Mayweather vs. Pacquiao: The Fight of the Century

The Fight of the Century! Mayweather vs. Pacquiao!
Photo credit to the owner.

After almost six years of waiting, the fight any boxing fan has been longing to see will finally happen. Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2nd (May 3rd in the Philippines).

I wanted this fight to happen so badly ever since the buzz on the airwaves in early 2010 where Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were at the top of the boxing echelon at that time. Coming off huge statement wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao's biggest rival and Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto respectively.

Tale of the Tape c/o Bleacher Report

If I remember correctly, in late 2008, they had some talks of a possible match between each other but Mayweather had other plans and announced his retirement to the sport. They had fought the same opponents during that span of time. Facing boxing great Oscar de la Hoya, England's Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley. Comparing the fights of Mayweather and Pacquiao to them, Pacquiao had the more impressive results against them against to Mayweather's but Money claims that they were never the same after they had been defeated by the undefeated American.

Pacquiao (R) landing a left straight on Bradley on their first fight on June 2012.
Photo credit to the owner.

The year 2012 where I thought to be the end of a possible showdown with Mayweather that Manny Pacquiao lost both of his 2012 matches in controversial at shocking fashion. In June 2012, Manny Pacquiao fought the then-undefeated welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. Manny lost the fight in a split decision favoring the American Bradley. Six months after, Manny fought his Mexican archrival Juan Manuel Marquez for the fourth time. Manny was winning the fight until that powerful right hand of Marquez hit Pacquiao's chin and Manny became unconscious for several seconds.

In 2013, after almost a year of not hitting the ring, Manny Pacquiao returned to face young gun Brandon "Bam-Bam" Rios. The Pac-Man won in a convincing fashion, beating Rios in 12-round unanimous decision.

Mayweather vs. Maidana. Photo credit to the owner.

2014 is the year that the radar of the superfight might be get inked. It was a spectacular performance for both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather last year. Mayweather fought tough Argentinian Marcos Rene Maidana. It was then the toughest fight Mayweather had been after a while according to some boxing analysts, so tough that it Maidana deserved another match with him. After months of waiting, the rematch happened and like that first fight, it was a tough fight to call. With Maidana's great pressure and aggressiveness and Floyd's ring generalship and quick defense, it was indeed true that "styles make fights". Mayweather won the rematch via unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao had his own quest for redemption when he took on Timothy Bradley in the rematch of their controversial first fight last June 2012. Manny said that he clearly won the first fight but Bradley claims that he deserved the victory. In the rematch, Manny dominated the fight in the late rounds and Bradley was never the same in the first fight where he was the aggressor of throughout the fight but Manny had the more accurate and had the more powerful punches. Manny won the rematch via unanimous decision.

Pacquiao scored one of the six knockdowns of his match against Chris Algieri.
Photo credit to the owner.

Last November 2014, when everyone expects that Manny will fight Juan Manuel Marquez again but it turned out to be the once in a lifetime chance of young Chris Algeri, a multiple kickboxing champion before became a boxing champion last June when he fought Aleksandar Provodnikov, one of Timothy Bradley's tough opponents. It was a golden chance for Algieri to make a statement in the boxing world to try and defeat one of boxing's all-time great but Pacquiao, really, too fast, too smart, too agile, too powerful for the young Algieri. Although it ended as a unanimous decision win for Manny, the outcome didn't reflect how the fight went. Pacquiao had a record of six knockdowns to Algieri and Chris was really fighting for survival and it was more like a "run and take the money" thing in boxing for him.

After their fights, Manny and Floyd had their fair share of calling each other out to finally make this superfight happen for the fans to see. Manny posted on Twitter last December and claims that he can beat Floyd Mayweather and as of now, that tweet generated 100k+ retweets.

Pacquiao and Mayweather met each other for the first time in an NBA regular season game.
Photo credit to the owner.

Last January 27, 2015, in a regular NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks, the two boxing greats unlikely met at half-time of the game and exchanged phone numbers and had a private meeting at Pacquiao's hotel in Miami after the game. I felt that the odds of making the fight happen became stronger.

Until yesterday, February 21, 2015, early morning here in the Philippines, Floyd confirmed that the mega fight will be on May 2nd! Manny followed the confirmation on his Twitter account, "I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight that they have wanted for so many years." "I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines", the Pac-Man added.

