Nonito Donaire vs Simpiwe Vetyeka: Donaire's greatest hits. Donaire (32-2, 21 KO's) fought four times in 2012 and won all of them making him earned the 2012 "Fighter of the Year" award by most boxing media. He won by SD against Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., UD12--Jeffrey Mathebula, TKO9--Toshiaki Nishioka and KO3--Jorge Arce. Can Donaire carry his power at the featherweight division? We will find out Saturday, 31 May at the Cotai Arena, Macau, China. Can be seen on HBO delayed telecast.

• Video Credit--HBOSports Youtube Channel


• Boxrec

Nonito Donaire was the 2012 "Fighter of the Year" on most boxing media outlets. He won all four championship fights against top caliber opponents in the same year. He defeated former world champions Jorge Arce by KO3, Toshiaki Nishioka TKO9, Jeffrey Mathebula UD12 and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. SD12.

[Read Also: SPB coverage: Carl Froch vs George Groves rematch]

Nonito Donaire (32-2, 21 KO's) was all set to enter big time payday in 2013. But Olympian Guillermo Rigondeux took Donaire to a boxing clinic in April 2013. Donaire was outclassed and outwitted by the Cuban ring tactician in over 12 rounds of highly tactical fight. Donaire rebounded in the same year; knocking out former foe, Vic Darchinyan in round 9.

On Saturday, Donaire, now 31 years old, will face South Africa's Simpiwe Vetyeka for the WBA super world featherweight title in Cotai, Arena in Macau, China.

Simpiwe Vetyeka (26-2, 16 KO's) retired and handed Chris John his first career defeat---after 15 years undefeated as a professional prize fighter in December in Australia. Vetyeka 33, is looking for recognition in the world stage---fighting almost entirely in South Africa---fought only once in the US. A win over Donaire is one big leap.

Donaire is looking for a second push of his career---reuniting with his father, which is now his trainer. Bob Arum of Top Rank, Donaire's promoter, said in an interview with ABS-CBN that he will line-up Donaire's opponent after he passed Vetyeka.

HBO will air the Nonito Donaire vs Simpiwe Vetyeka fight on tape delay in the afternoon to give way Froch-Groves fight from London, which HBO has live. However, BoxNation will air this card live at 9:00 ETD.

I'll be posting more update from this fight until fight night and I'll provide links to those posts below. I'll be posting my preview and prediction on Thursday. Stay tuned.

• Nonito Donaire wins contoversial technical decision after Round 4


• Nonito Donaire vs Simpiwe Vetyeka weigh in results


• Nonito Donaire vs Simpiwe Vetyeka preview and picks


• Nonito Donaire greatest hits


• [Photos] Nonito Donaire vs Simpiwe Vetyeka: Grand Arrivals

Rocky Juarez is in a must win situation after semi-retired for two years. He's scheduled to face Rene Alvarado (20-2, 14 KO's) of Managua, Nicaragua on Monday at the Fort Bliss--Stout Physical Fitness Center, El Paso, Texas for the WBC silver featherweight title for Golden Boy Live! show Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes on a Memorial Day celebration.

Rocky Juarez (29-10-1, 21 KO's) a two-time featherweight world title challenger, and medalists for 2000 Olympic Games is looking forward to duplicate his knockout victory against Antonio Escalante two years ago. He's hoping for a rebound after suffering from six straight losses.

"This is definitely a must-win situation. This is a fight where I have already said that if I happen to lose this fight, then that will be it. I'll hang 'em up and just call it quits," Juarez told RingTV.com.

During the weigh in at the Woodlands Ballroom, Airway Boulevard Alvarado and Juarez both looked fit and ready to rumble. Both came in under the featherweight limit of 126 pounds. Alvarado weighed 125.6 pounds, while Juarez weighed 125.2.

On another note, Hall of Fame WWE Commentator Jim Ross will be making his boxing commentary debut.

What you need to know about this fight:

Monday, May 26
5:00 p.m. Ft. Bliss - Stout Physical Fitness Center Doors Open
Location: Ft. Bliss - Stout Physical Fitness Center
Cassidy Road, Building 2930
Fort Bliss, TX 79916

5:30 p.m. First fight begins

7:00 p.m. Fox Sports 1 & Fox Deportes Golden Boy Live! Telecast Begins

Canadian Adonis "Superman" Stevenson beats Andrzej Fonfara of Chicago, and retains his WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight title in over 12 rounds of action against an exceedingly tough challenger. It’s never a walk in the park for Stevenson as the fight previews suggests, as both men tasted what’s it’s like to be in the canvas. Although the scorecards were one-sided in favor of the reigning champion who earned the unanimous decision.

