Photo via Goggle Images

The prestigious Boxing Writer Association of America (BWAA) announced on Sunday that World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior featherweight champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire as the recipient of its Sugar Ray Robinson’s “Fighter of the Year” award.

Donaire 31-1 (KO 20) name came out as the winner out of five nominees that includes Danny Garcia, Robert Guerrero, Juan Manuel Marquez and Brian Viloria.

Donaire was perhaps the busiest boxer last year. He fought four world title fights against top caliber opponents defeating Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Jeffrey Mathebula (by a dominant decision), Toshiaki Nishioka and Jorge Arce (via knockout).

Earlier Donaire was already named by Yahoo Sports, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today as “2012 Fighter of the Year”.

Other BWAA Awards:
Manny Pacquiao - Juan Manuel Márquez 4 – Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier “Fight of the Year”.
Robert Garcia – Eddie Futch “Trainer of the Year”.
Max Kellerman – “Broadcaster of the Year”.
Bruce Trampler – Long and Meritorious Service Award.
For more visit www.bwaa.org  

Photo via Google Images

Miguel Angel ‘Mikey’ Garcia crosses the line from being a contender going into the next level, outclassing tough Mexican Orlando Salido for the WBO world featherweight showdown at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

The conclusion of the fight may not be an icing of the cake for the brilliant performance that Mikey showed to the boxing world but it will not erase the fact that the reigning champion, Orlando Salido was clearly dominated.  Salido was down twice early in the first round, once in the third, and again in the fourth round.


The fight ended in technical unanimous decision after Garcia’s nose was broken. His nose was accidentally (officially ruled) head butt in Round 8. The officials went to the scorecards after decided that Garcia cannot continue to fight. The judges scored unanimously in favor of Garcia. The scorecards read 79-70 and twice 79-69.

In round 1, Salido was down twice and keeps coming back. I can’t help but to recollect Pacquiao vs. Marquez I, just one knockdown short.  Salido was tested in this situation. He was down several times in his career but able to finished his opponents. I started to think the same early on. I can’t imagine how tough this guy really is. He went down but it seems he doesn’t felt the sting.

However, in the fourth knockdown, I saw desperation in salido's face. This means only two things for me. Either he will push hard more to lure Garcia for a broke or adjust and fight on cautiously. Salido chose the first option because this is how he is. After that final knockdown, Salido really pressed on. But Garcia’s accurate counter-punching and power is Salido’s main problem. Mikey clinically figured out every attack that Salido initiated.

Boxing fans might think what if the fight did not end this way? Some analyst believed that it may be a different story.  Salido finished every fight that he won, 'strong'. There are four more rounds before the fight ended.  It is just a matter of time that Salido’s right hand over the top will find its target.

Nevertheless, what I believe is that at the end of the day is to go back to a very old clichés in boxing that says “style makes fights”.  The style of Salido will always have difficulties against counter-punchers. Salido was picked apart round by round by the brilliant counter-puncher the sport has to offer in Juan Manuel Marquez.  Throw again another Juan Manuel Lopez in front of Salido and you will see a much competitive fight.

However, even if you are a counter-puncher doesn’t mean you’ll get an instant win to a man like Salido. Mikey at 25 years old just showed how mentally tough he is to stick to his game plan by being very calm and patient inside the ring. A counter-puncher lured into a brawl is a big joke.

What I like Mikey’s package as a counter-puncher is his power behind his punches. A strong brawler will always hesitate to attack.

Garcia’s dominating performance without a doubt will unseat more champions in the featherweight division. He is really in the prime age—not too young, not too old as a champion.
 
What would be Mikey’s next move?

I like to see Garcia up against a powerful boxer-counter-puncher.  A Nonito Donaire maybe mouthwatering to watch? Yes, why not? Although they are in the same trainer and Nonito already expressed that as much as possible they will not fight. But who knows, they are under one roof—Bob Arums house.

Possibility is always there. Nonito had earlier expressed his plans of moving up in weight. A clash at featherweight is not a bad idea. Another fight that will be great also is against Juan Manuel Lopez in the future once he reestablishes again himself.
 
