Sergey Fedchenko. If both Marquez and Rios get past against each respective opponents then they are destined to fight against each other as planned.

We have also coming-up as the major match-up on May, Mayweather against Cotto. Ive been into blogs and sites for this match-up predictions and leaving my comments. Most of them sided Money to win easily in this fight although they do not discount Cotto's skill and heart as a fighter. This could be a very exciting fight, I anticipate a lot of mind games in this fight. The fighter that would think fast and adjust quickly would possibly have the edge.

Photo via Google Images

Meanwhile, the battle also of PPV sales will continue when eight division champion Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley clashes on June.

The result of Mayweather vs Cotto and Pacman vs Bradley revenue will matter in the negotiation if Manny vs Money will go on. Who will be the real cash cow? that has the leverage to dictate the terms of purse split. Who deserves the lions share?

Before I will drag more on this purse issue between Pacman and Money let me take some points of the fight between Pacquaio and Bradley. I think this fight would be Pacman's test in terms of his skill level now. In this fight we can determine weather Manny is still at the peak or beginning to go downhill of the statistics bell curve.

Photo via badlefthook.com

I think the pressure is so much in Pacquiao now. First he needs to prove that he deserve at least 50-50 split if he ever face Money May. He should prove it in the PPV sales. Second, he should win convincingly at least if he can not knock-out Bradley. But Bradley is no easy opponent. He is a young aggressive champion and hungry for the win and recognition.

So guys, in my next post Ill try to write about the results of Marquez and Rios bout, then Ill lay my prediction on Pacman vs Bradley and of course Mayweather vs Cotto. Stay tuned.

Update 1: Rios wins via SD against Abril in a disappointing manner, wherein Abril clearly got fans approval but not on the judges scorecards. Many boxing critics comment that it is Arum's magic that works with Rios win.

Marquez wins convincingly against Sergey. No doubt.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Now here we go again predicting outcome of a fight. This time, between pound for pound king and fighter of the decade, Congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against American undefeated boxer Timothy “Dessert Storm” Bradley.

Bradleys’ Strengths

Bradleys’ Weaknesses

Pacquiaos’ Strengths

Pacquiaos’ weaknesses

Prediction

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Monday, May 21, 2012

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Friday, April 27, 2012

Saturday, April 14, 2012

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