Stevenson (24-1, 20 KO) started the first round cautious and tried to box, move around while the 26 year old challenger stalked him. Stevenson landed a text book 1-2 combination that sent Fonfara on the floor. I thought that was it! Fonfara showed toughness absorbing some and defending barrage of punches thrown to him after the mandatory count. He survived the bumpy first round!

From that point onwards, although, Fonfara (25-3, 15 KO’s) is stalking the hometown champion---Stevenson is sweeping rounds until round eight. Stevenson landed crisp combination to the head and body and smothering Fonfara’s counters.

In the 5th round, again Stevenson floored Fonfara with a shot to the mid section. But Fonfara's extreme tolerance with pain stood instantly and continued the fight gallantly.

It seemed to me that Fonfara’s best chance is when Stevenson slows down in the latter rounds. But that if he has the energy to do so, after absorbing power-zapping body blows from Stevenson.

The ecstatic crowd at the Bell Centre in Montreal was silenced in round 9, as Fonfara floored Stevenson with a left hook followed by a right hand that landed flush on the chin---that was intense! Fonfara showed some patience and didn’t rush things up to finish the job. Stevenson survived.

Fonfara told Jim Gray after the fight, "In the ninth round, I got him right on the chin. I didn't want to go crazy, because maybe he'd counter me. But he survived. He got knocked down, but he came back. I got knocked down, I came back. It was a good fight."

Stevenson showed the human side of a “superman” tonight and that a fighter that hits hard can shoots down a flying “superman”.

But Stevenson showed also a Rocky Balboa heart and comeback strong in the 10th frame attacking Fonfara with real bad intention. He engaged Fonfara in the championship round although it is safe to fight cautiously as he is ahead on points. The official scorecard reads 115-110, 115-110, and 116-109.

"And you know, who doesn't get knocked down? Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones, all the best go down. But I came back strong. I still came back strong, because I'm a true champion." said Stevenson when Grey asked about the ninth round knockdown.

“Are you tired in the ninth round?” asked Grey. "No… no I’m not tired… but he got me real good so I came back strong. I was off-balance and he catch me.”

Fonfara on the other hand told Grey "I survived because I have the heart to fight, you know? Every time he hit me, I felt his punch. He's a great fighter. I think it was a great fight, and the fans liked it. Tonight, Stevenson was better. But I'm still young. I'm just 26 years old. I'll train hard, and one day I'll be world champion."

With Fonfara’s performance tonight, I could not disagree with him.

What’s next for Stevenson?

Ask about who he will be fighting next. Stevenson told Grey that “Bernard can be next. I'll let Al Haymon negotiate for that," Stevenson said.

"All my fans, do you want Bernard Hopkin?" (That is without s) ask Stevenson to the crowd.

As for a fight with Sergey Kovalev, Stevenson replied that: "No problem with Kovalev. If I fight him, I fight him. Al Haymon's going to negotiate that, with Yvon Michel. I'm the true champion. Superman baby!"

Who do you want Stevenson to fight next?

In report from Yahoo Maktoob via Associated Press written by Tim Dahlberg Manny Pacquiao next fight could be in Dubai against Khan

"Arum said Tuesday that Juan Manuel Marquez is his first choice for Pacquiao's next fight, but other fighters — including Amir Khan — could be in the mix."

Although, I already heard this statement before from Arum and still didn't happen. But I think staging a fight here in the Middle East could be big success especially if its in Dubai. Filipinos around the Middle East, especially the GCC, area for sure will troop to Dubai who allow visa upon arrival to Filipinos.

Below is a breakdown of OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) population working or having temporary residency in four leading countries in the Middle East according to Wikipedia.

• Saudi Arabia - 1,267,658


• UAE - 931,562


• Qatar - 200,016


• Kuwait - 213,638

Amir Khan apart from a solid British fan base in UK has also huge following in Dubai from British expatriate. In UAE there are 240,000 Britons. He has also huge following from Pakistan Nationals in the Emirates being of a Pakistani descent. Pakistanis are the second largest ethnic group in the UAE, constituting 21%, which is over 1.2 million, of the country's total population.

I remember how the OFW's in Kuwait supported Azkals (Philippine National Soccer Team) during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2011 held  Kuwait The Filipinos outnumbered the locals and jam-packed the 22,000 capacity Quadsia Stadium.