Orlando Salido

In the case of Salido, I like to watch him fight next against boxer-punchers. A fight with Juan Ponce De Leon would be great. I doubt if there will be a rematch with Garcia. There will be no demand for this.

HBO’s Triple-Header

Overall we are treated with a good quality fight-card this weekend. HBO’s triple-header lives up to the expectation except for one that many boxing scribes criticized about the decision. Martinez according to some analysts is lucky to retain his title. While Golovkin-Rosado is as one sided as Salido-Garcia but Rosado fought gallantly denying Golovkin his desire to knock him out. We hope to watch again fight card like this in the near future.

Gennady Golovkin retains his middleweight title peppering a very game challenger Gabriel Rosado moments ago in the historic Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

It is very obvious that Rosado had a very huge respect of Golovkin's power. He tries to move around and uses his feet more to evade damaging punches from the defending champion.


Rosado evaded some punches, but it is just a matter of time that some also will land as Golovkin stalked him, cutting the ring smartly, moving always parallel at him.

In the second round Golovkin busted Rosado's nose. Rosado is a bloddy mess and Golovkin keep jabbing a lot more that turned his right white gloves into red.

In round 5 Rosado tried to turn the heat and fight back landing his best shots of the night. But that was short lived as the heavy-puncher champion countered.

Rosado was total bloody mess in round 6,blood profusely dripping from his nose that scattered around his entire face.

In round 7 the corner of Rosado saw enough in the ring and throws in towel pulling out their fighter out of the fight. At exactly 2:56 the fight was stopped. It is just right in time--Rosado is not fighting back and just trying to survive.

Roman Ramirez retains his super featherweight belt after the judges scored it a three way draw. The score where as follows 117-111 Burgos, 116-112 Ramirez and 114-114. It seems that Burgos was not convinced of the decision and wanted to claim the win of the fight.

In most of the round, however it is Ramirez who bring the fight to Burgos. Which I believe in a championship bout--at least the challenger should be more aggressive.


Burgos was moving around too much although countering a lot.

Ramirez who tries to stalk and move forward trying to engage from the inside did enough I think to win at least a split decision on his favor.

Ramirez vs. Burgos is the first bout for HBO's triple-header of the night.

In a very competitive bout Sean Monaghan win via unanimous decision against Roger Cantrell in Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

Both fighter really get it on and is a bloody mess after the bout. After eight rounds of back and forth beating Monaghan got the judges nod 77-75, 78-74 and 79-73 for the unanimous decision.


Monaghan vs. Cantrell is an appetizer of HBO's triple header showcasing WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido defending his WBO belt against contender Mikey Garcia.

Image via Top Rank

Felix Verdejo stops Tomi Archambault in Round 1, moments ago, in Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA.

Right after the bell, the olympian Felix Verdejo 2-0-0 (KO 1) thrown double left hook that landed right on the button that sent Tomi Archambault crashing down the floor.

Archambault 1-4-0 (KO 1) was able to got up but the referee saw it all and wave it in less than a minute from the very first round.


Verdejo vs. Archambault is an appetizer of HBO's triple header showcasing WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido defending his WBO belt against contender Mikey Garcia.

Photo is credited to the rightful owner

Tough Mexican veteran and reigning WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido make the division limit weighing in at 126 pounds while the young souring star Mikey Garcia tip the scale almost half a pound under at 125.6 during the weigh-in.

Orlando Salido will defend his title at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater, New York, USA against Mikey Garcia. Everything is ready and set for the well anticipated fight this January. This bout is live on HBO.


Tonight all question will get answers. Will Salido continue rampaging the careers of young potential superstars that started from Juan Manuel Lopez? Is it the start of the beginning for Mikey Garcia to take on more bigger names in the sport? Will he ever take his first ever world title?

More results on HBO's triple-header weigh-in:

Gennady Golovkin - 160 lbs. vs. Gabriel Rosado - 159 lbs. 12 Rounds for Golovkin's middleweight belt.
Roman Martinez - 129.5 lbs. vs. Juan Carlos Burgos - 129 lbs. 12 Rounds for Martinez super featherweight belt.