On that day, I was so elated and euphoria was all-over me. I've waited so many years for this fight to happen and it was a historic day really when they announced it. It will be even more historic when the two best fighters of their generation will be in one ring together. Oh boy, I really can't wait to see that and it will be one of the fights that will be relive for future generation. I cannot miss this fight in my lifetime. With such jubilation and excitement building up to the fight, everyone is now so pumped and cannot wait for May 2nd.

Photo credit to the owner.

For the fight itself, I expect a very close match between the two. Mayweather has not fought a southpaw in a long while and based on those results against southpaws, he was not comfortable against them but with his ring IQ and defensive prowess, he can somehow make a move on Manny, who is an aggressive boxer-puncher with punches in different awkward angles that can pressure Mayweather. Floyd hasn't faced a fighter that is powerful, speedy and aggressive as Manny Pacquiao so this should be an exciting fight even for the neutrals of the sweet science. As what the old boxing saying goes that "Styles make fights" and indeed it is one. Defense-oriented vs. Offense-oriented.

In terms of the outcome of the fight, it would be tough to predict yet but as a Filipino, of course am devotedly rooting for Manny on this one but I am wary of Floyd's capability in the ring but Manny has a very huge chance of making that 47-1 record to Floyd.

Come on Manny! I cannot wait for the Fight of the Century!

My favorite songs this week.

"Hangover" by Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden.

"Walking with Giants" by Blondfire.

"Centuries" by Fall Out Boy.

"All the Rage Back Home" by Interpol.

"Don't Save Me" by HAIM.

My "mainstream/pop stars covering my favorite indie/alternative songs" Playlist

It is really self-explanatory. I love seeing pop stars singing some indie/alternative songs, which is really rare. Enjoy!

"Young Blood" by The Naked and Famous. (covered by Jessie J)

"Electric Feel" by MGMT. (covered by Katy Perry)

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay. (covered by Lady Gaga/Taylor Swift)

"White Blank Page" by Mumford & Sons. (covered by Taylor Swift)

"High and Dry" by Radiohead. (covered by Lady Antebellum)

"The Scientist" by Coldplay. (covered by Avril Lavigne)

My favorite songs lately...

Time started: 5:18 p.m.
Where: In the study table.
Now Playing: "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay.

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It's been years since I blogged about my favorite songs, and I regularly updated it back 2011-12 and now it's nice to bring back the old days and share the stuff I've been listening to for the past week because I am just a music junkie myself, listening to alternative/indie records.

Well, I first heard of Tahiti 80 with their song, "Easy" on my favorite radio station, Jam 88.3, and now, I am now more obsessed with their new single, "Crush!". At first listen, I was so addicted to the tune for 2 whole weeks which is really rare for me. Normally, nagsasawa ako sa isang kanta ng 2-3 days then off to a new song but this is a one of a kind record if you ask me.

Next on the list is Foster the People's "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon". Well, I listened to the whole "Supermodel" album on Spotify and this is one of the tracks that stood out. I do like their first single in their second album, "Coming of Age" but this track is also a single-worthy track in my opinion. Very vibrant tune. plus the fact that it has great lyrics which I do like the most about Mark Foster the rest of Foster the People.

Next is Kasabian's "eez-eh". Though I am disappointed with lack of creativeness creating their latest record "48:13", there's still the catchy-witty feeling that Kasabian has and only "eez-eh" is the song that can define to their style of music.

Next is "Mind Over Matter" by Young the Giant. This record reminds me of listening to the old Incubus tracks I've heard with those emotional lyrics carrying along with the emotional vocals. It is somehow nostalgic and reminds me of "those" times. Literally, mind over matter.

Lastly, it's Coldplay's latest single "A Sky Full of Stars". At first, this track didn't grow on me because I was still adjusting on the "new" Coldplay, embracing the electronica world like what Radiohead and other pure alternative bands did in the previous years. I heard that Avicii helped in producing this recording which made me answer my speculations about this tune. The music world somehow evolve with country stars turned pop stars and indie pop acts turned mainstream. Now, I do appreciate their new record, not used to it at first because the real Coldplay grew on me.

Time ended: 5:40 p.m.

#worldcup fever!

