The Boxing Diary

Views and Opinions

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Featuring: PhilBack (The Philippine Basketball Club in Kuwait)










Photo by: PhilBack.org

Is PhilBack sounds familiar to you expatriates in Kuwait? Well, personally I heard about Philback sometime in 2009.  This is the time when I am actively playing in an open court in Al Quibla near seaside, as a way of exercise and for fun.

This is the place where the club actually founded in February 2009.

When I first came in Kuwait, back in March of 2006, being a basketball enthusiast I searched for a basketball court near to the place I stayed. It happens that the nearest basketball court was Al Quibla open court.


So, for a very obvious reason, I chose to play there, compared to another much better court that can be found in Salmiya which is very far from my place.

From 2006 till 2008 my roommates and workmates played in Al Quibla. In 2006, only a few fellow Filipinos played in Al Quibla open court. Maybe because the court was not standard at all. The rim is so hard and thick without a net. You need to shoot the ball without the ball touching the rim to make a sure basket. The floor was also a bit slippery.

Now, back to PhilBack, when this club started to organized teams and eventually started the first conference with only nine participating teams. Unfortunately, I was not able to play in any of those teams due to work schedule conflict at that time.

Most of the organized teams and the members were mostly familiar to me because they were the people whom I used to play since 2006.

As a result, I was irritated when the first conference went on. You know what? I can not play basketball in Al - Quibla, during my day-off because the court was now occupied by PhilBack. Why such a public playground being used exclusively by a tournament?

I'm sure those who played before in this court and don't have any team that joined the club, can relate what I feel. Right?

But, as years pass by, PhilBack continue to encourage basketball enthusiast to form their own teams and joined the club. Now on its seventh conference, finally I am in a team that joined PhilBack in the Inter-Company Division.

A casual basketball enthusiast can easily form a team and can join PhilBack at a very affordable cost. Moreover, a lot of division available to suit your teams status and capabilities.

This prompted my colleague to organized a team (United COE) and joined PhilBack in its 7th conference in the Inter-Company Division.

From a humble beginning of nine participating teams in its founding year now, in the seventh conference, PhilBack now consisting of 59 teams in four different Divisions. The divisions are as follows;

1. Open Division - 12 Teams
2. Inter Medical Division - 6 Teams
3. Inter Company Division - 9 teams
4. 5'8" Division - 32 teams

After three years PhilBack continue to live upon the club's mission: "MAGBIGAY NG KASIYAHAN,PAGKAKAIBIGAN,WALANG KINIKILINGAN AT TAPAT SA PAG OORGANISA NG LIGA SA KUWAIT"

For the betterment of playing experience and protection to the extreme weather condition in Kuwait, the club had moved from Al - Quibla open court to its new haven at The Riggae Arabic School, Roundabout Near Ramada Hotel.


For more information and inquiries about the club you may click the following links;

PhilBack official website "About Us Page"
PhilBack official website "Home Page"
PhilBack "Facebook page"

To the founding, and current officials of Philback, more power! and may the club continue to soar high, uplifting the spirit of sportsmanship among Filipinos in Kuwait. Cheers!!!!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

PACQUIAO ON FIRE




Photo: PhilBoxing.com


Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao is on fire if his training regimen in the cool climes of Baguio City is any indication so far. The “Fighter of the Decade” who began training for his highly-anticipated third fight in an epic though somewhat controversial trilogy with Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on November 12 has even taken trainer Freddie Roach and strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza by surprise. Continue Reading on PhilBoxing.com.


Sunday, September 18, 2011

Mayweather vs. Ortiz Results: Live Round-by-Round Updates and Recap



Floyd Mayweather Jr. puts his undefeated record on the line against world champion Victor Ortiz on September 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada, live on HBO pay-per-view.
The 24-year-old welterweight world champion Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 knockouts) is carrying the pride of Mexico proudly on his back as he goes into the biggest weekend of his life.
The 34-year-old Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) is coming back from a 16-month hiatus this Saturday. His last big boxing event was May 1, 2010 against Sugar Shane Mosley (46-7-1, 39 knockouts).
Ortiz is coming off the most impressive performance of his career in a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over former undefeated world champion Andre Berto (28-1, 22 knockouts). Continue Reading on Bleacher Report

Friday, September 16, 2011

Boxing insiders agree: Mayweather will coast to victory over Ortiz




Floyd are you pretty?: Image by Philboxing.com


With two days left before “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) defends his WBC welterweight title for the first time against Floyd “Money” Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) in Las Vegas, USA, this writer reached out to several boxing experts and gathered their opinion and prediction about the upcoming match up. And all persons concur that the undefeated Mayweather will be simply too good, too skilled, and too experienced for the young Ortiz. Continue Reading on Filipino Boxing Journal