The ticket that I have that time was useless as Kuwaiti Police Officers didn't allow fans to come in because the Stadium is totally full. Honestly, the match already started but I'm still outside the stadium, finding my way in as the gate was already closed. I jumped from the fence just to get in.

I can't imagine how huge the support would be from Filipinos alone, if Pacquaio-Khan will ever happen in Dubai who has more Filipino and Pakistani population.

There is no problem also in distributing PPV as every Filipino in the Middles east is powered by TFC or The Filipino Channel owned by ABS-CBN channel 2 in the Philippines. The biggest TV network in the Philippines.

Bring Pacquiao-Khan in Dubai!

Update: The "homeless guy" that Adrien Broner gave away $1000 to him, was robbed and beaten on the same night. In a video interview from worldstar hip hop  with the same guy, he said that he was robbed and beaten. The guy is wearing a big black eye.

Broner's "act of kindness"---if not recorded on cam and uploaded online---could have made a little difference for the poor guy's life. But that $1000 made him more miserable now. Money no-more and a black eye is what he got. I feel guilty also for posting that video here. It might be that the guy who robbed him might have seen the video here in this tiny blog---who knows?---this made me a feel guilty.

I hope Broner felt the way I do for this guy and do something without recording and uploading a video online.

After the WBC suspended Adrien "The Problem" Broner for a somewhat racist comment he made after defeating Carlos Molina during the undercard of Mayweather-Maidana on May 3 in Las Vegas; Broner did some "good boy" publicity act on cam, giving away $1000 to a "homeless" guy. I can say it's a publicity because why they record it. To somehow ease up the bad boy persona Broner use to portray in boxing.

In the video uploaded by a YouTube channel named Adrien Broner, you can see him giving the amount to a guy. The guy was extremely surprise and he can't convince himself whether Broner was just joking.

Check this video out [warning obscene language used]:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nathan Cleverly is back!

Welshman Nathan Cleverly (27-1, 13 KO) stops Shawn Corbin (17-5, 12 KO's) in just two rounds in his cruiserweight debut in front of lively crowd at Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.

Cleverly started strong in the second round after feeling the first round being a cruiserweight. He tagged Corbin with left and right combination that forced Corbin back to the ropes. Cleverly then landed a vicious uppercut that obviously hurt Corbin. Cleverly followed up with barrage of unanswered punches that forced the referee to step in and halt the fight. The official time of the stoppage: 2:19 second round.

With this win, Cleverly captured the vacant WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title.

Cleverly is now back in the winning column nine months after the devastating knockout defeat he suffered from the hands of the then emerging heavy handed Sergey Kovalev. He was knockout in the fourth round in the same arena after being floored twice in the third round, and lost his WBO light heavyweight title. The big win will certainly Cleverly's confidence booster and will help get rid that loss in his head and move forward in his new division.

Gavin Rees SD12 Gary Buckland

Gavin Rees (38-4-1, 18 KO's) quality punches and ring generalship carried the day as he won via split decision against Gary Buckland 28-,4 9 KO's) of Cardiff in over 12 rounds of entertaining action.

I can't believe both men survive 12 rounds of brutal back and forth action. Both men traded hard blow like there is no tomorrow. The ecstatic crowd in Motorpoint Arena did standing ovation for the fighters after the fight.

Rees was the better boxer and landed cleaner punches. Buckland was the more active fighter: marching forward all night. For me, It was a close fight. But the scorecards didn't reveal how close the fight was on two judges, although one judge had it for Buckland. The judges' score cards were: 117-113 for Rees, 116-113 for Buckland and 117-112 for Rees.

Callum Smith KO2 Tobias Webb

Callum Smith (11-0, 9 KO's) destroyed Tobias Webb (14-2-1, 2 KO's) in just two rounds. Smith showed tremendous body work, dropping Webb three times with hooks to the body.

In the first round Webb fought well and I thought this could be a long night for the undefeated prospect from Liverpool. But in the second round Smith unleashed a ripping left hook to the liver that dropped Webb like a dog -- knees and both gloves -- hit the floor.

That was extremely painful shot but the gallant Webb got up and continued fighting. This time Smith fired another brutal body shot, now utilizing his right hand and the same result: Webb went down in déjà vu of the first knockdown but Webb got up again, only to visit the floor for the third time.

I thought the third knockdown could be the end but again he rose to his feet and beat the count. But in the fourth knockdown, Webb was not able to beat the count the referee stopped the fight. The official time: 2:50 in the second round.