Stay tuned for fight results.

It seems that Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire will not be given his wish to fight Abner first but instead it would be against Guillermo Rigondeaux which he wanted to fight only after Abner Mares.

In a post written by Ronnie Natanielsz of Boxing Scene.com Arum mention for an April fight.

In a post fight interview with Larry Merchant right after Donaires big win against Jorge Arce he said that he is interested with fighting abner Mares first and then Guillermo Ridondeaux. Since Mares is under GBP the fight he wanted is second to impossible. As expected he will be fighting Rigo.

Guillermo Rigondeaux at 11-0-0 (KO 8) record lacks the experience. But this kid has superb talent that made him so popular that fans as early 2011 talking already about this match-up.

In earlier interviews, Donaire dismissed the idea of fighting Rigo. He reasoned out that Rigo really needs to fight more quality opponents to prove himself worthy as an opponent.

I think Donaire has a point. If you see Rigo has only a total of 11 fights. 11 is 11, even if how good he is. A fight with Donaire is no doubt the greatest challenge to his young career. A loss would only mean how overrated he is.

Photo is credited to Chris Farina of Top Rank

Mexican featherweight champion Orlando Salido will defend his WBO title against undefeated prospect Miguel Angel Garcia on January 19, 2013 at the historic Madison Square Garden, New York, USA.

As usual let may lay down my prediction/analysis for this fight. I will also gather the predictions of leading boxing sites and writers around the web and I will post it here later on as an update.


Orlando Salido 39-11-2 (KO 27) at 32 years old is a veteran fighter. He started boxing at the age of 16 in 1996; for 17 years he has a total of 53 fights in his resume.

However, the native from Sonora, Mexico was not able to get the recognition that he is having right now until he fought Puerto Rican star Juan Manuel Lopez.

Before that fight happened, he was already pitted with Juan Manuel Marquez and Yuriorkis Gamboa which obviously above his league at least during those fights.  Against these calibers of opponents Salido failed.

Nevertheless, on April 16, 2011 the late bloomer Orlando Salido pull off an upset that recognized him as a force to reckon at featherweight division, knocking out former undefeated star Juan Manuel Lopez. Not only that, Salido spoiled a budding super showdown between Lopez and Gamboa.

In the process, Top Rank didn’t gave up that suppose super-fight giving Juan Manuel Lopez a rematch in his native Puerto Rico hoping Juanma to win. But Salido, who went down once with the crowd obviously against him, denied Juanma once again--knocking Lopez in round 10 in front of his countrymen.

Salido solidify his claim in the division and will defend his title against a younger lion in Mikey Garcia.

Mikey Garcia 30-0-0 (KO 26) at 25 years old, started professional boxing in 2006 is a young prospect. Names in his resume might not be as impressive but this kid moves like a veteran. Salido is no-mediocre fighter.

Garcia is a methodical fighter. He is smart and very patient inside the ring. Garcia understand that Salido will be the toughest test of his career. But he also believed that he has the skills and strength to beat Orlando Salido.

Prediction.

I have Garcia by unanimous decision (UD 12)

Boxing is a sport for the strong, that the weak will not survive. It is for the young--not for the old. I'm not saying, Salido is old nor weak, especially with his performance against Junama--no way he will become old comes January 19.

However, if Garcia will survive the early onslaught of Salido, which I believe--he will, would cruise to victory at the end of the final bell. The only thing he should avoid--never go for a broke.

Salido's advantage here mainly is his vast experience and toughness to apply pressure which is successful against Lopez who wanted toe-to-toe action. But Garcia is more on a counter-puncher who constantly look for opening and not necessarily gamble just to land a shot.

Garcia will patiently wait for opening in the early going. Pick his shots and start working halfway of the fight and win unanimously. Salido is having problem with real counter-puncher--like Marquez. He was picked piece by piece. I feel the same for this fight.