As I write this blog, it's just 7 hours away 'till the start of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. I just simply can't wait for the #worldcup to start. Last World Cup in South Africa in 2010, few Filipinos are anticipating the most watched and the biggest sporting event in the world but this time, with football part of the sporting disciplines Filipinos are into today because of the Azkals putting football back in the Philippines in their historic semifinals finish in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, I expect more football fans to watch this momentous event. Plus, more people will be aware of the World Cup, with an estimated viewers of 2 billion all over the world, 10 times bigger than the SuperBowl and beating the Olympics. Football is really the sport of the world. A sport that is more than a sport, a religion. That's why I love football so much. The passion, the intensity, the atmosphere of the stadium, the drama, and the euphoria for goals, goals and more GOALS!

The only one trophy the world going nuts for, the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Before the tournament kicks off 9 hours from time (around 4:00 am, Manila time), I have predicted every bracket in the FIFA World Cup in the EA Sports Interactive Bracket and here's my prediction. I am torn between four teams, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain but I made my decision that Germany might win their 4th World Cup title.

I predicted Germany to win their 4th World Cup title.

But I decided that because of their capability, line-up and experience but actually, I am rooting for both England and Japan. A little bit of Brazil because I root for them last World Cup so my heart still have Brazil in it plus the fact that they are the host this year and count those stars in their crest, five of them. They won five FIFA World Cups and they can possibly add a sixth star. I root for Japan because I love their style of play, short passing, tiki-taka. Under Zaccheroni-kantokun, they are one of the dark horses in the World Cup plus the fact that I know the players and how they play, I actually follow this national team like England and the fact that my Japanese influence is still there like watching anime and reading manga and listening to Japanese music. I support England because I am a huge fan of English football, following the Barclays Premier League for years and although that England's national team, The Three Lions, is a huge disappointment for years in every World Cup and EUROs, because of the pressure and expectations from their compatriots back home in England because of their star-studded line-up, I believe that they can still prove that they can be one of the best!

Well, I am just stoked and excited to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup now and may the best team win! Enjoy life! Enjoy football! Enjoy 31 days of the FIFA World Cup! Ciao!

Here's some music from the Official World Cup album by Shakira. She's back with a new sports anthem!

Vacation in Covelandia

Time: 11:43 a.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "Coastline" by Wunder Wunder.

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After five years, we went back to Covelandia du Labrador, Hotel and Resort in Labrador, Pangasinan. We never forgot the first time we got there and now, this time, it's more memorable. We brought my uncle's family from my mother's side in the vacation. We did have much fun than before because my father wasn't there in the first time but he experienced the fun the second time around and indeed it was fun when you're complete. I even met my classmate/friend from college. We went to the Hundred Islands and it was really an adventure before finding an island to stay in. We cap off the vacation by experiencing the sea near Covelandia. It was really a fun experience.











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Time: 1:38 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "My Shadow" by Keane.

World Cup qualifiers: OVER. Less than a year away! IT'S THE WORLD CUP!

Time: 6:37 p.m.
Where: Study table.
Now Playing: "Life Magazine" by Cold Cave.

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After 2 years of hard fought battle, the qualifiers are OVER! Here are the 32 teams qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil!

First of all! I just simply cannot wait for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It's that time again where the world focuses on one event, and one event only. It unites different cultures, in different countries of different races. Of course we know that. I just hope that the Philippines will get into the World Cup fever yet again.

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My picks in every confederation to be tough contenders:

AFC: Japan - Well, they are the best in Asia. I love their style of play. The Italian flare Alberto Zaccheroni brought to these lads will still be a factor to be a tough contender in the World Cup.

UEFA: Spain/Germany - I can't count out Spain yet because they are the defending champions and never in the history of the World Cup that a nation successful defends a World Cup so there's a chance of that and that's where Germany might do that. I love to support England as well but I don't know if they will continue to be the biggest disappointment team. I just hope not.

CAF: Ghana - Well, the Black Stars have been on a roll yet I don't know if they can match or jump even further on their previous quarterfinal appearance. Their mindset is to bounce back from that horrendous match against Uruguay.

CONMEBOL: Brazil - Of course the host have something to prove about and with more youngsters to bolster their line-up with Neymar alongside the Selecao, they might be the team to beat this World Cup.

CONCACAF: United States - I have a gutsy feeling that the Yanks will be more competitive in this World Cup with Kilnsmann around and the fact that they have a great record in the qualifiers but still in doubt if they can be in the group of elites.

Can't wait for the World Cup! Just less than a year away!

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Time: 7:17 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "400 Lux" by Lorde.