With the win Smith named the WBC International super middleweight champion.

I'm astonished the first time I read an article that says Manny Pacquiao is playing basketball in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). I said what? And not just a player, but he will be a "playing coach". Pacquiao reportedly reached agreement with KIA Motors as playing coach for their team that will debut on October 21 in the PBA.

Well, because Pacquiao is popular -- he can do whatever he likes. But it doesn't mean he'll not go through the process.

According to a PBA official via Sports.inquirer.net, Pacquiao needs to enter PBA rookie draft.

Apart from being a boxing superstar, congressman, action star, singer, pastor, Pacquiao loves basketball in the first place. In an interview earlier in his career, Pacquiao said that his first love is basketball -- that is typical to most Filipinos -- to play basketball. Even if you find many Filipinos excel in sports other than basketball -- it still boils down to basketball is their first choice but end up in other sports because Filipinos lacks the height and size for this sport. The average Filipino height is just 163.5 cm or 5' 4.4" according to Disabled-world.com

Playing basketball in the PBA is another dream come true for Manny Pacquiao. Before he found success in boxing, I know he dreamed also to become a PBA player -- just like any other Filipinos and that includes me. I know that many boxing fans (even die hard Pacquiao fans) raise an eyebrow on Pacquiao decision to play basketball. I read many negative posts on Facebook criticizing the eight division champion on his intention to play ball. The one that captures my attention is an article at Philboxing written by Ricah Trinidad on May 11. The headline reads "PLEASE DON'T HIRE PACQUIAO AS A MASCOT". Well, if KIA Motors simply needs endorser for their car products I think they made the right choice, which is to hire Pacquaio. But of course not as a "playing coach" for their team but maybe a TV commercial model.

In actual professional basketball game

Pacquiao has been playing basketball as a recreation even before he becomes a boxing superstar. And his long time coach Freddie Roach knows that. Roach allowed Pacquaio to play even if he has upcoming fight. Basketball helps also build stamina necessary for a boxer. But during the game, the players that Pacquiao played with know very well that they should not play intensely against Pacquiao, especially the player that will guard the Filipino boxing icon. Do you expect someone that guard Pacquiao will apply sticky defense against him? Do you think anyone from those five players in the opposite team will challenge with real intention to block the ball when Pacquiao drives the ball to the hoops? Of course not -- they don't want Pacquiao get injured.

However, in the PBA, it will be another story. There will be no hesitation to steal the ball from Pacquiao, challenge his shots or play physical against him -- in offense or in defense. It's not Pacquiao who is at stake there, but their respective teams. To win each game. The possibility of Pacquiao being injured is high. So high that a certain injury like ACL would kill his boxing career instantly. I read an article that presents an argument that PBA is more physical than NBA. In Tagalog term they call it "balyahan" [ang laro sa PBA]. I just don't know how to say it in English. I'm not saying Pacquiao will not sustain the physical aspects in basketball... haler... he's an elite boxer. There's no way that basketball's physicality surpasses boxing. But I'm sure these are two different physical sports that requires separate training, focus and attention.

Pacquiao's impact in the PBA

Either in Smart Araneta or MOA arena, starting October 21, there would be additional surge of basketball fans in queue for their tickets. Pacquiao will draw more fans in the venue and millions will watch on TV, which is good for the PBA.

My concern is: What quality of basketball game can Pacquiao offer the basketball fans? I know that Pacquiao can play basketball. But against the PBA pros; he might ask question to himself while playing: what am I doing here? He's a star in the boxing ring but he could be an eyesore in the hard-court. Watch out starting October 21, 2014.

The month of May has been explosive month for boxing, yet we are still in middle of this month. Mayweather-Maidana set the tone for this month as they engaged into a war, which is rare to see from the pound-for-pound king. In the second week, another war happened between Bermane Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KO’s) and Chris Arreola (36-4, 21 KO’s). Stiverne froze Arreola with a big right hand in round six (Arreola was well ahead in the scorecards). Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Donnie Nietes (33-1-4, 19 KO’s) silenced critics by stopping Moises Fuentes in the rematch. Nietes continue reigning as the longest Filipino world champion. You can read my full fight recap here.

This week’s boxing schedule, starting Friday, May 16, we have Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-3, 16 KO’s) coming back in action on ESPN2, after losing to Miguel Cotto back in October last year. He will face Joachim Alcine (35-7-4, 21 KO’s) at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Also on that card is Joe Hanks vs. Derric Rossy.