Here are the predictions around the web;

Aaron Lloyd - neutralcorneronline.com Garcia by Decision: 116-112
Brian Mazique - bleacherreport.com Garcia by Unanimous Decision
Rich Thomas - proboxing-fans.com Garcia by Unanimous Decision
Tim Starks - queensberry-rules.com Salido by Decision
Scott Christ - badlefthook.com - Salido by Decision 

Photo via Boxrec.com

In modern boxing, a boxing rivalry that spanned more than three fights (trilogy) is considered very long. Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4 to some, is a very long series. But don't you know that the longest boxing series is between United Kingdom's Ted Kid Lewis and American Jack Britton?

Lewis and Britton fought a mind-blowing 20-times in a span of six years, from 1915 to 1921. Would you believe that they even fought three times in one month? Yes three times in one month. In June 1917, Lewis and Britton fought three times--weekly basis.

The unbelievable duo fought on 6th, 14th, and 25th all in the month of June 1917. I even think, is it a sparring session? I could not imagine if these two have the time to heal and recover from injuries or cuts acquired during the fight. The gap between fights is too short for their bodies to recuperate.

The first match happened in March 1915 and they fought again in August and September--a total of three fights in 1915 only. The following year (1916) they fought a stunning five times and again another unimaginable five times in 1917.

The rivalry started in 1915 ended in 1921. In the 20-fight series, Jack Britton won--9-7-4 (KO 1).

If you know a boxing series that is more than 20 feel free to leave your comment.

Source: Boxrec.com

Year 2012 was memorable for the boxing fans in general. Although there were sad happenings too, like the demise of boxing legends--Bert Sugar and Emanuel Steward.

It is the great fights with unexpected results gave boxing a truly remarkable year. I hope for the same this year.

I would like to share my boxing fights wish-list for 2013. But before that, I will let myself clear that I am not day dreaming here--wishing for match-up that is impossible to happen. Even if it is a wish I prefer to be realistic.

Re-matches. I love rematches. An entertaining, action packed and or technically excellent fights are worthy to watch again and again. A rematch should happen. Why not?

Rios vs. Alvarado II – I love this fight to happen once more.

The first match was a high octane back and forth bomb shelling from start to finish till Alvarado dropped. Alvarado is winning in the scorecards because he tends to move around and mixing it up compared to Rios’s no-reverse gear style. It is expected that this fight will never reach the final bell—we are not wrong.
 
A rematch would be exciting to watch as to how Alvarado will adjust his game plan. Similarly how Rios will adjust if Alvarado will adapt technique and not just pure aggression in his fight plan. If Alvarado can even the score—I love to see a trilogy.

Marquez vs. Pacquiao 5 – Don't ever ask me why I wanted a fifth fight. If you do. Watch Pacquiao vs. Marquez I to IV and decide for yourself why.

Donaire vs. Mares - I dont want this fight. It will not happen in reality. Two mute having different nationality will find ways and means to understand each other. But Top Rank and GBP will never get into terms.

This January is a bit relax. No big matchup on schedule. I will only cover one fight--Salido vs. Garcia. I will gather predictions from various boxing sites and post here.  

Dear Readers,

2012 has been a wonderful year for the sport of boxing in general. We are treated and entertained with match up like this, that really live up to the hype and expected action. September is loaded with the most action-packed matches. But December is also unforgettable—performances of Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez and Filipino star Nonito Donaire that voted as ‘fighter of the year’ by several leading boxing websites.

Here in Shuttlepen, I would like to wish you all a happy and flourishing new year. Hope you guys will continue to visit this tiny web blog for the sport we love.

I am expecting a lot of rematches in 2013. What do you expect in boxing come next year?

RingTv (ringtv.craveonline) picked Pacquiao-Marquez 4-round 5 as the 'round of the year' for 2012. It is in this round that former ten-time and eight division champion scored a knockdown against his long-time nemesis and now tormentor--Mexican boxing icon Juan Manuel Marquez.

In round five Pacquiao was obviously mentally and physically recovered from a knockdown in the third round. Pacquiao was flat on his back when Marquez threw an overhand right that landed flush on Pacquiao's face.