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Renaissance Man of the Moment: Erik Morales




Almost everybody (writer included) wrote Erik “El Terrible” Morales (51-7, 35 KOs) after receiving the worst beating of his career, a 3rd – round KO loss to future Hall-of-Famer and current WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in their trilogy-ender back in 2006. The man who is responsible for giving the latter his last loss was surely headed for retirement ville. A foiled attempt to snatch then WBC lightweight champion David Diaz in 2007 was only a confirmation. Continue Reading on Filipino Boxing Journal

Sunday, September 11, 2011

FIFA ASIA Round Three: What happen to Asia's big guns in football?




Photo via Wikipedia


Asia's big guns are totally silenced by their respective opponents. FIFA  Asia round three qualifier for the 2014 World cup in Brazil shows a totally different scenario.

Asia's Power house Iran, Korea Republic and Japan were all held to 1-1 draw against their respective opponents. Except for Australia who live up to the expectation and scored 3-1 against Saudi Arabia.


Both Lebanon and Jordan recorded their first ever win against UAE and China respectively.

The results suggest that the underdogs are improving now their level of the game or it might be the declination of the favorites performance. Overconfidence might also be a factor.

In this scenario, I can conclude that their would be a sure change in the list of the  4.5 slot allocated for Asia. The expected teams to be in the list might not make it.

I predict Kuwait to qualify this time.
 
This might be a bold prediction but given the performance shown on the last game against Korea Republic chances for Kuwait is big.

Kuwait will be having a game against the Koreans in their home. The match would be very tough for the Kuwaites.

Asia's third qualifying round, matchday two results
6 September
Group A: Singapore 0-2 Iraq, Jordan 2-1 China
Group B: Lebanon 3-1 United Arab Emirates, Kuwait 1-1 Korea Republic
Group C: Uzbekistan 1-1 Japan, Korea DPR 1-0 Tajikistan
Group D: Thailand 3-0 Oman, Saudi Arabia 1-3 Australia
Group E: Indonesia 0-2 Bahrain, Qatar 1-1 Iran
Stat: FIFA.com

Spurs want to sign David Beckham

LONDON -- Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers are interested in signing David Beckham when his Major League Soccer contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expires at the end of the year.
The 36-year-old midfielder trained with Tottenham during the last MLS offseason and manager Harry Redknapp is interested in signing him in January.
"I don't think you would ever say no to David Beckham. He would bring a lot to any club," Redknapp said Friday. "He came and trained with us last year. He was fantastic to have around the place as a player and as a person. Continue Reading on ESPN.

Yuriorkis Gamboa Wins Technical Decision Against Daniel Ponce De Leon; Expresses Interest on Pacquiao


Atlantic City, New Jersey - Yuriorkis Gamboa's attempt to leap into boxing's elite was not as spectacular as everyone expected it to be. Against a tough and seasoned veteran in Daniel Ponce de Leon, Gamboa's performance tonight was solid but not dazzling. His athleticism was there. His speed was there but the one thing everyone present in the Boardwalk Hall Arena came for and the millions watching in HBO were waiting of never materialize. Gamboa was unable to duplicate his impressive outing from his last fight in this very same venue. There was no knockdown on an opponent that would boost his resume incredibly. There was no perfect ending that would light up his name after this fight. But he did win unanimously in a fight cut short by an accidental clash of heads in the 8th round of the featherweight match. And it happened just when the fight was heating up for both fighters. Continue Reading on PhilBoxing.com.


Pinoy Pride 8 results: Milan Melindo whips a methodical mayhem, Pagara outboxed




Photo by: PhilBoxing.com via Filipino boxing Journal


Cebu City, Philippines – Recently crowned WBO Interncontinental flyweight champion Milan “Method Man” Melindo (25-0, 9 KOs) almost did good on his promise to knock Francisco “Chiquita” Rosas (22-9-2, 13 KOs) out. But the game Mexican proved to be a tough foe who took  Melindo’s best punches. However, a stoppage was declared before the beginning of the 11th round when Rosas, who suffered a broken nose during the third inning, was deemed unfit to fight by referee Bruce McTavish. Continue Reading on Filipino Boxing Journal.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Manny Pacquiao and the rest of the Pound for Pound list

Manny Pacquiao is on the list for its 405th week now according to The Ring. Roughly eight years.