Then on Saturday May 17, we have Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 KO’s) tangles horn with Mike Alvarado (34-2, 23 KO’s) at Forum, Inglewood, California. The outcome of this fight will determine if we will gonna, see Pacquaio vs. Marquez 5. If this fight will ever happen, it seems that Top Rank boss, Bob Arum is taking the fight to Macau. However, before we even think about Pacquiao-Marquez 5, Alvarado of course has another plan come Saturday night. I’ll have my preview and prediction up for this fight on this site later on. So, stay tuned.

In UK, also on Saturday (3:00 PM EDT) former light heavyweight Nathan Cleverly (26-1, 12 KO’s) will be back in the ring against Sean Corbin (17-4, 12 KO’s) at Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales. This will be Cheverly’s first attempt moving up at the cruiserweight division, after semi-retired for nine months. Cleverly was knockout by lightly regarded, at that time, Sergey Kovalev.

Here is the rest of this week’s boxing schedule:

Friday, May 16, 2014, SHO, 10:00 pm EDT

• 
  
  Joel Diaz Jr vs. Tyler Asselstine


• 
  
  Frank Galarza vs. Sebastien Bouchard 

Saturday, May 17, Skysports UK

• 
  
  Gary Buckland vs. Gavin Rees


• 
  
  Lee Selby vs. Romulo Koasicha


• 
  
  Callum Smith vs. Tobias Webb

Unimas

• 
  
  Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Manuel Quezada,


• 
  
  Anton Novikov vs. Javier Castro,


• 
  
  Jose Benavidez vs. Angel Hernandez

Donnie "Ahas" Nietes said that there will be "no draw" in his rematch with Mexican Moises Fuentes at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City, Philippines. And he delivered.

Nietes who trains from ALA Boxing stable stops Fuentes in round 9 and retains his WBO light flyweight title. He drops Fuentes twice in round 9 before landing a cracking overhand right that put his challenger down. Referee Robert Byrd didn't bother to count and immediately waives it of as Fuentes is in no position to continue. The official time of the stoppage: 2:56 in round 9.

[Read Also: Pinoy Pride 25: Preview and prediction]

Nietes, now improved his record to 33 wins, 19 by way of stoppage, 1 loss and 4 draws started the fight well, boxing and moving around, landing the cleaner shots. Fuentes on the other end started slowly as usual but pressing forward targeting the champion's body.

In the second round, Fuentes, now dropped to 19 wins, 10 by way of stoppage, 2 losses, and 1 draw, stepped up the pace and continue to press forward, catching Nietes to the body when Nietes crouch and spin away from him. In the third round, Nietes hurt Fuentes with a body shot that stunned the challenger momentarily on his track.

In the seventh round, Nietes landed clean combinations that wobbled Fuentes, but unable to finished as the hard hitting challenger from Mexico tried to hold on.

In the eighth round both fighters slowed down a bit -- especially Nietes -- who looks tired and seemed he punch-out in the previous round.

Stamina has been a problem for Nietes in the past.

However, in the ninth round Nietes dropped Fuentes and hit him while on the floor, resulting to a point deduction. The fight continued. Nietes again sent Fuentes to the floor with a couple of body and head shots. Fuentes managed to survive the count but still too shaky. Nietes, although sensing a knockout win, didn't rush things up. He waited and unleashed a well-timed finishing touch -- a cracking overhand right -- that landed clean on Fuentes left face.

With the win, Nietes registered his 21st win in 25 bouts, without defeat, and only 4 draws since losing a split decision against Angky Angkotta in 2004. This is also Nietes second straight victory via stoppage.

Milan Melindo UD12 Martin Tecuapetla

In the supporting main event, Milan Melindo (31-1, 12 KO's) showcased yet another methodical beat down against Martin Tecuapetla (11-6-2, 8 KO's) of Mexico in over 12 rounds of boxing spectacle. Variety of punches, from jab, uppercuts and hooks were on display. The left hook followed by uppercut combination find its home most of the time on Tecuapetla's head. Melindo out-classed the extremely tough challenger that never stops coming forward. Melindo was sweeping rounds from the opening round until round 8 on my scorecards.

In round 9, Melindo was deducted for a low blow. After the deduction, Melindo showed signs of fatigue -- slowed down drastically -- and was breathing heavily. In round 10, Tecuapetla continue to press forward against a now more stationary champion. But Melindo was able to defend effectively and occasionally catching Tecuapetla with left and right counters.