Pacquiao stepped up the pace and went for a broke and Marquez was game. A compact left hand landed on Marquez face made him out of balance and eventually hit his glove on the canvass--technically a knockdown.

Marquez although unhurt adhere to referee Kenny Bayless mandatory eight count. Marquez broken nose was bleeding intensely. Pacquiao equalizing the knockdown now ahead of the scorecards. Sensing all these factors, Pacquiao thinking that he got Marquez continue the onslaught and wobbled Marquez.

However, the Mexican champion answered back countering Pacquiao and ended the round still standing although bleeding profusely from a broken nose. And in the sixth round Marquez finally ended the eight year rivalry knocking out the Filipino superstar cold in what became 'knockout of the year' for almost all of the leading media and boxing sites.

Photo via Google Images

ESPN.com named Marquez-Pacquiao fourth fight on December 8 as knockout of the year. The big right hand of Juan Manuel Marquez gave a definitive end of a rivalry that spanned for eight years. Former eight division champion Manny Pacquiao was knocked out cold in round six and was motionless for a few minutes.

The knockout was the culmination of their controversial three previous fights.

Also included in the list;

Mikkel Kessler KO4 Allan Green (May 19 at Copenhagen, Denmark)
Nonito Donaire KO3 Jorge Arce (Dec. 15 at Houston)
Danny Garcia KO4 Erik Morales II (Oct. 20 at Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Shinsuke Yamanaka KO7 Tomas Rojas (Nov. 3 at Sendai, Japan)
Adonis Stevenson KO1 Jesus Gonzalez (Feb. 18 at Montreal)
David Lemieux KO1 Alvaro Gaona (Oct. 12 at Montreal)
Angelo Santana KO5 Juan Garcia (Nov. 16 at Miami)

This year was big for Philippine boxing. Two Filipino boxers made it for ESPN. Earlier Nonito Donaire was named fighter of the year and now Manny Pacquiao for Marquez-Pacquiao as knockout of the year. This time it is Pacquiao who was knocked out.

In 2009, Pacquiao's KO win against Hatton was ESPN's knockout of the year.

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire mention that he will fight WBC super bantamweight champion Abner Mares. He also said that after Mares, WBA super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will be next. Donaire made this statement during an interview with veteran HBO boxing analyst and commentator, now retired--Larry Merchant, after his big win against Jorge Arce in Toyota Center.

Photo via Google Images

The year 2012 is great for boxing. What makes it even greater is the stunning achievements of those boxers who excel this year. Every year, there should the best among the best fighter. Who do you think deserve to be the "fighter of the year" for 2012?

Here is my short list.

1. Nonito Donaire
2. Sergio Martinez
3. Juan Manuel Marquez

Out of my short list who do you think will get the award this year? You may pick your fighter by leaving a comment below. If your bet is not listed above you may name it below.

Write few sentences why you choose such fighter.

Many believed that boxing is dying. Many said that the sport lost its grandeur when the likes of Mike Tyson in the heavyweights retire from boxing. Gone were the days that every Sunday morning in the other half of the planet and Saturday night in the other half, were watching boxing.
 
Okay, I agree at some degree, maybe. But 2012 I believed is really great for boxing. A lot of great events happened this year. The "dying sport" as what they said produce the top two boxers in Forbes list of highest paid athlete for 2012. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao at number one and two spot respectively.


Nevertheless, not all events are good for boxing. There were sad news too. In this year, two of boxing legends passed away. In March, boxing veteran journalist Bert Sugar and boxing analyst, commentator, trainer Emanuel Steward died.

Recently, boxing analyst and HBO commentator Larry Merchant announced retirement after the Donaire-Arce bout. I am personally, sad on his retirement. I cant imagine watching boxing without Larry Merchants voice on air and post fight interviews along with his striking questions.

Apart from retiring and passing of boxing legends, the stunning loss of Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to Mexican icon Juan Manuel Marquez capped this year's great events.

Positive and negative stunning events of boxing is always good for boxing. With the above being said. Do you believe boxing is dying? For the casual fans? Maybe.