The pound for pound list notably excludes Floyd Mayweather Jr because of his inactivity, though he is scheduled to fight this September 17, 2011.

Ratings ended up to September 5, 2011, that would definitely includes Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the next update of the ratings.

The following is the pound for pound ratings of The Ring owned by Oscar De la Hoya.



  1. Manny Pacquiao



    Country: Philippines (General Santos City)
    Record: 52-3-2 (38 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 1 | Last Week: 1 | Weeks On List: 405
    Titles: WBO


  2. Sergio Martinez



    Country: Argentina
    Record: 47-2-2 (26 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 2 | Last Week: 2 | Weeks On List: 71
    Titles: The Ring


  3. Nonito Donaire



    Country: Philippines
    Record: 26-1-0 (18 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 3 | Last Week: 3 | Weeks On List: 123


  4. Juan Manuel Marquez



    Country: Mexico
    Record: 52-5-1 (38 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 4 | Last Week: 4 | Weeks On List: 234
    Titles: WBA, WBO, The Ring


  5. Wladimir Klitschko



    Country: Ukraine
    Record: 56-3-0 (49 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 5 | Last Week: 5 | Weeks On List: 56
    Titles: The Ring, IBF, WBO, WBA


  6. Timothy Bradley



    Country: USA (Palm Springs, Calif.)
    Record: 27-0-0 (11 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 6 | Last Week: 6 | Weeks On List: 51
    Titles: WBO, WBC


  7. Pongsaklek Wonjongkam



    Country: Thailand
    Record: 82-3-1 (45 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 7 | Last Week: 7 | Weeks On List: 71
    Titles: WBC, The Ring


  8. Giovani Segura



    Country: USA
    Record: 28-1-1 (24 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 8 | Last Week: 8 | Weeks On List: 29
    Titles: WBO, The Ring


  9. Andre Ward



    Country: USA
    Record: 23-0 (13 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 9 | Last Week: 9 | Weeks On List: 21
    Titles: WBA


  10. Bernard Hopkins



    Country: USA
    Record: 52-5-2 (32 KOs)
    Ranking: This Week: 10 | Last Week: 10 | Weeks On List: 16
    Titles: The Ring, WBC


Manchester United & Cristiano Ronaldo: Will They Ever Reunite?



Recently, in an interview with Sky Sports Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at a possible return to Manchester United.
This is not the first time talk of a Ronaldo-Manchester United reunion has taken place.
Both here, and here talk of Ronaldo returning to United has occurred.  Oh, and here as well.
The point is, Ronaldo still has some attachment to Manchester United.  And Sir Alex and The ManU faithful still have some love for Ronaldo.
The question is, could he ever return to Old Trafford, and better yet, where would he fit in?
Although Ronaldo also said he would sign for Madrid for ten more years, his public admiration for United has made the move far more likely than just a fantasy football transfer. Continue Reading on Bleacher Report.

CANADA CONTINUES ROAD TO WORLD CUP WITH WIN OVER PUERTO RICO




Photo: The Canadian Press


BAYAMON, Puerto Rico -- Iain Hume provided the spark Canada needed to overcome harsh conditions and take another small step toward World Cup qualification.
Hume turned around his team's sluggish start with a late first-half goal as Canada defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match Tuesday. Continue Reading on TSN

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

5 Major Reasons Manny Pacquiao Can Beat Floyd Mayweather



This fight is a mystery to all, so it's no wonder it has created so much buzz and is so desired by fans.
In reality, both Mayweather and Pacquiao are to blame for it not yet happening. It's hard to understand why two human beings can't come to an agreement and make more money in one night than most families in America will ever make in a lifetime. Continue Reading on Bleacher Report

Mercito Gesta’s upcoming opponent no joke – trainer says



While many fight fans are tuning in to the impending WBC welterweight showdown between comebacking Floyd Mayweather and defending champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz this September 17th, 2011, many failed to notice that Filipino light welterweight prospect Mercito ‘No Mercy” Gesta (22-0-1, 12 KOs) will also be fighting on the same date, but in a different venue. The 23-year old southpaw from Mandaue City, Philippines will take on reigning WBC Latino light welterweight beltholder Manuel Perez (16-6-1, 4 KOs) of Hawaii, USA. Continue Reading on Filipino Boxing Journal