In round 11, Melindo executes the final push landing beautiful counters. In the final round, Melindo is well ahead in my scorecards. I have him winning 8 rounds against 4. The official scores were 114-114,116-112 and 115-113. The draw scored by Filipino judge Zalven Lagumbay doesn't make sense to me. At worse, the score could be 7 rounds against 5 on Melindo's favor, but a tie -- no way.

Rey Bautista UD10 Sergio Villanueva

Meanwhile, Rey "BoomBoom" Bautista (35-3, 25 KO') scored a unanimous victory against Sergio Villanueva (26-4-2, 13 KO's) also from Mexico, in his ring return after more than one year of inactivity. This is Bautista's debut as a junior lightweight.

Bautista who promised to deliver a showing did just enough to get the judges nod to the tune of 97-93, 96-94 and 96-94. However, it's a good performance for Bautista, although, far from what I expected from him.

The successful Pinoy Pride series will continue to give us fights from top Filipino fighters other Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night. Pinoy Pride 25 will headline a rematch between one of the longest reigning Filipino world champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes (32-1-4, 18 KO's) against Moises Fuentes (19-1-1, 10 KO's) of Distrito Federal, Mexico for Nietes WBO light flyweight title. Also in action is "Method Man" Milan Melindo against Martin “Diablo” Tecuapetla of Mexico. Ray "BoomBoom" Bautista will be back in the ring after more than one year of inactivity against Sergio “El Cuate” Villanueva also from Mexico. This time the event will be held at the sprawling Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines on Saturday night starting 6 PM (Manila Time).

Pinoy Pride 25: Preview and prediction

Donnie Nietes vs. Moises Fuentes, 12 rounds light flyweight

In March 2, 2013 Nietes and Fuentes first met at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel and Casino that ended in a majority draw. I re-watch the fight and I can say that it was an extremely close fight. Either way both men can win that fight but it can't be without debate. Two judges had it 114-114 and judge Tapdasan scored it 115-113 for the defending champion Nietes [read here: Boxrec.com.]

During the weigh in both men registered the scale right on the spot for the division of 108 lbs.

Nietes vowed to settle for a knockout and said "No Draw" even before the press conference started. "I'll go for a knockout" Nietes exclaimed. But he is prepared to go the full rounds if the situation needed it. Nietes is coming from an impressive third round technical knockout victory against Sammy Gutierrez in November.

The 24 year old Mexican challenger also vowed to take the belt back to Mexico. "I came to win. The title will go back to Mexico,” Fuentes said.

Nietes keys to win

After I re-watch the fight, I can say both men approached the fight technically. This time I think It will be the same except for minor adjustments. I think Nietes will be more aggressive this time but still extremely cautious. He vowed to be more aggressive. So, I expect him to throw more combinations this time compared to the first meeting. I understand that Nietes had no problem absorbing the best shot Fuentes landed. So, I think he will risk more and come in landing some and taking some shots. A calculated and more combination punching will be his key.

Fuentes keys to win

Fuentes has the height at 5 '6'' and reach advantage at 67.5" compared to Nietes who stands only at 5' 3" with 65.5" reach. If Fuentes uses this advantages to his favor; not letting Nietes to go inside by using his long jab. All he need to do is to to box and move from the outside and rack up points. He needs to avoid close range exchanges but instead fight in range and look for more angles to fire without getting hit from counters.

My prediction  

Nietes will be lured by Fuentes to fight in exchanges wherein he lands more combinations and Nietes will win via UNANIMOUS DECISION.

Milan Melindo vs. Martin Tecuapetla, 12 rounds flyweights 

Melindo (30-1, 12 KO's) is technically superb and experienced against Martin Tecuapetla. The determining factor here is power. If Tecuapetla's power will get respect from Melindo; Melindo might imposed a conservative and cautious methodical schooling, but if not, it could be an all out boxing clinic. It could end up a knockout in favor of Melindo, but it will depend how Tecuapetla withstands accumulated punches. Melindo is not known for his power but can knockout opponent through accumulated punches. My pick: Melindo UD 12.

Ray “BoomBoom” Bautista vs. Sergio Villanueva, 10 rounds junior lightweights 

On Saturday night at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada Showtime's boxing card dubbed "The Moment" delivered the result that most of us expected: Floyd Mayweather Jr., Amir Khan and Adrien Broner won against their respective opponents. But all three fights didn't play-out the way they were predicted, although results came out as expected.