However, for the fans wherein a weekend will never be complete without watching boxing match. A day that never be complete without reading boxing article even in between a very busy day in their offices. Fans that read from the biggest and leading boxing websites all the way to the smallest boxing blog like this--boxing is always alive.

If you are one of boxing fans that I am referring above that gives time to read this blog, then congratulations and thank you. Boxing needs you--to keep it alive.

Together, we will hope for the best for the sport that we love for the coming year 2013. As a preparation for the coming year this blog will say goodby to its present URL. Yes, goodby to http://shuttlepen.blogspot.com and welcome http://shuttlepen.com.

This blog will undergo this step to make little improvements for the coming year. I hope you will continue to visit. For suggestion to help improve this blog please leave your comment below.
  
Happy Holidays!

Photo via Google Images

Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire knocked out Jorce Arce in Round 3 with his killer signature punch--the left hook, moments ago at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, USA. Donaire retains WBO super-bantamweight title.

Arce was very cautious in round one. I expect him to came forward early. But Arce fight from the distance and Donaire 31-1-0 (20) dominated with his jab. I begin to think that Arce is coming here only to collect his paycheck.

However, before I even convinced that he just came to survived; Arce step up the pace and start swarming Donaire. Arce landed good shots to the body. But Donaire is very quick to counter and scored a knockdown. Arce survived the round and advised his corner that he is alright.


In round three, again Arce started strong--throwing punches with real bad intentions and tried to tied up Donaire once he missed or landed. Donaire pushed Arce whenever he got tied up.

Donaire finally exacted revenge that the Filipino fans wanted, when he knocked out Arce with his left hook. Arce was flat on his back unable to get up or I think, thinking not to get up.

In an interview with Larry Merchant after the fight Donaire said that Filipino fans really wanted him to take Arce but said "I love Mexico". He added that his Coach, Robert Garcia is a Mexican too.

Donaire was asked who he will fight next, and he said "bring them all on". Larry wanted him to name names and Donaire told him he wants Mares first, then Rego, because "he calls me out" Donaire continued.

This is Donaire's fourth straight victories in 2012. He is more active this year compared to only two fights last year.

Photo via Google Images

"The Filipino Flash" Nonito Donaire will share the squared circle against veteran Mexican warrior Jorge Arce 61-6-2 (KO 46) in a twelve Round WBO and WBC-Diamond super bantamweight title. The fight will be in Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, USA on December 15, 2012. Referee Laurence Cole will be in charge of the action.

Donaire 30-1-0 (KO 19) is in virtual pressure to win this fight from his Filipino legion of fans and supporters. Filipino fans expected Donaire to exact revenge for their fallen boxing hero—Manny Pacquiao from the big right hand of Arce's countryman.

The former Eight Division champion was knocked out cold by his arch-rival “the magical man” Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012 at the historic MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada to close their historic rivalry spanning eight years.

Analysis
I expect Arce to come forward early and throw a lot of punches—that is his trademark. He will pressure Donaire and try to pin him to the ropes to unleash damaging blows to the body. I see Arce emulating Abner Mares, when he (Mares) fought Anselmo Moreno. Arce needs to let Donaire fight his fight to become effective.

However, to do this he needs to keep up his stamina. Arce at 33 years old may not have a stamina problem in the early going. But half way to the fight, this might be an issue, depending on how he prepare for this fight.

In the past, I saw Arce wearing his opponent down the stretch. The accumulation of blows from Arce made his opponents kiss the canvas for good. Meaning he does not have that single lights-out punch which Donaire have.

Focus is the key for Arce. If he will make a mistake; like Pacquiao did, against a counter-puncher then, goodbye.

Donaire will definitely use the entire ring and his ring savvy to evade a raging Arce. He will use his footwork to keep Arce at bay and always ready to let his hands go whenever Arce leaves off guard. Donaire should take this fight in the center of the ring wherein he can use his reach and height advantage.

Donaire needs also to take care of his left hand which he injured in the past fights. Donaire’s left hook is big factor in this fight.