Battling Kuwait hold S.Korea Australia sink Saudis as Japan escape with draw



KUWAIT CITY, Sept 6: Kuwait kept their hopes of qualifying for the final stage of the Asian Zone World Cup qualifying by holding South Korea to a 1-1 draw at the Kazama Stadium Tuesday. Park Chu-Young and Kuwait’s Hussain Ali scored for their sides. With this result the two teams maintain their positions on the league table with South Korea on top with four points followed by Kuwait also with four points but with inferior goal aggregate. The Azraqs, having won the toss, started the game on a high note with Fahad Al-Enezi already spotted in the Korean vital area in the second minute and Walid firing the first shot at the Korean keeper in the fourth. Continue Reading on Arab Times

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Kuwait "Al Azraq" vs South Korea "The Taeguk Warriors" Draw 1-1: Round 3 FIFA Worldcup 2014 Qualifier



Kasma Sports Club Kuwait - Kuwait hosted the 3rd round qualifying match of 2014 FIFA World Cup against South Korea

The jam packed stadium with dominant Al Azraq fans was silenced by the opening goal from the visiting Koreans. South Korean fans was outnumbered this time, unlike the match between Kuwait and Philippines wherein Azkals surprised by the amount of support from the Filipinos in Kuwait.

Waleed Ali's first attempt of the game for the Kuwaite's was well defended by South Korea's goal keeper Jung Sung-Ryong.

South Korea scored the first goal in the 7:59 minute mark of the first half. South Koreans first goal was a brilliant, well executed play.

It started from a pass in the middle, to a suppose recipient. But instead of intercepting the ball, he let the ball pass in between his legs deceiving his defender, allowing the ball rolling towards Park Chu-Young who advances and take a clean shot, leaving Al Khaidi unable to defend.

At 52:45 mark in the second half, Kuwait scored the equalizer of the game. F. Al Enezi pass from the weak side to Nasser. It was deflected by Koreans keeper but slipped from his hands giving Hussain Fadhel a close range shot. 

The final score is deadlock at 1-1.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Watch Victor Ortiz vs Andre Berto Highlights: Why Victor Ortiz can upset Floyd Maywearther Jr.?


One of the fight of the year contender Victor Ortiz vs Andre Berto. Watch both fighter scores knockdown against each other. But in the end Ortiz prevail.

That is why I boldly predicted that Ortiz could possibly upset Floyd Mayweather Jr. I go for Ortiz by KO/TKO in round 3.

Three Reasons:

1. Mayweather starts slow and figures opponent in the first three rounds. While Victor Ortiz is very dangerous in the above mention rounds.

2. Victor Ortiz is the younger, hungrier and probably the stronger fighter who throws a lot of power punches. If Mosley could get through a solid punch against Floyd expect Ortiz too. The killer instinct will follow.

3. After several months of inactivity, I expect a bit decline of Mayweather's speed. At his age right now he is vulnerable to this declination.

If Mayweather Jr. get past round three it will be a boring UD (9 rounds to 3) in favor of Money May.

Images from Biloxi: Andre Berto is a champion again, calls for Ortiz rematch



Last night, inside of the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, Andre Berto became a champion again after scoring a fifth-round stoppage over brave Jan Zaveck. The action was hot from the get-go and Berto had success in the early rounds working Zaveck’s body with crisp shots while also finding time to pound him upstairs as well. Continue reading on Examiner.com

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Marquez doesn't mind underdog tag, sees tough fight

Juan Manuel Marquez doesn’t mind being an 8-1 underdog in his forthcoming battle against Manny Pacquiao.

“I don’t care,” said the Mexican even if the fight odds suggest that his chances of winning are slim and almost none.

He said he doesn’t even feel bad about it.

“I don’t feel embarrassed,” Marquez said during yesterday’s official press conference at the Manila Hotel. Continue reading on PhilStar,com

PACQUIAO VOWS TO PROVE SUPERIORITY OVER MARQUEZ IN THIRD FIGHT



Manny Pacquiao vowed to remove any doubt about his superiority over Mexican challenger Juan Manuel Marquez when they meet for the third time in November.
Marquez insists he won the previous fights -- a draw in 2004 and Pacquiao's split-decision victory in 2008. Continue reading on TSN

Al Azraq, Kuwait survive late rally from UAE: Fifa Worldcup qualifying Round 3




Al Azraq Kuwait, survive a late rally from UAE in their match last Friday.

Both Naser and Bader Al Mutawaa made it 2-0 for Kuwait. Again another goal from Naser in the 65th minute.


Kuwait looking confident and in control of the game almost spoiled from a late rally from UAE.


A goal from both Hammadi and Ahmad Khalil in the 84th and 89th minute made it so exciting Read more