Many predicted that Maidana is "easy work" for the best boxer of the game. But Floyd Mayweather (46-0, 26 KO's) age 37, was in a hell of a fight against Maidana. And it's a close fight. Really close fight. There's talk of rematch right after the fight. Marcos Maidana (35-4, 31 KO's) not just won one round baby... he bullied (actually it looked like he kick Floyd's ass in the first four rounds) Mayweather, and he swept the first four rounds of the fight and won another one or two in the second half. I had Maidana winning five rounds though. The score 117-111 by Burt Clements doesn't make sense to me. And who says Floyd is a boring fighter? That depends on his opponent. I hope he keeps on picking a fighter like Maidana who keeps coming forward. That showcased how brilliant and tough Floyd Mayweather is. Let's say Pacquiao next. Hehehehe…I'm just day dreaming though -- just like many of you guys.

On the other hand, Amir "King" Khan (29-3, KO 19) was expected to be in a tough fight against Luis Collazo. But the Collazo (35-6, 18 KO's) that knockout a bigger Victor Ortiz, in just two rounds, never showed up against Khan. Not even flashes of him. And the predicted tough fight for Khan became a walk in the park. The word "easy work" is not for Mayweather this time -- instead it is for Khan. Khan was blistering Collazo with lightning fast combinations. Khan finished the fight strong. He dropped Collazo several times. He's stronger at 147. Though, I still doubt his chin. Collazo didn't touch that area clean. Can Khan will be next for Floyd?

All eyes wide open for Adrien Broner? Maybe yes -- in the first half of the fight. Many expected Adrein "The Problem" Broner (28-1, 22 KO's) to win via knockout against 17 months inactive Carlos Molina. Honestly, without taking anything away from Carlos Molina (17-2-1, 7 KO's) -- he was put there for the cocky Broner of Cincinnati to look good. For Broner to get a sure win impressively. And for Broner to picked-up where he left prior to Maidana fight. But instead, Broner was content to be like his "big brother" fighting style. Stick and move, Counter-punching. It's okay to do that. But I believe he can do more than that, to make the fight more exciting. He can knockout Molina if he wanted to. At the scale of ten, being 10 is the highest, how do you rate his performance? Is he really fly, fresh and flashy last Satruday night or simply "The Problem" -- attitude problem?

Update 2:

In a post from Kevin Iole from Yahoo Sports, Iole says that the "dispute over choice of gloves finally ends, Mayweather-Maidana title fight is a go".

"The crazy dispute between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana over which boxing gloves Maidana could wear was resolved overnight and their pay-per-view bout for the WBA and WBC welterweight titles at the MGM Grand is on."

Glove controversy mercifully ended and as expected, Mayweather fight is on. Here's my blog post on @YahooSports http://t.co/I39QXCw85w

— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) May 3, 2014

Iole further twitted that Maidana is wearing the Everlast gloves (but didn't specify which one) and Mayweather with his favorite Grant gloves.

YEAH, glove controversy resolved! Al Haymon via Richard Schaefer says fight is on. Mayweather wears Grant, Maidana Everlast! — Kevin Iole (@KevinI) May 3, 2014

Update 1:

In a report from The Sweet Science by Michael Woods here's a message from Richard Schaefer: "Relax. The fight will go on. It must. Too much money is at stake." Well, I believed also that this fight will push through for the following reasons.

• As what Schaefer told a lot of money is at stake.


• This could be Mayweather's last minute promotion to hype the fight.


• To play mind games with Marcos Maidana.


• I already paid my PPV subscription :(

(Original Article starts here) There's on going glove issues now on Mayweather vs Maidana fight at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather and his team do not agree on the kind of gloves Marcos Maidana want to use during the fight. Mayweather Promotion's Leonard Elerbe says there's no fight unless something gets changed as per Fight Hype.com video.

Before I'll throw my comments on these glove issues, let me research for you what has been already reported on various boxing websites. This post will be updated as soon as development on these issues arise. I'll be posting related links. From the time being, these are the things going on lately.

The debated glove that Maidana wants to use is the Everlast MX gloves.This type of gloves were legal and approved according to Francisco Aguilar, chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission. But the actual pair of glove that Maidana wants to use is not approved because of the distribution of padding according to Kevin Iole's report on Yahoo Sports.

"Maidana wanted to wear a custom-made powder blue pair of Everlast MX boxing gloves. Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, objected to the padding in the custom gloves. Francisco Aguilar, chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission, examined those gloves and ruled they were unfit for competition because of the distribution of padding."

If you look at the photo above, the gloves in question look worn out compared to Mayweather's gloves. It seems that this is not new and maybe used a couple of times.   Now the NSAC is firmed that the Everlast MX boxing gloves are legal so, Maidana can use the same type but not the exact gloves he wanted to use. But Mayweather and his team still do not want. And besides this gloves were used by Miguel Cotto against Mayweather in 2012. So, this is where we get stuck.

In 2012, @RealMiguelCotto wore the stock red Everlast MX gloves against @FloydMayweather. — Kevin Iole (@KevinI) May 3, 2014

And in case you missed the weigh-in, which is supposed to be the highlight hours before the fight, but has been clouded with what was going on. Anyway you can watch it below. Stay tuned for more updates later as the other side of the planet is still sleeping. More updates will come in the morning of Saturday (US time).

The final ritual before every boxing match: the weigh in. Watch it here; The Mayweather vs Maidana weigh-in live streaming. Tonight at 6 PM ETD boxing pound-for-pound kingpin the undefeated Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. (45-0, 26 KO) and Marcos "El Chino" Maidana (35-3, 31 KO) will step on the scale for Saturday nights boxing event dubbed "The Moment" a Showtime Pay Per View event at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada.

Also on the card Amir "King" Khan (28-3, 19 KO) will face Luis Collazo (35-5, 18 KO) for his first try at the fully talent-packed welterweight division. A fight that would determine Khan's feasibility to be considered as future opponent of Mayweather. But Not only that, all eyes are wide open to witness the comeback fight of former undefeated, now "All Beard" Adrien "The Problem" Broner (27-1, 22 KO) in a debut fight at the light welterweight division against former undefeated also, Carlos Molina -- not that Molina -- but this Molina (17-1-1, 7 KO).

Amir Khan says during the undercard final presser of "The Moment" boxing event that takes place this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Las Vegas that he definitely wanted to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. But before that Khan has a tough assignment to handle in Luis Collazo who looks rip and ready to fight during the presser.

I think what Amir Khan needs to do in this fight is to throw fast combination from the outside. And then move around; reset his position to avoid counters. But as what they told, every fighter has a game plan until he gets hit. Amir used to throw his game plan out to the window once get hit and wobble. He tends to brawl when he's in trouble, wherein the best thing to do is to try to clinch and smother an opponent's finishing attacks.

If Khan will do the same if he will get hit by Collazo; he'll be in trouble. He just needs to fight smart and use his quickness. He said that he's a different fighter now at welterweight. I hope his chin is a little bit stronger now because welterweight punches have different impact.

As for Collazo, I think he needs to lure Khan in a hit-me, I'll hit you back action in order to land his own punches because I believed Khan is far too quicker than he is. And once he touches the vulnerable chin of Khan, he can force him to trade blow by blow. And I think that's Collazo's best chance.

The fight purses ahh... how you will call it. Salaries? Whatever! Okay, the amount that every fighter will received for the pay-per-view event, we all been waiting for, dubbed "The Moment' that will takes place on Saturday evening at the MGM Grand have been revealed. The main man Floyd Mayweather Jr. is guaranteed at least $32 million while his opponent Marcos Maidana will be getting only $1.5 million. This is as per what I read from every boxing site I visited this morning. I think this is too low for Maidana?

Well I guess, this is one of the reasons why Mayweather chose Maidana as opponent: Maidana is cheaper? (I don't like the word cheap here) but it is what it is. Amir Khan, which is supposed to be Mayweather's opponent and fighting Luis Collazo instead, in the under-card, is reportedly getting also -- $1.5 million -- the same as Maidana. Therefore, if Khan is the opponent of the pound-for-pound king in this event -- Khan would probably get higher than $1.5 million.

Khan may have a huge fan base compared with Maidana, but the feedback that Khan is getting fighting Floyd is underwhelming -- that's another reason Floyd chose Maidana.

Maidana stocks rose when he defeated Mayweather's "little brother" Adrien Broner that will get $1.25 million fighting Carlos Molina also in the under-card. I think Maidana deserves a little bit bigger than what he's getting. Anyway, this amount will of course increase, as the pay-per-view share will be added. However, the same will go for the rest of the fighters involved in this event.

Purses of the rest of the fighters:

• 
  
  Luis Collazo - $350,000


• Carlos Molina - $150,000


• J'Leon Love - $100,000


• Marco Antonio Periban  -  $35,000